[EMPIRE][480] The Fourth Grand Ball [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

SamBurke

2014-12-01, 05:25 AM

Current Events and Sub-events:
Day 1: Private Room: The Declaration of Independence
Faedas, Hurosha, and Calorum may all send representatives to a special, quiet conference room above the main revelry. Its quiet walls and cozy spaces allowed for a calm discussion, and a roaring fire, solid ale, darkened windows, and fur carpets lent a warm air to the room. Here was an earthy place to discuss monumental matters, but among friends. If it was possible, the organizers had put the room together in order to keep conflict to a minimum.

Day 1: Open Room: The Trade Floor
No Guilderene event is complete without a bustling place to do business, buy and sell with the most jolly of mercantile intentions. This floor is interesting, and a representative explains, "The Florin Isles has a new system of doing business... they have what's literally called a trade floor, and the "traders" sell their stock of items with promisary notes and the like. It's very interesting! Very radical! We're not going quite as far as they, but we are getting close."

http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/the-trading-floor-of-the-new-york-stock-everett.jpg
The Trading Floor, with a medium load

The floor was bustling: men, women, and others of all sorts walked and ran, frantically from station to station, hoping to buy or sell, trade, invest or discuss. There are, of course, the traditional rooms for personal discussion with other monarchs, but... come now! That's so old fashioned!

Day 2: Open Room: The Dance Floor
A full orchestra of wind and string players serenades the room with a gentle, lifting, waltz. As the dancers already present spend their time enjoying the night, any others may join in wherever they wish. Plenty of space is left aside at the corners to speak, but with as good a beat as they have going, who could resist joining in, just for a moment or two?

But beware, this is Raaneki dancing, and every now and again, the master of ceremonies may call a switch! When he does, it's time to find a new partner and see a little more of the world. Underneath these lights though, with the glow of the festivities and the gentle splash of sea-breeze, even enemies have the air of brotherhood.

There is an old Guilderene saying that says, "The single strand cannot hold a mast, the double strand cannot even hold a sail, but the cord of three strands may hold them all." The Grand Ball was the first of its kind, or perhaps the second: an event created with the full effort of not one, nor two, but three powers in unison.

The Raaneki brought the first step, their wondrous, palatial terraces and beachside courtyards. The Eastern Floor, perhaps the greatest location in the world for a celebration, was given over entirely to the festivities, which were themselves extensive. Normal nations' "extensive" event areas would be, perhaps, a castle or two, with a plaza in the center or ballroom for large events' seating; that's all that the Florin Peace Hall was. But that was not enough, not nearly nearly enough to satisfy Sucheta's desires. Level upon level rose, separated by dance floors and lounges, scenic overlooks and romps, gardens and fountains.

http://for91days.com/photos/Bolivia/Palacio%20Patino/Palace-Terrace.jpg
Raaneki Terraces: the most romantic spot in the world. Guaranteed.

The magnificent marble stretched out, smooth and perfect, with hallways just right for secret romance. These hallways were themselves lined with quiet rooms to discuss world affairs, or if so inclined, family matters.

Well-outfitted besides were the servants' quarters. The Raaneki have little concept of being "above" someone else, and even the Royal lines had historically been very free in their time spent among ordinary citizens. Thus, these servants' halls were just as ready: if a maid wanted to enjoy the ball, why shouldn't she? Of course, some cultures would prefer otherwise, but for every adventurer, every daring soul, there was a space and a challenge to find.

Watching over these innumerable areas, and especially the docks, were the Cree. Here, their work was a little more laid back, more background. On the surface, each race was met by Guilderenes of their own race; even the beastfolk had some friendly faces among the three host nations --mainly Raaneka and Guilder, though. Crimans paced the back halls, sealed the under-corridors, and checked through the ships, quietly keeping a tight check on any and all scurrilous activity.

But, so stealthy their tread, that even the Guilderenes could barely keep track of the security team. A more full report on their activities and safeguarding would have to be done by someone more familiar with their work.

As the delegations began their walk up the stairs and sandstone paths, they came to celebrations proper; and they were already rowdy. Commoners ran through the streets, streaming cloth and ribbons, throwing powder and dye at each other. Color blasted and blew through the lanes and thoroughfares, covering anyone not careful in a blur of hues. "Come on! Join in!" the people cry, even to the royalty. In the streets and lanes, there is no hierarchy, only a chance to feel alive.

http://i.imgur.com/19XJF4r.jpg?1
While one could avoid the crowd entirely, that defeats the whole point of the celebration

As the processions work their way higher up to the Eastern Floor, the people tend to be a little more concerned, more attentive. Perhaps it's because it's now the official event sponsors, or perhaps it's because they've been carefully coached in cultural appropos, but the atmosphere, for a brief moment, feels solemn.

This, thankfully, is broken by the appearance of Sucheta, Vizini, and a Raanekan woman at the Doge's side. The three of them, laughing and talking amongst themselves with much mirth, greet the incoming delegations with as much or as little ceremony as they desire. "Come now! Spend your time well! Find the joy and the fellowship your people desire, wherever there is among our people to find it! There is food abounding, there is liquid unending, and there are great tales to be told of today." Vizini bows, stroking his now-venerable beard.

The woman at his side, the lovely Dulari, adds, "And do not forget that this place is a place of great peace. Anything may happen here, between nations."

Their words certainly ring true: piled upon every platter were the fruits, whether major or minor, of every nation. Some are, of course, in heaps because of plenty, though others are sadly scarce, but they are there. Bananas from Galomyr, Errelosse's finest cuts, Elbaraz mushrooms, Pennocident goats, Elomali's finest corn, Jeweled Cities fruit, Ashenian Milk, Woodwind boar-steaks, Free Republics Grain, Huroshan Squid, Sycian bread, Skarval Herbs, Bor-Tiere beer, even Wenyavuk Mammoth-ribs (taking at least four warriors to finish), and Niskovian Vodka to wash it down, Mulahrum Shellfish, Quarimosi spices, and of course, Clanship's finest Cakes in spades, mixed with barrel upon barrel of signature Heartwine.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45155000/jpg/_45155275_1c7c560e-5703-49d5-b962-12af00876981.jpg
Every nation's foods represented at the Grand Ball

Further still, the design of the Ball itself is conducive to a tranquil-active buzz. Here and there are seats, benches, and round tables, all perfect places for any to talk. But then come the paths, cutting through the center and full of the dignitaries and invited ensembles of a dozen nations on their way to a hundred places. Here, there are no angles, only curves and gentle slopes, without harsh contrast: instead, greenery and beautiful sculpture space things out.

Schedule:
The schedule is divided amongst two full days, each with their own distinct theme. On the first day, all of the nations are greeted and welcomed, taken to their villa amongst the others, and each is placed very carefully. None of the Empire of Dawn find themselves near each other, for example. The Salterri and their vassals are placed sporadically everywhere, and even the nations of the East are placed alongside those they perhaps would not have talked to. It is the perfect time to meet others, and to speak with the other side of the world.

OK, so there are two days.
Day 1: everyone arrives. Private rooms happen this day, as well as all of the less celebratory things (trade, deals, agreements, etc etc).
Day 2: The celebration. Dancing, parties, wildness all round. There will be a few special events coming later, as well. If anyone's got a marriage going on this round, have it here; there'll be plenty of space. Times here will go late; classic European parties could go well into the morning, so this'll end sometime around 3ish?

Time Bubbles should probably be a thing: each of the following events will have listed times, because I'm doing my darnedest to keep all this stuff straight. However, feel free to throw stuff into all of them straightaway.

Current Events and Sub-events:
Day 1: Private Room: The Declaration of Independence
Faedas, Hurosha, and Calorum may all send representatives to a special, quiet conference room above the main revelry. Its quiet walls and cozy spaces allowed for a calm discussion, and a roaring fire, solid ale, darkened windows, and fur carpets lent a warm air to the room. Here was an earthy place to discuss monumental matters, but among friends. If it was possible, the organizers had put the room together in order to keep conflict to a minimum.

Day 1: Open Room: The Trade Floor
No Guilderene event is complete without a bustling place to do business, buy and sell with the most jolly of mercantile intentions. This floor is interesting, and a representative explains, "The Florin Isles has a new system of doing business... they have what's literally called a trade floor, and the "traders" sell their stock of items with promisary notes and the like. It's very interesting! Very radical! We're not going quite as far as they, but we are getting close."

http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/the-trading-floor-of-the-new-york-stock-everett.jpg
The Trading Floor, with a medium load

The floor was bustling: men, women, and others of all sorts walked and ran, frantically from station to station, hoping to buy or sell, trade, invest or discuss. There are, of course, the traditional rooms for personal discussion with other monarchs, but... come now! That's so old fashioned!

Day 2: Open Room: The Dance Floor
A full orchestra of wind and string players serenades the room with a gentle, lifting, waltz. As the dancers already present spend their time enjoying the night, any others may join in wherever they wish. Plenty of space is left aside at the corners to speak, but with as good a beat as they have going, who could resist joining in, just for a moment or two?

But beware, this is Raaneki dancing, and every now and again, the master of ceremonies may call a switch! When he does, it's time to find a new partner and see a little more of the world. Underneath these lights though, with the glow of the festivities and the gentle splash of sea-breeze, even enemies have the air of brotherhood.

Ongoing, Optional: Open RP: Servants' Celebration
While they are certainly required to assist their ladies and their masters, the servants have a little downtime, too... Beneath the veneer of the nations there are the people who really make them work, and today, those people are let loose in a city where anything can happen, and as long as it's within the law, probably will.

http://janeaustensworld.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/anna-in-the-servants-quarters.jpg?w=500
The servants' quarters are mixed together as well... what happens when they meet?

Reggiejam

2014-12-01, 06:54 PM

Aedilred

2014-12-01, 06:56 PM

Snowfire

2014-12-01, 07:24 PM

Raaneka had poured vast effort into preparing for the coming Grand Ball, coordinating with Guilder and the New Crima Inquisitorial Task Force. It had been Apsara, Sucheta's mother, who had spoken first of the need of such a place, where every power in the world could come together if they so desired. Yet it had been Sucheta, in the first years of her reign, who had seen the vast project completed. For all that it had been her mother's brainchild, the final work had held a touch of her own thoughts, in beauty and traditions.

The central campus of the Floor, at the top of the many terraces carved into the rock of the Painted Coast, looked out across the Lyrian Ocean with a view that was truly stunning. Yet that was not the truest expression of its beauty, for it was here that every nation held an embassy, a place promised by Raaneka to be as the nation's own soil. Those buildings where, despite their many similarities, a backhanded expression (almost a joke) as to the many ways in which all the peoples of Telluris were the same - and yet different, for the embassies had each been prepared by those of their nations, with all the help that Raaneka could provide.

But above all of those villas there rose two structures, each fit to challenge the majesty of a castle. The elegant, vaulting roof of the Halls of Peace formed a huge square U facing out to sea, the entire shoreward side containing a series of council chambers, some large enough to accommodate delegations from all the world at once. The acoustics of those chambers alone were nothing short of incredible, designed to allow the one who stood at their center to be heard by all within. Guards in loose Raaneki clothing stood by the doors to the Halls, a presence that had been approved by the Cree once the nature of the Halls' importance to the Raaneki had been properly expressed. For all their differences, this experience like no other seemed to have brought Raaneki/Cree relations to an all time high, and though few could spot them, many Fellows were in evidence, scattered across the campus and now well versed in the complex codes of the Criman Inquisition. As at the Florin Isles, they would work well together here.

Yet within the arms of the Halls of Peace lay another structure, one that had been designed as if with the Grand Ball alone in mind. It was this place, the Hall of Joy, that had been turned entirely over to the celebrations of the Grand Ball. It was a magnificent building, built from the beautifully coloured sandstone that was the pride of Raaneka's construction materials. Terraces led into the sky, climbing around a great tower at the heart of the Hall of Joy, built in the pattern of the Spire of Miji Mkuu. From its highest balcony you could see far across the land of Raaneka, and some said that with the aid a telescope they had glimpsed the edge of the lands across the Lyrian Ocean. Perhaps they had been drunk. Perhaps not. You couldn't know until you tried.

The Hall of Joy was a building with one purpose, and one purpose alone; celebration for the peace that its sister-halls attained. By law and custom, no free weapon was allowed within its confines, bar those of the ones who guarded it - for this event, the Raaneki had inducted several hundred of the Inquisitorial Task Force into the ranks of those permitted to do so. In many other nations, such a thing could have prompted alarm or discontent from the Hall's usual guards, but not in Raaneka. The skill of the Cree, and those who worked with them in these ventures, was known. And whilst there was perhaps an edge between the Raaneki guards and those operating with the task force, it was more of the one you find between skilled professionals then what it might have been.

But the Hall of Joy, oh, what things would its great rooms see in these days to come, at the Fourth Grand Ball in this year three hundred and eighty since the Cataclysm. Yet for its opening, there was but the happy whirl of greeting and joy for Sucheta, her sister-aunt, and her uncle Vizini. There were some here, some who had never before seen or known the hospitality of Raaneka, and she was determined that never would they forget it.

Reggiejam

2014-12-01, 09:53 PM

(Day 2)

A man dressed in the Jarrow colours and a heavy cloak strode into the hall, accompanied by a couple of hangers-on. He walked through the crowd, giving the barest of nods to the hosts as he passed them, before stopping directly in front of Kyria Varinel.

“My lady Empress,” he said, bowing deeply. “Might I request a dance?”

He was smiling, though not kindly. There was a curious blend of emotions apparent in his eyes, which were unwavering and unblinking as they fixed on her, despite his otherwise mannered address: unapologetic lust, certainly, sardonic amusement, almost without doubt, but perhaps too an element of admiration?

His features were classically Jarrlander: indeed, the sort of features no longer seen among members of the royal family, and while his clothes were indeed fine and in keeping with traditional Jarrow mores, there was a slight sense of wear and shabbiness about them, as if he had travelled in them and not found an opportunity to change before making his entrance.

Kyria may recognise him, as she has seen him before, but a very long time ago (at the previous Ball, in fact) and not for very long. I'll leave that up to you.

Kyria's attendants, and there were many, were difficult to part. They stood purposefully to block the Jarrlander but Kyria moved them aside with a wave of her hand allowing the Jarrlander to approach her. He looked familiar. Distantly. Someone from many years ago. Before the Grove. She couldn't place the face or the build but it was enough for her to allow him through.

Many of the other nobles were surprised at the move. Few were given privilege to speak with Her Majesty and she rarely spoke directly with an outsider.

"Of course. If I in turn might request your name?" she said, holding her right hand up delicately for the Jarrlander to take in his own.

Behind her, her wings fluttered slightly off her back and she stared at the man with unblinking deep red eyes. Her pale skin smelled of perfume, but beneath that, a faint odor of something dead.

Aedilred

2014-12-01, 11:43 PM

Kyria's attendants, and there were many, were difficult to part. They stood purposefully to block the Jarrlander but Kyria moved them aside with a wave of her hand allowing the Jarrlander to approach her. He looked familiar. Distantly. Someone from many years ago. Before the Grove. She couldn't place the face or the build but it was enough for her to allow him through.

Many of the other nobles were surprised at the move. Few were given privilege to speak with Her Majesty and she rarely spoke directly with an outsider.

"Of course. If I in turn might request your name?" she said, holding her right hand up delicately for the Jarrlander to take in his own.

Behind her, her wings fluttered slightly off her back and she stared at the man with unblinking deep red eyes. Her pale skin smelled of perfume, but beneath that, a faint odor of something dead.

He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor, taking her in a hold rather more restrained than the Raaneki might have liked, and still certainly within the bounds of propriety for such an occasion, but ever so slightly off - enough that it could be accidental, but everything else about him spoke deliberation - rather more intimate than an Ashenite would likely be comfortable with.

"Your majesty might very well request my name, and I might give it, though I fear it would do neither of us any good. If my name is unfamiliar, it would inform you nothing, and if it is, I would be judged on the basis of my reputation rather than myself. I have two names, one for a family who rejected me, another for a man who betrayed his own name." He made a slight face. "I must apologise, for I abhor riddles and have no wish to irritate you, but my name really is entirely useless and for many years I have not commonly been known by it. So I shall tell you who I am at least. I am the atheling of Jarrland - in the sense that you are the Empress of Hurosha, and a man of great loyalty to those worthy of it. For now perhaps this will serve as my credentials."

One of his hands withdrew to beneath his cloak - and she got a momentary sense of something else there, something living and motile - and reappeared holding a black feather. "If I may?" he asked, politely, and made to fix it in her hair. There was a bead of what looked like fresh blood on the end of the shaft. "There is little I think that could enhance your beauty, but I flatter myself this might help to offset it." His words might have been fawning, but he sounded completely sincere.

He spoke more quietly and more quickly, as he stepped slightly closer. "I am sorry for wasting your majesty's time, and shall come to my point. I believe I can be of assistance to you in securing your title and ascending to your rightful place in the world. I know your Mother has blessed you, as my patron has blessed me. If you would have me, you need only give me the sign."

Reggiejam

2014-12-02, 12:54 AM

He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor, taking her in a hold rather more restrained than the Raaneki might have liked, and still certainly within the bounds of propriety for such an occasion, but ever so slightly off - enough that it could be accidental, but everything else about him spoke deliberation - rather more intimate than an Ashenite would likely be comfortable with.

"Your majesty might very well request my name, and I might give it, though I fear it would do neither of us any good. If my name is unfamiliar, it would inform you nothing, and if it is, I would be judged on the basis of my reputation rather than myself. I have two names, one for a family who rejected me, another for a man who betrayed his own name." He made a slight face. "I must apologise, for I abhor riddles and have no wish to irritate you, but my name really is entirely useless and for many years I have not commonly been known by it. So I shall tell you who I am at least. I am the atheling of Jarrland - in the sense that you are the Empress of Hurosha, and a man of great loyalty to those worthy of it. For now perhaps this will serve as my credentials."

One of his hands withdrew to beneath his cloak - and she got a momentary sense of something else there, something living and motile - and reappeared holding a black feather. "If I may?" he asked, politely, and made to fix it in her hair. There was a bead of what looked like fresh blood on the end of the shaft. "There is little I think that could enhance your beauty, but I flatter myself this might help to offset it." His words might have been fawning, but he sounded completely sincere.

He spoke more quietly and more quickly, as he stepped slightly closer. "I am sorry for wasting your majesty's time, and shall come to my point. I believe I can be of assistance to you in securing your title and ascending to your rightful place in the world. I know your Mother has blessed you, as my patron has blessed me. If you would have me, you need only give me the sign."

Kyria inclined her head that the ebony feather might be affixed in her silver-white hair by the strange man. She noted it as the same type as the one she had received along with the head of that ridiculous Airguard who had rambled on so intensely about war against her nation. If he was the same man who had disposed of that pomp she was at least ever so partially in his debt.

"A worthy blade capable of finesse attached to a silver tongue is always welcome in my court atheling," her words were measured, as if each was a specific and important ingredient to a complicated alchemical mixture, "But are you prepared to make vows to my crown? To carry forward my duties and trust my words above all those but the Mother's and those above? To be worthy of my trust and my favor?"

As she spoke she flowed through the dance floor, her movements practiced and measured nonplussed by the closeness to the stranger knowing herself to be blessed by the Mother. Her attendants kept a respectable distance and her Trusted kept those who might interfere or eavesdrop from coming too close.

I hope I didn't misunderstand your meaning in that he's requesting to join as a sworn man to Kyria? If he's looking to become a legitimate Vampire that might also be arranged. I'd been planning to start developing a select group of Vampires who would be bound to Kyria with her serving as head Vampire and the atheling could potentially become one of the Vampire Lords if that's what you/he would be interested in? Though it would be a round or two down the line.

HalfTangible

2014-12-02, 09:58 AM

SamBurke

2014-12-02, 10:18 AM

(Day 2)

Marvella didn't often dress extravagantly for such public affairs. She preferred a simple chemise, perhaps a pair of bracers set with jewels. She preferred simple an unadorned to the extravagant beauty and vanity of the average noblewoman, and wished to wear it even to such a rare and important event as the Grand Ball.

Eirlys' response to this notion had been to smack her upside the head - she was probably the only woman in Telluris who could've gotten away with doing that to the High Priestess of Sycia.

Marvella and her modest procession (Eirlys had wanted that to be more extravagant as well, but Marvella had put her foot down on that - she wanted regal and intelligent, not terrifying) arrived just as the sun was cresting over the horizon, brought by pegasi. She wore a lovely gown of deepest blue, with a net jewels adorning her hair. She wore bracers on each wrist, each set with true ice in the shape of a jewel. She was an ice sorceress herself (one of the many perks of being Yphine's high priestess) so it wasn't too big of an issue. Around her neck was the golden chain and ruby jewel that Nezetkhamun had given her at the Guilderene tech summit, the only thing in the entire ensemble she'd willingly put on. It all looked nice, sure, but she felt like the clothes were wearing her.

She sighed and stepped onto the ballroom floor. Maybe the dancing would be more fun.
Vizini glanced towards Dulari for approval, and she winked. Now that they were back in her home country, it was time to play by Raaneki rules. Not that Vizini would do anything at all, but still.

The Doge walked across the floor, bones getting a little more old despite his heritage. When, finally, he made it to the other side of the massive shining room, he held out his hand for the Priestess. "It is fully my intention to make Sucheta jealous, and the best way I know how to do that is to dance with you. Perhaps you would have an old, greying man, despite his face?" He winked one golden eye and bowed.

"You look marvelous in your ensemble... quite the array!" he adds.

Day 1:
The Embassies
Vizini strides towards the Carmine Embassy, in hopes of striking up a conversation. "If you would please, could you take me to see Elwyr? There are some urgent matters to discuss."

The Doge waits where he is shown in, and bows when Elwyr enters. "It has been too many years since our people spoke to each other!" he says, greeting him. "I wish to treat with you, discuss matters of life and faith and, of course, trade. Where shall we go?"

The Trading Floor
The floor is busy, alive, squirming with action. It's taking a little getting used to, but the Guilderene Princes see the advantages of the chaos right away. There's a subtle secrecy, an ability to speak in the open without being heard. There's a clarity: you can see exactly what's available in the world, and what the prices are. And, there's speed: if you need to buy a full shipment of Sycian furs, and you need it now, it can happen, with the right money.

It is into this world that Vizini enters, breathing deeply. Money and politics weren't his game, they weren't his skill. It's not foreign to him--a Doge who couldn't handle money would, by definition, not be Doge-- but it's not exactly comfortable. Nevertheless, he has a mission... and he'll complete it. Finding Emperor Clovis isn't as difficult as the trading, thankfully, and he makes his way over quickly.

"Hello, good Emperor. Let us speak for a while... Our messengers have gone awry too many times, and I feel that a face to face visit shall seal things much better."

lt_murgen

2014-12-02, 01:23 PM

When the Seaborne Confederation paddleships pulled into harbor, it caused a stir. Paddleships were still considered a military secret by the fledgling confederation. The chance to see a pair up close excited the sailing community. Traditional AQUA construction lines could still be seen- the twin prow, the single large, battened emergency sail, the layered hull boards. But the two vertical wind catchers along the centerline of the ship and the port and starboard paddlewheels were brand new. Each wheel operated independently, allowing for remarkable maneuverability for a large vessel. The onagers and scorpions were covered and secured, as requested by the Cree security. The ship flew the new flag of the Seaborne Confederation- its coat of arms against a red background.

The Captains used the dual paddlewheels to bring the ships in close to the dock without the aid of tugboats, and soon the massive party from the Seaborne Confederation had disembarked. Every congressperson had brought at least one aide. The Imperial Senators would not be left out either. Several regional leaders, including the King of Novrania, the Eldest Child of Kina, and the Galomyrian Grand Marshall, attended as well. The Pono al a Ono leader, Snookums, swam and frolicked in the harbor with a few others of his kind. Add in the families of all of them, and it seemed more an invasion than an arrival.

Leading them all was Andus. The last decade had been hard on him. Political wrangling and backroom negotiation; near-constant shuttling between Celero, the islands, and various states in the Imperium; the ten thousand details of crafting his legacy. In all, he would rather be pecked to death by ground-parrot than go through it all again. His wife had insisted he attend. With her eldest two children married into the various Salterri lines, only Arthur and his bethrothed, Varwynn Jarrow of Erycarida, were still around. The Islanders called it the empty hammock blues, and she was suffering from it.

Day 1: The trading floor

Amid the hustle and bustle on the trading floor it was easy to miss one person. Particularly if that person was small. Mattea Tayelshem was a small thing, barely 12 chain tall. She had pale skin and nearly white hair. She dressed simply in a white cotton shirt, a canvas vest of many pockets with matching breeches, and high boots. A few elegant bracelets and rings attested to her wealth. Atop her head was a wide brimmed hat of Islander style. Glasses made of smoked glass protected her eyes from the bright lights of the surface.

HalfTangible

2014-12-02, 02:38 PM

Vizini glanced towards Dulari for approval, and she winked. Now that they were back in her home country, it was time to play by Raaneki rules. Not that Vizini would do anything at all, but still.

The Doge walked across the floor, bones getting a little more old despite his heritage. When, finally, he made it to the other side of the massive shining room, he held out his hand for the Priestess. "It is fully my intention to make Sucheta jealous, and the best way I know how to do that is to dance with you. Perhaps you would have an old, greying man, despite his face?" He winked one golden eye and bowed.

"You look marvelous in your ensemble... quite the array!" he adds.

"Marvelous Marvella sees what you did there." Marvella smiled and curtsied in return. "I would love to share a dance, honorable Doge."

Morph Bark

2014-12-02, 03:57 PM

As in recent times any visit of the Imperial family to the Empire of Dawn had always been accompanied with a large guard and a fleet just outside territorial waters. First Commodore Li Fengbao had once been patient and cordial with the Guilderenes, but any affection the northerners once could count on had been blasted away with swiftness. "No longer," she had told Gun Huang after he'd laid out his plans to attend the Fourth Grand Ball before her. She couldn't even remember the last one, and Gun Huang hadn't even been alive during it, but tales of the Second Grand Ball were still being told far and wide. "If the pattern of the Grand Ball is anything to go by, the Blazing Avatar will show up in some fashion and at least one person will cause a major scene with their mere presence. First it was the Blazing Avatar himself, then it was his monks, then one of those monks told our grandfather his son might be the Blazing Avatar. I will not have you die in the flames and not exact punishment on those responsible with immediate measure."

Gun Huang did not protest loudly. Of his sisters, Fengbao was the one he could never face without some fear. Even Tianshi, the Qzarina, who had concluded meetings with pale-faced generals and lords protectors by word of the servants, did not strike in him the same reaction. At least most of their guard remained on the ship, but he still was accompanied by four of them and each other member of the Imperial family he had brought with him had two of their own, one for the children of his concubines, plus their handful of guests. Of course, the guards weren't walking around disturbing the ball with their presence, and they had opted to dress them as guests as well, with wax-sealed weapons within easy reach.

When the delegation entered the Hall on the second day, the deep purples of Gun Huang's tunic and cape contrasted with the golden-orange orichalcum that covered parts of his body, and the chain rings on his chest tinkled softly. His golden appearance was complimented by the woman whose hand he held, whose skin of fine golden scales was likewise contrasted by a deep purple dress featuring a stitched silver and a golden dragon encircling one another. Eurydice hadn't been to Raaneka before, but their way of dress felt familiar and she smiled with amusement. Right behind them followed a girl of barely fourteen, whose skin was similarly textured in fine scales, but of a lighter metallic shade that was not quite gold and not quite silver. Xiuhcoatl's dress was less daring in form than her mother's and bore less stitching, but what she lacked in regal maturity she made up for with youthful elegance. Her orange eyes took in the view of the large hall and all the people it contained. She might care for a dance, this day.

Behind them followed a large group of pointy-eared children dressed more humbly but still of clear noble birth. Eight of them were dressed in black with the Wyrm Below stitched in yellow patterns to denote their Eyrecradian heritage by colour and Imperial heritage by symbols. Four more wore red with white double-headed eagles, bearing the colours of Tuhiland in the south. The thirteenth wore white with patterns of a purple snake, which contrasted her dusky skin. A man in Imperial purples and blues and gold edged them on to not linger at the entrance. Gun Huang nodded at him, his nephew Shandian, with a small smile on his face.

Finally, their little procession was ended by a woman in black, her face behind a veil, as if she was in mourning. She was not accompanied by guards, merely a serving man.

Aarne set out to look for representatives of Faedas. His father had tasked him with establishing diplomatic connections with the feyfolk who now governed their elven kin in the north. His half-sisters set out for the dance floor, pulling along his younger brother. Ensio and Feetrikki had other ideas. The organizers of the Ball were well known for their aptitude for use of tools. Ensio set out to find some Raaneki to chat with. Feetrikki, meanwhile, had Cree on the mind.

Li Gun Huang Jarrow, 45 -- Imperial Prince, brother to the Qzarina
Eurydice of Tzalteclan, 42 -- half-dragon princess, not available
Li Shandian, 25 -- Imperial Prince, son of Fengbao, nephew of Gun Huang and the Qzarina
Li Xiuhcoatl, 14 -- half-dragon princess, available

Aliina Hel Kaivaar, 23 -- half-gem elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Ansa Maa Loistavaseppä, 21 -- half-ore elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Li Aarne Krii Valkoinen, 20 -- half-chalk elf (Tuhi) son
Li Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen, 20 -- half-glacier elf (Tuhi) son
Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar, 19 -- half-gem elf (Eyrecredian) son
Eemeli Maa Loistavaseppä, 19 -- half-ore elf (Eyrecredian) son
Inkeri Lius Timanpaholainen, 18 -- half-glacier elf (Tuhi) daughter
Eevi Sam Ravitar, 17 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Eero Krii Valkoinen, 17 -- half-chalk elf (Tuhi) son
Aeglaeca Toiphle, 14 -- half-Tiefling (Drugaudian) daughter
Hilja Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Ilmatar Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Vivi Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
all of the above are children of Gun Huang with elven noblewomen, they're all available

Jin Yuan, 42 -- longtime friend and confidant of Gun Huang
Zuei Ren Wulfendyne, 28 -- son of Muriel Wulfendyne, ward of House Li, and Zuei Markus Shuyan, former athlete; Ren competed in the Third Tellurian Games as a runner, available
The woman in black
25 guards
9 personal servants
You mentioned there would be cake. Perhaps bringing up that sort of gift thing at some natural point would be a good idea?

Reggiejam

2014-12-02, 08:24 PM

~~~Servant's Quarters~~~

Some hours into the first day, a number of figures bearing the intricate diagrams of Pavonian sygaldry find their way to the servant's hall. Several are clearly warriors, moving with the stance and bearing of one who does not trust his surroundings. Some two or three civilian Jaegers with bulging muscles accompany the soldiers, and a couple of goblins are present as well. But the bulk of the civilians are human, in simple clothes of red and blue and green.

"Hello," ventured a rather pretty maid with short blond hair and purple trim on her red dress. "Nice to meet everybody."

"A pleasure," a young Heartwastian fae servant said with a smile that stretched his skin and revealed a subtle scar around his jaw.

He was relaxing on a chair, a simple wooden box in his hands. A few other Heartwastian men were around as well though the rest were in a group stood in a clump rather than sat. If not for their physical similarities and generally complimentary outfits they might have been taken as from different delegations for only the sitting man's eyes shone with any sign of wit. If he caught the young Pavonian noting these differences he made no sign of it and gestured to her to approach him.

"Perhaps you could help me solve this puzzle box?" he held up the wooden box which was carved with intricate patterns and seemed to have a series of sliding puzzle locks covering it's flat surfaces, "It's Tekorvan-craft, finely made, and beautiful to look at but Mother's Mercy is it giving me a time to try and solve. I just don't ever have the time to work at it, a servant's life is not one complimentary to diversions."

The Captains used the dual paddlewheels to bring the ships in close to the dock without the aid of tugboats, and soon the massive party from the Seaborne Confederation had disembarked. Every congressperson had brought at least one aide. The Imperial Senators would not be left out either. Several regional leaders, including the King of Novrania, the Eldest Child of Kina, and the Galomyrian Grand Marshall, attended as well. The Pono al a Ono leader, Snookums, swam and frolicked in the harbor with a few others of his kind. Add in the families of all of them, and it seemed more an invasion than an arrival.

Pendraga Tayanya waited for the Confederate party to disperse some before approaching the Eldest.

"Eldest Scoria, your holiness," he bowed and spread his hands, "Allow me to be the first of Faedas to greet you. I speak now for the Queen when I say your presence was hoped for and request by Her Majesty at your convenience. I speak for myself when I say I should greatly desire to speak with you as well for personal reasons."

Aarne set out to look for representatives of Faedas. His father had tasked him with establishing diplomatic connections with the feyfolk who now governed their elven kin in the north. His half-sisters set out for the dance floor, pulling along his younger brother. Ensio and Feetrikki had other ideas. The organizers of the Ball were well known for their aptitude for use of tools. Ensio set out to find some Raaneki to chat with. Feetrikki, meanwhile, had Cree on the mind.

Li Gun Huang Jarrow, 45 -- Imperial Prince, brother to the Qzarina
Eurydice of Tzalteclan, 42 -- half-dragon princess, not available
Li Shandian, 25 -- Imperial Prince, son of Fengbao, nephew of Gun Huang and the Qzarina
Li Xiuhcoatl, 14 -- half-dragon princess, available

Aliina Hel Kaivaar, 23 -- half-gem elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Ansa Maa Loistavaseppä, 21 -- half-ore elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Li Aarne Krii Valkoinen, 20 -- half-chalk elf (Tuhi) son
Li Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen, 20 -- half-glacier elf (Tuhi) son
Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar, 19 -- half-gem elf (Eyrecredian) son
Eemeli Maa Loistavaseppä, 19 -- half-ore elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Inkeri Lius Timanpaholainen, 18 -- half-glacier elf (Tuhi) daughter
Eevi Sam Ravitar, 17 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Eero Krii Valkoinen, 17 -- half-chalk elf (Tuhi) son
Aeglaeca Toiphle, 14 -- half-Tiefling (Drugaudian) daughter
Hilja Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Ilmatar Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Vivi Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
all of the above are children of Gun Huang with elven noblewomen, they're all available

Jin Yuan, 42 -- longtime friend and confidant of Gun Huang
Zuei Ren Wulfendyne, 28 -- son of Muriel Wulfendyne, ward of House Li, and Zuei Markus Shuyan, former athlete; Ren competed in the Third Tellurian Games as a runner, available
The woman in black
25 guards
9 personal servants

I know you mentioned sending the half-elves back with me. Would you be opposed to some marriages as well? Aliina Hel Kaivaar would make a good aged wife for Eldin Jarrow (eldest son of Princess of Eyrecradia Melhyn Jarrow) and Ansa Maa Loistavaseppä a good aged wife for Edhyr Jarrow (second son of Princess of Eyrecradia Melhyn Jarrow)

Also, Kyria is going to start establishing a proper Brood I think. Would there be any objections to potentially some of these half-elves becoming proper Vampires bound to Kyria as their Head Vampire?

With the Queen having ventured to the Ball herself it had been deemed unwise to carry along the other regional heads aside from Chieftain Suqi who's presence had been requested by the Queen, thus Princess Melhyn was not present, nor was her eldest daughter and heir. Her youngest daughter was present but not among the Faedas delegation, instead being found among the Confederacy. That left her two sons as the leading representatives of Eyrecradia, at least in a ceremonial fashion. Many other Eyrecradian members of the noble Court were also present, though many still clung to the strange and backwards false theocratic ideas that had permeated the reign of Queen Weiss and her successors and as such were looked on as backwards and uncouth by much of Faedas.

lt_murgen

2014-12-02, 09:40 PM

"Pendraga Tayanya waited for the Confederate party to disperse some before approaching the Eldest.

"Eldest Scoria, your holiness," he bowed and spread his hands, "Allow me to be the first of Faedas to greet you. I speak now for the Queen when I say your presence was hoped for and request by Her Majesty at your convenience. I speak for myself when I say I should greatly desire to speak with you as well for personal reasons."

"Of course, cousin, of course." Pendraga noted his informal speech, a far cry from the language captured in transcripts of his sermons. "But I will have to track down a Cree Inquisitor to accompany me. Cousin John Francis made at the technology summit. So I've asked the Chosen to have a formal escort at all times. Including myself."

Day 1- The Trade floor
Mattea Tayelshem, the Ayavan gnome, was starting to feel a bit trampled by all the silly creatures moving about the trade floor. She found one of the ones they called a Representative. Though, judging by his color and size, he didn't seem representative of the silly creatures at all. "Pardon me, silly creature. I need to climb that stalagmite. You'll are trampling me." She indicated one of the large columns covered in trading papers.

Aedilred

2014-12-02, 09:41 PM

Kyria inclined her head that the ebony feather might be affixed in her silver-white hair by the strange man. She noted it as the same type as the one she had received along with the head of that ridiculous Airguard who had rambled on so intensely about war against her nation. If he was the same man who had disposed of that pomp she was at least ever so partially in his debt.

"A worthy blade capable of finesse attached to a silver tongue is always welcome in my court atheling," her words were measured, as if each was a specific and important ingredient to a complicated alchemical mixture, "But are you prepared to make vows to my crown? To carry forward my duties and trust my words above all those but the Mother's and those above? To be worthy of my trust and my favor?"

As she spoke she flowed through the dance floor, her movements practiced and measured nonplussed by the closeness to the stranger knowing herself to be blessed by the Mother. Her attendants kept a respectable distance and her Trusted kept those who might interfere or eavesdrop from coming too close.

I hope I didn't misunderstand your meaning in that he's requesting to join as a sworn man to Kyria? If he's looking to become a legitimate Vampire that might also be arranged. I'd been planning to start developing a select group of Vampires who would be bound to Kyria with her serving as head Vampire and the atheling could potentially become one of the Vampire Lords if that's what you/he would be interested in? Though it would be a round or two down the line.

Nothing about her response had caused him to revise his initial assessment; he was impressed. She had barely acknowledged his physical advances; indeed, even leaving aside her curiously deathly aspect, there was something about her almost entirely sexless, as if it were beneath her notice, or utterly irrelevant. Disappointing on some level, but it spoke to an admirable focus. There was definitely something to work with in her; she was worthy enough.

He appeared to think on her question for a moment. "Service is an interesting occupation, and not one I have previously experienced, though then again I have never acted as sponsor to any with but a fraction of your power or glorious ambition. Do you place value upon such words and oaths? I am sceptical of their value, for to many lying comes as easily as breathing. If you can trust your followers and allies, such oaths are unnecessary, but if you cannot, they are worthless. Still, if it would please you, I shall so swear."

Well, he may or may not have his own agenda (spoilers: he totally does) but your reading is not a million miles off. Whether vampirism would "take" given his other qualities is an interesting question; he'd probably be willing to give it a go.

Several ships disgorged a huge number of delegates from the Kingdom of the Carmine Sea: more than twenty royals, nobles and other high-ranking dignitaries, and more than ten times that number in retainers, thingmen, private guards and servants, to say nothing of the civilian population of merchants and sailors following in their wake. The Jarrlanders (and Venns) stuck mostly to the back streets, avoiding the main centres of revelry. Notwithstanding that the kingdom was generally on good terms with Raaneka, and that most of the dyes being flung about had probably originated in Jarrland, getting any of it on their clothes would have been almost legitimate grounds for bloodshed, and they were largely sensible enough to steer well clear. As such the full size of the delegation might not have been apparent to anyone but the Cree guards following them.

Along with the usual Jarr and Venn peoples came a few sylphids, rather less careful about their garments and so more visible in the public areas, harpies, watching the revelry with bemusement, a handful of goblins (largely dressed similarly to the Jarrlanders, and sticking close) and a rather larger number of humans, both Salterri and Tuhilanders, the latter mostly observing the revelry while retaining a respectful distance from it.

At the head of the delegation, for those who saw it, was the king. He wore his full crown, a great piece of gold and orichalcum with a closed and slightly pointed crown, decorated with various dangling chains and a protruding spur at the front concealing much of his forehead, together with a great deal of other royal regalia. Almost alone among the delegation, he was unarmed. He walked easily enough, eschewing the canes his forebears had needed long before they reached his age, but he seemed somehow tired, whether weighed down by his office, his vestments, or simply his years.

King Elwyr (79)

Prince Eldred (53), his heir
Prince Alfwyr (19), Eldred's son, unmarried
Prince Alfmark (14), Eldred's son, betrothed
Prince Alfmyr (50), Eldred's brother
Prince Elwyn (16), Alfmyr's son
The above group all have very dark, black or near-black skin, and pronounced elven features.

Prince Athelwyr (55), the king's nephew, and Princess Lyra (52), his wife
Adrynna (32), his daughter, unmarried
Malyn (27), his son, unmarried
Martyn (21), his son, unmarried
Lyra (20), his daughter, unmarried
Aldin (16), his son, unmarried
Tempest (15), his daughter, betrothed
The above group are dark/brown-skinned, and look largely human, with vague hints of fey about them.

Kasmi Jatten-Sunder, Duke of Vennland (48), the king's cousin, married
Enyi Jatten-Sunder, his sister (45), unmarried
These two are classically Jarrland/Vennland-featured, albeit with slightly lighter skin, and slightly shorter than normal.

Assorted hangers-on.

Day 1:
The Embassies
Vizini strides towards the Carmine Embassy, in hopes of striking up a conversation. "If you would please, could you take me to see Elwyr? There are some urgent matters to discuss."

The Doge waits where he is shown in, and bows when Elwyr enters. "It has been too many years since our people spoke to each other!" he says, greeting him. "I wish to treat with you, discuss matters of life and faith and, of course, trade. Where shall we go?"

Elwyr entered, still wearing his crown and robes and gave a nod to Vizini. "Please take a seat, my lord Doge." Behind him came Prince Eldred, a fae-featured man with dark, almost ebony, skin, and a more obvious military bearing. "I forget if you have met the atheling, Prince Eldred. He will be king before long, and largely runs the kingdom as it is, so it seems only sensible he be involved in our discussions."

Eldred also gave a polite nod. "You may have to raise your voice slightly, my lord. My hearing has not been the same since Palas Caercia."

"You need not worry about eavesdroppers; my people are discreet." The king sat down himself, somewhat wearily, while Eldred remained standing. "It has indeed been many years. Almost my brother's last act as king was to join his name to the denunciation issued by Palas Caercia, which allows for convenient dating. I believe the last time we spoke in person was some years before that, when I was admonishing you for your theatrics at the Qzarina's coronation, although at that time I still hoped I should never have to wear this crown."

SamBurke

2014-12-02, 09:55 PM

The Faedas procession was big, really big. One hundred bodies fell upon the Eastern Floor from rented Guilderene ships that had been retrofitted (and paid handsomely) to fly the banners of Faedas' states. When the ships had docked a great brass trumpeting had been heard and a herald had come out and announced,

"Presenting! Her Holy Majesty! Empress of Hurosha in Absentia, Queen of Faedas, Queen of the Heartwaste, High Prince of Sanctuary, Kyria Varinel!"

To which he was met with a great clashing of drums and cymbals and a massive procession of nobles spilled forth. A palanquin draped in Kinu Kuroth silk so thick it was impossible to see inside but for a stoic silhouette marked the center and all the nobles, servants, and courtiers seemed to try and remain as close to it as possible.

The procession moved into the Floor and found it's designated embassy, now splitting apart as nobles hurried to the Trade Floor and Ball Room while others remained at the embassy, waiting outside for the cloaked Queen who disappeared behind a set of private doors to her suite carried by only six of her most trusted.

From one of the noble houses of Eyrecradia a young male gem elf approached a Guilderene orderly,

"You'll forgive the intrusion madam, but we of Faedas are in need to inform our hosts that we have arrived and request directions to the private conference room in which we had made reservations."

Vizini smiles. "Welcome, Freehold, to the Ball! There is much to discover, is there not? Much to do!" He dodges a burst of red coming from his side, and draws a pouch of powder, handing it to the Queen. "Here, you may be whoever you want. I presume that you shall stay with the power and respect you are burdened with, but do remember there is always a possibility to go other ways."

One of the servants nods, and begins to shuttle them to the quiet sideroom selected. "I am Vasili," he says, "And I am here to provide anything you need. I am available if you ring the bell, should you need anything."

When they enter its rich environments, hearing the crackle of a calm fire, feeling fur beneath their feet, smelling feast-scent from a nearby kitchen, the servant turns to them. "I trust everything is in order? Doge Vizini designed it himself, and he hopes that you like it."

I'm wondering if Kyria or one of her folk would want to join in the Dye Festival? If not, that makes IC sense, but I figure it's fun. Otherwise, enjoy your conference, and I hope you work things out!

Clovis quickly gestures to a green-skinned goblin in ornate crimson and bronze. The goblin takes off towards a nearby station, a grin on his face. Clovis turns to Vizini. "So, what is it you wish to discuss? I can't think of any truly outstanding business between our nations."

~~~Servant's Quarters~~~

Some hours into the first day, a number of figures bearing the intricate diagrams of Pavonian sygaldry find their way to the servant's hall. Several are clearly warriors, moving with the stance and bearing of one who does not trust his surroundings. Some two or three civilian Jaegers with bulging muscles accompany the soldiers, and a couple of goblins are present as well. But the bulk of the civilians are human, in simple clothes of red and blue and green.

"Hello," ventured a rather pretty maid with short blond hair and purple trim on her red dress. "Nice to meet everybody."
Vizini smiles off after the goblin. "This Trade Floor is far better than I expected, and has moved many goods today. I hope to move a few more, perhaps between our nations? For example, I have heard great tales of your hatching of Frost Dragons... perhaps I could see one or two? I'm interested in my bestial brethren, I think." He pulls back one sleeve, exposing his scales.

In the Kitchens:
A Guilderene comes in and sits down, sighing. "Hello, nice to meet you... which place you from? More people than I ever seen in my life, and I was born on a ship."

When the Seaborne Confederation paddleships pulled into harbor, it caused a stir. Paddleships were still considered a military secret by the fledgling confederation. The chance to see a pair up close excited the sailing community. Traditional AQUA construction lines could still be seen- the twin prow, the single large, battened emergency sail, the layered hull boards. But the two vertical wind catchers along the centerline of the ship and the port and starboard paddlewheels were brand new. Each wheel operated independently, allowing for remarkable maneuverability for a large vessel. The onagers and scorpions were covered and secured, as requested by the Cree security. The ship flew the new flag of the Seaborne Confederation- its coat of arms against a red background.

The Captains used the dual paddlewheels to bring the ships in close to the dock without the aid of tugboats, and soon the massive party from the Seaborne Confederation had disembarked. Every congressperson had brought at least one aide. The Imperial Senators would not be left out either. Several regional leaders, including the King of Novrania, the Eldest Child of Kina, and the Galomyrian Grand Marshall, attended as well. The Pono al a Ono leader, Snookums, swam and frolicked in the harbor with a few others of his kind. Add in the families of all of them, and it seemed more an invasion than an arrival.

Leading them all was Andus. The last decade had been hard on him. Political wrangling and backroom negotiation; near-constant shuttling between Celero, the islands, and various states in the Imperium; the ten thousand details of crafting his legacy. In all, he would rather be pecked to death by ground-parrot than go through it all again. His wife had insisted he attend. With her eldest two children married into the various Salterri lines, only Arthur and his bethrothed, Varwynn Jarrow of Erycarida, were still around. The Islanders called it the empty hammock blues, and she was suffering from it.

Day 1: The trading floor

Amid the hustle and bustle on the trading floor it was easy to miss one person. Particularly if that person was small. Mattea Tayelshem was a small thing, barely 12 chain tall. She had pale skin and nearly white hair. She dressed simply in a white cotton shirt, a canvas vest of many pockets with matching breeches, and high boots. A few elegant bracelets and rings attested to her wealth. Atop her head was a wide brimmed hat of Islander style. Glasses made of smoked glass protected her eyes from the bright lights of the surface.
The Trading Floor
Prince Jameson approaches Mattea, and bows... far, far, too low. His goal seems to be to get below her eye level, but that ended up bending him ridiculously. When he stands upright, he is off-kilter, and there appear to be several portions of his tunic bunched up at his belt.

"Hello! I have been told that the short one is Mattea Tayelshem. That would be you? I have some trade propositions!"

I'm gonna put it here instead of in PMs.

Galomyr Trading post sounds good, though I'm interested in these Sages... Aloe Vera could work too. You say that you're interested in Dinos and its tech... perhaps you'd trade Bananas and Herbs for that? Or, if you'd prefer, we can trade on a Future technology, whatever it is that you'll next produce.

On Entrance
The Raaneki are more than overjoyed to see their island-loving cousins, and flock around them. Soon, there is a sizeable crowd, all throwing dye, shouting, singing, and of course, drinking. This rowdy bunch joins with the Confederation's sailors, arm in arm, but it appears that if there was a greeter... he was lost in the mass.

If Andus looks, he can see a single official figure in full regalia, but he is indeed swamped. It doesn't look like he'll be there to meet the delegation anytime soon.

"Marvelous Marvella sees what you did there." Marvella smiled and curtsied in return. "I would love to share a dance, honorable Doge."
Day 2: The Dance
The Doge smiles. "Your wit gives me joy, as usual. Let us go out upon the floor!" He sweeps her across the stone, falling naturally into a Raanekan style, spinning and dipping with very, very, close contact against Marvella.

"It was once said by a Guilderene Sage that 'Doge' is perhaps the worst name in all of the world... it's impossible to make a pun with. Then again, others have said that it's good... it means that no one can make a joke of the Doge. Quite a useful feat, no?"

As in recent times any visit of the Imperial family to the Empire of Dawn had always been accompanied with a large guard and a fleet just outside territorial waters. First Commodore Li Fengbao had once been patient and cordial with the Guilderenes, but any affection the northerners once could count on had been blasted away with swiftness. "No longer," she had told Gun Huang after he'd laid out his plans to attend the Fourth Grand Ball before her. She couldn't even remember the last one, and Gun Huang hadn't even been alive during it, but tales of the Second Grand Ball were still being told far and wide. "If the pattern of the Grand Ball is anything to go by, the Blazing Avatar will show up in some fashion and at least one person will cause a major scene with their mere presence. First it was the Blazing Avatar himself, then it was his monks, then one of those monks told our grandfather his son might be the Blazing Avatar. I will not have you die in the flames and not exact punishment on those responsible with immediate measure."

Gun Huang did not protest loudly. Of his sisters, Fengbao was the one he could never face without some fear. Even Tianshi, the Qzarina, who had concluded meetings with pale-faced generals and lords protectors by word of the servants, did not strike in him the same reaction. At least most of their guard remained on the ship, but he still was accompanied by four of them and each other member of the Imperial family he had brought with him had two of their own, one for the children of his concubines, plus their handful of guests. Of course, the guards weren't walking around disturbing the ball with their presence, and they had opted to dress them as guests as well, with wax-sealed weapons within easy reach.

When the delegation entered the Hall on the second day, the deep purples of Gun Huang's tunic and cape contrasted with the golden-orange orichalcum that covered parts of his body, and the chain rings on his chest tinkled softly. His golden appearance was complimented by the woman whose hand he held, whose skin of fine golden scales was likewise contrasted by a deep purple dress featuring a stitched silver and a golden dragon encircling one another. Eurydice hadn't been to Raaneka before, but their way of dress felt familiar and she smiled with amusement. Right behind them followed a girl of barely fourteen, whose skin was similarly textured in fine scales, but of a lighter metallic shade that was not quite gold and not quite silver. Xiuhcoatl's dress was less daring in form than her mother's and bore less stitching, but what she lacked in regal maturity she made up for with youthful elegance. Her orange eyes took in the view of the large hall and all the people it contained. She might care for a dance, this day.

Behind them followed a large group of pointy-eared children dressed more humbly but still of clear noble birth. Eight of them were dressed in black with the Wyrm Below stitched in yellow patterns to denote their Eyrecradian heritage by colour and Imperial heritage by symbols. Four more wore red with white double-headed eagles, bearing the colours of Tuhiland in the south. The thirteenth wore white with patterns of a purple snake, which contrasted her dusky skin. A man in Imperial purples and blues and gold edged them on to not linger at the entrance. Gun Huang nodded at him, his nephew Shandian, with a small smile on his face.

Finally, their little procession was ended by a woman in black, her face behind a veil, as if she was in mourning. She was not accompanied by guards, merely a serving man.

Aarne set out to look for representatives of Faedas. His father had tasked him with establishing diplomatic connections with the feyfolk who now governed their elven kin in the north. His half-sisters set out for the dance floor, pulling along his younger brother. Ensio and Feetrikki had other ideas. The organizers of the Ball were well known for their aptitude for use of tools. Ensio set out to find some Raaneki to chat with. Feetrikki, meanwhile, had Cree on the mind.

Li Gun Huang Jarrow, 45 -- Imperial Prince, brother to the Qzarina
Eurydice of Tzalteclan, 42 -- half-dragon princess, not available
Li Shandian, 25 -- Imperial Prince, son of Fengbao, nephew of Gun Huang and the Qzarina
Li Xiuhcoatl, 14 -- half-dragon princess, available

Aliina Hel Kaivaar, 23 -- half-gem elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Ansa Maa Loistavaseppä, 21 -- half-ore elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Li Aarne Krii Valkoinen, 20 -- half-chalk elf (Tuhi) son
Li Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen, 20 -- half-glacier elf (Tuhi) son
Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar, 19 -- half-gem elf (Eyrecredian) son
Eemeli Maa Loistavaseppä, 19 -- half-ore elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Inkeri Lius Timanpaholainen, 18 -- half-glacier elf (Tuhi) daughter
Eevi Sam Ravitar, 17 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Eero Krii Valkoinen, 17 -- half-chalk elf (Tuhi) son
Aeglaeca Toiphle, 14 -- half-Tiefling (Drugaudian) daughter
Hilja Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Ilmatar Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
Vivi Sam Ravitar, 11 -- half-moss elf (Eyrecredian) daughter
all of the above are children of Gun Huang with elven noblewomen, they're all available

Jin Yuan, 42 -- longtime friend and confidant of Gun Huang
Zuei Ren Wulfendyne, 28 -- son of Muriel Wulfendyne, ward of House Li, and Zuei Markus Shuyan, former athlete; Ren competed in the Third Tellurian Games as a runner, available
The woman in black
25 guards
9 personal servants
You mentioned there would be cake. Perhaps bringing up that sort of gift thing at some natural point would be a good idea?

So, I'm not certain where and how to come in and introduce characters... A gift of Cake can definitely go down (I've got space next round, for certain), as well as other things... maybe a fossil found in the Tar. :smallwink:

"A pleasure," a young Heartwastian fae servant said with a smile that stretched his skin and revealed a subtle scar around his jaw.

He was relaxing on a chair, a simple wooden box in his hands. A few other Heartwastian men were around as well though the rest were in a group stood in a clump rather than sat. If not for their physical similarities and generally complimentary outfits they might have been taken as from different delegations for only the sitting man's eyes shone with any sign of wit. If he caught the young Pavonian noting these differences he made no sign of it and gestured to her to approach him.

"Perhaps you could help me solve this puzzle box?" he held up the wooden box which was carved with intricate patterns and seemed to have a series of sliding puzzle locks covering it's flat surfaces, "It's Tekorvan-craft, finely made, and beautiful to look at but Mother's Mercy is it giving me a time to try and solve. I just don't ever have the time to work at it, a servant's life is not one complimentary to diversions."
Vasili glances over at it. "That is indeed impressive... where did you pick up such a fiendish thing?" He tries a few initial twists and pulls, but it doesn't even shake. "This is diabolical... I'm gonna have to try and open this all day aren't I?"

TheDarkDM

2014-12-02, 10:19 PM

Day 1

The arrival of the Tzaltec delegation was preceded by a sign all-too familiar, as animal fled from a shape on the horizon. Even the dauntless beruda grew restless in their aviaries, as a winged shadow cut a path over the frothing seas towards the Eastern floor. Behind it followed a trio of red-sailed ships, but it was the Dragon that commanded the attention of the watchers below. As he reached the edge of the city, Nezetkhamun unleashed a roar that shook windows in their moorings, and banked into a slow descent. He wheeled around the outskirts of the city, each beat of his wings sending gales through the streets, and as they watched him the people saw sparkling dust left suspended in his wake. His trail coiled through the air a dozen timed before he began to rise again, weaving a double helix of the strange powder that seemed to fall from his scales, and as he once again reached the apex of his path he stood suspended against the sun, a tableau of darkness and light that seemed to steal the breath from all below. Then he roared again, unleashing a gout of crimson fire that set the sparkling trail alight. Fire raced down the twinkling cavorite, burning a gilded web into the sky and sending embers to fall from the heavens like stardust, twinkling into nonexistence above the rooftops. Nezetkhamun roared one final time, and drew his wings close into a perilous dive. It seemed for a moment that he would crash into the Halls of Peace, and a cry went up through the streets before his wings shot out and arrested his fall, sending him into a rumbling glide so close one could almost touch him. he came to a stop above the docks, wings beating furiously as he descended slowly to the deck of the lead Tzaltec ship.

The procession that followed was nearly as grand as the Xiuhtlatec's entrance. Line after line of trumpeters and drums in black and gold preceded the imperial caravan, clearing the way to the Eastern Floor with a blaring march. Behind came the standard bearers of the six noble houses and the Imperial governors, each one flying beneath a standard of the Teotlkan's own golden dragon. Then a regiment of Dragon Knights, resplendent in their scaled leather and burnished steel, faces hidden behind fearsome black masks. And finally, the imperial palanquins, a dozen tents of red silk the size of wagons, each carried by ten bare-chested Amocuallans. And following behind like bloody shadows, twenty of the Teotlkan's Unmarked, dressed for this occasion in gleaming red leather edged in gold. They carried no weapons, none that could be seen at least, but it was the rare fool who did not fear the silent killers of Tzalteclan. Still, even the Tzaltec expression of power could do little to dampen the festivities of the Raaneki, and the procession was showered with powders, ribbons, and dyes that met with appreciative laughs from the Dragon Knights if no one else.

Finally, the snaking procession, reached the gates of the Eastern Floor, most of them circling around to join the public festivities or return to their ships. But the Dragon Knights remained to serve as honor guards at the Tzaltec embassy while the Teotlkan was in attendance, and as the palanquins were lowered to the ground the Unmarked spread out to attend to their charges. There were more of their number inside, among the Cree security team, but it would be unseemly for the Blood of the Dragon to move unprotected through foreign halls. Senusret was the first to step from his silken refuge, resplendent in a red robe of layered silk and gold thread so intricate it seemed to burn with every movement. The golden crown of the Teotlkan lay nestled between his proud horns, his arms girded with golden bracers. Behind him stepped a Tzaltec girl scarcely older than eighteen, her burgundy scales and golden eyes marking her as Senusret's daughter rather than his consort. She wore a revealing dress of golden samite, while a net of gold chain and rubies was woven through her long black hair.

The two Tzalteca ascended the stairs towards Sucheta, Vizini, and Dulari as more of their number spilled from the assembled palanquins. Most were Tzaltec nobles from outside the Dragon's line, come to enjoy the bounty of the uncivilized west. But there were five among them, teenagers all, who bore the mark of the Dragon, likely more of Senusret's brood. And of course, lurking at the back of the crowd was Nezetkhamun himself, clearly seeking to avoid overshadowing the Teotlkan. Finally, Senusret reached the Eastern Floor and gave a slight bow to their hosts.

"Queen Sucheta, nephew, many thanks for your invitation to the Grand Ball. May I present my daughter, Khensa."

Day 2

At the head of the Hall of Joy, a crier's voice rose above the music.

"Presenting his majesty Senusret III, Teotlkan of the Tzaltec Empire with his tlapepentli Khensa and Nikare, and his children Isesu, Djoser, Senseneb, and Yakareb of Tzalteclan. Presenting also his holiness Nezetkhamun, Xiuhtlatec of the Tzaltec Empire."

They swept into the room in a wave of reds and golds and black, standing proud and stern as was the Tzaltec way. But once they reached the ballroom floor the children scattered like any others, set loose by their father on this magical day. All save Khensa, who remained by her father's side as he moved to greet the Carmine delegation. Approaching King Elwyr, he bowed slightly as Khensa dipped into a curtsy.

"King Elwyr, a pleasure to see you once again. It has been too long."

Meanwhile, Nezetkhamun strode towards Gun Huang's Salterri, a wide smile on his face.

"Gun Huang! Where is my granddaughter!?"

Xiuhtlatec Nezetkhamun, 114 available?
Teotlkan Senusret III, 94 available for trysts
Tlapepentli Khensa, 18 female, available if unlikely
Tlapepentli Nikare, 17 male, available if unlikely
Isesu, 16 female, available
Djoser, 15 male, available
Senseneb, 14 female, available
Yakareb, 14 male, available

Reggiejam

2014-12-03, 01:21 AM

"Of course, cousin, of course." Pendraga noted his informal speech, a far cry from the language captured in transcripts of his sermons. "But I will have to track down a Cree Inquisitor to accompany me. Cousin John Francis made at the technology summit. So I've asked the Chosen to have a formal escort at all times. Including myself."

"Of course Eldest," Pendraga said, his tone indicating a slight sense of being jarred by the Eldest Child's tone, "I should wish to accompany you and speak if you don't mind your holiness?"

As the two walked Pendraga spoke, "It's about my sister Eldest. She has borne a child. A child of the Tzaltec line of the Teotlkan. Now, my sister's decisions for bed partners is not my concern, nor what concerns me, but the child is by blood a member of the family of dragons. A family claiming lineage to the legendary Tzetultep. Can such a child bound by blood to the whims of another god truly enter the protection and worship of the Mother? The child's babtisma has been delayed and the subject is sensitive enough that the family thought it best that it be asked in person though that has only left the child without the blessing of the Mother for more years than we would have liked. But it was deemed better we receive an answer than risk angering Tzetultep or the Mother by consecrating the child in Her name."

Nothing about her response had caused him to revise his initial assessment; he was impressed. She had barely acknowledged his physical advances; indeed, even leaving aside her curiously deathly aspect, there was something about her almost entirely sexless, as if it were beneath her notice, or utterly irrelevant. Disappointing on some level, but it spoke to an admirable focus. There was definitely something to work with in her; she was worthy enough.

He appeared to think on her question for a moment. "Service is an interesting occupation, and not one I have previously experienced, though then again I have never acted as sponsor to any with but a fraction of your power or glorious ambition. Do you place value upon such words and oaths? I am sceptical of their value, for to many lying comes as easily as breathing. If you can trust your followers and allies, such oaths are unnecessary, but if you cannot, they are worthless. Still, if it would please you, I shall so swear."

Well, he may or may not have his own agenda (spoilers: he totally does) but your reading is not a million miles off. Whether vampirism would "take" given his other qualities is an interesting question; he'd probably be willing to give it a go.

"I find those too eager or too reticent to make such vows are those that cannot be trusted," Kyria responded, "You have struck the delicate balance I should think would be indicative of a desire to follow your word so long as it suited you. I have no objection to another member of my Court sharing such a view. You are skilled, and more powerful than many who might come to attain your place."

Her eyes flicked down his face and neck to take in his whole features. It was not a lustful examination, but like a predator eyeing a potentially dangerous prey before deciding how to attack. Her cold eyes returned to his, as the song began to reach it's crescendo and begin to fall.

"I will inform my Court you are to be permitted in the Faedas embassy. I should imagine you might desire some amount of privacy or a change of clothes lest you be mistaken for another, Aethling."

That's how I like 'em! We will need to discuss these other qualities. I think I've put together some of the puzzle (F. J., blessed in Salteire but in a twisted way?) but would desire to know what you'd like to have him do or at least give me guidelines along the way so I can set him up here or in a PM. I am now thinking I may make a small exclusive event out of the Brood building in a couple of rounds so I'll invite you to play him there too.

Vizini smiles. "Welcome, Freehold, to the Ball! There is much to discover, is there not? Much to do!" He dodges a burst of red coming from his side, and draws a pouch of powder, handing it to the Queen. "Here, you may be whoever you want. I presume that you shall stay with the power and respect you are burdened with, but do remember there is always a possibility to go other ways."

One of the servants nods, and begins to shuttle them to the quiet sideroom selected. "I am Vasili," he says, "And I am here to provide anything you need. I am available if you ring the bell, should you need anything."

When they enter its rich environments, hearing the crackle of a calm fire, feeling fur beneath their feet, smelling feast-scent from a nearby kitchen, the servant turns to them. "I trust everything is in order? Doge Vizini designed it himself, and he hopes that you like it."

I'm wondering if Kyria or one of her folk would want to join in the Dye Festival? If not, that makes IC sense, but I figure it's fun. Otherwise, enjoy your conference, and I hope you work things out!

The intent behind things is Kyria is remaining very exclusive from the other guests, surrounded by other members of the Court and often shrouded or being kept in a veiled palanquin. Thus I think it would make more sense that Vizini were handing the pouch to one of her attendants rather than directly to the Queen.

Bakanya Yunizar took the pouch from the Doge with a pleasant smile, "The Queen is incapable of removing her burden," the Fae woman withdrew a pinch of orange powder from the bag, "but not all of us are," she laughed as she tossed the powder onto the Doge's chest.

Much of the rest of the Court looked on unamused as Bakanya went off to join the dye festival, their noses so high in the air it was a wonder they could see where they were going.

***

Kyria, who's face was covered above her nose by a thin veil of black silk turned and nodded to the young servant. Her pale pink lips did not move to indicate approval or disapproval though the air between her and the servant suggested it was time for the serving girl to leave.

After she departed only Kyria and Chieftain Suqi remained, the Queen having slipped herself of the presence of any other Court officials or hangers on. Kyria approached the table that sat near the crackling fire and took a seat at the far end facing the door that she might see who next entered. Suqi took a seat on her left and one down from being directly beside the Queen. The two women sat in silence, waiting for the arrival of the others.

Enter: Hurosha & Calorum

lt_murgen

2014-12-03, 09:20 AM

The Trading Floor
Prince Jameson approaches Mattea, and bows... far, far, too low. His goal seems to be to get below her eye level, but that ended up bending him ridiculously. When he stands upright, he is off-kilter, and there appear to be several portions of his tunic bunched up at his belt.

"Hello! I have been told that the short one is Mattea Tayelshem. That would be you? I have some trade propositions!"

I'm gonna put it here instead of in PMs.

Galomyr Trading post sounds good, though I'm interested in these Sages... Aloe Vera could work too. You say that you're interested in Dinos and its tech... perhaps you'd trade Bananas and Herbs for that? Or, if you'd prefer, we can trade on a Future technology, whatever it is that you'll next produce.

The little person climbs up the column until she is eye level with the Prince. "There, much better. Hello there. Yes, that is me. But most of you larger silly creatures call me Travelling Matty" She looked at him more closely, leaning in until their noses were almost touching. "You are one of their leaders? Good. What do you think of smart people?"

How about a flat trade of bananas for magnetite? Then I can offer a trading post for sages for one for guilderene inventors or perhaps Maos athelete? I can't find your trading post list anywhere.

On Entrance
The Raaneki are more than overjoyed to see their island-loving cousins, and flock around them. Soon, there is a sizeable crowd, all throwing dye, shouting, singing, and of course, drinking. This rowdy bunch joins with the Confederation's sailors, arm in arm, but it appears that if there was a greeter... he was lost in the mass.

If Andus looks, he can see a single official figure in full regalia, but he is indeed swamped. It doesn't look like he'll be there to meet the delegation anytime soon.

After a while, Andus gave up trying to keep his delegation together. The dye festival attracted people like nectar attracts bees. Perhaps bees have a tad more self control than most Islanders, he considered. The Quill and the Novranians managed to refrain, for the most part. Andus stood apart from all of it, trying to appear regal and official. But a laughing yell distracted him.
"GET HIM!"
Out of the crowd charged his wife, son, and soon to be daughter in law. They were covered in powder and armed with fistfulls of red dye.
"The Grant family was once famous for its red hair." Ginger laughed, trying to rub the powder into her husbands hair. She missed, hitting him in the face instead.
A general melee ensued, ending with considerably more dye and considerably less clothing for all the participants.

"Of course Eldest," Pendraga said, his tone indicating a slight sense of being jarred by the Eldest Child's tone, "I should wish to accompany you and speak if you don't mind your holiness?"

As the two walked Pendraga spoke, "It's about my sister Eldest. She has borne a child. A child of the Tzaltec line of the Teotlkan. Now, my sister's decisions for bed partners is not my concern, nor what concerns me, but the child is by blood a member of the family of dragons. A family claiming lineage to the legendary Tzetultep. Can such a child bound by blood to the whims of another god truly enter the protection and worship of the Mother? The child's babtisma has been delayed and the subject is sensitive enough that the family thought it best that it be asked in person though that has only left the child without the blessing of the Mother for more years than we would have liked. But it was deemed better we receive an answer than risk angering Tzetultep or the Mother by consecrating the child in Her name."

Elemi nodded. His face took on a more serious aspect. "I would like to meet this child. Not now, but timely." They walked for a few a few minutes, neither one speaking. Then he spoke again"In the writings of Tupelo, the prophet tells of the creation of Kina." Elemi retells the story of how the gods were beset by demons destroying their created world. How each gave up a part of themselves to create Kina. "We all know the story. If Mother is a part of all gods, then no god could be excluded from Her grace. No child consecrated to another could be shunned. But Tzetultep... " He glanced around, looking for any Tzaltec nobles, "I witnessed the Teotlkan's rites. I was there for the sacrifices. I do not know if he is god or demon."
They walked again for a time, their cree bodyguard maintaining a perfect distance. He put his arm around Pendraga, and spoke consolingly, "The Children are always tested, Khaditna is ever the clever one. Is the child blessed, or cursed? We cannot know the future. But we can know he, she?, is family. We can only act with that thought in our hearts and trust our motives are good ones." He smiled.

zabbarot

2014-12-03, 12:22 PM

Day 1: The Embassies
Representatives of the Radurjic Church arrived early the first day to prepare their own small embassy, separate from the rest of the Triumvirate. Luckily furnishings where one of the many things they agreed with the Raaneki on. The whole area was covered in thick rugs with pillows scattered about low sitting tables. They prepared a spot for Shahidi Gozzolo so he would be able to rest as necessary through out the day. It wasn't the easiest trip from Miji Mkuu, but he had wanted to come. After all he hadn't been to a proper Guilderene event in almost thirty years.

"Send word to our hosts that I will be resting for a bit, but they are welcome to visit should they have a moment." The old Guilderene breathed heavily as he sat down. Even just the steps were getting to be a bit much.

Day 2: Outside the Gates
Outside the gates there was a small commotion coming down the street. Two large creatures walked down the street preceded by gasps and closed doors. From a distance they looked much like the lions of Jarrland, but as they approached the differences were obvious, even unsettling to some. Most notable was their manlike face framed by a wine red mane, followed closely by the fact that they each sported six legs. As they got closer a further detail was notable, they both had white eyes like a blind man.

The larger one walked right up to the Bloodknights in a surprisingly nonthreatening manner for a lion-beast and addressed them in a deep, clear voice, "I am Hushyarr of the She'er. I am the living reincarnation of Mosi Nia-Rohana II," then he motioned to the second beast, "and this is my brother, Shahyar, who was once Jonas Grant." Shahyar nodded politely. As he spoke one couldn't help but notice how incredibly wide his mouth was, or just how packed with teeth it seemed to be.

"We are not expected, but you can trust we will be welcome."

DoomHat

2014-12-03, 01:02 PM

Reggiejam

2014-12-03, 01:19 PM

Elemi nodded. His face took on a more serious aspect. "I would like to meet this child. Not now, but timely." They walked for a few a few minutes, neither one speaking. Then he spoke again"In the writings of Tupelo, the prophet tells of the creation of Kina." Elemi retells the story of how the gods were beset by demons destroying their created world. How each gave up a part of themselves to create Kina. "We all know the story. If Mother is a part of all gods, then no god could be excluded from Her grace. No child consecrated to another could be shunned. But Tzetultep... " He glanced around, looking for any Tzaltec nobles, "I witnessed the Teotlkan's rites. I was there for the sacrifices. I do not know if he is god or demon."
They walked again for a time, their cree bodyguard maintaining a perfect distance. He put his arm around Pendraga, and spoke consolingly, "The Children are always tested, Khaditna is ever the clever one. Is the child blessed, or cursed? We cannot know the future. But we can know he, she?, is family. We can only act with that thought in our hearts and trust our motives are good ones." He smiled.

"Of course your Holiness," Pendraga nodded at the Eldest's request, waiting uncomfortably in the silence that followed.

Pendraga listened intently to the Eldest's retelling of the Mother's creation. He had heard similar accusations and debates on the quality of Tzetultep and other worshipped beings. He didn't know which he believed, but he was acutely aware such things were unclear.

"She is of course family Your Holiness, and family is dear to all the Children. I just hope she can become a full Child of Kina. The entire family does."

Vasili glances over at it. "That is indeed impressive... where did you pick up such a fiendish thing?" He tries a few initial twists and pulls, but it doesn't even shake. "This is diabolical... I'm gonna have to try and open this all day aren't I?"

"That is why I brought it," the Heartwastian laughed, "I received it as a gift from a Tekorvanin Aristocrat for serving him well for a few months during a small crisis of succession in one of the Tekorvanin Aristocratic families. I've not had much opportunity to attempt and solve it until today."

Aedilred

2014-12-03, 02:39 PM

"I find those too eager or too reticent to make such vows are those that cannot be trusted," Kyria responded, "You have struck the delicate balance I should think would be indicative of a desire to follow your word so long as it suited you. I have no objection to another member of my Court sharing such a view. You are skilled, and more powerful than many who might come to attain your place."

Her eyes flicked down his face and neck to take in his whole features. It was not a lustful examination, but like a predator eyeing a potentially dangerous prey before deciding how to attack. Her cold eyes returned to his, as the song began to reach it's crescendo and begin to fall.

"I will inform my Court you are to be permitted in the Faedas embassy. I should imagine you might desire some amount of privacy or a change of clothes lest you be mistaken for another, Aethling."

That's how I like 'em! We will need to discuss these other qualities. I think I've put together some of the puzzle (F. J., blessed in Salteire but in a twisted way?) but would desire to know what you'd like to have him do or at least give me guidelines along the way so I can set him up here or in a PM. I am now thinking I may make a small exclusive event out of the Brood building in a couple of rounds so I'll invite you to play him there too.

"In which case, I shall thank you and take my leave." He took a step backward at the end of the dance and bowed. "Your majesty is perceptive. I suspect it would go poorly were I to be recognised; there are few who would, I think, but it is probably better not to take the chance, for either of our sakes. I shall venture to the embassy and wait on your convenience."

He took a few steps backward, artfully avoiding any others in the vicinity, until he had reached a suitable point where he could turn on his heel, and made his way discreetly from the ballroom.

You're most of the way there, yup. This (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18349033&postcount=4) might also be worth a read :smallwink: At one point he was a proper Ascensionist fanatic (rather moreso than the cult would sanction) and while it was sufficient for him to "ascend" he's since headed off on a rather darker path after being foiled a couple of times. I'm happy to leave him in your hands for general purposes but if you want me to play him at any future events I'd be happy to.

zabbarot

2014-12-03, 03:15 PM

Bloodknight Delgerdzaya was not best pleased. Her grip on her halberd tightened ever so slightly.

She casually raised her off hand and snapped three times. In response one of the assembled Cree guardsmen scrambled off into the main building to set off a chain reaction of mobilization and discrete inquiry. The Queen of Raaneka and the Doge of Guilder would both be informed of the exact nature of the situation. Specialists moved calmly to the modern art installations that were "in no way" disguised heavy ballistia. Every effort was made to quietly inquire as to the nature of the entries while alerting as few as possible to their actual presence. Ground forces rallied unhurriedly to the Gate.

Meanwhile, outside, Dzaya stepped forward and bowed graciously.
"Of course Sirs! However, I must beg your patience. The world has seen many tragedies in recent years. While this humble one is most eager to trust, many this one serves are not. Besides, in light of your lack of an RSVP, some allowance must be made for the kitchen staff; who I am sure you can forgive for not anticipating the need to set aside plates appropriate for surprise guests of your... unique stature..."

Hushyarr feigned ignorance of the guards sudden mobilization. Just because you could see through walls didn't mean you had to act like a know-it-all. "Of course, all very good points. If you could do me a favor, ask around for..." He wracked his brain momentarily trying to think of who amongst the Chuo wa Mashahidi would be under a hundred, and therefore hopefully still alive. "Maybe Shahidi Antim, or Gozzolo. If not them then perhaps Vilaas, or Athustra." Thinking about it now, he wasn't actually fully sure what year it was. The She'er kept their own calenders, and were quite unaware of the Cataclysm.

"If you don't mind I would like to sit, and I think we can both agree that it will not do for a king to be left sitting in the street."

HalfTangible

2014-12-03, 03:27 PM

Day 2: The Dance
The Doge smiles. "Your wit gives me joy, as usual. Let us go out upon the floor!" He sweeps her across the stone, falling naturally into a Raanekan style, spinning and dipping with very, very, close contact against Marvella.

"It was once said by a Guilderene Sage that 'Doge' is perhaps the worst name in all of the world... it's impossible to make a pun with. Then again, others have said that it's good... it means that no one can make a joke of the Doge. Quite a useful feat, no?"Marvella had never done this dance before, that much was obvious, though strangely she was simply too quick and graceful for it to be a problem. Perhaps she'd been practicing?

"I find the worst names are the ones where a pun is immediately obvious." Marvella chuckled as the two spun around. "Because absolutely everyone you talk to that's even close to your rank will try to put that pun into their sentences like it's somehow original. You have no idea how many times Head Priest Freis has heard something along the lines of 'stay frosty'."

Reggiejam

2014-12-03, 07:20 PM

"In which case, I shall thank you and take my leave." He took a step backward at the end of the dance and bowed. "Your majesty is perceptive. I suspect it would go poorly were I to be recognised; there are few who would, I think, but it is probably better not to take the chance, for either of our sakes. I shall venture to the embassy and wait on your convenience."

He took a few steps backward, artfully avoiding any others in the vicinity, until he had reached a suitable point where he could turn on his heel, and made his way discreetly from the ballroom.

You're most of the way there, yup. This (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18349033&postcount=4) might also be worth a read :smallwink: At one point he was a proper Ascensionist fanatic (rather moreso than the cult would sanction) and while it was sufficient for him to "ascend" he's since headed off on a rather darker path after being foiled a couple of times. I'm happy to leave him in your hands for general purposes but if you want me to play him at any future events I'd be happy to.

I've been getting a pretty cool collection of offers for badass bad guys to join Kyria's Brood so the event is looking likely to happen. I'd love for you to come play him there and afterwards he'll be around for being deployed on various things as well which should be cool. I'm very excited for this now! Thanks for dropping such a cool character and by extent idea into my lap!

Kyria watched the Aethling depart with curious eyes. What an intriguing development. With a wave of her hand her Trusted had returned to her sides, blocking her from view or access by other guests and she drew her black veil down over her face, observing the room for any more players of interest.

SamBurke

2014-12-03, 09:21 PM

Elwyr entered, still wearing his crown and robes and gave a nod to Vizini. "Please take a seat, my lord Doge." Behind him came Prince Eldred, a fae-featured man with dark, almost ebony, skin, and a more obvious military bearing. "I forget if you have met the atheling, Prince Eldred. He will be king before long, and largely runs the kingdom as it is, so it seems only sensible he be involved in our discussions."

Eldred also gave a polite nod. "You may have to raise your voice slightly, my lord. My hearing has not been the same since Palas Caercia."

"You need not worry about eavesdroppers; my people are discreet." The king sat down himself, somewhat wearily, while Eldred remained standing. "It has indeed been many years. Almost my brother's last act as king was to join his name to the denunciation issued by Palas Caercia, which allows for convenient dating. I believe the last time we spoke in person was some years before that, when I was admonishing you for your theatrics at the Qzarina's coronation, although at that time I still hoped I should never have to wear this crown." Vizini's emotions swung back and forth as he listened patiently to the king. At first, a smile... Eldred, the upcoming king, being involved... rather like young Wesley, was it not? Then, a frown: this young man --future king-- had been irreparably damaged by that day. Then, again, a smile at the mention of the first Coronation he'd attended, and the trouble he'd caused. He had been even more foolish then than any man could have suspected, and a prince told him later that greater heirs than he had been killed for lesser deeds. Such was the love of honor and deference in the Imperium, their great ordered society.

Vizini bows. "Eldred, is this an appropriate volume?" He waits for confirmation before continuing. "I speak now to you because of that very reason... it has been too long, too long entirely, since Guilder had chance to meet with you. I have several propositions, ranging from the familial to the friendly, to of course the trading floor. However, before that, I would like to bestow upon you a gift..." He motions to his lone attendant, and the man presents a single large book.

"In here are the plans on how to use a new technology my people have devised. It is designed to take the formerly destructive Mechanized Knight Frame, and turn it into an agent of trade and goodwill. Further, it does not even require a MECK unit... just the strength of a team of horses, or perhaps a Wurm. I hope that you will understand the heart of this gesture?"

I'm gifting you [Loader] tech, which is still under review. When it comes out officially, I can give you more specifics of what it *definitely* does. For now, what I've requested is something that both retrofits MECKs, and can be utilized by riding creature technology.

Day 1

The arrival of the Tzaltec delegation was preceded by a sign all-too familiar, as animal fled from a shape on the horizon. Even the dauntless beruda grew restless in their aviaries, as a winged shadow cut a path over the frothing seas towards the Eastern floor. Behind it followed a trio of red-sailed ships, but it was the Dragon that commanded the attention of the watchers below. As he reached the edge of the city, Nezetkhamun unleashed a roar that shook windows in their moorings, and banked into a slow descent. He wheeled around the outskirts of the city, each beat of his wings sending gales through the streets, and as they watched him the people saw sparkling dust left suspended in his wake. His trail coiled through the air a dozen timed before he began to rise again, weaving a double helix of the strange powder that seemed to fall from his scales, and as he once again reached the apex of his path he stood suspended against the sun, a tableau of darkness and light that seemed to steal the breath from all below. Then he roared again, unleashing a gout of crimson fire that set the sparkling trail alight. Fire raced down the twinkling cavorite, burning a gilded web into the sky and sending embers to fall from the heavens like stardust, twinkling into nonexistence above the rooftops. Nezetkhamun roared one final time, and drew his wings close into a perilous dive. It seemed for a moment that he would crash into the Halls of Peace, and a cry went up through the streets before his wings shot out and arrested his fall, sending him into a rumbling glide so close one could almost touch him. he came to a stop above the docks, wings beating furiously as he descended slowly to the deck of the lead Tzaltec ship.

The procession that followed was nearly as grand as the Xiuhtlatec's entrance. Line after line of trumpeters and drums in black and gold preceded the imperial caravan, clearing the way to the Eastern Floor with a blaring march. Behind came the standard bearers of the six noble houses and the Imperial governors, each one flying beneath a standard of the Teotlkan's own golden dragon. Then a regiment of Dragon Knights, resplendent in their scaled leather and burnished steel, faces hidden behind fearsome black masks. And finally, the imperial palanquins, a dozen tents of red silk the size of wagons, each carried by ten bare-chested Amocuallans. And following behind like bloody shadows, twenty of the Teotlkan's Unmarked, dressed for this occasion in gleaming red leather edged in gold. They carried no weapons, none that could be seen at least, but it was the rare fool who did not fear the silent killers of Tzalteclan. Still, even the Tzaltec expression of power could do little to dampen the festivities of the Raaneki, and the procession was showered with powders, ribbons, and dyes that met with appreciative laughs from the Dragon Knights if no one else.

Finally, the snaking procession, reached the gates of the Eastern Floor, most of them circling around to join the public festivities or return to their ships. But the Dragon Knights remained to serve as honor guards at the Tzaltec embassy while the Teotlkan was in attendance, and as the palanquins were lowered to the ground the Unmarked spread out to attend to their charges. There were more of their number inside, among the Cree security team, but it would be unseemly for the Blood of the Dragon to move unprotected through foreign halls. Senusret was the first to step from his silken refuge, resplendent in a red robe of layered silk and gold thread so intricate it seemed to burn with every movement. The golden crown of the Teotlkan lay nestled between his proud horns, his arms girded with golden bracers. Behind him stepped a Tzaltec girl scarcely older than eighteen, her burgundy scales and golden eyes marking her as Senusret's daughter rather than his consort. She wore a revealing dress of golden samite, while a net of gold chain and rubies was woven through her long black hair.

The two Tzalteca ascended the stairs towards Sucheta, Vizini, and Dulari as more of their number spilled from the assembled palanquins. Most were Tzaltec nobles from outside the Dragon's line, come to enjoy the bounty of the uncivilized west. But there were five among them, teenagers all, who bore the mark of the Dragon, likely more of Senusret's brood. And of course, lurking at the back of the crowd was Nezetkhamun himself, clearly seeking to avoid overshadowing the Teotlkan. Finally, Senusret reached the Eastern Floor and gave a slight bow to their hosts.
Vizini shakes his head. "Ah, Uncle! Cousin! I do so enjoy your theatrical entrances... something that has always been one of the finer points of Tzalteclan's prowess." He nods to them and waves his hands at the festivities. "Is it not wondrous? Though there are no grand events planned, I think that the little things in life can come together rather well, when you bring in two dozen nations and a host of citizens. Wouldn't you agree?"

Later
Vizini signals to Nezetkhamun, drawing him to the side to speak. "I know that we have written often and spoken before about the power inside of us, but I have several more questions to request of you... You see, I believe that my resolve has only grown, but in a perilous fashion." He walked to one of the side-gardens, curving around a corner and sitting down in thought.

Day 2

At the head of the Hall of Joy, a crier's voice rose above the music.

"Presenting his majesty Senusret III, Teotlkan of the Tzaltec Empire with his tlapepentli Khensa and Nikare, and his children Isesu, Djoser, Senseneb, and Yakareb of Tzalteclan. Presenting also his holiness Nezetkhamun, Xiuhtlatec of the Tzaltec Empire."

They swept into the room in a wave of reds and golds and black, standing proud and stern as was the Tzaltec way. But once they reached the ballroom floor the children scattered like any others, set loose by their father on this magical day. [/QUOTE] Seneseb is tapped on the shoulder, and turns around to see a short, quiet lad with dark eyes and tan skin. "Hello," says he in a monotone voice, "My name is... Wesley. You're one of the Tzaltec, I take it?" He shuffles his feet.

Bakanya Yunizar took the pouch from the Doge with a pleasant smile, "The Queen is incapable of removing her burden," the Fae woman withdrew a pinch of orange powder from the bag, "but not all of us are," she laughed as she tossed the powder onto the Doge's chest.

Much of the rest of the Court looked on unamused as Bakanya went off to join the dye festival, their noses so high in the air it was a wonder they could see where they were going. The Doge bowed slightly, though with his thin frame, it was a wonder he didn't get blown over. "Those who rule often are unable to... but perhaps we can find an escape later on today, can we not?" he says to the Queen. Turning back to Bakanya, "Enjoy yourself greatly! The dyes are usually placed on the street-corners, but I expect it'll be a storm getting to them if you run out." He turns back to walk on to the next delegation.

Kyria, who's face was covered above her nose by a thin veil of black silk turned and nodded to the young servant. Her pale pink lips did not move to indicate approval or disapproval though the air between her and the servant suggested it was time for the serving girl to leave.

After she departed only Kyria and Chieftain Suqi remained, the Queen having slipped herself of the presence of any other Court officials or hangers on. Kyria approached the table that sat near the crackling fire and took a seat at the far end facing the door that she might see who next entered. Suqi took a seat on her left and one down from being directly beside the Queen. The two women sat in silence, waiting for the arrival of the others.

Enter: Hurosha & CalorumVasili and the girl exit, sharing a look. "She is one scary lady..." said he, shaking his head. "I plan on steering clear of that room unless I absolutely have to go up... Besides, with so many people about, it shouldn't be hard to make an escape once or twice, right?

"I dunno about an escape from the kitchen, but if I was Hurosha, I'd be looking for an escape in that room..." Yvinia remarked, returning to the kitchen at a brisk pace. More food, more dishes, more meals, more work. Too much to sit around talking... unless, of course, one of those handsome Celero fellows would come over. She'd make an exception then.

The little person climbs up the column until she is eye level with the Prince. "There, much better. Hello there. Yes, that is me. But most of you larger silly creatures call me Travelling Matty" She looked at him more closely, leaning in until their noses were almost touching. "You are one of their leaders? Good. What do you think of smart people?"

How about a flat trade of bananas for magnetite? Then I can offer a trading post for sages for one for guilderene inventors or perhaps Maos athelete? I can't find your trading post list anywhere.

This is a good doc to help (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TpA3qJEj9sli8KRuBgc8HTxaiKa5iv_gIsAcd0wJo1U/edit#gid=0), though it's hard to work through. If you want inventors, there'll have to be a one-round delay, because I'm C5'ing it to Great, which will allow a second Trading Post. But Bananas/Magnetite and TP:Sages/TP:Inventors can definitely be done.

"Smart people are..." Jameson thinks for a moment, stroking his long beard and long purse at the same time. "Quite useful. I would say that having someone who can think and discover the newest ways to make money would line my coffers quite nicely... Or, if they're less inclined towards usefulness, they can certainly entertain crowds with their words. Sages are great assets, I think."

After a while, Andus gave up trying to keep his delegation together. The dye festival attracted people like nectar attracts bees. Perhaps bees have a tad more self control than most Islanders, he considered. The Quill and the Novranians managed to refrain, for the most part. Andus stood apart from all of it, trying to appear regal and official. But a laughing yell distracted him.
"GET HIM!"
Out of the crowd charged his wife, son, and soon to be daughter in law. They were covered in powder and armed with fistfulls of red dye.
"The Grant family was once famous for its red hair." Ginger laughed, trying to rub the powder into her husbands hair. She missed, hitting him in the face instead.
A general melee ensued, ending with considerably more dye and considerably less clothing for all the participants.
The Raaneki and Guilderenes laughed, rushing into the fray with the Confederates, and the battle raged. The Maians took over two entire piles of dye, putting their best throwers atop the stack of barrels and catapulting long, thin streaks towards their targets with deadly accuracy. One of the other revelers, his godana showing him to be a berunda rider by life, waved towards the Grants.

"It seems we must storm that corner! Are you with us?!" He scoops up a handful of rainbow-hue dye, and prepares his aim. Behind him, the Guilderenes push back the Raaneki even further, and they come running, surging around the delegation. "Together, we can get to those dyes, and give them a coloring they'll never forget."

Day 1: The Embassies
Representatives of the Radurjic Church arrived early the first day to prepare their own small embassy, separate from the rest of the Triumvirate. Luckily furnishings where one of the many things they agreed with the Raaneki on. The whole area was covered in thick rugs with pillows scattered about low sitting tables. They prepared a spot for Shahidi Gozzolo so he would be able to rest as necessary through out the day. It wasn't the easiest trip from Miji Mkuu, but he had wanted to come. After all he hadn't been to a proper Guilderene event in almost thirty years.

"Send word to our hosts that I will be resting for a bit, but they are welcome to visit should they have a moment." The old Guilderene breathed heavily as he sat down. Even just the steps were getting to be a bit much. Columbo walks down the steps, sitting beside the old man in relative silence. It was truly a wonder how far Rajurda had come, and how much it had benefitted the Expanses... Perhaps part of it was Gozzolo's bias, but Colombo's travels had taken him farther afield than to believe that. It was truly an honor to meet a man who had done so much good for so many.

Day 2: Outside the Gates
Outside the gates there was a small commotion coming down the street. Two large creatures walked down the street preceded by gasps and closed doors. From a distance they looked much like the lions of Jarrland, but as they approached the differences were obvious, even unsettling to some. Most notable was their manlike face framed by a wine red mane, followed closely by the fact that they each sported six legs. As they got closer a further detail was notable, they both had white eyes like a blind man.

The larger one walked right up to the Bloodknights in a surprisingly nonthreatening manner for a lion-beast and addressed them in a deep, clear voice, "I am Hushyarr of the She'er. I am the living reincarnation of Mosi Nia-Rohana II," then he motioned to the second beast, "and this is my brother, Shahyar, who was once Jonas Grant." Shahyar nodded politely. As he spoke one couldn't help but notice how incredibly wide his mouth was, or just how packed with teeth it seemed to be.

"We are not expected, but you can trust we will be welcome." Columbo, finishing up his conversation with the Shahidi, looked down to see the strangeness unfolding at the base of the hill, nearly a quarter mile away. If he could see the creatures from that distance... what were they? "Pardon me... I believe I need to go down there."

He began to run.

Bloodknight Delgerdzaya was not best pleased. Her grip on her halberd tightened ever so slightly.

She casually raised her off hand and snapped three times. In response one of the assembled Cree guardsmen scrambled off into the main building to set off a chain reaction of mobilization and discrete inquiry. The Queen of Raaneka and the Doge of Guilder would both be informed of the exact nature of the situation. Specialists moved calmly to the modern art installations that were "in no way" disguised heavy ballistia. Every effort was made to quietly inquire as to the nature of the entries while alerting as few as possible to their actual presence. Ground forces rallied unhurriedly to the Gate.

Meanwhile, outside, Dzaya stepped forward and bowed graciously.
"Of course Sirs! However, I must beg your patience. The world has seen many tragedies in recent years. While this humble one is most eager to trust, many this one serves are not. Besides, in light of your lack of an RSVP, some allowance must be made for the kitchen staff; who I am sure you can forgive for not anticipating the need to set aside plates appropriate for surprise guests of your... unique stature..." A Guilderene sage appears at the edge of the circle, on the verge of collapse. Looking back and forth, the tension is clear: a warrior, faced with a massive unknown foe, of unknown intent. Did this creature even recognize what it was getting into? "Excuse me... who be you?" he asked, looking at them closely.

Then, it clicked. Something about a report from the frozen wall, far to the north and the east. Glazfell's men had found something in the ice... Could it be...? "Are you from the East? From the Ice Wall, sir? I've read some about your visit meeting with Glazfell... but I do not know enough."

Up at the Embassies
The Cree waits impatiently, as the Doge is currently inside a closed-door meeting at the Carmine Embassy. The doorman shrugged. "He said he'd be out soon..." The Cree scowled, coming just close enough to the Guilderene for the man to begin seriously thinking about deserting his post, fleeing the country, and starting a new life under an assumed name. Then, a moment later, the warrior backs away. "It'll be soon, I think... I hope."

[COLOR="#DAA520"]"That is why I brought it," the Heartwastian laughed, "I received it as a gift from a Tekorvanin Aristocrat for serving him well for a few months during a small crisis of succession in one of the Tekorvanin Aristocratic families. I've not had much opportunity to attempt and solve it until today." Vasili looks on enviously, and dark emotion crosses his face. "I wish my service had gotten me anything half as nice as that... the Guilderene Princes and merchants rarely notice me enough to give an extra coin." He put the box back down with a heavier thud, and something inside clicked, either from breaking or opening.

Marvella had never done this dance before, that much was obvious, though strangely she was simply too quick and graceful for it to be a problem. Perhaps she'd been practicing?

"I find the worst names are the ones where a pun is immediately obvious." Marvella chuckled as the two spun around. "Because absolutely everyone you talk to that's even close to your rank will try to put that pun into their sentences like it's somehow original. You have no idea how many times Head Priest Freis has heard something along the lines of 'stay frosty'."
Vizini groans. "And my son says my humor is horrid..." He shakes head and dips her again. "You move quite well... I would have expected it harder for you to warm up."

"So, do you regret your name? What you were born into? The obvious pun, and the obvious life choices both, I suppose..."

HalfTangible

2014-12-03, 09:41 PM

Vizini groans. "And my son says my humor is horrid..." He shakes head and dips her again. "You move quite well... I would have expected it harder for you to warm up."

"So, do you regret your name? What you were born into? The obvious pun, and the obvious life choices both, I suppose..."

"Most people don't have the spine to make a joke about the High Priestess. Moreover, I wasn't born into it." She spun around a bit. "'Marvella' was given to me on my acceptance of the Rod of Yphine. I've had it long enough to think of it as my name, admittedly, but I quite like it. My role as high priestess has been challenging, but I had Eirlys for the first few years to help smooth things out. So how is dear Wesley? He hasn't written."

zabbarot

2014-12-03, 10:22 PM

Columbo walks down the steps, sitting beside the old man in relative silence. It was truly a wonder how far Rajurda had come, and how much it had benefitted the Expanses... Perhaps part of it was Gozzolo's bias, but Colombo's travels had taken him farther afield than to believe that. It was truly an honor to meet a man who had done so much good for so many.

Columbo, finishing up his conversation with the Shahidi, looked down to see the strangeness unfolding at the base of the hill, nearly a quarter mile away. If he could see the creatures from that distance... what were they? "Pardon me... I believe I need to go down there."

He began to run.
Shahidi Simone appreciated the company, and spoke on in detail about his pride for reclaiming his homeland from the vile Jaaku Na. He spit after speaking their name. I had been the primary triumph of his years as leader.

It's late, we can fluff this out to a full conversation if you want later, but for now I'm goin to bed :smalltongue:

A Guilderene sage appears at the edge of the circle, on the verge of collapse. Looking back and forth, the tension is clear: a warrior, faced with a massive unknown foe, of unknown intent. Did this creature even recognize what it was getting into? "Excuse me... who be you?" he asked, looking at them closely.

Then, it clicked. Something about a report from the frozen wall, far to the north and the east. Glazfell's men had found something in the ice... Could it be...? "Are you from the East? From the Ice Wall, sir? I've read some about your visit meeting with Glazfell... but I do not know enough."
"Ah, here's someone who follows the news. I'd suggest you maintain your distance until these men feel I am adequately vetted. You wouldn't want to get caught up in an incident." He smiled a wide grin for the Bloodknights. "You are Guilderene I presume? You look like someone..." It took a moment for the name to come to him. It had been nearly 40 years. "Columbo! Ah hah! You are his... great grandson then?"

lt_murgen

2014-12-04, 08:27 AM

This is a good doc to help (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TpA3qJEj9sli8KRuBgc8HTxaiKa5iv_gIsAcd0wJo1U/edit#gid=0), though it's hard to work through. If you want inventors, there'll have to be a one-round delay, because I'm C5'ing it to Great, which will allow a second Trading Post. But Bananas/Magnetite and TP:Sages/TP:Inventors can definitely be done.

"Smart people are..." Jameson thinks for a moment, stroking his long beard and long purse at the same time. "Quite useful. I would say that having someone who can think and discover the newest ways to make money would line my coffers quite nicely... Or, if they're less inclined towards usefulness, they can certainly entertain crowds with their words. Sages are great assets, I think."

bananas for magnetite and trading post exchanges are ok. It may take me a round or two to build them anyway, so giving permission should be fine
"We gnomes are fine sages. We don't leave our caves much. My letters back home thrill them!" Travelling Matty squeaked excitedly. "They love to hear my stories about all you big, silly creatures." She turned to look at the boards and flipped some papers."So tell me. These stalagmites growing from the floor have pages from a book attached to them. All these silly creatures are running around looking at them. Is it some kind of scavenger hunt?"

The Raaneki and Guilderenes laughed, rushing into the fray with the Confederates, and the battle raged. The Maians took over two entire piles of dye, putting their best throwers atop the stack of barrels and catapulting long, thin streaks towards their targets with deadly accuracy. One of the other revelers, his godana showing him to be a berunda rider by life, waved towards the Grants.

"It seems we must storm that corner! Are you with us?!" He scoops up a handful of rainbow-hue dye, and prepares his aim. Behind him, the Guilderenes push back the Raaneki even further, and they come running, surging around the delegation. "Together, we can get to those dyes, and give them a coloring they'll never forget."

As the dye comes whizzing in from the Maians, Andus rallied his delegation. "To the top of the pile! Once again, good friends, into the breach!" Andus and the other adults protected the children as they moved forward, then sent the kids laughing and jumping into a nearby pile. The kids started throwing the dye randomly into the air like it was sand, creating a cloud that the adults then charged out of.

Day 1, the Embassies
Sometime during the day, Elemi Scoria approached the Tzalteclan delegation. "Pardon me. I seek a theological discourse with your leadership. Is there someone who can accommodate me?

Reggiejam

2014-12-04, 11:13 AM

Vasili looks on enviously, and dark emotion crosses his face. "I wish my service had gotten me anything half as nice as that... the Guilderene Princes and merchants rarely notice me enough to give an extra coin." He put the box back down with a heavier thud, and something inside clicked, either from breaking or opening.

"Only the Tekorvanin and Galien have any sense of decency towards the servants, but I can't complain, at least I earned myself out of becoming one of the Trusted."

Before he could explain the clicking of the box drew his attention and he picked it up again. He turned it over in his hands, finding one of the sides was loose he slid it off and set it aside. The other 5 sides were still locked in place, but with the panle off he could see inside was what looked like a simple box that would come open once the rest of the puzzle's sides had been solved.

"I must thank you sir, I'd been working at that panel for a few hours, perhaps you'd care to join me and talk while I work on the others?" he gestured to an open chair, "You're clearly some sort of good luck charm."

DurkBlanston

2014-12-04, 03:01 PM

The royal procession from the Consortium arrived at the Eastern Floor in a small but grand manner. A fleet of three ships flying the Caercian Ensign approached from the south, having crossed through the Grand Canal and headed north a few days prior. In an amusing parody of the Raaneki arrival to the Caercian Coronation years ago the two flanking ships fired off blackpowder fireworks and Peryton riders launched from the decks of the ships to swirl and dive through the air. Puffs of fire shot out from the back of the Perytons' flight paths and a sharp eye could see that each rider also rode with a Gretan Clawling who were providing the pyrotechnics.

The ships docked in the harbor of the Eastern Floor and the retinue of Caercia disembarked. At the head of the procession was the King, Ji Caercia, and his wife the Queen Elina An Tayanya. A variety of younger nobles made up the bulk of the attendants immediately behind them including the Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia and his wife Martina. A couple dozen honor guards and a few dozen servants rounded out the delegation and the procession fell into a lackadaisical formation behind the King and Queen.

The Consortium party reveled in the colored dust the King laughing as he was pelted with a smattering of the dyed powder. Whatever disdain the Caercians might have still reserved for the host seemed suppressed by their enjoyment of the Raaneki styled festivity. The delegation began to fan out and split but the King and Queen continued on down the designated path until they stood before Doge Vizini and the Queen Sucheta.

"Greetings sovereigns," Ji said with a polite smile, "Doge Vizini, I cannot express my personal admiration for what the Expanse has become even if it has yet to be tested, this Ball is a testament to how far you have come. Queen Sucheta, I believe you are to be honored for your work and the work of your people. I am pleased that me and my people were able to travel to such an event of international festivity because of, rather than despite, the host."

Adults

King Ji Caercia (B. 436) Married
Queen Elina An Tayanya (B. 435) Married
Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia (B. 450) Married
Lady Martina Grant-Tremblor Fitzrion (B. 447) Married
Heir to the Protectorate of Sterkelv Cornelius Caercia (B. 455) Betrothed
Heir to the Protectorate of Wyrmar Lucius Abn Tnyn (B. 455) Tentatively betrothed
Heir to the County of Exbur in Sterkelv Fredrick Gilbartsan (B. 460) Available
Heir to the Barony of Equis in the County of Caercia in Palas Caercia Janus Alesius IV (B. 453) Available

Children

Heir to the Protectorate of Bjurnja Achille Caercia (B. 466) Available for betrothal
Magnus Caercia (B. 468) Available for betrothal
Eduard Gilbartsan (B. 466) Available for betrothal
Ambria Caercia (B. 476)
Sonnia Caercia (B. 476)

Aedilred

2014-12-04, 05:42 PM

Vizini's emotions swung back and forth as he listened patiently to the king. At first, a smile... Eldred, the upcoming king, being involved... rather like young Wesley, was it not? Then, a frown: this young man --future king-- had been irreparably damaged by that day. Then, again, a smile at the mention of the first Coronation he'd attended, and the trouble he'd caused. He had been even more foolish then than any man could have suspected, and a prince told him later that greater heirs than he had been killed for lesser deeds. Such was the love of honor and deference in the Imperium, their great ordered society.

Vizini bows. "Eldred, is this an appropriate volume?" He waits for confirmation before continuing. "I speak now to you because of that very reason... it has been too long, too long entirely, since Guilder had chance to meet with you. I have several propositions, ranging from the familial to the friendly, to of course the trading floor. However, before that, I would like to bestow upon you a gift..." He motions to his lone attendant, and the man presents a single large book.

"In here are the plans on how to use a new technology my people have devised. It is designed to take the formerly destructive Mechanized Knight Frame, and turn it into an agent of trade and goodwill. Further, it does not even require a MECK unit... just the strength of a team of horses, or perhaps a Wurm. I hope that you will understand the heart of this gesture?"

I'm gifting you [Loader] tech, which is still under review. When it comes out officially, I can give you more specifics of what it *definitely* does. For now, what I've requested is something that both retrofits MECKs, and can be utilized by riding creature technology.

"That is fine, thank you," Eldred replied, with a nod.

Elwyr glanced at the interior of the book, mainly to avoid looking ungrateful. There was a time he would have studied these plans intently, maybe made modifications to them himself, but now it was all he could do to express polite interest. He had become so disengaged from the day-to-day workings of the kingdom that it no longer felt relevant to him, nor did he feel like he had anything useful to contribute. Even moreso than usual, he felt exhausted and somewhat irritable.

The Raaneki were a friendly and hospitable people... and that was precisely the problem, for their efforts to be so and to encourage others to be likewise were to him almost as obnoxious as they were well-intentioned. That if he wanted to speak to fellow members of the Imperium he had to run a gauntlet of other, less familiar folk, was bad enough on its own, never mind the candid physicality of the populace or the diplomatic pleasantries that would be expected of him tomorrow. He'd only ever really been wholly comfortable in the presence of a handful of select persons, and the longer he spent here the more convinced he was that Raaneka was his own personal version of hell. In his youth he'd been able to grit his teeth and look on the bright side, but he was old and tired and set in his ways.

There was something else, too, some profound sense of unease deep inside that had come over him over the last day or two: something that was vaguely familiar in a way that it should not be. Something was wrong, whether it be with him, with this land, or with the world as a whole, and that troubled him more deeply than anything else.

Still, none of that was Vizini's fault. "Most interesting," he lied, and passed the book on to Eldred for his perusal. "You are most generous, Doge, and I thank you for it."

Morph Bark

2014-12-04, 08:05 PM

I know you mentioned sending the half-elves back with me. Would you be opposed to some marriages as well? Aliina Hel Kaivaar would make a good aged wife for Eldin Jarrow (eldest son of Princess of Eyrecradia Melhyn Jarrow) and Ansa Maa Loistavaseppä a good aged wife for Edhyr Jarrow (second son of Princess of Eyrecradia Melhyn Jarrow)

Also, Kyria is going to start establishing a proper Brood I think. Would there be any objections to potentially some of these half-elves becoming proper Vampires bound to Kyria as their Head Vampire?

With the Queen having ventured to the Ball herself it had been deemed unwise to carry along the other regional heads aside from Chieftain Suqi who's presence had been requested by the Queen, thus Princess Melhyn was not present, nor was her eldest daughter and heir. Her youngest daughter was present but not among the Faedas delegation, instead being found among the Confederacy. That left her two sons as the leading representatives of Eyrecradia, at least in a ceremonial fashion. Many other Eyrecradian members of the noble Court were also present, though many still clung to the strange and backwards false theocratic ideas that had permeated the reign of Queen Weiss and her successors and as such were looked on as backwards and uncouth by much of Faedas.

Eero danced with his half-sisters, his awkward expression ill-matching his elegant maneuvers. Aliina and Ansa teased him the most and swirled him between them. He kept trying to convince them to let him go and be off to find more proper dance partners. Mostly, he just didn't want to be seen dancing with relatives, nevermind that he'd probably not be recognized as quickly as such, with him wearing different and contrasting colours against the ones of his sisters' dresses.

After Eero had begun to get tired with trying to get out of their grasp, they ceased their game naturally. Ansa had spotted other young men with elven features who looked rather interesting and drew Aliina's attention to them. Boldly, they moved closer to the two men who were with the Faedas delegation. Curtly, they bowed with their knees in front of the young men as they requested a dance with them.

Marriage would be welcome indeed. I also have no problems with them going for vampirehood--considering other developments in the Imperium they'd want to go for power any way they can get it to secure their future and their safety.

I'm actually also looking for future spouses for other Imperial children, though they're mostly still pretty young (like 13 or less), except for Li Aarne Krii Valkoinen and Li Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen. Since with the others I'd have a connection to your southernmost, what would you think of a Tekorvanin bride for one of them?

Also, the woman in black is a vampire herself, but of the Pavonian variety. I'd actually been thinking of introducing her to the Faedas Queens at some point as she wants to figure out how vampirism works so she can gain more control over her condition (possibly through hybridizing it with the Heartwastian variety, if that'd work at all).

So, I'm not certain where and how to come in and introduce characters... A gift of Cake can definitely go down (I've got space next round, for certain), as well as other things... maybe a fossil found in the Tar. :smallwink:

Depending on which you'd want to meet up with any of mine, I could just have some walk up to them instead to start it off?

Curious fossils sound cool. Why can't the cake thing happen this round though, considering it could just be a sub-action?

Day 2

At the head of the Hall of Joy, a crier's voice rose above the music.

"Presenting his majesty Senusret III, Teotlkan of the Tzaltec Empire with his tlapepentli Khensa and Nikare, and his children Isesu, Djoser, Senseneb, and Yakareb of Tzalteclan. Presenting also his holiness Nezetkhamun, Xiuhtlatec of the Tzaltec Empire."

They swept into the room in a wave of reds and golds and black, standing proud and stern as was the Tzaltec way. But once they reached the ballroom floor the children scattered like any others, set loose by their father on this magical day. All save Khensa, who remained by her father's side as he moved to greet the Carmine delegation. Approaching King Elwyr, he bowed slightly as Khensa dipped into a curtsy.

"King Elwyr, a pleasure to see you once again. It has been too long."

Meanwhile, Nezetkhamun strode towards Gun Huang's Salterri, a wide smile on his face.

"Gun Huang! Where is my granddaughter!?"

Xiuhtlatec Nezetkhamun, 114 available?
Teotlkan Senusret III, 94 available for trysts
Tlapepentli Khensa, 18 female, available if unlikely
Tlapepentli Nikare, 17 male, available if unlikely
Isesu, 16 female, available
Djoser, 15 male, available
Senseneb, 14 female, available
Yakareb, 14 male, available

Gun Huang almost seemed caught off his guard at the strong-bodied old man approaching him. "Nezetkhamun!" He replied, feeling too awkward to call him father and not sure about terminology now he was no longer Teotlkan. Eurydice laughed behind a golden hand. "Hello father, it's been too long." The last time they'd seen one another had been at the Third Tellurian Games, thirteen years prior. Tzalteclan was far away--too far for easy visiting. Even Gun Huang's maternal family in Jarrland had gotten few visits over the years since Tailong married Ambryn over half a century ago.

Xiuhcoatl was talking to a local Raaneki when her grandfather strode in. She excused herself and came walking up to him with a smile. Though she couldn't remember her grandfather from her early days, it was hard to mistake him for anyone else in the world. She curtsied before him and brushed a stray lock of silver-gold hair behind an ear. Confident as she was, she was shy in the face of her grandfather, a man so powerful, a man she wanted to know, but yet was anxious about such a prospect.

It's actually funny that I named her Xiuhcoatl without knowing the title you'd planned for Nezetkhamun. :smalltongue: I just went with the one unisex Nahuatl dragon name I managed to find, which coincedentally also could be a reference to her Xiu ancestry. Always fun, such coincedences.

Sorry btw that the meeting didn't get RP'd out for the Games. Was too busy at the time. I think we could easily assume it to have happened though. It wouldn't affect Xiuhcoatl so much, but others all the more.

Snowfire

2014-12-04, 08:46 PM

Day 2: Outside the Gates
Outside the gates there was a small commotion coming down the street. Two large creatures walked down the street preceded by gasps and closed doors. From a distance they looked much like the lions of Jarrland, but as they approached the differences were obvious, even unsettling to some. Most notable was their manlike face framed by a wine red mane, followed closely by the fact that they each sported six legs. As they got closer a further detail was notable, they both had white eyes like a blind man.

The larger one walked right up to the Bloodknights in a surprisingly nonthreatening manner for a lion-beast and addressed them in a deep, clear voice, "I am Hushyarr of the She'er. I am the living reincarnation of Mosi Nia-Rohana II," then he motioned to the second beast, "and this is my brother, Shahyar, who was once Jonas Grant." Shahyar nodded politely. As he spoke one couldn't help but notice how incredibly wide his mouth was, or just how packed with teeth it seemed to be.

"We are not expected, but you can trust we will be welcome."

Bloodknight Delgerdzaya was not best pleased. Her grip on her halberd tightened ever so slightly.

She casually raised her off hand and snapped three times. In response one of the assembled Cree guardsmen scrambled off into the main building to set off a chain reaction of mobilization and discrete inquiry. The Queen of Raaneka and the Doge of Guilder would both be informed of the exact nature of the situation. Specialists moved calmly to the modern art installations that were "in no way" disguised heavy ballistia. Every effort was made to quietly inquire as to the nature of the entries while alerting as few as possible to their actual presence. Ground forces rallied unhurriedly to the Gate.

Meanwhile, outside, Dzaya stepped forward and bowed graciously.
"Of course Sirs! However, I must beg your patience. The world has seen many tragedies in recent years. While this humble one is most eager to trust, many this one serves are not. Besides, in light of your lack of an RSVP, some allowance must be made for the kitchen staff; who I am sure you can forgive for not anticipating the need to set aside plates appropriate for surprise guests of your... unique stature..."

Hushyarr feigned ignorance of the guards sudden mobilization. Just because you could see through walls didn't mean you had to act like a know-it-all. "Of course, all very good points. If you could do me a favor, ask around for..." He wracked his brain momentarily trying to think of who amongst the Chuo wa Mashahidi would be under a hundred, and therefore hopefully still alive. "Maybe Shahidi Antim, or Gozzolo. If not them then perhaps Vilaas, or Athustra." Thinking about it now, he wasn't actually fully sure what year it was. The She'er kept their own calenders, and were quite unaware of the Cataclysm.

"If you don't mind I would like to sit, and I think we can both agree that it will not do for a king to be left sitting in the street."

Sucheta had happened to be near the gates anyway, and the Criman guards had found her quite quickly. Their message had been a little more complicated for her to absorb, but once it had fully penetrated she all but outran those who'd come to fetch her in her haste to reach the entrance to the Floor. Pieces of memory flashed through her head, fragments of images, of a man like any other - yet not quite. Yet it was not just herself that lent such speed to her passage. Possibility, wonder, simple curiosity that no Raaneki had ever truly lacked - all of it together led to that rush down the gentle terraces, taking entire flights of stairs in a single leap as her own handmaidens kept in time a half-step behind her. They, she thought wryly, knew her well enough to predict her reactions.

She skidded to a halt just before the gate, somehow turning the rushed stop into a spin that settled the loose - and little - silk she wore before she stepped through it, and her eyes widened. She'd heard the reports from the Icewall, few hadn't, but reading and seeing were two very different things - at least it had been in this case, the report hadn't been written with Illumination. She blinked a few times, and then stepped forward, too many words on her lips to choose from for a moment.

Day 1

The arrival of the Tzaltec delegation was preceded by a sign all-too familiar, as animal fled from a shape on the horizon. Even the dauntless beruda grew restless in their aviaries, as a winged shadow cut a path over the frothing seas towards the Eastern floor. Behind it followed a trio of red-sailed ships, but it was the Dragon that commanded the attention of the watchers below. As he reached the edge of the city, Nezetkhamun unleashed a roar that shook windows in their moorings, and banked into a slow descent. He wheeled around the outskirts of the city, each beat of his wings sending gales through the streets, and as they watched him the people saw sparkling dust left suspended in his wake. His trail coiled through the air a dozen timed before he began to rise again, weaving a double helix of the strange powder that seemed to fall from his scales, and as he once again reached the apex of his path he stood suspended against the sun, a tableau of darkness and light that seemed to steal the breath from all below. Then he roared again, unleashing a gout of crimson fire that set the sparkling trail alight. Fire raced down the twinkling cavorite, burning a gilded web into the sky and sending embers to fall from the heavens like stardust, twinkling into nonexistence above the rooftops. Nezetkhamun roared one final time, and drew his wings close into a perilous dive. It seemed for a moment that he would crash into the Halls of Peace, and a cry went up through the streets before his wings shot out and arrested his fall, sending him into a rumbling glide so close one could almost touch him. he came to a stop above the docks, wings beating furiously as he descended slowly to the deck of the lead Tzaltec ship.

The procession that followed was nearly as grand as the Xiuhtlatec's entrance. Line after line of trumpeters and drums in black and gold preceded the imperial caravan, clearing the way to the Eastern Floor with a blaring march. Behind came the standard bearers of the six noble houses and the Imperial governors, each one flying beneath a standard of the Teotlkan's own golden dragon. Then a regiment of Dragon Knights, resplendent in their scaled leather and burnished steel, faces hidden behind fearsome black masks. And finally, the imperial palanquins, a dozen tents of red silk the size of wagons, each carried by ten bare-chested Amocuallans. And following behind like bloody shadows, twenty of the Teotlkan's Unmarked, dressed for this occasion in gleaming red leather edged in gold. They carried no weapons, none that could be seen at least, but it was the rare fool who did not fear the silent killers of Tzalteclan. Still, even the Tzaltec expression of power could do little to dampen the festivities of the Raaneki, and the procession was showered with powders, ribbons, and dyes that met with appreciative laughs from the Dragon Knights if no one else.

Finally, the snaking procession, reached the gates of the Eastern Floor, most of them circling around to join the public festivities or return to their ships. But the Dragon Knights remained to serve as honor guards at the Tzaltec embassy while the Teotlkan was in attendance, and as the palanquins were lowered to the ground the Unmarked spread out to attend to their charges. There were more of their number inside, among the Cree security team, but it would be unseemly for the Blood of the Dragon to move unprotected through foreign halls. Senusret was the first to step from his silken refuge, resplendent in a red robe of layered silk and gold thread so intricate it seemed to burn with every movement. The golden crown of the Teotlkan lay nestled between his proud horns, his arms girded with golden bracers. Behind him stepped a Tzaltec girl scarcely older than eighteen, her burgundy scales and golden eyes marking her as Senusret's daughter rather than his consort. She wore a revealing dress of golden samite, while a net of gold chain and rubies was woven through her long black hair.

The two Tzalteca ascended the stairs towards Sucheta, Vizini, and Dulari as more of their number spilled from the assembled palanquins. Most were Tzaltec nobles from outside the Dragon's line, come to enjoy the bounty of the uncivilized west. But there were five among them, teenagers all, who bore the mark of the Dragon, likely more of Senusret's brood. And of course, lurking at the back of the crowd was Nezetkhamun himself, clearly seeking to avoid overshadowing the Teotlkan. Finally, Senusret reached the Eastern Floor and gave a slight bow to their hosts.

"Queen Sucheta, nephew, many thanks for your invitation to the Grand Ball. May I present my daughter, Khensa."

Vizini shakes his head. "Ah, Uncle! Cousin! I do so enjoy your theatrical entrances... something that has always been one of the finer points of Tzalteclan's prowess." He nods to them and waves his hands at the festivities. "Is it not wondrous? Though there are no grand events planned, I think that the little things in life can come together rather well, when you bring in two dozen nations and a host of citizens. Wouldn't you agree?"

"It is good to see you here, I only hope that your embassy is big enough for you all!" Sucheta said, looking at the long procession with a faint smile. "And Vizini is very right as to your entrance, I saw at least a dozen people watching in the manner of an Illuminator. I'll send you copies of all the good ones that get made?" She darted forward at Senusret's introduction of his daughter, and her smile turned to a true grin as she held out her hand to greet her. "I hope you enjoy your time here, my lady Khensa," she murmured.

Sucheta is not, quite, flirting. But that's mainly because she's getting married tomorrow, and is actually pretty dedicated to her fiance. Take from that what you will :smallwink:

Aarne set out to look for representatives of Faedas. His father had tasked him with establishing diplomatic connections with the feyfolk who now governed their elven kin in the north. His half-sisters set out for the dance floor, pulling along his younger brother. Ensio and Feetrikki had other ideas. The organizers of the Ball were well known for their aptitude for use of tools. Ensio set out to find some Raaneki to chat with. Feetrikki, meanwhile, had Cree on the mind.

Finding Raaneki at a Raaneki co-hosted event was...extremely easy. Finding Raaneki who could actually answer his questions was quite another thing. Eventually, however, a hand touched Ensio's shoulder as he moved through the crowd towards another group of enthusiastic dyed revelers. Turning revealed a young woman of clear Raaneki origin, smiling as so many were.

"It's been said that you're searching for those who know their tools among our people. Is the word of the crowd right this once?"

As the dye comes whizzing in from the Maians, Andus rallied his delegation. "To the top of the pile! Once again, good friends, into the breach!" Andus and the other adults protected the children as they moved forward, then sent the kids laughing and jumping into a nearby pile. The kids started throwing the dye randomly into the air like it was sand, creating a cloud that the adults then charged out of.

The Raaneki charged forward as well, the Berunda rider and a band of similarly tattooed men and woman moving in under cover of the vast cloud of rainbow colours, before they leaped for the top of the makeshift tower from which the Guilderene acrobats hurled their colourful projectiles with such accuracy. Getting out of the clouds like that just wasn't sporting!

The royal procession from the Consortium arrived at the Eastern Floor in a small but grand manner. A fleet of three ships flying the Caercian Ensign approached from the south, having crossed through the Grand Canal and headed north a few days prior. In an amusing parody of the Raaneki arrival to the Caercian Coronation years ago the two flanking ships fired off blackpowder fireworks and Peryton riders launched from the decks of the ships to swirl and dive through the air. Puffs of fire shot out from the back of the Perytons' flight paths and a sharp eye could see that each rider also rode with a Gretan Clawling who were providing the pyrotechnics.

The ships docked in the harbor of the Eastern Floor and the retinue of Caercia disembarked. At the head of the procession was the King, Ji Caercia, and his wife the Queen Elina An Tayanya. A variety of younger nobles made up the bulk of the attendants immediately behind them including the Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia and his wife Martina. A couple dozen honor guards and a few dozen servants rounded out the delegation and the procession fell into a lackadaisical formation behind the King and Queen.

The Consortium party reveled in the colored dust the King laughing as he was pelted with a smattering of the dyed powder. Whatever disdain the Caercians might have still reserved for the host seemed suppressed by their enjoyment of the Raaneki styled festivity. The delegation began to fan out and split but the King and Queen continued on down the designated path until they stood before Doge Vizini and the Queen Sucheta.

"Greetings sovereigns," Ji said with a polite smile, "Doge Vizini, I cannot express my personal admiration for what the Expanse has become even if it has yet to be tested, this Ball is a testament to how far you have come. Queen Sucheta, I believe you are to be honored for your work and the work of your people. I am pleased that me and my people were able to travel to such an event of international festivity because of, rather than despite, the host."

Adults

King Ji Caercia (B. 436) Married
Queen Elina An Tayanya (B. 435) Married
Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia (B. 450) Married
Lady Martina Grant-Tremblor Fitzrion (B. 447) Married
Heir to the Protectorate of Sterkelv Cornelius Caercia (B. 455) Betrothed
Heir to the Protectorate of Wyrmar Lucius Abn Tnyn (B. 455) Tentatively betrothed
Heir to the County of Exbur in Sterkelv Fredrick Gilbartsan (B. 460) Available
Heir to the Barony of Equis in the County of Caercia in Palas Caercia Janus Alesius IV (B. 453) Available

Children

Heir to the Protectorate of Bjurnja Achille Caercia (B. 466) Available for betrothal
Magnus Caercia (B. 468) Available for betrothal
Eduard Gilbartsan (B. 466) Available for betrothal
Ambria Caercia (B. 476)
Sonnia Caercia (B. 476)

The Raaneki rejoiced to see their friends of the Consortium once more, it had been many years since they had been given the chance to entertain them, and as the party that they had been meant to have at King Ji's coronation had been loudly - and painfully - aborted, this was to them the perfect chance to set the record strait. And if they happened to have the home field advantage...well, that was just too bad for the Caercians!

A Berunda wing rose to meet the Perytons in the air, spinning about the creatures on their trails of liquid gold to add to the display. It was tastefully done - the display was clearly a Caercian one - but the Berundas added another layer to it, making it all the more beautiful without drawing undue attention to themselves. In as much as you could not draw attention to a rocket propelled rainbow bird, at least. For all that the Cree watched the Perytons like hawks, the Raaneki delighted in weaving around the slower moving creatures. It had been too long.

And if their riders were granted the first chance to dance with the Caercians, it wasn't for lack of interest by the ground-bound Raaneki. The delegation seemed almost to fly apart as it moved up the terraces, the hosts not quite literally pulling the procession apart as they moved towards the summit. Apparently they had been missed. Who knew? And at the summit, the entrance to the main diplomatic campus of the Eastern Floor, Sucheta met Ji with an impish grin.

"It's said that I delighted in the impossible," Sucheta replied, winking playfully, "but it was the steadfast friendship of Girard and my new uncle Vizini that saw through the changes that brought you here in joy. And if Vizini took home a bit more than some ideas from his stay with me," she very carefully did not look at Dulari, "well then it's to the good of all. I'm pretty sure they've been good for each other." She said the last in a stage-whisper, then deftly ducked her aunt's playful swipe, recovering quickly.

"The Empire of Dawn was a union of friendship first, Ji. With that bond rekindled, there is so little we cannot do as one." From many others, possibly any other, that could have seemed a threat. Yet here, from the lips of a smiling Raaneki, it could not even be accidentally interpreted that way.

DurkBlanston

2014-12-04, 09:49 PM

"It's said that I delighted in the impossible," Sucheta replied, winking playfully, "but it was the steadfast friendship of Girard and my new uncle Vizini that saw through the changes that brought you here in joy. And if Vizini took home a bit more than some ideas from his stay with me," she very carefully did not look at Dulari, "well then it's to the good of all. I'm pretty sure they've been good for each other." She said the last in a stage-whisper, then deftly ducked her aunt's playful swipe, recovering quickly.

"The Empire of Dawn was a union of friendship first, Ji. With that bond rekindled, there is so little we cannot do as one." From many others, possibly any other, that could have seemed a threat. Yet here, from the lips of a smiling Raaneki, it could not even be accidentally interpreted that way.

"Yes, I can see that," Ji agreed politely, though a noted level of reservation could be heard beneath his voice.

Sucheta may have fancied herself something of of a wunderkind when it came to diplomacy and international relations, and there was no doubt she had accomplished much, but in doing so she'd made Raaneka decidedly less Raaneki. The Consortium saw it, and Ji was more aware than many. His father had told him of times spent in Raaneka as the only northern country without an ulterior motive and a land of freeflowing wine and love. Great Uncle Dieter Stein had fancied Ji and the other young boys of the Caercian Court with fantastic tales of his journeys to Raaneki. A land of golden laughter he'd described it as.

However, Raaneka was no longer what it once was, to be Raaneki no longer carried with it the sense of companionship and unadulterated well meaning. There was an edge now, a motive beneath the smile and hidden in the small folds of the Raaneki dress. Ultimately it stemmed from Sucheta, a woman who had eschewed the diarchy of her ancestors, the ancestors worshiped and adulated by the Raaneki, a woman who had spoken as the Voice of an Emperor and forged together an Empire that otherwise might have crumbled. This Raaneka was not the Raaneka of his father or grandfather and Sucheta was not the same as the Raaneki Queens of old. The old views were no longer relevant, it was time to determine the new ones.

"Congratulations to you on your marriage Doge, I hope it is a blessed one. Sucheta, I've heard rumors of a marriage to come your own way, is it true that the Twin Thrones will once again be at full occupation?"

SamBurke

2014-12-05, 01:20 AM

"Most people don't have the spine to make a joke about the High Priestess. Moreover, I wasn't born into it." She spun around a bit. "'Marvella' was given to me on my acceptance of the Rod of Yphine. I've had it long enough to think of it as my name, admittedly, but I quite like it. My role as high priestess has been challenging, but I had Eirlys for the first few years to help smooth things out. So how is dear Wesley? He hasn't written."
Vizini laughs. "He has, actually... but I'm supposing that they just haven't gotten there. You see, instead of sending him to another nation for this cycle, I decided to travel with him... we went from colony to colony, traveled the length and breadth of the Expanses... And the courier services are intermittent, at best. He's around, though!" after a moment of glances, he spotted him. "He's over at the Tzaltec delegation, but it appears he's asking for a dance... how interesting..."

He ends the dance, and thinks for another second. "I wonder if we could continue to speak, but... in private? I have some things to discuss."

Shahidi Simone appreciated the company, and spoke on in detail about his pride for reclaiming his homeland from the vile Jaaku Na. He spit after speaking their name. I had been the primary triumph of his years as leader.

It's late, we can fluff this out to a full conversation if you want later, but for now I'm goin to bed :smalltongue: "Ah, Shahidi." Columbo bows. "You have truly done great things in Guilder... I do wonder if you could tell me how? I'm intrigued, to say the least."

At the Docks:
"Ah, here's someone who follows the news. I'd suggest you maintain your distance until these men feel I am adequately vetted. You wouldn't want to get caught up in an incident." He smiled a wide grin for the Bloodknights. "You are Guilderene I presume? You look like someone..." It took a moment for the name to come to him. It had been nearly 40 years. "Columbo! Ah hah! You are his... great grandson then?"
Columbo nods. "His Grandson, yes. I'll wait here, but I'd like to talk to you... where did you come from? How did you find this body? What lies to the east? So many questions have I! Tell me if I'm pestering you."

bananas for magnetite and trading post exchanges are ok. It may take me a round or two to build them anyway, so giving permission should be fine
"We gnomes are fine sages. We don't leave our caves much. My letters back home thrill them!" Travelling Matty squeaked excitedly. "They love to hear my stories about all you big, silly creatures." She turned to look at the boards and flipped some papers."So tell me. These stalagmites growing from the floor have pages from a book attached to them. All these silly creatures are running around looking at them. Is it some kind of scavenger hunt?"
"After a manner of speaking, yes... We are hunting for trade and for profit! And what greater sport is there for a man, woman, or tiny man or woman?!" He glances around, as if questioning those around him to find a 'greater sport.' They did not oblige.

"Come then... let's see about some bananas... They'll go like cake this time of year!" He laughs at his own joke. "See, it's like cake, cause, cause... they're so hard to trade for--" He pauses, to see if Matty gets the joke, and then just moves on.

I've edited Bananas/Magnetite into my action post, and added a TP as well.

As the dye comes whizzing in from the Maians, Andus rallied his delegation. "To the top of the pile! Once again, good friends, into the breach!" Andus and the other adults protected the children as they moved forward, then sent the kids laughing and jumping into a nearby pile. The kids started throwing the dye randomly into the air like it was sand, creating a cloud that the adults then charged out of.
"We're being driven back!" Yells the sky-leaper, glancing around for aid... until, that is, he sees another delegation arriving. "Is it, perhaps, time for a truce? We might well work better all--" One of the AQUAn sailors throws a a particularly large puff of powder straight to his face.

"YER OVER THINKIN' THIS JUST THROW IT!!" he states.

"That is fine, thank you," Eldred replied, with a nod.

Elwyr glanced at the interior of the book, mainly to avoid looking ungrateful. There was a time he would have studied these plans intently, maybe made modifications to them himself, but now it was all he could do to express polite interest. He had become so disengaged from the day-to-day workings of the kingdom that it no longer felt relevant to him, nor did he feel like he had anything useful to contribute. Even moreso than usual, he felt exhausted and somewhat irritable.

The Raaneki were a friendly and hospitable people... and that was precisely the problem, for their efforts to be so and to encourage others to be likewise were to him almost as obnoxious as they were well-intentioned. That if he wanted to speak to fellow members of the Imperium he had to run a gauntlet of other, less familiar folk, was bad enough on its own, never mind the candid physicality of the populace or the diplomatic pleasantries that would be expected of him tomorrow. He'd only ever really been wholly comfortable in the presence of a handful of select persons, and the longer he spent here the more convinced he was that Raaneka was his own personal version of hell. In his youth he'd been able to grit his teeth and look on the bright side, but he was old and tired and set in his ways.

There was something else, too, some profound sense of unease deep inside that had come over him over the last day or two: something that was vaguely familiar in a way that it should not be. Something was wrong, whether it be with him, with this land, or with the world as a whole, and that troubled him more deeply than anything else.

Still, none of that was Vizini's fault. "Most interesting," he lied, and passed the book on to Eldred for his perusal. "You are most generous, Doge, and I thank you for it." Vizini glanced at him, and then again, his look deepening almost to a stare. If only he had his forefathers' skill... There was something else on Elwyr's mind, but he couldn't tell what...

"Is there, perhaps, something else you would prefer to talk about? I know that mechanics and politics can be a bore sometimes.

Depending on which you'd want to meet up with any of mine, I could just have some walk up to them instead to start it off?

Curious fossils sound cool. Why can't the cake thing happen this round though, considering it could just be a sub-action?

Cause if it was, it would have to be fluff-only... I don't have enough cake to trade. It literally sold out first round, so there's no available stacks. I can send you chefs and cool stuff like that in character though, which I will do.

Fossil-tars are gonna be a thing, though... :smallbiggrin:

The Salterri Embassy, Day 1
Vizini is announced with full theatrics; music, a minstrel, the whole 9 fathoms. He enters formally, bowing to the Qzare with stiff back. "I have a few things to discuss with you... Did the courier manage to bring my last letter to you, the one with my propositions?"

The royal procession from the Consortium arrived at the Eastern Floor in a small but grand manner. A fleet of three ships flying the Caercian Ensign approached from the south, having crossed through the Grand Canal and headed north a few days prior. In an amusing parody of the Raaneki arrival to the Caercian Coronation years ago the two flanking ships fired off blackpowder fireworks and Peryton riders launched from the decks of the ships to swirl and dive through the air. Puffs of fire shot out from the back of the Perytons' flight paths and a sharp eye could see that each rider also rode with a Gretan Clawling who were providing the pyrotechnics.

The ships docked in the harbor of the Eastern Floor and the retinue of Caercia disembarked. At the head of the procession was the King, Ji Caercia, and his wife the Queen Elina An Tayanya. A variety of younger nobles made up the bulk of the attendants immediately behind them including the Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia and his wife Martina. A couple dozen honor guards and a few dozen servants rounded out the delegation and the procession fell into a lackadaisical formation behind the King and Queen.

The Consortium party reveled in the colored dust the King laughing as he was pelted with a smattering of the dyed powder. Whatever disdain the Caercians might have still reserved for the host seemed suppressed by their enjoyment of the Raaneki styled festivity. The delegation began to fan out and split but the King and Queen continued on down the designated path until they stood before Doge Vizini and the Queen Sucheta.

"Greetings sovereigns," Ji said with a polite smile, "Doge Vizini, I cannot express my personal admiration for what the Expanse has become even if it has yet to be tested, this Ball is a testament to how far you have come. Queen Sucheta, I believe you are to be honored for your work and the work of your people. I am pleased that me and my people were able to travel to such an event of international festivity because of, rather than despite, the host."
Vizini smiles broadly; kind words from the Caercians of any sort meant much, and to hear this overt of a gesture was more than a good sign. Of course, a lot of it was political, but there was some truth in his words at least.

"Thank you, good friend Ji! It is a pleasure to see you and your people here! Their entrance, too, is grand... it seems that every nation works hard upon their first impressions. But we must also work hard on the impressions after that, must we not?" He speaks quite seriously, given the topic. "I would like to discuss some things with you sometime soon... whenever you get a chance, of course. Just remember that tomorrow is a day of festivity alone! So make sure to complete your trading and discussing today, if possible. Of course, revelry is happening today as well... as well I can see!"

He looks down to see the fracas which the Consortium's men have just joined, and the massive cloud of powder obscuring the entire street. "A far more glorious battle, I think, than many which are waged."

The Dye Festival
The Rannarans saw the arrival of a new delegation and looked back in terror. If they did charge, what would happen? There could very well be a diplomatic incident! Or, worse, the Caercians would simply join in, and there would be mass chaos! Each person throwing at each other, no order whatsoever!

Several nearby Raaneki were heard to laugh, and one even remarked, "Just wait till they see what happens at a Raaneki party."

"Yes, I can see that," Ji agreed politely, though a noted level of reservation could be heard beneath his voice.

Sucheta may have fancied herself something of of a wunderkind when it came to diplomacy and international relations, and there was no doubt she had accomplished much, but in doing so she'd made Raaneka decidedly less Raaneki. The Consortium saw it, and Ji was more aware than many. His father had told him of times spent in Raaneka as the only northern country without an ulterior motive and a land of freeflowing wine and love. Great Uncle Dieter Stein had fancied Ji and the other young boys of the Caercian Court with fantastic tales of his journeys to Raaneki. A land of golden laughter he'd described it as.

However, Raaneka was no longer what it once was, to be Raaneki no longer carried with it the sense of companionship and unadulterated well meaning. There was an edge now, a motive beneath the smile and hidden in the small folds of the Raaneki dress. Ultimately it stemmed from Sucheta, a woman who had eschewed the diarchy of her ancestors, the ancestors worshiped and adulated by the Raaneki, a woman who had spoken as the Voice of an Emperor and forged together an Empire that otherwise might have crumbled. This Raaneka was not the Raaneka of his father or grandfather and Sucheta was not the same as the Raaneki Queens of old. The old views were no longer relevant, it was time to determine the new ones.

"Congratulations to you on your marriage Doge, I hope it is a blessed one. Sucheta, I've heard rumors of a marriage to come your own way, is it true that the Twin Thrones will once again be at full occupation?"
Vizini smiles, squishing Dulari close to him. "I know I'm a lucky one, so I'd say... yes. Quite a blessing indeed..."

"Good answer, honey. Very good answer." Dulari gives him a quick, internationally-approved kiss, and turns back to Ji.

HalfTangible

2014-12-05, 01:34 AM

Vizini laughs. "He has, actually... but I'm supposing that they just haven't gotten there. You see, instead of sending him to another nation for this cycle, I decided to travel with him... we went from colony to colony, traveled the length and breadth of the Expanses... And the courier services are intermittent, at best. He's around, though!" after a moment of glances, he spotted him. "He's over at the Tzaltec delegation, but it appears he's asking for a dance... how interesting..."

He ends the dance, and thinks for another second. "I wonder if we could continue to speak, but... in private? I have some things to discuss."

Continue in PM?
Sure.

Marvella smiled as her own eyes found their way to the delegation. "Quite an impressive group - the Tzaltec always know how to make an impression. I was thinking of asking one of them for a dance myself~" There was a low purr of excitement in her tone.

She curtsied as the dance ended. "Of course, sir - I have time."

SamBurke

2014-12-05, 01:36 AM

Marvella smiled as her own eyes found their way to the delegation. "Quite an impressive group - the Tzaltec always know how to make an impression. I was thinking of asking one of them for a dance myself~" There was a low purr of excitement in her tone.

She curtsied as the dance ended. "Of course, sir - I have time."

Vizini bows. "But as you say, you have things to do! Places to go! Fire to bring in close to your heart and dance with... such is the way of life, ruling a nation... And you are suited for that world, are you not?"

HalfTangible

2014-12-05, 01:45 AM

Vizini bows. "But as you say, you have things to do! Places to go! Fire to bring in close to your heart and dance with... such is the way of life, ruling a nation... And you are suited for that world, are you not?"

She laughed. "Ah, then we should make our talk quick, I should think, hm?"

She grinned and looked across the dance hall. "I need a few moments of thought anyway... so many handsome boys to spin around~ Where to even begin?"

SamBurke

2014-12-05, 01:49 AM

She laughed. "Ah, then we should make our talk quick, I should think, hm?"

She grinned and looked across the dance hall. "I need a few moments of thought anyway... so many handsome boys to spin around~ Where to even begin?"
He smiles. "I find that the golden eyes do attract the most beautiful of women..." He glances over his shoulder to Dulari, who his whirling between two very jealous Raaneki, each trying to win her attention. She stopped her dance and waved at him.

"Live the life now! Go, dance with the younger folk, and talk with the old codgers a bit later." He laughs a bit, pretending to look for his cane, and bows to Marvella.

TheDarkDM

2014-12-05, 02:22 AM

Day 1

Greetings

Vizini shakes his head. "Ah, Uncle! Cousin! I do so enjoy your theatrical entrances... something that has always been one of the finer points of Tzalteclan's prowess." He nods to them and waves his hands at the festivities. "Is it not wondrous? Though there are no grand events planned, I think that the little things in life can come together rather well, when you bring in two dozen nations and a host of citizens. Wouldn't you agree?"

"It is good to see you here, I only hope that your embassy is big enough for you all!" Sucheta said, looking at the long procession with a faint smile. "And Vizini is very right as to your entrance, I saw at least a dozen people watching in the manner of an Illuminator. I'll send you copies of all the good ones that get made?" She darted forward at Senusret's introduction of his daughter, and her smile turned to a true grin as she held out her hand to greet her. "I hope you enjoy your time here, my lady Khensa," she murmured.
There was a flash in Senusret's eyes at the mention of Tzaltec "prowess", though his smile never left his face. Was his nephew attempting a subtle insult, or was the fool boy so addled by the Raaneki that he thought an Huroshan compliment would please his remaining family?

"Indeed nephew, events such as these seem at times to be the center of the world. It is miraculous, in its own way."

Then Sucheta stepped forward, and Senusret's attention turned to the Queen. As she held out her hand, Khensa took it with a demure curtsy.

"I am sure I will, Queen Sucheta. The Raaneki have truly outdone themselves in hosting this event."

"And I am sure the embassy will be perfect."

Senusret stepped in, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder before Vizini could protest Guilder's supposed role as host.

"But we shall occupy you no longer - I see there are more dignitaries arriving by the minute. We look forward to seeing you again Queen Sucheta, Doge Vizini."

With that the Tzaltec delegation streamed into the Eastern Floor, until only Nezetkhamun remained to tend to his grandson.

Vizini and the Dragon

Later
Vizini signals to Nezetkhamun, drawing him to the side to speak. "I know that we have written often and spoken before about the power inside of us, but I have several more questions to request of you... You see, I believe that my resolve has only grown, but in a perilous fashion." He walked to one of the side-gardens, curving around a corner and sitting down in thought.
Nezetkhamun followed Vizini into the side garden, listening attentively to his grandson as he slumped into a garden bench. Nezetkhamun remained standing, but came alongside to place a hand on Vizini's shoulder.

"Perilous? What do you find so frightening in yourself, Vizini?"

Divine Musings

Day 1, the Embassies
Sometime during the day, Elemi Scoria approached the Tzalteclan delegation. "Pardon me. I seek a theological discourse with your leadership. Is there someone who can accommodate me?
Nezetkhamun was returning from his conversation with Vizini when the Eldest of the Children of Kina entered the Tzaltec embassy. Coming up behind the wizened man, he heard the question and coughed.

"I believe I might be able to accommodate you, Eldest. What brings you to us?"

Day 2

Cousins

Seneseb is tapped on the shoulder, and turns around to see a short, quiet lad with dark eyes and tan skin. "Hello," says he in a monotone voice, "My name is... Wesley. You're one of the Tzaltec, I take it?" He shuffles his feet.
The Tzaltec princess Wesley approached had scales that edged so closely between gold and red that they seemed almost bronze until struck by light, when they shimmered like golden silk. Her long black hair was cinched by three golden bands spaced evenly down her back. Her dress was gold embroidered in black, serpentine lines that seemed almost alive crawling from hem to bodice trailing ruby teardrops. She spun as Wesley tapped her, apparently unused to being touched unannounced, and the two Unmarked watching over her tensed visibly.

"Am I Tzaltec?"

She frowned, leaning close to peer into Wesley's eyes before breaking the tension with an infectious giggle. Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him into a hug.

"Of course I am, cousin, the same as you!"

Before he could respond, she had pulled away and was dragging him towards the dance floor.

"Come, cousin, teach me one of your marvelous western dances!"

Grandchildren!

Gun Huang almost seemed caught off his guard at the strong-bodied old man approaching him. "Nezetkhamun!" He replied, feeling too awkward to call him father and not sure about terminology now he was no longer Teotlkan. Eurydice laughed behind a golden hand. "Hello father, it's been too long." The last time they'd seen one another had been at the Third Tellurian Games, thirteen years prior. Tzalteclan was far away--too far for easy visiting. Even Gun Huang's maternal family in Jarrland had gotten few visits over the years since Tailong married Ambryn over half a century ago.

Xiuhcoatl was talking to a local Raaneki when her grandfather strode in. She excused herself and came walking up to him with a smile. Though she couldn't remember her grandfather from her early days, it was hard to mistake him for anyone else in the world. She curtsied before him and brushed a stray lock of silver-gold hair behind an ear. Confident as she was, she was shy in the face of her grandfather, a man so powerful, a man she wanted to know, but yet was anxious about such a prospect.
Nezetkhamun planted a paternal kiss on Eurydice's forehead to return her greeting, and extended a hand to Gun Huang.

"Too long indeed. The business of overseeing the succession and the transfer of power occupied entirely too much of my time. What use are wings if we cannot travel to where our grandchildren grow?"

There was, Gun Huang knew, truth to his sentiment. Eurydice had lived long enough in Tzalteclan to observe her father well, and knew the two faces he harbored even before his transformation. One, the face he wore now, the doting father, whose sole care was the betterment of his family. But she had told Gun Huang of her father's other face, where he ceased to be "father" or "Nezetkhamun" and became Teotlkan. It was that face that had ordered his eldest daughter into a marriage with a failing house, that face which had burned the orcs of Nezetkharras into ruin. It did not show now, but that side of him was always beneath the surface, the tyrant, the Dragon. To Eurydice it was to be expected, for it was thus for every Teotlkan back into antiquity, but for Gun Huang? Only he could say.

Nezetkhamun's laugh broke through the reverie as Xiuhcoatl turned to greet him, and he bowed in response to her curtsy. He held the pose a moment too long, before sweeping her into a hug.

"Such formality even for your grandfather? Your mother has taught you well."

He bent over and returned Xiuhcoatl's feet to the floor, before stepping back.

"You have become a fine young woman, Xiuhcoatl."

Kitsanth

2014-12-05, 03:36 AM

[[Day 2 - the Dance Floor]]

Despite having arrived the day before, the Niskovian delegation had for the most part kept to themselves. The last few years had been particularly trying for House Nisakovich, what with all the mysterious deaths and various important persons calling for the Principality to re-enter a state of isolation. Despite those issues, when the invitation to this prestigious event arrived, the Grand Prince leapt at the chance. And now the young Sovereign was making his debut on the international scene.

A number of sombrely-clad - by Raaneki standards anyway - individuals entered the dance floor. To all familiar with the Sovereign Principality of Niskovia, these people were Niskan nobility. At the head of their ground was the Grand Prince who was escorting his bride of several years. Following them were several Niskans, and judging by the predominance of red hair, most were also members of House Nisakovich. Curiously a young Haljan was also part of this group and somehow they had all avoided having even the tiniest speck of dye land on their clothing.

Grand Prince Jehan de Sebastian of House Nisakovich was unlike his predecessors - upon his ascension to the throne he became the first Niskovian Sovereign acknowledged as having mixed heritage. Though if it weren't for the swept horns he had inherited from his Favn grandparents it would hardly be noticeable. Aside from that he had ginger hair braided with gems - the style begun by Prince Vanya had caught on after his recent death - and blue eyes. The royal crown - said crown being a simple unadorned silver circlet - was particularly eye-catching as it had hardly been seen by outsiders for almost 40 years, though many who saw it wondered how exactly Jehan had managed to put it on given his horns.

His partner, Princess Tansyn of Jarrland provided something of a visual contrast to all the pale-skinned Niskans. Her dark skin and hair was practically unknown in Niskovia, though clear grey eyes like hers are extremely common. Having only recently become a member of House Nisakovich, Tansyn wore a black gown and a robe in the colours of House Jarrow - preferring that reminder of home.

The two had become close after a whirlwind romance and both were looking forward to this dance.

"Today we shall forget all that troubles us, and now would you care to dance my love?" Jehan enquired of his wife as he escorted her to the dance floor - trusting that his many cousins would be able to handle themselves - for indeed many of them were much more experienced travellers.

Behind them the others soon dispersed, smirks obvious on their faces, as the young couple got caught up in their preferred activity. Some headed off to dance and others to catch up with distant family.

Grand Prince Jehan de Sebastian of House Nisakovich [28, married]
Princess Tansyn of Jarrland [24, married]
Teodor Nisakovich [61, married]
Li Shuxian Nisakovich [53, married]
Kazimir Nisakovich [38, married]
Daryna Nisakovich [33, married]
Raziel Toranath-Nisakovich [30, married]
Jolánka Nisakovich [31, married]

and at least a dozen unmarried members of House Nisakovich between the ages of 19 and 24 - mostly female - looking forward to a night with few chaperones about

Aglus Thuidans - a Muruzaik Haljan guest of the Grand Prince

Rain Dragon

2014-12-05, 04:19 AM

Elemental

2014-12-05, 09:19 AM

By the small tent city set at a respectful distance from the Eastern Floor and the lack of an
accompanying procession of Ashenite royals and scarlet-caped guards one could safely assume that the
Ashenites were already here and inside the campus. And if you were thinking that, you'd be right. They
had arrived a week in advance with the Sulvan Primarch as their plus one and their respective
standards now flew proudly over their respective embassies.
Naturally, there were rumours concerning why King Kellan and Prince Freki had decided to arrive so
early and forego a more traditional processional entrance abounded. Some said secret dealings, others
that it was to confuse assassins and even a couple suggested they got the date wrong. The truth was
much more simple. The royals were there to relax. After all, for rulers of landlocked states, they
rarely got the chance to even look at the ocean, much less enjoy it and everyone knew the climate of
Raaneka was excellent for relaxation.
Of course, this caused all sorts of hassle for the Cree security contingent, what with servants coming
and going from the camp and the King and his relatives going on outings down to the shore every day.
Not to mention the presence of the camp itself. Seven hundred Ashenites guards and a further three
hundred Sulvan guards that refused to allow the Cree to even inspect their weapons, let alone
peacebond them. Though they complied with all directives required to enter the floor, they were still
there outside, scrutinising the Cree even as the Cree kept a close watch on them, both inordinately
careful to avoid offending each other.
On the first day however, the King of Ashenia apparently made no appearance. Rumour among the guards and servants was that he was ill or that he was engaged in secret negotiations. His relatives though did make an appearance. Never had their been such a quantity of Ashenite royals East of Crima as it appeared that he had brought all of his cousins and children eligible for marriage. For those seeking to negotiate matters of state however, his chancellor, Lord Zhaelan Ranael and Primarch Freki of Sulvan were on the trade floor, a zone of calm amongst the organised chaos.

King Kellan III of Ashenia and Queen Kasallin of Ashenia
Prince Korath Toranath - 33
Princess Melisana Toranath - 31 (betrothed)

Primarch Freki of Sulvan's Fury and Princess Asrana of Ashenia
Razkai Son of Freki - 49 (betrothed)
Freki Son of Freki - 45
Asra Daughter of Asrana - 44

Hazael Jarrow-Toranath - 32
Salline Jarrow-Toranath - 27 (betrothed)
Nezael Caercia-Toranath - 20
Tansan Caercia-Toranath - 24
Halley Eiron - 25 (betrothed)
Emriel Talisath - 19

The King of Ashenia brought his unmarried children and most of his unmarried cousins and the Primarch
of Sulvan did the same, so if anyone needs to marry people off, let me know and something can easily
be arranged.

lt_murgen

2014-12-05, 09:22 AM

Divine Musings

Nezetkhamun was returning from his conversation with Vizini when the Eldest of the Children of Kina entered the Tzaltec embassy. Coming up behind the wizened man, he heard the question and coughed.

"I believe I might be able to accommodate you, Eldest. What brings you to us?"

Elemi turned and, seeing who addressed him, bowed respectfully. "Xiuhtlatec Nezetkhamun. I am honored. I'm seeking enlightenment. We have had little opportunity to delve into your theology. Honestly," he conceeded, "with our nation being so small, we have had little need. The Tzaltec Empire is half a world away from Tar. But with the Seaborne Confederation, we'll be in contact with many new religions. "

The Mother of the Night warns us to always be aware of our intent before we act." He caught himself, realizing he had slipped into his preacher voice. He turned more conversational. "So I have a theological questions, if you do not mind."

SamBurke

2014-12-05, 01:45 PM

Day 1

Greetings

There was a flash in Senusret's eyes at the mention of Tzaltec "prowess", though his smile never left his face. Was his nephew attempting a subtle insult, or was the fool boy so addled by the Raaneki that he thought an Huroshan compliment would please his remaining family?

"Indeed nephew, events such as these seem at times to be the center of the world. It is miraculous, in its own way."

Then Sucheta stepped forward, and Senusret's attention turned to the Queen. As she held out her hand, Khensa took it with a demure curtsy.

"I am sure I will, Queen Sucheta. The Raaneki have truly outdone themselves in hosting this event."

"And I am sure the embassy will be perfect."

Senusret stepped in, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder before Vizini could protest Guilder's supposed role as host.

"But we shall occupy you no longer - I see there are more dignitaries arriving by the minute. We look forward to seeing you again Queen Sucheta, Doge Vizini."
Vizini nods with a smile. "They truly are wonderful, are they not? It was most gracious of them to offer us such a place of beauty... A place so gorgeous, it would put even a dragon to shame!" He laughed, clapping his uncle on the back and walking along with him.

As he went, he saw Columbo out of the corner of his eye, trying to get his attention about some staff in his hand, but he waved them off. "Let me show you what the Raaneki have done! Did you know it was Dulari's idea for the dye-fight below? That's still going marvelously, I can see..."

You know that prowess is, like, a word... A normal, ordinary word. That people say. And stuff. :smalltongue:

With that the Tzaltec delegation streamed into the Eastern Floor, until only Nezetkhamun remained to tend to his grandson.

Vizini and the Dragon

Nezetkhamun followed Vizini into the side garden, listening attentively to his grandson as he slumped into a garden bench. Nezetkhamun remained standing, but came alongside to place a hand on Vizini's shoulder.

"Perilous? What do you find so frightening in yourself, Vizini?"Vizini smiles, his teeth less teeth and more fangs, transformed a little inside his mouth. "It is nothing inside myself, Nezetkhamun. It is rather... a fear of what is around me." He thinks for a moment, wondering how much to reveal to the man.

There was much he did not understand, presumedly never would. Senruset would understand love, he thought, but Nezetkhamun seemed to be always focused on himself, his line... But then again, there had been greater surprises. Even Inigo had changed in old age.

"I worry that I will outlive Dulari. She is significantly younger than me, yes, but I've found myself unable to be sick. Even when everyone in my camp was vomiting, taken by a blight in the Clanships... Me and Wesley were untouched, other than a few scales out of place. Do you know how long it is to live, with this form? Or is that the drawback, the curse for the power?"

Day 2

Cousins

The Tzaltec princess Wesley approached had scales that edged so closely between gold and red that they seemed almost bronze until struck by light, when they shimmered like golden silk. Her long black hair was cinched by three golden bands spaced evenly down her back. Her dress was gold embroidered in black, serpentine lines that seemed almost alive crawling from hem to bodice trailing ruby teardrops. She spun as Wesley tapped her, apparently unused to being touched unannounced, and the two Unmarked watching over her tensed visibly.

"Am I Tzaltec?"

She frowned, leaning close to peer into Wesley's eyes before breaking the tension with an infectious giggle. Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him into a hug.

"Of course I am, cousin, the same as you!"

Before he could respond, she had pulled away and was dragging him towards the dance floor.

"Come, cousin, teach me one of your marvelous western dances!"
Wesley smiled and ran off to the dance, doing his best with it. Problem was, he didn't really know any dances... Dad was the dancer, not him. He was a kind of awkward child, a lonely, quiet one who could study and learn like a mtambuzi... But on the dance floor, his Raaneki blood seemed to evaporate. Still, he could give her at least a little something, right?

He tried a few different dances throughout the song, but nothing seemed right. First off, the musicians were clearly terrible, because he couldn't find the beat for the life of him. Second, he needed smaller shoes, because he managed to step on her feet no less than six times. Finally... he needed to actually learn how to dance. "Maybe you'd better lead...?"

[[Day 2 - the Dance Floor]]

Despite having arrived the day before, the Niskovian delegation had for the most part kept to themselves. The last few years had been particularly trying for House Nisakovich, what with all the mysterious deaths and various important persons calling for the Principality to re-enter a state of isolation. Despite those issues, when the invitation to this prestigious event arrived, the Grand Prince leapt at the chance. And now the young Sovereign was making his debut on the international scene.

A number of sombrely-clad - by Raaneki standards anyway - individuals entered the dance floor. To all familiar with the Sovereign Principality of Niskovia, these people were Niskan nobility. At the head of their ground was the Grand Prince who was escorting his bride of several years. Following them were several Niskans, and judging by the predominance of red hair, most were also members of House Nisakovich. Curiously a young Haljan was also part of this group and somehow they had all avoided having even the tiniest speck of dye land on their clothing.

Grand Prince Jehan de Sebastian of House Nisakovich was unlike his predecessors - upon his ascension to the throne he became the first Niskovian Sovereign acknowledged as having mixed heritage. Though if it weren't for the swept horns he had inherited from his Favn grandparents it would hardly be noticeable. Aside from that he had ginger hair braided with gems - the style begun by Prince Vanya had caught on after his recent death - and blue eyes. The royal crown - said crown being a simple unadorned silver circlet - was particularly eye-catching as it had hardly been seen by outsiders for almost 40 years, though many who saw it wondered how exactly Jehan had managed to put it on given his horns.

His partner, Princess Tansyn of Jarrland provided something of a visual contrast to all the pale-skinned Niskans. Her dark skin and hair was practically unknown in Niskovia, though clear grey eyes like hers are extremely common. Having only recently become a member of House Nisakovich, Tansyn wore a black gown and a robe in the colours of House Jarrow - preferring that reminder of home.

The two had become close after a whirlwind romance and both were looking forward to this dance.

"Today we shall forget all that troubles us, and now would you care to dance my love?" Jehan enquired of his wife as he escorted her to the dance floor - trusting that his many cousins would be able to handle themselves - for indeed many of them were much more experienced travellers.

Behind them the others soon dispersed, smirks obvious on their faces, as the young couple got caught up in their preferred activity. Some headed off to dance and others to catch up with distant family.
Dulari welcomes them to the dance floor with a wide bow. "Come, come, my friends! There is dancing and revelry enough for any constitution!" She pushes aside two rather insistent men trying to dance with her, and approaches the Grand Prince. "I see that you are most certainly taken, but there's got to be someone more... my size." She winks towards the group, holding out one gold-tattooed arm expectantly.

She looks the group over, interested in them. Niskans aren't rare, per se, but she had never seen them before, and that was a surprise to her. It spoke to the name of the Grand Ball that they had made the length journey.

Aglus Thuidans was suddenly unsure which Niskan to follow. He felt very out of place, though it surely wasn't due to being the only one without clothes. Though it might... It was more likely the strange beings who surrounded him and indeed how strange he must seem to them. His delicate torso was covered in small purple quills of varying shades aside from his unnaturally pale face and belly. The smooth portion of his body which resembles a scorpion's was a sleek black with the beginnings of purple markings resembling light filtering through a forest canopy. Unlike other Haljans however, his body seemed softer, more fragile and lacked the various spikes an adult Haljan would have. Aglus Thuidans eventually decided to scurry after the Grand Prince Jehan on six delicate little legs. After all, Jehan was one of the Niskans he was most familiar with though they hadn't spoken much. He'd spent most of his time talking to Thrydar on the way.

Speaking of which, where was she...? Aglus couldn't speak a word of Trade but he was certain Thrydar could. It is Columbo who finds Aglus first, and decides to approach with what hopefully seems an appropriate amount of tact. "I don't think I understand dancing... It doesn't seem to fit my body. Perhaps you have more grace, though?"

He looks over Aglus' form with some wonder. Here, too, was something he'd never seen. What was this creature? Who or what, and where from? How did those legs work? What about internal anatomy-- was that different? It had to be, didn't it?

By the small tent city set at a respectful distance from the Eastern Floor and the lack of an accompanying procession of Ashenite royals and scarlet-caped guards one could safely assume that the Ashenites were already here and inside the campus. And if you were thinking that, you'd be right. They had arrived a week in advance with the Sulvan Primarch as their plus one and their respective standards now flew proudly over their respective embassies. Naturally, there were rumours concerning why King Kellan and Prince Freki had decided to arrive so early and forego a more traditional processional entrance abounded. Some said secret dealings, others that it was to confuse assassins and even a couple suggested they got the date wrong. The truth was much more simple. The royals were there to relax. After all, for rulers of landlocked states, they rarely got the chance to even look at the ocean, much less enjoy it and everyone knew the climate of Raaneka was excellent for relaxation.

Of course, this caused all sorts of hassle for the Cree security contingent, what with servants coming and going from the camp and the King and his relatives going on outings down to the shore every day. Not to mention the presence of the camp itself. Seven hundred Ashenites guards and a further three hundred Sulvan guards that refused to allow the Cree to even inspect their weapons, let alone peacebond them. Though they complied with all directives required to enter the floor, they were still there outside, scrutinising the Cree even as the Cree kept a close watch on them, both inordinately careful to avoid offending each other.

On the first day however, the King of Ashenia apparently made no appearance. Rumour among the guards and servants was that he was ill or that he was engaged in secret negotiations. His relatives though did make an appearance. Never had their been such a quantity of Ashenite royals East of Crima as it appeared that he had brought all of his cousins and children eligible for marriage. For those seeking to negotiate matters of state however, his chancellor, Lord Zhaelan Ranael and Primarch Freki of Sulvan were on the trade floor, a zone of calm amongst the organised chaos.

King Kellan III of Ashenia and Queen Kasallin of Ashenia
Prince Korath Toranath - 33
Princess Melisana Toranath - 31

Primarch Freki of Sulvan's Fury and Princess Asrana of Ashenia
Razkai Son of Freki - 49
Freki Son of Freki - 45
Asra Daughter of Asrana - 44

Hazael Jarrow-Toranath - 32
Salline Jarrow-Toranath - 27 (betrothed)
Nezael Caercia-Toranath - 20
Tansan Caercia-Toranath - 24
Halley Eiron - 25 (betrothed)
Emriel Talisath - 19

The King of Ashenia brought his unmarried children and most of his unmarried cousins and the Primarch of Sulvan did the same, so if anyone needs to marry people off, let me know and something can easily be arranged.
Dulari and Vizini greet the Ashenian delegation with a bow, though it is clear they aren't quite expecting the... size.

"What an impressive regiment!" says she, surveying their mass. "Sadly, we did not prepare space for this many in the Eastern Floor... They will have to camp outside the city walls. You do have tents, which is aaaaaaaaaa~mazing! We'll show you where to set up!" She bounces down, leading them on.

Vizini smiles after her. "Ah! The beauty of Raaneki, eh? But you shall know soon enough the wonders of this place! Tell me, though... I'm more than a little confused. No, curious... why the retinue? It seems to be easily a thousand men all told, and this is, historically, a place to pursue peace. So why all these?"

Day 1: A New Contender
Far out to see, a monstrous outline is seen, and there is a cheer in the streets. "The Second Wind! The Second Wind!" Rises the cheer, as the iconic ship is finally out of its repairs. The AQUAn kingbird riders note that there are large patches of new wood along her hull, in the places where the bombs hit. However, despite the damage, she floats again. More amazing than the ship, however, is what rises from it.

On top of the Second Wind's 400-foot deck is an airship, a zepplin that has apparently used the Wind as a dock. It unlatches, and begins travel towards land at a leisurely pace. The shadow cast over the land is monstrous, but it is clearly no threat: the shadow's edges are wavy, as the aircraft is covered in hundreds or thousands of streamers.

The Guilderene craft lands in the wide field of the East Floor's campus, touching down gently on the vibrant grass. A single gangplank is let down, and a figure steps out, silhouetted against the glass of the cockpit. When, finally, she steps down to the greeting party and prepared carpeting, the crowd can finally see the figure. It is...

lt_murgen

2014-12-05, 01:58 PM

The Seaborne Confederation will be shopping around the idea of more Jeweled Cities, built along the Emerald City / Diamondhead model. Essentially, in exchange for 1 trading post, AQUA will build a fortified port and trading facilities. Around it, they will build a town. A two-round project, at J.C. action cost. Actually, since we have improved building tech, it would be the equivalent of a three round project- a signifiant town.

Reggiejam

2014-12-05, 02:00 PM

Adults

King Ji Caercia (B. 436) Married
Queen Elina An Tayanya (B. 435) Married
Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia (B. 450) Married
Lady Martina Grant-Tremblor Fitzrion (B. 447) Married
Heir to the Protectorate of Sterkelv Cornelius Caercia (B. 455) Betrothed
Heir to the Protectorate of Wyrmar Lucius Abn Tnyn (B. 455) Tentatively betrothed
Heir to the County of Exbur in Sterkelv Fredrick Gilbartsan (B. 460) Available
Heir to the Barony of Equis in the County of Caercia in Palas Caercia Janus Alesius IV (B. 453) Available

Children

Heir to the Protectorate of Bjurnja Achille Caercia (B. 466) Available for betrothal
Magnus Caercia (B. 468) Available for betrothal
Eduard Gilbartsan (B. 466) Available for betrothal
Ambria Caercia (B. 476)
Sonnia Caercia (B. 476)

After the Caercians had entered the Ball proper and Elina was spotted her brother from Wenyavuk, Hiykan, along with his wife the Chieftain of Wenyavuk approached her. They both seemed relieved by the presence of the Chieftain's Heir turned Queen.

"Sister!" Hiykan grinned and hugged his sister warmly, "It is good to see you again! I know I have written of her, but now may I present my wife, Suqi. Suqi, this is my sister Elina. You'd have had to marry her if she hadn't gotten the offer to become a Queen," he joked.

"Well we are in Raaneka," the Na'Nuk woman laughed, "The pleasure is mine, Hiykan has told me wonderful things about you."

Eero danced with his half-sisters, his awkward expression ill-matching his elegant maneuvers. Aliina and Ansa teased him the most and swirled him between them. He kept trying to convince them to let him go and be off to find more proper dance partners. Mostly, he just didn't want to be seen dancing with relatives, nevermind that he'd probably not be recognized as quickly as such, with him wearing different and contrasting colours against the ones of his sisters' dresses.

After Eero had begun to get tired with trying to get out of their grasp, they ceased their game naturally. Ansa had spotted other young men with elven features who looked rather interesting and drew Aliina's attention to them. Boldly, they moved closer to the two men who were with the Faedas delegation. Curtly, they bowed with their knees in front of the young men as they requested a dance with them.

Marriage would be welcome indeed. I also have no problems with them going for vampirehood--considering other developments in the Imperium they'd want to go for power any way they can get it to secure their future and their safety.

I'm actually also looking for future spouses for other Imperial children, though they're mostly still pretty young (like 13 or less), except for Li Aarne Krii Valkoinen and Li Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen. Since with the others I'd have a connection to your southernmost, what would you think of a Tekorvanin bride for one of them?

Also, the woman in black is a vampire herself, but of the Pavonian variety. I'd actually been thinking of introducing her to the Faedas Queens at some point as she wants to figure out how vampirism works so she can gain more control over her condition (possibly through hybridizing it with the Heartwastian variety, if that'd work at all).

The two men, part Jarrow part Eyrecradian with the mixed cultural impact associated therein, looked at one another for a moment as the two fair featured Imperials curtsied. If they were part Jarrow and part elven, and these girls were part Imperial and part elven, well, it would be a complete disgrace on many levels to refuse their dance. Edhyr and Eldin both took one of the young women, Ansa and Aliina respectively, and escorted them to the dance floor just as a rather fast paced and exciting song was struck up by the band.

I've put in my actions the marriages and wardings. Let me know if I took anyone I'm not supposed to.

I'm afraid I couldn't do that. While I know Yorukunin and Tekorvanin have been married into human lines before it doesn't really make much sense to me that they could/would so I'm keeping them largely insular in those regards.

That could be interesting. I haven't seen too much on the Pavonian vampirism though I imagine it probably isn't full on undead mystic creature such as Kyria and Loris have become (or I should surely hope not given the lengths went to to make them such) but more akin to the vampyre of the Heartwaste, a genetic/biological condition that might make them more receptive to the full Blessing of the Night such that Kyria and Loris are capable of bestowing it.

Day 1

Greetings
With that the Tzaltec delegation streamed into the Eastern Floor, until only Nezetkhamun remained to tend to his grandson.

The Teotlkan Senusret was approached respectfully by a werekin servant from the Heartwaste, requesting to deliver a letter to the Tzaltec leader. If so allowed he will present it to Senusret for his readership.

My Rising Dragon,

I apologize for this method of communication rather than coming and embracing you myself but such matters require a delicate approach around the many eyes of the Court and Aristocracy. Though none but my brother and the Queen know I am here at this Ball, awaiting your arrival. This is because I do not wait alone.

Our encounter at the Summit bore fruit, a beautiful child with the signs of power possessed by her father. I did not write you sooner that my messages might not be intercepted by those who would use this blessing against me and my position but I humbly request you to come and see the beautiful and strong result of our passion as I suspect you will be most pleased.

Come and find me in the Faedas Embassy, ask for Elsana Marivel. I hope to show you our daughter soon.

Your Fae Flame

SamBurke

2014-12-05, 02:22 PM

zabbarot

2014-12-05, 02:36 PM

"Ah, Shahidi." Columbo bows. "You have truly done great things in Guilder... I do wonder if you could tell me how? I'm intrigued, to say the least."

Gozzolo only smiles. "The real trick, the only one you'll ever need to learn, is knowing how to take care of your people. Guilder came back to Radurja because we took care of the common folk. We show them kindness, and do our best to give them hope. There is no magic in that. A bowl of soup does a man more good than all the magic in the world."

Columbo nods. "His Grandson, yes. I'll wait here, but I'd like to talk to you... where did you come from? How did you find this body? What lies to the east? So many questions have I! Tell me if I'm pestering you."

Hushyarr laughed, "Patience. We can discuss it over dinner once our dear friends at the gate let me in." He could hear the sound of footsteps running towards them from inside. Maybe he'd be heading in soon.

Sucheta had happened to be near the gates anyway, and the Criman guards had found her quite quickly. Their message had been a little more complicated for her to absorb, but once it had fully penetrated she all but outran those who'd come to fetch her in her haste to reach the entrance to the Floor. Pieces of memory flashed through her head, fragments of images, of a man like any other - yet not quite. Yet it was not just herself that lent such speed to her passage. Possibility, wonder, simple curiosity that no Raaneki had ever truly lacked - all of it together led to that rush down the gentle terraces, taking entire flights of stairs in a single leap as her own handmaidens kept in time a half-step behind her. They, she thought wryly, knew her well enough to predict her reactions.

She skidded to a halt just before the gate, somehow turning the rushed stop into a spin that settled the loose - and little - silk she wore before she stepped through it, and her eyes widened. She'd heard the reports from the Icewall, few hadn't, but reading and seeing were two very different things - at least it had been in this case, the report hadn't been written with Illumination. She blinked a few times, and then stepped forward, too many words on her lips to choose from for a moment.

As Sucheta stood blinking Hushyarr looked at her in confusion. "A... Aditi? It's been so long."

DoomHat

2014-12-05, 03:46 PM

Of course, this caused all sorts of hassle for the Cree security contingent, what with servants coming
and going from the camp and the King and his relatives going on outings down to the shore every day.
Not to mention the presence of the camp itself. Seven hundred Ashenites guards and a further three
hundred Sulvan guards that refused to allow the Cree to even inspect their weapons, let alone
peacebond them. Though they complied with all directives required to enter the floor, they were still
there outside, scrutinising the Cree even as the Cree kept a close watch on them, both inordinately
careful to avoid offending each other.

"I bEg yoU REcoNSideR." said the note delivered King Kellan III immediately upon his arrival.

If asked as to its origin he'd be informed the Champion Heir Knoonbish, Tyrant's Avatar for the event and Coordinator of Event Security was so distraught by Ashenia's apparent open insult, she couldn't find her pen and ink. She was forced to write the missive in her own blood using the tip of a dagger instead.

Still, the Ashenians built a military encampment outside the event. If it weren't for the Cree's long standing alliance and friendship, Ashenia might have been expelled from the event all together. Instead, the Cree chose to compromise. Ashenia clearly desired special attention and the full extent of hospitality that the Cree and Raaneki could bring to bare.

A fully staffed ”Hospitality and Refreshment Center” was set up by the Raaneki Armed Forces near the Ashenia camp. There and ready to respond in an instant to the Ashinian soldier’s every need. Be that a drink, a relaxing message, or a spear in the throat.

In the short week after that most large and noble delegation's arrival, the growingly famous Cree Engineers had built an enormous and beautiful “Art Installation” between the rather sizable Ashinian delegation and the Ball. It was a temporary mural wall with “purely ornamental” spikes covering the top. Equally spaced along it were little "scenery booths" that due to time constraints were sadly deemed not safe enough for guests to enter, thus each required a Cree guard to be stationed inside at all hours of the day and night.

Naturally, given the potential for overcrowding and disorder passing through the Entry Arch, chipper and enthusiastic checkpoint managers were there to open an close the spring-loaded iron gate for anyone who had relented to go through the appropriate certification measures to enter the Ball. A special weapons care and maintenance team was their on site to see to anyone's "restricted" equipment.

Any highly knowledgeable engineer might be forgiven for mistakenly judging the clockwork ornamentation within the Entry Arch to be deadly traps, but the friendly and earnest Archway Personnel insisted quite sincerely that they've been assured to the contrary.

Meanwhile, out at sea, every single Ashinia ship coming and going was given a special Prestige Escort! Playing marry tunes and waving banners to wish them a fond welcome or farewell.

Rain Dragon

2014-12-05, 08:37 PM

It is Columbo who finds Aglus first, and decides to approach with what hopefully seems an appropriate amount of tact. "I don't think I understand dancing... It doesn't seem to fit my body. Perhaps you have more grace, though?"

He looks over Aglus' form with some wonder. Here, too, was something he'd never seen. What was this creature? Who or what, and where from? How did those legs work? What about internal anatomy-- was that different? It had to be, didn't it?

Indeed, if there was one thing Aglus possessed it was the awkward grace which comes with a people with a long history of elegant dance hindered slightly by motor skills and body not quite fully matured. Stopping instantly as the strange Man spoke to him, Aglus held one open palm beside his head and the other upon his chest. His claws were small, but he was careful to remain out of arms' reach of the strange being. His large round eyes were solid in colour, making it difficult to tell where they were focused. His face seemed similar to a human in some ways. Where there should be eyebrows were a pair of long, thin antennae instead. Rather than a human-like nose, Aglus possessed a short beak-like snout filled with rows of sharp pointed teeth which were only visible when he uttered a small 'Goljan'.

Were it not obvious already, Aglus was unsure of Columbo and did not otherwise visibly react to what Columbo had said.

I admit to not having written up the Muruzaik Haljans yet :smallredface:, but they are present in Fræzeid (LLC). Aglus is Aipiskaupus' son and was sent along by his Uncle, Gulth.

RandoMan

2014-12-05, 08:55 PM

Morph Bark

2014-12-05, 09:47 PM

Finding Raaneki at a Raaneki co-hosted event was...extremely easy. Finding Raaneki who could actually answer his questions was quite another thing. Eventually, however, a hand touched Ensio's shoulder as he moved through the crowd towards another group of enthusiastic dyed revelers. Turning revealed a young woman of clear Raaneki origin, smiling as so many were.

"It's been said that you're searching for those who know their tools among our people. Is the word of the crowd right this once?"

"Know their tools?" Ensio sounded puzzled at first, "yes!" he recovered, whether in truth or covering ignorance. "I haven't ever been outside the Imperium, so to come to Raaneka at such a happy time is wondrous." He frowned a little, curiously, an uncertain smile playing on his lips. "Though I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with Raaneki custom whether tool use or talk of it is befitting the crowd."

Cause if it was, it would have to be fluff-only... I don't have enough cake to trade. It literally sold out first round, so there's no available stacks. I can send you chefs and cool stuff like that in character though, which I will do.

Fossil-tars are gonna be a thing, though... :smallbiggrin:

The Salterri Embassy, Day 1
Vizini is announced with full theatrics; music, a minstrel, the whole 9 fathoms. He enters formally, bowing to the Qzare with stiff back. "I have a few things to discuss with you... Did the courier manage to bring my last letter to you, the one with my propositions?"

A small group of Imperials were awaiting the Doge's arrival upon his request to meet with them. Li Gun Huang Jarrow replayed the time he'd first seen Vizini through his head: a foolish man interrupting the coronation of one of the most powerful people in the world, who had in name ruled a nation that for years had been the enemy of Guilder through Guilder's own actions. In an ironic way, it was similar to how his father had interrupted the marriage of two Jarrland princes and their brides and had backed off after being bested in single combat by his future wife, Gun Huang's mother, Ambryn. The difference lay in the fact that Jarrland had never been at war with the Heartlands and was even a vassal of it at the time.

His nephew Shandian was sitting at the table drumming his fingers on the wood impatiently. He'd never much been one for waiting, or even the diplomacy that followed, but Gun Huang had requested of him to be present and see it at work nevertheless. Shandian was Fengbao's eldest son, and therefore was high up on the inheritance ladder. Two guards stood near the wall behind him, one more by each door and two behind Gun Huang himself, all clad in orichalcum, making the guards look ostentatious in comparison to those they protected. By the window stood a woman in a black dress, hooded and veiled, staring at the morning sun rising over the city outside, wistfully and pondering.

Vizini seemed to be late by Gun Huang's estimates. When the Doge arrived with all his theatrics, he nodded at him in response to his bow. "He did. The things you suggest in your letter are intruiging. Trade is often easily accepted, and being sent a close relative of yours to live in Aus-Teire as a ward of the Imperial House of Li is one we accept as well. However," Gun Huang's face hardened, like his armor had under the smith's hammer. "To ask us to help teach your son within our capital is a request we shan't fulfill. Regardless of what you might say is the truth behind the attack years ago at the coronation of King Ji Caercia, the feelings yet linger while those live who remember their presence at the event. My sister nearly died because of your carelessness, and I can assure you that none who might've taken her place at the helm of the Imperium would've been as kind towards you as she has been. If Wesley will come to the Free City of Diamondhead, he may find proper tutoring and care. Under supervision, he may even visit other parts of the Heartlands but Xianzhi Urbe. Should you or any of Inigo's children or grandchildren set foot in Xianzhi Urbe, their lives are forfeit." He took a peanut from a bowl on the table. "Nothing personal, of course." It was almost as if these kinds of theatrics were more Gun Huang's flavour.

Ahh, alright then. I'll wait until cake trade has got an open spot next round then. :smallwink:

Trade-wise, I have an interest in Lacertal Milk. Not so much because I want to poison any specific person (don't have any threatening enemies right now), but there will be some developments in Aus-Teire this round that will make the Imperial House of Li very interested in the study of poisons for the exact opposite reason.

She laughed. "Ah, then we should make our talk quick, I should think, hm?"

She grinned and looked across the dance hall. "I need a few moments of thought anyway... so many handsome boys to spin around~ Where to even begin?"

He smiles. "I find that the golden eyes do attract the most beautiful of women..." He glances over his shoulder to Dulari, who his whirling between two very jealous Raaneki, each trying to win her attention. She stopped her dance and waved at him.

"Live the life now! Go, dance with the younger folk, and talk with the old codgers a bit later." He laughs a bit, pretending to look for his cane, and bows to Marvella.

"That's our cue," Inkeri Lius whispered at her half-sister, who then pushed away Eero Krii from their dance. The young man was sent spinning and nearly crashed to the ground, but managed to catch himself on an old man's shoulder, not recognizing the Doge. "Um, hello," the nobleman greets Marvella. He pokes nervously at the points of his ears. "Um, would you like to dance?"

Day 2

Grandchildren!

Nezetkhamun planted a paternal kiss on Eurydice's forehead to return her greeting, and extended a hand to Gun Huang.

"Too long indeed. The business of overseeing the succession and the transfer of power occupied entirely too much of my time. What use are wings if we cannot travel to where our grandchildren grow?"

There was, Gun Huang knew, truth to his sentiment. Eurydice had lived long enough in Tzalteclan to observe her father well, and knew the two faces he harbored even before his transformation. One, the face he wore now, the doting father, whose sole care was the betterment of his family. But she had told Gun Huang of her father's other face, where he ceased to be "father" or "Nezetkhamun" and became Teotlkan. It was that face that had ordered his eldest daughter into a marriage with a failing house, that face which had burned the orcs of Nezetkharras into ruin. It did not show now, but that side of him was always beneath the surface, the tyrant, the Dragon. To Eurydice it was to be expected, for it was thus for every Teotlkan back into antiquity, but for Gun Huang? Only he could say.

Nezetkhamun's laugh broke through the reverie as Xiuhcoatl turned to greet him, and he bowed in response to her curtsy. He held the pose a moment too long, before sweeping her into a hug.

"Such formality even for your grandfather? Your mother has taught you well."

He bent over and returned Xiuhcoatl's feet to the floor, before stepping back.

"You have become a fine young woman, Xiuhcoatl."

Gun Huang shook his father-in-law's hand with a strong grip--though not as strong as Nezetkhamun's, obviously. "Indeed, one would almost curse the oceans for their size."

The hug came as a surprise for Xiuhcoatl, who had expected her grandfather to be this intimidating man, all fiery theatrics and deadly decorum.

"Thank you, grandfather," Xiuhcoatl replied after returning with both feet on the ground. "It is good to see you. Mother did not tell me, however, whether dragons dance. Do they?" The young woman had a bend for trying to get or do something without directly asking for it. It often occurred that people did not even know until she already had it, but in this case it was fairly obvious. How could it not be? The presence of a dragon, even one so closely related and unexpectedly kind, seemed to instill a primal sense of intimidation. Perhaps it was just because this was only the second time she'd met him, and the first one that she would remember for the rest of her life. Deciding to test her daring, she held up a hand towards Nezetkhamun.

Her mother chuckled behind a clawed hand. "We should make our way onto the floor as well," Eurydice told Gun Huang, who likewise looked on amused. "Maybe in a little while, I see the Niskovian delegation over there. I'm going to go see if my sister or brother-in-law is among them." He gave a small bow in Nezetkhamun's direction and left.

The two men, part Jarrow part Eyrecradian with the mixed cultural impact associated therein, looked at one another for a moment as the two fair featured Imperials curtsied. If they were part Jarrow and part elven, and these girls were part Imperial and part elven, well, it would be a complete disgrace on many levels to refuse their dance. Edhyr and Eldin both took one of the young women, Ansa and Aliina respectively, and escorted them to the dance floor just as a rather fast paced and exciting song was struck up by the band.

I've put in my actions the marriages and wardings. Let me know if I took anyone I'm not supposed to.

I'm afraid I couldn't do that. While I know Yorukunin and Tekorvanin have been married into human lines before it doesn't really make much sense to me that they could/would so I'm keeping them largely insular in those regards.

That could be interesting. I haven't seen too much on the Pavonian vampirism though I imagine it probably isn't full on undead mystic creature such as Kyria and Loris have become (or I should surely hope not given the lengths went to to make them such) but more akin to the vampyre of the Heartwaste, a genetic/biological condition that might make them more receptive to the full Blessing of the Night such that Kyria and Loris are capable of bestowing it.

I kinda forgot where I was going with Aarne trying to meet up with the Faedas delegation. >.> I'll throw that in if I remember later, elsewise I'll just stick to pursuing things with the vampires.

As far as I know, Pavonian vampires are undead, but don't possess any mystical powers other than spawn creation to make up for their inability to have children the way living creatures do. They don't even have control over spawn; however, spawn need to feed off their creator once a month the first six or so months, iirc, numbers may be off slightly. Pavonian vampirism can also only affect (demi)humans, whereas I think yours can affect prettymuch any living creatures, right? I'm pretty interested in working out how Pavonian vampirism would affect a natural-born Heartwaste vampyre, or how the Blessing of the Night would affect a Pavonian vampire. Similarly, I'm also curious about working out how Heartwastian lycanthropy would affect Pavonian werewolves (who are created with runic magic), or how getting a Pavonian double heartrune (the mark of a Pavonian werewolf) would affect a Heartwastian werewolf.

The woman in black is actually Li Huanle Jarrow, triplet sister of the Qzarina, who got turned shortly after the Qzarina's coronation. Since being turned prevented Huanle from having children and thereby made her undesirable for the princes she was romantically involved with, her entire goal of living a fairytale life got shattered as she now instead lives a life more akin to a horror story. I thought it'd be perfect for her to get in touch with Kyria/Loris to see what effect they might work on her vampirism.

As for the wards, so far it's alright. I may marry some of them off, so those might end up elsewhere, but any that aren't betrothed by the end of the Grand Ball I'll send to you, so I'll inform you halfway next week if any need to be taken off the list.

King Kellan III of Ashenia and Queen Kasallin of Ashenia
Prince Korath Toranath - 33
Princess Melisana Toranath - 31

Primarch Freki of Sulvan's Fury and Princess Asrana of Ashenia
Razkai Son of Freki - 49
Freki Son of Freki - 45
Asra Daughter of Asrana - 44

Hazael Jarrow-Toranath - 32
Salline Jarrow-Toranath - 27 (betrothed)
Nezael Caercia-Toranath - 20
Tansan Caercia-Toranath - 24
Halley Eiron - 25 (betrothed)
Emriel Talisath - 19

The King of Ashenia brought his unmarried children and most of his unmarried cousins and the Primarch
of Sulvan did the same, so if anyone needs to marry people off, let me know and something can easily
be arranged.

I don't believe we have familial ties yet other than indirectly, do we? Might be a chance to mitigate that now. Of those that I have available there are:

Li Shandian, 25 -- son of Fengbao, triplet sister of the Qzarina
Li Leiming, 25 -- son of Fengbao, triplet sister of the Qzarina
Zuei Ren Wulfendyne, 38, male
Li Svante Nisakovich, 35, male
Li Tailin Fireguard, 31, male
Li Aarne Krii Valkoinen, 20, male
Li Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen, 20, male
Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar, 19 -- half-gem elf male
Eemeli Maa Loistavaseppä, 19 -- half-ore elf female
Inkeri Lius Timanpaholainen, 18 -- half-glacier elf female
Li Frey Ethmorl, 17 -- son of the Chancellor of the Triumvirate
Eevi Sam Ravitar, 17 -- half-moss elf female
Eero Krii Valkoinen, 17 -- half-chalk elf male
Aeglaeca Toiphle, 14 -- half-Tiefling, female

Italics = present at the Ball
Bold = spouse would marry into the House of Li, non-bolded may be married into other houses or their spouse may marry into the House of Li

Suggestions:
Princess Melisana Toranath + Prince Li Svante Nisakovich
Eemeli Maa Loistavaseppä + Razkai Frekison (ore elves have a history of mingling with dwarves)

HalfTangible

2014-12-05, 10:10 PM

"That's our cue," Inkeri Lius whispered at her half-sister, who then pushed away Eero Krii from their dance. The young man was sent spinning and nearly crashed to the ground, but managed to catch himself on an old man's shoulder, not recognizing the Doge. "Um, hello," the nobleman greets Marvella. He pokes nervously at the points of his ears. "Um, would you like to dance?"

Marvella smiled warmly and held out one hand. "With you? Certainly."

Day 1
Marvella is looking for Mithril to trade.

Kitsanth

2014-12-05, 10:55 PM

Dulari welcomes them to the dance floor with a wide bow. "Come, come, my friends! There is dancing and revelry enough for any constitution!" She pushes aside two rather insistent men trying to dance with her, and approaches the Grand Prince. "I see that you are most certainly taken, but there's got to be someone more... my size." She winks towards the group, holding out one gold-tattooed arm expectantly.

She looks the group over, interested in them. Niskans aren't rare, per se, but she had never seen them before, and that was a surprise to her. It spoke to the name of the Grand Ball that they had made the length journey.

With the Grand Prince and his partner swiftly disappearing amongst the dancers, one of the any Nisakovich cousins stepped forward to introduce himself. He was unusual for a Niskan, with pale grey-toned skin, silver eyes and light red hair - to any more familiar with the people of Niskovia, this young man has Karranan heritage.

"Leif Nisakovich, and it a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said, taking her arm, "and I am most certainly available to dance with a lady as lovely as you. I would gladly show you a few Niskan dances if you could teach me a few of your own peoples."

Indeed, if there was one thing Aglus possessed it was the awkward grace which comes with a people with a long history of elegant dance hindered slightly by motor skills and body not quite fully matured. Stopping instantly as the strange Man spoke to him, Aglus held one open palm beside his head and the other upon his chest. His claws were small, but he was careful to remain out of arms' reach of the strange being. His large round eyes were solid in colour, making it difficult to tell where they were focused. His face seemed similar to a human in some ways. Where there should be eyebrows were a pair of long, thin antennae instead. Rather than a human-like nose, Aglus possessed a short beak-like snout filled with rows of sharp pointed teeth which were only visible when he uttered a small 'Goljan'.

Were it not obvious already, Aglus was unsure of Columbo and did not otherwise visibly react to what Columbo had said.

Noticing a man approach Aglus and realising that the Haljan was alone, a Niskan approached the pair. For any who had been familiar with the late Prince Vanya, seeing this man was like seeing a ghost, for this man greatly resembled the former Sovereign.

If I may," began the Niskan, "Kazimir Nisakovich at your service. My young friend here is unfamiliar with trade language, I would be glad to translate if needed."

Leif Nisakovich [23, unmarried]

QuintonBeck

2014-12-05, 11:27 PM

With the Ashenian delegation having arrived a week prior to the official start of the Grand Ball it was deemed a rather odd occurrence when another ship bearing the Ashenian standards appeared at the port of the Eastern Floor. With the Cree on extra high alert regarding the Ashenians the ship found itself exhaustively examined for signs of duplicity or ill intent, but the reason for the extended delay was made apparent the moment the Cree, or any other got close enough.

Riding upon the bow of the ship was an unfamiliar face and an unfamiliar style of clothing. Appearing almost Na'Nuk in style but for the icy-blue metal shin and arm guards that marked a far more militant bent than any known Na'Nuk and the face above the fur trimmed collar clearly being completely human unlike the modern leading family of Wenyavuk it was clear this was a completely new player. The strange figure, identifiable as a woman upon closer inspection, seemed to be taking in her surroundings with a careful and calculating eye. Beside her stood Zhela Toranath, the elder ambassador of Ashenia who those with the time and the memory for such things might be noted to have been sent to meet with the Warriors of Syvine.

"All the nations whom we've spoken of, they are here? The barbarians of Hurosha as well?" she asked Zhela as the ship was escorted in by the wary Cree.

Elemental

2014-12-06, 02:21 AM

Dulari and Vizini greet the Ashenian delegation with a bow, though it is clear they aren't quite expecting the... size.

"What an impressive regiment!" says she, surveying their mass. "Sadly, we did not prepare space for this many in the Eastern Floor... They will have to camp outside the city walls. You do have tents, which is aaaaaaaaaa~mazing! We'll show you where to set up!" She bounces down, leading them on.

Vizini smiles after her. "Ah! The beauty of Raaneki, eh? But you shall know soon enough the wonders of this place! Tell me, though... I'm more than a little confused. No, curious... why the retinue? It seems to be easily a thousand men all told, and this is, historically, a place to pursue peace. So why all these?"

OOC: I am correct that this is a time bubble taking place at the arrival of Ashenia in advance of the event itself?

The King of Ashenia bows his head respectfully to his hosts while the Primarch of Sulvan directed the logistics of setting up camp. Dwarves were better at organisation after all.
"A thousand guards, seven hundred of my own, three hundred of the Primarch's, plus two hundred servants. I realise it is a bit excessive, but since the time of my great great great grandfather, we have come to realise that their forces abroad in this world that could be hazardous to one such as myself. Though I fear no foreign king, there are those out there who are less than happy with my previous actions.
"Such as yourself. I am surprised you even allowed my presence since after I pushed you into that pit in Palas Caercia..."

-Knoonbish's lovely note and the hospitality of the Cree security force-

Naturally, she immediately receives a note in response. The King however managed to find a quill pen rather quickly.

Champion Knoonbish;
Where else was my escort supposed to stay? I can't exactly quarter them in a nearby town now, can I?The Raaneki are my hosts and I will not impose on them to house either my or the Primarch's guards for the duration of this event.
They will cause no trouble unless either myself or the Primarch come into danger which is something I do not foresee in the slightest given the quality of the security provided to us.
Yours in trust,
Kellan Toranath III.
When the Cree went ahead and added their extra precautions the Ashenite and Sulvan guards made no apparent objection. Indeed, given that they had avoided constructing a useful defensive perimeter around their camp due to matters of propriety they were not looking forward to having to deal with Raaneki revellers attempting to engage them in the celebrations and to be honest, the provided food was extremely delicious.
All in all, despite both the Cree and Ashenites being on edge, everything went very smoothly.

Suggestions:
Princess Melisana Toranath + Prince Li Svante Nisakovich
Eemeli Maa Loistavaseppä + Razkai Frekison (ore elves have a history of mingling with dwarves)

These marriage proposals are acceptable. I'll mark the two lucky youngsters as no longer eligible.

"All the nations whom we've spoken of, they are here? The barbarians of Hurosha as well?" she asked Zhela as the ship was escorted in by the wary Cree.

OOC: I assume this is Angayak Tulimaq?

"Perhaps not all of them Your Grace. But a gathering such as this has the tendency to attract those rulers who are concerned about matters beyond their own borders. I would be surprised had Hurosha chosen not to attend."
Zhela watched the Cree as their ship docked at the pier, partly concerned that her nephew may have done something over the top but primarily worried about how they might react to people from an unknown culture and land suddenly appearing.
"We'll disembark when you're ready Your Grace. Just be careful of the Raaneki, I wasn't lying when I said how enthusiastic they can get."

Kitsanth

2014-12-06, 07:21 AM

Rather than expect people to trawl through the out-of-date Nisakovich family tree, I have just finished collating a list of persons eligible for marriage! Listed below are name, age, ancestry and degree of relation to their closest relation of significance.

Bachelors!
Rune Nisakovich [19; 1/4 Venn ancestry; great great-grandson of Prince Vanya]
Demyan Nisakovich [19; grandson of Prince Zhenya]
Velimir Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, great-grandson of Branimir Korošec]
Tobias Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, great great-grandson of Prince Vanya]
Stevan Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, great great-grandson of Prince Vanya]
Corentin de Isaak of Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, 3/8 Favn ancestry; great great-grandson of Prince Vanya, great great-grandson of Artem Nisakovich]
Saveli Nisakovich [21; grandson of Prince Zhenya]
Ruslan Nisakovich [22; grandson of Prince Zhenya]
Pavel Nisakovich [22; 1/4 Venn ancestry; great great-grandson of Prince Vanya]
Khariton de Sebastian of House Nisakovich [22; 3/8 Favn ancestry; the younger brother of Grand Prince Jehan]
Leif Nisakovich [23; 1/4 Karranan ancestry; great-grandson of Lady Syuzanna]

Bachelorettes!
Ritva Nisakovich [19; granddaughter of Prince Zhenya]
Nikol Nisakovich [19; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry; great great-granddaughter of Prince Vanya]
Nika Nisakovich [19; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry; great great-granddaughter of Prince Vanya]
Iulia de Isaak of House Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, 3/8 Favn ancestry; great great-granddaughter of Prince Vanya, great great-granddaughter of Artem Nisakovich]
Sylvia Nisakovich [21; 1/4 Venn ancestry; great great-granddaughter of Prince Vanya]
Kajsa Nisakovich [21; 1/4 Karranan ancestry; great-granddaughter of Lady Syuzanna]
Ulrika Nisakovich [22; granddaughter of Prince Zhenya]
Taide Nisakovich [22; granddaughter of Prince Zhenya]
Raisa Nisakovich [24; granddaughter of Prince Zhenya]

Also, if anyone was after any trades or such, pm me at your convenience.

Morph Bark

2014-12-06, 08:22 AM

Marvella smiled warmly and held out one hand. "With you? Certainly."

Eero swallowed as he bowed before Marvella, then gently took her hand and moved to the dance floor, making sure to stay well away from his sisters. Luckily the music was merry and elegant. He wasn't up for something like the Requiem of the Riverwyrm, doubting even whether his dance partner knew of it. "I'm a good dancer," he reminded himself, noticing too late he'd spoken out loud. Red-faced, their dance began.

Rather than expect people to trawl through the out-of-date Nisakovich family tree, I have just finished collating a list of persons eligible for marriage! Listed below are name, age, ancestry and degree of relation to their closest relation of significance.

Bachelors!
Rune Nisakovich [19; 1/4 Venn ancestry; great great-grandson of Prince Vanya]
Demyan Nisakovich [19; grandson of Prince Zhenya]
Velimir Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, great-grandson of Branimir Korošec]
Tobias Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, great great-grandson of Prince Vanya]
Stevan Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, great great-grandson of Prince Vanya]
Corentin de Isaak of Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, 3/8 Favn ancestry; great great-grandson of Prince Vanya, great great-grandson of Artem Nisakovich]
Saveli Nisakovich [21; grandson of Prince Zhenya]
Ruslan Nisakovich [22; grandson of Prince Zhenya]
Pavel Nisakovich [22; 1/4 Venn ancestry; great great-grandson of Prince Vanya]
Khariton de Sebastian of House Nisakovich [22; 3/8 Favn ancestry; the younger brother of Grand Prince Jehan]
Leif Nisakovich [23; 1/4 Karranan ancestry; great-grandson of Lady Syuzanna]

Bachelorettes!
Ritva Nisakovich [19; granddaughter of Prince Zhenya]
Nikol Nisakovich [19; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry; great great-granddaughter of Prince Vanya]
Nika Nisakovich [19; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry; great great-granddaughter of Prince Vanya]
Iulia de Isaak of House Nisakovich [20; 1/4 Ashenite ancestry, 3/8 Favn ancestry; great great-granddaughter of Prince Vanya, great great-granddaughter of Artem Nisakovich]
Sylvia Nisakovich [21; 1/4 Venn ancestry; great great-granddaughter of Prince Vanya]
Kajsa Nisakovich [21; 1/4 Karranan ancestry; great-granddaughter of Lady Syuzanna]
Ulrika Nisakovich [22; granddaughter of Prince Zhenya]
Taide Nisakovich [22; granddaughter of Prince Zhenya]
Raisa Nisakovich [24; granddaughter of Prince Zhenya]

Also, if anyone was after any trades or such, pm me at your convenience.

I've got the following proposals:

Kajsa Nisakovich + Li Shandian (Kajsa moves to the Heartlands)
Iulia de Isaak + Li Leiming (Iulia moves to the Heartlands)
Raisa Nisakovich + Zuei Ren Wulfendyne (Ren moves to Niskovia)

If you want, like with our previous arrangement with Shuxian and Teodor, I could send you some of the children back to Niskovia to join House Nisakovich and be tutored there. I don't need any children back from Ren as he's from a different house than the Imperial one.

Aedilred

2014-12-06, 10:24 AM

Day 1

Vizini glanced at him, and then again, his look deepening almost to a stare. If only he had his forefathers' skill... There was something else on Elwyr's mind, but he couldn't tell what...

"Is there, perhaps, something else you would prefer to talk about? I know that mechanics and politics can be a bore sometimes.
Elwyr smiled, a brief, apologetic gesture that crossed his face only for a moment. "Please forgive me, lord Doge, for I do not wish to seem ungrateful, and the details of your gift will be given proper attention by those better-equipped to interpret them. For most of my life, I would never have deemed mechanics or politics a bore: quite the reverse, for I found detail and intrigue thoroughly invigorating." He paused, wondering how much to divulge.

"I have little talent for diplomacy". Eldred shifted slightly and gave him a curious glance as he continued. "I may see and judge clearly, and my father and brother both made use of my abilities in that regad, but I have little facility for conversation, certainly at least with those I do not know well. In earlier years I had little conversation, but all of it was with those I knew intimately. Now I have much, and my close friends of yesteryear are all gone. I was never meant to be king, and I came to the throne too old to, as you might say, learn on the job.

"I have no time to pursue my interests of scholarship either. So I have turned to the one field where I still have confidence, and concentrated on matters of faith. I fear that these days I am ill-equipped to speak about anything else, certainly to such an extent as would be worthy of your time."

It was a measure of his advancing years, he thought, that he could no longer speak on one subject while thinking about something else. For all his limited conversational abilities he had at least always been able to entertain more than one thought in his head at once, but even that was an increasing struggle. That in itself gave him a clue as to what it was troubling him, something he had been unable to pin down otherwise. His body, his subconscious, or something else, prodding him to take notice of something he never had before, something he had until now effortlessly and unthinkingly kept in check? That was a worry in itself.

Day 2

The Ball proper was probably the first time the delegation appeared in full and in one place: lthe king led the way, still garbed in his full regalia, flanked by his nephews (of whom, to be strict, two were in fact cousins), each of them dressed as distinctively as those who knew the family would remember. Eldred wore clothes of neat and careful cut and apparently flamboyant colour, but without great ornament and which any with any martial interest would note left him complete freedom of movement, and easy access to his sword. Athelwyr's clothes bore the obvious influences of horsemanship, despite the greater flamboyance in his dress overall, while Alfmyr wore his habitual high collar and gloves, his coat carrying more embroidery and brighter in colour than at the Games some years before, though far from a return to the outright dandyism of his youth. On his last visit to Raaneka, Alfmyr and his twin had caused great embarrassment for the crown, and he was apparently determined not to make the same mistake again.

Elwyr glanced around, taking in the other delegations. A few of his relatives, he saw; Eirwynn's grandchildren Hazael and one he presumed was either Idrisa or Salline - most likely Salline, given the apparent absence of a husband - among the Ashenians, another with the Niskovians, together with Shuxian; Gun Huang, and what he presumed was a horde of his offspring, though none others of his sisters' children that he could see; and Melhyn's sons, dancing with some other elves who might or might not be Gun Huang's children; he was starting to lose track.

They swept into the room in a wave of reds and golds and black, standing proud and stern as was the Tzaltec way. But once they reached the ballroom floor the children scattered like any others, set loose by their father on this magical day. All save Khensa, who remained by her father's side as he moved to greet the Carmine delegation. Approaching King Elwyr, he bowed slightly as Khensa dipped into a curtsy.

"King Elwyr, a pleasure to see you once again. It has been too long."

"Lord Teotlkan, likewise." He bowed slightly in return. As for most of the previous day, he had been hoping that most of the attendees would simply leave him alone, but he did not wish to be rude, and if he was to avoid contact altogether he might as well not have attended at all. Fortunately at least as far as the Tzaltec went his family were less reticent, and Eldred stepped past him to greet Senusret warmly, while Alfmyr, noticing the arrival of the Tzaltec, led a young man forward.

"Lord Teotlkan, you may remember my son, Elwyn." Elwyn bowed deeply; only fifteen years old, he was nonetheless aware that he owed the Teotlkan and his father a great debt, even if the details of precisely what were not to be discussed in public and had hitherto been withheld even from him.

"Is there any food?" Duke Kasmi muttered, looking around in search of a buffet table or waiter. Elwyr was still uncertain about the decision to bring the Duke - while less of a firebrand and liability than his brother, they were cut from the same cloth and he suspected the apparent differences between them in personality and policy were at least in part a concoction which allowed Kasmi's private views to be aired, while still permitting him to retain the appearance of reasonableness. Leaving Yuli at home had certainly been the right move, however, for inviting him to a Guilderene-hosted event, even in Raaneka, was just asking for trouble. He did have a pang of guilt at the resultant effect that Yuli would be barred from seeing his relatives from Niskovia, though, if the rumours were true, that might be as much of a mercy as a burden.

"I'll see if I can collar someone," Kasmi said, and set off in the direction of what looked to be a servant, though it looked like she had at least as much chance of joining in the dancing herself as administering to guests' needs. Just in time, Elwyr recognised her and grabbed his cousin's arm.

"Kasmi, that's the Queen!"

"Is it? Well I'll be-" Kasmi squinted at her. "How the hell do they -" he paused, and glanced down at his arm in concern. "Lord king."

Elwyr released him and saw that the cloth on the Duke's upper arm was lightly smouldering. "So sorry, cousin."

"No harm done, lord king. Think nothing of it." Kasmi's face was creased with concern and curiosity, his eyes wide, though his voice remained polite. "I'll see about that food."

SamBurke

2014-12-06, 12:40 PM

King Konhagen and Queen Kaitlind had not ventured from the caves of Mularuhm in decades and so for many it was a shock when a procession bearing the colors of Mularuhm was spotted. For the dwarves' part they remained relatively unfussed by the whole affair. The Dwarves of Mularuhm were slower to act or react than most of the Surfacers and preferred operating internally rather than showing up at every blasted event they received an invitation to. It was an advantage to being a vassal to a Surfacer nation that they could go on living their lives without two disturbances every decade from the outside world. Yet word had come that the Nix wished to speak with the Kingdom of Mularuhm regarding their future and the King and Queen had felt it was their duty to oblige a fellow nation that valued privacy and peace of mind over involvement with the shifting whims of the surfacers.

Another, less talked about reason for the King and Queen's extended absence from the world stage was also present by the accompanying guards' sigils on their tabards and swords. The silver palm on black field of the Mithredge clan marked all the Mularuhm attendants and guardsmen, only Konhagen bore the traditional crossed red hammers on blue field of the Ringmaker royal line and his wife was dressed in the yellows and greens of the Gemgrinder clan, sister to the young clan of Mithredge. Standing directly to Konhagen's right, his wife occupying his left side, was Reichtin Cedrik Mithredge, the leader of the Mithredge clan and leader of the armies of Mularuhm and, some argued, the most powerful man in the Kingdom.

But such gossip was not common, at least, not near the ears of the King and as the ships pulled into the harbor much ado was made over the King with the Reichtin remaining respectfully apart. The many dwarves, many for a foreign delegation meaning roughly thirty, disgorged from the ship and made their way into the Ball.

I have a available and would like to trade the following:
Gold
Amoeba Colonial Oozes
Sulfur
Discordian Deeprock
Giant Spiders
Rokuers (Ridable rock dogs)
Cave Fungus
Riders (Dwarven Mercenaries)

I'd be interested in trading you for Cave Fungus or Colonial Oozes. My most open resources are Magnetite, Nitrates, and Tar, though I also still have some Shaping-Wood open.

Vizini bowed to the Mularuhm, and came up with a smile. "It is good to see the dwarves of the south again! Tell me, is this your first time here in the north, King Konhagen? I shall have to show you the sights..." He begins to walk with him up the steps of the Eastern Floor.

A small group of Imperials were awaiting the Doge's arrival upon his request to meet with them. Li Gun Huang Jarrow replayed the time he'd first seen Vizini through his head: a foolish man interrupting the coronation of one of the most powerful people in the world, who had in name ruled a nation that for years had been the enemy of Guilder through Guilder's own actions. In an ironic way, it was similar to how his father had interrupted the marriage of two Jarrland princes and their brides and had backed off after being bested in single combat by his future wife, Gun Huang's mother, Ambryn. The difference lay in the fact that Jarrland had never been at war with the Heartlands and was even a vassal of it at the time.

His nephew Shandian was sitting at the table drumming his fingers on the wood impatiently. He'd never much been one for waiting, or even the diplomacy that followed, but Gun Huang had requested of him to be present and see it at work nevertheless. Shandian was Fengbao's eldest son, and therefore was high up on the inheritance ladder. Two guards stood near the wall behind him, one more by each door and two behind Gun Huang himself, all clad in orichalcum, making the guards look ostentatious in comparison to those they protected. By the window stood a woman in a black dress, hooded and veiled, staring at the morning sun rising over the city outside, wistfully and pondering.

Vizini seemed to be late by Gun Huang's estimates. When the Doge arrived with all his theatrics, he nodded at him in response to his bow. "He did. The things you suggest in your letter are intriguing. Trade is often easily accepted, and being sent a close relative of yours to live in Aus-Teire as a ward of the Imperial House of Li is one we accept as well. However," Gun Huang's face hardened, like his armor had under the smith's hammer. "To ask us to help teach your son within our capital is a request we shan't fulfill. Regardless of what you might say is the truth behind the attack years ago at the coronation of King Ji Caercia, the feelings yet linger while those live who remember their presence at the event. My sister nearly died because of your carelessness, and I can assure you that none who might've taken her place at the helm of the Imperium would've been as kind towards you as she has been. If Wesley will come to the Free City of Diamondhead, he may find proper tutoring and care. Under supervision, he may even visit other parts of the Heartlands but Xianzhi Urbe. Should you or any of Inigo's children or grandchildren set foot in Xianzhi Urbe, their lives are forfeit." He took a peanut from a bowl on the table. "Nothing personal, of course." It was almost as if these kinds of theatrics were more Gun Huang's flavour.

Ahh, alright then. I'll wait until cake trade has got an open spot next round then. :smallwink:

Trade-wise, I have an interest in Lacertal Milk. Not so much because I want to poison any specific person (don't have any threatening enemies right now), but there will be some developments in Aus-Teire this round that will make the Imperial House of Li very interested in the study of poisons for the exact opposite reason.

I don't believe we have familial ties yet other than indirectly, do we? Might be a chance to mitigate that now. Of those that I have available there are:

Li Shandian, 25 -- son of Fengbao, triplet sister of the Qzarina
Li Leiming, 25 -- son of Fengbao, triplet sister of the Qzarina
Zuei Ren Wulfendyne, 38, male
Li Svante Nisakovich, 35, male
Li Tailin Fireguard, 31, male
Li Aarne Krii Valkoinen, 20, male
Li Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen, 20, male
Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar, 19 -- half-gem elf male
Eemeli Maa Loistavaseppä, 19 -- half-ore elf female
Inkeri Lius Timanpaholainen, 18 -- half-glacier elf female
Li Frey Ethmorl, 17 -- son of the Chancellor of the Triumvirate
Eevi Sam Ravitar, 17 -- half-moss elf female
Eero Krii Valkoinen, 17 -- half-chalk elf male
Aeglaeca Toiphle, 14 -- half-Tiefling, female

Italics = present at the Ball
Bold = spouse would marry into the House of Li, non-bolded may be married into other houses or their spouse may marry into the House of Li

Suggestions:
Princess Melisana Toranath + Prince Li Svante Nisakovich
Eemeli Maa Loistavaseppä + Razkai Frekison (ore elves have a history of mingling with dwarves)

I'll have cake ready next round, and I'll do a gift of Tar/Fossils to you this round. It'll last until Vizini dies, or his son takes over.

As to Lacertal Milk, I am full up on that as of this round, but I can ask around to see if other people would switch their trades to make that open. I can also trade you Lacertal Lizards direct, which will fluff-wise allow you to obtain their "milk" too. It won't be in large quantities, but it's enough to make several hundred people (possibly more) go trippy, or kill a few dozen.

"Let us speak of my son first, and then of other matters. I understand if he is not to live in the Heartlands; that is acceptable to me. I simply ask that he be allowed to live as if he were Salterri, to learn their customs and ways and people well. If that can be done, then it matters not to me which city he lives in, save that it is the city which you desire." He bows lightly.

"Now! Before we begin speaking of trade, I would like to send you a gift, and perhaps a second... In Maos, we have found great pits of tar, deep and full of the stuff. Suitable for ships or for walls, waterproofing or war... but also, deeper, we found curiosities. Ancient skulls and bones from ancient creatures, some of which... were massive." He nods to the door, and four attendants walk in, gingerly placing a 6-foot skull down on the floor, in an open area. "This is, we believe, a relative of the dinosaurs that are common in this area. These curiosities I shall ship to you, as often as we find them, until my death." The men take the skull wherever Gun Huang wishes, and they return to the conversation.

With the Grand Prince and his partner swiftly disappearing amongst the dancers, one of the any Nisakovich cousins stepped forward to introduce himself. He was unusual for a Niskan, with pale grey-toned skin, silver eyes and light red hair - to any more familiar with the people of Niskovia, this young man has Karranan heritage.

"Leif Nisakovich, and it a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said, taking her arm, "and I am most certainly available to dance with a lady as lovely as you. I would gladly show you a few Niskan dances if you could teach me a few of your own peoples."
Dulari laughs. "I shall do that, and gladly! But tell me... how is the west these days! We don't see ~enough~ of you at our parties!" She stops dancing in full, sadness on her face. "I can't think of the last time I've danced with a Niskan!"

They whorled around the floor, and at the end of the dance, as they bowed, she said, "And now it's time for me to learn one of your dances, is it not?"

OOC: I am correct that this is a time bubble taking place at the arrival of Ashenia in advance of the event itself?

The King of Ashenia bows his head respectfully to his hosts while the Primarch of Sulvan directed the logistics of setting up camp. Dwarves were better at organisation after all.
"A thousand guards, seven hundred of my own, three hundred of the Primarch's, plus two hundred servants. I realise it is a bit excessive, but since the time of my great great great grandfather, we have come to realise that their forces abroad in this world that could be hazardous to one such as myself. Though I fear no foreign king, there are those out there who are less than happy with my previous actions.
"Such as yourself. I am surprised you even allowed my presence since after I pushed you into that pit in Palas Caercia..."
Yeah, it's time-bubble.

Vizini thought hard. It had been nearly 15 years since that day, and far more important things had happened in his life since one fall and one injury. At long last, he'd remembered enough to speak.

The Doge shook his head. "If this was a feast full of grudges, we couldn't be having it in Raaneka, now could we? While here, all past hate is, as near as I can make it, wiped out. Whatever your intentions were that day, it is long past...And a new day, in fact, has begun.

"So you and all of your men, take to the streets! See a new, peaceful world, as Dulari, Sucheta, and I have envisioned. See new colors and new life and new light. Especially the new colors," he adds. "The dye festival is wondrous this time of year... so many painters and artists inspired. Sages and studious men as well, such as your professors!"

Day 1

Elwyr smiled, a brief, apologetic gesture that crossed his face only for a moment. "Please forgive me, lord Doge, for I do not wish to seem ungrateful, and the details of your gift will be given proper attention by those better-equipped to interpret them. For most of my life, I would never have deemed mechanics or politics a bore: quite the reverse, for I found detail and intrigue thoroughly invigorating." He paused, wondering how much to divulge.

"I have little talent for diplomacy". Eldred shifted slightly and gave him a curious glance as he continued. "I may see and judge clearly, and my father and brother both made use of my abilities in that regad, but I have little facility for conversation, certainly at least with those I do not know well. In earlier years I had little conversation, but all of it was with those I knew intimately. Now I have much, and my close friends of yesteryear are all gone. I was never meant to be king, and I came to the throne too old to, as you might say, learn on the job.

"I have no time to pursue my interests of scholarship either. So I have turned to the one field where I still have confidence, and concentrated on matters of faith. I fear that these days I am ill-equipped to speak about anything else, certainly to such an extent as would be worthy of your time."

It was a measure of his advancing years, he thought, that he could no longer speak on one subject while thinking about something else. For all his limited conversational abilities he had at least always been able to entertain more than one thought in his head at once, but even that was an increasing struggle. That in itself gave him a clue as to what it was troubling him, something he had been unable to pin down otherwise. His body, his subconscious, or something else, prodding him to take notice of something he never had before, something he had until now effortlessly and unthinkingly kept in check? That was a worry in itself.
Vizini visibly exhales and relaxes. If Eldred could let his guard down, then so could he. "I'll admit the same... Diplomacy and making friends is a bit more difficult for me than for previous generations. So let us talk more openly. Ignore the trades and things... Tell me, how is your faith spreading? Do you desire it to spread further?"

Internally, the Doge is beyond joyed. The life of a host is no easy one, and the number of serious, diplomatically-charged conversations he would have was high... but here, it was simply two old men, having a conversation.

With the Ashenian delegation having arrived a week prior to the official start of the Grand Ball it was deemed a rather odd occurrence when another ship bearing the Ashenian standards appeared at the port of the Eastern Floor. With the Cree on extra high alert regarding the Ashenians the ship found itself exhaustively examined for signs of duplicity or ill intent, but the reason for the extended delay was made apparent the moment the Cree, or any other got close enough.

Riding upon the bow of the ship was an unfamiliar face and an unfamiliar style of clothing. Appearing almost Na'Nuk in style but for the icy-blue metal shin and arm guards that marked a far more militant bent than any known Na'Nuk and the face above the fur trimmed collar clearly being completely human unlike the modern leading family of Wenyavuk it was clear this was a completely new player. The strange figure, identifiable as a woman upon closer inspection, seemed to be taking in her surroundings with a careful and calculating eye. Beside her stood Zhela Toranath, the elder ambassador of Ashenia who those with the time and the memory for such things might be noted to have been sent to meet with the Warriors of Syvine.

"All the nations whom we've spoken of, they are here? The barbarians of Hurosha as well?" she asked Zhela as the ship was escorted in by the wary Cree.
Day 1:Docks
Dulari, on her own now, walked towards the docks with curiosity. Who were these new people, and what was their purpose here? It was a strange day, to be sure... What better thing to do than to speak to them?

She walked up, bowing to Zhela, and then the woman. "Greetings, friends! Where hail you from? I am Dulari, Dogess of Guilder, and one of the hosts of this grand day! Tell me... are you more Ashenians? Or something new?" She inspects the armor with some interest.

lt_murgen

2014-12-06, 02:28 PM

Definitely taking you up on that. I've been looking for more of those any way... Rannara's open, which has Magnetite and Nitrates.

Happy to build a new city in Raanara for magnetite. Any good ideas for a jeweled-based name? I was thinking Port Peridot, shortened to Port Peri. Peridot is often found in banded veins with magnetite.

I have a available and would like to trade the following:
Gold
Amoeba Colonial Oozes
Sulfur
Discordian Deeprock
Giant Spiders
Rokuers (Ridable rock dogs)
Cave Fungus
Riders (Dwarven Mercenaries)

I can flat out trade aloe vera for sulfur. Also, I'd love to build a city/trade port somewhere for Rokuers)

Snowfire

2014-12-06, 06:17 PM

"Yes, I can see that," Ji agreed politely, though a noted level of reservation could be heard beneath his voice.

Sucheta may have fancied herself something of of a wunderkind when it came to diplomacy and international relations, and there was no doubt she had accomplished much, but in doing so she'd made Raaneka decidedly less Raaneki. The Consortium saw it, and Ji was more aware than many. His father had told him of times spent in Raaneka as the only northern country without an ulterior motive and a land of freeflowing wine and love. Great Uncle Dieter Stein had fancied Ji and the other young boys of the Caercian Court with fantastic tales of his journeys to Raaneki. A land of golden laughter he'd described it as.

However, Raaneka was no longer what it once was, to be Raaneki no longer carried with it the sense of companionship and unadulterated well meaning. There was an edge now, a motive beneath the smile and hidden in the small folds of the Raaneki dress. Ultimately it stemmed from Sucheta, a woman who had eschewed the diarchy of her ancestors, the ancestors worshiped and adulated by the Raaneki, a woman who had spoken as the Voice of an Emperor and forged together an Empire that otherwise might have crumbled. This Raaneka was not the Raaneka of his father or grandfather and Sucheta was not the same as the Raaneki Queens of old. The old views were no longer relevant, it was time to determine the new ones.

"Congratulations to you on your marriage Doge, I hope it is a blessed one. Sucheta, I've heard rumors of a marriage to come your own way, is it true that the Twin Thrones will once again be at full occupation?"

"You hear true, Ji." The smile that lit Sucheta's face seemed for an instant to outshine the sun. "It has been too long, and much - nay, all - of it upon me. Never defied in spirit, but in vision it is well to see the Twin Thrones filled in person." If that answer was confusing, Sucheta paid little attention to it.

"Would you have time for a dance whilst you are here? I've miss the steps of Caercians since our last one." She seemed genuinely sad about that.

As Sucheta stood blinking Hushyarr looked at her in confusion. "A... Aditi? It's been so long."

"Mosi?" The question was almost incredulous, "You've...changed. She blurted out, fully aware of how silly that sounded given who she was talking to, yet not even caring. Then she stepped past the subtle ring of guards, and cocked her head at the brilliant red of his mane. "Yet some things never change, do they." She reached out, completely unaware of the reaction of the Criman guards around her. "I would recognise that mane anywhere..."

"Know their tools?" Ensio sounded puzzled at first, "yes!" he recovered, whether in truth or covering ignorance. "I haven't ever been outside the Imperium, so to come to Raaneka at such a happy time is wondrous." He frowned a little, curiously, an uncertain smile playing on his lips. "Though I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with Raaneki custom whether tool use or talk of it is befitting the crowd."

"A crowd talks of everything within it, you need only follow where it can lead." The Raaneki smiled, and held out a hand. "Kalinda. It's good to meet you." She spun beneath the hand he extended to her as she took it, ending up facing him at a far closer distance than he'd expected. "So what are you looking for, my dear?"

Accidentally used the wrong font colour last post. This is Sucheta's younger sister.

Reggiejam

2014-12-06, 06:49 PM

I kinda forgot where I was going with Aarne trying to meet up with the Faedas delegation. >.> I'll throw that in if I remember later, elsewise I'll just stick to pursuing things with the vampires.

As far as I know, Pavonian vampires are undead, but don't possess any mystical powers other than spawn creation to make up for their inability to have children the way living creatures do. They don't even have control over spawn; however, spawn need to feed off their creator once a month the first six or so months, iirc, numbers may be off slightly. Pavonian vampirism can also only affect (demi)humans, whereas I think yours can affect prettymuch any living creatures, right? I'm pretty interested in working out how Pavonian vampirism would affect a natural-born Heartwaste vampyre, or how the Blessing of the Night would affect a Pavonian vampire. Similarly, I'm also curious about working out how Heartwastian lycanthropy would affect Pavonian werewolves (who are created with runic magic), or how getting a Pavonian double heartrune (the mark of a Pavonian werewolf) would affect a Heartwastian werewolf.

The woman in black is actually Li Huanle Jarrow, triplet sister of the Qzarina, who got turned shortly after the Qzarina's coronation. Since being turned prevented Huanle from having children and thereby made her undesirable for the princes she was romantically involved with, her entire goal of living a fairytale life got shattered as she now instead lives a life more akin to a horror story. I thought it'd be perfect for her to get in touch with Kyria/Loris to see what effect they might work on her vampirism.

As for the wards, so far it's alright. I may marry some of them off, so those might end up elsewhere, but any that aren't betrothed by the end of the Grand Ball I'll send to you, so I'll inform you halfway next week if any need to be taken off the list.

Hmm, well Kyria and Loris are essentially your typical Vampire Lords with some twists. They possess increased strength and endurance, don't sleep, are capable of walking in the sun if completely garbed but they are sensitive to light and will burn if exposed to direct sunlight, they can't turn into bats but thanks to Kina can shadow step and though not solely vampiric but also due to their Cloudiz heritage they have great bat-like wings and can fly, and are effectively immortal as long as they aren't slain (I haven't decided the exact mechanics for this, possibly beheading) and are able to feed. They need to feed at least five times a week and while Kyria and Loris prefer Fae blood due to their formerly being vampyre it isn't a necessity. Their thralls usually serve as the providers for their feedings.

They can turn a willing participant into a Vampire with much the same abilities who's life forces become bound to their own meaning if they were to die their Brood would die which keeps them from turning on them after acquiring their not insignificant powers. Going through this ritual is difficult and not every person who goes through it survives. They also may turn willing or unwilling subjects (usually the latter) into thralls which is a much easier process and binds them to the Vampiress like the Brood but doesn't grant any powers and in fact they lose almost all their individuality becoming simply extensions of the Vampire's will (Brood Vampires may also create thralls but not additional Vampires as they received but cannot pass on the Blessing of the Night)

Vampyre are something of a genetic anomaly more than a supernatural creature, needing fae blood to stay alive and maintain their sanity and health due to the toxic mix of Fae and werekin blood.

Heartwastian werekin are traditional werewolves in a lot of ways, the full moon affecting their change and otherwise being more or less human. I haven't delved into their side too much but they're the lower class of the society and kept by the fae as servants and retainers and locked up during full moons and the like. They're treated more like man-shaped animals than intelligent creatures due to their condition. I may turn one into a Vampire though I need to come up with a plot to lead it there.

As to how they'd all interact. In my mind the Blessing of the Night would essentially override anything other than a directly conflicting blessing from another deity (which we should get to see :smallbiggrin:) Now a vampyre and a Pavonian Vampire might have a strange interaction, probably the Pavonian vampirism overriding the vampyrism and I don't know how Heartwaste werewolves might interact with Pavonian ones. It's possible Pavonian rune magic might be able to help Heartwaste werewolves actually control their change.

If you want to seen Huanle to talk with Kyria here I think that could be a fun conversation. Kyria keeps very secluded and nearly impossible to reach for those outside whom she allows it but she'd be interested in meeting a Pavonian vampire, especially a Salterri Imperial one.

HalfTangible

2014-12-06, 08:01 PM

Eero swallowed as he bowed before Marvella, then gently took her hand and moved to the dance floor, making sure to stay well away from his sisters. Luckily the music was merry and elegant. He wasn't up for something like the Requiem of the Riverwyrm, doubting even whether his dance partner knew of it. "I'm a good dancer," he reminded himself, noticing too late he'd spoken out loud. Red-faced, their dance began.

Lucky indeed. Marvella knew this particular number and was able to lead a bit where Eero was not. "So, to whom do I owe the honor?"

QuintonBeck

2014-12-06, 10:51 PM

OOC: I assume this is Angayak Tulimaq?

"Perhaps not all of them Your Grace. But a gathering such as this has the tendency to attract those rulers who are concerned about matters beyond their own borders. I would be surprised had Hurosha chosen not to attend."
Zhela watched the Cree as their ship docked at the pier, partly concerned that her nephew may have done something over the top but primarily worried about how they might react to people from an unknown culture and land suddenly appearing.
"We'll disembark when you're ready Your Grace. Just be careful of the Raaneki, I wasn't lying when I said how enthusiastic they can get."

OOC: Yep

"Hmm," the War Chief growled her voice throaty, "Thank you ambassador, I do not think they shall make such a mistake with myself. At least, not twice. I desire to speak with the Huroshans, and then with your King."

The Warrior woman disembarked the ship, walking with a military swagger intended to communicate a sense of calmness covering the uniquely dangerous ability to disembowel a man.

[SPOILER=Trades]
Day 1:Docks
Dulari, on her own now, walked towards the docks with curiosity. Who were these new people, and what was their purpose here? It was a strange day, to be sure... What better thing to do than to speak to them?

She walked up, bowing to Zhela, and then the woman. "Greetings, friends! Where hail you from? I am Dulari, Dogess of Guilder, and one of the hosts of this grand day! Tell me... are you more Ashenians? Or something new?" She inspects the armor with some interest.

The War Chief looked the woman up and down, appraising her. She looked foolish and pompous in her lack of clothing. A fun diversion for her warriors who fancied a pretty face, but of seemingly little value besides. She doubted she'd last a day in the icelands.

"Something new, something old, a bit of both," her words sounded friendly but her face remained frozen in cold contempt, "I shan't wish to overstep my bounds as companion to Ambassador Zhela, but I must thank you for the opportunity this event is providing me. Tell me, do you know if the Huroshan delegation has arrived?"

Elemental

2014-12-07, 08:45 AM

Yeah, it's time-bubble.

Vizini thought hard. It had been nearly 15 years since that day, and far more important things had happened in his life since one fall and one injury. At long last, he'd remembered enough to speak.

The Doge shook his head. "If this was a feast full of grudges, we couldn't be having it in Raaneka, now could we? While here, all past hate is, as near as I can make it, wiped out. Whatever your intentions were that day, it is long past...And a new day, in fact, has begun.

"So you and all of your men, take to the streets! See a new, peaceful world, as Dulari, Sucheta, and I have envisioned. See new colors and new life and new light. Especially the new colors," he adds. "The dye festival is wondrous this time of year... so many painters and artists inspired. Sages and studious men as well, such as your professors!"

"The events of that day were regrettable and I believe that we can all agree on that. Here though, amongst the beauty of Raaneka, it is difficult to find one's self worrying over such distant matters.
"Thank you again for your invitation. I'll make certain that my attendants have the opportunity to properly participate in the festivities. I imagine many of them are eager to do so."

"Hmm," the War Chief growled her voice throaty, "Thank you ambassador, I do not think they shall make such a mistake with myself. At least, not twice. I desire to speak with the Huroshans, and then with your King."

The Warrior woman disembarked the ship, walking with a military swagger intended to communicate a sense of calmness covering the uniquely dangerous ability to disembowel a man.

"Of course. I am certain we can find someone to direct us to them."
She followed the War Chief off the ship, hoping to herself that there'd be no disembowelment to interrupt the itinerary.

Day 1:Docks
Dulari, on her own now, walked towards the docks with curiosity. Who were these new people, and what was their purpose here? It was a strange day, to be sure... What better thing to do than to speak to them?

She walked up, bowing to Zhela, and then the woman. "Greetings, friends! Where hail you from? I am Dulari, Dogess of Guilder, and one of the hosts of this grand day! Tell me... are you more Ashenians? Or something new?" She inspects the armor with some interest.

The War Chief looked the woman up and down, appraising her. She looked foolish and pompous in her lack of clothing. A fun diversion for her warriors who fancied a pretty face, but of seemingly little value besides. She doubted she'd last a day in the icelands.

"Something new, something old, a bit of both," her words sounded friendly but her face remained frozen in cold contempt, "I shan't wish to overstep my bounds as companion to Ambassador Zhela, but I must thank you for the opportunity this event is providing me. Tell me, do you know if the Huroshan delegation has arrived?"

Zhela bowed politely to Dulari before speaking.
"Her Grace has a matter of importance to discuss with them. If possible, could we be conveyed to them as soon as possible?"

WaylanderX

2014-12-07, 09:36 AM

They had come in total silence, wishing to first gauge the situation. Grandeur would only serve to increase the hostility of their contemperaties against them. And coming in with lots of flair wasn't her style anyway. Besides, they could also use some grandeur as they were leaving or to liven up the Raaneki's parties. Surely some breakdancing Menhîrin would serve well in that regard, or an Maighdeann concert for those, although that would be limited to those who could breathe underwater. Or hold their breath long enough.
Only the hosts that showed them their spots knew there were on site, it seemed, due to the total lack of interest. The Marius Pride hovered somewhere over the western lands, its crew prepping her for takeoff.

Ryena, bend over a pile of paperwork, beckoned Magnus closer. If her information was correct, this Grand Ball was going to be fairly interesting, if anything else. She smiled a sour smile. She knew Wayve's daughter wanted to talk, but these Sylvine were a surprise. The barbarians indirectly responsible for the cascade that led to Wayve's downfall in the end. Intreaging indeed.

http://37.media.tumblr.com/908ed1785b440db1c10f7d3451ea8720/tumblr_n20xn9FHu11qjyqixo4_500.png

"Yes, my lady?" The Menhîrîn scholar asked, taking a peek at her intel.

"I think it is time we announce our arrival, Magnus. Send out a herald to announce that we are accepting any people that want to speak, treat or otherwise talk upon our grounds. This will hold true for Glazfell and the Tzaltec aswell. Tell the guards to remind everyone that a drawn weapon upon Huroshan ground, except a duel accepted from both sides is taboo."

"It will happen as you commanded, my Empress."

"Oh, and two more things. Get the Ambassadors ready to welcome any guests. And tell Rove to get ready for his tearful, beautiful reunion with his dear sister. Although not in those words if you would please."

Magnus rumbled.

"And beautiful and tearful it will be indeed. Master Rove should be ready drilling the guards by now. I'm pay him a visit. And I just got a cricket from the Marius' Prowess. They are standing by for departure, in case we want to leave early."

"Brilliant. Dismissed, Ambassador."

As Magnus walked away, Ryena inhaled deeply. Although a bit nervous, this shouldn't pose much of a challege, after what she has been through, cleaning up the things the last Emperor left behind. All things considered though, it was not as much as she first thought. Maybe there was something else behind Wayve's action other than corruption and insanity. Not that it mattered at this moment.

The Cloudiz Empress flew out of her chair, softly hovering towards the mirror, checking her appearance. Everything good? Everything good. Ready to go.

A Huroshan herrald, a Bucka, announces the following at noon on the first day:

The Empress of Hurosha, Ryena Fireguard, Eienguard of Kasumor, Scion of Ashmar, has arrived!
If any nations want to treat with her, bargain with her, or shall a glass of Sublime Scotch with her while chatting about Bucka-ball, they are invited and welcome at the Huroshan Chambers. Do note though that drawn weapons will be prohibited on Huroshan soil. If thy would wish to meet with Empress Ryena in another place, arrangements can be made. In such circumstances, please contact one of the Ambassadors of Hurosha.

Thank you for your attention.

Later on the first day.

Arriving together with Rove, Ryena politely knocks on the door of the chamber.

Ryena Fireguard resembles a classic fullblood Cloudiz. She measures around 3 meters from tailtip to head, her wings having a wingspan of around 4 meters. Her hair is bright-red, her eyes blue-green. However, her pupils are slitted, like those of a reptile or cat. Her face and hands are lightly scaled with small blue scales.

She slithers in the room, politely greeting all those who are present with a warm smile, including Kyria and anyone else who might be attending (Chief's for example, if they were there). She will chat cheerfully with anyone willing to before the actual talks begin, but will only discuss small things.

Rove however greets everyone with a cold gaze, no emotion appearing on his face or in his eyes. When greeting Kyria, his eyes flared with multiple emotions for a brief second, only giving a barely noticable nod. before taking his place behind Ryena. He stares straight ahead, not accepting any drinks or foods.

They are both armed with only a epée, although Kyria recognises the weapon that Ryena is armed with as the relic epée of the Hurosha Empire.

Servants quarters

"Now that the Empress has given us her leave, we can now party! I cannot wait to see if the Raaneki are as crazy as everyone tells us."

Two servants, a fullblood Cloudiz maid and an old Ore-elven bodyguard/butler, made their way to the Raaneki servant quarters, hearing of a party.

"Aimi, my dear. Just remember we are here as guests to the Raaneki. Although I am highly suspicious of this audacious dresscode."

"Stop fretting, Limlugon. Stop being such a boring old geezer. Geeeezer. Geeeezer. It's gonna be fantastic, you'll see."

"Well, cheerio then. I am "frantically" looking forward to this joyous occasion."

Knocking at the door, they waited for being let in.

http://butterfly2.altervista.org/fma/immagini_anime_file/character_armsrong.jpg

http://images2.alphacoders.com/252/252932.jpg

DurkBlanston

2014-12-07, 01:02 PM

After the Caercians had entered the Ball proper and Elina was spotted her brother from Wenyavuk, Hiykan, along with his wife the Chieftain of Wenyavuk approached her. They both seemed relieved by the presence of the Chieftain's Heir turned Queen.

"Sister!" Hiykan grinned and hugged his sister warmly, "It is good to see you again! I know I have written of her, but now may I present my wife, Suqi. Suqi, this is my sister Elina. You'd have had to marry her if she hadn't gotten the offer to become a Queen," he joked.

"Well we are in Raaneka," the Na'Nuk woman laughed, "The pleasure is mine, Hiykan has told me wonderful things about you."

Elina laughed at her brother and greeted her brother and sister-in-law each with a warm hug, "It is a joy to see you brother, and to meet you in person Chieftain Suqi. My brother has filled our letters with wonderful things about you."

After some more exchanges of pleasantries and short stories the Caercian Queen's face grew more serious and her voice more quiet, "My brother and I have talked about our father stepping down as Chieftain and he has mentioned you have a potential plan for Wenyavuk that was best not discussed via letter. I hold a great love for my homeland and my husband holds a great love to me, if there's anything the Consortium can do to help..."

King Konhagen and Queen Kaitlind had not ventured from the caves of Mularuhm in decades and so for many it was a shock when a procession bearing the colors of Mularuhm was spotted. For the dwarves' part they remained relatively unfussed by the whole affair. The Dwarves of Mularuhm were slower to act or react than most of the Surfacers and preferred operating internally rather than showing up at every blasted event they received an invitation to. It was an advantage to being a vassal to a Surfacer nation that they could go on living their lives without two disturbances every decade from the outside world. Yet word had come that the Nix wished to speak with the Kingdom of Mularuhm regarding their future and the King and Queen had felt it was their duty to oblige a fellow nation that valued privacy and peace of mind over involvement with the shifting whims of the surfacers.

Another, less talked about reason for the King and Queen's extended absence from the world stage was also present by the accompanying guards' sigils on their tabards and swords. The silver palm on black field of the Mithredge clan marked all the Mularuhm attendants and guardsmen, only Konhagen bore the traditional crossed red hammers on blue field of the Ringmaker royal line and his wife was dressed in the yellows and greens of the Gemgrinder clan, sister to the young clan of Mithredge. Standing directly to Konhagen's right, his wife occupying his left side, was Reichtin Cedrik Mithredge, the leader of the Mithredge clan and leader of the armies of Mularuhm and, some argued, the most powerful man in the Kingdom.

But such gossip was not common, at least, not near the ears of the King and as the ships pulled into the harbor much ado was made over the King with the Reichtin remaining respectfully apart. The many dwarves, many for a foreign delegation meaning roughly thirty, disgorged from the ship and made their way into the Ball.

I have a available and would like to trade the following:
Gold
Amoeba Colonial Oozes
Sulfur
Discordian Deeprock
Giant Spiders
Rokuers (Ridable rock dogs)
Cave Fungus
Riders (Dwarven Mercenaries)

The Lord Lieutenant Vitus, upon seeing the arrival of the Mularuhm dwarves, made his way over to their delegation. They were an isolated people despite being a fellow great vassal of the Imperium and Vitus heard only whispers of their plans and goings on within their nation but he had heard some stirrings about the Reichtin's relationship with the King. Being the heir to the Lord Protector, itself a position not unlike the position held by the Reichtin, he felt it was his duty to find out more from his fellow.

"Your Majesties," he bowed to the High King and Queen deeply, "Reichtin Cedrik," he extended his arm that they might grasp forearms as was traditional among Consortium military leaders and friends.

"It is a pleasure that you have come forth this day. So rarely do we of the Consortium get to see your people but for trade caravans and that is considered a great shame."

Added the trade and another one (Cattle for Rokuers) if you're interested.

Vizini smiles broadly; kind words from the Caercians of any sort meant much, and to hear this overt of a gesture was more than a good sign. Of course, a lot of it was political, but there was some truth in his words at least.

"Thank you, good friend Ji! It is a pleasure to see you and your people here! Their entrance, too, is grand... it seems that every nation works hard upon their first impressions. But we must also work hard on the impressions after that, must we not?" He speaks quite seriously, given the topic. "I would like to discuss some things with you sometime soon... whenever you get a chance, of course. Just remember that tomorrow is a day of festivity alone! So make sure to complete your trading and discussing today, if possible. Of course, revelry is happening today as well... as well I can see!"

He looks down to see the fracas which the Consortium's men have just joined, and the massive cloud of powder obscuring the entire street. "A far more glorious battle, I think, than many which are waged."

Vizini smiles, squishing Dulari close to him. "I know I'm a lucky one, so I'd say... yes. Quite a blessing indeed..."

"Good answer, honey. Very good answer." Dulari gives him a quick, internationally-approved kiss, and turns back to Ji.

"You hear true, Ji." The smile that lit Sucheta's face seemed for an instant to outshine the sun. "It has been too long, and much - nay, all - of it upon me. Never defied in spirit, but in vision it is well to see the Twin Thrones filled in person." If that answer was confusing, Sucheta paid little attention to it.

"Would you have time for a dance whilst you are here? I've miss the steps of Caercians since our last one." She seemed genuinely sad about that.

"I should appreciate a chance to discuss things Doge. I shall be in my apartment an hour after sunset, you may come by then that we may talk."

Feel free to start a time bubble

Ji smiled the diplomat's smile at the Doge's words on observing the dye festival before turning back to the Doge and his Raaneki wife. At Sucheta's words his eyebrow raised slightly in confusion but did not press the issue. The only answer that seemed clear was that Sucheta believed herself equal to two rulers, an intriguing if self aggrandizing view. It was the Raaneki Twin Thrones that had played a part in influencing portions of the King/Lord Protector dichotomy instated at Ji's Coronation. A point that was less often brought up since those events, but was accurate nonetheless.

Ji looked at his wife who gave him a delicate smile and nod at Sucheta's request for a dance, "Yes Sucheta, I believe I owe you one turn upon the floor by my words at the last Tellurian Games and we have things to discuss that only the rhythm of motion might produce."

Ji extended his hand to the Raaneki Queen that they might make their way to the dance floor together.

RandoMan

2014-12-07, 01:46 PM

I'd be interested in trading you for Cave Fungus or Colonial Oozes. My most open resources are Magnetite, Nitrates, and Tar, though I also still have some Shaping-Wood open.

Vizini bowed to the Mularuhm, and came up with a smile. "It is good to see the dwarves of the south again! Tell me, is this your first time here in the north, King Konhagen? I shall have to show you the sights..." He begins to walk with him up the steps of the Eastern Floor.

Cave fungus for nitrates and oozes for tar?

"Greetings Doge of Guilder. Not my first time, no," Konhagen said, "But first time in a long time, yes," he glanced back walking with the Doge as his wife and brother in law disappeared into the crowd. Dammit.

I can flat out trade aloe vera for sulfur. Also, I'd love to build a city/trade port somewhere for Rokuers)

Trade works for me. I'll add it to my actions. Not sure if The Riderock counts as adjacent to the sea or not. If it does though, the Riderock is probably the only province where a surfacer city would work.

The Lord Lieutenant Vitus, upon seeing the arrival of the Mularuhm dwarves, made his way over to their delegation. They were an isolated people despite being a fellow great vassal of the Imperium and Vitus heard only whispers of their plans and goings on within their nation but he had heard some stirrings about the Reichtin's relationship with the King. Being the heir to the Lord Protector, itself a position not unlike the position held by the Reichtin, he felt it was his duty to find out more from his fellow.

"Your Majesties," he bowed to the High King and Queen deeply, "Reichtin Cedrik," he extended his arm that they might grasp forearms as was traditional among Consortium military leaders and friends.

"It is a pleasure that you have come forth this day. So rarely do we of the Consortium get to see your people but for trade caravans and that is considered a great shame."

Added the trade and another one (Cattle for Rokuers) if you're interested.

The King having already departed left only the Queen and the Reichtin present for the Lord Lieutenant's greeting.

"An unfortunate conflict of our cultures," the High Queen answered, "We are not so fast to move as the surface nations except when needed. That and my husband has been too busy trying to balance too many things himself and has refused to leave the realm to regency for too long," there seemed to be a slight edge to Queen Kaitlind's voice.

"Lord Lieutenant, we have heard much of the Caercian ability upon a horse. I do not believe we've officially had any dignitaries from Caercia down into The Riderock, I think it's inhabitants might prove of interest to you and I should enjoy the chance to speak with another of martial aptitude," the Reichtin interjected with the voice of a commanding general.

Reggiejam

2014-12-07, 04:48 PM

[/CENTER][/I]

Later on the first day.

Arriving together with Rove, Ryena politely knocks on the door of the chamber.

Ryena Fireguard resembles a classic fullblood Cloudiz. She measures around 3 meters from tailtip to head, her wings having a wingspan of around 4 meters. Her hair is bright-red, her eyes blue-green. However, her pupils are slitted, like those of a reptile or cat. Her face and hands are lightly scaled with small blue scales.

She slithers in the room, politely greeting all those who are present with a warm smile, including Kyria and anyone else who might be attending (Chief's for example, if they were there). She will chat cheerfully with anyone willing to before the actual talks begin, but will only discuss small things.

Rove however greets everyone with a cold gaze, no emotion appearing on his face or in his eyes. When greeting Kyria, his eyes flared with multiple emotions for a brief second, only giving a barely noticable nod. before taking his place behind Ryena. He stares straight ahead, not accepting any drinks or foods.

They are both armed with only a epée, although Kyria recognises the weapon that Ryena is armed with as the relic epée of the Hurosha Empire.

Kyria's lips remained impassive and her eyes hidden by her black veil. No emotion seemed to cross her face as the Huroshan delegation arrived except when catching Rove's glance, a smile twitched at the corner of her lips.

Suqi for her part remained as composed as she could manage. She was only chieftain of Wenyavuk, and a recent ascendant to the position at that. The amount of diplomatic and familial fire and electricity contained within this small room was more than she imagined existed in the entirety of her nation.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me Ryena Fireguard. And it is a joy to see you brother. I was deeply saddened that you turned down my offer for hosting you at the Ice Palace. So many fond memories shared there in our youth," as she spoke she unfolded two pieces of paper that had been hidden somewhere in the folds of her dress and slid them across the table to Ryena and Rove.

"I suppose the matter in need of discussion is my most recent decision to declare Faedas an independent power from the crown of Hurosha, as well as the proper path of succession following the stepping down of Rove and I's father," she continued making no indication the notes existed on the table between them, "As you know my Court and I find the administration of the Shuzoku No Henkaku to have been taken under questionable circumstances and to have been officiated and confirmed by potentially compromised or unduly appointed witnesses and administrators. As such and due to my brother's failure to retain his right to the crown of Hurosha in favor of his wife, an outright disregard for the dynastic change inherent in the Shuzoku No Henkaku, I have taken it upon myself to claim the title Empress of Hurosha in Absentia while you, Ryena, claim it under the laws of the Shuzoku No Henkaku now under review."

Elina laughed at her brother and greeted her brother and sister-in-law each with a warm hug, "It is a joy to see you brother, and to meet you in person Chieftain Suqi. My brother has filled our letters with wonderful things about you."

After some more exchanges of pleasantries and short stories the Caercian Queen's face grew more serious and her voice more quiet, "My brother and I have talked about our father stepping down as Chieftain and he has mentioned you have a potential plan for Wenyavuk that was best not discussed via letter. I hold a great love for my homeland and my husband holds a great love to me, if there's anything the Consortium can do to help..."

"Thank you Queen Elina, I should hope such offers won't be necessary but they are reassuring to possess."

zabbarot

2014-12-07, 07:18 PM

"Mosi?" The question was almost incredulous, "You've...changed. She blurted out, fully aware of how silly that sounded given who she was talking to, yet not even caring. Then she stepped past the subtle ring of guards, and cocked her head at the brilliant red of his mane. "Yet some things never change, do they." She reached out, completely unaware of the reaction of the Criman guards around her. "I would recognize that mane anywhere..."

"Ha ha, I had missed it." Hushyarr met the eyes of the incredulous Cree, "I would imagine this settles the issue. You are of course welcome to escort me as I have brought no guards of my own. We can consider it a favor." Then to Sucheta and Columbo, "We can continue these conversations inside, yes?" Hushyarr and Shahyar strode confidently towards the gates while the Bloodknights, sated but still not trusting, put together an escort with a single hand gesture. One went ahead to announce the newest guest.

"Presenting Shahidi Mkuu Hushyarr of the She'er. The third reincarnation of Mosi Nia-Rohana II." The introduction was professional and concise, impressive even considering he'd come up with it on the spot.

Aedilred

2014-12-07, 11:27 PM

Vizini visibly exhales and relaxes. If Eldred could let his guard down, then so could he. "I'll admit the same... Diplomacy and making friends is a bit more difficult for me than for previous generations. So let us talk more openly. Ignore the trades and things... Tell me, how is your faith spreading? Do you desire it to spread further?"

Internally, the Doge is beyond joyed. The life of a host is no easy one, and the number of serious, diplomatically-charged conversations he would have was high... but here, it was simply two old men, having a conversation.
"My - the faith is spreading well. The people of Vennland and Farridon have proven receptive, and the folk of Tuhiland have I think always followed the Lord even if they did not know it, so I am glad to be bringing them back to the true faith. The Ascensionists who have caused such problems in other regions of the Imperium have been driven out of Minotron and the natives now free to practise their devotions again. And our friends in Mularuhm have converted to the Lord and welcome his missionaries. I must admit I took great pleasure and pride in building the new cathedral in Salteire, the largest temple to the Lord south of Caloxdur, I believe, and in the very land which has long been so hostile to the faith."

He spoke initially with enthusiasm, but as he continued that began to wane, and sadness and a degree of bitterness crept into his voice. "And yet I fear it is not enough. The Avatar is dead and the heartlands of the faith lie in ruin. The voice of the Divinora is not heard outside Calorum and when it is it seems to carry little weight any longer. In the last ten years I have had to send troops and missionaries to Calorum lands to assist them - the irony of the Imperium lending aid to Calorum, Gunung and Pryonia!" He shook his head in sorrow. "When Yosi Cedro was slain in Celero more than a hundred years past the world went to war. When Brother Adam attempted to pervert the Lord's message and presented Paco for sacrifice, armies from across the north, not to mention your father, set out to rescue him. When Nissa was murdered on the very steps of the Temple ten years ago it was met with a deafening silence. They say fish rots from the head, and for all the progress I can make in the Imperium, in terms of the faith I fear it is very much the tail."

SamBurke

2014-12-08, 01:59 AM

Happy to build a new city in Raanara for magnetite. Any good ideas for a jeweled-based name? I was thinking Port Peridot, shortened to Port Peri. Peridot is often found in banded veins with magnetite.

Good deal! Peridot sounds good to me! I like the clever inside knowledge there. :smallwink:

"Hmmm... I'm afraid we didn't bring any of the Dragons with us to this event. They are not particularly easy to transport, especially given Cree security precautions." Vizini nods. "Besides that, if you brought a live dragon, I think the Cree would spontaneously combust." Vizini glances towards a nearby guard, who is patrolling the dye-filled streets like something bad could actually happen.

"Still, I would be more than willing to have you send one up when it is convenient for you... Work it out as a trade?"

"I'm from Sturmgard originally, but I got referred to Grove City when one of Grand Duchess Louisa's other maids got married to some moopsball champion. Were you really born on a ship? Wow."
Vasili shrugs. "It ain't what it sounds like. Your first five years scampering about the decks are great, but the moment you can pay attention for long enough to hear "swab the deck" again, they hand ya a mop." He glances around the room. "Though I can't complain about these surroundings. I've come up a little ways from there, ya know. Which I'm thankful for. Mighty thankful for.

The War Chief looked the woman up and down, appraising her. She looked foolish and pompous in her lack of clothing. A fun diversion for her warriors who fancied a pretty face, but of seemingly little value besides. She doubted she'd last a day in the icelands.

"Something new, something old, a bit of both," her words sounded friendly but her face remained frozen in cold contempt, "I shan't wish to overstep my bounds as companion to Ambassador Zhela, but I must thank you for the opportunity this event is providing me. Tell me, do you know if the Huroshan delegation has arrived?" Dulari is about to answer the question when a tiny Bucka arrives, handing her a scroll. "Ah! Well, now I can answer that question for you! They most certainly have, and you are free to treat with them as you will. Remember to peacebond your weapons with a Cree, and I would definitely recommend leaving them outside of the tent of anyone important.

"Other than that, please do enjoy your stay! Ambassador Zhela, can I get you anything, or are you still working for a little while?" Dulari winked and held up a flask of Heartwine, conveniently portable for whenever the thirst happened to hit. She knew his heritage, of course, but that wasn't going to stop her from trying to proselytize another to the love of her national addiction.

"The events of that day were regrettable and I believe that we can all agree on that. Here though, amongst the beauty of Raaneka, it is difficult to find one's self worrying over such distant matters.
"Thank you again for your invitation. I'll make certain that my attendants have the opportunity to properly participate in the festivities. I imagine many of them are eager to do so." Vizini nods, bows and steps away from the delegation. He leaves their path at the top of the hill, where the road splits; he must go to the Eastern Floor, and they, to the outskirts of the city where the Cree have begun work.

"I am glad to hear that! I do hope you find time to visit the embassy, because if you're already in the reveling mind, I believe you will be most excited by seeing your quarters. The Raaneki can amaze, even when they're decorating tastefully."

Zhela bowed politely to Dulari before speaking.
"Her Grace has a matter of importance to discuss with them. If possible, could we be conveyed to them as soon as possible?"
Dulari nodded. "Yes indeed. I believe this Bucka will be delighted to take you!" The goblin nodded. "Are you sure you don't want anything?"

They had come in total silence, wishing to first gauge the situation. Grandeur would only serve to increase the hostility of their contemperaties against them. And coming in with lots of flair wasn't her style anyway. Besides, they could also use some grandeur as they were leaving or to liven up the Raaneki's parties. Surely some breakdancing Menhîrin would serve well in that regard, or an Maighdeann concert for those, although that would be limited to those who could breathe underwater. Or hold their breath long enough.
Only the hosts that showed them their spots knew there were on site, it seemed, due to the total lack of interest. The Marius Pride hovered somewhere over the western lands, its crew prepping her for takeoff.

Ryena, bend over a pile of paperwork, beckoned Magnus closer. If her information was correct, this Grand Ball was going to be fairly interesting, if anything else. She smiled a sour smile. She knew Wayve's daughter wanted to talk, but these Sylvine were a surprise. The barbarians indirectly responsible for the cascade that led to Wayve's downfall in the end. Intreaging indeed.

http://37.media.tumblr.com/908ed1785b440db1c10f7d3451ea8720/tumblr_n20xn9FHu11qjyqixo4_500.png

"Yes, my lady?" The Menhîrîn scholar asked, taking a peek at her intel.

"I think it is time we announce our arrival, Magnus. Send out a herald to announce that we are accepting any people that want to speak, treat or otherwise talk upon our grounds. This will hold true for Glazfell and the Tzaltec aswell. Tell the guards to remind everyone that a drawn weapon upon Huroshan ground, except a duel accepted from both sides is taboo."

"It will happen as you commanded, my Empress."

"Oh, and two more things. Get the Ambassadors ready to welcome any guests. And tell Rove to get ready for his tearful, beautiful reunion with his dear sister. Although not in those words if you would please."

Magnus rumbled.

"And beautiful and tearful it will be indeed. Master Rove should be ready drilling the guards by now. I'm pay him a visit. And I just got a cricket from the Marius' Prowess. They are standing by for departure, in case we want to leave early."

"Brilliant. Dismissed, Ambassador."

As Magnus walked away, Ryena inhaled deeply. Although a bit nervous, this shouldn't pose much of a challege, after what she has been through, cleaning up the things the last Emperor left behind. All things considered though, it was not as much as she first thought. Maybe there was something else behind Wayve's action other than corruption and insanity. Not that it mattered at this moment.

The Cloudiz Empress flew out of her chair, softly hovering towards the mirror, checking her appearance. Everything good? Everything good. Ready to go.
[QUOTE]
Vizini watches the entrance from afar. "They did well, didn't they? I think it's very, very reserved for Hurosha. They've improved. The real question, though... do you think that they'll be able to change minds, win back hearts?"

Dulari thinks for a moment. "It all depends. Will the people of the world be willing to go and listen? I know that some already have... I sent the Ashenian delegation and the sea-warrioress down there. I'm sure if Glazfell manages to make it here at long last, they'll go as well."

Vizini nods. "One would think they could make it... we'll see of course. I don't think this is something Guilder or Raaneka can fix, only try to help. You're sending Heartwine down, I presume?"

"Two barrels, of 391. I know your favorites."

[QUOTE]
Servants quarters

"Now that the Empress has given us her leave, we can now party! I cannot wait to see if the Raaneki are as crazy as everyone tells us."

Two servants, a fullblood Cloudiz maid and an old Ore-elven bodyguard/butler, made their way to the Raaneki servant quarters, hearing of a party.

"Aimi, my dear. Just remember we are here as guests to the Raaneki. Although I am highly suspicious of this audacious dresscode."

"Stop fretting, Limlugon. Stop being such a boring old geezer. Geeeezer. Geeeezer. It's gonna be fantastic, you'll see."

"Well, cheerio then. I am "frantically" looking forward to this joyous occasion."

Knocking at the door, they waited for being let in.

http://butterfly2.altervista.org/fma/immagini_anime_file/character_armsrong.jpg

http://images2.alphacoders.com/252/252932.jpg Vasili gets up with a growl, and opens the door. "More freaking serv--" he stops, though, full on silent, when he sees Aimi. "Well, hello... looks like I don't mind my lot in life at all, right now."

He walks the two of them to a table, to sit down. "So, tell me more about yourself? You seem like an interesting pair?"

"I should appreciate a chance to discuss things Doge. I shall be in my apartment an hour after sunset, you may come by then that we may talk."

Feel free to start a time bubble.

Day 1: Evening Time Bubble
Vizini entered the apartment, and was shown to the lower of the two rooftop areas: plenty of room for walking up upon the veranda, but one of very few private areas in a Raaneki built home. Not terribly private; one could still see the stars and several of the nearby embassies, but at least spies were unlikely.

"So, you wished to discuss things in private? I know this is note quite so, but it is deathly still for the Raaneki. I hope that the calm can help us find our own peace... I should very much like that."

Cave fungus for nitrates and oozes for tar?

It's already been edited into my actions this round, simply put it into your sub-actions as a trade!

"Greetings Doge of Guilder. Not my first time, no," Konhagen said, "But first time in a long time, yes," he glanced back walking with the Doge as his wife and brother in law disappeared into the crowd. Dammit. Vizini laughs. "They're quite safe down there, no worries. I doubt you'll see them for a while, though, because this isn't an event known for its quiet, or for stopping until long after the night has ended. Perhaps I can walk with you as we attempt to find them?"

He came alongside Konhagen, using his tall frame to search the crowd for the dwarves.

"Ha ha, I had missed it." Hushyarr met the eyes of the incredulous Cree, "I would imagine this settles the issue. You are of course welcome to escort me as I have brought no guards of my own. We can consider it a favor." Then to Sucheta and Columbo, "We can continue these conversations inside, yes?" Hushyarr and Shahyar strode confidently towards the gates while the Bloodknights, sated but still not trusting, put together an escort with a single hand gesture. One went ahead to announce the newest guest.

"Presenting Shahidi Mkuu Hushyarr of the She'er. The third reincarnation of Mosi Nia-Rohana II." The introduction was professional and concise, impressive even considering he'd come up with it on the spot. Columbo smiled widely. "To think that I should have this honor! Most wonderful... Most wonderful indeed. I have much to speak with him about..." He decides to wait, watching hte situation as it plays out. When there's an appropriate lull in the conversation, he'll talk to Mosi. Most pressing on his mind were the words, "Of the She'er". That meant that somewhere out there, more of... it... existed. What wonders it meant! Something unseen, unknown in form!

It was exciting, it sent a tingle up his spine. In fact, he hadn't felt so much excitement in years, since he witnessed the coming of the Mother of Night in person. That, though, was terror, not awe: the difference between the two was a hemisphere and a life apart.

Waiting until the conversation ends to talk. Basic questions:
-Anatomy?
-Reincarnation?
-She'er?
-Relationship/future with Guilder?

"My - the faith is spreading well. The people of Vennland and Farridon have proven receptive, and the folk of Tuhiland have I think always followed the Lord even if they did not know it, so I am glad to be bringing them back to the true faith. The Ascensionists who have caused such problems in other regions of the Imperium have been driven out of Minotron and the natives now free to practise their devotions again. And our friends in Mularuhm have converted to the Lord and welcome his missionaries. I must admit I took great pleasure and pride in building the new cathedral in Salteire, the largest temple to the Lord south of Caloxdur, I believe, and in the very land which has long been so hostile to the faith."

He spoke initially with enthusiasm, but as he continued that began to wane, and sadness and a degree of bitterness crept into his voice. "And yet I fear it is not enough. The Avatar is dead and the heartlands of the faith lie in ruin. The voice of the Divinora is not heard outside Calorum and when it is it seems to carry little weight any longer. In the last ten years I have had to send troops and missionaries to Calorum lands to assist them - the irony of the Imperium lending aid to Calorum, Gunung and Pryonia!" He shook his head in sorrow. "When Yosi Cedro was slain in Celero more than a hundred years past the world went to war. When Brother Adam attempted to pervert the Lord's message and presented Paco for sacrifice, armies from across the north, not to mention your father, set out to rescue him. When Nissa was murdered on the very steps of the Temple ten years ago it was met with a deafening silence. They say fish rots from the head, and for all the progress I can make in the Imperium, in terms of the faith I fear it is very much the tail."

Vizini nods, knowingly. "My father's first moment in the public spotlight was upon those flagstone courtyards, however ill-advised his actions, and my grandfather's life was changed there. My great-grandfather spoke to a crowd of 6,000, to calm them from their rebellion, upon the slopes of the mountain. Yet I... myself... have never been."

Vizini stands now, taking another drink of his heartwine with mind and eyes looking distant. "But you and your people will stay strong, it sounds? Stay with your beliefs, even if alone?" Vizini slammed his goblet down. "That is grand. Noble. Good. Right. Those who give up their convictions, who bow to the will of others... risk much. But tell me, with all of the risk you already have, taking on the grand building of elaborate temples --the Salteire cathedral has not escaped my thought-- what will you do to spread it? It seems a great task, indeed."

Kitsanth

2014-12-08, 05:03 AM

Dulari laughs. "I shall do that, and gladly! But tell me... how is the west these days! We don't see ~enough~ of you at our parties!" She stops dancing in full, sadness on her face. "I can't think of the last time I've danced with a Niskan!"

They whorled around the floor, and at the end of the dance, as they bowed, she said, "And now it's time for me to learn one of your dances, is it not?"

"Haven't you heard? The west is a place of idyllic beauty, where all people want for nothing," Leif remarked sarcastically, "you'll just have to visit one of our dances. The Voskhozdeniye Dance is an annual tradition of course. I'll have to ensure you receive an invitation should the palace be opened once more to foreigners at midwinter."

Rising from his traditional Niskan bow, Leif replied, "Of course, just stay close and follow my lead. I'll have to introduce you to a few of my cousins later, or perhaps you could introduce me to some of your cousins?"

And with that Leif led his partner into a new dance.

'Interesting style these Raaneki have, Dulari should find this interesting I hope,' thought Leif to himself.

I've got the following proposals:

Kajsa Nisakovich + Li Shandian (Kajsa moves to the Heartlands)
Iulia de Isaak + Li Leiming (Iulia moves to the Heartlands)
Raisa Nisakovich + Zuei Ren Wulfendyne (Ren moves to Niskovia)

If you want, like with our previous arrangement with Shuxian and Teodor, I could send you some of the children back to Niskovia to join House Nisakovich and be tutored there. I don't need any children back from Ren as he's from a different house than the Imperial one.

I agree to all the above and shall throw them into my action post later.

TheDarkDM

2014-12-08, 06:29 AM

Day 1

Vizini and the Dragon

Vizini smiles, his teeth less teeth and more fangs, transformed a little inside his mouth. "It is nothing inside myself, Nezetkhamun. It is rather... a fear of what is around me." He thinks for a moment, wondering how much to reveal to the man.

There was much he did not understand, presumedly never would. Senruset would understand love, he thought, but Nezetkhamun seemed to be always focused on himself, his line... But then again, there had been greater surprises. Even Inigo had changed in old age.

"I worry that I will outlive Dulari. She is significantly younger than me, yes, but I've found myself unable to be sick. Even when everyone in my camp was vomiting, taken by a blight in the Clanships... Me and Wesley were untouched, other than a few scales out of place. Do you know how long it is to live, with this form? Or is that the drawback, the curse for the power?"

Nezetkhamun pondered the question a moment before looking down on his grandson.

"You shall live as long as you have the will to, Vizini."

Raising a claw to his palm, he cut a shallow furrow, allowing the blood to pool and drip onto the flowers of a nearby rose bush.

"My bloodline grants you tremendous gifts, it is true, but it is a lineage of spirit as much as blood. It grants you the power to outlive your lady love, it is true, and you may mourn her as I mourned your grandmother. But there is a boon to be found in that sadness, for you have the rare opportunity to see your children grow to the height of their powers, and offer them the wisdom that might otherwise be lost."

He clenched his fist, and with a bloody glow the wound closed.

"But. If your grief does not pass, if you find yourself unable to live without your Dulari, then the blood will oblige you. It is a power of the will, after all - if you truly wish to pass with your wife, you will find yourself as frail as any mortal."

He gave Vizini a sad smile, as behind him the rose bush coiled and grew with unnatural vitality, its flowers impossibly vivid, its thorns sharpened into razors.

Divine Musings

Elemi turned and, seeing who addressed him, bowed respectfully. "Xiuhtlatec Nezetkhamun. I am honored. I'm seeking enlightenment. We have had little opportunity to delve into your theology. Honestly," he conceeded, "with our nation being so small, we have had little need. The Tzaltec Empire is half a world away from Tar. But with the Seaborne Confederation, we'll be in contact with many new religions. "

The Mother of the Night warns us to always be aware of our intent before we act." He caught himself, realizing he had slipped into his preacher voice. He turned more conversational. "So I have a theological questions, if you do not mind."

The bony ridge that served as Nezetkhamun's eyebrow quirked at the Eldest's preamble. It was not so unusual to face questions of the faith from foreigners, but for the head of a foreign faith to be so direct? It spoke to the strangeness of the west.

"And admirable sentiment, Eldest. What questions trouble your thoughts?"

Entendre

The Teotlkan Senusret was approached respectfully by a werekin servant from the Heartwaste, requesting to deliver a letter to the Tzaltec leader. If so allowed he will present it to Senusret for his readership.

My Rising Dragon,

I apologize for this method of communication rather than coming and embracing you myself but such matters require a delicate approach around the many eyes of the Court and Aristocracy. Though none but my brother and the Queen know I am here at this Ball, awaiting your arrival. This is because I do not wait alone.

Our encounter at the Summit bore fruit, a beautiful child with the signs of power possessed by her father. I did not write you sooner that my messages might not be intercepted by those who would use this blessing against me and my position but I humbly request you to come and see the beautiful and strong result of our passion as I suspect you will be most pleased.

Come and find me in the Faedas Embassy, ask for Elsana Marivel. I hope to show you our daughter soon.

Your Fae Flame

Evening fell on the first night, and the Teotlkan approached the newly minted embassy of Faedas. It was a passing that went largely unnoticed, for there had been many like it that day, but as he approached the guards stood slightly taller, and ushered him inside without challenge. Standing in the foyer of the building, he snapped once and had the attention of the three attendants working studiously at their desks.

"I have come to see Elsana Marivel."

Day 2

Cousins

Wesley smiled and ran off to the dance, doing his best with it. Problem was, he didn't really know any dances... Dad was the dancer, not him. He was a kind of awkward child, a lonely, quiet one who could study and learn like a mtambuzi... But on the dance floor, his Raaneki blood seemed to evaporate. Still, he could give her at least a little something, right?

He tried a few different dances throughout the song, but nothing seemed right. First off, the musicians were clearly terrible, because he couldn't find the beat for the life of him. Second, he needed smaller shoes, because he managed to step on her feet no less than six times. Finally... he needed to actually learn how to dance. "Maybe you'd better lead...?"

The music trailed off as the two dragon-blooded nobles found themselves in the middle of the dance floor, an understanding laugh bubbling from Senseneb despite her scuffed slippers. Taking Wesley's hands in her own, she placed one alongside her waist and raised the other firmly in hand. To the bemusement of the nobles around them, she held their position until the first strains of the next song reached her ears.

"Oh, I know this one! Hang on, cousin!"

The orchestra swelled into a rousing waltz, and before he could even think to identify the beat Vizini was practically sailing through the air, propelled by Senseneb's enthusiasm and her inhuman strength. As he struggled to match her footwork, she laughed again and began counting off.

"Very good, Vizini! See? One, two, three, one, two, three!"

Grandchildren!

Gun Huang shook his father-in-law's hand with a strong grip--though not as strong as Nezetkhamun's, obviously. "Indeed, one would almost curse the oceans for their size."

The hug came as a surprise for Xiuhcoatl, who had expected her grandfather to be this intimidating man, all fiery theatrics and deadly decorum.

"Thank you, grandfather," Xiuhcoatl replied after returning with both feet on the ground. "It is good to see you. Mother did not tell me, however, whether dragons dance. Do they?" The young woman had a bend for trying to get or do something without directly asking for it. It often occurred that people did not even know until she already had it, but in this case it was fairly obvious. How could it not be? The presence of a dragon, even one so closely related and unexpectedly kind, seemed to instill a primal sense of intimidation. Perhaps it was just because this was only the second time she'd met him, and the first one that she would remember for the rest of her life. Deciding to test her daring, she held up a hand towards Nezetkhamun.

Her mother chuckled behind a clawed hand. "We should make our way onto the floor as well," Eurydice told Gun Huang, who likewise looked on amused. "Maybe in a little while, I see the Niskovian delegation over there. I'm going to go see if my sister or brother-in-law is among them." He gave a small bow in Nezetkhamun's direction and left.

Bemused, Nezetkhamun raised his hand to Xiuhcoatl's, though her fingers barely reached to his first knuckle.

"Do dragons dance? Most assuredly, Xiuhcoatl."

There was a moment of ironic silence as Senseneb sailed past, a willing Wesley dragged alongside her.

"Though some, perhaps, better than others."

As Gun Huang turned to leave, Nezetkhamun favored him and his wife with a nod.

"Gun Huang, Eurydice. You'll pardon me, but it appears I've become indisposed."

With that he led Xiuhcoatl onto the floor, seemingly unconcerned with striking the moving line. Deservedly so, it happened, as even nobles were not so fearless as to risk striking the former Teotlkan and a Salterri princess. He flowed with the music like water, every movement belying the power that slumbered in his limbs, and Xiuhcoatl felt at once secure and terribly excited, riding the thunder that precedes the storm.

Bloodlines

"Lord Teotlkan, likewise." He bowed slightly in return. As for most of the previous day, he had been hoping that most of the attendees would simply leave him alone, but he did not wish to be rude, and if he was to avoid contact altogether he might as well not have attended at all. Fortunately at least as far as the Tzaltec went his family were less reticent, and Eldred stepped past him to greet Senusret warmly, while Alfmyr, noticing the arrival of the Tzaltec, led a young man forward.

"Lord Teotlkan, you may remember my son, Elwyn." Elwyn bowed deeply; only fifteen years old, he was nonetheless aware that he owed the Teotlkan and his father a great debt, even if the details of precisely what were not to be discussed in public and had hitherto been withheld even from him.

Senusret clasped Eldred's arm with a welcome exclamation, though it pained him to see that time continued to take its toll on the fierce warrior.

"Eldred, my friend! When the night is done we must find a bottle and share a drink like we did years ago. Far too long ago."

His voice trailed off, and the Teotlkan seemed ready to slip into reverie before the presence of the young prince brought him back to the moment. He took a long, appraising look at Elwyn before nodding in response.

"Of course, Lord Alfmyr. And a fine young man he has grown to be."

He bowed slightly in return.

"How are you enjoying the festivities, my lords?"

lt_murgen

2014-12-08, 09:16 AM

just to clarify, we were going to trade bananas for magnetite,
you were going to get a trading post in Galomyr for sages, and I had the rights to one for inventors
and I was going to build a trading-post city in rannara for magnetite.
So can we swap the trading post (magnetitie0 for an animal asset - dinosaurs / etc?) I think you have a few available. It makes sense to build a port to handle export of big critters

Trade works for me. I'll add it to my actions. Not sure if The Riderock counts as adjacent to the sea or not. If it does though, the Riderock is probably the only province where a surfacer city would work.

cool- rade aloe vera for sulfur it is. And I will build you a city to export Rokeurs, in exchange for the trading post rights

Divine Musings

The bony ridge that served as Nezetkhamun's eyebrow quirked at the Eldest's preamble. It was not so unusual to face questions of the faith from foreigners, but for the head of a foreign faith to be so direct? It spoke to the strangeness of the west.

"And admirable sentiment, Eldest. What questions trouble your thoughts?"

"MY first question is simple, how does one join your fatih? Are you born to it? Can you choose to convert? Can you choose to leave for another faith? And, based on that, how do you view children from mixed faith parents? Lastly, how are people who leave your faith viewed? What are the penalties?

He wouldn't directly ask those in that order, but to speed up the conversation, those are the questions he seeks to get answers to

WaylanderX

2014-12-08, 10:28 AM

Kyria's lips remained impassive and her eyes hidden by her black veil. No emotion seemed to cross her face as the Huroshan delegation arrived except when catching Rove's glance, a smile twitched at the corner of her lips.

Suqi for her part remained as composed as she could manage. She was only chieftain of Wenyavuk, and a recent ascendant to the position at that. The amount of diplomatic and familial fire and electricity contained within this small room was more than she imagined existed in the entirety of her nation.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me Ryena Fireguard. And it is a joy to see you brother. I was deeply saddened that you turned down my offer for hosting you at the Ice Palace. So many fond memories shared there in our youth," as she spoke she unfolded two pieces of paper that had been hidden somewhere in the folds of her dress and slid them across the table to Ryena and Rove.

"I suppose the matter in need of discussion is my most recent decision to declare Faedas an independent power from the crown of Hurosha, as well as the proper path of succession following the stepping down of Rove and I's father," she continued making no indication the notes existed on the table between them, "As you know my Court and I find the administration of the Shuzoku No Henkaku to have been taken under questionable circumstances and to have been officiated and confirmed by potentially compromised or unduly appointed witnesses and administrators. As such and due to my brother's failure to retain his right to the crown of Hurosha in favor of his wife, an outright disregard for the dynastic change inherent in the Shuzoku No Henkaku, I have taken it upon myself to claim the title Empress of Hurosha in Absentia while you, Ryena, claim it under the laws of the Shuzoku No Henkaku now under review."

Ryena read through the papers while Kyria talked, passing them on to Rove. No emotion has to be seen on her face, save for the polite smile that never left her face. The same went for Rove while he read through the note. However, when he looked up, to Kyria, something glimmered in his eyes. If it was hope or hate, it was gone in a split of a moment, covered by years of self-discipline. He scribbled something on the back of the note when he passed it back to Ryena, whispering something in her ear. The Huroshan Empress nodded, casually sliding the note back.

A small smile crept across Rove's face.

"Next time." He said, in a tone quite familiar to Kyria.

"It is certainly a pressing matter."[/quote] Ryena responded. "And one that needs to resolved as soon as possible. Like mentioned in my letters, the Shuzoku No Henkaku was excecuted perfectly, even getting Ashmar's approval. Your grandmother can also vouch for that, Queen Kyria Varinel Earthguard. Furthermore, I am sure you are well aware of the ... complications of your claim as well. Your claim isn't accepted without acceptance of the Ambassador Counsil, which you do not have as of yet. However, from your point of view, I am forced to wonder, what measures does your "Fae Court" wish to take to validate the Shuzoku No Henkaku?"

She scratched her nose, deep in thought. Rove, discovering an itch as well, brushed of his nose with the back of his hand.

On the back of the note, something is scribbled by Rove.

Father yet lives, but not for long. Need to talk or write privately. Father's last wish for us to reconcile before his death. Thought impossible, but willing to try after letter.

Dulari nodded. [COLOR="#339933"]"Yes indeed. I believe this Bucka will be delighted to take you!" The goblin nodded. "Are you sure you don't want anything?"

Vizini watches the entrance from afar. "They did well, didn't they? I think it's very, very reserved for Hurosha. They've improved. The real question, though... do you think that they'll be able to change minds, win back hearts?"

Dulari thinks for a moment. "It all depends. Will the people of the world be willing to go and listen? I know that some already have... I sent the Ashenian delegation and the sea-warrioress down there. I'm sure if Glazfell manages to make it here at long last, they'll go as well."

Vizini nods. "One would think they could make it... we'll see of course. I don't think this is something Guilder or Raaneka can fix, only try to help. You're sending Heartwine down, I presume?"

"Two barrels, of 391. I know your favorites."

Vasili gets up with a growl, and opens the door. "More freaking serv--" he stops, though, full on silent, when he sees Aimi. "Well, hello... looks like I don't mind my lot in life at all, right now."

He walks the two of them to a table, to sit down. "So, tell me more about yourself? You seem like an interesting pair?"

Hurosha Basecamp

Ryena wasn't surprised to see the barrels being brought in. Due to their diplomatic nature, either the Guilderenes or the Raaneki were probably behind this. Probably Guilder though, the Raaneki are most likely too busy with partying. the Eienguard thought with a smile. She appreciated the gesture though. I need to thank them later, as soon as I figured out who send it.

Servant Storyline

W.I.P. (No idea how to let them react :P)

Reggiejam

2014-12-08, 12:17 PM

Entendre

Evening fell on the first night, and the Teotlkan approached the newly minted embassy of Faedas. It was a passing that went largely unnoticed, for there had been many like it that day, but as he approached the guards stood slightly taller, and ushered him inside without challenge. Standing in the foyer of the building, he snapped once and had the attention of the three attendants working studiously at their desks.

"I have come to see Elsana Marivel."

The attendants exchanged confused glances between each other. The Teotlkan, here to see one of the Queen's Trusted? What could he possibly derive from one of those mindless servants? They didn't ask however, they knew to respect the requests of one above them in station, and one of the werekin women rose and beckoned for the Teotlkan to follow.

"This way Your Grace."

She led him into the internal portion of the embassy and down a short hallway to a well made Raaneki door. The Trusted had been granted two rooms for the stay at the Floor and unless she was mistaken this was the room that held the girl once known as Elsana.

"Through here," she said handing the Teotlkan the key to the room, "The woman you're looking for should be among those inside. Please return the key to myself when you are done."

Such procedure seemed unusual but it had been the instructions of the Queen herself that if the Teotlkan came desiring to see the Trusted he be allowed to and if the rumors were true Queen Kyria would be present if she felt there was a danger. The servant wasn't sure why the Teotlkan would be interested in or be given permission to visit the Trusted but it was not her place to ask questions. With an about face she returned to the desk she had come from.

*Inside*

As the door opened it revealed a luxurious salon that bespoke a larger apartment within. Whatever the servant had meant by implying a multitude of occupants was made more confusing as the central floor was occupied only by a woman the Teotlkan would recognize as Katava Tayanya and dawdling around the floor in front of her, a young toddler. The little girl wore a simple gown that did not hide the dark red scales running across her body and the slight bulges at her forehead that bespoke of undeveloped horns. She was busy stacking blocks of wood and prattling on about something that had caught her young attention while Katava watched on smiling and listening.

As the Teotlkan entered both Katava and the little girl looked up, the toddler's golden eyes looking very familiar to the Tzaltec leader. Katava rose to her feet and rushed over to Senusret, embracing him warmly.

"My Dragon!" she planted a passionate kiss upon him before pulling away and pulling him into the salon, closing the door behind him.

"Allow me to introduce you to Meztli," she said, walking the Teotlkan over to the little girl, "Meztli, this is your father. You remember I told you he was coming?"

The little girl looked at the Teotlkan studiously then down at her own arms.

"You're like me," she said with an innocent smile, "Mama said you were like me and you are."

Ryena read through the papers while Kyria talked, passing them on to Rove. No emotion has to be seen on her face, save for the polite smile that never left her face. The same went for Rove while he read through the note. However, when he looked up, to Kyria, something glimmered in his eyes. If it was hope or hate, it was gone in a split of a moment, covered by years of self-discipline. He scribbled something on the back of the note when he passed it back to Ryena, whispering something in her ear. The Huroshan Empress nodded, casually sliding the note back.

A small smile crept across Rove's face.

"Next time." He said, in a tone quite familiar to Kyria.

[COLOR="#800080"]"It is certainly a pressing matter." Ryena responded. "And one that needs to resolved as soon as possible. Like mentioned in my letters, the Shuzoku No Henkaku was excecuted perfectly, even getting Ashmar's approval. Your grandmother can also vouch for that, Queen Kyria Varinel Earthguard. Furthermore, I am sure you are well aware of the ... complications of your claim as well. Your claim isn't accepted without acceptance of the Ambassador Counsil, which you do not have as of yet. However, from your point of view, I am forced to wonder, what measures does your "Fae Court" wish to take to validate the Shuzoku No Henkaku?"

She scratched her nose, deep in thought. Rove, discovering an itch as well, brushed of his nose with the back of his hand.

On the back of the note, something is scribbled by Rove.

Father yet lives, but not for long. Need to talk or write privately. Father's last wish for us to reconcile before his death. Thought impossible, but willing to try after letter.

[/QUOTE]

"There are two demands the Court makes to validate the Shuzoku No Henkaku in their eyes. One, that your marriage to my brother be nullified so that any children you bear are not legally Earthguard and two that I, and my sister though she is indisposed, recognize your legitimacy."

Kyria read the note and her head inclined slightly, was it a nod or a simple involuntary movement?

"Of course, that is not the only concern levied against Hurosha. Many in my Court find the divided nature of Faedas unacceptable and they are in my ear most constantly. Their arguments are not unsound. You know Keldagrim splits my nation between north and south and while Keldagrim has so far remained open and paths through Sympolemou have been made to remain eternally open the option between uncertain or circuitous routes has many concerned. Concerned enough to mobilize their feudal armies and beset the Throne of Thorns with unceasing requests for a location to use them."

"I cannot hold them back forever out of kindness towards my brother, especially as it is not his head that wears the crown. There is a great war brewing just beneath the surface, it would be unfortunate if Keldagrim were to spark it's beginning. Surely Hurosha would be far better off to surrender Keldagrim to another administration given the severe backlash against the Counsel of Havalder? Collecting one's things and departing?"

zabbarot

2014-12-08, 03:38 PM

Day 2: During the Ball - Interrupting all the things.
Just want to reaffirm that Hushyarr-Mosi arrived on the second day of the event.
"Ha ha, I had missed it." Hushyarr met the eyes of the incredulous Cree, "I would imagine this settles the issue. You are of course welcome to escort me as I have brought no guards of my own. We can consider it a favor." Then to Sucheta and Columbo, "We can continue these conversations inside, yes?" Hushyarr and Shahyar strode confidently towards the gates while the Bloodknights, sated but still not trusting, put together an escort with a single hand gesture. One went ahead to announce the newest guest.

"Presenting Shahidi Mkuu Hushyarr of the She'er. The third reincarnation of Mosi Nia-Rohana II." The introduction was professional and concise, impressive even considering he'd come up with it on the spot.

A literal warmth proceeded Hushyarr as he made his way into the ball room. There was a surprising commotion as Shahidi Gozzolo and his attendants excused themselves from other conversations and pushed through the crowd to see their returned prophet. To the shahidi among them Hushyarr was so obviously Mosi that no introduction was needed. They had seen him across the room, but something was different. Hushyarr met their gaze and silently raised one large paw to his face, signaling silence for now.

"I will explain everything momentarily." Hushyarr looked to Sucheta, "Would you kindly escort me to the dais? I have an announcement that must be made before we get into things." With Sucheta to part the crowd, and more importantly all of those plain clothes guards, Hushyarr strode confidently to the dais.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Kings, Queens, and Emperors, and whoever else may be present, this has become something of a tradition. Thinking back on it now, I wish I had gone personally to the Grand Ball in 336 instead of sending my son, but it's too late for that... A most peculiar thing has happened. Now I understand not everyone present follows Radurja, or even any religion at all... Ah. I'm dithering. Best get to the point. I am the Blazing Avatar." He paused for a moment to let those present wrap their minds around that.

"I know it may sound unlikely, but I will soon head to the Blazing Temple so the monks there may confirm it. So please don't all assassinate me at once." He winked and stepped down from the dais. Hopefully the assassination joke could stay just a joke this one time.

Columbo smiled widely. "To think that I should have this honor! Most wonderful... Most wonderful indeed. I have much to speak with him about..." He decides to wait, watching the situation as it plays out. When there's an appropriate lull in the conversation, he'll talk to Mosi. Most pressing on his mind were the words, "Of the She'er". That meant that somewhere out there, more of... it... existed. What wonders it meant! Something unseen, unknown in form!

It was exciting, it sent a tingle up his spine. In fact, he hadn't felt so much excitement in years, since he witnessed the coming of the Mother of Night in person. That, though, was terror, not awe: the difference between the two was a hemisphere and a life apart.

Waiting until the conversation ends to talk. Basic questions:
-Anatomy?
-Reincarnation?
-She'er?
-Relationship/future with Guilder?

Since Hushyarr was busy for the foreseeable future Shahyar was more than willing to speak with Columbo. After all this was his first reincarnation, and he did not have the grasp on it Mosi did. His previous life was all distant memory. As such his speech was much more heavily accented. "It is strange to awaken again as a new person, and perhaps deeply personal. The two of us were marked by our eyes and presumed to have been cursed with blindness. Luckily Hushyarr remembers his previous lives. He was able to protect us when we were thrown out of our family." He looked down at the floor for a moment, he seemed much younger than Hushyarr in a way. Hushyarr relied heavily on his past lives while Shahyar had only small pieces to grasp at. "The She'er are she'er... Hushyarr says they are much like the leeons of Yharl-and. I think I remember them. They have strange faces, and not enough teeth or legs."

Aedilred

2014-12-08, 05:06 PM

Vizini nods, knowingly. "My father's first moment in the public spotlight was upon those flagstone courtyards, however ill-advised his actions, and my grandfather's life was changed there. My great-grandfather spoke to a crowd of 6,000, to calm them from their rebellion, upon the slopes of the mountain. Yet I... myself... have never been."

Vizini stands now, taking another drink of his heartwine with mind and eyes looking distant. "But you and your people will stay strong, it sounds? Stay with your beliefs, even if alone?" Vizini slammed his goblet down. "That is grand. Noble. Good. Right. Those who give up their convictions, who bow to the will of others... risk much. But tell me, with all of the risk you already have, taking on the grand building of elaborate temples --the Salteire cathedral has not escaped my thought-- what will you do to spread it? It seems a great task, indeed."
"We will stay strong," Eldred affirmed. "The faith has never been stronger in the south."

"I have hopes that in time it might even spread to the Heartlands proper," Elwyr continued. "There has long been a presence in Diamondhead and now too in Salteire. My sister's influence in Xianzhi Urbe appears to have been significant, and the Lord of Fire is no longer disparaged as once He was there. But still we need some central, guiding influence, someone to speak for the faith. I have been filling in as best I can, for there is no other, yet... we need the Avatar. And I have come to believe the Avatar cannot be reborn so long as I live."

Senusret clasped Eldred's arm with a welcome exclamation, though it pained him to see that time continued to take its toll on the fierce warrior.

"Eldred, my friend! When the night is done we must find a bottle and share a drink like we did years ago. Far too long ago."

His voice trailed off, and the Teotlkan seemed ready to slip into reverie before the presence of the young prince brought him back to the moment. He took a long, appraising look at Elwyn before nodding in response.

"Of course, Lord Alfmyr. And a fine young man he has grown to be."

He bowed slightly in return.

"How are you enjoying the festivities, my lords?"

"I am flattered to hear you say so, my lord," Elwyn said with another bow, before stepping back; he was still not quite of age, and conversing with lords was still somewhat above his station.

"We are enjoying things well enough, though I fear my uncle is less temperamentally suited to Raaneka than some of us," Alfmyr said. "In my youth my brother and I spent a whole year here avoiding my responsibilities. It was almost worth the exile on military service we had to endure when my father discovered it."

"It is good to see the peoples of Telluris once again come together in a spirit of friendship, if not quite so trusting as once they were," Eldred said, marking one of the Cree guards passing by. "Though I shall look forward to our drink together."

It was getting worse, the feeling Elwyr had had for almost all the last two days. Worse, he had a fairly good idea what it was. The incident with Kasmi had been just the beginning. By the time he had first felt it, he had been old enough to control it, had barely even noticed... but it had been nearly twenty years since he had last seen Nissa, and he had all but forgotten how.

"I must leave," he said, somewhat hesitantly. "It is... not safe for me to remain. My apologies, Teotlkan."

He staggered as he made to walk away, and Alfmyr reached out to steady him. Eldred brushed his hand away. "Do not touch me! Do not follow me!" Alfmyr snatched his hand back as if burned, eyes wide in alarm.

He had barely made it a few steps when he knew it was already too late.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Kings, Queens, and Emperors, and whoever else may be present, this has become something of a tradition. Thinking back on it now, I wish I had gone personally to the Grand Ball in 336 instead of sending my son, but it's too late for that... A most peculiar thing has happened. Now I understand not everyone present follows Radurja, or even any religion at all... Ah. I'm dithering. Best get to the point. I am the Blazing Avatar." He paused for a moment to let those present wrap their minds around that.

"I know it may sound unlikely, but I will soon head to the Blazing Temple so the monks there may confirm it. So please don't all assassinate me at once." He winked and stepped down from the dais. Hopefully the assassination joke could stay just a joke this one time.

Elwyr turned on the spot to look up at the dais where the strange creature stood. Of course.

"Mosi, what have you done!?"

The fire surged within him, and he burst into flame.

...to be continued...

Aedilred

2014-12-08, 06:56 PM

...right now.

He had thought himself prepared for the fire, but he had had no idea. The pain seared every inch of him, nearly killing him through sheer shock. There was no way he could endure it for long, but he was determined that only he should die. He was dimly aware of the shouts around him, and people flinging things at the flames, trying to douse them, but he knew it was no use. And yet he could not control it alone. There was no circle of protection, no acolytes, nobody to share the burden.

Unless there was. The only ones he could trust.

The light poured out of him, seeking out his family, the sons and daughters of Eldin. It reached them and struck them down, some holding out only a few heartbeats before falling, others holding on through gritted teeth and blinding light. One by one they fell, driven to their knees or simply struck prone by the force of His power.

Elwyr took the heat himself.

He burned from the inside out, silently screaming as the fire devoured him. His life poured through him, images, sounds, scents, all the assorted memories of his long time on this world. For a moment a thought intruded on the edge of his consciousness, that it was the sum of experiences that defined a person, for while many had witnessed that which he had, few of them were living, and none other had witnessed it all.

He reached out for someone, anyone, to share his thoughts and memories, and briefly felt a connection with someone, the mind of someone he barely knew, with whom he had never exchanged words. But she was there, and she was strong. For a moment he thought it was Tianshi, but there was something different about her. Not Tianshi. Xiuhcoatl.

DoomHat

2014-12-08, 07:26 PM

There was an exceptional number of elite Cree soldiers in the room owing to the number of VIPs in close proximity to enormous inconceivable fanged talking monster things.

When Elwyr suddenly combusted, the response was immediate. Delegates were herded toward the exists with gentle sternness. Humbly dressed servants moving unseen beneath notice began whistling the loud birdsong code of the Tyrannical Inquisition.

Men appeared with buckets of wet sand and began hurriedly dousing Elwyr to minimal effect. The fire grew in ever greater intensity.

“GWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!”,
said the enormous Cree clad in thick isolation and exotic metal plates as the hurled himself at the human inferno. He bowled hard into Elwyr and, still howling, threw the man over his shoulder without breaking stride.

Any other man would have died there, but owing to his distinctive costuming, sheer mass, and willpower, Baasanjav would not be halted. He carried Elwyr out of the hall and into the open air. The plates, in spite of the near miraculous resilience had already melted. The thick flame retardant material beneath was wielding itself into his skin as the fat in his body sizzled.

For all intents and purposes Baasanjav was already dead, but he was too stubborn and dimwitted to know that should stagger his pace. His parched throat still managed a choking laughter even as it turned to ash. The sea was in sight.

Morph Bark

2014-12-08, 07:29 PM

I'll have cake ready next round, and I'll do a gift of Tar/Fossils to you this round. It'll last until Vizini dies, or his son takes over.

As to Lacertal Milk, I am full up on that as of this round, but I can ask around to see if other people would switch their trades to make that open. I can also trade you Lacertal Lizards direct, which will fluff-wise allow you to obtain their "milk" too. It won't be in large quantities, but it's enough to make several hundred people (possibly more) go trippy, or kill a few dozen.

"Let us speak of my son first, and then of other matters. I understand if he is not to live in the Heartlands; that is acceptable to me. I simply ask that he be allowed to live as if he were Salterri, to learn their customs and ways and people well. If that can be done, then it matters not to me which city he lives in, save that it is the city which you desire." He bows lightly.

"Now! Before we begin speaking of trade, I would like to send you a gift, and perhaps a second... In Maos, we have found great pits of tar, deep and full of the stuff. Suitable for ships or for walls, waterproofing or war... but also, deeper, we found curiosities. Ancient skulls and bones from ancient creatures, some of which... were massive." He nods to the door, and four attendants walk in, gingerly placing a 6-foot skull down on the floor, in an open area. "This is, we believe, a relative of the dinosaurs that are common in this area. These curiosities I shall ship to you, as often as we find them, until my death." The men take the skull wherever Gun Huang wishes, and they return to the conversation.

Hmmm, that's one way I suppose. Sah'raa is a bit odd in that all its resources should actually just be one, so while I see the point, I'm a bit apprehensive about that idea as it sort of a rules loophole by essentially putting two of the same resource in a region. I'll take the cake and tar/fossils though.

"Living as a Salterri?" Shandian rose from his seat, looking incredulous. "Learning customs and ways and people, all well and good, but living it? My Doge, that is preposterous."

Gun Huang gestured at his nephew to bring him to silence. "I'm afraid you will have to clarify your understanding of the Imperium, lord Doge. While it is commonly called and known as the Salterri Imperium, the Salterri are but one of its peoples. They are the dominant ones in the Heartlands and have many kin in its neighbouring regions and spread across the islands of the hundred seas, but yet they are but one people. When one in the Imperium refers to the life of a Salterri, however, they refer to that of the ones living in the Teires. The conquerors of the hills and runners of the rivers. It was there that the present Salterri were born from the union of the Old Imperials and the fledgling confederation of a thousand nations. Our ways and our strength can be found on many a ship in the western oceans, but at the heart of our people is still our land of beauty and bounty. As I told you, Wesley will not find acceptance in the Heartlands where these ways are strongest. Not until he proves himself, like any Imperial Prince has to. Like my father had to. Until he does, we shall accept him in the Free City of Diamondhead."

When the giant skull was brought in, all eyes of the delegation could not help but widen. Gun Huang remained stoic about it nonetheless. "That is quite the gift you've brought us, Doge Vizini. I am sure this will draw much interest in the Imperium, from noble to scholar alike. You have my thanks."

"A crowd talks of everything within it, you need only follow where it can lead." The Raaneki smiled, and held out a hand. "Kalinda. It's good to meet you." She spun beneath the hand he extended to her as she took it, ending up facing him at a far closer distance than he'd expected. "So what are you looking for, my dear?"

Accidentally used the wrong font colour last post. This is Sucheta's younger sister.

The woman and her words intrigued him. "Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar." He introduced himself, hurrying to make a flourish. Her physical response was almost dizzying. "Lady Kalinda. Are you trying to pull me into a dance? Because that might be just what I need."

I keep forgetting what colours I need to use for characters as well, especially the princes and princesses that I haven't used before. :smalltongue:

Lucky indeed. Marvella knew this particular number and was able to lead a bit where Eero was not. "So, to whom do I owe the honor?"

"Eero Krii Valkoinen," he answered Marvella mid-twirl. "Son of Prince Li Gun Huang Jarrow and Lady Weiss Krii Valkoinen." He was stunned at parts when Marvella suddenly led him rather than him leading her. In the strict society of rules of the Imperial Court, he had been taught that some dances were male-led, others female-led. The breaking of the strict tradition at first worried him... and yet was also exciting. "Though the honour is all mine, my lady." Oh god, he hadn't even bothered to ask her who she was! Darn sisters never told him anything properly. Maybe she wouldn't notice?

Grandchildren!
Bemused, Nezetkhamun raised his hand to Xiuhcoatl's, though her fingers barely reached to his first knuckle.

"Do dragons dance? Most assuredly, Xiuhcoatl."

There was a moment of ironic silence as Senseneb sailed past, a willing Wesley dragged alongside her.

"Though some, perhaps, better than others."

As Gun Huang turned to leave, Nezetkhamun favored him and his wife with a nod.

"Gun Huang, Eurydice. You'll pardon me, but it appears I've become indisposed."

With that he led Xiuhcoatl onto the floor, seemingly unconcerned with striking the moving line. Deservedly so, it happened, as even nobles were not so fearless as to risk striking the former Teotlkan and a Salterri princess. He flowed with the music like water, every movement belying the power that slumbered in his limbs, and Xiuhcoatl felt at once secure and terribly excited, riding the thunder that precedes the storm.

It was strangely exhilarating. Xiuhcoatl had been taught many things and was still learning many more, from teachers the lands and oceans over. She let her grandfather lead as she tried to get the feel of the dance. She hadn't learned this particular one yet, but she caught on quickly with nimble and elegant moves.

"I should ask you to send some dancers to Aus-Teire to teach me more of the Tzaltec dances. Mother has taught me several, but not all, and she accompanies my father on trips around the Imperium a lot since my siblings were named." She thought back briefly to Dragoweitezca and Coaxoch, whom they had left behind in Aus-Teire. A Grand Ball was no place for five-year-olds, after all.

As the dance finished, she gave her grandfather another curtsy, as Salterri teachers taught. "That was wonderful, grandfather. Your dancing betrays Tzetultep to not have only power."

Commotion from the dais made her look and pay attention. Soon after, the hall was filled with people's cries of anguish and the distinct smell of something burning. Xiuhcoatl searched for the source and found her eyes locking onto her granduncle Elwyr, King of the Carmine Sea. His body was being wracked as flames burst out of him. "By the Lady and the Wyrm," she whispered. She'd heard of these things happening at past Grand Balls. The thought of the same happening did not appeal to her. "Uncle Elwyr!"

Meanwhile, out of the other onlookers, Eero wondered if stop-drop-roll would work.

Aedilred

2014-12-08, 07:55 PM

Elwyr fixed on Xiuhcoatl. She was not, perhaps, the one he would have chosen, but she was there. She saw her grandfather, red-bearded and bare-chested, bursting through the doors of the Sea Palace Great Hall, to be beaten down by a slip of a girl in a ripped dress. Her grandmother, young, lean, half-naked and bedraggled, helming a ship with a fierce grin. Tailong and Martin sparring and laughing, her grandparents dancing, embracing in a stadium packed with cheering spectators, Atheldynn thundering through the Kindred gates on horseback, Eirywnn blushing from head to toe the first time she heard Hazael speak...

… and then the rest. Elwyr's sibilings gave way to an array of others: Hanyeo, straight-backed and stern, concealed behind his mask, an aspect of something altogether greater and more terrible hanging over him. Wandao behind him, effortlessly magisterial, Syana glowing with warmth and affection; the curious, earnest but sinister presence of Zhuang. Athelmere, all braids and joviality, he and Tempest seeming to support each other; Edwyrd, so long dead, exchanging dirty jokes with a pair of islanders.

Those scenes faded, giving way to grief and slaughter. Elwyr walked a battlefield to find his father dying, the old man clutching his hand and raving about the Imperium; Alfmark roaring at the doctors to keep him conscious despite the pain; the dreadful emptiness when he realised how little of Neralla the explosions had left; Nissa waving him off on the steps of the temple, neither of them aware that it would be the last time they would see each other alive.

He no longer knew whether Xiuhcoatl was experiencing any of this, but he saw it all, and through it all, in every scene, whether truly there or not, Eirwynn, lifting him when he fell, writing poetry, exchanging jokes in dead languages - "My sister!" he half-gasped, half-screamed. Through the pain there was a moment of clarity, and strove to see through the clouds and memories to what was before him. He reached out a hand to Xiuhcoatl, though none could see him any longer through the light, but there were others surrounding her now, figures she could never have known. A tall man with a braided beard stepped past her, one arm outstretched towards him.

Suddenly he felt himself wrenched away, back to his physical surroundings, as something barrelled into him. “No!” he tried to yell, but whoever or whatever it was either couldn't hear him or wasn't minded to listen. His family blinked out of view, the light connecting them severed.

His concentration was broken, the fire building within him, as he became aware he had been dragged into the open air. It was all on him again.

Lord save us from well-intentioned fools, he thought, as the fire around him dimmed and he could see his surroundings, the dumbstruck onlookers staring at him - and looked down at the ashen remains of the man who had carried him.

“You -ing idiot,” he said, swearing for the first time in his life, but without much malice.

SamBurke

2014-12-08, 08:04 PM

"Haven't you heard? The west is a place of idyllic beauty, where all people want for nothing," Leif remarked sarcastically, "you'll just have to visit one of our dances. The Voskhozdeniye Dance is an annual tradition of course. I'll have to ensure you receive an invitation should the palace be opened once more to foreigners at midwinter."

Rising from his traditional Niskan bow, Leif replied, "Of course, just stay close and follow my lead. I'll have to introduce you to a few of my cousins later, or perhaps you could introduce me to some of your cousins?"

And with that Leif led his partner into a new dance.

'Interesting style these Raaneki have, Dulari should find this interesting I hope,' thought Leif to himself.

I agree to all the above and shall throw them into my action post later.
Sounds good.

Dulari laughs herself jolly, smiling with perfect white teeth to her partner as they whirl, still in a Raaneki style. "I'd love to attend the Voskhozdeniye! I have heard so much about it, but Viziiiiiiiini wouldn't let me attend without an official invitation. Said crashing the party would be a "diplomatic incident." She shrugs and spins Leif into a dip. "Ooops. I think the men are usually supposed to do that... But I'm not one for the rules, am I?"

Leif's footwork is amazing, for just having learned the dance, and Dulari doesn't even think to question it when he takes her on a Niskovian dance.

Day 1

Vizini and the Dragon

Nezetkhamun pondered the question a moment before looking down on his grandson.

"You shall live as long as you have the will to, Vizini."

Raising a claw to his palm, he cut a shallow furrow, allowing the blood to pool and drip onto the flowers of a nearby rose bush.

"My bloodline grants you tremendous gifts, it is true, but it is a lineage of spirit as much as blood. It grants you the power to outlive your lady love, it is true, and you may mourn her as I mourned your grandmother. But there is a boon to be found in that sadness, for you have the rare opportunity to see your children grow to the height of their powers, and offer them the wisdom that might otherwise be lost."

He clenched his fist, and with a bloody glow the wound closed.

"But. If your grief does not pass, if you find yourself unable to live without your Dulari, then the blood will oblige you. It is a power of the will, after all - if you truly wish to pass with your wife, you will find yourself as frail as any mortal."

He gave Vizini a sad smile, as behind him the rose bush coiled and grew with unnatural vitality, its flowers impossibly vivid, its thorns sharpened into razors.
Vizini nods. "I suppose that it is better than it could be... Having the choice is good. There are many things in life we do not choose about.

"But what is it that you will do with your life? You seem to have no single reason to stay alive save your will, so you could live for many more years. What is it that you intend to do with power massive and time extendable?" He stands up to examine the flower, delicately cutting it from the stem.

"Hm... Even our blood, eh?" He nicks his palm, and places the flower into it. "Every time I think I understand myself, I turn out to be wrong. I wonder what else this week will show? Of course, I won't need to turn, but still..."
Foreshadowinnnnngggggggg

Day 2

Cousins

The music trailed off as the two dragon-blooded nobles found themselves in the middle of the dance floor, an understanding laugh bubbling from Senseneb despite her scuffed slippers. Taking Wesley's hands in her own, she placed one alongside her waist and raised the other firmly in hand. To the bemusement of the nobles around them, she held their position until the first strains of the next song reached her ears.

"Oh, I know this one! Hang on, cousin!"

The orchestra swelled into a rousing waltz, and before he could even think to identify the beat Vizini was practically sailing through the air, propelled by Senseneb's enthusiasm and her inhuman strength. As he struggled to match her footwork, she laughed again and began counting off.

"Very good, Vizini! See? One, two, three, one, two, three!"

This is Wesley you're dancing with... minor difference there. :smallwink:

"Oh! Oh! I get it... one, then two..." He tried it a few times, and finished his sentence. "Three! Three! Three beats. Got it now." He tried a few more times, and as he found the rhythm, grew more comfortable.

When the dance ended, he frowned. "Awww... I had just started to get it... And Dad'd probably want me to go dance with other people, even if they're not as pretty." Wesley's eyes go wide. Had he said that out loud? Well yes, yes he had. He stared at Senseneb. She probably hadn't heard it, didn't notice. For certain. Maybe.

just to clarify, we were going to trade bananas for magnetite,
you were going to get a trading post in Galomyr for sages, and I had the rights to one for inventors
and I was going to build a trading-post city in rannara for magnetite.
So can we swap the trading post (magnetitie0 for an animal asset - dinosaurs / etc?) I think you have a few available. It makes sense to build a port to handle export of big critters
It appears to be open. Sages/Dino (TP) is good, Bananas/Magnetite (trade) is also good. Is that what you were asking for?

Hurosha Basecamp

Ryena wasn't surprised to see the barrels being brought in. Due to their diplomatic nature, either the Guilderenes or the Raaneki were probably behind this. Probably Guilder though, the Raaneki are most likely too busy with partying. the Eienguard thought with a smile. She appreciated the gesture though. I need to thank them later, as soon as I figured out who send it.
The barrels are good wine, the best that Ryena may ever have tasted. Better than the taste, however, is the memories it creates. Some say that the potent blend of miracle pools and fresh grapes leaves the memories permanently engraved, enshrined in one's mind. Others claim that it's just how memorable the things you do with Heartwine make it easier to recall... but they probably haven't drank enough.

"That's life all over. You're born a servant, you live a servant, you die a servant, 'less you get hundred-edged lucky like Princess Danger did. It's a good life, though, specially if you're in Grove City. The Wulfendynes are good masters, and there's so much money moving through the city's veins than even we catch some of the overflow. Vasili nods. "I haven't heard of Princess Danger, but she sounds like a lucky blasted spike. Care to tell me the story?"

Day 2: "Blowing Hot Air"

Vizini watches the ensuing drama with some concern, and he personally shuttles several rulers out of the room before returning. "Mosi! Is there any way for me to assist?"

zabbarot

2014-12-08, 08:10 PM

This... Hushyarr was not expecting this. He didn't even have a chance to answer Elwyr's accusation, but he had seen this before. He leaped of the dais and into the crowd trying to push his way to the fire, but between the crowd fleeing and the Cree ushering them out he was making little headway. He roared in frustration, startling the people in front of him and giving him just enough clearance to see Elwyr being carried out of the building. And enough to see the Bloodknights rounding on him. Maybe roaring hadn't been the best strategy. He crouched to jump then disappeared.

In an instant he was outside on top Elwy and Baasanjav. Staring Elwyr in the face he opened his mouth incredibly wide, showing row after row of razor sharp teeth. Then just when Elwyr was certain he was going to be eaten, Hushyarr inhaled, seeming to breath in the fire that was so desperately trying to escape his flesh. The burning eased as the fire escaped. Time seemed to stand still for a moment as the heat was consumed utterly, leaving Elwyr smoking in the grass. Hushyarr turned to the charred form of Baasanjav. "Such selfless bravery deserves better."

With a mighty strike Hushyarr stripped the molten metal from his flesh, leaving just the damaged man laying in the grass. He swept a pawful of earth over the charred shoulder that had born the bulk of the heat, then with a soft exhale he released just a touch of the fire he had consumed. The energy flowed into the body and his flesh glowed bright. Small vines burst forth from the earth and wrapped his body, reinforcing his broken frame. Slowly he was made whole.

"I am sorry this had to happen. This was not expected or planned, but let this at least be my act of goodwill."

Rain Dragon

2014-12-08, 08:18 PM

((OOC - Keeping it short to prevent interrupting actual plot))

Aglus had finally managed to commence enjoyment of the Dance in peace when a strange being started speaking very loudly in that foreign language everyone seemed to know around here. Aglus wondered for a moment where Thrydar had got to when suddenly bright lights appeared everywhere. It wasn't until a loud yell and the smell of searing flesh* drew his attention that he realised someone had caught fire. Frozen in place for only a fraction of a second, Aglus nearly bolted in a dead panic. Barely keeping his head, Aglus moved as quickly as possible toward an exit (with the help of the Cree, of course) where he could then safely panic and run away.

*OOC - If there wasn't before, then there is now. From the burning Cree.

HalfTangible

2014-12-08, 08:33 PM

"Eero Krii Valkoinen," he answered Marvella mid-twirl. "Son of Prince Li Gun Huang Jarrow and Lady Weiss Krii Valkoinen." He was stunned at parts when Marvella suddenly led him rather than him leading her. In the strict society of rules of the Imperial Court, he had been taught that some dances were male-led, others female-led. The breaking of the strict tradition at first worried him... and yet was also exciting. "Though the honour is all mine, my lady." Oh god, he hadn't even bothered to ask her who she was! Darn sisters never told him anything properly. Maybe she wouldn't notice?

"And the pleasure is all mine." The catwoman dipped the poor boy and smirked. "Marvella, High Priestess of Yphine and sovereign of the Holy Kingdom of Sycia." She then pulled him out of the dip and continued to twirl around, her movements graceful as a swan. She was quite the-

...sovereign?! This girl couldn't have been out of her twenties, if she was even in them! And for a priestess, she didn't seem too shy about how close they were...

---
[The Burning Man Ball]

Marvella's arm was halfway up and swirling with power before she stopped herself. Magic fueled and rebounded with other magics - if she tried to put out the fire and failed, it would only grow larger. And even if she succeeded, there would be catastrophic collateral damage. There wasn't anything she could do.

"Frostbite." She swore before whirling to the nearest servant. "GET SOME WATER OR SOMETHING, MOVE IT!!! HE-"

But it was too late already - the man was a pile of ashes. As the events played out before her, she twisted her hand into a symbol of loss, bowed her head, and whispered a short prayer to Yphine.

TheDarkDM

2014-12-08, 08:43 PM

Fire

As Elwyr burst into flames, the ballroom erupted into panic. Yet to their credit, the Cree were quick to respond, and what could have been a wild charge for the doors was reduced to a manageable torrent. Seeing the commotion, Senseneb seized Wesley's hand tightly and made for the nearest exit, her small frame belying the prodigious strength with which she pushed through the crowd. Around the insensate Carmine royal family, Senusret and his Unmarked stood at watch, unsure whether to move the fallen nobles or allow them to ride out the ordeal. And on the dance floor, Nezetkhamun pulled his granddaughter close as she cried out to Elwyr. Even as her body stiffened at the flow of images, he held her, as golden eyes pierced the wall of blinding light around the Carmine king. But then Elwyr disappeared, dragged into the night air by a Cree of surpassing courage, and Xiuhcoatl slumped as the flow of images ceased. Around Senusret, Elwyr's family stirred from their daze, and with a wave of his hand the Unmarked ran to find water. Nezetkhamun watched it all, a rumble in his chest building, until he laid eyes on Hushyarr dashing through the gates towards Elwyr.

Nezetkhamun released his hold on Xiuhcoatl, and with a single tender look he disappeared. The crowd screamed again as his shadow passed over him, his body become a flowing mass of crimson light and glittering darkness, and as he burst from the ballroom the doors were torn from their hinges. There was a moment of profound silence as his wings extended fully in the night air, as burning eyes found Elwyr and Baasanjav and Hushyarr. Then an explosion of sound as his wings swept back and he dove at the thing that had claimed Elwyr's fire. Hushyarr, distracted by his healing of Baasanjav, could only roar as a clawed hand the size of his body struck him across the side, sending him skidding over the tiles of the Eastern Floor. Above the fallen king and new-made Cree, Nezetkhamun looked protectively, the sheer enormity of him blocking out the sky.

"You will not touch him, beast. I know not by what sorcery you have conjured this calamity, but it ends here! Return what you have stolen, and you may yet leave here with your life."

DurkBlanston

2014-12-08, 08:53 PM

Ji had been dancing with his wife when the great multi-legged lion abomination had mounted the central stage and called attention to itself. His eyes remained transfixed and he listened curiously to the words. He knew of the Lord of Fire as there were those in the Consortium who followed His teachings and though Ji followed She of Silver he was aware his eastern counterpart of Carmine were followers of the Lord. He looked over the crowd to see if he spotted any of Carmine when a flash of light and heat directed him to notice King Elwyr.

Instinctively he shielded Elina, memories from his Coronation jumping quick to his mind. Had this Mosi creature cast some sort of curse upon the Carmine King? What was happening? His words had barely begun to be spoken as the heirs to his sworn lords appeared quickly around him.

"Look to the Carmine King," he directed Vitus and Lucius, "Find the rest of the delegation and get them clear," he ordered Cornelius and Fredrick, "I will address this beast," he said looking over at the multi-legged 'Blazing Avatar'.

Vitus and Lucius affirmed and made towards Elwyr but the Cree attacker had already scooped him up. As he disintegrated before them they stopped, standing a hesitant distance from the Carmine King but actively keeping others from coming close. King Elwyr was known as a religious man, he would surely be in a better place to handle this than someone untrained and untaught in the art.

Cornelius and Fredrick both took Elina and headed into the crowd to find the other Caercians and allies to the Crown to guide them safely out along with the combined Cree, Raaneki, and Guilderene forces.

Ji unbuckled his sword, breaking the wax seal the Cree had placed upon it as he moved towards the six legged lion. It bounded away however over to the King, looking as though it were about to consume him.

"Unhand him devil!" he shouted, charging at the creature that had undoubtedly caused this fiasco in the first place with his sword ready to plunge into its side.

EDIT: Before the King could reach the beast Nezetkhamun dove down from the sky and knocked him away for the Caercian King. Yet the King maintained his forward charge, diving beneath the massive legs of the Eastern dragon and coming to stand before him, sword drawn and pointed at Mosi. He thought to speak but felt there was little he could say that would not be overpowered by the dragon, the scene enough bespoke of his allying with the former Teotlkan.

zabbarot

2014-12-08, 09:07 PM

Hushyarr howled in pain before gaining his footing. Nezetkhamun cast a long shadow and yet Hushyarr saw him as he always had. A strong man, but nothing special. He glared him in the eye, and his voice came from everywhere.

"Stand. Down. You are a wiser man than this, Nezetkhamun. Baasanjav still lives because I gave him life. Elwyr may yet survive because I removed the excess fire burning within him. Do not challenge me on this. You would do well to remember who gave you the power you wield so recklessly."

DoomHat

2014-12-08, 09:13 PM

SamBurke

2014-12-08, 09:19 PM

Vizini growled. "Of bloody course. If anything goes wrong, it's got to go murder, monsters, and magic wrong."

He strode towards the fight, arms out. As he walked, his chest begins to grow, muscles popping to sharp relief, in order to make space for the added ribcage beneath. As he walked, his clothes tore off, armor-less robes popping and snapping from massive pressure. The growth stopped as he reached something like 10 feet tall, and his form was an odd mix between dragon and human.

He could still stand upon two feet, each talon-laden leg digging into the burnt stone. His next words are bellowed, loud enough to be heard out of the hall and down the hill, perhaps all the way to the ships at the docks below. It is spoken with a certainty of belief, a calm, unshakeable conviction, and with an edge, just an edge, of demand.

"KHBOONISH IS CORRECT. HUSHYARR IS CORRECT. CEASE THIS AT ONCE, BEFORE YOU DO FURTHER DAMAGE TO YOUR HONOR."

He stands, still not fully transformed of body, but definitely capable of using the entirety of his lungs.

Vizini, however, does not continue his ascendance. Instead, he sits down at one end of the hall, and closes his eyes. "This is no time to kill, but rather understand. Sit, if you are willing to see peace." He nods towards Mosi's incarnation to do so first.

HalfTangible

2014-12-08, 09:28 PM

"eeeeenouuuuugh!"

Khoonbish's voice had the unwholesome and somehow distant loudness of a hurricane wind as heard through poorly shuttered storm doors.

"nooo MOoore ULTIMATUMS no moooore THREATS! NnnooooO! remember yourselves please most nobles sirs. ReMember! you Are all Sovereigns here NOT SQUABLING CHILDEN IN THE SCHOOL YARD! SCHOOL YARD! SCHOOL YARD!!

....

You havE all SIGNED certain oaaaaths to be here! violence MEANS WAR! WAR! war warwarwar you understand!?! STakes are hiiiigh. Calm. Let Us Be.... Calm."

She was perched on the roof of the hall above them, looking down at the scene through her black stringy hair. She clung to the ledge like some manner of unwholesome night creature, not quite like a bat, or a lizard, or maybe a spider.
Her eyes bright.

Staring.

Judging.

"ARE YOU BLIND AS WELL AS CRAZY?!" Marvella roared without missing a beat, pointing at her. "THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN VIOLENCE HERE!!!! Or did you not notice the pile of ashes?!" ... Something had definitely changed about the woman's voice, though it was difficult to put one's finger on what, precisely. If the listeners had to guess... there was a threat there, now. A dark and cold promise behind every syllable: You live because I allow it, and will die when I demand it.

Then came Vizini's proclomation, and the voice of Yphine whirled on him. The temperature seemed to be dropping. "So you will allow someone to die in fire and do nothing." Her glare continued for a full eight seconds before she slowly sat down herself. "Fine." She said wearily, as the threat left her voice.

Aedilred

2014-12-08, 09:32 PM

Staring Elwyr in the face he opened his mouth incredibly wide, showing row after row of razor sharp teeth. Then just when Elwyr was certain he was going to be eaten, Hushyarr inhaled, seeming to breath in the fire that was so desperately trying to escape his flesh. The burning eased as the fire escaped. Time seemed to stand still for a moment as the heat was consumed utterly, leaving Elwyr smoking in the grass.
Elwyr tried to speak, but the breath left his body with the fire. He felt some part of himself pulled away, into the creature atop him, then the rest dispersed. His charred form fell back onto the grass, utterly lifeless, the glowing crown rolling free.

In the ballroom, the shaken royals recovered themselves, one by one pushing themselves back to their feet, or assisting their fellows. Alfmyr rose alone, and gradually their eyes swivelled to regard him, for he was suffused with a gentle golden light. Noticing their attention and the faint glow from beneath his gloves, he tugged them off, revealing hands glowing even more brightly, given extra warmth by the dyed golden skin beneath.

Eldred was among the last to rise, his own skin mirroring his brother's. Wordlessly they looked at each other, then Eldred strode towards the doors through which the Cree had carried the king. Kasmi and Alfmyr fell into step behind him as he made his way outside, the Tuhilander delegates flocking to their side. Tempest's eyes were filled with tears, though even now she retained enough dignity as a princess not to weep, as her brothers gently escorted her towards the door.

Inevitably, Eldred thought as he emerged into the open air, the space seemed full of people, despite the obvious danger, first of the fire, and now of the monstrous duel between Nezetkhamun and the creature claiming to be Mosi and the Avatar, not to mention Ji. Many of them were from his own kingdom and those thingmen among them rushed forward to protect him as he walked over to where the king lay.

He knelt beside him and reached out, but Elwyr's flesh crumbled at his touch. The king's body looked burned, but in reality it was far worse; there was nothing left of him save ash and the crown. He picked it up: while still glowing, it was cool to the touch.

Even as he stood, a great wail went up from the Tuhilanders as they realised the implication. He did not put it on, but turned, holding it, towards the three combatants, when Khoonbish made her pronouncement. His eyes gave no clue as to his thoughts.

Those struck by the light (i.e. those with Jarrow blood) will discover sooner or later that they have been blessed by the Lord of Fire, whether as a side effect or as a reward for their sharing in the attempt to stop the explosion. They will have the ability to emit a golden light, of brightness roughly proportional to the amount of time they endured the light, and will pass this on to their descendants. If they fled the room before the light eruption or rejected it (whether due to rejection of the LoF or of the family connection, although they may have found this difficult), this won't happen. Whether they are affected, to what extent, and the extent of their control of the ability I leave up to you. I believe eligible characters are Tansyn, Raziel and Shuxian, but there may be others I've forgotten about or weren't listed.
Those struck by the light (i.e. those with Jarrow blood) will discover sooner or later that they have been blessed by the Lord of Fire, whether as a side effect or as a reward for their sharing in the attempt to stop the explosion. They will have the ability to emit a golden light, of brightness roughly proportional to the amount of time they endured the light, and will pass this on to their descendants. If they fled the room before the light eruption or rejected the light (whether due to rejection of the LoF or of the family connection, although they may have found this difficult), this won't happen. Whether they are affected, to what extent, and the extent of their control of the ability I leave up to you. I believe eligible characters are Hazael and Salline, but there may be others I've forgotten about or weren't listed.
Those struck by the light (i.e. those with Jarrow blood) will discover sooner or later that they have been blessed by the Lord of Fire, whether as a side effect or as a reward for their sharing in the attempt to stop the explosion. They will have the ability to emit a golden light, of brightness roughly proportional to the amount of time they endured the light, and will pass this on to their descendants. If they fled the room before the light eruption or rejected the light (whether due to rejection of the LoF or of the family connection, although they may have found this difficult), this won't happen. Whether they are affected, to what extent, and the extent of their control of the ability I leave up to you. Eldin and Edhyr are eligible, as is their mother and either of their sister.
Those struck by the light (i.e. those with Jarrow blood) will discover sooner or later that they have been blessed by the Lord of Fire, whether as a side effect or as a reward for their sharing in the attempt to stop the explosion. They will have the ability to emit a golden light, of brightness roughly proportional to the amount of time they endured the light. If they fled the room or rejected the light (whether due to rejection of the LoF or of the family connection, although they may have found this difficult), this won't happen. Whether they are affected, to what extent, and the extent of their control of the ability is up to you, though Gun Huang and Xiuhcoatl almost certainly would have been under the circumstances.
As I alluded to in the PM, those persons struck by the light (i.e. those with Jarrow blood) will discover sooner or later that they have been blessed by the Lord of Fire, whether as a side effect or as a reward for their sharing in the attempt to stop the explosion. They will have the ability to emit a golden light, of brightness roughly proportional to the amount of time they endured the light. If they fled the room or rejected the light (whether due to rejection of the LoF or of the family connection), this won't happen. Whether they are affected, to what extent, and the extent of their control of the ability I leave up to you.
I'm not sure which of your characters are present, but if Emryn or any of her descendants are they will have been eligible to have been struck by the light. Those struck by the light (i.e. those with Jarrow blood) will discover sooner or later that they have been blessed by the Lord of Fire, whether as a side effect or as a reward for their sharing in the attempt to stop the explosion. They will have the ability to emit a golden light, of brightness roughly proportional to the amount of time they endured the light. If they fled the room or rejected the light (whether due to rejection of the LoF thanks to a stronger connection to another god or of the family connection, although they may have found this difficult), this won't happen. Whether they are affected, to what extent, and the extent of their control of the ability is up to you.

DurkBlanston

2014-12-08, 09:34 PM

Ji held his position, his sword now alternating between Vizini and Mosi. He could feel the heat of Nezetkhamun at his back and it seemed to strengthen him. He heard the voice of the Cree Heir but ignored her. His brother Nao may have found something agreeable in her but the King found her to be a vile thing even if he did not express that sentiment given the relations between their realms.

"Stay back from the King, all of you. King Elwyr is blessed by the Lord of Fire, I have no doubt he can control and counteract whatever this beast has done, but he will do it through his own strength."

EDIT: At his words the wailing of the Carmine royals and their entourage could be heard and Ji looked back over his shoulder beneath the body of the great Tzaltec dragon and his sword began to tremble slightly in his hand. His head whipped back to the creature.

"You! You did this! Why!?" he said through gritting teeth.

DoomHat

2014-12-08, 10:00 PM

The temperature seemed to be dropping. "So you will allow someone to die in fire and do nothing." Her glare continued for a full eight seconds before she slowly sat down herself. "Fine." She said wearily, as the threat left her voice.

"I Would Ask You Please Kindly Not To Guess Insultingly At My Motives..."

Khoonbish seemed about to say more when she spied Elwyr's body turn to ashen dust in Eldred arms.

She stood on her perch. She struck a more regal and commanding stance. She made a series of hand gestures to a runner awaiting instruction in her view.

"There is no need for more chaos here. What happens next may be inevitable but we can conduct it in a precise manner. Direct the conflict toward the sea. Minium collateral damage. This is all I ask of you. This is all I ask of you all."

Cree engineers were taking apart set pieces and decoration, quickly revealing them to be hidden ballista components. Bloodknights and their subordinate guards carrying pole-arms began converging on all sides. The full force of the Cree presence at the event was rearing its head like a viper poised to strike. Yet, like a hungry serpent, it was also patient.

DurkBlanston

2014-12-08, 10:05 PM

"I Would Ask You Please Kindly Not To Guess Insultingly At My Motives..."

Khoonbish seemed about to say more when she spied Elwyr's body turn to ashen dust in Eldred arms.

She stood on her perch. She struck a more regal and commanding stance. She made a series of hand gestures to a runner awaiting instruction in her view.

"There is no need for more chaos here. What happens next may be inevitable but we can conduct it in a precise manner. Direct the conflict toward the sea. Minium collateral damage. This is all I ask of you. This is all I ask of you all."

Cree engineers were taking apart set pieces and decoration, quickly revealing them to be hidden ballista components. Bloodknights carrying pole-arms began converging on all sides. The full force of the Cree presence at the event was rearing its head like a viper poised to strike. Yet like a hungry serpent, it was also patient.

Ji's eyes flicked around at the surrounding Cree armaments. Khoonbish's request wasn't unreasonable, not that he expected the Cree would be fool enough to shoot the Caercian King given their relationship but there truly was no need to antagonize them. Their duty was security, that was what they were pursuing. His eyes returned to the creature, though it was clearly more concerned with the dragon he shouted,

"You heard her!" he flicked his sword towards the sea and nodded in that direction, "Prepare to answer for your actions creature!"

SamBurke

2014-12-08, 10:08 PM

Vizini continued to sit quietly in the corner. It seemed that there was too much anger for there to be a quiet conversation, which would have been the best situation. But answers were still required, and required quickly. The fact that everyone seemed willing to talk was promising, however, and he motioned to the floor.

"Sit, friends. We will hear the creature's words, and decide whether it has done right. Whether it is who it says it is."

TheDarkDM

2014-12-08, 10:10 PM

SamBurke

2014-12-08, 10:17 PM

Nezetkhamun's eyes never left where Hushyarr remained crouched, and the words of the supposed avatar were met with nothing but a derisive growl. Still, his words were directed away from the confrontation, and towards his allies and the Cree surrounding them.

"We will not break the sacred trust you uphold, Champion-Heir. But royal blood has been spilled here, at the hands of this creature. He may once have been a ruler of men, but I deny him recognition now. I ask only that your people perform the duty at which they so excel, and take the beast into custody."

Vizini stands up again, sighing. As he does, he unfurls his true majesty, rising to Nezet's height in adamithril scales and sharpened spines. The claws in his hands burst all the way, curling and sharpening to strength unchecked. He does not growl, however, nor show any sign of anger whatsoever. Instead, he quietly says

"Uncle, I remind you that not all people will stand to your orders. The Cree are not your justice or Guilder's, they simply protect these delegations of their own accord.

"Besides that, you assume that the blood thus spilt is because of the creature... which has not yet had chance to defend itself. There is no justice until we can hear both sides of this argument."

HalfTangible

2014-12-08, 10:21 PM

Vizini stands up again, sighing. As he does, he unfurls his true majesty, rising to Nezet's height in adamithril scales and sharpened spines. The claws in his hands burst all the way, curling and sharpening to strength unchecked. He does not growl, however, nor show any sign of anger whatsoever. Instead, he quietly says

"Uncle, I remind you that not all people will stand to your orders. The Cree are not your justice or Guilder's, they simply protect these delegations of their own accord.

"Besides that, you assume that the blood thus spilt is because of the creature... which has not yet had chance to defend itself. There is no justice until we can hear both sides of this argument."

"Perhaps Marvella's ears deceive her, but she believes your uncle made a request to detain a suspect, not an order for an execution." Marvella remained sitting. "An order sounds like this: Sit down."

zabbarot

2014-12-08, 10:33 PM

Hushyarr sat calmly.

"Thank you Vizini. Though I think you both should... contain yourselves. I came here because I was called here. I did not know that there was second flame. That is not knowledge mortals are privy to. I can say for my own part that this confirms my suspicions completely. I have been reborn as the Blazing Avatar. This has unfolded just as it did nearly one hundred years ago. Two possible Blazing Avatars met and the weaker one was consumed. This time at least I know what Greta could not, and a greater catastrophe was avoided. Elwyr's fate is regrettable, but he was ready for it. And if you would open your eyes you would see that he is still with his family.

"The only one here who was truly harmed was Elwyr, and as such the only person who I must answer to is Eldred."

SamBurke

2014-12-08, 10:44 PM

"As you wish, Avatar." Vizini bows, his monstrous wings brushing against the pillars on the way down. When he returns to his full stance, he begins to disintegrate, literally.

The scales fall off, showering towards the grounds like head-sized blades, points down in a cascade of would be death. However, as they fall, the scales too break apart, bursting in splashes of water, covering the floor. The transformation continues to unwork, and the muscles pop, snap, and tear off. As the tendons come crashing down like a ship's rigging collapsing in 1 ton sections, it too fades away to a thick rain, crashing against the stone and pooling around Vizini's feet.

A deep fog rises around the Guilderene, pushed up and out by its sheer volume, and accompanied by a groundswell of sea-foam swirling around the feet of those still in the hall. It clears slowly, dissipating and clinging to the skin of Hushyarr, Kbhoonish, Marvella, Nezetkhamun, Ji, and the others. Finally, from the misty cloud steps a shaken Vizini, who sits down upon the floor in a... very Raanekan state of dress.

DoomHat

2014-12-08, 11:06 PM

One among Khoonbish's many unsettling traits was her apparent indifference to the notion of blinking.
She continued staring hungrily downward as heavy weapons platforms fell into place and Cree spearmen, now in position, conducted final checks on their primary weapons.

Each carried an unusual looking spear in hand, and a more standard model across their backs. The ones in hand had been developed specifically as draconic countermeasures. The heads were iron cylinders with adamantium points. The cylinders functioned something like a conventional firework.

The mechanism was simple, dive the spear into a joint or segmentation of the creature's armor, then twist and pull the activator. The cylinder then (ideally) propels itself deeper into the wound and explodes. Hypothetically, the weapon should be vastly more potent against a creature without a plated hide.

Meanwhile, Baasanjav was somewhat confused. He was reasonably sure he was Baasanjav the Mad, son of Rao the Magnificent. He also recalled being an earth spirit. He was also fairly certain he was fire at some point... or was on fire... or was there a difference?

He held out a hand in front of his face. He did not recall it ever being quite so green. Then again, part of him found the notion of having hands, and seeing in general to be a fresh novelty.

“Hmm?” he said to himself, mostly testing to see if he could make sounds, and what that would feel and sound like.

“Hmmm...”.

Aedilred

2014-12-08, 11:24 PM

Eldred struggled to hear the words of the lion-creature, both thanks to his partial deafness and the shock of the last few minutes, but he thought he had the gist of it. The creature would indeed answer to him, but he was king now, and his first duty was to his own people. He turned to Kasmi and thrust the crown at him. The duke stared at it for a moment, apparently dumbfounded, then seemed to realise what was expected of him, and replaced it reverentially on Eldred's head before stepping backwards, drawing his sword and falling to one knee.

"The king is dead," he called. "Long live the king!" Around him, the other Carmine delegates also knelt, repeating the call, followed by the thingmen and the more distant commonfolk, though many of the Tuhilanders remained standing, looking on in confusion.

Eventually one of them called out. "He bears the same blessing as our lord Elwyr! He remains with us in spirit! He is the light in the void, the destroyer of shadows! Defier of the dark!" After a moment's more sussuration, the cry was echoed around them. "Defier of the dark!" They too knelt. The harpies, drawn by the commotion and settled on any high place they could find in the vicinity, set up a great cry - "Tagavor! Tagavor!"

Eldred, crown and skin still glowing, drew his own sword and saluted his people, then gave the signal for them to rise, pulling some of the nearer ones to their feet himself. He muttered something to the thingmen, who immediately surrounded what was left of Elwyr's body, with some hurrying off in search of a dignified means of transporting it.

Then he turned and walked over to the stand-off.

"I am not the only one to whom an answer is owed," he said, "but I shall speak for my people; my uncle's people, who have lost their king." He looked around at the assembled company. "I am not a man versed in theology and must take counsel from those greater in learning, so cannot speak as to the truth of what happened here. I am sure that had my uncle not been removed from the ballroom that nobody save him would have been hurt, but I cannot fault the Cree for their actions under the circumstances.

"In his later years my uncle came to believe that the Avatar could not be reborn while he lived. If this creature, whoever and whatever it may be, speaks truly, the king's death was inevitable and for the good of the faith, and he would have accepted, if not welcomed it. If it lies, our king died in agony for nothing. As I say, I am not the man to judge the truth of the matter."

He looked down at the Mosi-lion directly. "So I shall say this. It shall be determined if this creature is the Blazing Avatar. If it is not, it is a regicide who has broken the trust of peace in which we all gathered here. If this is the Blazing Avatar, I charge it to be the Avatar my uncle would have died for willingly, the Avatar this world has missed for more than a hundred years. I shall hold it to this charge, and call upon those gathered here, your eminence Xiuhtlatec, lord Teotlkan, lord King, lord Doge, your eminence High Priestess, my lady Champion-Heir, and all those others who can hear me, to bear witness to this charge and to hold this creature to it if I cannot, and to execute whatever sentence seems most fitting should it prove false to it or to its words already spoken."

DurkBlanston

2014-12-08, 11:36 PM

Ji listened to the words of his fellow King. The man was his senior by near a decade and a royal for longer than Ji had been alive. He lowered his sword and sheathed it at his side.

"Long live the king," he said in affirmation of Eldred's words, May his words as law be carried out."

He turned back to the creature and the other assembled delegates waiting to see what their response would be. For none but his Qzare, his wife, or Eldred would Ji have stood down and never was it clearer than now. This was the second tragedy involving the nations of the north and the Imperium he had witnessed and the old adage of times fooled crossed his mind. This would be the last time.

zabbarot

2014-12-08, 11:38 PM

Hushyarr bowed low and graciously. "I would ask for nothing else."

SamBurke

2014-12-08, 11:41 PM

Eldred struggled to hear the words of the lion-creature, both thanks to his partial deafness and the shock of the last few minutes, but he thought he had the gist of it. The creature would indeed answer to him, but he was king now, and his first duty was to his own people. He turned to Kasmi and thrust the crown at him. The duke stared at it for a moment, apparently dumbfounded, then seemed to realise what was expected of him, and replaced it reverentially on Eldred's head before stepping backwards, drawing his sword and falling to one knee.

"The king is dead," he called. "Long live the king!" Around him, the other Carmine delegates also knelt, repeating the call, followed by the thingmen and the more distant commonfolk, though many of the Tuhilanders remained standing, looking on in confusion.

Eventually one of them called out. "He bears the same blessing as our lord Elwyr! He remains with us in spirit! He is the light in the void, the destroyer of shadows! Defier of the dark!" After a moment's more sussuration, the cry was echoed around them. "Defier of the dark!" They too knelt. The harpies, drawn by the commotion and settled on any high place they could find in the vicinity, set up a great cry - "Tagavor! Tagavor!"

Eldred, crown and skin still glowing, drew his own sword and saluted his people, then gave the signal for them to rise, pulling some of the nearer ones to their feet himself. He muttered something to the thingmen, who immediately surrounded what was left of Elwyr's body, with some hurrying off in search of a dignified means of transporting it.

Then he turned and walked over to the stand-off.

"I am not the only one to whom an answer is owed," he said, "but I shall speak for my people; my uncle's people, who have lost their king." He looked around at the assembled company. "I am not a man versed in theology and must take counsel from those greater in learning, so cannot speak as to the truth of what happened here. I am sure that had my uncle not been removed from the ballroom that nobody save him would have been hurt, but I cannot fault the Cree for their actions under the circumstances.

"In his later years my uncle came to believe that the Avatar could not be reborn while he lived. If this creature, whoever and whatever it may be, speaks truly, the king's death was inevitable and for the good of the faith, and he would have accepted, if not welcomed it. If it lies, our king died in agony for nothing. As I say, I am not the man to judge the truth of the matter."

He looked down at the Mosi-lion directly. "So I shall say this. It shall be determined if this creature is the Blazing Avatar. If it is not, it is a regicide who has broken the trust of peace in which we all gathered here. If this is the Blazing Avatar, I charge it to be the Avatar my uncle would have died for willingly, the Avatar this world has missed for more than a hundred years. I shall hold it to this charge, and call upon those gathered here, your eminence Xiuhcoatl, lord Teotlkan, lord King, lord Doge, your eminence High Priestess, my lady Champion-Heir, and all those others who can hear me, to bear witness to this charge and to hold this creature to it if I cannot, and to execute whatever sentence seems most fitting should it prove false to it or to its words already spoken."

Ji listened to the words of his fellow King. The man was his senior by near a decade and a royal for longer than Ji had been alive. He lowered his sword and sheathed it at his side.

"Long live the king," he said in affirmation of Eldred's words, May his words as law be carried out."

He turned back to the creature and the other assembled delegates waiting to see what their response would be. For none but his Qzare, his wife, or Eldred would Ji have stood down and never was it clearer than now. This was the second tragedy involving the nations of the north and the Imperium he had witnessed and the old adage of times fooled crossed his mind. This would be the last time.

Hushyarr bowed low and graciously. "I would ask for nothing else."

Vizini nods. "All are in agreement, then, and court may be held. If you, Hushyarr, may prove yourself to be the Blazing Avatar, then your actions were of religious necessity, and above laws hewn for mortals alone. If, however, you are not, then you are a creature who must answer for such action, and with equal recompense. If you accept these terms, then we shall find an... appropriate venue for this, and allow the revelry to continue."

DoomHat

2014-12-09, 12:11 AM

"I am afraid that the Tyranny of New Crima must demand this trial take place immediately. It is our judgment that no mortal force can contain this entity long outside the entity's immediate destruction. Trust can on longer be applied until innocence is confirmed.

We request that all present begin the work of assembling Judge and Jury and Expert Testimony. We hold the Executioner's Ax, and it grows HEAVY."

Khoonbish had not wavered from her regal position of command, paying no heed to the harpies who'd flanked her in celebration of the ad-hoc coronation.
Her tone was winding ever tighter. The coherence and control in her voice and manor was like a coiling spring.

HalfTangible

2014-12-09, 12:25 AM

Vizini nods. "All are in agreement, then, and court may be held. If you, Hushyarr, may prove yourself to be the Blazing Avatar, then your actions were of religious necessity, and above laws hewn for mortals alone. If, however, you are not, then you are a creature who must answer for such action, and with equal recompense. If you accept these terms, then we shall find an... appropriate venue for this, and allow the revelry to continue."

"I'll thank you not to speak for everyone, Honorable Doge, nor to suggest that we can return to revelry after the murder - or even just death by burning - of a king." Marvella stood up and a pair of icy manacles - just wide enough for Hulyarr - appeared in her hand. She stepped towards the accused, frowning darkly. "Mortal means cannot hold this creature, but it cannot use its powers to break my magic without causing further harm." She glanced to Khoonbish. "Unless the Tyranny would rather take the chance that you and your men can contain something that is definitely powerful and may be the Blazing Avatar?"

DoomHat

2014-12-09, 12:38 AM

"This contribution considered preferable. We would ask that you implement this temporary containment mechanism unless one of the assembled powers can raise a reasonable objection."

zabbarot

2014-12-09, 12:41 AM

HalfTangible

2014-12-09, 12:48 AM

Hushyarr only laughed. "Marvella, you still don't understand your own magic. Ice does not touch me. You saw me in the frozen north. The snow melted far above my head and evaporated before it had chance to chill my skin. Iron would serve better. Use ice if you wish, but I will not be to blame when they melt." He laid down on the grass. It was almost as if they were trying to insult him. "So tell me, how will you seek to prove that I am truly the Blazing Avatar? Have you devised a test since the debacle with Greta, or am I still the expert in this field?"

"Don't insult me." She growled, snapping the manacles on. "My ice is formed by magic, not clouds. It's made of tougher stuff."

... In retrospect, comparing the voice of the ice goddess' power to mundane snow was not the most flattering description he could've gone with.

zabbarot

2014-12-09, 01:00 AM

HalfTangible

2014-12-09, 01:08 AM

"Do not insult me. I have practiced magic for over a hundred years. It is still ice. It will only survive the heat of my skin for as long as you hold on to it. I am of course fine with your company, however long you choose to stand there."

"'Don't insult me' he replied to a statement that contained no insult right after insulting someone else." Marvella cocked an eyebrow, stood and waited. The manacles didn't melt.

A hundred years is a long time. Long enough to advance our magic. She poked at it experimentally. Granted, you're right - it won't hold long, but I can make another when it melts. A few hours, tops. I'd put my money closer to one.

Reggiejam

2014-12-09, 01:36 AM

Those struck by the light (i.e. those with Jarrow blood) will discover sooner or later that they have been blessed by the Lord of Fire, whether as a side effect or as a reward for their sharing in the attempt to stop the explosion. They will have the ability to emit a golden light, of brightness roughly proportional to the amount of time they endured the light, and will pass this on to their descendants. If they fled the room before the light eruption or rejected the light (whether due to rejection of the LoF or of the family connection, although they may have found this difficult), this won't happen. Whether they are affected, to what extent, and the extent of their control of the ability I leave up to you. Eldin and Edhyr are eligible, as is their mother and either of their sister.

Eldin and Edhyr had both been dancing with the Imperial Elven girls when a great commotion was had, a creature with many legs announced itself as the Blazing Avatar, and a burst of flame occurred not a few meters away from them.

Light filled their vision as their uncle, the King of Carmine, exploded into light and the strands of luminosity from his form reached them. Eldin and Edhyr both raised their hands to shield their eyes but there was no effect. They felt the Lord behind their eyelids, piercing into their minds and souls. Their faith was strong, they had grown up worshipping the Lord and when they'd moved to Eyrecradia they'd only grown more devout, finding their faith to be a link back home amid the faithful followers of the Mother in Faedas. The blinding light was cut off in a moment and vision returned to both the young Jarrow men.

They looked around, blinking, as they did so light beams interrupted and revealed as their eyes opened and closed. Looking at one another the two brothers saw that behind each of their eyes was a glow, though as they looked it faded to a dim glow. Despite the situation they didn't seem puzzled. The blessing was clearly from the Lord, passed through to them by their uncle, the King. Before they had much of a chance to explore the full ramifications chaos had erupted and they were being ushered outside by Cree security. Whatever was going to happen next they were not going to bear witness.

OOC: Dark, Way, Sam you all still owe me responses to earlier things Dark, the private meeting, Way, the private meeting, Sam the Servant quarter discussion about the box and good luck charms.

Elemental

2014-12-09, 02:43 AM

Dulari is about to answer the question when a tiny Bucka arrives, handing her a scroll. "Ah! Well, now I can answer that question for you! They most certainly have, and you are free to treat with them as you will. Remember to peacebond your weapons with a Cree, and I would definitely recommend leaving them outside of the tent of anyone important.

"Other than that, please do enjoy your stay! Ambassador Zhela, can I get you anything, or are you still working for a little while?" Dulari winked and held up a flask of Heartwine, conveniently portable for whenever the thirst happened to hit. She knew his heritage, of course, but that wasn't going to stop her from trying to proselytize another to the love of her national addiction.

OOC: I mustn't have stated it clearly, but Zhela is a she.

"No thank you, I believe I will still be working. Besides, the precepts of my order prevent me from indulging in strong drink, no matter how tempting the indulgence is."
She bowed politely before accompanying the War Chief to her meeting with Hurosha.

Vizini nods, bows and steps away from the delegation. He leaves their path at the top of the hill, where the road splits; he must go to the Eastern Floor, and they, to the outskirts of the city where the Cree have begun work.

"I am glad to hear that! I do hope you find time to visit the embassy, because if you're already in the reveling mind, I believe you will be most excited by seeing your quarters. The Raaneki can amaze, even when they're decorating tastefully."

"I am certain that they'll be most comfortable. I have heard much about the design and I may just hire the architects and builders myself, I've run out of room to store my books you see.
"Now, if it is acceptable, I shall take my leave and help with the unpacking. May the spirits guide you both."
He bowed his head slightly and moved to assist the Primarch with supervising the camp set up.

The Grand Ball - Yet again a disaster

The dance was initially going rather well. The King, the Primarch and their families were happy, enjoying themselves without affairs of state to drag down their spirits. But then that lion thing made its pronouncement, claiming power and authority it had no right to. That was bad enough and King Kellan would have challenged its pronouncements, but then all hell broke loose.
As Elwyr burst into flames, three of the King's cousins were struck by an unknown force, their dance partners noting their skin was so hot it burned to the touch. Moving quickly, Kellan issued orders for everyone he'd brought with him to get out. His wife, his children, his cousins, even the Primarch. None could move the stricken three as none dared. This was the work of the spirits and they knew what would happen if they interfered.
After ordering the few guards he had in attendance to look after his cousins, he grabbed his sword from the guard bearing it and broke the peacebond. There would be answers and there would be justice.

Having arrived at the scene, the King of Ashenia raised his voice and addressed the assemblage.
"I am afraid I must object. There is a more pressing issue than whether this beast is or is not the Blazing Avatar. Though you claim none have been injured save from His Majesty Elwyr, may the Spirits guide him to his eternal rest, I myself witnessed three members of my own family struck down by an unknown force, as well as several other noble individuals.
"Though Hushyarr may claim a lack of responsibility in this matter, he would be lying. His brazen claim to the position of Avatar resulted in one death and numerous injuries, including the torture by fire of a Cree warrior. I will hold him accountable for these actions even if no one else here will."

Aedilred

2014-12-09, 02:58 AM

Hope you won't mind that I adapted your instructions just a tad. Emryn is still strongly loyal to the LOF, so she received the blessing. Astrid and Maria (who didn't show up because they aren't here), did not receive the blessing, as they are moderately aligned with the Path. Molly, though, is such a zealot for the Path that her own soul actually fought with the power of the LOF, resulting in that nasty and very significant burn.

OK. The light should have been relatively harmless, though potent, since Elwyr tried to separate the different forms of energy - the divine light mostly went to his family, and he took the destructive portion of the fire himself, so that the spiritual burden was spread around, but nobody other than him was seriously harmed. While it's not impossible that someone could have been injured, if they were conflicted over whether to accept the light or not (if they rejected it consciously and had sufficient faith, it would just go around them) the results would be more like sunburn than regular burns.

WaylanderX

2014-12-09, 04:34 AM

Back at the Huroshan Embassy, Menhirin guards came flooding in, bringing news of what transpired.

"The Avatar who Guards Fire? Mosi's incarnation? Nezetkhamun out of control? I'll be on my way. Send a messenger to the Marius' Pride. We might need the Avatar of Balance here, if things get way out of hand. Say to her that the Avatar who Guards Fire has been found, that should get her attention. Tell her to take a priest of the Fiery faith with her."

(OOC: I asked Chief, if I can lend a character of his to further the story. He doesn't RP much, so yeah. If anyone is against this, please say so. Would give the LoF fraction a bit more prominence also. )

"No Eels?" Magnus asked, dead serious in tone.

"No.... no Eels."

"Pity..."

And it would give us a way to see if Mosi really is the Avatar who Guards Fire. She thought to herself. If that overblown newt doesn't destroy everything around himself before somebody with a brain takes control that is.

Ryena made her way towards the commotion together with Magnus, arriving in time to see Hushyarr being put to chains. She couldn't get closer though due the Cree security forces keeping everyone outside. Nezetkhamun was visible, probably blowing the whole incident out of proportion, no doubt. The Cree Tyrant was blabbering about, by the looks of it.

"So tell me, how will you seek to prove that I am truly the Blazing Avatar? Have you devised a test since the debacle with Greta, or am I still the expert in this field?"

"Magnus?"

"Yes, my lady."

Magnus' voice bouldered over the noise, like a gigantic avalanche of sound.

"WE MIGHT...HAVE A WAY...TO VERIFY HIS CLAIM......WE OF HUROSHA...ARE ACCOMPANIED BY MONKS...OF THE FIERY FAITH......LET THOSE...WHO THIS BEAST...CLAIMS TO BE HIS...WORSHIPPERS...JUDGE HIS WORDS......ONLY THEN...A VALID...ASSESSMENT...CAN BE MADE......THE TRUTH...WILL BE KNOWN...THAT WAY..."

Private Meeting

"There are two demands the Court makes to validate the Shuzoku No Henkaku in their eyes. One, that your marriage to my brother be nullified so that any children you bear are not legally Earthguard and two that I, and my sister though she is indisposed, recognize your legitimacy."

Kyria read the note and her head inclined slightly, was it a nod or a simple involuntary movement?

"Of course, that is not the only concern levied against Hurosha. Many in my Court find the divided nature of Faedas unacceptable and they are in my ear most constantly. Their arguments are not unsound. You know Keldagrim splits my nation between north and south and while Keldagrim has so far remained open and paths through Sympolemou have been made to remain eternally open the option between uncertain or circuitous routes has many concerned. Concerned enough to mobilize their feudal armies and beset the Throne of Thorns with unceasing requests for a location to use them."

"I cannot hold them back forever out of kindness towards my brother, especially as it is not his head that wears the crown. There is a great war brewing just beneath the surface, it would be unfortunate if Keldagrim were to spark it's beginning. Surely Hurosha would be far better off to surrender Keldagrim to another administration given the severe backlash against the Counsel of Havalder? Collecting one's things and departing?"

Ryena smiled at proposal.

"I wish it was that easy. I can certainly understand your situation, but people of Hurosha, especially those present in Zargrim, threaten to rally against me if I give up Keldagrim. What may be considered a bad decision in the eyes of those outside Hurosha, is a blessing to those within it. If I would give it up and "collect my things and depart", the internal consequences would be....severe. Like you, I cannot keep the nobility of my country in line forever without severe repercussions."

Ryena winked towards Kyria, or was it just a blink?

"However, that said, I am not against letting Keldagrim go .... at the right price. An equal trade, as it were. The lands of Keldagrim in exchange for....lets see...Tekorva or Wenyavuk perhaps? Tekorva has been a vassal and loyal ally of Hurosha for almost 150 years, and Wenyavuk worships a god of fire, just like the monks of the Fiery faith. They would both fit right in. And perhaps, you could bring stability and peace to Keldagrim itself in the eyes of the outside world, and succeed where your father or grandmother."

The Empress leaned on the table.

"Are you willing to negotiate those terms, Queen Kyria?"

Servant Quarters

"Eeehhmm, sir. It appears we.....sir...wrong....." Limlugon stammered, trying to excuse themselves while ushered in by Vasili.

"Don't be such a spoilsport, Lim-ojiisan." Aimi said cheerfully.

"The big old guy is called Limlugon, and I'm Aimi. We're servants who came here with the Huroshans. On the Marius' Pride of course. You heard of the Marius' Pride? It's the airship of the royal family. Hella big too."

While talking, Aimi flew across the room, seemingly trying to imitate an airship.

Limlugon turned to Vasili.

"I'm very sorry for the intrusion sir, but it seems we were pranked. There was word going around of a exquisite party, you see. It appears it was but a hoax though."

Looking at Aimi, he added.

"And don't mind Aimi, if you would. She is just a tad excited. First time at such an occasion, you see?"

Rain Dragon

2014-12-09, 09:29 AM

It had seemed as though time stretched as Aglus blindly allowed himself to be coaxed toward the exit. He was old enough to know that in crowded situations such as these, panic would mean someone would get hurt.

However, it was not long until he was free. A slight breeze hit his face, bringing with it a hint of something burned which caused the anxiety closing in on his chest and throat to transform into a fully-fledged panic. He bolted surprisingly quickly for his size; almost as fast as a horse and were he thinking straight he would know he cannot maintain such speeds for long. Aglus gradually slowed as his body began to falter, yet he pressed on. Finally, his legs gave in and Aglus collapsed among some berry bushes. He didn't even notice the humanoid silhouette of Thrydar as the world faded from view...

Kitsanth

2014-12-09, 10:14 AM

The Grand Ball - Yet again a disaster

Jehan and Tansyn had been making the most of the evening. An opportunity like this, to simply enjoy being in each-other's presence, relatively anonymous amongst the crowd, did not occur often. They danced away, following steps that few present had ever seen.

Until their peace was shattered... and then Tansyn began to glow.

The Grand Prince had been practically oblivious to other happenings in the hall until this point, still he wasn't a fool and despite his desire to hold his love close, he knew it would be safer for both of them if he backed away immediately. And so he did, cursing under his breath in Niskan - if any nearby were fluent in the tongue and able to hear they would have been both disturbed and impressed by the Sovereign's vocabulary.

At this point, the unofficial watchers assigned to the Prince - who had until this point remained unnoticed - approached. Several were more distant cousins of House Nisakovich with blood ties to House Alkaev, and all were proficient in the secret arts of that line. Some watched the hall, preventing onlookers from getting to close. Others watched their Sovereign and Tansyn, itching to shield the Princess from these strange foreign magics. All stood with strange light glinting about their persons and curious objects in hand as they ignored the efforts of the Cree evacuation. A pair made to draw up a barrier until a voice rang out.

"Wait!" shouted one of the few Niskan Sages present, seeking to prevent a potential catastrophe, "the light is a blessing, a foreign blessing but a blessing nonetheless. Interference could be fatal."

And now all they could do was wait. It was tense, all present were so focused on the plight of their Princess that they were barely aware of the chaos outside.

Soon enough the light died and Jehan was able to hold Tansyn in his arms once more.

"Have Iona ready the airships. We shall depart as soon as is polite." Jehan stated, resolute in his chosen course, glad that his love seemed fine.

Those nearby pondered whether or not to tell the Sovereign that Raziel and his father had also been effected by the light, in the face of Jehan's contentment they decided against it. They were in capable enough hands already.

((OOC - Keeping it short to prevent interrupting actual plot))

Aglus had finally managed to commence enjoyment of the Dance in peace when a strange being started speaking very loudly in that foreign language everyone seemed to know around here. Aglus wondered for a moment where Thrydar had got to when suddenly bright lights appeared everywhere. It wasn't until a loud yell and the smell of searing flesh* drew his attention that he realised someone had caught fire. Frozen in place for only a fraction of a second, Aglus nearly bolted in a dead panic. Barely keeping his head, Aglus moved as quickly as possible toward an exit (with the help of the Cree, of course) where he could then safely panic and run away.

*OOC - If there wasn't before, then there is now. From the burning Cree.

It had seemed as though time stretched as Aglus blindly allowed himself to be coaxed toward the exit. He was old enough to know that in crowded situations such as these, panic would mean someone would get hurt.

However, it was not long until he was free. A slight breeze hit his face, bringing with it a hint of something burned which caused the anxiety closing in on his chest and throat to transform into a fully-fledged panic. He bolted surprisingly quickly for his size; almost as fast as a horse and were he thinking straight he would know he cannot maintain such speeds for long. Aglus gradually slowed as his body began to falter, yet he pressed on. Finally, his legs gave in and Aglus collapsed among some berry bushes. He didn't even notice the humanoid silhouette of Thrydar as the world faded from view...

It was on days like these that Kazimir found it easy to understand why the Isolationist's ideals were so popular. From what he had heard - and experienced - it didn't seem to matter where one went, one of these strange foreigners was going to end up being burnt alive. And now everyone was running about in a panic making the entire situation even more dangerous, you would think one would expect this sort of thing to happen and prepare appropriately. Which is why when Kazimir noticed the young Haljan bolt in panic, he reacted immediately.

"Rolan! Vasyl! With me," shouted Kazimir, "the Sovereigns' guest will need our help."

Hearing Kazimir's order, the twins left their defensive positions and followed Kazimir from the hall, chasing after the young Haljan.

The cousins moved quickly but they could not keep pace with a Haljan, even a one as young as Aglus. Still, Kazimir had seen the panic in his eyes and knew that they would soon catch up - great-grandfather had often told Kaz of how he had inherited his grandfather's easy rapport with Niskovia's long term friends.

Soon enough they came upon a clearing, hearing exhausted breathing from within, the three passed through the trees cautiously.

lt_murgen

2014-12-09, 10:26 AM

Day 2: During the Ball - Interrupting all the things.
Since Hushyarr was busy for the foreseeable future Shahyar was more than willing to speak with Columbo. After all this was his first reincarnation, and he did not have the grasp on it Mosi did. His previous life was all distant memory. As such his speech was much more heavily accented. "It is strange to awaken again as a new person, and perhaps deeply personal. The two of us were marked by our eyes and presumed to have been cursed with blindness. Luckily Hushyarr remembers his previous lives. He was able to protect us when we were thrown out of our family." He looked down at the floor for a moment, he seemed much younger than Hushyarr in a way. Hushyarr relied heavily on his past lives while Shahyar had only small pieces to grasp at. "The She'er are she'er... Hushyarr says they are much like the leeons of Yharl-and. I think I remember them. They have strange faces, and not enough teeth or legs."

Before the boom....

A middle aged man pushed his way towards Shahyar. He was part of the Seaborne Confederation, but his looks were part Islander, part Salterri. "Pardon.... pardon me. I don't...don't mean to interrupt. But I believe I have something that once belonged to you."

Philip held in his hands a walking cane. It was made of dark hardwoods and decorated with intricate mithril filigree and onyx stones. "I am Philip Grumby, son of Tumberink Grumby, keeper of the Grant family history." He said by introduction.

It appears to be open. Sages/Dino (TP) is good, Bananas/Magnetite (trade) is also good. Is that what you were asking for?

No, that is good for now. I just got confused

**During the fiery events**
While the rest of the delegation made its way out of the ballroom to escape the carnage, two people remained. Philip Grumby stood besides the reincarnation of his great uncle. He still held Martin's cane in his hand. In a corner stood Elemei Scoria, Eldest Child of Kina. He chose to stay and trust that he was to witness this.

"I am afraid that the Tyranny of New Crima must demand this trial take place immediately. It is our judgment that no mortal force can contain this entity long outside the entity's immediate destruction. Trust can on longer be applied until innocence is confirmed.

We request that all present begin the work of assembling Judge and Jury and Expert Testimony. We hold the Executioner's Ax, and it grows HEAVY."

"I wish to provide testimony!" Philip shouted. "As keeper of the Grant family legacy, I can question his assoicate who claims to be the reincarnation of one of my family. Th truth of his testimony will attest to the truth of the other."

"I too offer my services." Elemin Scoria calmy added. "As the Eldest Child of Kina, I have some experience in matters of reincarnation."

SamBurke

2014-12-09, 11:20 AM

"Only the Tekorvanin and Galien have any sense of decency towards the servants, but I can't complain, at least I earned myself out of becoming one of the Trusted."

Before he could explain the clicking of the box drew his attention and he picked it up again. He turned it over in his hands, finding one of the sides was loose he slid it off and set it aside. The other 5 sides were still locked in place, but with the panle off he could see inside was what looked like a simple box that would come open once the rest of the puzzle's sides had been solved.

"I must thank you sir, I'd been working at that panel for a few hours, perhaps you'd care to join me and talk while I work on the others?" he gestured to an open chair, "You're clearly some sort of good luck charm."
Day 1: Servant's Hall
Vasili shrugs. "Never been called good luck in my life, so... why not. I'd be delighted to help you. Shall I sing and dance to help inspire you?" He smirks a bit, and it's unclear how his sarcasm is meant.

saw[/I] her, if you know what I mean. So he would find occasion to bump into each other, chat with her during her off time, and next thing anyone knew she had a band on her arm and runes on her head. The Grand Duke was a bit annoyed, but since Charles was only the second son (and he didn't have anyone he wanted to marry the boy to anyway), he gave his blessing. Seems to have worked, too." Vasili sighs. "I wish that'd happen to me... a nice, rich, plump Guilderene girl would be a dream come true. 'Course, that means I'd have to do a lot more work upstairs to spend time with 'er, and I'm not sure that's worth it. Tell me... what would you do for a chance to get out of here, out of this life?"

OOC: I mustn't have stated it clearly, but Zhela is a she.

"No thank you, I believe I will still be working. Besides, the precepts of my order prevent me from indulging in strong drink, no matter how tempting the indulgence is."
She bowed politely before accompanying the War Chief to her meeting with Hurosha. "I understand... sad, but I understand. Deity's blessings on you! And may you find peace today."

The Grand Ball - Yet again a disaster

The dance was initially going rather well. The King, the Primarch and their families were happy, enjoying themselves without affairs of state to drag down their spirits. But then that lion thing made its pronouncement, claiming power and authority it had no right to. That was bad enough and King Kellan would have challenged its pronouncements, but then all hell broke loose.
As Elwyr burst into flames, three of the King's cousins were struck by an unknown force, their dance partners noting their skin was so hot it burned to the touch. Moving quickly, Kellan issued orders for everyone he'd brought with him to get out. His wife, his children, his cousins, even the Primarch. None could move the stricken three as none dared. This was the work of the spirits and they knew what would happen if they interfered.
After ordering the few guards he had in attendance to look after his cousins, he grabbed his sword from the guard bearing it and broke the peacebond. There would be answers and there would be justice.

Having arrived at the scene, the King of Ashenia raised his voice and addressed the assemblage.
"I am afraid I must object. There is a more pressing issue than whether this beast is or is not the Blazing Avatar. Though you claim none have been injured save from His Majesty Elwyr, may the Spirits guide him to his eternal rest, I myself witnessed three members of my own family struck down by an unknown force, as well as several other noble individuals.
"Though Hushyarr may claim a lack of responsibility in this matter, he would be lying. His brazen claim to the position of Avatar resulted in one death and numerous injuries, including the torture by fire of a Cree warrior. I will hold him accountable for these actions even if no one else here will." Vizini turns and bows to the King. "I assure you, justice will be reached, but only with proper jurisdiction. Allow me to see your family's wounds." He walked over to the three, examining them carefully.

"These are light burns, no worse than one would get in the sun on a day too long spent beneath its heat. 'Sunburns' the Raaneki say. They were pushed back some by magic, but no serious injury has occurred here. Nevertheless, I will make sure that no damage has been done."

Without another word, Vizini pushes a claw through one of his fingers, extruding a three-inch, dragon-sharp blade. Then, he digs it into his own arm, cutting a deep channel from side to side. He drips this blood down upon the burns of each of the Ashenians, a few drops over the whole area.

For a moment, the blood sits, doing nothing, but the next, Vizini's life seeps into their veins, and a transformation occurs. Instantly, the old skin flakes off, and new, healthy skin appears in its place, untouched. But further, the dancers seem... vibrant. Their skin is brighter, eyes sparkle more, and they have an air of beauty to surpass before the dance. Not only are they healed, they are, temporarily, made greater.

"It is still a question of religion or not: if there is not religious cause, you will plead your case with the rest. If you would please, conduct yourself as if this were an international peace event until such a time." Vizini bows deferentially, and checks his arm.

Back at the Huroshan Embassy, Menhirin guards came flooding in, bringing news of what transpired.

"The Avatar who Guards Fire? Mosi's incarnation? Nezetkhamun out of control? I'll be on my way. Send a messenger to the Marius' Pride. We might need the Avatar of Balance here, if things get way out of hand. Say to her that the Avatar who Guards Fire has been found, that should get her attention. Tell her to take a priest of the Fiery faith with her."

(OOC: I asked Chief, if I can lend a character of his to further the story. He doesn't RP much, so yeah. If anyone is against this, please say so. Would give the LoF fraction a bit more prominence also. )

"No Eels?" Magnus asked, dead serious in tone.

"No.... no Eels."

"Pity..."

And it would give us a way to see if Mosi really is the Avatar who Guards Fire. She thought to herself. If that overblown newt doesn't destroy everything around himself before somebody with a brain takes control that is.

Ryena made her way towards the commotion together with Magnus, arriving in time to see Hushyarr being put to chains. She couldn't get closer though due the Cree security forces keeping everyone outside. Nezetkhamun was visible, probably blowing the whole incident out of proportion, no doubt. The Cree Tyrant was blabbering about, by the looks of it.

"So tell me, how will you seek to prove that I am truly the Blazing Avatar? Have you devised a test since the debacle with Greta, or am I still the expert in this field?"

"Magnus?"

"Yes, my lady."

Magnus' voice bouldered over the noise, like a gigantic avalanche of sound.

"WE MIGHT...HAVE A WAY...TO VERIFY HIS CLAIM......WE OF HUROSHA...ARE ACCOMPANIED BY MONKS...OF THE FIERY FAITH......LET THOSE...WHO THIS BEAST...CLAIMS TO BE HIS...WORSHIPPERS...JUDGE HIS WORDS......ONLY THEN...A VALID...ASSESSMENT...CAN BE MADE......THE TRUTH...WILL BE KNOWN...THAT WAY..."
Vizini nods approvingly. "It is wise to bring monks of the faith, for they would know secrets only the Blazing Avatar would be able to repeat."

Servant Quarters

"Eeehhmm, sir. It appears we.....sir...wrong....." Limlugon stammered, trying to excuse themselves while ushered in by Vasili.

"Don't be such a spoilsport, Lim-ojiisan." Aimi said cheerfully.

"The big old guy is called Limlugon, and I'm Aimi. We're servants who came here with the Huroshans. On the Marius' Pride of course. You heard of the Marius' Pride? It's the airship of the royal family. Hella big too."

While talking, Aimi flew across the room, seemingly trying to imitate an airship.

Limlugon turned to Vasili.

"I'm very sorry for the intrusion sir, but it seems we were pranked. There was word going around of a exquisite party, you see. It appears it was but a hoax though."

Looking at Aimi, he added.

"And don't mind Aimi, if you would. She is just a tad excited. First time at such an occasion, you see?" "Party's upstairs mostly today... but tomorrow, we'll set out the food early, and then it's the whole day off to do whatever. Raaneki've got dozens of barrels set out for us, so we can get plastered 8 ways to the moons. There'll be dancing I'm sure, and someone or other will whip out an instrument and we'll have a regular ball down here! Doesn't that sound grand enough?"

"You claim none have been injured?" Clovis yells at Hushyarr. "How dare you? Look what you did to Molly!"

As if to counterpoint his accusation, Molly stirs in her porter's arms and begins to chant drowsily:

Begone flame, demon avaunt
Nothing can the Singer daunt.
My Lord and Master from on high,
His be all beneath the sky. Vizini breathes deeply. "You are injured... let me care for you." He showed one of his fingers, its normal human muscles and joints replaced with a single, massive claw. With a grunt, he stabbed it into his arm and cut a deep trench across the surface. "Has to be deep," he explains, spreading the skin to prevent blood clotting, and then held it over Molly.

"This isn't going to hurt. Just hold still..." The blood dripped down to her, splashing on her clothing, and for one moment, it looked as if it would simply stain... but this was the blood of the Dragon. It sunk through, into Molly's bloodstream, and rushed throughout her body. She began to stir, a little more cogent. She is certainly getting better, looking healthier, as if she was in a normal sleep, instead of dazed or injured. "I believe she needs more... are you alright with that?"

Before the boom....

A middle aged man pushed his way towards Shahyar. He was part of the Seaborne Confederation, but his looks were part Islander, part Salterri. "Pardon.... pardon me. I don't...don't mean to interrupt. But I believe I have something that once belonged to you."

Philip held in his hands a walking cane. It was made of dark hardwoods and decorated with intricate mithril filigree and onyx stones. "I am Philip Grumby, son of Tumberink Grumby, keeper of the Grant family history." He said by introduction.

No, that is good for now. I just got confused

Awesome. It's been edited into my actions, so that's done.

**During the fiery events**
While the rest of the delegation made its way out of the ballroom to escape the carnage, two people remained. Philip Grumby stood besides the reincarnation of his great uncle. He still held Martin's cane in his hand. In a corner stood Elemei Scoria, Eldest Child of Kina. He chose to stay and trust that he was to witness this.

"I wish to provide testimony!" Philip shouted. "As keeper of the Grant family legacy, I can question his assoicate who claims to be the reincarnation of one of my family. Th truth of his testimony will attest to the truth of the other."

"I too offer my services." Elemin Scoria calmy added. "As the Eldest Child of Kina, I have some experience in matters of reincarnation."

Vizini nods to the two of them. "Good. Good. Further testimony, and unbiased at that... we are beginning to gather the beginnings of a court case. I believe it is time for the Emperor to weigh in, however..."

SamBurke

2014-12-09, 01:56 PM

"Why would I want out of this life? I've got good masters, good lodgings, good food, good pay... What better life could I hope for?"
Vasili thinks for a moment. But what all can you do? I mean, it's all well and good to sit here, but how many women can you know, how many lands can you visit, how many shores can you sail to and see the sights of! Not enough for old Vasili, I'd say."

For half a moment, Molly's face twisted with anger, and abhorrence, but then lines of white light flowed along the pattern burned into her forehead, and her eyes went wide.

"Oh," she whispered in a small voice. Her eyes refocused and tilted her head towards the Jaeger carrying her.

"I... I think I can stand now." Carefully, the Jaeger lowered her to the ground, and she climbed to her feet, albeit somewhat shakily.

"I repeat my question," Clovis said in a frustrated tone. "What. Just. Happened!?"
Vizini squeezes both of his eyes tightly, grunting. The gash in his arm begins to swell shut, but there are still cups and goblets' worth of blood splashing everywhere. "We each have power in our will to do a great many things... I, by right of my blood and gift of the Dragon, can do more. My uncle chooses what he will do with his gift, and for mine, I bestow kindness..." He sits on the floor, head a little woozy.

"Until the blood is flushed from your system, you'll feel unusual amounts of energy and stamina, as well as a surge in drive and tenacity. Your physical wounds should be, in large part, healed. I cannot speak to any spiritual or mental damage, but that is outside my skill.

"To explain what actually happened; I gave a portion of my blood --too large a portion, I think-- to Molly. It entered her blood stream, and energized her body to perform its natural functions of repair, only at a vastly increased rate. That is part of why I am so... thin." Vizini points to his gaunt face.

"I find it difficult to remember eating, and thus, my body starves quickly. In the same way, your body's processes will be... faster for the next few days. Beware."

DurkBlanston

2014-12-09, 02:26 PM

Ji walked over to stand by King Eldred as trials were demanded and accusations levied. As far as the Caercian King was concerned the matter had been decided by the only person present with any right to do so, the King of Carmine. His orders should have been executed by the Cree in their position as security and the Mosi creature should have been taken to Calorum or the Blazing Temple to be investigated for the truth of his claims to be the Blazing Avatar. That was all there was to it. Carmine had been the only present delegation to suffer a death or anything worthy of a trial and his heir and family had set the terms. That these orders were being ignored in favor of some immediate trial was disturbing.

"You Majesty, I offer my condolences for the loss of King Elwyr, you know well that we of the Consortium hold Carmine in high regards and the loss of a sovereign of yours is a loss for our nation as well. Allow me to apologize as well for my actions earlier, this 'Mosi' seemed intent to undo King Elwyr and the rush of the battlefield overcame me. Know that if it is found complicit in the King's death the Consortium will stand with you as it always has."

Morph Bark

2014-12-09, 02:49 PM

"And the pleasure is all mine." The catwoman dipped the poor boy and smirked. "Marvella, High Priestess of Yphine and sovereign of the Holy Kingdom of Sycia." She then pulled him out of the dip and continued to twirl around, her movements graceful as a swan. She was quite the-

...sovereign?! This girl couldn't have been out of her twenties, if she was even in them! And for a priestess, she didn't seem too shy about how close they were...

Her smile put him at ease, and Eero relaxed. When she introduced herself however, he tensed up again. He had been dancing with a high priestess? Of Yphine, even?! He might have to do some explaining to his relatives in the evening. Possibly some praying. He'd heard little of Sycia other than it being part of the Glazfell Hegemony and thus far up in the cold north. Overall, his experiences with people from the cold weren't all that positive considering the recent invasions of his mother's homeland, but the Glazfell Hegemony was a country of honour. Surely Sycians couldn't be that bad then, could they?

As the dance continued on, the worries moved to the background. This was pleasant, and he caught himself smiling more than once. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, High Priestess," he bowed to her at the end of their dance, "I must say you are the first priestess I've met who exhibited such agility and talent for dance."

[During/After the Blow]

Elwyr fixed on Xiuhcoatl. She was not, perhaps, the one he would have chosen, but she was there. She saw her grandfather, red-bearded and bare-chested, bursting through the doors of the Sea Palace Great Hall, to be beaten down by a slip of a girl in a ripped dress. Her grandmother, young, lean, half-naked and bedraggled, helming a ship with a fierce grin. Tailong and Martin sparring and laughing, her grandparents dancing, embracing in a stadium packed with cheering spectators, Atheldynn thundering through the Kindred gates on horseback, Eirywnn blushing from head to toe the first time she heard Hazael speak...

… and then the rest. Elwyr's sibilings gave way to an array of others: Hanyeo, straight-backed and stern, concealed behind his mask, an aspect of something altogether greater and more terrible hanging over him. Wandao behind him, effortlessly magisterial, Syana glowing with warmth and affection; the curious, earnest but sinister presence of Zhuang. Athelmere, all braids and joviality, he and Tempest seeming to support each other; Edwyrd, so long dead, exchanging dirty jokes with a pair of islanders.

Those scenes faded, giving way to grief and slaughter. Elwyr walked a battlefield to find his father dying, the old man clutching his hand and raving about the Imperium; Alfmark roaring at the doctors to keep him conscious despite the pain; the dreadful emptiness when he realised how little of Neralla the explosions had left; Nissa waving him off on the steps of the temple, neither of them aware that it would be the last time they would see each other alive.

Xiuhcoatl was overwhelmed by the images that flowed into her mind. She saw scenes of people she'd only heard of in stories, men and women of action, power and mystery. She slumped to the floor, narrowly caught by a servant, who nonetheless was quick to put her down and sit by her side, as the servant looked at his hands and saw the burnmarks on his arms. Another servant quickly went to fetch Eurydice, to inform her of what had happened.

Nearly all members of the Imperial family buckled and fell to their knees. Aliina and Ansa could hardly hold themselves up with their dance partners. Eero grabbed at his head as he cried in pain. Feetrikki fell against the Raaneki he'd been talking to. Ensio flailed around in the midst of three Cree he'd been trying to convince to a duel. Aeglaeca held onto her Tiefling horns and stomped her feet.

Gun Huang's cries were the quietest, contained and shouting inwards. Wordlessly he sat on one knee and looked through the gaps between his fingers as his vision burned. Burned like an orichalcum statue of Xiu Hanyeo. Burned like the pools of Mount Senger. Burned like the corpses at the Caercian Coronation. His hands clawed at the carpet and he grit his teeth. His breathing was irregular and heavy, as if he was trying to breathe with the lungs of a creature thrice his size. Eurydice looked on worriedly, one hand on her husband's back. There was nothing she could do; not by herself. "Somebody get a doctor!" When a servant came to tell her something similar had happened to Xiuhcoatl, she commanded him to stay by her husband's side and ran towards the dance floor to get to her child.

Gun Huang's eyes set themselves on Elwyr, who shortly got tackled and run out, and he remembered. He remembered far worse things. He remembered the time of the Dragon's Eye Festival in Tzalteclan. The visions of that time came vividly over him, as if he returned to that dark day.

The Teotlkan Nezetkhamun had sacrificed a young man to Tzetultep, and allegedly hundreds of others had been willingly sacrificed to the dragon god as well. His uncle Jonas had perished at the same time, and only the Lady knew why. His uncle Atheldynn and he had drowned their grief that night. Gun Huang had done so with drink and company, Atheldynn solely with drink, and therefore all the more of it. When he had gone to find his uncle and speak with him, he found him arguing with a Tzalteca. Gun Huang called out to Atheldynn, to go elsewhere and join him, but Atheldynn did not listen. Before he knew it, his uncle had struck the Tzalteca dead, a heavy rock rammed against his temple. He had cried out to his uncle; what was he, mad?! The two had argued, he had tried to find ways to get his uncle free from the crime, to make it appear like nothing had ever happened. Atheldynn was too angry, too full of sorrow and too full of drink to bother or care. Gun Huang's head was clouded, and as their argument grew more heated, he--like his uncle--struck.

It took long before he realized what he'd done. The night's air had already turned cool by then and he saw his uncle's body at his feet and blood on the sword in his hand. He denied it, but it was all too clear what had happened. He ended up rolling the Tzalteca's body into a ditch, at least he was noone of importance. He carried Atheldynn back to their quarters in his arms. When Fengbao found him with their uncle's body and asked what had happened, he could give no answer but tears. Noone ever asked him again, but he suspected some of their family, at least, knew the truth.

Vizini nods to the two of them. "Good. Good. Further testimony, and unbiased at that... we are beginning to gather the beginnings of a court case. I believe it is time for[B] the Emperor to weigh in, however..."

"I'm no emperor, but would you mind my two coppers?" An old voice spoke up. The source of it was a man sitting in a wooden chair that had wheels attached to it. He bore wrinkles beyond counting, eyes that had dulled to near-blindness from seeing more than a lifetime's worth of experiences, and wore a red-and-orange robes. His moustache was long and thick and accompanied by a similarly long and thick goatee, the both of which retained little colour other than that of the colourful dust that the Raaneki had thrown around outside. A young monk wearing a similarly coloured robe that had no sleeves stood behind him to push the wheeled chair, his head shaven and tattooed in sharp, fiery patterns.

"I was informed that there was one claiming to be the Blazing Avatar among the celebrants. Could you bring me to him?"

SamBurke

2014-12-09, 04:00 PM

"I'm no emperor, but would you mind my two coppers?" An old voice spoke up. The source of it was a man sitting in a wooden chair that had wheels attached to it. He bore wrinkles beyond counting, eyes that had dulled to near-blindness from seeing more than a lifetime's worth of experiences, and wore a red-and-orange robes. His moustache was long and thick and accompanied by a similarly long and thick goatee, the both of which retained little colour other than that of the colourful dust that the Raaneki had thrown around outside. A young monk wearing a similarly coloured robe that had no sleeves stood behind him to push the wheeled chair, his head shaven and tattooed in sharp, fiery patterns.

"I was informed that there was one claiming to be the Blazing Avatar among the celebrants. Could you bring me to him?"

Vizini nods. "I will take you myself, to calm the storm here." He nods towards the monk, and helps him wheel the chair towards Hushyarr and the remaining Carmines.

"This man claims that he will be able to clear the confusion of the room... Let us hear his testimony."

zabbarot

2014-12-09, 04:38 PM

Hushyarr rose at the man's approach. He would recognize that mustache anywhere. He wanted to run up and hug the man, but with this level of distrust and sudden movements would probably only get someone killed. So he settled for yelling excitedly.

"Paco! How are you even still alive?! It's been..." Hushyarr still didn't actually know what year it was. In the midst of this debacle he had never actually had the chance to ask. "A very long time! I have so many questions for you." For now at least the somber tone of the trial was forgotten as Hushyarr's tale twitched back and forth excitedly.

Shahyar/Jonas before the Immolation
Something about the intricately carved wood struck a chord deep within Shahyar's mind. A memory dredged up. Some injury suffered. A wounded leg. He looked down at his own suddenly thankful for how well they worked. "I... Thank you. My memories are still... fractured. But this... " He didn't even know what to say and the sudden excitement didn't really give him much of a chance to work it out.

He tried to follow Hushyarr out onto the beach, but the crowd was too dense so he waited, as patient as he could manage, for things to calm down. He had to protect his brother. No... someone else. A woman? Shahyar shook his head. The memories didn't always make sense.

HalfTangible

2014-12-09, 04:40 PM

[Before the Blow]

Her smile put him at ease, and Eero relaxed. When she introduced herself however, he tensed up again. He had been dancing with a high priestess? Of Yphine, even?! He might have to do some explaining to his relatives in the evening. Possibly some praying. He'd heard little of Sycia other than it being part of the Glazfell Hegemony and thus far up in the cold north. Overall, his experiences with people from the cold weren't all that positive considering the recent invasions of his mother's homeland, but the Glazfell Hegemony was a country of honour. Surely Sycians couldn't be that bad then, could they?

As the dance continued on, the worries moved to the background. This was pleasant, and he caught himself smiling more than once. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, High Priestess," he bowed to her at the end of their dance, "I must say you are the first priestess I've met who exhibited such agility and talent for dance."Marvella caught the sudden tension in her dance partner, but she ascribed it to suddenly realizing he'd been dancing with a high priestess. That tended to do a number on one's self-control. As they danced, Marvella allowed her mind to wander. Glazfell - King Ghalle in particular - had been worrying her lately. Nothing official, but their personal correspondence had grown more than a little sour. Ghalle seemed to be under the impression that Sycia's attitude was publicly shaming her, though Marvella couldn't see it. As they slowed, Marvella turned her eyes back to the young man with her.

She smiled and kissed his hand as the dance ended. "You flatter me. Thank you for the dance, your presence made it most delightful."

Rain Dragon

2014-12-09, 08:16 PM

It was on days like these that Kazimir found it easy to understand why the Isolationist's ideals were so popular. From what he had heard - and experienced - it didn't seem to matter where one went, one of these strange foreigners was going to end up being burnt alive. And now everyone was running about in a panic making the entire situation even more dangerous, you would think one would expect this sort of thing to happen and prepare appropriately. Which is why when Kazimir noticed the young Haljan bolt in panic, he reacted immediately.

"Rolan! Vasyl! With me," shouted Kazimir, "the Sovereigns' guest will need our help."

Hearing Kazimir's order, the twins left their defensive positions and followed Kazimir from the hall, chasing after the young Haljan.

The cousins moved quickly but they could not keep pace with a Haljan, even a one as young as Aglus. Still, Kazimir had seen the panic in his eyes and knew that they would soon catch up - great-grandfather had often told Kaz of how he had inherited his grandfather's easy rapport with Niskovia's long term friends.

Soon enough they came upon a clearing, hearing exhausted breathing from within, the three passed through the trees cautiously.

Thrydar cocked her large feathered head to one side at the sound of something or someone approaching and ultimately decided running away could possibly endanger Aglus. So she examined her claws as awaited the approach of these strangers. The crest of feathers upon her head were fully on display as she strained to hear more of those who would approach. Rolan, Vasyl and Kazimir would see the relatively small feathered Yslynd and possibly recognise her from the journey. Looking up at a cloud, Thrydar wondered whether Aglus had introduced her to anyone other than the Grand Prince Jehan?

EDIT - Typo

Aedilred

2014-12-09, 10:06 PM

When he was a relatively young man, Eldred had served a short time with the Horbeach Docks Night Watch to gain an appreciation of their work (something he still blamed his brothers for, for his father had ordered spells of "worthy duties" for all his children on discovering the details of their northern sojourn). Most of the time, they had kept him away from anything serious, makework only, but one day he had stumbled into the case of a young woman, the victim of a cruel attack. She had not known her attacker and could give them few details, so they had to spend their time hauling in people he understood as witnesses, regular informers, usual suspects, and so forth, and trying to get information out of them. The whole time the poor girl had been hanging around the watch-house, on the offchance she could provide information, though both he and she were fairly sure she could not. He thought there might also have been a degree of suspicion - and maybe even guilt - about leaving the watchmen to get on with avenging her injuries in her absence.

Eventually, two sleepless nights later, they had found the man in question, a deckhand who had assumed he'd be able to make a clean getaway on his ship but had been trapped by the wind. He had tried to fight, and Eldred had taken a degree of satisfaction in disarming him, breaking his nose, and marching him back for execution. Still, he couldn't help but feel that they would have found the man sooner and progressed more productively if they hadn't had the girl underfoot the whole time, which would probably have been better for everyone. He understood why she had been there, but sentiment was often enough the enemy of efficiency.

Now here he was, speaking for the victim if not a victim himself in the strictest sense, and he couldn't help but feel things would be easier to resolve if he were at least temporarily somewhere else. He had spoken his piece and had little to add, but he knew that at any moment someone would turn to him and ask him to contribute something more, more than he had, or more than he wished to. He had seen much the same as anyone else, rather less, once the light flared, and other than a vague feeling of sympathy and a sense that his uncle needed him to endure the light for as long as possible for the good of all, no more knowledge or understanding of what precisely had happened than any others. Still, to have walked away would have seemed callous and uncaring.

Still, while he understood the general air of panic, there was something almost indecently impatient about many of the demands and protestations flying around, not least the call for the determination to happen immediately. Rather like the tragedy at the Coronation, things were moving too quickly, people calling for conclusions to be drawn and reparations agreed before the dust had even settled. Even his own pronouncement, though he had delayed as long as possible, had been delivered in some haste, and who knew what he would think if asked tomorrow, or the following week? He barely knew his own mind now. He was relieved to hear King Kellan add his voice to the proceedings; at least the Ashenians could be relied upon to insist on thoroughness and justice rather than expediency.

Besides which, he had no idea even how to determine whether Hushyarr was the Avatar. The only man he knew who stood a chance had just burned to death in his presence. They would presumably need monks from the Blazing Temple, or the kingdom of Calorum... He knew enough to know that the identification of an Avatar was not something that could be carried out with great certainty or by those without knowledge and experience. But the Cree were insistent, and weapons were being produced... His jaw stiffened. From what he could piece together, Elwyr had done what he could to ensure that only he died as a result of... whatever this was. Mass bloodshed, whether to avenge or in pre-emption of the avenging of his death, likely resulting in war even if the active calls for such were not heeded, only yards from where he had perished, was madness.

As ostentatiously as possible, he sheathed his own sword.

"You Majesty, I offer my condolences for the loss of King Elwyr, you know well that we of the Consortium hold Carmine in high regards and the loss of a sovereign of yours is a loss for our nation as well. Allow me to apologize as well for my actions earlier, this 'Mosi' seemed intent to undo King Elwyr and the rush of the battlefield overcame me. Know that if it is found complicit in the King's death the Consortium will stand with you as it always has."
"You have nothing to apologise for, my friend," he said, and placed a hand on the king's shoulder. "I have never doubted your loyalty or friendship for a moment."

"WE MIGHT...HAVE A WAY...TO VERIFY HIS CLAIM......WE OF HUROSHA...ARE ACCOMPANIED BY MONKS...OF THE FIERY FAITH......LET THOSE...WHO THIS BEAST...CLAIMS TO BE HIS...WORSHIPPERS...JUDGE HIS WORDS......ONLY THEN...A VALID...ASSESSMENT...CAN BE MADE......THE TRUTH...WILL BE KNOWN...THAT WAY..."
He nodded. At least someone was on hand who had a chance of being qualified to judge, though he would still prefer the job be done well rather than quickly. Avatars had been misidentified before and people had died as a result.

Vizini turns and bows to the King. "I assure you, justice will be reached, but only with proper jurisdiction. Allow me to see your family's wounds." He walked over to the three, examining them carefully.

"These are light burns, no worse than one would get in the sun on a day too long spent beneath its heat. 'Sunburns' the Raaneki say. They were pushed back some by magic, but no serious injury has occurred here. Nevertheless, I will make sure that no damage has been done."
...
"It is still a question of religion or not: if there is not religious cause, you will plead your case with the rest. If you would please, conduct yourself as if this were an international peace event until such a time." Vizini bows deferentially, and checks his arm.
He had to stop himself from smiling slightly. If Vizini genuinely thought that Kellan would be fobbed off, then either he or the Guilderene was thoroughly mistaken about the Ashenian character.

Still, it was enough to remind him that it was not just he and his immediate kin who had been struck. He glanced back over to where his family were gathered, most of them still glowing with the residue of the light. In one or two of them - Elwyn, he saw, and Lyra - it had already faded, though most of the rest were shining brightly. He beckoned, and his brother walked over.

"Take Elwyn and Lyra and seek out any others who might have been affected, make sure all our family is well." Alfmyr nodded and began to walk off, but he called him back briefly. "Tell me who, too." Alfmyr nodded again.

Soon enough the light died and Jehan was able to hold Tansyn in his arms once more.

"Have Iona ready the airships. We shall depart as soon as is polite." Jehan stated, resolute in his chosen course, glad that his love seemed fine.

"Tansyn!" Lyra re-entered the ballroom with Alfmyr and Elwyn and ran over to her sister (in a rather un-princess-like manner), stopping to give Jehan a hurried curtsey when she rememebered. "Were you in the light too? Were you blessed? You're not hurt, are you?"

"This man claims that he will be able to clear the confusion of the room... Let us hear his testimony."
Eldred turned to look at the man being wheeled over. Who was this - one of the monks? One of the watafiti, perhaps? Whatever he had to say, it could do no more to escalate the situation than some of the words already spoken.

And now for something completely different...

Day 1, Servants' Quarters

The servants from the Kingdom of the Carmine Sea included a disproportionate number of goblins, small creatures, many of them only a little more than half the height of a man, with large ears and a bluish hint to their skin. They scurried around with little time for more than pleasantries. There were a few human servants too, most of them very human-featured (and no elves at all), though far fewer than might have been expected. There was also one slight young woman with very fair, mottled skin, dressed in loose silks and blotched with patches of dye where she had clearly walked through one of the street-fights. She made a token effort to help out initially, offering her assistance enthusiastically, but after about half an hour could be found standing out of the way, watching the others go about their work and quite possibly daydreaming.

Reggiejam

2014-12-09, 10:38 PM

Private Meeting

Ryena smiled at proposal.

"I wish it was that easy. I can certainly understand your situation, but people of Hurosha, especially those present in Zargrim, threaten to rally against me if I give up Keldagrim. What may be considered a bad decision in the eyes of those outside Hurosha, is a blessing to those within it. If I would give it up and "collect my things and depart", the internal consequences would be....severe. Like you, I cannot keep the nobility of my country in line forever without severe repercussions."

Ryena winked towards Kyria, or was it just a blink?

"However, that said, I am not against letting Keldagrim go .... at the right price. An equal trade, as it were. The lands of Keldagrim in exchange for....lets see...Tekorva or Wenyavuk perhaps? Tekorva has been a vassal and loyal ally of Hurosha for almost 150 years, and Wenyavuk worships a god of fire, just like the monks of the Fiery faith. They would both fit right in. And perhaps, you could bring stability and peace to Keldagrim itself in the eyes of the outside world, and succeed where your father or grandmother."

The Empress leaned on the table.

"Are you willing to negotiate those terms, Queen Kyria?"

"Tekorva follows the Mother, and serves as the capital of Faedas, I do not believe the Aristocracy there wish to return to the direct rule of Hurosha. However the Chieftain of Wenyavuk is present, let us allow her to speak," Kyria turned to the Na'Nuk woman and pulled up her veil, letting her eyes meet the Chieftain's own.

Suqi made a sound like a half hiccup as she met the Queen's eyes and her mouth hung open a moment before she began to speak, "My husband's father, the previous Chieftain of Wenyavuk stepped down in protest of Faedas' actions. Wenyavuk would happily desire to return to Hurosha but will not risk war over it."

"There need not be war," Kyria said, her voice sounding practiced, "I shall not have it said I do not heed the desires of my Court and Council. Wenyavuk exchanged to Hurosha as an independent vassal for the rights to claim the soil of Keldagrim would be most acceptable for the crowns of Faedas."

Kyria lifted her hands and brought her veil back down over her eyes turning to address the Huroshans, "I should understand if you wish to make Wenyavuk a full fledged province of Hurosha but it seems doing such would make administration more difficult. If Calorum's priesthood had elected to show a more thorough agreement might have been presented but I trust you administer the lands of Hurosha more capably than my father. Of course, this agreement would not precede the Heartwaste's right as representative of the fifth tribe to send a Champion to win the position of Chieftain from the Chieftain's heir but I will give you my word that any Champions sent will swear the same pledges of fealty to Hurosha as another of the Na'Nuk might. I should also insist that the method of Na'Nuk selection be maintained, the less affected the principality is by this changing of hands the better."

"Of course, there is still the matter of the title Empress. I do not desire the burden, but it must be made legally your own Ryena and to do that means a divorce between yourself and my brother. A full change of dynasties. If that can be promised I shall gladly relinquish the title as an act of goodwill and sign of accord between our nations."

Day 1: Servant's Hall
Vasili shrugs. "Never been called good luck in my life, so... why not. I'd be delighted to help you. Shall I sing and dance to help inspire you?" He smirks a bit, and it's unclear how his sarcasm is meant.

"You can if you'd like," the Heartwastian said with a thin smile, "You don't like your position do you?" He asked returning his attention to the box, "You think you deserve more, am I right?"

TheDarkDM

2014-12-10, 07:11 AM

Day 1

Vizini and the Dragon

Vizini nods. "I suppose that it is better than it could be... Having the choice is good. There are many things in life we do not choose about.

"But what is it that you will do with your life? You seem to have no single reason to stay alive save your will, so you could live for many more years. What is it that you intend to do with power massive and time extendable?" He stands up to examine the flower, delicately cutting it from the stem.

"Hm... Even our blood, eh?" He nicks his palm, and places the flower into it. "Every time I think I understand myself, I turn out to be wrong. I wonder what else this week will show? Of course, I won't need to turn, but still..."

Nezetkhamun tilted his head at Vizini's question and sighed. Not for the first time he mourned how little of his mother Vizini had inherited.

"Are you so dissatisfied with your life that you need a reason to remain alive, grandson? In a world of seemingly endless discovery and chaos, I can imagine no greater adventure than living to see it all. But you have struck a nugget of truth - simple passivity would be a waste of the gifts bestowed on me. But it is not a mortal love I cling to, Vizini, nor any other concern which might be found in the heart of a peasant. I live for Tzalteclan."

His stance shifted, and Nezetkhamun appeared almost wistful.

"You never learned to love her, Vizini. Your mother was taken too soon to teach you. But the land of your forefathers is one of glorious beauty and fierce resolve. Since we emerged into the wider world, many have sought to change us, dilute us, make us less than we are. They see our dominion and think us cruel. They see our religion, our culture, our existence as an abomination against their own fickle morals. Yet none has mustered the courage to face us directly. Because they know we are strong, and my life is devoted to safeguarding that strength."

Divine Musings

"My first question is simple, how does one join your faith? Are you born to it? Can you choose to convert? Can you choose to leave for another faith? And, based on that, how do you view children from mixed faith parents? Lastly, how are people who leave your faith viewed? What are the penalties?

He wouldn't directly ask those in that order, but to speed up the conversation, those are the questions he seeks to get answers to

Nezetkhamun pondered the questions for a moment before gesturing to the expansive gardens surrounding the embassies.

"Would you walk with me, Eldest?"

They walked slowly down one of the manifold manicured paths, until the main expanse of the Eastern Floor was cut off from view and they had a modicum of privacy.

"The answer to your first question is simple, Eldest. One must simply declare one's devotion to Tzetultep and make a small offering of their own blood to join our faith. Most families have a small brazier in their homes for that very purpose. Those born in the empire are inducted as a matter of course, as the faith forms the foundation of my family's rule, but we would joyfully welcome foreign converts."

They turned down a path into a maze of rosebushes.

"Those who wish to leave the faith are...mot held in the highest esteem. There are no official repercussions save for the fact that unbelievers may not hold office in the government or the military. The social stigma though? That can be a hard thing to bear. However, this is assuming the convert left the faith of their own accord. Were we to discover foreign missionaries within our borders, they would be considered agitators and the consequences would be...severe. No doubt you would react similarly if you found Radurjic priests proselytizing on the steps of your temple."

Somehow, their path had led them to the heart of the maze, and Nezetkhamun took a seat at one of the marble benches.

"And as for children from two faiths? I believe you worry overmuch about my son's child of passion. True, I intend to instruct my granddaughter in the traditions of her people, but it will be her choice whether to embrace Kina or Tzetultep. Whatever our failings, we of Tzalteclan accept that each person must make their own choices."

Double Entendre

The attendants exchanged confused glances between each other. The Teotlkan, here to see one of the Queen's Trusted? What could he possibly derive from one of those mindless servants? They didn't ask however, they knew to respect the requests of one above them in station, and one of the werekin women rose and beckoned for the Teotlkan to follow.

"This way Your Grace."

She led him into the internal portion of the embassy and down a short hallway to a well made Raaneki door. The Trusted had been granted two rooms for the stay at the Floor and unless she was mistaken this was the room that held the girl once known as Elsana.

"Through here," she said handing the Teotlkan the key to the room, "The woman you're looking for should be among those inside. Please return the key to myself when you are done."

Such procedure seemed unusual but it had been the instructions of the Queen herself that if the Teotlkan came desiring to see the Trusted he be allowed to and if the rumors were true Queen Kyria would be present if she felt there was a danger. The servant wasn't sure why the Teotlkan would be interested in or be given permission to visit the Trusted but it was not her place to ask questions. With an about face she returned to the desk she had come from.

*Inside*

As the door opened it revealed a luxurious salon that bespoke a larger apartment within. Whatever the servant had meant by implying a multitude of occupants was made more confusing as the central floor was occupied only by a woman the Teotlkan would recognize as Katava Tayanya and dawdling around the floor in front of her, a young toddler. The little girl wore a simple gown that did not hide the dark red scales running across her body and the slight bulges at her forehead that bespoke of undeveloped horns. She was busy stacking blocks of wood and prattling on about something that had caught her young attention while Katava watched on smiling and listening.

As the Teotlkan entered both Katava and the little girl looked up, the toddler's golden eyes looking very familiar to the Tzaltec leader. Katava rose to her feet and rushed over to Senusret, embracing him warmly.

"My Dragon!" she planted a passionate kiss upon him before pulling away and pulling him into the salon, closing the door behind him.

"Allow me to introduce you to Meztli," she said, walking the Teotlkan over to the little girl, "Meztli, this is your father. You remember I told you he was coming?"

The little girl looked at the Teotlkan studiously then down at her own arms.

"You're like me," she said with an innocent smile, "Mama said you were like me and you are."

Senusret returned the kiss with his own, hungry embrace, then allowed himself to be pulled into the salon. Approaching the toddler, he smiled at the distinctly Tzaltec features, and at her appraising stare. As she smiled at him, he crouched down and stroked her hair.

"Indeed I am, little one. Indeed I am. Tell me, what are you doing here."

He crossed his legs and sank to the floor, gesturing towards the blocks and glancing towards Katava with a wry smile.

"You have her building castles already?"

Day 2

Cousins

"Oh! Oh! I get it... one, then two..." He tried it a few times, and finished his sentence. "Three! Three! Three beats. Got it now." He tried a few more times, and as he found the rhythm, grew more comfortable.

When the dance ended, he frowned. "Awww... I had just started to get it... And Dad'd probably want me to go dance with other people, even if they're not as pretty." Wesley's eyes go wide. Had he said that out loud? Well yes, yes he had. He stared at Senseneb. She probably hadn't heard it, didn't notice. For certain. Maybe.

To her credit, Senseneb restrained herself to a grateful smile at Wesley's comment, before darting forward to place a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you cousin. Perhaps you'd like to meet in the garden later."

She smiled again, but before Wesley could respond pandemonium broke out in the ballroom, and she had seized his hand to flee.

Disaster

With a red glow, Nezetkhamun's draconic form began to shrink in on itself, and one by one the stars reappeared in the sky. Soon, he was returned to the shape of a man, seemingly unconcerned with his nakedness. The reason soon became apparent, as the shadows rose about him like a living thing, weaving strands of darkness into a flowing, umbral robe. He spared a single, uncharitable glance towards the grandson that had stood against him, then looked towards the Champion-Heir.

"The Kingdom of the Carmine Sea has stated their wishes, and I will abide by them."

His eyes shifted across the bright tiles of the Eastern Floor towards Hushyarr. Glaring, he spat a stream of sizzling blood upon the ground.

"If the Blazing Avatar is again to emerge unscathed from regicide, then so be it."

He turned and strode back towards the Tzaltec embassy, even as Senusret emerged supporting the last of the slain king's family. He too shot a withering glare at the nephew that had dard threaten their forebear, before expunging the boy from his thoughts and bowing to his old friend.

"King Eldred, you have my deepest sympathies. If there is anything I might do to ease your family's suffering, you have but to ask."

Midnight
That night, after the chaos had receded, a messenger in nondescript black appeared at the gates of the Faedas embassy, carrying a sealed message for the Queen. The wax was black, and upon it was embossed the leering dragon head of the Teotlkan's seal.

Your Majesty,

Please forgive the late hour, but the Teotlkan and Xuihtlatec request your presence at the Tzaltec embassy ere they depart, to discuss a matter of grave import.

lt_murgen

2014-12-10, 08:41 AM

Divine Musings

Nezetkhamun pondered the questions for a moment before gesturing to the expansive gardens surrounding the embassies.

"Would you walk with me, Eldest?"

They walked slowly down one of the manifold manicured paths, until the main expanse of the Eastern Floor was cut off from view and they had a modicum of privacy.

"The answer to your first question is simple, Eldest. One must simply declare one's devotion to Tzetultep and make a small offering of their own blood to join our faith. Most families have a small brazier in their homes for that very purpose. Those born in the empire are inducted as a matter of course, as the faith forms the foundation of my family's rule, but we would joyfully welcome foreign converts."

They turned down a path into a maze of rosebushes.

"Those who wish to leave the faith are...mot held in the highest esteem. There are no official repercussions save for the fact that unbelievers may not hold office in the government or the military. The social stigma though? That can be a hard thing to bear. However, this is assuming the convert left the faith of their own accord. Were we to discover foreign missionaries within our borders, they would be considered agitators and the consequences would be...severe. No doubt you would react similarly if you found Radurjic priests proselytizing on the steps of your temple."

Somehow, their path had led them to the heart of the maze, and Nezetkhamun took a seat at one of the marble benches.

"And as for children from two faiths? I believe you worry overmuch about my son's child of passion. True, I intend to instruct my granddaughter in the traditions of her people, but it will be her choice whether to embrace Kina or Tzetultep. Whatever our failings, we of Tzalteclan accept that each person must make their own choices."

“I am relieved to hear that. The Children believe Kina to be a portion of all gods, all faiths. We preach that one must seek understanding of the motivations of their actions to be truly just and good. So it is not apostasy to follow more than one religion.”

They walked for a minute more. “Yes, we are speaking of their child. But also of others that may happen into the same circumstance. Telluris is a world interconnected, and faiths move with the people.” He chuckled, “Ministering to sailors present… unique issues.”

“It is my intention to offer to preside over a “Mother’s Voice” sacrament for the child. It is simply the parent or parents affirming they will teach the child the tenets of our religion. I would offer you to be my guest, if you choose.”

Shahyar/Jonas before the Immolation
Something about the intricately carved wood struck a chord deep within Shahyar's mind. A memory dredged up. Some injury suffered. A wounded leg. He looked down at his own suddenly thankful for how well they worked. "I... Thank you. My memories are still... fractured. But this... " He didn't even know what to say and the sudden excitement didn't really give him much of a chance to work it out.

He tried to follow Hushyarr out onto the beach, but the crowd was too dense so he waited, as patient as he could manage, for things to calm down. He had to protect his brother. No... someone else. A woman? Shahyar shook his head. The memories didn't always make sense.

Phillip helped steer the other creature out to where the main commotion was ongoing. He flagged down several Crima security folks, explaining in no uncertain terms that this creature was under protection of the Seaborne Confederation, and that the S.C. would accept responsibility for its actions henceforth. Phillip liked the word henceforth.

As they walked, he explained, "You were once a man named Jonas Grant, or so is claimed. This was your walking cane. You needed it for an injury. Do you remember what caused your injury?" He tried to be calm and comforting, but the tension in the question was obvious.

Reggiejam

2014-12-10, 11:30 AM

Double Entendre

Senusret returned the kiss with his own, hungry embrace, then allowed himself to be pulled into the salon. Approaching the toddler, he smiled at the distinctly Tzaltec features, and at her appraising stare. As she smiled at him, he crouched down and stroked her hair.

"Indeed I am, little one. Indeed I am. Tell me, what are you doing here."

He crossed his legs and sank to the floor, gesturing towards the blocks and glancing towards Katava with a wry smile.

"You have her building castles already?"

Midnight
That night, after the chaos had receded, a messenger in nondescript black appeared at the gates of the Faedas embassy, carrying a sealed message for the Queen. The wax was black, and upon it was embossed the leering dragon head of the Teotlkan's seal.

Your Majesty,

Please forgive the late hour, but the Teotlkan and Xuihtlatec request your presence at the Tzaltec embassy ere they depart, to discuss a matter of grave import.

Double Entendre

Katava laughed, "She has an appetite for constructing worlds to hold dominion over. Don't you Meztli?"

"This is Castle Tayanya," the little girl said walking back over to her construction and indicating a tiered tower, "And this is the Ice Palace," she pointed at another structure made of all her blue and white colored blocks, "Mama says I'm going to rule the Castle Tayanya one day and be part of the Queen's Court."

"If the Queen allows you to darling," Katava turned to address Senusret, "Faedas law would not recognize our daughter as an heir to the line of Tayanya as she was born without proof of parentage," Katava scoffed, "As though I would consort with some werekin serving boy. The girl is clearly of the Blood of the Dragon but we need the Queen to recognize her as such and as a proper heiress."

"Queen Kyria has been kind though, when I came to request the recognition she was willing but insisted I get your consent to recognize her as our daughter. Normally the man's claim has no bearing, it's simply a matter of whether the Queen wishes to recognize a child or not, but I got the feeling she didn't wish to make judgment on a child half of Tzaltec. That and I suspect she wanted to test my ability to serve as a connection to you and your nation. Politics are a dangerous game in Faedas and looking at the way things are shaping I would rather prefer to be an asset to the Queen."

Midnight

A knock on the door interrupted Kyria's consultation with her Trusted and it took her a moment for her eyes to re-adjust to a non-euphoric state. She stood up, letting the Trusted Elsana slip to the ground with a soft thud, a vacant expression of pleasure on her face and a trickle of crimson pooling in a small amount below her head before clotting up and stopping. The Queen licked her lips and wiped her mouth clean, grabbing her veil from where she had discarded it and affixing it to her head such that her eyes were hidden behind its cloth.

She said nothing as she answered her door and her personal guard handed her a sealed note. Reading it her lips twitched in a modest smile and she stepped into a shadow, re-appearing outside the gates to the Tzaltec embassy. She looked down assessing herself and noticed spots of dark wetness on the breast of her black dress but decided they weren't worth worrying with. Instead she approached the guards outside and held up the letter such that the wax seal was presented like a badge of authority and awaited their response.

DurkBlanston

2014-12-10, 04:39 PM

"You have nothing to apologise for, my friend," he said, and placed a hand on the king's shoulder. "I have never doubted your loyalty or friendship for a moment."

Ji nodded in affirmation locking eyes with the Carmine King that he knew he spoke with the full truth. A commotion drew his attention and he looked over to see an old mustachioed man wheeled forward in a chair. The Caercian King cocked his head, curious at the development but the approach of Senusret to his and King Eldred's position drew his attention.

After the Carmine king had spoke and at an appropriate time Ji interjected, "Teotlkan Senusret, I do not wish to disturb your father but I would be grateful to you if you could pass along my thanks to him for standing with me. I would have taken the risk without it, but there was a great comfort in having your father behind me."

Morph Bark

2014-12-10, 06:20 PM

Marvella caught the sudden tension in her dance partner, but she ascribed it to suddenly realizing he'd been dancing with a high priestess. That tended to do a number on one's self-control. As they danced, Marvella allowed her mind to wander. Glazfell - King Ghalle in particular - had been worrying her lately. Nothing official, but their personal correspondence had grown more than a little sour. Ghalle seemed to be under the impression that Sycia's attitude was publicly shaming her, though Marvella couldn't see it. As they slowed, Marvella turned her eyes back to the young man with her.

She smiled and kissed his hand as the dance ended. "You flatter me. Thank you for the dance, your presence made it most delightful."

Eero bowed to her again. The young catfolk woman was quite striking, especially her behaviour, which seemed so confident. How could she not be, so young and yet the leader of a nation? As he parted with her, he touched his hand. He'd seen men kiss women's hands before, but not the other way around. Most curious. Most interesting.

Vizini nods. "I will take you myself, to calm the storm here." He nods towards the monk, and helps him wheel the chair towards Hushyarr and the remaining Carmines.

"This man claims that he will be able to clear the confusion of the room... Let us hear his testimony."

Hushyarr rose at the man's approach. He would recognize that mustache anywhere. He wanted to run up and hug the man, but with this level of distrust and sudden movements would probably only get someone killed. So he settled for yelling excitedly.

"Paco! How are you even still alive?! It's been..." Hushyarr still didn't actually know what year it was. In the midst of this debacle he had never actually had the chance to ask. "A very long time! I have so many questions for you." For now at least the somber tone of the trial was forgotten as Hushyarr's tale twitched back and forth excitedly.

"I'd like it on the record," the old man noted, "that I did not claim to be able to clear any confusion." He smiled a little. "In fact, often I've met with folk who, in the face of clarification and identification, become filled with more questions than answers."

He sat back and motioned with his hand. The monk pushing the wheeled chair put him in an open space so he had some room around him. "I hear... an unfamiliar voice calling my name. Yet I feel a familiar presence of warmth. Who is it that addresses me?"

Snowfire

2014-12-10, 07:54 PM

Ji smiled the diplomat's smile at the Doge's words on observing the dye festival before turning back to the Doge and his Raaneki wife. At Sucheta's words his eyebrow raised slightly in confusion but did not press the issue. The only answer that seemed clear was that Sucheta believed herself equal to two rulers, an intriguing if self aggrandizing view. It was the Raaneki Twin Thrones that had played a part in influencing portions of the King/Lord Protector dichotomy instated at Ji's Coronation. A point that was less often brought up since those events, but was accurate nonetheless.

Ji looked at his wife who gave him a delicate smile and nod at Sucheta's request for a dance, "Yes Sucheta, I believe I owe you one turn upon the floor by my words at the last Tellurian Games and we have things to discuss that only the rhythm of motion might produce."

Ji extended his hand to the Raaneki Queen that they might make their way to the dance floor together.

Sucheta took his hand, leading him across the small stretch of greenery to the Hall of Joy. Even today, with most of it dedicated to Trade, there was still dancing within. It would be a poor excuse for a Raaneki place of celebration without it.

"I'm sorry," she said, as they crossed the verdant lawn to the Hall, "my answer to you can't have made much sense. And I think I owe you a clear truth." The two entered the Hall of Joy, the only delay being Ji's weapon being peacebonded, and Sucheta took his hand again to lead him onto the dance floor, yet her face was strangely serious despite the place - one so loved by her, Ji knew. "I am not only myself, Ji. I remember another life, one that started a century before I was born. Not all, but enough in time to recognise who it was." She let the fins that she normally kept wrapped around her forearms loosen and drop, revealing blackness in the place of the gentle tone of her skin. "My many-times-great-grandmother dyed her forearms this colour when her daughter died. When I realised it was her memories I remembered, her thoughts that I was finding inside me, properly realised, this was teh result."

"But you're right, in the end." She shook her head. "The Twin Thrones have been unfilled since my mother's time, and reincarnation or no, I know that - and it has cost me, more I think than simply the trust that was once easy for you to give. And I am truly sorry for that loss." She turned at his direction as the music finished a beat, her face brightening as it turned faster, and more fitting to its venue. "Yet I can share this, and that is something to be treasured." She looked up again, and her eyes were without shadow this time. "So my piece is spoken, what I believe was owed to the ruler of a people friend to Raaneka for so long." Sucheta flowed together with him at the next turn of beat, and at last it was as if her full self was present within it.

"What have you brought, my friend, now that our dance has given it time to come free?"

Sorry for the delay on this, winter bugs are a bitch. That I had a hard response to write didn't help either. I think I've done ok with this, but even if it's not clearly stated Sucheta is very much open to any questions Ji might want and/or be willing to ask. And now we can get to the real conversation, I hope :smallsmile:

The woman and her words intrigued him. "Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar." He introduced himself, hurrying to make a flourish. Her physical response was almost dizzying. "Lady Kalinda. Are you trying to pull me into a dance? Because that might be just what I need."

I keep forgetting what colours I need to use for characters as well, especially the princes and princesses that I haven't used before. :smalltongue:

"I could be tempted to do such a thing," Kalinda replied, her eyes bright and laughing. "But if it was what you needed, why," she widened her eyes demurely, yet for all the shyness she poured into the look it was clearly a tease, "I would be left with little choice but to drag you away to the dance floor."

So is this Ensio or Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar, or are both names part of an overarching whole? Salterri names are confusing :smalltongue:

Also, anything in particular you looking for from this, or just Raaneki-times?

DurkBlanston

2014-12-10, 09:07 PM

Sucheta took his hand, leading him across the small stretch of greenery to the Hall of Joy. Even today, with most of it dedicated to Trade, there was still dancing within. It would be a poor excuse for a Raaneki place of celebration without it.

"I'm sorry," she said, as they crossed the verdant lawn to the Hall, "my answer to you can't have made much sense. And I think I owe you a clear truth." The two entered the Hall of Joy, the only delay being Ji's weapon being peacebonded, and Sucheta took his hand again to lead him onto the dance floor, yet her face was strangely serious despite the place - one so loved by her, Ji knew. "I am not only myself, Ji. I remember another life, one that started a century before I was born. Not all, but enough in time to recognise who it was." She let the fins that she normally kept wrapped around her forearms loosen and drop, revealing blackness in the place of the gentle tone of her skin. "My many-times-great-grandmother dyed her forearms this colour when her daughter died. When I realised it was her memories I remembered, her thoughts that I was finding inside me, properly realised, this was teh result."

"But you're right, in the end." She shook her head. "The Twin Thrones have been unfilled since my mother's time, and reincarnation or no, I know that - and it has cost me, more I think than simply the trust that was once easy for you to give. And I am truly sorry for that loss." She turned at his direction as the music finished a beat, her face brightening as it turned faster, and more fitting to its venue. "Yet I can share this, and that is something to be treasured." She looked up again, and her eyes were without shadow this time. "So my piece is spoken, what I believe was owed to the ruler of a people friend to Raaneka for so long." Sucheta flowed together with him at the next turn of beat, and at last it was as if her full self was present within it.

"What have you brought, my friend, now that our dance has given it time to come free?"

Sorry for the delay on this, winter bugs are a bitch. That I had a hard response to write didn't help either. I think I've done ok with this, but even if it's not clearly stated Sucheta is very much open to any questions Ji might want and/or be willing to ask. And now we can get to the real conversation, I hope :smallsmile:

Ji listened curiously to Sucheta's tale, nodding along and raising his eyebrows slightly at points. At her conclusion he stepped back in time with the dance with an appraising look before coming back together and dancing on.

"I myself never personally met a Raaneki royal couple," he began, "My grandfather Cassius visited Raaneka twice, and for a man so filled with disdain for so many he carried none for Raaneka. He spoke well of King Tikta and Queen Bhakti as friends to his heart."

"I was among the children who heard the late Councilor Dieter Stein tell his tales of Raaneki splendor, he described the streets of Bandar as the most beauteous things he had ever laid eyes on and the Kindred Stadiums as the surest sign of peace and brotherhood among mortal creatures."

"My father told me stories too. Of my birth mother, the Princess R'jas of the Far West. He spoke of her beauty and her grace encapsulating and enrapturing all the men she spoke with. According to him, her mind was sharper than any other known to exist and she brought culture from the Old Imperium believed lost forever. I believe she was a great woman, I believe she was what my father saw her as."

"But I have been to the Far West, I have walked its lands. I have marched with the armies against the Kingdom of Zuiguo, the Kingdom from which all evidence supports my mother came from. The lands were not graceful, they were not more beautiful than any other, they were as any other lands are; filled with greed and poverty and those who desire power above all else."

"It's a strange thing, the power of memory."

He paused as the dance continued into an elaborate twirl.

"I was surprised to hear of Guilder's turnabout," he said seemingly changing the subject, "I had not truthfully expected it to be a task that might be accomplished. I owe you an apology for doubting you I think. You proved my presumptions about Guilder, and Raaneka, to be untrue. The sleeping imperial north awakens and the world takes note. It is no small feat to draw the eyes of the world upon you, but what does the Dawn plan to do now that it is united and awake once more?"

I hope you don't mind Ji's somewhat ignoring the implications, it's just that he didn't know that Raaneki Queen and as I hope is clear he's of the opinion that what matters now is now. The past being irrelevant to the current happenings. I hope it is as interesting a conversation as I'm shaping it in my head.

TheDarkDM

2014-12-11, 12:19 AM

Day 1

Divine Musings

“I am relieved to hear that. The Children believe Kina to be a portion of all gods, all faiths. We preach that one must seek understanding of the motivations of their actions to be truly just and good. So it is not apostasy to follow more than one religion.”

They walked for a minute more. “Yes, we are speaking of their child. But also of others that may happen into the same circumstance. Telluris is a world interconnected, and faiths move with the people.” He chuckled, “Ministering to sailors present… unique issues.”

“It is my intention to offer to preside over a “Mother’s Voice” sacrament for the child. It is simply the parent or parents affirming they will teach the child the tenets of our religion. I would offer you to be my guest, if you choose.”

Nezetkhamun took a moment to ponder the Eldest's question while he watched a rose petal float lazily through the air.

"I have no objection to such a ceremony, so long as it does not preclude teaching her our ways as well. And I would be honored to be a part of it."

Double Entendre

Katava laughed, "She has an appetite for constructing worlds to hold dominion over. Don't you Meztli?"

"This is Castle Tayanya," the little girl said walking back over to her construction and indicating a tiered tower, "And this is the Ice Palace," she pointed at another structure made of all her blue and white colored blocks, "Mama says I'm going to rule the Castle Tayanya one day and be part of the Queen's Court."

"If the Queen allows you to darling," Katava turned to address Senusret, "Faedas law would not recognize our daughter as an heir to the line of Tayanya as she was born without proof of parentage," Katava scoffed, "As though I would consort with some werekin serving boy. The girl is clearly of the Blood of the Dragon but we need the Queen to recognize her as such and as a proper heiress."

"Queen Kyria has been kind though, when I came to request the recognition she was willing but insisted I get your consent to recognize her as our daughter. Normally the man's claim has no bearing, it's simply a matter of whether the Queen wishes to recognize a child or not, but I got the feeling she didn't wish to make judgment on a child half of Tzaltec. That and I suspect she wanted to test my ability to serve as a connection to you and your nation. Politics are a dangerous game in Faedas and looking at the way things are shaping I would rather prefer to be an asset to the Queen."

Senusret chuckled at the situation, leaning back on his elbows to stare up at Katava.

"I sympathize. Divine right has obviated many such political necessities in my family, but I am not unfamiliar with the mad scrabble for power that occupies so many of our peers. Your queen has my blessing to recognize dear Meztli, and you may relay to her that I welcome your involvement as intermediary between our two governments."

He pushed himself back into a sitting position and edged closer to his daughter.

"These are beautiful castles, dearest. And one day, I will show you all of Holy Tzalteclan. If you mind your mother and tend to your studies, I may even convince your grandfather to take you flying."

He glanced back at Katava, and his voice lowered.

"She is entitled to Unmarked bodyguards, if you'll allow it. if the situation in Faedas is as volatile as you say, it may be a wise precaution."

Day 2

Disaster

Ji nodded in affirmation locking eyes with the Carmine King that he knew he spoke with the full truth. A commotion drew his attention and he looked over to see an old mustachioed man wheeled forward in a chair. The Caercian King cocked his head, curious at the development but the approach of Senusret to his and King Eldred's position drew his attention.

After the Carmine king had spoke and at an appropriate time Ji interjected, "Teotlkan Senusret, I do not wish to disturb your father but I would be grateful to you if you could pass along my thanks to him for standing with me. I would have taken the risk without it, but there was a great comfort in having your father behind me."

Senusret nodded to the Caercian king.

"I am sure he will appreciate your thanks, King Ji. You have mine, as well, for standing with him against this...tragedy."

Midnight

Midnight

A knock on the door interrupted Kyria's consultation with her Trusted and it took her a moment for her eyes to re-adjust to a non-euphoric state. She stood up, letting the Trusted Elsana slip to the ground with a soft thud, a vacant expression of pleasure on her face and a trickle of crimson pooling in a small amount below her head before clotting up and stopping. The Queen licked her lips and wiped her mouth clean, grabbing her veil from where she had discarded it and affixing it to her head such that her eyes were hidden behind its cloth.

She said nothing as she answered her door and her personal guard handed her a sealed note. Reading it her lips twitched in a modest smile and she stepped into a shadow, re-appearing outside the gates to the Tzaltec embassy. She looked down assessing herself and noticed spots of dark wetness on the breast of her black dress but decided they weren't worth worrying with. Instead she approached the guards outside and held up the letter such that the wax seal was presented like a badge of authority and awaited their response.

At the sight of the seal, the Dragon Knights at the gate bowed deeply. They opened the doors in silence, allowing the Queen into an embassy that seemed deserted. Appropriately so, for most of its inhabitants had already departed towards the ships waiting in the harbor. Yet she was only waiting for a moment, before the pad of soft footfalls announced the arrival of an Unmarked. She bowed deeply as well, and silently led the Queen deeper into the building, to a door where a single lantern burned. There was a quick series of knocks, then the Unmarked opened the door and ushered Kyria inside.

The room itself was clearly an office, though devoid of the things that might mark it has inhabited. Empty bookshelves lined the walls, a fire burned in a fireplace whose mantle was devoid of ornamentation, and a wide desk sat facing the door. Seated at the desk was the Teotlkan, and as the Queen entered and the Unmarked departed, Senusret stood.

"Thank you for coming, Queen Kyria. I would offer you refreshment, but this house lies empty."

There was a flash in the shadows of the room, as Nezetkhamun emerged into the light.

"The slave is yours, if you want her. I fear we have no Fae in our service though. Please, sit."

Nezetkhamun gestured to a pair of high-backed chairs standing before the desk, before sinking into one himself.

"We apologize for the late our, but I think you will see our business demands discretion."

lt_murgen

2014-12-11, 09:14 AM

Day 1

Divine Musings

Nezetkhamun took a moment to ponder the Eldest's question while he watched a rose petal float lazily through the air.

"I have no objection to such a ceremony, so long as it does not preclude teaching her our ways as well. And I would be honored to be a part of it."

“Certainly. Choice lies at the heart of our teachings. To understand the choices upon which we shall be judged is our way.”

He paused for a moment. Part of him wanted to spend the day discussing the finer points of their religions. Another part did not want to burden a regent with such idle musings. He decided to stay on point, and satisfy his curiosity another time. “Thank you for this dialogue. It was most informative. I must take my leave so that I can discuss the ceremony with the mother. Good day.”

Looks like there will be no issue. If you want, I can post a note detailing the ceremony (scheduled for the day after the conference)

Elemental

2014-12-11, 09:59 AM

Paco Çimar Guzman arrives

Kellan of Ashenia performed a graceful bow, an uncharacteristic move, before addressing Paco.
"It matters not who it is who addresses you Your Reverence, but who they claim to be. This creature from the East, Hushyarr, claims to be the incarnation of Mosi Nia Rohana and simultaneously the Blazing Avatar.
"While the former is for the followers of Radurja to investigate, it is hoped you can resolve the latter to the satisfaction of all of us present."
He turned once more to face Hushyarr, a look of speculation on his face.
"On that note however... Now that I've managed to properly come to grips with the situation, I do seem to recall that the previous Blazing Avatar died only ten years previously. Are you meaning to say Hushyarr of the She'er that you are less than ten years of age? I for one would fine such a claim unlikely."
Suddenly conscious he was still holding his sword, Kellan motioned one of his guards over and handed his sword over. The guard bowed and departed with it.

zabbarot

2014-12-11, 10:25 AM

"I'd like it on the record," the old man noted, "that I did not claim to be able to clear any confusion." He smiled a little. "In fact, often I've met with folk who, in the face of clarification and identification, become filled with more questions than answers."

He sat back and motioned with his hand. The monk pushing the wheeled chair put him in an open space so he had some room around him. "I hear... an unfamiliar voice calling my name. Yet I feel a familiar presence of warmth. Who is it that addresses me?"

Kellan of Ashenia performed a graceful bow, an uncharacteristic move, before addressing Paco.
"It matters not who it is who addresses you Your Reverence, but who they claim to be. This creature from the East, Hushyarr, claims to be the incarnation of Mosi Nia Rohana and simultaneously the Blazing Avatar.
"While the former is for the followers of Radurja to investigate, it is hoped you can resolve the latter to the satisfaction of all of us present."
He turned once more to face Hushyarr, a look of speculation on his face.
"On that note however... Now that I've managed to properly come to grips with the situation, I do seem to recall that the previous Blazing Avatar died only ten years previously. Are you meaning to say Hushyarr of the She'er that you are less than ten years of age? I for one would fine such a claim unlikely."
Suddenly conscious he was still holding his sword, Kellan motioned one of his guards over and handed his sword over. The guard bowed and departed with it.

"Paco, you'd know me best as Shvedrishti. I came here to reunite with my people and announce that I have been born as the Blazing Avatar." Hushyarr remained calm as he recounted the events leading up to Paco's arrival, even King Elwyr's sudden immolation.

Hushyarr turned to King Kellan, "I am in fact ten years of age, your grace. Are you aware that the lions of Jarrland are fully grown by the age of three? The She'er have more in common with them than with humans. Look to Shahyar, my brother, he is the same age as I, but I dwarf him. This was among the first reasons that I came to believe I was the Blazing Avatar. Yosi Cedro stood nearly a head and a half taller than anyone present at the First Grand Ball, and we live on a continent of giants."

Phillip helped steer the other creature out to where the main commotion was ongoing. He flagged down several Crima security folks, explaining in no uncertain terms that this creature was under protection of the Seaborne Confederation, and that the S.C. would accept responsibility for its actions henceforth. Phillip liked the word henceforth.

As they walked, he explained, "You were once a man named Jonas Grant, or so is claimed. This was your walking cane. You needed it for an injury. Do you remember what caused your injury?" He tried to be calm and comforting, but the tension in the question was obvious.
As Shahyar gazed at the intricately carved cane broken images bubbled up from somewhere deep in his mind. A circle of robed men, a three girls and a sickly looking boy, a burning eye. That same desire to protect boiled up again. The girl with the white eyes. Then an explosion and the girl wracked by fire as long vines stretched from her and out through the ceiling. "I... I think I do. The Lord of Fire burned me... but the girl. She saved me."

Elemental

2014-12-11, 10:52 AM

Hushyarr turned to King Kellan, "I am in fact ten years of age, your grace. Are you aware that the lions of Jarrland are fully grown by the age of three? The She'er have more in common with them than with humans. Look to Shahyar, my brother, he is the same age as I, but I dwarf him. This was among the first reasons that I came to believe I was the Blazing Avatar. Yosi Cedro stood nearly a head and a half taller than anyone present at the First Grand Ball, and we live on a continent of giants."

"An ape reaches maturity in ten years, a human nearly twice as long and longer again for a dwarf. Just because you bear some similarity to a lion does not mean that your life is constrained by the same rate of growth as theirs, though I will concede the point. Whatever you are, you may very well be ten years of age. As for height, I have met many men of great height, none of them were the Blazing Avatar. It is good that you're not basing your claim solely on that alone.
"Now, that the issue of the timeline has been resolved for now, let us allow Brother Paco to take the floor."

Reggiejam

2014-12-11, 11:31 AM

Day 1
Double Entendre

Senusret chuckled at the situation, leaning back on his elbows to stare up at Katava.

"I sympathize. Divine right has obviated many such political necessities in my family, but I am not unfamiliar with the mad scrabble for power that occupies so many of our peers. Your queen has my blessing to recognize dear Meztli, and you may relay to her that I welcome your involvement as intermediary between our two governments."

He pushed himself back into a sitting position and edged closer to his daughter.

"These are beautiful castles, dearest. And one day, I will show you all of Holy Tzalteclan. If you mind your mother and tend to your studies, I may even convince your grandfather to take you flying."

He glanced back at Katava, and his voice lowered.

"She is entitled to Unmarked bodyguards, if you'll allow it. if the situation in Faedas is as volatile as you say, it may be a wise precaution."

Midnight

At the sight of the seal, the Dragon Knights at the gate bowed deeply. They opened the doors in silence, allowing the Queen into an embassy that seemed deserted. Appropriately so, for most of its inhabitants had already departed towards the ships waiting in the harbor. Yet she was only waiting for a moment, before the pad of soft footfalls announced the arrival of an Unmarked. She bowed deeply as well, and silently led the Queen deeper into the building, to a door where a single lantern burned. There was a quick series of knocks, then the Unmarked opened the door and ushered Kyria inside.

The room itself was clearly an office, though devoid of the things that might mark it has inhabited. Empty bookshelves lined the walls, a fire burned in a fireplace whose mantle was devoid of ornamentation, and a wide desk sat facing the door. Seated at the desk was the Teotlkan, and as the Queen entered and the Unmarked departed, Senusret stood.

"Thank you for coming, Queen Kyria. I would offer you refreshment, but this house lies empty."

There was a flash in the shadows of the room, as Nezetkhamun emerged into the light.

"The slave is yours, if you want her. I fear we have no Fae in our service though. Please, sit."

Nezetkhamun gestured to a pair of high-backed chairs standing before the desk, before sinking into one himself.

"We apologize for the late our, but I think you will see our business demands discretion."

Double Entendre

"Really!?" Meztli grinned at Senusret's words of flying and looked to her mother hopefully.

Katava gave her a mischievous smile and nodded, "You heard your father, you must listen to me and be a good and studious girl."

Meztli grew excited and nodded eagerly, leaping to her feet and spreading her arms like wings, running around the room as though she herself were a flighted dragon.

With Meztli so distracted Katava addressed Senusret, "They would be welcome. I believe the Queen finds me a useful sort and our yours and mine's relationship will only help, but if what I've heard is true there will be many upset nobles in the coming years and they may strike at the Queen's allies for fear of attacking the Queen herself."

Midnight
Kyria appraised the slave for a moment, but feasting was a messy if euphoric business and Elsana still served to tide her over despite not quite finishing. She took the open seat easily, her back remaining straight and her posture like a posed figurine instructing those of high blood the proper way to sit.

"Think nothing of it, I was already awake and I always have the time to spare for the Tzaltec. I am curious what this business is however? Regarding Meztli I already plan to give a pronouncement upon my return to Faedas regarding her parentage, though I suspect you knew this and thus this meeting regards something else?"

[COLOR="#808080"]

Looks like there will be no issue. If you want, I can post a note detailing the ceremony (scheduled for the day after the conference)

That works for me!

TheDarkDM

2014-12-12, 06:55 AM

Day 1

Double Entendre

Double Entendre
"Really!?" Meztli grinned at Senusret's words of flying and looked to her mother hopefully.

Katava gave her a mischievous smile and nodded, "You heard your father, you must listen to me and be a good and studious girl."

Meztli grew excited and nodded eagerly, leaping to her feet and spreading her arms like wings, running around the room as though she herself were a flighted dragon.

With Meztli so distracted Katava addressed Senusret, "They would be welcome. I believe the Queen finds me a useful sort and our yours and mine's relationship will only help, but if what I've heard is true there will be many upset nobles in the coming years and they may strike at the Queen's allies for fear of attacking the Queen herself."

Senusret laughed appreciatively at Meztli's imaginary flight, and his smile was undiminished by Katava's response.

"Then I pity them. The Unmarked are potent enough to have kept even my feckless nephew alive thus far - I doubt your rivals have ever seen their like."

Day 2

Midnight

Midnight
Kyria appraised the slave for a moment, but feasting was a messy if euphoric business and Elsana still served to tide her over despite not quite finishing. She took the open seat easily, her back remaining straight and her posture like a posed figurine instructing those of high blood the proper way to sit.

"Think nothing of it, I was already awake and I always have the time to spare for the Tzaltec. I am curious what this business is however? Regarding Meztli I already plan to give a pronouncement upon my return to Faedas regarding her parentage, though I suspect you knew this and thus this meeting regards something else?"

Senusret spread his hands.

"Indeed. While you have my thanks for your plans to recognize Meztli, we attend to the business of state tonight. As you are no doubt aware, Guilder's departure from the Concordat left a hole not easily filled, but it also divested us from what had become a diplomatic lodestone. And while we may all take some amusement from Raaneka's vain attempts to repair Guilder's reputation, their growing involvement in the Empire of Dawn leaves us uneasy. We believe it a prudent time to seek out allies, and with Faedas' newly-minted independence from boorish Hurosha, we see no better candidate than you."

Senusret leaned closer.

"On the behalf of Tzalteclan and all the nations of the Hegemony, I wish to offer you a seat in the Concordat of Frost and Flame. An official one, ideally, but if you feel your parting from Hurosha to be change enough, there are alternatives. You would not be the first to join our compact in secret."

lt_murgen

2014-12-12, 07:27 AM

Time Bubble- Night of Day 3 (1 day after the Ball)
The rooms had been prepared at the Seaborne Confederacy’s embassy. Timing was a full day after the ball, so that those uninvolced could depart. The Eldest Child of Kina had met with the Katava and Meztli, and had prepared them both for their part in the ceremony. Everything was ready as the guests arrived.

Katava hugged Meztli close and smiled down at her, bending down to look her child in the eye.

"There's nothing to be afraid of my dear, the Eldest will ask you questions and you will answer them as you know their answers to be."

Meztli seemed older as she nodded back at her mother an affirmative, her face set in determination. Katava smiled and rubbed the girl's shoulders before standing up. Katava looked back and saw her brother Pendraga looking on eagerly. When he saw her looking his direction he nodded his approval of the situation and Katava had to admit her own relief that the blessing for her to undergo the Voice had been secured. It would be good for her to know the Mother as her inheritance would remind her of her father often enough on its own.

The Eldest led them into a small interior room, bereft of furnishings save a small lectern. It was lit only with a single small lamp of kelp-olive oil. A smoking brazier giving off a sickly-sweet smell hung along one wall. Near the lectern was a small alcove covered by a heavy curtain. Katava ushered Meztli over to it. “Rest easy, cousin. Enter the Mother’s Embrace. Fear not the dark and the cold, for it is only a test of your faith in Kina.” Elemi told the girl as he pulled aside the curtain. A wave of cold, provided by a sliver of true ice, poured out cooling the room. The girl entered the chamber and Elemi shut the curtain behind her. A moment or two later, a small hand came through the curtain, dropping the robe the child had worn.

Elemi turned to the rest of the group. “Our cousin has entered the embrace of our Mother, naked and unafraid of the dark. Let her affirm her faith, as we reaffirm ours:”
Dearest Meztli,do you believe that Kina is the Mother of the Night?” A small voice from behind the curtain said “I do."
“Do you, her family, believe that Kina is the Mother of the Night?” The believers in the room answered affirmative.
And so it went with the rest of the affirmations:
Dearest Meztli,do you believe that all souls come from her and will return to her in their proper time?
Do you, her family, believe that all souls come from her and will return to her in their proper time?
Dearest Meztli, do you understand the great and terrible power to shape your world that you have been gifted.?
Do you, her family, believe your child capable of shaping her world through the gift of Kina?
Dearest Meztli, will you seek understanding of your actions and strive for purity of motivation?
Will you, her family, teach your daughter to seek understanding of themselves from within?
Dearest Meztli, will you respect life, and treat others so that you would willingly trade paths?
Will you, her family, teach your daughter to respect life and treat others with respect?
Dearest Meztli, do you understand that you will be judged by Khadi, and shown neither pity nor mercy for your deeds in life?
Will you, her family, show her no pity, nor mercy, that they should be prepared for judgment by Khadi?”

Once the final affirmation was done, Elemi picked the robe up off the floor. He pushed it through the curtain. A moment later, a very cold Meztli emerged, shivering. He embraced the child, saying, “Welcome, cousin.” He motioned for the others to join in the hug.

Katava came forward and embraced her daughter warmly, telling her how proud she was of her. Pendraga was close behind telling the young girl she had been very brave and that the Mother would be watching over her now.

Snowfire

2014-12-12, 07:50 AM

Ji listened curiously to Sucheta's tale, nodding along and raising his eyebrows slightly at points. At her conclusion he stepped back in time with the dance with an appraising look before coming back together and dancing on.

"I myself never personally met a Raaneki royal couple," he began, "My grandfather Cassius visited Raaneka twice, and for a man so filled with disdain for so many he carried none for Raaneka. He spoke well of King Tikta and Queen Bhakti as friends to his heart."

"I was among the children who heard the late Councilor Dieter Stein tell his tales of Raaneki splendor, he described the streets of Bandar as the most beauteous things he had ever laid eyes on and the Kindred Stadiums as the surest sign of peace and brotherhood among mortal creatures."

"My father told me stories too. Of my birth mother, the Princess R'jas of the Far West. He spoke of her beauty and her grace encapsulating and enrapturing all the men she spoke with. According to him, her mind was sharper than any other known to exist and she brought culture from the Old Imperium believed lost forever. I believe she was a great woman, I believe she was what my father saw her as."

"But I have been to the Far West, I have walked its lands. I have marched with the armies against the Kingdom of Zuiguo, the Kingdom from which all evidence supports my mother came from. The lands were not graceful, they were not more beautiful than any other, they were as any other lands are; filled with greed and poverty and those who desire power above all else."

"It's a strange thing, the power of memory."

He paused as the dance continued into an elaborate twirl.

"I was surprised to hear of Guilder's turnabout," he said seemingly changing the subject, "I had not truthfully expected it to be a task that might be accomplished. I owe you an apology for doubting you I think. You proved my presumptions about Guilder, and Raaneka, to be untrue. The sleeping imperial north awakens and the world takes note. It is no small feat to draw the eyes of the world upon you, but what does the Dawn plan to do now that it is united and awake once more?"

I hope you don't mind Ji's somewhat ignoring the implications, it's just that he didn't know that Raaneki Queen and as I hope is clear he's of the opinion that what matters now is now. The past being irrelevant to the current happenings. I hope it is as interesting a conversation as I'm shaping it in my head.

"What more than to live, Ji?" Sucheta smiled as she gave her answer. The Caercian King's words had spoken of memory, and in it he had reached towards the heart of what seemed to be his problem in how he saw Raaneka. He had but stories, and then her appearance at the Coronation and that short dance at the Games. And in those moments, those places, she had been forced to step far beyond herself, to take upon herself the duties of a vassal of the Empire to which her ancestors had bound themselves - and now her - in far more direct a fashion then those ancestors ever had. Yet the duty of a vassal was to be a hand of their liege, and so she had been what her cousin had needed her to be.

"Myrida could give you a far better answer, but I will do my best. It's all we can do, after all." She spun beneath Ji's hand in time to the beat. "None of us wish for conflict, that is something I can promise you; as my letter said, Vizini sealed the MECK project when Guilder left the Concordat of Frost and Flame at the Summit five years ago. Yet," her smile slipped, "in showing the world that we are no longer sleeping, no longer gone, we made enemies, and it is the duty of all rulers to guard their people. So we seek friends, new and old, to build a future where the golden memories of which your grandfather spoke - and older ones, which I remember - might be truth again and not memory."

"Yet you have spoken of Guilder, and of the task that you believed it to be. Perhaps you are right, but what I told you at the gate was very true. Raaneka did not impose upon Guilder the changes that Vizini and his father made, it was simply the Empire's view after your Coronation that such a change was needed. And with that, and the small guidance that my own people and our cousins of Serendel, all that you have watched with amazement was brought to pass. I cannot claim credit, and I won't - it isn't mine to claim - but I can understand why it is on myself and my people that the focus falls. It was my words that promised we would see it done." She shrugged gracefully.

"We were the first sign of new life from the oldest of the Northern Empires. My words at your coronation, I have little doubt, are widely written. And in years to come, when I am long past, the way of history might indeed name me as the one who reforged an Empire that was thought to be crumbling, and without direction. Yet for all that the future might hold those things - and all that it might not - I would tell you again here, if I can, of its truth as I know it."

"The Empire of Dawn is a family, Ji, and we were one long before ties of blood were laid between those who speak for each of us. When a family finds that one of its members has strayed, has stumbled, you do not cast them away - you reach out to them and try to help set them on a path towards recovery. There can be stern words sometimes, and certainly there were here, but few, for they are not what holds a family together. And that is what you missed, when you thought to call Guilder beyond any means to save. What everyone missed, I think."

I don't really mind at all. It's not really something I really see him as religiously equipped to deal with (no offence :smalltongue:). As for this, yeah it maybe got away from me a bit. But Sucheta is trying to be frank, as whilst she understands diplomatic smokescreens, Raaneki culture doesn't really appreciate them. Given her past conversations with Ji, he seems to be of a similar bent. So say hello to a crash course insight into EoD internal relations. It's a magical place.

TheWombatOfDoom

2014-12-12, 09:04 AM

OOC: Myrida would have been at all of this. Just everything blew up and swept by me before I had a rightful post in. I'm putting this in to show she had been there the whole time, and what not.

Time Bubble (if anyone wants to do trades during this time, before the choas of the LoF event, approach me here, or just to interact)

Myrida Serendel was in a fine dark cloak, enjoying the warmer wool provided from the Grmanhili Sheep. She was unesquorted, and politely mingled with guests, searching out the new Huroshian Queen. Unfortunately, it seemed her quarry was no where to be seen. Possibly in that meeting that was arranged between Faedas, Calorum, and Hurosha. She was wary of the meeting, given the recent history of the three nations, but if it led to a peaceful resolution, it would quell her fears. If not...Myrida's thoughts were interupted by a large lion-thing being esquorted in by Sucheta.

The Declaration

After witnessing the declaration, Myrida buckled in pain as she began to feel the brunt of Elwyr's transferance of energy. It felt like she was afire from within. Still, as she gritted her teeth, she watched the happenings of the room while not able to actively participate. After a time, perhaps fifteen minutes, she sagged but remained standing, as the pain cut off, and she was left with a strange feeling of...change? Whatever had happened to Elwyr, it was now over, and the room was much more empty as people had followed out in panic. Due to the chaos, she was largely unnoticed. It was perhaps the first time that she would want to have been noticed, being the daughter to the Emperor, and the current Empress of Dawn. It was strange. It was almost as if...what exactly had the energy done? Was she actually invisible?

She motioned a servant over with her hand, and they obeyed. Alright. No, she was not invisible...

Morph Bark

2014-12-12, 10:24 AM

[Pre-Boom]

"I could be tempted to do such a thing," Kalinda replied, her eyes bright and laughing. "But if it was what you needed, why," she widened her eyes demurely, yet for all the shyness she poured into the look it was clearly a tease, "I would be left with little choice but to drag you away to the dance floor."

So is this Ensio or Feetrikki Hel Kaivaar, or are both names part of an overarching whole? Salterri names are confusing :smalltongue:

Also, anything in particular you looking for from this, or just Raaneki-times?

HURRR it was supposed to be Ensio, yes. Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen. >.< I lost track which of the two went where and didn't double-check. Feetrikki was the one to search out Cree, Ensio a Raaneki. Wasn't going anywhere in particular with it, Ensio is just a hedonist and Raaneki are well known for that. Plus he's intrigued by tales of his grandfather Tailong, who got godana tattoos from an artist brought along by the royal family for him at some point.

The names for Gun Huang's children are formatted like [personal name] [short word referencing their non-Salterri heritage] [mother's family name], with ones officially recognized by the Imperial family as a whole having "Li" as their family name at the front.

"Well, I better take you up on the challenge," Ensio replied, "considering the things I've heard of Raaneka, I must surely attempt to out-drink one of your countrymen, and dancing is best served when one's legs are still capable of standing." He extended a hand with a smirk.

[Post-Boom]

Paco Çimar Guzman arrives

Kellan of Ashenia performed a graceful bow, an uncharacteristic move, before addressing Paco.
"It matters not who it is who addresses you Your Reverence, but who they claim to be. This creature from the East, Hushyarr, claims to be the incarnation of Mosi Nia Rohana and simultaneously the Blazing Avatar.
"While the former is for the followers of Radurja to investigate, it is hoped you can resolve the latter to the satisfaction of all of us present."
He turned once more to face Hushyarr, a look of speculation on his face.
"On that note however... Now that I've managed to properly come to grips with the situation, I do seem to recall that the previous Blazing Avatar died only ten years previously. Are you meaning to say Hushyarr of the She'er that you are less than ten years of age? I for one would fine such a claim unlikely."
Suddenly conscious he was still holding his sword, Kellan motioned one of his guards over and handed his sword over. The guard bowed and departed with it.

"Paco, you'd know me best as Shvedrishti. I came here to reunite with my people and announce that I have been born as the Blazing Avatar." Hushyarr remained calm as he recounted the events leading up to Paco's arrival, even King Elwyr's sudden immolation.

Hushyarr turned to King Kellan, "I am in fact ten years of age, your grace. Are you aware that the lions of Jarrland are fully grown by the age of three? The She'er have more in common with them than with humans. Look to Shahyar, my brother, he is the same age as I, but I dwarf him. This was among the first reasons that I came to believe I was the Blazing Avatar. Yosi Cedro stood nearly a head and a half taller than anyone present at the First Grand Ball, and we live on a continent of giants."

"An ape reaches maturity in ten years, a human nearly twice as long and longer again for a dwarf. Just because you bear some similarity to a lion does not mean that your life is constrained by the same rate of growth as theirs, though I will concede the point. Whatever you are, you may very well be ten years of age. As for height, I have met many men of great height, none of them were the Blazing Avatar. It is good that you're not basing your claim solely on that alone.
"Now, that the issue of the timeline has been resolved for now, let us allow Brother Paco to take the floor."

"Ah, that sharp politeness... you must be one of Hazael's sons." Paco nodded, eyes closing briefly as he did so. "It is true, Nissa Rodilsignya perished with unfortunate violence little more than a decade past. It is uncommon for a new Blazing Avatar to arise so quickly... uncommon, but not impossible."

He seemed to doze off for a few moments, but his breathing was deep and controlled. "Shvedrishti... it has been so long. Far too long. Where have you been during all this time, if you are both Shvedrishti and the Blazing Avatar? Your voice sounds so different from hers. Explain yourself and..." Paco's voice broke. "Come closer."

Reggiejam

2014-12-12, 01:16 PM

Day 1

Double Entendre

Senusret laughed appreciatively at Meztli's imaginary flight, and his smile was undiminished by Katava's response.

"Then I pity them. The Unmarked are potent enough to have kept even my feckless nephew alive thus far - I doubt your rivals have ever seen their like."

Day 2

Midnight

Senusret spread his hands.

"Indeed. While you have my thanks for your plans to recognize Meztli, we attend to the business of state tonight. As you are no doubt aware, Guilder's departure from the Concordat left a hole not easily filled, but it also divested us from what had become a diplomatic lodestone. And while we may all take some amusement from Raaneka's vain attempts to repair Guilder's reputation, their growing involvement in the Empire of Dawn leaves us uneasy. We believe it a prudent time to seek out allies, and with Faedas' newly-minted independence from boorish Hurosha, we see no better candidate than you."

Senusret leaned closer.

"On the behalf of Tzalteclan and all the nations of the Hegemony, I wish to offer you a seat in the Concordat of Frost and Flame. An official one, ideally, but if you feel your parting from Hurosha to be change enough, there are alternatives. You would not be the first to join our compact in secret."

Double Entendre

Katava leaned in and planted a kiss upon Senusret's cheek, "Then we shall show them," she smiled with a gleeful malice and her hand moved to find Senusret's own and rest upon his thigh as she watched Meztli continue to flit about.

"It is time for bed," she said addressing her daughter after a few moments, "And not just for her," she added in a whisper to Senusret.

Meztli let her arms drop with some fuss but she seemed sleepy despite her protestations. She hugged Senusret and kissed her father's cheek before Katava escorted her to her bedroom and put her to bed. She returned to the salon and hung lazily against the door frame leading to her own room, beckoning the Teotlkan to follow her inside.

OOC: And fade to black ;D No child here since that would diminish special-ness

Midnight

Queen Kyria smiled. Her lips, the only visible portion of her face below her veil, curling up more than they had in the entire preceding days. She had been hoping for this invitation, to the point that she had grown to expect it. And now it was here.

"I shall gladly, and openly accept your gracious invitation. Long have I looked to the East as a source of inspiration since even before my ascendance to the Throne of Thorns. My mother was a pacifistic do-nothing, my father a madman ruling land he had no right to claim from a throne many miles away. From them I learned nothing. I studied instead yourself Nezetkhamun and the Kings of Glazfell and it is to both your nations I feel a special bond."

"I am surrounded south and west by fools and fops in crowns, nothing would please me more than to unite with the rulers of the Hegemon and the Tzaltec Empire and show the wider world I do not sit among the foolish of the north, but instead with the powerful of the east."

She held out her right arm, inside up, and pulled off her glove and rolled back her sleeve revealing a gaunt appendage cool to the touch.

"I recognize the rites of the Tzaltec are steeped in blood, and while I fear you may draw little from myself I will give what is available to seal this agreement in proper form."

OOC: I thought this might be what this was! Yes! Concordat membership! Woohoo! Is there a thread? Is there a secret handshake? Do we wear pink on Wednesdays? *ahem* I shall add the announcement to my actions post.

zabbarot

2014-12-12, 04:17 PM

"Ah, that sharp politeness... you must be one of Hazael's sons." Paco nodded, eyes closing briefly as he did so. "It is true, Nissa Rodilsignya perished with unfortunate violence little more than a decade past. It is uncommon for a new Blazing Avatar to arise so quickly... uncommon, but not impossible."

He seemed to doze off for a few moments, but his breathing was deep and controlled. "Shvedrishti... it has been so long. Far too long. Where have you been during all this time, if you are both Shvedrishti and the Blazing Avatar? Your voice sounds so different from hers. Explain yourself and..." Paco's voice broke. "Come closer."

Hushyarr looked to Marvella for confirmation before stepping forward. It was strange to walk with four legs instead of six, but manageable. "You know of my passing, as Shvedri, yes? After that I was born to a young slave in Tzalteclan. I spent twenty-five years among them, before participating in the ritual that transformed Nezetkhamun. After that I spent a time lost, adrift in anga lingine, before Jonas and I were born again to the She'er."

DurkBlanston

2014-12-12, 08:14 PM

"What more than to live, Ji?" Sucheta smiled as she gave her answer. The Caercian King's words had spoken of memory, and in it he had reached towards the heart of what seemed to be his problem in how he saw Raaneka. He had but stories, and then her appearance at the Coronation and that short dance at the Games. And in those moments, those places, she had been forced to step far beyond herself, to take upon herself the duties of a vassal of the Empire to which her ancestors had bound themselves - and now her - in far more direct a fashion then those ancestors ever had. Yet the duty of a vassal was to be a hand of their liege, and so she had been what her cousin had needed her to be.

"Myrida could give you a far better answer, but I will do my best. It's all we can do, after all." She spun beneath Ji's hand in time to the beat. "None of us wish for conflict, that is something I can promise you; as my letter said, Vizini sealed the MECK project when Guilder left the Concordat of Frost and Flame at the Summit five years ago. Yet," her smile slipped, "in showing the world that we are no longer sleeping, no longer gone, we made enemies, and it is the duty of all rulers to guard their people. So we seek friends, new and old, to build a future where the golden memories of which your grandfather spoke - and older ones, which I remember - might be truth again and not memory."

"Yet you have spoken of Guilder, and of the task that you believed it to be. Perhaps you are right, but what I told you at the gate was very true. Raaneka did not impose upon Guilder the changes that Vizini and his father made, it was simply the Empire's view after your Coronation that such a change was needed. And with that, and the small guidance that my own people and our cousins of Serendel, all that you have watched with amazement was brought to pass. I cannot claim credit, and I won't - it isn't mine to claim - but I can understand why it is on myself and my people that the focus falls. It was my words that promised we would see it done." She shrugged gracefully.

"We were the first sign of new life from the oldest of the Northern Empires. My words at your coronation, I have little doubt, are widely written. And in years to come, when I am long past, the way of history might indeed name me as the one who reforged an Empire that was thought to be crumbling, and without direction. Yet for all that the future might hold those things - and all that it might not - I would tell you again here, if I can, of its truth as I know it."

"The Empire of Dawn is a family, Ji, and we were one long before ties of blood were laid between those who speak for each of us. When a family finds that one of its members has strayed, has stumbled, you do not cast them away - you reach out to them and try to help set them on a path towards recovery. There can be stern words sometimes, and certainly there were here, but few, for they are not what holds a family together. And that is what you missed, when you thought to call Guilder beyond any means to save. What everyone missed, I think."

I don't really mind at all. It's not really something I really see him as religiously equipped to deal with (no offence :smalltongue:). As for this, yeah it maybe got away from me a bit. But Sucheta is trying to be frank, as whilst she understands diplomatic smokescreens, Raaneki culture doesn't really appreciate them. Given her past conversations with Ji, he seems to be of a similar bent. So say hello to a crash course insight into EoD internal relations. It's a magical place.

"Good words," Ji said as they continued their dance even as the song shifted tone and other dancers departed the floor, "Calls to family and loyalty are well heard by myself and my nation. However the words seems somewhat false, you'll pardon my saying so. For all that Guilder has done to recompense itself for those crimes committed at my Coronation those many years ago much damage was done to relations with others in the process. Not, I don't think, because the Empire of Dawn had awoken, but rather, because it did so in a way that refuted the efforts of those who kept its wayward vassal Guilder from doing more than it had."

"I know well your Empire takes issue with the nations of Glazfell and Tzalteclan but both are well bound to the Imperium itself and her vassals and are seen as caretakers of the Expanse during the erstwhile period in which your Empire lay asleep. I have heard the stories of both sides in the conflict, I would ask you not to debate my use of the term, and I find both with valid position. When Guilder was drawn back into the Empire of Dawn it reneged on its promise to pay out MECK technology. As a nation who suffered at the hands of the poor implementation of this technology I respect that it was not allowed to spread. As a nation that sees itself bound to honor and to pay respect and service to those who helped them I find the lack of honor held towards those who kept Guilder afloat during its years of near independence disturbing. It is a conflicting view Guilder has brought upon itself."

"Vizini encapsulates this, he is of the Dragon's Blood, yet he seems to express disgust alongside yourself and Serendel at the actions of the Tzaltec from whom's actions he received his blessing. There's a clash of interests that is irreconcilable. One Guilder finds itself centered in. Yet it is not the only one between whom the divide is being driven. As I said, long has the Imperium had pleasant relations with the East and long has my nation in particular had good history with Raaneka. Yet a wedge is being driven, a wedge which for all intents and purposes appears driven by yourself and your newly minted liege."

"You must be aware of this. Your words just now speak to your understanding that history, the world around you, views you as the driving force behind this newly rising Empire of Dawn. You have chosen to cast the heavy weight of Raaneka's goblet, who over decades drew to it many friends, behind an Empire poised for war, but in your haste much of the good wine did spill from the cup. You'll pardon the metaphor, I have never been one for their usage. Haste can be as great a nation builder as a destroyer. Can you say your family is truly ready to face the full brunt of its actions? War is coming Sucheta, are you certain you wish to be the force that pushes it upon your people sooner than you are ready? That is what these actions to quarrel with the Concordat will bring, sooner rather than later, war will come. Do you think it is a worthy conflict?"

None taken. Markus, his father, is the religious aspect of his court. Which reminds me I need to get him out some more... Ji definitely doesn't fool around too much with being tricky. He's as frank as is allowable when discussing such high level politics.

Aedilred

2014-12-12, 10:26 PM

Senusret nodded to the Caercian king.

"I am sure he will appreciate your thanks, King Ji. You have mine, as well, for standing with him against this...tragedy."

"You and your father both have my thanks too, lord Teotlkan," Eldred said, with a solemn nod. "Once again. I fear we may have to postpone our drink together, however."

Paco was less impressive in the flesh than he had imagined, but then, he supposed, he was considerably older than the last time a member of his family had seen him. Elwyr himself had been a boy at the time, after all.

He looked around the group awaiting Paco's verdict, and realised this was the new world order. It had been for some time, perhaps, and had just never been noticed. There were few enough who remembered the old days: Elwyr had been perhaps the last in the kingdom to do so. History and memory were of great importance, of course: he remembered Elwyr's own comments on the subject from before his father's death: if you did not know where you had come from, how could you determine where to go next?

But it could also blinker one to the truth. If one buries oneself in the past the present becomes obscured, and the future invisible. The old become set in their ways, fixed in their opinions... they missed the changing of the world, or fled from it. Even Nezetkhamun - although there, he had to allow, the Tzalteca had never doubted their place in the world, and were closer to being right about it than at any point in the past.

He himself was immensely proud of his family history, an unbroken line of kings to before the dawn of recorded history - but he could also see clearly, and what he saw would have driven his grandfather to tears.

As times change, though, so do the people who live in them, and he was not his grandfather.

Wygg heard the commotion in the ballroom and followed it outside, emerging into the open air and looking for his family. It took him a while to recognise them.

"What happened?" he asked as he approached, eyes wide in shock and alarm. His father turned at his approach, looking him up and down.

"Where were you?" Athelwyr asked, in a flat voice.

"I was - " Wygg hesitated. At the time, it had seemed important, but he could tell that anything relating to ball revelry had now paled into insignificance. "Just an errand for Sucheta. I'm here now."

"You're too late," Athelwyr said. "It's all over bar the shouting. The king is dead, and you weren't there."

"Sucheta needed me-"

"THE KING NEEDED YOU! He needed us all! Perhaps if even one more of us had been present he would still live. But Sucheta needed you, you say, and so you weren't there."

Alfmyr interposed himself between them. "Peace, cousin," he muttered to Athelwyr. "Do not blame the boy - we were not so different once."

"Boy is it?" Wygg snapped. "I am man enough. You wish to fight me, father? Very well then. Malyn, give me a sword." He looked over at his brother.

"Look at you," his father said. "You've been in Raaneka so long you've forgotten how to dress yourself." He waved Malyn back. "I have no wish to fight you, Wygg. You are still my son, but you will never be more than that now. You could have been king. You should have been. The Raaneki are our friends, and I tolerated your dalliance with Sucheta because of it. But friends are not family, and you are forever marked as having forgotten that. You may reign as king consort in Raaneka, but you will never rule in Horbeach."

SamBurke

2014-12-12, 11:04 PM

"How many lands can I visit? In Grove City, all of them. It's the capital of the Imperium. More lands touch on that city than I could visit in a dozen lifetimes. If I want some variety, all I have to do is run down to the markets in one of my off-times and find someone offering Burrtan carvings or Velpschnoodle cuisine, or swing by the pitches and see Twinoak and Torshammer facing off in a moopsball match." "I see your point, true... but how many of those lands do you get to see down here?" He points to the sandstone walls around them. To others, they would have seen the colorful decorations, dozens of international flags and pictures, or the food hung everywhere. But he apparently didn't see any of that.

"He's telling the truth," announced Molly. "The One told me, just now." She rubbed her head, and crusted black flesh sloughed off, revealing the usual snow-white tissue below.

Clovis sighed and sheathed his sword. "So what happened to Elwyr? Your uncle's doing? And what's the spider-lion-thingy?"
Vizini sighed. "If I were qualified to answer that question with more than an overview, I'd be 100 years old... or more." He glanced back towards the now peaceful scene. "Still, things could have gone much, much, worse. There is order now, and peace. Perhaps not agreement, but that can be found later."

The Doge glanced around the room, and signaled to the guards that it was safe for the dancers to return, if any would. Given the situation, and the fact that several delegations had already left, that wasn't likely. Still, it was the Grand Ball, and it had to end on a good note, instead of this one.

He walked to Hushyarr and the others still engaged in the discussion. "There are some rather gorgeous rooms built for just such a time as this. Follow me, please." Vizini takes those interested in the discussion to one of the massive conference rooms. The floors are covered in warm, thick, soft furs, and a fire crackles in a corner, providing a homely, earthy light on the wood beams and natural style. The large table is circular, and each of its chairs large and impressive enough to fit a king, though oddly, they do not have arms. This is all the better, however, as it allows unusually shaped sentients to sit just the same, though Hushyarr may need a second seat for his size.

"I believe that this room provides more than enough space for the discussion. I myself will be in attendance, but as with all other non-judicial parties, will stay silent." He bows and takes a seat.

"You can if you'd like," the Heartwastian said with a thin smile, "You don't like your position do you?" He asked returning his attention to the box, "You think you deserve more, am I right?"
Vasili nods heartily. "I haven't heard a sentient speak anything with more truth all day. There's a whole lot more than I have, that I deserve... but do I get it? Not a chance!

"Thing is, I can't even work for it. If I try harder and harder, do better work for more hours, the masters pat me on the head, give me a few extra days of work off, more money... Maybe they're just too Guilderene to realize that people don't just want money. You know what I mean?" He grabs the box, slamming it down half-heartedly, as if it would click again.

*shhhhhnick*

He paused, staring. It had made another noise... Hm...?

Day 2

Cousins

To her credit, Senseneb restrained herself to a grateful smile at Wesley's comment, before darting forward to place a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you cousin. Perhaps you'd like to meet in the garden later."

She smiled again, but before Wesley could respond pandemonium broke out in the ballroom, and she had seized his hand to flee.
Wesley laughed again at her antics. They'd been waiting out there for nearly an hour while the grown-ups did their boring things inside, but it didn't matter. It had been nothing short of a delight. Senseneb was so.. unique! She knew exactly who she was, what she wanted, and wasn't afraid to say it, either.

Plus, when she talked... it made sense. Such a contrast to him. Wesley groaned, thinking about all the tutors his father had given to him to "help him speak like a ruler." None of it had helped, and he hadn't really wanted to try. Until tonight, that was. "Senseneb... how are you so confident?" He asked. "How do you do it?"

TheDarkDM

2014-12-13, 02:56 AM

Day 2

Cousins

Wesley laughed again at her antics. They'd been waiting out there for nearly an hour while the grown-ups did their boring things inside, but it didn't matter. It had been nothing short of a delight. Senseneb was so.. unique! She knew exactly who she was, what she wanted, and wasn't afraid to say it, either.

Plus, when she talked... it made sense. Such a contrast to him. Wesley groaned, thinking about all the tutors his father had given to him to "help him speak like a ruler." None of it had helped, and he hadn't really wanted to try. Until tonight, that was. "Senseneb... how are you so confident?" He asked. "How do you do it?"

Senseneb's laughter stopped abruptly at Wesley's question, and a peculiar look came over her face.

"How? I am Tzaltec."

Though the peculiar expression remained on her face, she added nothing more. Instead she waited for his response - her explanation, it seemed, was more than sufficient to her.

Disaster

"You and your father both have my thanks too, lord Teotlkan," Eldred said, with a solemn nod. "Once again. I fear we may have to postpone our drink together, however."

Senusret placed his hand on Eldred's shoulder, and squeezed it firmly. Once again the Carmine king was reminded that, whatever their failings, the Tzalteca placed the utmost importance on family.

"And I accept your thanks gladly, my friend."

He turned to regard the broken man and the creature that stood on the flagstones.

"Let us see what the old man has to say."

Noticing the approach of the Carmine princes clothed as Raanekans, Senusret politely turned his attention away. As yet another young man bewitched by Raaneka threatened his father with violence, the Teotlkan spared a sympathetic glance towards Athelwyr, but said nothing.

Midnight

Midnight

Queen Kyria smiled. Her lips, the only visible portion of her face below her veil, curling up more than they had in the entire preceding days. She had been hoping for this invitation, to the point that she had grown to expect it. And now it was here.

"I shall gladly, and openly accept your gracious invitation. Long have I looked to the East as a source of inspiration since even before my ascendance to the Throne of Thorns. My mother was a pacifistic do-nothing, my father a madman ruling land he had no right to claim from a throne many miles away. From them I learned nothing. I studied instead yourself Nezetkhamun and the Kings of Glazfell and it is to both your nations I feel a special bond."

"I am surrounded south and west by fools and fops in crowns, nothing would please me more than to unite with the rulers of the Hegemon and the Tzaltec Empire and show the wider world I do not sit among the foolish of the north, but instead with the powerful of the east."

She held out her right arm, inside up, and pulled off her glove and rolled back her sleeve revealing a gaunt appendage cool to the touch.

"I recognize the rites of the Tzaltec are steeped in blood, and while I fear you may draw little from myself I will give what is available to seal this agreement in proper form."

OOC: I thought this might be what this was! Yes! Concordat membership! Woohoo! Is there a thread? Is there a secret handshake? Do we wear pink on Wednesdays? *ahem* I shall add the announcement to my actions post.

Senusret smiled at the queen's response, while Nezetkhamun brought a hand to his chest and gave a slight bow.

"You are too kind, good queen."

From beneath the desk Senusret drew forth a parchment bearing the seal of the Concordat, as well as the signatures of all its members. Upon it the queen was surprised to see the mark of Tyrant Oluska Geriin, though its presence certainly explained the ease with which the Tzaltec passed among the Cree. The document was followed by a golden bowl and pen, as well as a long golden needle bearing the crest of Kyria's dynasty on its end.

I speak from experience when I say, thankfully, it does not take much to sign a single document.

Morph Bark

2014-12-13, 03:06 PM

[Post-Boom]

Hushyarr looked to Marvella for confirmation before stepping forward. It was strange to walk with four legs instead of six, but manageable. "You know of my passing, as Shvedri, yes? After that I was born to a young slave in Tzalteclan. I spent twenty-five years among them, before participating in the ritual that transformed Nezetkhamun. After that I spent a time lost, adrift in anga lingine, before Jonas and I were born again to the She'er."

"The Tzaltec ritual?" Paco drew a wheezing breath. He looked shocked and did not speak immediately, not until he'd calmed and his expression turned to a sad but serene smile. "I have no doubt you are indeed Shvedrishti. Only she could be so foolishly passionate to meddle with the affairs of faraway gods. Come closer." He bid her, his arms open.

When Hushyarr did so, Paco gave him a slap across his leonine face. Not a hard one--the man was well over a hundred, after all--but one that nevertheless evoked a clearly audible sound. "Now grow up, my son. You may be but ten years old with the legacy of two women with twice the brawn and thrice the heart than what they should've had for brains, but with your unique position you have a great duty to live up to. Always remember," he leaned in, "Fire Above, Fire Below," he prodded Hushyarr's chest with a bony finger. "Fire Within."

The finger lingered as Paco's near-blind eyes looked up at Hushyarr. "I have met three Blazing Avatars over my lifetime. One as servant and friend, one as mentor and..." He stopped abruptly. "I couldn't explain to you how or why, but I can see you are him. The warmth of the Lord is in you, as is his destructive ability. You must learn to control it."

The old First Brother of the Blazing Temple sank back in his chair. "I have tired. I must rest, but we will speak later. Tasun, bring me back to my quarters." The monk behind him nodded and wheeled the chair away. Paco locked eyes with Hushyarr, nay, Shvedrishti, one final time, before he cast them down and looked to be dozing off in his chair again as they disappeared through the door they had come through.

[Day 1 -- with Vizini]
As the diplomatic meeting with the Imperial delegation ended and Gun Huang and Shandian left the room, a servant bid Vizini to stay, gesturing towards the woman in black. "My Lady would like to speak with you."

The other servants closed the curtains, so that only thin streams of light entered the room. The woman in black stepped closer. "It's been a long time, Vizini. You've grown old." She said it almost appreciatively, as if there was a sense of cruel amusement to derive from his old age. Her voice sounded young, but the veil covered her face still.

[Day 2, Late Evening -- with Kyria Varinel]
As the Ball was coming to an end, the woman in black of the Imperial delegation approached the Queen of Thorns. She held herself calmly and stately, but to the queen's eye she might have come across as anxious. "Lady Kyria, if I may, I would request of you an audience. Might it be possible to speak in private?"

Reggiejam

2014-12-13, 06:36 PM

Vasili nods heartily. "I haven't heard a sentient speak anything with more truth all day. There's a whole lot more than I have, that I deserve... but do I get it? Not a chance!

"Thing is, I can't even work for it. If I try harder and harder, do better work for more hours, the masters pat me on the head, give me a few extra days of work off, more money... Maybe they're just too Guilderene to realize that people don't just want money. You know what I mean?" He grabs the box, slamming it down half-heartedly, as if it would click again.

*shhhhhnick*

He paused, staring. It had made another noise... Hm...?

"You know, there's options for people like you. If they have value," the Heartwastian said before the Guilderene grabbed the box and slammed it upon the sidetable.

"And I might say your luck would count as valuable," the servant said, picking up the box and sliding two more sides off.

The box seemed unlocked now and the rest of the sides came sliding off. The Heartwastian opened the simple box inside and revealed the contents. Sitting inside was an intricately forged bronze pair of earrings each set with an emerald.

The Heartwaste servant looked up at the Guilderene, "A split of the rewards?" he said holding up one of the earrings, "And perhaps an acceptance of an invitation? The Queen has told me to keep an eye out for those of value."

I know you said you didn't want to have an evil character for the Brood but, well, if the shoe fits... If you want to send Vasili off the Queen would pay for his expenses to take him into her service. Next round or the round after she'll be creating her Brood, not everyone will live, some will die some will become enthralled but it's a chance at power. There's also the option of becoming a Watcher which means he could be a human who dealt with the problems the Vampire Brood wouldn't be capable of if he wanted less risk but still greater power than he has here.

Midnight

Senusret smiled at the queen's response, while Nezetkhamun brought a hand to his chest and gave a slight bow.

"You are too kind, good queen."

From beneath the desk Senusret drew forth a parchment bearing the seal of the Concordat, as well as the signatures of all its members. Upon it the queen was surprised to see the mark of Tyrant Oluska Geriin, though its presence certainly explained the ease with which the Tzaltec passed among the Cree. The document was followed by a golden bowl and pen, as well as a long golden needle bearing the crest of Kyria's dynasty on its end.

I speak from experience when I say, thankfully, it does not take much to sign a single document.

Kyria drew the long needle gingerly and slipped it into her arm, driving it deep nearly five inches into her pale skin. No blood welled at the wound for a moment but as she withdrew the needle it surged with deep crimson blood and a few drops fell into the bowl. She picked up the pen and dipped it into the pool then placed it to the document with reverence and penned her name.

Queen Kyria Varinel

The Queen drew the pen to her lips and licked clean the last vestiges of the blood before returning it to the bowl.

"May this day be marked well in the annals of history."

[Day 2, Late Evening -- with Kyria Varinel]
As the Ball was coming to an end, the woman in black of the Imperial delegation approached the Queen of Thorns. She held herself calmly and stately, but to the queen's eye she might have come across as anxious. "Lady Kyria, if I may, I would request of you an audience. Might it be possible to speak in private?"

At the woman's approach the Queen dismissed her Trusted who surged to surround her naturally. She appraised the woman standing before her with a careful gaze behind her veil. This was one of the Pavonian creatures' handiwork. The Imperial one she imagined.

"Of course, it would be my pleasure to speak with one such as yourself. Please, come with me," the Queen motioned for her to follow as she continued on towards her embassy suite she had already been making her way towards.

"You are one blessed by the Mother's Gift but without knowledge or understanding, no?" the Queen asked in a conversational tone, "I suspect you have come to me for guidance. You are without a Mother to guide you. A most offensive state to be in for one such as yourself."

Morph Bark

2014-12-14, 07:39 PM

At the woman's approach the Queen dismissed her Trusted who surged to surround her naturally. She appraised the woman standing before her with a careful gaze behind her veil. This was one of the Pavonian creatures' handiwork. The Imperial one she imagined.

"Of course, it would be my pleasure to speak with one such as yourself. Please, come with me," the Queen motioned for her to follow as she continued on towards her embassy suite she had already been making her way towards.

"You are one blessed by the Mother's Gift but without knowledge or understanding, no?" the Queen asked in a conversational tone, "I suspect you have come to me for guidance. You are without a Mother to guide you. A most offensive state to be in for one such as yourself."

She followed after the Queen to her embassy suite. They made an odd pair, with the two of them both having their faces shrouded by a veil, simultaneously hiding a very similar cause underneath, yet of wildly different origin and effect.

Huanle bowed her head to the queen when they were amongst themselves, then raised her veil. "I was... blessed, yes, one could say that. Unexpectedly so, by Lucrezia of House Wulfendyne, who knew I was to be betrothed to her nephew. Lucrezia has guided me, but a mother I could never call her." She frowned slightly, as if confused. "I'm sorry, you must mean mother in a different sense. You speak of Kina, yes?"

SamBurke

2014-12-15, 09:00 AM

[Day 1 -- with Vizini]
As the diplomatic meeting with the Imperial delegation ended and Gun Huang and Shandian left the room, a servant bid Vizini to stay, gesturing towards the woman in black. "My Lady would like to speak with you."

The other servants closed the curtains, so that only thin streams of light entered the room. The woman in black stepped closer. "It's been a long time, Vizini. You've grown old." She said it almost appreciatively, as if there was a sense of cruel amusement to derive from his old age. Her voice sounded young, but the veil covered her face still.

Vizini shrugs. "The reports of my age are vastly exaggerated... I could still swash some buckles, even at this age, were that ever in my character." He bows and winks provocatively, though it's unclear whether it's intended as flirting or a simple reminder of how they had first laid eyes on each other.

"Still, I am much older of soul than I ever thought possible. The things I dream about, the nightmares I struggle, are far worse than those which I imagined in the coronation grounds. The worst fate I imagined there I have already experienced and more... so I believe that I stand ready to face anything." He outstretched his two arms, holding them up.

"Why have you convened this meeting?"

Day 2

Cousins

Senseneb's laughter stopped abruptly at Wesley's question, and a peculiar look came over her face.

"How? I am Tzaltec."

Though the peculiar expression remained on her face, she added nothing more. Instead she waited for his response - her explanation, it seemed, was more than sufficient to her. Wesley rolled his eyes. "I didn't know that before. Actually that's sarcasm, I really did know. You just don't make sense to me. I mean, sure, you're Tzaltec, but if being Tzaltec had anything to do with it, you'd think I was good at talking, too." He pointed to his eyes, which displayed no dilution from classic southern Goldfire-tint.

"Thing-thing is that there's gotta be somethin' else. Cause not every Tzaltec is confident. There are people of all types in every place, so that's not right. Not right. Something else." Wesley scrunched up his mouth, clearly perceiving this as a mental challenge.

"You know, there's options for people like you. If they have value," the Heartwastian said before the Guilderene grabbed the box and slammed it upon the sidetable.

"And I might say your luck would count as valuable," the servant said, picking up the box and sliding two more sides off.

The box seemed unlocked now and the rest of the sides came sliding off. The Heartwastian opened the simple box inside and revealed the contents. Sitting inside was an intricately forged bronze pair of earrings each set with an emerald.

The Heartwaste servant looked up at the Guilderene, "A split of the rewards?" he said holding up one of the earrings, "And perhaps an acceptance of an invitation? The Queen has told me to keep an eye out for those of value."

I know you said you didn't want to have an evil character for the Brood but, well, if the shoe fits... If you want to send Vasili off the Queen would pay for his expenses to take him into her service. Next round or the round after she'll be creating her Brood, not everyone will live, some will die some will become enthralled but it's a chance at power. There's also the option of becoming a Watcher which means he could be a human who dealt with the problems the Vampire Brood wouldn't be capable of if he wanted less risk but still greater power than he has here.

Welp, he didn't start that way, but the more he wrote, the more he fell towards that... so yeah, I guess he'll be taking up that offer.

Vasili grinned greedily, examining the earring with two wide eyes. "Y'know, I'm thinkin' maybe you're right about this luck thing. 'Course, it could also be that I know some boxmakers in my mum's family from up north, but I'd rather think it's the former." Another smirk to himself, and he pocketed the bauble.

"I'd certainly think... I guess I'm free to go here anyway, so I can just cut and run. What is this invitation you're talking about?" He leans in close, quiet. "I could be out of here tonight, if need be."

Morph Bark

2014-12-15, 06:06 PM

Vizini shrugs. "The reports of my age are vastly exaggerated... I could still swash some buckles, even at this age, were that ever in my character." He bows and winks provocatively, though it's unclear whether it's intended as flirting or a simple reminder of how they had first laid eyes on each other.

"Still, I am much older of soul than I ever thought possible. The things I dream about, the nightmares I struggle, are far worse than those which I imagined in the coronation grounds. The worst fate I imagined there I have already experienced and more... so I believe that I stand ready to face anything." He outstretched his two arms, holding them up.

"Why have you convened this meeting?"

The woman raised her dark veil and pulled it back to reveal her face. Li Huanle Jarrow looked as if she had never aged past 18, her tan skin being lighter than it had been all those years ago, but still as flawless and youthful as it had been at her sister's coronation. Her expression was cold as she looked at Vizini. "The nightmares you struggle compare not to the ones that are real, Vizini. For all that you are, a theatrical man, a vicious merchant or a ruler of questionable aptitude, I had always thought you and your kin to be men of your word."

Her tight gloves strained at the knuckles as she clenched her fists. She looked away from the aged Doge. "I have convened this meeting because I had opportunity: you wished to meet with my brother regardless. I had come along with the delegation, hoping to see you." She looked over him and the white scales that haphazardly seemed to adorn his face and hands. "More than just time has changed you."

Reggiejam

2014-12-15, 08:18 PM

She followed after the Queen to her embassy suite. They made an odd pair, with the two of them both having their faces shrouded by a veil, simultaneously hiding a very similar cause underneath, yet of wildly different origin and effect.

Huanle bowed her head to the queen when they were amongst themselves, then raised her veil. "I was... blessed, yes, one could say that. Unexpectedly so, by Lucrezia of House Wulfendyne, who knew I was to be betrothed to her nephew. Lucrezia has guided me, but a mother I could never call her." She frowned slightly, as if confused. "I'm sorry, you must mean mother in a different sense. You speak of Kina, yes?"

"No child, I speak of both Mothers," she gestured for the Imperial to take a seat, "I have mused on the position of motherhood for many years now. When I was young I could think of no reason to produce offspring beyond having an heir to name beyond my sister. After witnessing the love of my own mother, the Queen Valineth, for myself and my sister and the passion of the Mother of us all for this world my opinion changed. I felt the call of motherhood stir within me," as she spoke the Heartwaste Queen paced the floor.

"But my condition sterilized me. I thought to curse the Mother's name. She had betrayed me with Her Blessing. I was not the theologian my sister is, I did not know the Mother seeks to test us not destroy us. I read much of the Pavonian condition, surely some perversion of the Mother's Blessing, and I read of the creation of southern broods. I realized then my call as a Queen and my call to be a mother were being granted by the Call of the Mother Herself and the Blessing I had received."

"Of course, your situation was one that concerned me greatly. Could any mother claim herself to be an example or guide to her children if they did not wish to be guided? No, the matrons of the south are greedy and unthinking, they hear the call to spread the Blessing but do not heed the sense of restraint that should posses them. I however do, and it is for this reason I've taken years before beginning to enact the creation of my own Brood."

She came over and sat down across from the Salterri Princess, "I cannot take away what the Lady Lucrezia has done to you, but I can offer you a chance to have a Mother to guide you through this Blessing," she reached out and took Huanle's hands, "I can take you as a daughter-sister, guide you through the responsibilities of our Blessing and perhaps allow you to come to some sense of comfort in this condition you did not ask for but had thrust upon you."

Welp, he didn't start that way, but the more he wrote, the more he fell towards that... so yeah, I guess he'll be taking up that offer.

Vasili grinned greedily, examining the earring with two wide eyes. "Y'know, I'm thinkin' maybe you're right about this luck thing. 'Course, it could also be that I know some boxmakers in my mum's family from up north, but I'd rather think it's the former." Another smirk to himself, and he pocketed the bauble.

"I'd certainly think... I guess I'm free to go here anyway, so I can just cut and run. What is this invitation you're talking about?" He leans in close, quiet. "I could be out of here tonight, if need be."

Sweet! There should be a private thread here in Round 31 sooner or later I'll PM you an invitation to.

The Heartwastian pulled at his collar to reveal scars on his neck and jaw, "I was rejected partway through," he snapped his fingers and one of the other Heartwastians shambled over and he pulled them down and pulled back their collar which the other servant made no motion to resist. Beneath the cloth was two scars marking puncture wounds.

"This one did not reject, but they were not Blessed. Too much drained according to the Queen. But My Lady has a way. A way to make more like her. Blessed by the Mother with the power of the Night. It is not without risk and the Queen has experimented without success for years, but she says now she has the way. As long as the volunteer is willing and strong enough, they may take to the Blessing and be granted eternal power."

TheDarkDM

2014-12-16, 05:24 AM

Day 2

Cousins

Wesley rolled his eyes. "I didn't know that before. Actually that's sarcasm, I really did know. You just don't make sense to me. I mean, sure, you're Tzaltec, but if being Tzaltec had anything to do with it, you'd think I was good at talking, too." He pointed to his eyes, which displayed no dilution from classic southern Goldfire-tint.

"Thing-thing is that there's gotta be somethin' else. Cause not every Tzaltec is confident. There are people of all types in every place, so that's not right. Not right. Something else." Wesley scrunched up his mouth, clearly perceiving this as a mental challenge.

Senseneb sighed and placed her hand on Wesley's shoulder.

"Oh, dear Wesley. You may be blessed with the blood of the Dragon, but you were not raised Tzaltec."

She sat alongside him, pulling him close.

"If you had been, you would not worry so about the opinions of others. We know we are Tzetultep's chosen people, and even the meekest of us has that foundation to fall back on."

She gestured to the nobles and courtiers still milling around after the attack.

"Look at these people. Maybe one in ten has a purpose that compares to the pillar of faith that strengthens our people. And those that do have it did not earn it by compromise or cronyism. I have heard grandfather from time to time, mourning the upbringing your father inflicted on you. That you turned out so well tells me you have potential left. You just won't find it in a drunken Raanekan haze."

Morph Bark

2014-12-16, 01:25 PM

"No child, I speak of both Mothers," she gestured for the Imperial to take a seat, "I have mused on the position of motherhood for many years now. When I was young I could think of no reason to produce offspring beyond having an heir to name beyond my sister. After witnessing the love of my own mother, the Queen Valineth, for myself and my sister and the passion of the Mother of us all for this world my opinion changed. I felt the call of motherhood stir within me," as she spoke the Heartwaste Queen paced the floor.

"But my condition sterilized me. I thought to curse the Mother's name. She had betrayed me with Her Blessing. I was not the theologian my sister is, I did not know the Mother seeks to test us not destroy us. I read much of the Pavonian condition, surely some perversion of the Mother's Blessing, and I read of the creation of southern broods. I realized then my call as a Queen and my call to be a mother were being granted by the Call of the Mother Herself and the Blessing I had received."

"Of course, your situation was one that concerned me greatly. Could any mother claim herself to be an example or guide to her children if they did not wish to be guided? No, the matrons of the south are greedy and unthinking, they hear the call to spread the Blessing but do not heed the sense of restraint that should posses them. I however do, and it is for this reason I've taken years before beginning to enact the creation of my own Brood."

She came over and sat down across from the Salterri Princess, "I cannot take away what the Lady Lucrezia has done to you, but I can offer you a chance to have a Mother to guide you through this Blessing," she reached out and took Huanle's hands, "I can take you as a daughter-sister, guide you through the responsibilities of our Blessing and perhaps allow you to come to some sense of comfort in this condition you did not ask for but had thrust upon you."

When Kyria spoke of her condition sterilizing her, Huanle nodded fiercely. "Exactly that. I was betrayed in my trust of the Wulfendynes, and the actions of one of their own caused me to become something that for years I thought made me less of a woman, as I was cast aside by a man who loved me before." She took a deep, nasal breath. "It was only recently that I discovered that he was wed shortly thereafter to a common maid who made his bed. The mistress of my brood, Lucrezia, I hold no love for. Respect, yes, but only so far as her power goes and her skill at diplomacy."

She listened with care to Kyria's words, absorbing them like a sponge would water. She drew a sharp breath when the Queen sat down before her and took her hands. They felt strange. Not an unpleasant strangeness, but cold, in a sense; a cold that even Huanle's unliving senses felt. "That is quite an offer, my Queen," she uttered. "Yet I hardly know why I feel hesitant... You are wise to not have created a brood in haste. I've held back from the attempt at it. It would be poor substitute for a true child, but..." Huanle looked up, facing Kyria so closely. She swallowed a lump in her throat. "Would I be able to create my own brood, if you accept me?"

I figure Huanle would be capable of creating a brood of her own, since she was a Pavonian vampire first and all. Dunno if you mean for the Brood Vampires to be capable of doing that due to the Blessing, though.

Also, you mentioned earlier you were looking for a plot to have a reason to turn a werekin into a Brood Vampire. Huanle could serve for that, since even after all these years she still desperately wants nothing more than to gain her "happily ever after", and may well fall in love during her stay in Faedas, without feeling the need to hold back from it as she has all these years. Plus it'd be a bit deliciously ironic (in a way that might be painful for her if someone would pressingly remind her of it) in that the Pavonian prince she was in love with before was a Pavonian werewolf. :smallwink: Way down the line, that could serve as a set-up to explore the boundaries between the different types of werewolves, but we'll focus on the vampires for a good while yet.