Empire! The Unification Celebration of Avonlea

[Mary_Sue]

The Unification Celebration of Avonlea
Spring 116


Wraith Harbor was a bustle of activity, with many visiting delegations arriving by sea, the maids of Avonlea were kept busy welcoming new arrivals with flower garlands and kisses. The realm's banners flew from tall poles secured deep into the sand, snapping burgundy, blue, crimson, yellow and green in the brisk sea breezes. The white and red stones of Keya’s Rest (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Neuschwanstein_Castle_Cropped_frm_PC.jpg) gleamed in the sun on the squat plateau above the harbor, her peaks and towers rising tall into the sky backed by the Sentinel Mountain Range visible in the distance.

Merchants were busy plying the delegations with their wares, potent mistwater wine from Evemoor, thick and fragrant cigars from Coventry, and fine silver items from Bellarion were all popular choices, though none attracted more attention than the Aspis keepers, who had to be sure their wards were not unduly frightened or stressed lest they lash out with their tiny but sharp teeth to bite an errant hand.

The visitors were shown the way up the plateau to the castle, those who could not walk, or did not wish to, were carried in litters by strong, plain clothed men normally employed in smithing or farming. Everybody who could safely do so, was bid to come and enjoy the festival, a welcome holiday from the tedium of the day to day life for commoners and nobility alike. Invitations had been sent out around the known realms, and anticipation for participation was high.

The Unification Celebration was purposefully scheduled to coincide with the Festival of Flowers and the Goddess Moon, promising to be the biggest gathering in Avonlea’s remembered history. The maidens of Avonlea were dressed in garb traditional to the Festival of Flowers, airy white garments which were sometimes embroidered in vines and flowers, if the wearer could afford such ornamentation, plain white if not. All wore some variety of flowers in their blonde hair, often weaved together as crowns and worn atop the head or woven through long shining braids.

High Queen Thalia Darkthorne (http://i1.tietuku.com/329c2deabaf2524b.jpg) awaited the delegates on the high jutting castle balcony that looked down upon the harbor. No maid, The Queen was dressed in her favorite pale blue, her gown an airy convection which moved with the ever-present maritime winds. A golden circlet fashioned with gemstone flowers encircled her head atop her curly golden hair, though did nothing to tame it. Thalia was attended by her handmaidens and their children, for her maidens were also not maidens in true, all save for the heir to the Avonlean throne, Aris Morningsworn.

Aris Morningsworn was garbed in the white of the maiden, her garment had been embroidered with vines and flowers in shimmering threads of silver that picked up the sunlight and sparkled when she moved. Her straight platinum hair flowed down her back unadorned, but for a silver circlet wrought with flowers and leaves that sat across her brow above clear blue eyes that shone with laughter as she played and entertained the children, a few of whom sported unusual blue hair, singling them out as children of the Nand Ambassador, Reza.

Many blue haired children had been born over the long course of Reza’s assignment in Avonlea, including Grisanna Darkthorne, born of the Queen. All of the blue haired babes had been born female, earning them the nickname, “The Blue Maids”, and could often be seen congregating together, laughing and giggling throughout the keep and castle town. Reza hung back a ways from the welcoming party, his lips sported a softly amused smile, as always, as High Queen Thalia welcomed each delegation in turn, her cousin Lisare Darkthorne acting as Herald, her clear, pleasantly husky voice calling out to present the arriving dignitaries.

There are two planned parts to this event, the delegates arrival and presentation to the Queen, and the bonfire after dark, with a feast and drummers and dancing. Plenty of booze, that sort of affair. If you would like to skip ahead to the bonfire, that's perfectly fine, if you need to speak to anybody official, that is to be done before the bonfire. Enjoy!

[Gengy]

An oddly crafted longboat arrives, each piece of wood on the prow interlocking. Though the craft is small, it is larger than the normal Spring Court Snekkja or Merchant Vessel, yet it proudly waves the flag of the Rose Demense, and is manned by Spring Court Boys.

As it docks, craftsmen and sailors note that it is coming from deep waters; almost as though it intentionally went through the dangerous oceans, where no ship safely sails. Yet... that is clearly where the ship came in from. And stepping off the ship is a marvel unto itself: Dressed in pink, with a golden stem wrapped around her arm, and a purple butterfly almost the same size as herself on her back, stands Lady Kellianth Beagan, the Lady Spring. So rarely does she personally leave Glaw Novo, that being here must be greatly due to the Courts' Favored status for Avonlea.

She is attended by Bas Pride, of the South Hunt, and Warchod Prejudice, whom are getting quite used to traveling to strange lands for these kinds of parties. Lady Owena, their translator, was apparently doing double duty; she was seamlessly translating for the Salvax, and also clarifying any speech issues that Lady Spring may be having with the Trade Tongue.

Upon approaching Queen Thalia, Lady Spring steps forward, a huge smile on her face. She nods her head, ever so slightly, as a sign of respect, before saying, "Hello! Very hello, to Thalia, Queenie queen of all Avonlea! Is good meet you face to face, yes? Is having met Salvax before? Bas Pride very important. Warchod Prejudice, she very strong. I is hoping we all is getting along!"

Bas Pride and Warchod Prejudice both complete the semblance of a bow, though in Pride's case, he appears to be bowing and then becomes rather indifferent to the rest of conversation. It's hard to tell with a cat, even if he is a White Tiger. Lady Owena says nothing.

"You is must be very busy busy busy, what with new joining of all many many peoples into one. Very impressed. Is good thing. Oh! I is bring gift. Owena?"

Now Owena moved, and in her hands she had a fine staff of wood, carved with unusual curves and swirls, all along the shaft of the staff. Atop it, almost as though the wood grew over it, a Xungla Crystal sits and glows, ever so softly. She presents it carefully to Queen Thalia, as Lady Spring says, "Is new de... de... what is word? Define? Refine? Ah! Is new design. Crystal staff. Good for exploring."

[jkat718]

A procession of mounted soldiers makes its way up the winding road to Keya's Rest from a small encampment outside of the city, with a raven-haired young woman in regal attire riding amongst her guards. Approaching the gatehouse, a rider gets off and moves to assist his lady in descending from her horse. She makes a clean, unassisted dismount and strides through the entrance to the castle, her honor guard trailing behind her. Approaching the balcony upon which High Queen Thalia stands, the woman bows and introduces herself. "High Queen Darkthorne, it is my pleasure to meet you at long last. I am Raena Arabeal. As I understand it, you are aiding my brother, Devon, in acquiring the lands to the east of what was the Geshemefar territory?"
Her entourage, finally having caught up with her, being to announce her arrival, "I present to you High Princess Raena Arabeal, Lady Stormfast, representative from the Coa—"
"Yes, yes, thank you, Harold, but I've already introduced myself to the nice lady."

[PepperP.]

The League of Allied Provinces
The Ambrose Ascendancy

As The Scurvy Mermaid sailed into the port at Wraith Harbor, the white stone of the castle alight under the high morning sun visible from a distance. Nyle, a tall boy of eleven with dark hair and blue eyes, stood on deck, with his father's arm around his shoulders and watched as his mother's city came into view as they arrived at port. Nyle had no recollection of his mother, but for a great feeling of loss that swept over him when he tried to picture her face, as it was threatening to do now. Nyle fidgeted and started to straighten his jacket to distract himself, he was dressed like his father, in a soft black jacket worn open, though he had few clan tattoos yet to display. His father looked as though he might say something to try and help him calm his nerves, but didn't. In truth, Maldarr looked as nervous as Nyle felt, he pressed his lips together and furrowed his brow with determination, they would get through this together, as they had everything else for the last ten years.

They made their way up the plateau by foot with the Askers, Derris as always, walked with imperative confidence beneath his Laurel Crown. Baram, Derris's eldest son and Heir walked beside him, with an easy confidence of his own. Colson Asker, who was twelve and Nyle's best friend, walked with his mother just ahead of him and Maldarr. Colson was doing his best impression of his father's self-assured walk, but he had a ways to go. Nyle grinned at his friend's back despite himself and they were soon being announced by Thalia's Herald.

"From the Ambrose Ascendancy of the League of Allied Provinces, I present to you Protos Archigos Derris Asker, The Archess Belinda Asker, Archon Baram Asker, Colson Asker, Polemarchos Maldarr Drivas, Willa Drivas, Nyle Darkthorne Drivas, Prince of Avonlea..."

Nyle's cheeks flushed to hear his name sang out, he had never been to Avonlea before and felt the title "Prince" was uncomfortable and presumptuous. His eyes finally found High Queen Thalia Darkthorne, and he eagerly took in her face as she greeted Derris. He had many times asked his father for a description of his mother, but even so, to see her in person was a revelation and he floundered inwardly on how to greet her properly. When it was his turn to address the Queen, he gave a bowed deeply and said politely,

"It is an honor to meet my mother and the High Queen of Avonlea." His voice was quiet and his face was still as if afraid any break in his calm facade would spill his careful dam of emotions for all to see.

[Zayuz]

The Crystal Union
First Emerald Inquisition

Having heard of this event all the way in the south, the new ruler of the Dynasty of Escaye had decided to make an appearance. It had taken them forever to arrive, though unlike her predecessor she firmly believed that if they wanted to prosper they would need the aid of the northern powers. At the very least she could acquaint herself with some of the people and present herself properly. A decent appearance with no progress was better than no appearance at all.

The 'Emerald Queen' had made her journey first along the coast with a small fleet of ships. They numbered five in all, and the other four were for protection. After the assassination of the grand sheep.. Well, better safe than dead. The ships were made of simple hardwood and cloth sails, with the dynasty flag raised upon the mast. After they docked, they made their way to the castle which wasn't all that far away. It was unlike the smooth emerald temples they used from her hometown, but the composure of most other buildings was the same. Stone and wood seemed to be the way of things, regardless of where you were. Hopefully the rest of things might be so similar.

She entered the castle with a small group of personal guard, which wore a thin set of chain mail underneath their garb. Lilia in particular wore a delicate silver robe, made of an expensive cloth she had imported. Emerald from her homeland dotted the dress in a simple pattern, which seemed to match the scales that happened to be on some parts of her skin. She had on a similar circlet, which fit neatly around the curved horns on her head. Though unlike the dress it had sapphires instead of emeralds. The queen wore her golden hair down just past her shoulder blades, and did her best not to be distracted by the festivities around her. In all, the was slightly shorter than most, with a rather slim build.

Upon seeing the other rulers greet their host, she waited for her turn; hearing some rather important titles among them. When it was her turn, she offered a short bow, half kneeling in from of the assembled members. "Greetings from the Dynasty of Escaye, it is a pleasure to be invited to such an affair. ..I am Queen Lilia, the.. Second Crystal Zaj." The Queen spoke slowly, looking up to each of the others in equal succession to assure her manners were maintained. She stood up, her gaze returning to their host. "It does me great joy to hear of your success, I pray we might be able to share in the fortune of your people in the years to come."

[woolli264]

The Lignummese party had left a few days before the Zaj but traveled by land and so were slower than the Dynasties ships. Because of this they arrived soon after their fellow Union Members. The groups approach was without fanfare and was noticed far later as a result of their small size but they reached they towering castle eventually and gaped in awe that anyone could create such a large structure. Eleanor was the one to scrape her fathers jaw off the ground and lead the way through the gates. By the time they had reached the queen and her balcony though, Alvin had composed himself. He said, "Greetings! This is a wonderful home you have built." he then paused, overwhelmed by the sheer size and beauty of all the things around him. Unsure of what to say he said "Congratulations on your accomplishments!"

[Mary_Sue]

An oddly crafted longboat arrives, each piece of wood on the prow interlocking. Though the craft is small, it is larger than the normal Spring Court Snekkja or Merchant Vessel, yet it proudly waves the flag of the Rose Demense, and is manned by Spring Court Boys.

As it docks, craftsmen and sailors note that it is coming from deep waters; almost as though it intentionally went through the dangerous oceans, where no ship safely sails. Yet... that is clearly where the ship came in from. And stepping off the ship is a marvel unto itself: Dressed in pink, with a golden stem wrapped around her arm, and a purple butterfly almost the same size as herself on her back, stands Lady Kellianth Beagan, the Lady Spring. So rarely does she personally leave Glaw Novo, that being here must be greatly due to the Courts' Favored status for Avonlea.

She is attended by Bas Pride, of the South Hunt, and Warchod Prejudice, whom are getting quite used to traveling to strange lands for these kinds of parties. Lady Owena, their translator, was apparently doing double duty; she was seamlessly translating for the Salvax, and also clarifying any speech issues that Lady Spring may be having with the Trade Tongue.

Upon approaching Queen Thalia, Lady Spring steps forward, a huge smile on her face. She nods her head, ever so slightly, as a sign of respect, before saying, "Hello! Very hello, to Thalia, Queenie queen of all Avonlea! Is good meet you face to face, yes? Is having met Salvax before? Bas Pride very important. Warchod Prejudice, she very strong. I is hoping we all is getting along!"

Bas Pride and Warchod Prejudice both complete the semblance of a bow, though in Pride's case, he appears to be bowing and then becomes rather indifferent to the rest of conversation. It's hard to tell with a cat, even if he is a White Tiger. Lady Owena says nothing.

"You is must be very busy busy busy, what with new joining of all many many peoples into one. Very impressed. Is good thing. Oh! I is bring gift. Owena?"

Now Owena moved, and in her hands she had a fine staff of wood, carved with unusual curves and swirls, all along the shaft of the staff. Atop it, almost as though the wood grew over it, a Xungla Crystal sits and glows, ever so softly. She presents it carefully to Queen Thalia, as Lady Spring says, "Is new de... de... what is word? Define? Refine? Ah! Is new design. Crystal staff. Good for exploring."

"Lady Spring, it is so good to finally meet you. You and yours", her voice trailed off for a moment as she regarded the large animals,

"Are very welcome here!" Her face broke into a welcoming smile.

"Thank you very much for the staff, it is unusual and beautiful." Like yourself, Thalia thought to herself, unsure if being found "unusual" would be considered offensive to the little Lady. Thalia noticed the children had stopped their play and had gathered in a semi-circle to goggle at the animals in wonder.

"Kitty!" A rambunctious blue haired toddler held her hands out to the large "cat", an older child holding her back from pouncing on the creature.


A procession of mounted soldiers makes its way up the winding road to Keya's Rest from a small encampment outside of the city, with a raven-haired young woman in regal attire riding amongst her guards. Approaching the gatehouse, a rider gets off and moves to assist his lady in descending from her horse. She makes a clean, unassisted dismount and strides through the entrance to the castle, her honor guard trailing behind her. Approaching the balcony upon which High Queen Thalia stands, the woman bows and introduces herself. "High Queen Darkthorne, it is my pleasure to meet you at long last. I am Raena Arabeal. As I understand it, you are aiding my brother, Devon, in acquiring the lands to the east of what was the Geshemefar territory?"
Her entourage, finally having caught up with her, being to announce her arrival, "I present to you High Princess Raena Arabeal, Lady Stormfast, representative from the Coa—"
"Yes, yes, thank you, Harold, but I've already introduced myself to the nice lady."

Thalia grinned to herself at the Princess's business-like manner, she had indeed supported Devon's claim to the area who's people had forced her explorers out forcefully at sword point. It had been determined that the natives were not of Avonlean stock, and so it was quite convenient to offer her support to Devon.

"I welcome my neighbors into my lands. We were happy to our offer support to the Stormlands, and we only wish for our kingdoms both to flourish together."


The League of Allied Provinces
The Ambrose Ascendancy

As The Scurvy Mermaid sailed into the port at Wraith Harbor, the white stone of the castle alight under the high morning sun visible from a distance. Nyle, a tall boy of eleven with dark hair and blue eyes, stood on deck, with his father's arm around his shoulders and watched as his mother's city came into view as they arrived at port. Nyle had no recollection of his mother, but for a great feeling of loss that swept over him when he tried to picture her face, as it was threatening to do now. Nyle fidgeted and started to straighten his jacket to distract himself, he was dressed like his father, in a soft black jacket worn open, though he had few clan tattoos yet to display. His father looked as though he might say something to try and help him calm his nerves, but didn't. In truth, Maldarr looked as nervous as Nyle felt, he pressed his lips together and furrowed his brow with determination, they would get through this together, as they had everything else for the last ten years.

They made their way up the plateau by foot with the Askers, Derris as always, walked with imperative confidence beneath his Laurel Crown. Baram, Derris's eldest son and Heir walked beside him, with an easy confidence of his own. Colson Asker, who was twelve and Nyle's best friend, walked with his mother just ahead of him and Maldarr. Colson was doing his best impression of his father's self-assured walk, but he had a ways to go. Nyle grinned at his friend's back despite himself and they were soon being announced by Thalia's Herald.

"From the Ambrose Ascendancy of the League of Allied Provinces, I present to you Protos Archigos Derris Asker, The Archess Belinda Asker, Archon Baram Asker, Colson Asker, Polemarchos Maldarr Drivas, Willa Drivas, Nyle Darkthorne Drivas, Prince of Avonlea..."

Nyle's cheeks flushed to hear his name sang out, he had never been to Avonlea before and felt the title "Prince" was uncomfortable and presumptuous. His eyes finally found High Queen Thalia Darkthorne, and he eagerly took in her face as she greeted Derris. He had many times asked his father for a description of his mother, but even so, to see her in person was a revelation and he floundered inwardly on how to greet her properly. When it was his turn to address the Queen, he gave a bowed deeply and said politely,

"It is an honor to meet my mother and the High Queen of Avonlea." His voice was quiet and his face was still as if afraid any break in his calm facade would spill his careful dam of emotions for all to see.

Thalia had not heard anything after hearing her son's name announced, though she greeted the Protos first, as was custom and politely went down the line of dignitaries from Ambrose. Maldarr gave her a rueful smile as she greeted him and his new wife, but she scarcely registered the woman as she came to her son, he was much changed from the babe she had left, but there was much the same as well. Her own blue eyes stared back at her solemnly as he addressed her, she had often dreamed of the moment of their reunion, she had not thought to wait ten years when she had galloped through the mountain passes of primus, his wailing cries chasing her home. Such a serious boy he had been, even as a toddler, that same serious boy was staring back at her now, waiting for her to say anything instead, she reached a hand out to stroke his cheek and then pulled him into her for a hug. Holding him, he was nearly as tall as she was already,

"I'm so sorry, Nyle." Her voice broke, but she fought to keep her tears at bay. There would be time enough for crying in private, there always was. A young girl of nine years had approached while they embraced, looking concerned, she had the same solemn expression as Nyle, and his same dark hair. Thalia caught sight of her and she released her son,

"Nyle, Maldarr," She turned to the man, conscious of his wife's gaze upon her,

"This is Adelie Drivas Darkthorne. Your sister, Nyle." Though the last words were directed at Nyle, her eyes were upon Maldarr as she introduced him to his daughter for the first time.


The Crystal Union
First Emerald Inquisition

Having heard of this event all the way in the south, the new ruler of the Dynasty of Escaye had decided to make an appearance. It had taken them forever to arrive, though unlike her predecessor she firmly believed that if they wanted to prosper they would need the aid of the northern powers. At the very least she could acquaint herself with some of the people and present herself properly. A decent appearance with no progress was better than no appearance at all.

The 'Emerald Queen' had made her journey first along the coast with a small fleet of ships. They numbered five in all, and the other four were for protection. After the assassination of the grand sheep.. Well, better safe than dead. The ships were made of simple hardwood and cloth sails, with the dynasty flag raised upon the mast. After they docked, they made their way to the castle which wasn't all that far away. It was unlike the smooth emerald temples they used from her hometown, but the composure of most other buildings was the same. Stone and wood seemed to be the way of things, regardless of where you were. Hopefully the rest of things might be so similar.

She entered the castle with a small group of personal guard, which wore a thin set of chain mail underneath their garb. Lilia in particular wore a delicate silver robe, made of an expensive cloth she had imported. Emerald from her homeland dotted the dress in a simple pattern, which seemed to match the scales that happened to be on some parts of her skin. She had on a similar circlet, which fit neatly around the curved horns on her head. Though unlike the dress it had sapphires instead of emeralds. The queen wore her golden hair down just past her shoulder blades, and did her best not to be distracted by the festivities around her. In all, the was slightly shorter than most, with a rather slim build.

Upon seeing the other rulers greet their host, she waited for her turn; hearing some rather important titles among them. When it was her turn, she offered a short bow, half kneeling in from of the assembled members. "Greetings from the Dynasty of Escaye, it is a pleasure to be invited to such an affair. ..I am Queen Lilia, the.. Second Crystal Zaj." The Queen spoke slowly, looking up to each of the others in equal succession to assure her manners were maintained. She stood up, her gaze returning to their host. "It does me great joy to hear of your success, I pray we might be able to share in the fortune of your people in the years to come."

"Greetings and welcome, you honour us with your long journey to our realm. I do hope you find the celebrations to your liking." Thalia spoke slowly and deliberately while taking in the newcomer, the forrin Queen was quite exotic and beautiful, the whole of her shimmering from head to foot unlike any other people she had before seen. While she was speaking, she had motioned over an attendant and whispered something in his ear,

"The green," before turning her attention back to Lilia.

"I hope we can get to know each other better, and look forward to exchanging tales from our lands." She smiled graciously, hoping to put the lovely queen at ease and paused to see if Queen Lilia had anything else to say.


The Lignummese party had left a few days before the Zaj but traveled by land and so were slower than the Dynasties ships. Because of this they arrived soon after their fellow Union Members. The groups approach was without fanfare and was noticed far later as a result of their small size but they reached they towering castle eventually and gaped in awe that anyone could create such a large structure. Eleanor was the one to scrape her fathers jaw off the ground and lead the way through the gates. By the time they had reached the queen and her balcony though, Alvin had composed himself. He said, "Greetings! This is a wonderful home you have built." he then paused, overwhelmed by the sheer size and beauty of all the things around him. Unsure of what to say he said "Congratulations on your accomplishments!"

Thalia had been quite charmed with the arrival of the small furry people and their humble compliments.

"Greetings to you as well, I bid you welcome to Avonlea. I hope you find your stay enjoyable, and look forward to learning more of you and your people." Thalia spoke warmly and was surprised when a toddler crawled over to the Lignummese royalty and started to pet them, gurgling happily. Thalia was horrified,

"Please pardon the child, she doesn't have her manners yet, I'm afraid." Aris came and swooped the child up into her arms, looking sheepish,

"Please Ser, I beg your pardon, she's wily, this one, takes after her father." Aris was blushing and apologizing profusely, Thalia's eyes slid over to Reza, who was silently laughing at the spectacle his daughter had made.

Thalia took this chance to introduce her heir to the party,

"If you please, this is Aris Morningsworn, my heir. The child is the daughter of an Ambassador and one of my maidens," it was one of the twin's but she couldn't recall which at the moment,

"Pleased to meet you." Aris curtsied as well as she could with the squirming toddler in her arms.

"Forgive us, would you care for a beverage?" She fought to cover up her embarrassment.

[Catrus]

*in a oppressively cramped, and swelteringly hot cavern deep within the bowels of the Slumbering Gods*

"Excellency! Excellency, something requires your immediate attention!" A juvenile Vr'kx bellows as he galumphs his way down the tunnel leading to the hot spring, wherein the Empress currently wallows. He stops at the threshold of the chamber, pulls a flint and tinder from a pouch on his waist-belt, and lights the torches flanking the entranceway. "Excellency?"

A pair of yellow eyes appear beneath the surface, reflecting the torchlight, and a sigh is heard as bubbles rise up and break the surface. The Empress lurches up out of the pool and rests her massive bulk against the outer lip. "What is it Kh'rn? What is so important that you disturb my bath?"

"Many apologies Excellency, but... well... the Council dispatched me to bring you news." He muttered as he shrank before the Empress' glare.

"Well, spit it out then." She muttered, clearly exasperated by the child's intrusion and interruption of her relaxation time.

"Yes, of course. Many apologies, Excellency." He took a deep breath, puffed himself up with feigned confidence, and then bowed before her. "An interloper was discovered wandering around the harbour port of Lh'kr. Seemingly harassing the workers there. Reports seem to indicated that they were searching for something, or somebody."

"Truly? How curious. Please, go on."

"Yes, Excellency. The interloper, a small folk, of unknown origin, and speaking an unknown language was carrying a rolled parchment, sealed with an official looking seal of a design not seen before. The Holy Order took them into custody, and has begun questioning."

"What was on the scroll that they carried?"

The boy shifts his weight, clearly uncomfortable at not having any meaningful answers to the Empress' questions. "Well, Excellency, much like the language spoken by the interloper, the scroll was written in an unknown language. But the Inquisitors are attempting to decipher it as we speak."

"Good, good. This is good. But what a curious thing. Keep me informed. Should any breakthroughs be made, this has certainly piqued my interest."

"Yes, of course, Excellency." The boy, pleased at the Empress' improved mood, held himself straighter, and smiled.

"Oh, Kh'rn, have the Holy Order see if they can find which ship brought the interloper here. Check the Harbour Master's logs, and question any fishermen that may have been present at the time."

"Yes, of course. As you say Excellency."

"Good. If the ship is located, see about retrieving it. Undamaged if at all possible. If it truly is a vessel of foreign origin, then there may be maps and texts contained within that could prove fruitful." She slowly sunk back into the welcoming warmth of the pool. "You may go now, thank you."

"Yes, of course, Excellency." He bowed low, turned, extinguished the torches, and left the chamber.

The darkness hid the Empress' wide smile as she sunk her massive bulk beneath the surface of the pool. Excited about getting her hands upon something new, and previously unknown. Giddy at the possibility she curled up beneath the water, and drifted back to sleep.

(Well not exactly taking place in the same general vicinity as the current thread's contents, I felt that since it was directly related to the topic at hand, it was fitting to put this here. If this is inappropriate, please let me know, for future instances.)

[RandoMan]

Arriving by land from the south in what was apparently a demilitarized and condensed campaign camp a small contingent of 25 Thyrngar Rangers arrive at Keya's Rest. News quickly spreads of it being Lord Summer detouring towards the celebration from his recent campaign and restructuring of the former Geshemefar regions. Most interesting perhaps in news to the Queen was that he traveled with Helia Whitstone as she had joined him in the south once the war had been concluded and restructuring had begun.

With arrival by land the High Queen's delegation at the Harbor had become a destination rather than a welcoming party but Lord Summer and Helia had made their way there. They traveled without guards, leaving the Rangers to enjoy the celebration or watch the camp. They were in the lands of a Favored Kingdom on the fast track to becoming a Friend of the Aeldir there would be no threats to them here. Lord Summer dressed as if on campaign minus any real armor. He wore only a leather jerkin that might have offered more protection than cloth alone and while the apparel was not that of a formal celebration it seemed to have been cleaned and washed in preparation for his arrival.

Alongside Lord Summer's warrior figure Helia Whitstone might have looked especially small but she was dressed in the finest silk dress of Summer Aeldir craft. Rarely were the clothes of Summer Aeldir seen by outsiders with most interactions between a Summer Aeldir and anyone else being a war. Still, the style was unmistakably Aeldir and undeniably not in the styles popular among the Spring or Autumn Courts. It was a bright emerald green that complimented and accentuated her aquamarine eyes traced with black charcoal and her long white gold hair tied in a long braid down her back. The dress hugged her body close until flaring out some at the bottom where it just brushed the floor and was of such style as it might be considered mildly or ,depending on temperament, incredibly immodest. She looked well and smiled warmly as she looked upon her homeland, tears appearing at the corner of her eyes. Without breaking stride Summer squeezed her closer, perhaps a more poignant sign of affection if it had not been his decision to pluck her from her homeland and then subject her to return alongside him.

The two pair, Aeldir and Avonlean, stepped forward as a herald announced them and their time came to greet the Queen. Lord Summer stepped forward and Helia followed a footstep behind as the two moved to stand before the Queen.

"Congratulations on your many accomplishments High Queen and may this festival mark the beginning of many more. The Aeldir favor your Queendom greatly and wish much prosperity upon it."

Lord Summer's voice was a smooth baritone without the hint of an accent or a trip of the tongue. Having campaigned against so many Drustan had learned a multitude of the new tongues and was well studied in Old Trade and the much improved and refined Luskan Trade. He spoke now in Luskan that all favored by the Rose Demesne's Luskan Protectorate could understand.

[woolli264]

Thalia had been quite charmed with the arrival of the small furry people and their humble compliments.

[COLOR="#40E0D0"]"Greetings to you as well, I bid you welcome to Avonlea. I hope you find your stay enjoyable, and look forward to learning more of you and your people." Thalia spoke warmly and was surprised when a toddler crawled over to the Lignummese royalty and started to pet them, gurgling happily. Thalia was horrified,

"Please pardon the child, she doesn't have her manners yet, I'm afraid." Aris came and swooped the child up into her arms, looking sheepish,

"Please Ser, I beg your pardon, she's wily, this one, takes after her father." Aris was blushing and apologizing profusely, Thalia's eyes slid over to Reza, who was silently laughing at the spectacle his daughter had made.

Thalia took this chance to introduce her heir to the party,

"If you please, this is Aris Morningsworn, my heir. The child is the daughter of an Ambassador and one of my maidens," it was one of the twin's but she couldn't recall which at the moment,

"Pleased to meet you." Aris curtsied as well as she could with the squirming toddler in her arms.

"Forgive us, would you care for a beverage?" She fought to cover up her embarrassment.

When the child touched him Alvin let out a squeak of surprise before saying "Ho there little one," and brushing himself off. "Don't worry, don't worry it's quite all right. Far better than the way the banion children squeezed me when we first met." he chuckled before going on, "It's a pleasure to meet you too Miss Morningsworn. And yes I would love a good drink if you have a small enough cup."
King Alvin had decided that he liked these people far more, now that he had seen a more human side of them than the beautiful statues that most nobility attempt to portray.

[HalfTangible]

The Primus Imperium

As the Primus Imperium's delegation approached Wraith Harbor, Lady Navus looked on the bustling city with a small smirk. Avonlea was united now, a power to be reckoned with in the world, and had the good sense to have women in charge. This would be a pleasant trip, and judging from what she had seen in the market, these lands were prosperous and well worth the time to befriend.

High Queen Breydice Primus had been Princess Breydice when she had first meet the High Queen Thalia Darkthorne, but she had liked the woman at the time. Her mother had liked her even more, for she had brought the one thing in the world Roethye loved even more than war, sex and hating the autumn court: a baby.

More than that, however, Breydice considered new diplomatic entreaties a priority, and Lady Navus concurred. A treaty with the south, friends to the east and north, and unexplored lands to the west... Primus' immediate area was secure. Now they needed to find friends on the world stage. What better way to do so than a party, celebrating the unity of Avonlea?

"An orgy?" Illydae had asked.

Four days later Rikadime still wanted to slap her. Roethye's libido had been bad enough.

Breydice had the time to attend this event, perhaps, and return in time to put down the rebellion properly. She kept in touch with her generals on the road, but the sheer distance would make planning and coordinating difficult. For now, the plan was containment. The royal family still held Valkyrie, which meant-

"Are you certain that Varadia can handle Crudice and Vanara?"

Rikadime was beginning to wonder if giving Phelnia the ruby-skinned child was a mistake. Certainly, it had improved Phelnia's mood for a time and her relationship with Varadia, but she had spent the entire trip worrying about how her twin would handle the babies instead of, say, making a good impression at the party.

Varadia had to stay behind to keep an eye on the children, especially since the capital was in rebellion. She had fortified Valkyrie and kept the two under constant guard as the Imperial Army marched through Primus, but Phelnia was naturally worried about her child.

"Yes, sister, I am sure, and if I were not an extra day or two away would not make a difference. Now calm yourself. You are the Imperium's eyes and ears, and one day perhaps its queen. Make a good impression."

Phelnia sighed. "...You're right, I apologize. Let us go."

Breydice had long red hair that reached down to her waist, and wore ceremonial black and gold moonsilver armor. While not quite a ball gown, it was certainly pretty enough. She had her short swords belted to her sides, and at Rikadime's insistence had been bathed in oils and scents so that she appeared as beautiful and regal as could be mustered. Her face was stoic and cold, but Rikadime wasn't stupid enough to try and get her to smile.

Phelnia was a woman in a cloak and hood that hid her face in shadow, though what those around her could see was heavily scarred. Those who approached her would find her slinking away, and even when she spoke she made her words breif and few. Next to her was a creature that appeared to be a blind human boy with flushed skin, but when it looked up and grinned, one could see that A) it wore a blindfold and B) he had a mouth full of canines. One of the Aima, the blood-seers of Quartas.

Rikadime had come in a modest purple dress made of silk, from the recently conquered Colonia. She had a small gift ready for the High Queen, and hoped that a moonsilver necklace would not be seen as an insult. It was beautiful and made of a rare material, certainly, but it was also a small gift, and she intended to try and get a political marriage or two in here today. Perhaps Krisnia, she'd wanted nothing more than to go on this trip and meet foreign boys...

Illydae wore a backless silk dress with a plunging neckline that hugged her frame in a manner meant to draw the eye. The skirt's front stopped at just above midthigh (though the back continued down) and flared at the end to provide a bit of room for movement. The group had a small escort of Primal men with moonsilver weapons of their own, and well polished (if a bit crude) chainmail armor.

(Apparently it was a foreign style. Breydice, on seeing the dress, had turned to Rikadime and asked why anyone would put royal blood in something that left so much of their body exposed when they could just go naked and have an easier time moving)

All of the delegation was armed in some manner (Illydae, oddly enough, wore something like claws, built for climbing more than combat), though that was par for the course for the Primal.

As they ascended the steps (after pulling Illydae away from the sweaty muscular men offering to carry her), the group fell silent. High Queen Thalia had met the Primal before and probably knew what to expect, so the likelihood of the fantastic masquerade happening again was very low. However...

"For the Primus Imperium, High Queen Breydice Primus." She announced. "High Princess Phelnia Primus. Princess Illydae Primus. Rikadime of House Navus."

"Avonlea has accomplished much, and the Imperium wishes it further glory." Breydice thumped her fist against her own chest in salute. "It has been far too long since the Grand Tournament, High Queen Thalia. It is good to see you again."

[DimpleLoamsdown]

http://www.sumopaint.com/images/000/cbfbczdaadhtonim.png
Grand Sheep Bob II arrives on horseback, from the south west, travelling along the coast, with him, his wife, two hooded Liberantian men and some Banion soldiers, to help protect him on his journey. As soon as they arrive, they ask around for a place to stay, and where they should put their stuff. They had been travelling both day and night, for the last few weeks, to make sure that they arrived on time. They are all thirsty, and crave for something to eat. After they have rested up, eaten and drank, until they were no longer thirsty, Bob tells his people to wait at the tavern. He approaches Thalia, tailed by his three armed Liberantian bodyguards. He has now changed out of his Leather travelling outfit and is wearing woolen party clothes, with Feathers Woven into the shoulders, the chest, the knees, the ankles and the wrists. He is wearing his father's golden crown, with a Topaz gem on his forehead. His long orange cape trails behind him, as he approaches the High Queen. "It is good to meet another world leader, especially on the day of the Unification of your Majesty's Lands. For you, I have brought a gift that I am sure my father would be willing to give." He then turns to one of his guards and the Liberantian hands him a small gold plated, topaz studded chest. Bob turns back towards Thalia and, pointing the front of the chest towards her, he opens it. Within the chest, there is a ceremonial longknife, with a 60 inch blade, made of pure gold, and a 12 inch handle, made of wood, wrapped with leather, and a bronze crossguard, studded with topaz.

[PepperP.]

Thalia had not heard anything after hearing her son's name announced, though she greeted the Protos first, as was custom and politely went down the line of dignitaries from Ambrose. Maldarr gave her a rueful smile as she greeted him and his new wife, but she scarcely registered the woman as she came to her son, he was much changed from the babe she had left, but there was much the same as well. Her own blue eyes stared back at her solemnly as he addressed her, she had often dreamed of the moment of their reunion, she had not thought to wait ten years when she had galloped through the mountain passes of primus, his wailing cries chasing her home. Such a serious boy he had been, even as a toddler, that same serious boy was staring back at her now, waiting for her to say anything instead, she reached a hand out to stroke his cheek and then pulled him into her for a hug. Holding him, he was nearly as tall as she was already,

"I'm so sorry, Nyle." Her voice broke, but she fought to keep her tears at bay. There would be time enough for crying in private, there always was. A young girl of nine years had approached while they embraced, looking concerned, she had the same solemn expression as Nyle, and his same dark hair. Thalia caught sight of her and she released her son,

"Nyle, Maldarr," She turned to the man, conscious of his wife's gaze upon her,

"This is Adelie Drivas Darkthorne. Your sister, Nyle." Though the last words were directed at Nyle, her eyes were upon Maldarr as she introduced him to his daughter for the first time.

Nyle stiffened for a moment as this stranger who born him embraced him, as she apologized, he felt emotion swell and wrapped his arms around his mother, closed his eyes and relaxed against her. His father had always told him that he had a true sister, and as he gazed at the girl, he saw his own face in hers and smiled at her shyly. His father stepped forward slowly and dropped to one knee in front of the girl,

"Hello Adelie." His eyes slid to Thalia's and back to the girl's,

"Do you understand that I am your Father?" He spoke gently, trying to seem less frightening than his rugged eye-patched countenance would seem.

[Mary_Sue]

*in a oppressively cramped, and swelteringly hot cavern deep within the bowels of the Slumbering Gods*

"Excellency! Excellency, something requires your immediate attention!" A juvenile Vr'kx bellows as he galumphs his way down the tunnel leading to the hot spring, wherein the Empress currently wallows. He stops at the threshold of the chamber, pulls a flint and tinder from a pouch on his waist-belt, and lights the torches flanking the entranceway. "Excellency?"

A pair of yellow eyes appear beneath the surface, reflecting the torchlight, and a sigh is heard as bubbles rise up and break the surface. The Empress lurches up out of the pool and rests her massive bulk against the outer lip. "What is it Kh'rn? What is so important that you disturb my bath?"

"Many apologies Excellency, but... well... the Council dispatched me to bring you news." He muttered as he shrank before the Empress' glare.

"Well, spit it out then." She muttered, clearly exasperated by the child's intrusion and interruption of her relaxation time.

"Yes, of course. Many apologies, Excellency." He took a deep breath, puffed himself up with feigned confidence, and then bowed before her. "An interloper was discovered wandering around the harbour port of Lh'kr. Seemingly harassing the workers there. Reports seem to indicated that they were searching for something, or somebody."

"Truly? How curious. Please, go on."

"Yes, Excellency. The interloper, a small folk, of unknown origin, and speaking an unknown language was carrying a rolled parchment, sealed with an official looking seal of a design not seen before. The Holy Order took them into custody, and has begun questioning."

"What was on the scroll that they carried?"

The boy shifts his weight, clearly uncomfortable at not having any meaningful answers to the Empress' questions. "Well, Excellency, much like the language spoken by the interloper, the scroll was written in an unknown language. But the Inquisitors are attempting to decipher it as we speak."

"Good, good. This is good. But what a curious thing. Keep me informed. Should any breakthroughs be made, this has certainly piqued my interest."

"Yes, of course, Excellency." The boy, pleased at the Empress' improved mood, held himself straighter, and smiled.

"Oh, Kh'rn, have the Holy Order see if they can find which ship brought the interloper here. Check the Harbour Master's logs, and question any fishermen that may have been present at the time."

"Yes, of course. As you say Excellency."

"Good. If the ship is located, see about retrieving it. Undamaged if at all possible. If it truly is a vessel of foreign origin, then there may be maps and texts contained within that could prove fruitful." She slowly sunk back into the welcoming warmth of the pool. "You may go now, thank you."

"Yes, of course, Excellency." He bowed low, turned, extinguished the torches, and left the chamber.

The darkness hid the Empress' wide smile as she sunk her massive bulk beneath the surface of the pool. Excited about getting her hands upon something new, and previously unknown. Giddy at the possibility she curled up beneath the water, and drifted back to sleep.

(Well not exactly taking place in the same general vicinity as the current thread's contents, I felt that since it was directly related to the topic at hand, it was fitting to put this here. If this is inappropriate, please let me know, for future instances.)

Avonlean courier Mariya Stoutheart (https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/097/738/large/lisa-buijteweg-edea-0.jpg?1439995314) had tried her best to fulfill her duty to Queen and Country, but the natives of this strange island could not comprehend or be understood themselves. She began to be a bit concerned when she was detained without cause or explanation.

"Hello! Can anyone hear me?" She wondered when she was going to be released.


Arriving by land from the south in what was apparently a demilitarized and condensed campaign camp a small contingent of 25 Thyrngar Rangers arrive at Keya's Rest. News quickly spreads of it being Lord Summer detouring towards the celebration from his recent campaign and restructuring of the former Geshemefar regions. Most interesting perhaps in news to the Queen was that he traveled with Helia Whitstone as she had joined him in the south once the war had been concluded and restructuring had begun.

With arrival by land the High Queen's delegation at the Harbor had become a destination rather than a welcoming party but Lord Summer and Helia had made their way there. They traveled without guards, leaving the Rangers to enjoy the celebration or watch the camp. They were in the lands of a Favored Kingdom on the fast track to becoming a Friend of the Aeldir there would be no threats to them here. Lord Summer dressed as if on campaign minus any real armor. He wore only a leather jerkin that might have offered more protection than cloth alone and while the apparel was not that of a formal celebration it seemed to have been cleaned and washed in preparation for his arrival.

Alongside Lord Summer's warrior figure Helia Whitstone might have looked especially small but she was dressed in the finest silk dress of Summer Aeldir craft. Rarely were the clothes of Summer Aeldir seen by outsiders with most interactions between a Summer Aeldir and anyone else being a war. Still, the style was unmistakably Aeldir and undeniably not in the styles popular among the Spring or Autumn Courts. It was a bright emerald green that complimented and accentuated her aquamarine eyes traced with black charcoal and her long white gold hair tied in a long braid down her back. The dress hugged her body close until flaring out some at the bottom where it just brushed the floor and was of such style as it might be considered mildly or ,depending on temperament, incredibly immodest. She looked well and smiled warmly as she looked upon her homeland, tears appearing at the corner of her eyes. Without breaking stride Summer squeezed her closer, perhaps a more poignant sign of affection if it had not been his decision to pluck her from her homeland and then subject her to return alongside him.

The two pair, Aeldir and Avonlean, stepped forward as a herald announced them and their time came to greet the Queen. Lord Summer stepped forward and Helia followed a footstep behind as the two moved to stand before the Queen.

"Congratulations on your many accomplishments High Queen and may this festival mark the beginning of many more. The Aeldir favor your Queendom greatly and wish much prosperity upon it."

Lord Summer's voice was a smooth baritone without the hint of an accent or a trip of the tongue. Having campaigned against so many Drustan had learned a multitude of the new tongues and was well studied in Old Trade and the much improved and refined Luskan Trade. He spoke now in Luskan that all favored by the Rose Demesne's Luskan Protectorate could understand.

Thalia had been pleasantly surprised when Lord Summer and Helia had been announced, it had been long and again since she had seen her close friend, and she was glad to see her. The garb of the Aeldir was well-suited to her, and she looked hale and well. She took in Lord Summer as he approached with a confident swagger, strong and graceful, he cut a dashing figure and she thought them a well-suited pair. Handsome and honourable, she reminded herself, for she had only just received the instructions for an advanced armour, payment for Helia's services, just as he had promised. Thalia smiled warmly at the pair and found that her handmaidens had gathered around her, to welcome Helia home, or to gaze upon the Lord of Summer it was unclear. She could feel waves of heat wafting off of him as he approached, though if this was a tangible thing, or one born of his charisma she could not decipher. She and her maids curtsied as one, a pretty sight.

"You honour us with your presence and congratulations, my Lord. May we ever be deserving of your favour." Thalia spoke warmly while the twin maids Tena and Minalee giggled behind her, whilst Avalinda whispered to Lisare while admiring Lord Summer's physique. Thalia chose to ignore her hens and continued speaking,

"We have heard of your recent successes in battle and we wish to offer you your own congratulations." She turned to her old friend,

"You look quite well, Helia. It is good you have come." She smiled happily at them both as her maids crept a bit closer to Lord Summer.


When the child touched him Alvin let out a squeak of surprise before saying "Ho there little one," and brushing himself off. "Don't worry, don't worry it's quite all right. Far better than the way the banion children squeezed me when we first met." he chuckled before going on, "It's a pleasure to meet you too Miss Morningsworn. And yes I would love a good drink if you have a small enough cup."
King Alvin had decided that he liked these people far more, now that he had seen a more human side of them than the beautiful statues that most nobility attempt to portray.

Thalia chuckled as Aris handed the girl back to her mother, Tena, and scurried to find miniature cups and a flagon of Mistwater Wine.

"I hope you find our celebrations to your liking good Ser. There will be a feast, with drumming and a bonfire after dark." Her eyes went to the horizon, but it was still mid-day. Aris returned with a tiny vessel and poured what small amount it could hold and offered it to Alvin.

"Mistwater Wine, if you please Ser." Aris smiled shyly at the small man.


The Primus Imperium

As the Primus Imperium's delegation approached Wraith Harbor, Lady Navus looked on the bustling city with a small smirk. Avonlea was united now, a power to be reckoned with in the world, and had the good sense to have women in charge. This would be a pleasant trip, and judging from what she had seen in the market, these lands were prosperous and well worth the time to befriend.

High Queen Breydice Primus had been Princess Breydice when she had first meet the High Queen Thalia Darkthorne, but she had liked the woman at the time. Her mother had liked her even more, for she had brought the one thing in the world Roethye loved even more than war, sex and hating the autumn court: a baby.

More than that, however, Breydice considered new diplomatic entreaties a priority, and Lady Navus concurred. A treaty with the south, friends to the east and north, and unexplored lands to the west... Primus' immediate area was secure. Now they needed to find friends on the world stage. What better way to do so than a party, celebrating the unity of Avonlea?

"An orgy?" Illydae had asked.

Four days later Rikadime still wanted to slap her. Roethye's libido had been bad enough.

Breydice had the time to attend this event, perhaps, and return in time to put down the rebellion properly. She kept in touch with her generals on the road, but the sheer distance would make planning and coordinating difficult. For now, the plan was containment. The royal family still held Valkyrie, which meant-

"Are you certain that Varadia can handle Crudice and Vanara?"

Rikadime was beginning to wonder if giving Phelnia the ruby-skinned child was a mistake. Certainly, it had improved Phelnia's mood for a time and her relationship with Varadia, but she had spent the entire trip worrying about how her twin would handle the babies instead of, say, making a good impression at the party.

"Yes, sister, I am sure, and if I were not an extra day or two would not make a difference. Now calm yourself. You are the Imperium's eyes and ears, and one day perhaps its queen. Make a good impression."

Phelnia sighed. "...You're right, I apologize. Let us go."

Breydice had long red hair that reached down to her waist, and wore ceremonial black and gold moonsilver armor. While not quite a ball gown, it was certainly pretty enough. She had her short swords belted to her sides, and at Rikadime's insistence had been bathed in oils and scents so that she appeared as beautiful and regal as could be mustered. Her face was stoic and cold, but Rikadime wasn't stupid enough to try and get her to smile.

Phelnia was a woman in a cloak and hood that hid her face in shadow, though what those around her could see was heavily scarred. Those who approached her would find her slinking away, and even when she spoke she made her words breif and few. Next to her was a creature that appeared to be a blind human boy with flushed skin, but when it looked up and grinned, one could see that A) it wore a blindfold and B) he had a mouth full of canines. One of the Aima, the blood-seers of Quartas.

Rikadime had come in a modest purple dress made of silk, from the recently conquered Colonia. She had a small gift ready for the High Queen, and hoped that a moonsilver necklace would not be seen as an insult. It was beautiful and made of a rare material, certainly, but it was also a small gift, and she intended to try and get a political marriage or two in here today. Perhaps Krisnia, she'd wanted nothing more than to go on this trip and meet foreign boys...

Illydae wore a backless silk dress with a plunging neckline that hugged her frame in a manner meant to draw the eye. The skirt's front stopped at just above midthigh (though the back continued down) and flared at the end to provide a bit of room for movement. The group had a small escort of Primal men with moonsilver weapons of their own, and well polished (if a bit crude) chainmail armor.

(Apparently it was a foreign style. Breydice, on seeing the dress, had turned to Rikadime and asked why anyone would put royal blood in something that left so much of their body exposed when they could just go naked and have an easier time moving)

All of the delegation was armed in some manner (Illydae, oddly enough, wore something like claws, built for climbing more than combat), though that was par for the course for the Primal.

As they ascended the steps (after pulling Illydae away from the sweaty muscular men offering to carry her), the group fell silent. High Queen Thalia had met the Primal before and probably knew what to expect, so the likelihood of the fantastic masquerade happening again was very low. However...

"For the Primus Imperium, High Queen Breydice Primus." She announced. "High Princess Phelnia Primus. Princess Illydae Primus. Rikadime of House Navus."

"Avonlea has accomplished much, and the Imperium wishes it further glory." Breydice thumped her fist against her own chest in salute. "It has been far too long since the Grand Tournament, High Queen Thalia. It is good to see you again."

Queen Thalia returned Breydice's salute, she had heard that Primus had practically leapt to the defense of the Provinces during the recent war, which had quite endeared them to Thalia. That and their shared matriarchal view, bespoke well for a cordial future Thalia hoped.

"Primus is welcomed here, High Queen Breydice. You have my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, she was truly unlike any other." Thalia took in the other women with Breydice,

"Tonight is the Festival of Flowers and Goddess Moon Rite both. I do think you will enjoy yourselves, it is said that the luckiest babies are the ones conceived under the full moon." She grinned mischievously, for the appetites of the Primal were legendary.


http://www.sumopaint.com/images/000/cbfbczdaadhtonim.png
Grand Sheep Bob II arrives on horseback, from the south west, travelling along the coast, with him, his wife, two hooded Liberantian men and some Banion soldiers, to help protect him on his journey. As soon as they arrive, they ask around for a place to stay, and where they should put their stuff. They had been travelling both day and night, for the last few weeks, to make sure that they arrived on time. They are all thirsty, and crave for something to eat. After they have rested up, eaten and drank, until they were no longer thirsty, Bob tells his people to wait at the tavern. He approaches Thalia, tailed by his three armed Liberantian bodyguards. He has now changed out of his Leather travelling outfit and is wearing woolen party clothes, with Feathers Woven into the shoulders, the chest, the knees, the ankles and the wrists. He is wearing his father's golden crown, with a Topaz gem on his forehead. His long orange cape trails behind him, as he approaches the High Queen. "It is good to meet another world leader, especially on the day of the Unification of your Majesty's Lands. For you, I have brought a gift that I am sure my father would be willing to give." He then turns to one of his guards and the Liberantian hands him a small gold plated, topaz studded chest. Bob turns back towards Thalia and, pointing the front of the chest towards her, he opens it. Within the chest, there is a ceremonial longknife, with a 60 inch blade, made of pure gold, and a 12 inch handle, made of wood, wrapped with leather, and a bronze crossguard, studded with topaz.

"Welcome Grand Sheep Bob, I thank you for your kind words and congratulations." Thalia wondered if her herald had spoken true, the colorful man before her did not resemble any sheep that she had seen. There was a collective gasp from the attending party as Bob revealed his gift, a ceremonial sword that was surely worth a hefty ransom and beautiful.

"I thank you Ser, you do us great honour with such a gift." Liberanita must be a wealthy realm indeed, to afford such extravagant gifts.


Nyle stiffened for a moment as this stranger who born him embraced him, as she apologized, he felt emotion swell and wrapped his arms around his mother, closed his eyes and relaxed against her. His father had always told him that he had a true sister, and as he gazed at the girl, he saw his own face in hers and smiled at her shyly. His father stepped forward slowly and dropped to one knee in front of the girl,

"Hello Adelie." His eyes slid to Thalia's and back to the girl's,

"Do you understand that I am your Father?" He spoke gently, trying to seem less frightening than his rugged eye-patched countenance would seem.

It was somewhat uncommon for children to know just who their father was in Avonlea, though it was a familiar concept to Adelie thanks to Reza and his "Blue Maids". She tilted her head at the man who stared at her and spoke,

"Yes Ser, it means you're my sire." She said, glancing over to where her mother was still embracing the boy who was her brother. She returned his shy smile and considered for a moment, before turning back to her father,

"You may hug me if it please you." She spoke earnestly, her big blue eyes gazing at Maldarr seriously as she reached out to him.

[Catrus]

Avonlean courier Mariya Stoutheart (https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/097/738/large/lisa-buijteweg-edea-0.jpg?1439995314) had tried her best to fulfill her duty to Queen and Country, but the natives of this strange island could not comprehend or be understood themselves. She began to be a bit concerned when she was detained without cause or explanation.

"Hello! Can anyone hear me?" She wondered when she was going to be released.
After a lengthy interrogation, largely unsuccessful, do to linguistic differences, the "prisoner" was returned to a cell. About an hour or so later, a large Vr'kx, clad in a stained leather apron galumphed into the holding cell carrying an earthen bowl in each hand, he placed them on the small stone slab sticking out of the side wall. In one bowl was water, the other a thick tasteless gruel. He mostly ignored the prisoner, as he moved to leave, he stared at it intently. "What exactly is it?"

"What do you mean, by that Brother? It is clearly just a small folk, nothing more, nothing less." A voice from the hall replied.

"Well, yes, of course. I am not stupid. I can tell that it is one of the pitiful small folk. What I meant was, is it male, or is it female? I can never tell... they all look the same to me."

The head of the second Vr'Kx peered around the edge of the doorframe and into the cell. "Female... I think. It has those weird fatty sacks upon it. They use them to feed their young, or something."

"Truly? Like a sheep?" The Vr'kx stared intently at the prisoner. "Strange creatures."

"Quite right, Brother."

"When does your shift end?" The Vr'kx asked as he exited the cell, closing and latching the door behind him.

[DimpleLoamsdown]

"Welcome Grand Sheep Bob, I thank you for your kind words and congratulations." Thalia wondered if her herald had spoken true, the colorful man before her did not resemble any sheep that she had seen. There was a collective gasp from the attending party as Bob revealed his gift, a ceremonial sword that was surely worth a hefty ransom and beautiful.

"I thank you Ser, you do us great honour with such a gift." Liberantia must be a wealthy realm indeed, to afford such extravagant gifts.


Oops, I meant to say 60 centimetres, rather than inches, though since I have said Inches previously, we might as well go along with it. :smallredface:

"I noticed your confused expression, when I said that I was a Grand Sheep. I am not a literal sheep, it is just the title given to the head of my autocratic Government." Bob dismisses his Liberantian guards, who put on their hoods and return to the tavern, at which his company is staying. ​"I hope that we will be able to establish positive relationships with each other's nations."

[woolli264]

"I hope you find our celebrations to your liking good Ser. There will be a feast, with drumming and a bonfire after dark." Her eyes went to the horizon, but it was still mid-day. Aris returned with a tiny vessel and poured what small amount it could hold and offered it to Alvin.

"Mistwater Wine, if you please Ser." Aris smiled shyly at the small man.


"I hope so as well." replied Alvin sniffing at the wine then taking a sip, "By the four this is strong! I am glad I do not have a big folk glass or I'd be out cold before I finished half of it." Eleanor made a funny noise and Alvin looked back then coughed and said, "But, umm, Strong is good yes?" before downing a bit more, "Anyways it has been good to meet you. I'd like to go see Hilden but I will see you again at the fire. We do love drums they are a musical instrument that most from our lands love."

[HalfTangible]

Queen Thalia returned Breydice's salute, she had heard that Primus had practically leapt to the defense of the Provinces during the recent war, which had quite endeared them to Thalia. That and their shared matriarchal view, bespoke well for a cordial future Thalia hoped.

"Primus is welcomed here, High Queen Breydice. You have my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, she was truly unlike any other." Thalia took in the other women with Breydice,

"Tonight is the Festival of Flowers and Goddess Moon Rite both. I do think you will enjoy yourselves, it is said that the luckiest babies are the ones conceived under the full moon." She grinned mischievously, for the appetites of the Primal were legendary.

Breydice's lips twitched a bit towards a sad smile. "Mother would be happy to know you thought so."

At the mention of conception under a full moon, Breydice nodded a brief affirmative. Phelnia looked away, though Rikadime's eyes sparkled with interest.

"I just hope there's enough men here. Or open-minded women, i guess, I'm not picky." Illydae giggled and nudged Phelnia's ribs. "Maybe one'll be potent enough even for your womb, sis. Bring me along, with my tits and your... personality I'm sure we can entice even-"

"Shut up." Phelnia growled. "I'll just dance. One of us has to stay sober, anyway."

Illydae pouted. "I'm just teasing...

Rikadime held out a box. "'Tis a small gift for so great a land and ruler, but we hope you will accept it anyway."

When the box was brought to Thalia, she would find a moonsilver necklace, inlaid with rubies that sparkled like stars. As she held it, she would find it shifted colors to her desire and mood, and fit snugly however she wore it.

[moossabi]

It was a smooth journey to central Avonlea. Only a short ride away and with nothing between the capital of the Union and their neighbor's other than a few forests and a river, how could the Dhuda Loka possibly refuse? At long last, a party not held across the ocean! This will be great! In anticipation, all three of the Uca Jajaka departed a week before the festival was to commence. After one quick stop by the Gnoll strongholds to bolster their retinue, the party sets off to the northeast to finally meet the neighbors (after going out of their way to let their mounts (http://globe-views.com/dcim/dreams/hippopotamus/hippopotamus-02.jpg) defecate as close as possible to the Grand Church)!

Hearing that their Aeldir cousins would be attending as well only boosted the group's pleasure and, upon arrival, they soon began to inquire as to their whereabouts. Unfortunately, they misread the date and arrived somewhat early. Typical. After waiting the couple of days until the festivities commenced back near the Avonlea-Bereholst border, the procession arrives for sure.

Pralkamiri, the architect of the spread of the Dhuda Loka's faith, had not been seen outside of the Union at all since they emerged upon the global stage those many years ago. But just by his appearance, nobody could have guessed. Unlike his seemingly young companions, he displayed a great deal of age in his demeanor. His body was wrinkled and pasty, his limbs spidery and frail, and his face seemed blotchy and ill-managed. Although he had only been a member of the Uca Jajaka for over seventy years (it's a short time for those of Aeldir blood, even if diluted), he must have been appointed well into his age. He bore the standard garb of an Uca Jajaka, with a tunic of leaves and petals with two great dead branches woven into the back and a tangled crown of fallen sticks driving attention from his long white hair.

Vinariun, being much younger than Pralkamiri, does not share his skin condition. In fact, her skin is much less pale than her compatriots due to being exposed to more constant sunlight at the peak of Vada Pahara. Her eyes are constantly darting back and forth, taking note of almost everything. The lack of gender equality was highly disturbing to her, and as such she was taking notes for their future conversion. She was dressed in much of the same garb as Pralkamiri, but where he wore plain leaf trousers she wore a skirt of pure pink petals from the Gulabi Pati's spring blossoms. Her short brown hair is still as unkempt as it was at the Summit of Tir Gwydr, but unlike there she hoped to actually do something of importance.

Oshenvar hadn't changed much in the few years since the event in Primus, his youth still showing through the typical Uca Jajaka garb (his variation was a shorter version of Pralkamiri's trousers). His untidy black hair seems crown-less at first, but it eventually can be made out that it is merely a small circlet. As they move through the countryside, his mind is brought to his current agenda with Lady Autumn and how much he hoped that Primus wouldn't make an appearance, lest they become angry at his lack of consideration over their customs in their previous meeting. That incident on the way out of Valkyrie was one that he'd rather forget. None of the Dhuda Loka in attendance were armed or armored, a major deficiency but one that was made up for by their other party members.

The Gnolls, had they not only just been incorporated into the Union at the time, would have been perfect for the trip to Primus. Each stood 7 feet tall with muscles and fur that could frighten a bear. They were predominately bare-chested save for a back-holster strap for their massive battleaxes and wore only an armored loin cloth. Their canine features drew many of the farmers' eyes away from their work, slightly worried that they would turn on them at any moment. Their leader was no exception. High Chieftain Gorubalsh was a foot taller than the others, with a battleaxe that looked like it could fell a tree in one swing. While his warriors' coats were tan and brown in color, his maintained a red tint that may or may not have been added by Gorubalsh to seem more intimidating. He has a scar running down one eye from when a resisting human tried to attack him with a knife. Thankfully it missed his eye, but that eye was now permanently tinted red.

With the other guests, Pralkamiri gives a kind greeting to the High Queen. "Greetings, neighbor. We're glad to have met you at last. I am Pralkamiri, of the Uca Jajaka. We would like to give you a gift." One of the other Dhuda Loka walks up from the fray of their group, and gives the Queen a basket filled with some Nile Masamura (it's a type of luminous blue mushroom). Although the Uca Jajaka are all of equal rank, it is fairly obvious who was really in charge. While the others were shifting uncomfortably, Pralkamiri has remained cool and collected, his tone flat and professional. Such a wonderfully equal 'council' he must be part of.

[Zayuz]

"Greetings and welcome, you honour us with your long journey to our realm. I do hope you find the celebrations to your liking." Thalia spoke slowly and deliberately while taking in the newcomer, the forrin Queen was quite exotic and beautiful, the whole of her shimmering from head to foot unlike any other people she had before seen. While she was speaking, she had motioned over an attendant and whispered something in his ear,

"The green," before turning her attention back to Lilia.

"I hope we can get to know each other better, and look forward to exchanging tales from our lands." She smiled graciously, hoping to put the lovely queen at ease and paused to see if Queen Lilia had anything else to say.

Lilia's eyes flicked to the attendant, not quite sure what had been said. It worried her a bit, though she did her best to ignore it. "But of course; I trust you received the gift we had sent a few short months ago? It would worry me greatly to hear they had not arrived on time."

She glanced away for a moment, over the grand celebration before returning her gaze to their host. "..I would love to speak with you at some point during the festivities, though it seems you've got some work cut out for you at the moment." The queen says, noticing the impressive amount of guests who were arriving. She recognized almost none of them, though her intuition told her they were very important.

"It is only proper to allow you to greet our other guests in turn, unless you have the particular desire to speak with me at the moment. If you happen to find yourself free of any obligations do come see me; I will not be far, and would be quite eager to hear more of your lands, relations and such.. Especially that concerning a certain discovery that was recently made." She gave her a small wink, feeling nervous in the middle of so many guests. She would have to find somewhere with a few less people.. At least, a place where less eyes were on her. As much as she wished to discuss with her, perhaps another time would be better. ..But before she departed for sure.

[PepperP.]

It was somewhat uncommon for children to know just who their father was in Avonlea, though it was a familiar concept to Adelie thanks to Reza and his "Blue Maids". She tilted her head at the man who stared at her and spoke,

"Yes Ser, it means you're my sire." She said, glancing over to where her mother was still embracing the boy who was her brother. She returned his shy smile and considered for a moment, before turning back to her father,

"You may hug me if it please you." She spoke earnestly, her big blue eyes gazing at Maldarr seriously as she reached out to him.

"That's right, I am your sire." Momentarily overcome, Maldarr collected himself and wrapped his arms around his daughter and embraced her gently, he allowed his eyes to close as he breathed in her sweet scent and felt her small arms around him.

Behind him, his wife Willa's cheeks burned as she looked to the ground. Willa was young, quite a bit younger than Maldarr, and even Thalia as well. She had raven black hair, long and straight, a fair face with delicate features and big, dark eyes. Maldarr had not deigned to tell her that this Queen had born him a child other than Nyle. What other secrets were there between them that she was not privy to?

[Aedilred]

I've taken the liberty of borrowing Reza, for the sake of stirring up some mischief :smallwink: Feel free to step in at any time.

It felt strange for Kusal not to be heading a delegation, as he had done before the formation of the League, but, while the king retained his own court, negotiations relating to the whole League were now to be handled by the Ambrosans. It came as something of a relief for him, though not without a degree of frustration too. Still, he trusted that if Derris believed he needed his advice he would ask for it. With the other handful of dignitaries from Nand, he remained towards the rear of the League's delegation as they arrived, acknowledging his introduction politely, but not wanting to intrude, especially as the arrival became a family affair.

As they parted from the High Queen, Kusal and Reza spied each other and the ambassador approached, giving a swift bow to his former master.

"Ambassador," Kusal said with a nod, and turned to his Ambrosan colleagues. "Might I present Reza, who has been our kingdom's ambassador in Nand for several years."

"I am honoured to meet you all," the ambassador said, bowing to each of the senior delegates in turn. "Lord Protos, if you wish anything of me, you need but ask." He greeted the others cordially, until he reached Maldarr and Willa. "Delighted to meet you, my lady," he said, kissing her hand, with a slight twinkle in his eye. "You must truly be a remarkable woman to have claimed the heart of a man who has loved two queens."

Kusal looked rather as though he had just swallowed a wasp.

[Reggiejam]

It had been some time since Duke Sand had been sent by Cynel to attend a diplomatic soirée and he relished it. His prestige and presence alongside the Lady Autumn had conferred on him many honors which had included, he'd discovered, a commission and appointment as a general for the Autumn Court. This had happened before the Rose Contract had been sealed much to the chagrin of Lord Summer's more stringent requirements for the military. Even if he wasn't kept out he still found himself directed by Lord Summer on the least dangerous and most easily attainable campaigns. It wasn't that which bothered him however, in fact he preferred the easy campaigns for they allowed him to drink and eat merrily all along the "march" and subsequent occupation.

No, what made this trip a true relief was his last campaign. In truth it hadn't been "his" campaign per se but occurring along the Rose Coast it had been within his range of interests and he'd managed to tag along by virtue of his rank. His campaign before that, into Bluewater Bay, had been quite pleasant and he had been eager for a repeat. The Thyrngar Ranger who had led the campaign however had not been inclined to enjoy the campaign nearly as much as Sand preferred to. The Summer Aeldir had only brought dried meat and bread to eat as they traveled and had balked at the idea of buying a herd of cattle or hiring a Tillwell chef. Even disregarding his poor companions the region itself was a brackish backwater filled with malcontented half feral Geshem liable to cook and eat an Aeldir as much as try to talk to one. Yes, this return to the role of the diplomat was welcome. Rarely did diplomatic events involve sleeping in mud nor did they have so narrow a buffet.

Being a Spring Aeldir himself even if he was not of the Court he had ridden in with Lady Spring. He hadn't been especially comfortable with the Salvax at the start of the trip but had grown to appreciate them over the course of the trip, especially Bas Pride. As they docked and came ashore he fell back behind the Salvax and Ladies Owena and Kellianth. He was dressed in a sharply cut dress robe of cotton and silk that wore the mottled yellows, reds, and browns so favored by the Autumn Court and that he was a Spring Boy here on business would make clear that he was not of the Spring Court. He did not deign to interrupt as Lady Spring spoke with the High Queen however and stood by as they talked, glancing around to eye the other guests.

[Mary_Sue]

After a lengthy interrogation, largely unsuccessful, do to linguistic differences, the "prisoner" was returned to a cell. About an hour or so later, a large Vr'kx, clad in a stained leather apron galumphed into the holding cell carrying an earthen bowl in each hand, he placed them on the small stone slab sticking out of the side wall. In one bowl was water, the other a thick tasteless gruel. He mostly ignored the prisoner, as he moved to leave, he stared at it intently. "What exactly is it?"

"What do you mean, by that Brother? It is clearly just a small folk, nothing more, nothing less." A voice from the hall replied.

"Well, yes, of course. I am not stupid. I can tell that it is one of the pitiful small folk. What I meant was, is it male, or is it female? I can never tell... they all look the same to me."

The head of the second Vr'Kx peered around the edge of the doorframe and into the cell. "Female... I think. It has those weird fatty sacks upon it. They use them to feed their young, or something."

"Truly? Like a sheep?" The Vr'kx stared intently at the prisoner. "Strange creatures."

"Quite right, Brother."

"When does your shift end?" The Vr'kx asked as he exited the cell, closing and latching the door behind him.

Mariya had tried and tried to explain to the creatures who she was and what she was doing there, but they just stared at her and uttered their gibberish. Ugh! She stomped her foot in frustration as they left her again.

"Where are you going, HELLO!? You can't leave me here!"


Oops, I meant to say 60 centimetres, rather than inches, though since I have said Inches previously, we might as well go along with it. :smallredface:

"I noticed your confused expression, when I said that I was a Grand Sheep. I am not a literal sheep, it is just the title given to the head of my autocratic Government." Bob dismisses his Liberantian guards, who put on their hoods and return to the tavern, at which his company is staying. ​"I hope that we will be able to establish positive relationships with each other's nations."

"Of course you aren't, I'm sorry how silly of me." Thalia laughed

"I'm sure we will, you and yours are quite welcome here. I hope you'll enjoy the planned festivities. There will be a grand feast later, with drums and dancing. I have already met a couple of your union fellows." Thalia smiled warmly


"I hope so as well." replied Alvin sniffing at the wine then taking a sip, "By the four this is strong! I am glad I do not have a big folk glass or I'd be out cold before I finished half of it." Eleanor made a funny noise and Alvin looked back then coughed and said, "But, umm, Strong is good yes?" before downing a bit more, "Anyways it has been good to meet you. I'd like to go see Hilden but I will see you again at the fire. We do love drums they are a musical instrument that most from our lands love."

Thalia smiled at his reaction to the wine,

"They ferment a potent vintage in Evemoor, don't they? You will have to display for us some drumming of your lands, I would love to hear that. I shall look forwards to seeing you at the feast later." The Queen smiled warmly down at the small, furry man.




Breydice's lips twitched a bit towards a sad smile. "Mother would be happy to know you thought so."

At the mention of conception under a full moon, Breydice nodded a brief affirmative. Phelnia looked away, though Rikadime's eyes sparkled with interest.

"I just hope there's enough men here. Or open-minded women, i guess, I'm not picky." Illydae giggled and nudged Phelnia's ribs. "Maybe one'll be potent enough even for your womb, sis. Bring me along, with my tits and your... personality I'm sure we can entice even-"

"Shut up." Phelnia growled. "I'll just dance. One of us has to stay sober, anyway."

Illydae pouted. "I'm just teasing...

Rikadime held out a box. "'Tis a small gift for so great a land and ruler, but we hope you will accept it anyway."

When the box was brought to Thalia, she would find a moonsilver necklace, inlaid with rubies that sparkled like stars. As she held it, she would find it shifted colors to her desire and mood, and fit snugly however she wore it.

"I think you will find our men quite accommodating and to your liking." Her gaze moved to Phelnia,

"I enjoy the dancing too, though my two younger children were conceived during a Goddess Moon, so I have to admit being fond of both." Thalia smiled and looked surprised as she was offered the gift, and motioned one of her maids forward to retrieve it. Upon opening, Thalia's eyes lit up,

"It's beautiful truly, Thank you for this small piece of your homeland. It will be an honor to wear it." She motioned to Avalinda who draped the necklace around Thalia's neck and fastened it,

"How does it look?" She smiled and directed her question at Breydice.


It was a smooth journey to central Avonlea. Only a short ride away and with nothing between the capital of the Union and their neighbor's other than a few forests and a river, how could the Dhuda Loka possibly refuse? At long last, a party not held across the ocean! This will be great! In anticipation, all three of the Uca Jajaka departed a week before the festival was to commence. After one quick stop by the Gnoll strongholds to bolster their retinue, the party sets off to the northeast to finally meet the neighbors (after going out of their way to let their mounts (http://globe-views.com/dcim/dreams/hippopotamus/hippopotamus-02.jpg) defecate as close as possible to the Grand Church)!

Hearing that their Aeldir cousins would be attending as well only boosted the group's pleasure and, upon arrival, they soon began to inquire as to their whereabouts. Unfortunately, they misread the date and arrived somewhat early. Typical. After waiting the couple of days until the festivities commenced back near the Avonlea-Bereholst border, the procession arrives for sure.

Pralkamiri, the architect of the spread of the Dhuda Loka's faith, had not been seen outside of the Union at all since they emerged upon the global stage those many years ago. But just by his appearance, nobody could have guessed. Unlike his seemingly young companions, he displayed a great deal of age in his demeanor. His body was wrinkled and pasty, his limbs spidery and frail, and his face seemed blotchy and ill-managed. Although he had only been a member of the Uca Jajaka for over seventy years (it's a short time for those of Aeldir blood, even if diluted), he must have been appointed well into his age. He bore the standard garb of an Uca Jajaka, with a tunic of leaves and petals with two great dead branches woven into the back and a tangled crown of fallen sticks driving attention from his long white hair.

Vinariun, being much younger than Pralkamiri, does not share his skin condition. In fact, her skin is much less pale than her compatriots due to being exposed to more constant sunlight at the peak of Vada Pahara. Her eyes are constantly darting back and forth, taking note of almost everything. The lack of gender equality was highly disturbing to her, and as such she was taking notes for their future conversion. She was dressed in much of the same garb as Pralkamiri, but where he wore plain leaf trousers she wore a skirt of pure pink petals from the Gulabi Pati's spring blossoms. Her short brown hair is still as unkempt as it was at the Summit of Tir Gwydr, but unlike there she hoped to actually do something of importance.

Oshenvar hadn't changed much in the few years since the event in Primus, his youth still showing through the typical Uca Jajaka garb (his variation was a shorter version of Pralkamiri's trousers). His untidy black hair seems crown-less at first, but it eventually can be made out that it is merely a small circlet. As they move through the countryside, his mind is brought to his current agenda with Lady Autumn and how much he hoped that Primus wouldn't make an appearance, lest they become angry at his lack of consideration over their customs in their previous meeting. That incident on the way out of Valkyrie was one that he'd rather forget. None of the Dhuda Loka in attendance were armed or armored, a major deficiency but one that was made up for by their other party members.

The Gnolls, had they not only just been incorporated into the Union at the time, would have been perfect for the trip to Primus. Each stood 7 feet tall with muscles and fur that could frighten a bear. They were predominately bare-chested save for a back-holster strap for their massive battleaxes and wore only an armored loin cloth. Their canine features drew many of the farmers' eyes away from their work, slightly worried that they would turn on them at any moment. Their leader was no exception. High Chieftain Gorubalsh was a foot taller than the others, with a battleaxe that looked like it could fell a tree in one swing. While his warriors' coats were tan and brown in color, his maintained a red tint that may or may not have been added by Gorubalsh to seem more intimidating. He has a scar running down one eye from when a resisting human tried to attack him with a knife. Thankfully it missed his eye, but that eye was now permanently tinted red.

With the other guests, Pralkamiri gives a kind greeting to the High Queen. "Greetings, neighbor. We're glad to have met you at last. I am Pralkamiri, of the Uca Jajaka. We would like to give you a gift." One of the other Dhuda Loka walks up from the fray of their group, and gives the Queen a basket filled with some Nile Masamura (it's a type of luminous blue mushroom). Although the Uca Jajaka are all of equal rank, it is fairly obvious who was really in charge. While the others were shifting uncomfortably, Pralkamiri has remained cool and collected, his tone flat and professional. Such a wonderfully equal 'council' he must be part of.

"Greeting and welcome to Avonlea. We are pleased to have our close neighbors here to join us in celebration." Thalia was unsure of the social hierarchy of the assemblage before her, but the one speaking seemed to be "in charge" even if it was only because he spoke for the group.

"I thank you for your gift, our meeting has been too long delayed, perhaps today we start a long period of friendly relations between our people."


Lilia's eyes flicked to the attendant, not quite sure what had been said. It worried her a bit, though she did her best to ignore it. "But of course; I trust you received the gift we had sent a few short months ago? It would worry me greatly to hear they had not arrived on time."

She glanced away for a moment, over the grand celebration before returning her gaze to their host. "..I would love to speak with you at some point during the festivities, though it seems you've got some work cut out for you at the moment." The queen says, noticing the impressive amount of guests who were arriving. She recognized almost none of them, though her intuition told her they were very important.

"It is only proper to allow you to greet our other guests in turn, unless you have the particular desire to speak with me at the moment. If you happen to find yourself free of any obligations do come see me; I will not be far, and would be quite eager to hear more of your lands, relations and such.. Especially that concerning a certain discovery that was recently made." She gave her a small wink, feeling nervous in the middle of so many guests. She would have to find somewhere with a few less people.. At least, a place where less eyes were on her. As much as she wished to discuss with her, perhaps another time would be better. ..But before she departed for sure.

"We did receive the gift, and with thanks. It was generous indeed. I have a gift as well, I hope you consider it a small, but sincere token of friendship." Lisare had reappeared, this time sporting a small, green Aspis on her shoulder. She approached Queen Lilia and delicately moved the creature from her shoulder to her hand, the baby Aspis nipped at her fingers as she offered it forward to Lilia.

"Lisare will show you to my Aspis Keeper, who will explain how to properly care for your new ward." Thalia smiled graciously, hoping her gift had gone over well.
http://pre06.deviantart.net/2b90/th/pre/i/2014/268/c/7/small_dragon_by_spartanen-d80gjin.jpg


"That's right, I am your sire." Momentarily overcome, Maldarr collected himself and wrapped his arms around his daughter and embraced her gently, he allowed his eyes to close as he breathed in her sweet scent and felt her small arms around him.

Behind him, his wife Willa's cheeks burned as she looked to the ground. Willa was young, quite a bit younger than Maldarr, and even Thalia as well. She had raven black hair, long and straight, a fair face with delicate features and big, dark eyes. Maldarr had not deigned to tell her that this Queen had born him a child other than Nyle. What other secrets were there between them that she was not privy to?

Adelie pulled away from her father, her serious face pulled into a smile as she backed away towards her mother. Suddenly keenly aware of the entire Province delegation watching their exchange, all but Maldarr's new bride that was, who was studiously examining the ground at her feet, Thalia released her hold on Nyle and bid her maid Lisare to get drinks so that they may toast in celebration, today was a day for unification in more ways than one. As Lisare passed around goblets of wine, Thalia raised her glass,

"To Unity!" She heard many voices take up the cry, but her eyes were only for Maldarr.


I've taken the liberty of borrowing Reza, for the sake of stirring up some mischief :smallwink: Feel free to step in at any time.

It felt strange for Kusal not to be heading a delegation, as he had done before the formation of the League, but, while the king retained his own court, negotiations relating to the whole League were now to be handled by the Ambrosans. It came as something of a relief for him, though not without a degree of frustration too. Still, he trusted that if Derris believed he needed his advice he would ask for it. With the other handful of dignitaries from Nand, he remained towards the rear of the League's delegation as they arrived, acknowledging his introduction politely, but not wanting to intrude, especially as the arrival became a family affair.

As they parted from the High Queen, Kusal and Reza spied each other and the ambassador approached, giving a swift bow to his former master.

"Ambassador," Kusal said with a nod, and turned to his Ambrosan colleagues. "Might I present Reza, who has been our kingdom's ambassador in Nand for several years."

"I am honoured to meet you all," the ambassador said, bowing to each of the senior delegates in turn. "Lord Protos, if you wish anything of me, you need but ask." He greeted the others cordially, until he reached Maldarr and Willa. "Delighted to meet you, my lady," he said, kissing her hand, with a slight twinkle in his eye. "You must truly be a remarkable woman to have claimed the heart of a man who has loved two queens."

Kusal looked rather as though he had just swallowed a wasp.

Feel free! I do enjoy some drama. :smallwink:

[moossabi]

"Greeting and welcome to Avonlea. We are pleased to have our close neighbors here to join us in celebration." Thalia was unsure of the social hierarchy of the assemblage before her, but the one speaking seemed to be "in charge" even if it was only because he spoke for the group.

"I thank you for your gift, our meeting has been too long delayed, perhaps today we start a long period of friendly relations between our people."

"Indeed. We have been neighbors for so long, and yet we have hardly met. Such a bizarre oversight on our part..." As he talks, Oshenvar splits off from the group, seemingly moving towards Duke Sand and the Autumnal group. As he goes, two Gnolls follow him, acting as bodyguards. "Oh, do not mind him," Pralkamiri states flatly at his departure. "We have some degree of business to discuss with our pure-blooded cousins, and so he'll be handling that while we can discuss formal matters between us."


It had been some time since Duke Sand had been sent by Cynel to attend a diplomatic soirée and he relished it. His prestige and presence alongside the Lady Autumn had conferred on him many honors which had included, he'd discovered, a commission and appointment as a general for the Autumn Court. This had happened before the Rose Contract had been sealed much to the chagrin of Lord Summer's more stringent requirements for the military. Even if he wasn't kept out he still found himself directed by Lord Summer on the least dangerous and most easily attainable campaigns. It wasn't that which bothered him however, in fact he preferred the easy campaigns for they allowed him to drink and eat merrily all along the "march" and subsequent occupation.

No, what made this trip a true relief was his last campaign. In truth it hadn't been "his" campaign per se but occurring along the Rose Coast it had been within his range of interests and he'd managed to tag along by virtue of his rank. His campaign before that, into Bluewater Bay, had been quite pleasant and he had been eager for a repeat. The Thyrngar Ranger who had led the campaign however had not been inclined to enjoy the campaign nearly as much as Sand preferred to. The Summer Aeldir had only brought dried meat and bread to eat as they traveled and had balked at the idea of buying a herd of cattle or hiring a Tillwell chef. Even disregarding his poor companions the region itself was a brackish backwater filled with malcontented half feral Geshem liable to cook and eat an Aeldir as much as try to talk to one. Yes, this return to the role of the diplomat was welcome. Rarely did diplomatic events involve sleeping in mud nor did they have so narrow a buffet.

Being a Spring Aeldir himself even if he was not of the Court he had ridden in with Lady Spring. He hadn't been especially comfortable with the Salvax at the start of the trip but had grown to appreciate them over the course of the trip, especially Bas Pride. As they docked and came ashore he fell back behind the Salvax and Ladies Owena and Kellianth. He was dressed in a sharply cut dress robe of cotton and silk that wore the mottled yellows, reds, and browns so favored by the Autumn Court and that he was a Spring Boy here on business would make clear that he was not of the Spring Court. He did not deign to interrupt as Lady Spring spoke with the High Queen however and stood by as they talked, glancing around to eye the other guests.

Spotting Lady Autumn's associate among the other guests, Oshenvar detaches himself from the main group to speak with them. With the Gnolls at his tail, he wove in between the other groups (making a huge detour to avoid the Primus delegation), making his way to the Spring Aeldir. "Hello again, Duke Sand. It's been a while since we last saw each other. I would like to inquire as to whether or not Lady Autumn will be in attendance, as we might possibly have some business to conduct."

I know that she isn't, but I'm trying to act logically.

[HalfTangible]

"I think you will find our men quite accommodating and to your liking." Her gaze moved to Phelnia,

"I enjoy the dancing too, though my two younger children were conceived during a Goddess Moon, so I have to admit being fond of both." Illydae licked her lips. Her appetite was even greater than her mother's, to the degree that even the other Primal thought it unhealthy. The news that she'd have as many men as she could get was very appealing to her.

"I love children." Phelnia's voice cracked, and it held a bitter tone. "They're not the problem, I-"

"I believe," Rikadime interrupted, glancing between the two, "That we should not trouble the High Queen with this private matter."

Phelnia glared at her. "Is that an order?"

"No. If you wish to tell High Queen Thalia about your condition, by all means, do so. I simply think it's a topic for a less... festive time."


Thalia smiled and looked surprised as she was offered the gift, and motioned one of her maids forward to retrieve it. Upon opening, Thalia's eyes lit up,

"It's beautiful truly, Thank you for this small piece of your homeland. It will be an honor to wear it." She motioned to Avalinda who draped the necklace around Thalia's neck and fastened it,Lady Navus curtsied. "And you honor us by wearing it, High Queen. I hope that our peoples can grow closer and that this shall only be the start of the honors we exchange."

Her flattery was deliberate, but not insincere. The gift was small and humble, and Rikadime had honestly been worried it'd been too small. Thalia's acceptance spoke both of a keen eye for value and a humility that was refreshing amongst the arrogant, cajoling nobility and royalty of the various kingdoms House Navus had to work with. Rikadime smiled to herself. Avonlea was far from Primus, but that didn't mean they couldn't be friendly.


"How does it look?" She smiled and directed her question at Breydice.

Breydice blinked, the unexpected question throwing her off. "... It's color is shifting to match your preference - that is normal. The speed at which it does so is higher than normal, but not entirely unheard of. It does not seem to-"

Rikadime glared at her. "Breydice, she meant how it looks on her."

"... Oh. It looks lovely, as do you."

[TheDarkDM]

The arrival of Lord Winter to the festivities was perhaps unexpected, but was nevertheless noted by all. From her vantage point upon the castle balcony, the High Queen could well see dim shapes on the horizon resolving into a row of longships, black hulled and black sailed, cutting through the sparkling surf. The line was followed by another, and another followed after that, until ten lines of tenfold longships in v-formation were sliding silently into Wraith Harbor, the largest fleet assembled in living memory. Above the fleet wheeled a massive conspiracy of ravens and at its head, proud banner of the Rose Courts flying from its mast, was a longship of singular size and beauty. Its prow adorned with a silver raven of immense size, wings outstretched and beak agape in a silent cry, it could be but one vessel - Lord Winter's flagship, Judgement.

Entering the protective bay of the harbor, the fleet split in Judgement's wake, forming a pair of creaking false islands to either side of the docks. Thousands of glittering black eyes stared from beneath coldblood helms, but one among the assemblage drew the attention of all watching. For standing alongside his figurehead, white hair rippling in the salt breeze, was Lord Winter himself. The rocking of the waves seemed not to phase him as his ship made its way to the nearest berth. Indeed, the spray seemed hardly to touch the ancient lord, and when he descended the gangplank to attend the welcoming maiden his black surcoat was dry. It was an intricate thing, slit up the front and held across the chest by four circular silver clasps, belted at the waist then allowed to flare down to the Aeldir's knees. It seemed to shimmer as he moved, an effect that on closer inspection was due to the minute silver stitching in the rose silk, covering the garment in thousands of interlocking feathers. Beneath the coat was a high-collared black tunic and striped silver and black trousers, ending in a pair of high, silver buckled boots. The black circlet of his office rested on Lord Winter's brow, and his forearms were clad in intricately engraved coldblood bracers. Behind him followed two attendants, clad similarly if with far less extravagance, bearing a lacquered wooden case between them, glossy black and inlaid with silver and lapis lazuli roses.

The kiss Lord Winter stole from the waiting maiden was a powerful thing, cold and hungry, and seemed almost to have claimed her voice as he moved on towards Keya's Rest. Even the looming presence of the Aeldir lord was not enough to dampen the spirits of the rollicking peasantry, but the passage of the dark trio drew more than a few glances and muttered prayers. Balor Morrig paid them no mind - gradual exposure to the eccentricities of the outside world had prepared him for the trivial vulgarities of the peasantry, and besides that they owed allegiance to a rising star among the Aeldir's favored. To rebuke the commons would risk sullying that relationship.

Eventually, the final court of the Aeldir arrived at the resplendent cliffside castle. Lord Winter spared a friendly nod towards Lord Summer and Lady Spring as he passed the assemblage surrounding the queen's balcony, and as he emerged into the sunlight he favored the High Queen with a respectful bow.

<"I greet you, High Queen Thalia Darkthorne. You have my congratulations for the immensity of this occasion, and my gratitude for the kindness of your invitation. Know me as Balor Morrig, Lord Winter of the Aeldir, First Knight of the Lord of Death, Keeper of the Word.">

The Aeldir tongue flowed from his lips like poetry, no doubt to the surprise of many. Yet the other Aeldir knew it as a sign of his esteem for the High Queen, to assume her wise enough to have learned the Aeldir tongue and capable enough to speak it.

[Catrus]

Mariya had tried and tried to explain to the creatures who she was and what she was doing there, but they just stared at her and uttered their gibberish. Ugh! She stomped her foot in frustration as they left her again.

"Where are you going, HELLO!? You can't leave me here!"
The Inquisitor leaned against a large stone slab, currently serving as a table, across the top was strewn various maps, charts, logs and journals acquired from the trade ship that had brought the prisoner to the lands of the Vr'kx. This was the tenth such interview with the prisoner, and little had been learned thus far. The bizarre language of the prisoner was being incredibly difficult to decipher and translate. Even worse was that the various journals acquired from the vessels were seemingly written in several differing dialects, each stranger than the last. gL'tr was examining the map pondering at how anybody used it for navigation, with all the blank spaces between areas, when the prisoner was escorted in, and sat upon a chair opposite.

gL'tr poured water into a bowl, and slid it across the table to the prisoner. Opened his mouth to speak, hesitated, sighed, and then started. "We shall try this again. Shall we." He took a sip of his own water, and steeled himself for the seemingly impossible task before him.

"Origin?" He thought he had the correct pronunciation, but could not be certain, there was no accounting for accents, and the tongues of the Vr'kx were clearly not designed for such a primitive language. "Purpose? Parsley? Sanctuary?"

[Gengy]

"Lady Spring, it is so good to finally meet you. You and yours", her voice trailed off for a moment as she regarded the large animals,

"Are very welcome here!" Her face broke into a welcoming smile.

"Thank you very much for the staff, it is unusual and beautiful." Like yourself, Thalia thought to herself, unsure if being found "unusual" would be considered offensive to the little Lady. Thalia noticed the children had stopped their play and had gathered in a semi-circle to goggle at the animals in wonder.

"Kitty!" A rambunctious blue haired toddler held her hands out to the large "cat", an older child holding her back from pouncing on the creature.

"We is must talk more, later. You is greeting guests." Lady Kellianth says, with a smirk, and a glance at 'Duke' Sand behind her. The 'Duke' and her had not spoken much on the trip. She had not cared to seek him out, as it bothered her - not that she let it show - that there was a Spring Boy in such high standing. Yet, he was favored by Aunty Cynel, and had ridden into battle some time ago and proven himself. Kellianth could not but acknowledge that, and had been ever so gracious at accepting him on the ship with her and the Salvax. Bas Pride seemed to like him. "I is want talk very very lots about... what is name? Ah! Freia Silvervein. We do so later, yes?"

Meanwhile, Bas Pride had noticed the children. ::Confusion. Spring Court?::

"No, Bas Pride," Lady Owena said, quietly, so as not to interrupt the Lady Spring and the High Queen, "these are... Avonlean Kits. Children. Avonlea has no version of a Spring Court."

::Caution. Care. Suggestion. Play.:: Warchod Prejudice conveyed. The Salvax 'spoke' in feelings, of a sort. It took some time to hear them, but Owena was among the best, second only to the Salvax Ri himself, whom could hold entire dialogues in intricate ways that even Owena could not. It was suspected that his time upon Tir Xungla had allowed the Salvax Ri to begin conveying his own feelings in a similar manner to the Salvax speech itself, but none of the translators for the Salvax could 'hear' him when they tried it between themselves.

The Warchod's suggestion was taken note of, however, and approaching with a solid leap, Bas Pride soared over the heads of the children present, and into a waiting sunbeam on the other side of them, where he promptly rolled over on to his back, all four legs in the air, claws retracted. ::Play. Assent. Kits. Caution. Conveyance of message.::

"Hello children," Owena said. "That is the mighty leader of the South Hunt, Bas Pride of the Salvax. He is no mere kitty, but he would be willing to allow you to pet him. Be mindful of his paws. And should you ask nicely, Warchod Prejudice here might be willing to let you ride upon her back."

Later...

Lady Spring had not found it surprising that both Lords Summer and Winter were here. Grandpop Balor seemed to favor this Helia Whitstone almost as much as Cousin Drustan, and while it made absolutely no sense to Kellianth why they were just giving away advancements in armor with no recourse or stipulations regarding it's use or further trade, Lord Summer was quite adamant that a deal had already been struck, and nothing Lady Spring said could change it. This kind of disregard for the Spring Court's duties within the Rose Contract left Kellianth - in her idle moments - privately considering building an army with the Salvax and the newly discovered Warven, just for spite. Not to attack; but to make it so that Lord Summer, bound by the Rose Contract himself, would be in charge of non-Aeldir troops, a thing he had expressed displeasure for.

She had not done it... yet. But it amused her to consider the idea. And every time she saw him with this Helia Whitstone, it only made her more and more certain that one of these days, she would write that order, and it would be carried out before Lord Summer could do a thing about it. So Kellianth was not surprised to see her again, at the side of Cousin Drustan, and her mood dwindled further when Grandpop Balor arrived and - of all things - spoke to the High Queen in the Aeldir Tongue. A sign of great respect, for sure, but now Lady Spring looked the fool for not doing it as well. Why, the very thought of what Aunty Cynel would say when she found out - so polite, but dripping with insinuation - was making Kellinath lose her smile.

Kellianth turned her attention elsewhere, trying to find a distraction. There. The delegation from Primus. That would do.

"High Queen Breydice," Lady Spring began, as she got close, "I is very very sad when hear about your mother. Strong woman. You is do well, following her as you is. Best Friend Aleuta have very very lots good things to say about you and Primus. Is new Girl, Rhona, doing well? She write to say she on tour of lands now."

[Zayuz]

"We did receive the gift, and with thanks. It was generous indeed. I have a gift as well, I hope you consider it a small, but sincere token of friendship." Lisare had reappeared, this time sporting a small, green Aspis on her shoulder. She approached Queen Lilia and delicately moved the creature from her shoulder to her hand, the baby Aspis nipped at her fingers as she offered it forward to Lilia.

"Lisare will show you to my Aspis Keeper, who will explain how to properly care for your new ward." Thalia smiled graciously, hoping her gift had gone over well.
http://pre06.deviantart.net/2b90/th/pre/i/2014/268/c/7/small_dragon_by_spartanen-d80gjin.jpg

A short gasp would escape her lips, seeing the precious creature on the queen's hand. "This.. I.." Lilia looked up to Queen Thalia with an elated expression, slowly extending one hand to the Aspis while the other hovered gently over her chest. Not only was this a gift of great value, but it was also of supreme religious importance and symbolism. There was no amount of gold or influence that could compare to such a gift; to be bestowed a holy creature was an honor above all others.

Lilia takes a moment to regain her composure, placing a gentle finger over the creature's back. It nipped at her lightly, though she had hardly noticed. "It's beautiful." She says softly, focusing on the small dragon. It returned her gaze with a stare of it's own, causing her to blush lightly. "You have my most sincere thanks, Queen Thalia. Such a gift means to me much more than one might imagine.. I would repay you in some kind, though I fear that I own nothing throughout all my land that could compare to it.." A few tears start to form in her eyes, which the promptly wipes away with her free hand.

"If you ever need or desire anything of my people, it would do me great happiness to fulfill said wish." Lilia found herself enthralled by the Aspis, her worries of being in the foreign court disappearing. In fact, she was so distracted that she hadn't even noticed the hundred black vessels that pulled in through the port.. How could she ever repay such a gift? Perhaps if the Sapphire division won the bid for the star-metal.. But would they give it up? Would they understand what this meant? One thing was for sure, it would take the dynasty a long time to repay them otherwise..

[Elemental]

A single Ancerin ship, the Star of Azand made landfall. While not as structurally advanced as the Aeldir vessels, it was clear no expense had been spared on its construction and there were many decorative elements, from the prow carved in the image of a rearing horse to the gilded lettering stating the ship's name. Alessandra and her rather small party disembarked from the ship in relative silence. The Grand Princess politely accepted the offered garland while her guards with some disappointment declined the offered kisses. With as much haste as could be politely managed, they set off for the castle, ignoring the vendors and their exotic wares.
After being shown into the presence of Thalia Darkthorne, the head of Alessandra's personal guard, as evidenced by the golden medals adorning his red uniform announced her:
"It is my honour and pleasure to announce Her Grace, Alessandra de Altan, Grand Princess of Anceris, Keeper of the Keys and Lord of the City of Azandria." Then, as one, the guards all lowered themselves to one knee revealing in their midst the ruler of Anceris. Alessandra was dressed in a black silk gown set with tiny sparkling black stones and a hooded black cloak embroidered down the front in silver. She wore a rope of white pearls with emeralds between every fourth pearl. A sword, the hilt of which was set with pale green stones, was belted at her waist. She lowered her hood with a black gloved hand to reveal that the Ancerin ruler had aged considerably in the three years since the occasion of her Silver Jubilee. Her once dark brown hair was liberally streaked with grey and silver and her eyes were visibly tired.
"Honour and prosperity to you Thalia Darkthorne. It is a pleasure to be present on this most auspicious occasion."


Later on...

Alessandra and her guards had kept their eyes out for someone from the Spring Court and were very fortunate to find Lady Spring herself. The urgency of the matter they wished to discuss with her was such that they were prepared to interrupt whatever conversations she was engaged in, but fortunately, there was a lull which permitted Alessandra to approach. Uncharacteristically, she bowed before the Aeldir girl.
"Lady Spring, I sincerely hope you have received my message regarding the disappearance of Cynfonni. As her guardian I have failed her and you also. I have dispatched agents throughout my realm and every ship entering or leaving Azandria is being searched, but there is as yet no sign of her."

[PepperP.]

I've taken the liberty of borrowing Reza, for the sake of stirring up some mischief :smallwink: Feel free to step in at any time.

It felt strange for Kusal not to be heading a delegation, as he had done before the formation of the League, but, while the king retained his own court, negotiations relating to the whole League were now to be handled by the Ambrosans. It came as something of a relief for him, though not without a degree of frustration too. Still, he trusted that if Derris believed he needed his advice he would ask for it. With the other handful of dignitaries from Nand, he remained towards the rear of the League's delegation as they arrived, acknowledging his introduction politely, but not wanting to intrude, especially as the arrival became a family affair.

As they parted from the High Queen, Kusal and Reza spied each other and the ambassador approached, giving a swift bow to his former master.

"Ambassador," Kusal said with a nod, and turned to his Ambrosan colleagues. "Might I present Reza, who has been our kingdom's ambassador in Nand for several years."

"I am honoured to meet you all," the ambassador said, bowing to each of the senior delegates in turn. "Lord Protos, if you wish anything of me, you need but ask." He greeted the others cordially, until he reached Maldarr and Willa. "Delighted to meet you, my lady," he said, kissing her hand, with a slight twinkle in his eye. "You must truly be a remarkable woman to have claimed the heart of a man who has loved two queens."

Kusal looked rather as though he had just swallowed a wasp.



Adelie pulled away from her father, her serious face pulled into a smile as she backed away towards her mother. Suddenly keenly aware of the entire Province delegation watching their exchange, all but Maldarr's new bride that was, who was studiously examining the ground at her feet, Thalia released her hold on Nyle and bid her maid Lisare to get drinks so that they may toast in celebration, today was a day for unification in more ways than one. As Lisare passed around goblets of wine, Thalia raised her glass,

"To Unity!" She heard many voices take up the cry, but her eyes were only for Maldarr.

Feel free! I do enjoy some drama. :smallwink:

"To Unity!" The Ambrosans took up the cry and quaffed their wine, Maldarr still lingered with the Queen and their children as the party started to mingle. Derris caught his eye and gave his friend a subtle warning nod towards Willa. Maldarr pursed his lips in irritation, at Willa and at the guilt he felt in the presence of Thalia. His marriage to Willa had not been a choice, his bride had come to him happily until she had realized that he wed her in duty and was not like to get more than duty from him. Long ago, when they were but children, Maldarr had offered Belinda his heart and she had politely returned it in favor of wedding Derris, then a rising Polemarchos. A wise choice, Maldarr had to admit. Thalia though, had not only taken his heart, but guarded it jealously under lock and key. She had left none for Willa.

Maldarr dutifully made his way to his wife's side as Kusal was introducing the ambassador Reza to the Ambrosan delegation. Maldarr had met the man before, under rather questionable circumstances. His mind went back to the Nanda Triumph and coming upon Reza being attended by Thalia's maids. He glanced around at the several blue haired children at play, he's certainly been busy. Maldarr put his arm around his wife, who jumped, startled then looked almost grateful to see it was him. Maldarr had another inconvenient pang of guilt and stroked her back gently. This could not be easy for her either, he reminded himself. Just then, Reza greeted Willa with a comment of Maldarr having had loved two queens, Maldarr's anger quickly boiled over as the blue haired man attempted an innocent smirk. As from a distance, he heard his wife say,

"It was an arranged marriage, Ser." Her words were like ice, cold and stiff as she pulled away from Maldarr and took her leave of the balcony, head held high as she stormed out. Maldarr did not move, but the baleful gaze of his one good eye was quietly focused on Reza as though marking him for later revenge. It was Derris who interceded himself between the two men,

"Go after her." He spoke softly, he knew his friend well and this could go very badly if not treated gently. After another long, uncomfortable moment, Maldarr turned his gaze to Derris and said simply,

"Yes." He turned and stalked away without a backwards glance. Derris turned to look at Kusal with a raised eyebrow, clearly questioning his choice of ambassador.

[m9p909]

A large band of halflings hiding beneath their cloaks ride up to the harbor. There are about 20 of them, some are asleep in beds that are strapped on the backs of the lizards. There is a large bed in the center being carried by two lizards with curtains drawn.

When they reach the docks the halflings lower their hoods and walk around chatting with the merchants, and buying small trinkets and cigars. The halflings now shown to be Yayflese, the beautiful designs on the silverware captured their attention for quite a few minutes, mentioning to one another the different designs and trying to interpret their meanings. Every now and then the yayfle in the middle would make a joke and everyone else would laugh, he was clearly their leader.

After shopping around the harbor for a while the band was shown by one of the guards the way to the castle. The band, tired from their long journey, were very grateful to the strong men who offered to carry them up in litters. Niran Wanam himself steps out first to greet the lady, followed by Elwrich Burch.

" Good afternoon, Queen Darkthorne , t'is an honour to finally make your acquaintance, we are all very excited for the festivities tonight."

Niran Wanam pauses for a moment

"Oh and this is Elwrich Burch whom I intend to make Wanam in a year, maybe two. "

Elwrich steps up

"Geetings Queen Darkthorn, for you ,the hostess, we have brought a gold statue of the wind"

The golden statue has intertwining swirls sprouting from the base with the crescent moon at the top.

[HalfTangible]

Kellianth turned her attention elsewhere, trying to find a distraction. There. The delegation from Primus. That would do.

"High Queen Breydice," Lady Spring began, as she got close, "I is very very sad when hear about your mother. Strong woman. You is do well, following her as you is. Best Friend Aleuta have very very lots good things to say about you and Primus. Is new Girl, Rhona, doing well? She write to say she on tour of lands now."

"Indeed. Rhona should be in Quintas at the moment. She's doing very well."Breydice nodded, her face as stone. (Though judging from Aleuta's words, this was just her normal face) "I thought it best to keep her out of Primus proper until the rebellion there is put down. They are not a long-term concern, and she should be able to come by the time her tour is complete." She used the trade language, and kept her grammar and enunciation as precise as possible. Kellianth wasn't a fool, but she evidently had trouble with the language.

Phelnia glanced towards the harbor. "It seems Lord Winter believes there will be trouble." She said, a hint of dry sarcasm slipping into her tone.

The Aima next to her split his face into a wide grin. "Spring blood slow. Need water?"

Lady Navus curtsied to the Lady Spring, but kept silent. If Kellianth wanted to talk to the sovereign, that was not her concern.

[Gengy]

"Indeed. Rhona should be in Quintas at the moment. She's doing very well."Breydice nodded, her face as stone. (Though judging from Aleuta's words, this was just her normal face) "I thought it best to keep her out of Primus proper until the rebellion there is put down. They are not a long-term concern, and she should be able to come by the time her tour is complete." She used the trade language, and kept her grammar and enunciation as precise as possible. Kellianth wasn't a fool, but she evidently had trouble with the language.

Phelnia glanced towards the harbor. "It seems Lord Winter believes there will be trouble." She said, a hint of dry sarcasm slipping into her tone.

The Aima next to her split his face into a wide grin. "Spring blood slow. Need water?"

Lady Navus curtsied to the Lady Spring, but kept silent. If Kellianth wanted to talk to the sovereign, that was not her concern.

"Is smart. Keep Rhona out of trouble. Unlike some." Lady Spring looked at Phelnia, and smirked. "Grandpop Balor is think there be no trouble. Is firm man. Make sure there is no trouble. Is going from here to island, up north. Is unruly peoples there. Grandpop Balor is think there still be no trouble... with so many ships. Is still... cautious. Could be new Theodon? Give trouble where none expected. Arenhal very amusing to Aeldir. I is thinking that Lord Summer want to meet man whom can hold off very very lots attacks, with so very very not lots. Very very respect."

Looking at the Aima, Kellianth says, "You is think my blood slow? Is... insult, or poor word understanding?"


Later on...

Alessandra and her guards had kept their eyes out for someone from the Spring Court and were very fortunate to find Lady Spring herself. The urgency of the matter they wished to discuss with her was such that they were prepared to interrupt whatever conversations she was engaged in, but fortunately, there was a lull which permitted Alessandra to approach. Uncharacteristically, she bowed before the Aeldir girl.
"Lady Spring, I sincerely hope you have received my message regarding the disappearance of Cynfonni. As her guardian I have failed her and you also. I have dispatched agents throughout my realm and every ship entering or leaving Azandria is being searched, but there is as yet no sign of her."
"Grand Princess Alessandra." Lady Spring said, slowly, carefully, trying to make sure each syllable came out right. "Is please be patient. Is important we talk. Is bad talk with no Owena. Owena!"

The Spring Court Girl that had been staying with the Salvax approached, quite quickly. Lady Spring and Owena quickly conversed in the Aeldir Tongue for a moment, and Owena began, "The Lady Spring apologizes for having to utilize an intermediary like this on an important matter, but she finds that the Trade Tongue is not her favorite language, and the well being of Cynfonni is of dire concern to her and the Aeldir as a whole. As of yet, she has not had the chance to meet with Lord Summer concerning the disappearance, but she suspects that Lord Drustan will wish to discuss... the ramifications of a missing member of our Court. She would like me to convey that she does not hold you personally responsible, but it is something of an embarrassment that this situation has blown up like this. Cynfonni had high praise for you and your kin, even before she was reintroduced to the enforced bed-times of your nation. That, honestly, was her only real complaint. Lady Kellianth is curious as to why, after a couple years of relaxed bed-times and hard work for your kingdom, did Cynfonni suddenly require a chaperon and bed-times again? She is aware of the letter sent to the Courts - Lady Autumn was quite surprised by it's arrival, we have been give to believe - but cannot fathom what the one had to do with the other. She is very interested as to what, currently, you wish from the Rose Courts, because as it stands now, she is quite lost as to what to do if we are to remain friendly as we have been for this past decade and a half."

[Mary_Sue]

It had been some time since Duke Sand had been sent by Cynel to attend a diplomatic soirée and he relished it. His prestige and presence alongside the Lady Autumn had conferred on him many honors which had included, he'd discovered, a commission and appointment as a general for the Autumn Court. This had happened before the Rose Contract had been sealed much to the chagrin of Lord Summer's more stringent requirements for the military. Even if he wasn't kept out he still found himself directed by Lord Summer on the least dangerous and most easily attainable campaigns. It wasn't that which bothered him however, in fact he preferred the easy campaigns for they allowed him to drink and eat merrily all along the "march" and subsequent occupation.

No, what made this trip a true relief was his last campaign. In truth it hadn't been "his" campaign per se but occurring along the Rose Coast it had been within his range of interests and he'd managed to tag along by virtue of his rank. His campaign before that, into Bluewater Bay, had been quite pleasant and he had been eager for a repeat. The Thyrngar Ranger who had led the campaign however had not been inclined to enjoy the campaign nearly as much as Sand preferred to. The Summer Aeldir had only brought dried meat and bread to eat as they traveled and had balked at the idea of buying a herd of cattle or hiring a Tillwell chef. Even disregarding his poor companions the region itself was a brackish backwater filled with malcontented half feral Geshem liable to cook and eat an Aeldir as much as try to talk to one. Yes, this return to the role of the diplomat was welcome. Rarely did diplomatic events involve sleeping in mud nor did they have so narrow a buffet.

Being a Spring Aeldir himself even if he was not of the Court he had ridden in with Lady Spring. He hadn't been especially comfortable with the Salvax at the start of the trip but had grown to appreciate them over the course of the trip, especially Bas Pride. As they docked and came ashore he fell back behind the Salvax and Ladies Owena and Kellianth. He was dressed in a sharply cut dress robe of cotton and silk that wore the mottled yellows, reds, and browns so favored by the Autumn Court and that he was a Spring Boy here on business would make clear that he was not of the Spring Court. He did not deign to interrupt as Lady Spring spoke with the High Queen however and stood by as they talked, glancing around to eye the other guests.


"We is must talk more, later. You is greeting guests." Lady Kellianth says, with a smirk, and a glance at 'Duke' Sand behind her. The 'Duke' and her had not spoken much on the trip. She had not cared to seek him out, as it bothered her - not that she let it show - that there was a Spring Boy in such high standing. Yet, he was favored by Aunty Cynel, and had ridden into battle some time ago and proven himself. Kellianth could not but acknowledge that, and had been ever so gracious at accepting him on the ship with her and the Salvax. Bas Pride seemed to like him. "I is want talk very very lots about... what is name? Ah! Freia Silvervein. We do so later, yes?"

Meanwhile, Bas Pride had noticed the children. ::Confusion. Spring Court?::

"No, Bas Pride," Lady Owena said, quietly, so as not to interrupt the Lady Spring and the High Queen, "these are... Avonlean Kits. Children. Avonlea has no version of a Spring Court."

::Caution. Care. Suggestion. Play.:: Warchod Prejudice conveyed. The Salvax 'spoke' in feelings, of a sort. It took some time to hear them, but Owena was among the best, second only to the Salvax Ri himself, whom could hold entire dialogues in intricate ways that even Owena could not. It was suspected that his time upon Tir Xungla had allowed the Salvax Ri to begin conveying his own feelings in a similar manner to the Salvax speech itself, but none of the translators for the Salvax could 'hear' him when they tried it between themselves.

The Warchod's suggestion was taken note of, however, and approaching with a solid leap, Bas Pride soared over the heads of the children present, and into a waiting sunbeam on the other side of them, where he promptly rolled over on to his back, all four legs in the air, claws retracted. ::Play. Assent. Kits. Caution. Conveyance of message.::

"Hello children," Owena said. "That is the mighty leader of the South Hunt, Bas Pride of the Salvax. He is no mere kitty, but he would be willing to allow you to pet him. Be mindful of his paws. And should you ask nicely, Warchod Prejudice here might be willing to let you ride upon her back."

Later...

Lady Spring had not found it surprising that both Lords Summer and Winter were here. Grandpop Balor seemed to favor this Helia Whitstone almost as much as Cousin Drustan, and while it made absolutely no sense to Kellianth why they were just giving away advancements in armor with no recourse or stipulations regarding it's use or further trade, Lord Summer was quite adamant that a deal had already been struck, and nothing Lady Spring said could change it. This kind of disregard for the Spring Court's duties within the Rose Contract left Kellianth - in her idle moments - privately considering building an army with the Salvax and the newly discovered Warven, just for spite. Not to attack; but to make it so that Lord Summer, bound by the Rose Contract himself, would be in charge of non-Aeldir troops, a thing he had expressed displeasure for.

She had not done it... yet. But it amused her to consider the idea. And every time she saw him with this Helia Whitstone, it only made her more and more certain that one of these days, she would write that order, and it would be carried out before Lord Summer could do a thing about it. So Kellianth was not surprised to see her again, at the side of Cousin Drustan, and her mood dwindled further when Grandpop Balor arrived and - of all things - spoke to the High Queen in the Aeldir Tongue. A sign of great respect, for sure, but now Lady Spring looked the fool for not doing it as well. Why, the very thought of what Aunty Cynel would say when she found out - so polite, but dripping with insinuation - was making Kellinath lose her smile.


Though she appeared a child, and they had only just met, Thalia knew enough of the Spring Court and the Aeldir, to take the girl seriously and treat her with respect. And so when the Little Lady broached the subject of the Bellarion Silversmith, Thalia's smile turned to a look of concern,

"Yes, there has been much interest in Miss Freia's work. I understand she has had several offers, including our two. While it was kind of you to offer an exchange for the rights to the star metal, I'm afraid those rights are not mine to give. If you would, you may discuss this further with the Prophetess Council in more detail." Her voice was filled with apology, though to be true, she and the Council agreed on this matter, for once.

As the children were welcomed to interact with the animals, they became suddenly cautious and inched forward slowly, all but the rambunctious blue-haired toddler of Tena's, who bounded forward and threw her small, pudgy arms around the great cat and buried her little face in his fur.

"Nice kitty." Her happy voice came muffled through the fur. The other children grew braver and crept forward, stroking the tiger gently in wonder.

Thalia spotted a familiar face in the back of the Spring Aeldir group,

"Duke Sand! It has been long and again since we last met. I am certain you have been up to many adventures, tell me, how fare you good Ser?" Thalia had developed a fondness for the little Duke and his clever ways at the Summit. Still, she remembered his kind warning to her, though cryptic at the time, it was now plain to her what he had wished to warn her against. It had been Helia who had caught the attention of the Lords Summer and Winter, however, and not the Queen herself. Helia had been the fairest amidst a people of fair, and the beauty of the realm had been diminished with her absence.


"Indeed. We have been neighbors for so long, and yet we have hardly met. Such a bizarre oversight on our part..." As he talks, Oshenvar splits off from the group, seemingly moving towards Duke Sand and the Autumnal group. As he goes, two Gnolls follow him, acting as bodyguards. "Oh, do not mind him," Pralkamiri states flatly at his departure. "We have some degree of business to discuss with our pure-blooded cousins, and so he'll be handling that while we can discuss formal matters between us."

Thalia's eyes followed Oshenvar, her eyes lingering on the gnolls. She had not before seen such, they were fearsome creatures to behold. Her attention shifted back to Pralkamiri as he mentioned formal matters to discuss,

"Do you have matters you wish to speak with me of?" She asked curiously.


Illydae licked her lips. Her appetite was even greater than her mother's, to the degree that even the other Primal thought it unhealthy. The news that she'd have as many men as she could get was very appealing to her.

"I love children." Phelnia's voice cracked, and it held a bitter tone. "They're not the problem, I-"

"I believe," Rikadime interrupted, glancing between the two, "That we should not trouble the High Queen with this private matter."

Phelnia glared at her. "Is that an order?"

"No. If you wish to tell High Queen Thalia about your condition, by all means, do so. I simply think it's a topic for a less... festive time."

Lady Navus curtsied. "And you honor us by wearing it, High Queen. I hope that our peoples can grow closer and that this shall only be the start of the honors we exchange."

Her flattery was deliberate, but not insincere. The gift was small and humble, and Rikadime had honestly been worried it'd been too small. Thalia's acceptance spoke both of a keen eye for value and a humility that was refreshing amongst the arrogant, cajoling nobility and royalty of the various kingdoms House Navus had to work with. Rikadime smiled to herself. Avonlea was far from Primus, but that didn't mean they couldn't be friendly.

Breydice blinked, the unexpected question throwing her off. "... It's color is shifting to match your preference - that is normal. The speed at which it does so is higher than normal, but not entirely unheard of. It does not seem to-"

Rikadime glared at her. "Breydice, she meant how it looks on her."

"... Oh. It looks lovely, as do you."

The Queen's eyebrow raised at Illydae's eagerness, it was almost enough for her to feel sorry for the men of Avonlea.

Thalia grinned at Breydice's matter of fact nature, and at the compliment,

"Thank you, you are very kind." She chose not to mention Phelnia's difficulty, she imagined it had something to do with her scar, a dreadful attack like that was sure to wound one within and without, and Thalia would not subject her to speaking of it with a practical stranger, though she was Queen and in her own lands.


The arrival of Lord Winter to the festivities was perhaps unexpected, but was nevertheless noted by all. From her vantage point upon the castle balcony, the High Queen could well see dim shapes on the horizon resolving into a row of longships, black hulled and black sailed, cutting through the sparkling surf. The line was followed by another, and another followed after that, until ten lines of tenfold longships in v-formation were sliding silently into Wraith Harbor, the largest fleet assembled in living memory. Above the fleet wheeled a massive conspiracy of ravens and at its head, proud banner of the Rose Courts flying from its mast, was a longship of singular size and beauty. Its prow adorned with a silver raven of immense size, wings outstretched and beak agape in a silent cry, it could be but one vessel - Lord Winter's flagship, Judgement.

Entering the protective bay of the harbor, the fleet split in Judgement's wake, forming a pair of creaking false islands to either side of the docks. Thousands of glittering black eyes stared from beneath coldblood helms, but one among the assemblage drew the attention of all watching. For standing alongside his figurehead, white hair rippling in the salt breeze, was Lord Winter himself. The rocking of the waves seemed not to phase him as his ship made its way to the nearest berth. Indeed, the spray seemed hardly to touch the ancient lord, and when he descended the gangplank to attend the welcoming maiden his black surcoat was dry. It was an intricate thing, slit up the front and held across the chest by four circular silver clasps, belted at the waist then allowed to flare down to the Aeldir's knees. It seemed to shimmer as he moved, an effect that on closer inspection was due to the minute silver stitching in the rose silk, covering the garment in thousands of interlocking feathers. Beneath the coat was a high-collared black tunic and striped silver and black trousers, ending in a pair of high, silver buckled boots. The black circlet of his office rested on Lord Winter's brow, and his forearms were clad in intricately engraved coldblood bracers. Behind him followed two attendants, clad similarly if with far less extravagance, bearing a lacquered wooden case between them, glossy black and inlaid with silver and lapis lazuli roses.

The kiss Lord Winter stole from the waiting maiden was a powerful thing, cold and hungry, and seemed almost to have claimed her voice as he moved on towards Keya's Rest. Even the looming presence of the Aeldir lord was not enough to dampen the spirits of the rollicking peasantry, but the passage of the dark trio drew more than a few glances and muttered prayers. Balor Morrig paid them no mind - gradual exposure to the eccentricities of the outside world had prepared him for the trivial vulgarities of the peasantry, and besides that they owed allegiance to a rising star among the Aeldir's favored. To rebuke the commons would risk sullying that relationship.

Eventually, the final court of the Aeldir arrived at the resplendent cliffside castle. Lord Winter spared a friendly nod towards Lord Summer and Lady Spring as he passed the assemblage surrounding the queen's balcony, and as he emerged into the sunlight he favored the High Queen with a respectful bow.

<"I greet you, High Queen Thalia Darkthorne. You have my congratulations for the immensity of this occasion, and my gratitude for the kindness of your invitation. Know me as Balor Morrig, Lord Winter of the Aeldir, First Knight of the Lord of Death, Keeper of the Word.">

The Aeldir tongue flowed from his lips like poetry, no doubt to the surprise of many. Yet the other Aeldir knew it as a sign of his esteem for the High Queen, to assume her wise enough to have learned the Aeldir tongue and capable enough to speak it.

An awed hush had fallen over her assembled maids as the brooding fleet of dark, almost sinister looking longships approached Wraith Harbor, giving credit to it's otherworldly name. The large mass of crows that circled above the ships left no doubt as to who the fleet belonged to. Even from a great distance, she could perceive Lord Winter's imperious form as he made his way through the oblivious rabble, a mighty mantis among gnats. Thalia suddenly wished she had dressed more formally, and worn her tall jeweled crown. She was keenly aware of her own fading beauty, stolen by advancing age, motherhood, and the stress of unifying the realm. She smoothed her still golden hair and gown self-consciously as she tried to still her nerves as she only half seriously considered trying to pass off her younger, otherwise identical cousin Lisare as herself.

The stories she had heard of the dread magnificence of the Lord of Winter had neither been overstated nor did the creature justice, for a being such as that which stood before her could not be called a mere man. Goose bumps raised her exposed flesh as he approached, his form commanded her attention and her eyes were locked on him. She flushed as he spoke to her in Aeldir, her own Aeldir speech was middling at best, though she understood his words well enough. Knowing it was a great honour he bestowed upon her, she did her best to respond in his own tongue,

"You do my realm a great honour M'Lord Balor." Thalia returned the Lord's bow.

"You and yours are most welcome here. Would you care for a beverage after your long journey? Perhaps some Mistwater Wine?" She considered for a moment,

"Although the Mistwater is said to bring visions to those so inclined to see them." She had spoken the last in her own tongue, smiling as she offered her own courtesy to the imposing figure. Her maids had remained silent throughout their exchange, even the children's voices were hushed as they went about their quiet play. Only Aris Morningsworn dared to approach the pair, brave in her innocence, a radiant maiden of seventeen curtsied deeply to Lord Winter, and Thalia obliged her with an introduction, switching back to Aeldir,

"If you please, Lord Balor. This is my heir, Aris Morningsworn (https://40.media.tumblr.com/0997a056c9d49e3a6c6865c4d6e6d6a7/tumblr_n8ad1a1LEt1tbgelzo1_500.png)." She presented the maid to the Great Lord,

"It is an honour, Ser." Aris spoke halting Aeldir, Thalia had bid all her maids to learn it, but without a dedicated tutor other than herself, they had attempted to comply with varying degrees of success.



The Inquisitor leaned against a large stone slab, currently serving as a table, across the top was strewn various maps, charts, logs and journals acquired from the trade ship that had brought the prisoner to the lands of the Vr'kx. This was the tenth such interview with the prisoner, and little had been learned thus far. The bizarre language of the prisoner was being incredibly difficult to decipher and translate. Even worse was that the various journals acquired from the vessels were seemingly written in several differing dialects, each stranger than the last. gL'tr was examining the map pondering at how anybody used it for navigation, with all the blank spaces between areas, when the prisoner was escorted in, and sat upon a chair opposite.

gL'tr poured water into a bowl, and slid it across the table to the prisoner. Opened his mouth to speak, hesitated, sighed, and then started. "We shall try this again. Shall we." He took a sip of his own water, and steeled himself for the seemingly impossible task before him.

"Origin?" He thought he had the correct pronunciation, but could not be certain, there was no accounting for accents, and the tongues of the Vr'kx were clearly not designed for such a primitive language. "Purpose? Parsley? Sanctuary?"

Mariya's voice had risen to a shout in an effort to force the great lumbering oafs to understand what she was trying to tell them. Suddenly she snatched the map away from the oaf and stood straight, peering at them seriously, she formally handed the document over to the one closest to her, waved her hand goodbye, and turned around and walked away as far as the small room afforded her movement. The she marched determinedly back over and snatched the paper away again, and again, handed it back to the oaf, waved and turned, shouting,

"Good-bye! It means that I am leaving now! Ok?" She stomped away and made a motion as if she was rowing away on a galley.


A short gasp would escape her lips, seeing the precious creature on the queen's hand. "This.. I.." Lilia looked up to Queen Thalia with an elated expression, slowly extending one hand to the Aspis while the other hovered gently over her chest. Not only was this a gift of great value, but it was also of supreme religious importance and symbolism. There was no amount of gold or influence that could compare to such a gift; to be bestowed a holy creature was an honor above all others.

Lilia takes a moment to regain her composure, placing a gentle finger over the creature's back. It nipped at her lightly, though she had hardly noticed. "It's beautiful." She says softly, focusing on the small dragon. It returned her gaze with a stare of it's own, causing her to blush lightly. "You have my most sincere thanks, Queen Thalia. Such a gift means to me much more than one might imagine.. I would repay you in some kind, though I fear that I own nothing throughout all my land that could compare to it.." A few tears start to form in her eyes, which the promptly wipes away with her free hand.

"If you ever need or desire anything of my people, it would do me great happiness to fulfill said wish." Lilia found herself enthralled by the Aspis, her worries of being in the foreign court disappearing. In fact, she was so distracted that she hadn't even noticed the hundred black vessels that pulled in through the port.. How could she ever repay such a gift? Perhaps if the Sapphire division won the bid for the star-metal.. But would they give it up? Would they understand what this meant? One thing was for sure, it would take the dynasty a long time to repay them otherwise..

Thalia smiled warmly at the other Queen's happiness.

"Our people's friendly relations is all that I wish." Thalia put her arm around Lilia and beckoned for Lisare to attend her,

"Please show the good Queen to Eysella" She directed her cousin,

"We will speak again at the feast." Thalia spoke as her maid whisked the scaled Queen to the royal Aspis Keeper for instructions on caring for the little god.


A large band of halflings hiding beneath their cloaks ride up to the harbor. There are about 20 of them, some are asleep in beds that are strapped on the backs of the lizards. There is a large bed in the center being carried by two lizards with curtains drawn.

When they reach the docks the halflings lower their hoods and walk around chatting with the merchants, and buying small trinkets and cigars. The halflings now shown to be Yayflese, the beautiful designs on the silverware captured their attention for quite a few minutes, mentioning to one another the different designs and trying to interpret their meanings. Every now and then the yayfle in the middle would make a joke and everyone else would laugh, he was clearly their leader.

After shopping around the harbor for a while the band was shown by one of the guards the way to the castle. The band, tired from their long journey, were very grateful to the strong men who offered to carry them up in litters. Niran Wanam himself steps out first to greet the lady, followed by Elwrich Burch.

" Good afternoon, Queen Darkthorne , t'is an honour to finally make your acquaintance, we are all very excited for the festivities tonight."

Niran Wanam pauses for a moment

"Oh and this is Elwrich Burch whom I intend to make Wanam in a year, maybe two. "

Elwrich steps up

"Geetings Queen Darkthorn, for you ,the hostess, we have brought a gold statue of the wind"

The golden statue has intertwining swirls sprouting from the base with the crescent moon at the top.

"Greetings to you, Wanam Niran and Elwrich. This is a fine gift and it does my realm a great honour to receive it in friendship. The moon is a powerful symbol to the Avonleans, indeed, it is in part what we are celebrating tonight. We are all looking forward to the festivities tonight." She glanced around at her handmaidens who assented to this eagerly,

"Several of your fellow union-mates have already preceded you in arrival, I dare say we have been well met." She had thus far had a favorable impression of the power that had been looming in the south for some time.

[HalfTangible]

"Is smart. Keep Rhona out of trouble. Unlike some." Lady Spring looked at Phelnia, and smirked. "Grandpop Balor is think there be no trouble. Is firm man. Make sure there is no trouble. Is going from here to island, up north. Is unruly peoples there. Grandpop Balor is think there still be no trouble... with so many ships. Is still... cautious. Could be new Theodon? Give trouble where none expected. Arenhal very amusing to Aeldir. I is thinking that Lord Summer want to meet man whom can hold off very very lots attacks, with so very very not lots. Very very respect."Phelnia didn't look convinced, but she didn't contradict the Spring girl. "Arenhal was certainly an eye-opening event."


Looking at the Aima, Kellianth says, "You is think my blood slow? Is... insult, or poor word understanding?"

"Apologies, Lady Spring - He meant no insult. The Aima can see blood, but can't speak very well." Phelnia held up Galorius' hand. "He's basically saying you look thirsty and wanted to know if he should get water for you."

Galorius nodded. "No water, blood slows. Make heart hurt."

[Catrus]

Mariya's voice had risen to a shout in an effort to force the great lumbering oafs to understand what she was trying to tell them. Suddenly she snatched the map away from the oaf and stood straight, peering at them seriously, she formally handed the document over to the one closest to her, waved her hand goodbye, and turned around and walked away as far as the small room afforded her movement. The she marched determinedly back over and snatched the paper away again, and again, handed it back to the oaf, waved and turned, shouting,

"Good-bye! It means that I am leaving now! Ok?" She stomped away and made a motion as if she was rowing away on a galley.
gL'tr stared at the strange little creature, as it dramatically strutted around the room. Yelling, and flailing around with such effort and determination. He was not sure if it was more frustrated at the goings on, or if he was. Probably did not matter, but it was a distracting line of thinking. Favourable to struggling with his assigned task. Yet it was his task, and had to be done.

He struggled with the bizarre language, but tried his best. "Purpose?" He held up the rolled document, indicating that that was the intended target of his question. "Yes?" He placed it onto the stone table, and unrolled it. "Invitation? Yes?"

He nodded to the guard by the door, who snatched the map from the prisoner and placed it on the table. gL'tr unrolled the map overtop the document. "Where?" He raised his hands, holding his palms up, in the same manner he had seen many small folk do when they did not understand the instructions they had been given, in the hopes that it was a universal primal instinct amongst their kind.

[Elemental]

"Grand Princess Alessandra." Lady Spring said, slowly, carefully, trying to make sure each syllable came out right. "Is please be patient. Is important we talk. Is bad talk with no Owena. Owena!"

The Spring Court Girl that had been staying with the Salvax approached, quite quickly. Lady Spring and Owena quickly conversed in the Aeldir Tongue for a moment, and Owena began, "The Lady Spring apologizes for having to utilize an intermediary like this on an important matter, but she finds that the Trade Tongue is not her favorite language, and the well being of Cynfonni is of dire concern to her and the Aeldir as a whole. As of yet, she has not had the chance to meet with Lord Summer concerning the disappearance, but she suspects that Lord Drustan will wish to discuss... the ramifications of a missing member of our Court. She would like me to convey that she does not hold you personally responsible, but it is something of an embarrassment that this situation has blown up like this. Cynfonni had high praise for you and your kin, even before she was reintroduced to the enforced bed-times of your nation. That, honestly, was her only real complaint. Lady Kellianth is curious as to why, after a couple years of relaxed bed-times and hard work for your kingdom, did Cynfonni suddenly require a chaperon and bed-times again? She is aware of the letter sent to the Courts - Lady Autumn was quite surprised by it's arrival, we have been give to believe - but cannot fathom what the one had to do with the other. She is very interested as to what, currently, you wish from the Rose Courts, because as it stands now, she is quite lost as to what to do if we are to remain friendly as we have been for this past decade and a half."

Despite the intervention of a translator, Alessandra continued to address the Lady Spring so that the Aeldir could see the truth in her eyes.
"The utilisation of an intermediary is more than acceptable under the circumstances. Rest assured that no expense has been spared in the search of Cynfonni, but the Principality is vast and even with the resources at my disposal it will take time to search everywhere. As soon as there is word you will be informed.
"Concerning the curfew and chaperone... There were mutterings among members of my court that Cynfonni was an Aeldir spy. In order to protect her from suspicion, I arranged for these measures to place her above suspicion. I regret not informing you of this, but at the the opinion of my court was against the Aeldir and still is. Your people do not endear themselves well to others I am afraid. We only had Cynfonni to judge you by and many assumed she had ulterior motives.
"As for what I wish from the Rose Courts? Nothing. Only what all want. Peace and that which is ours by right."

[Mary_Sue]

A single Ancerin ship, the Star of Azand made landfall. While not as structurally advanced as the Aeldir vessels, it was clear no expense had been spared on its construction and there were many decorative elements, from the prow carved in the image of a rearing horse to the gilded lettering stating the ship's name. Alessandra and her rather small party disembarked from the ship in relative silence. The Grand Princess politely accepted the offered garland while her guards with some disappointment declined the offered kisses. With as much haste as could be politely managed, they set off for the castle, ignoring the vendors and their exotic wares.
After being shown into the presence of Thalia Darkthorne, the head of Alessandra's personal guard, as evidenced by the golden medals adorning his red uniform announced her:
"It is my honour and pleasure to announce Her Grace, Alessandra de Altan, Grand Princess of Anceris, Keeper of the Keys and Lord of the City of Azandria." Then, as one, the guards all lowered themselves to one knee revealing in their midst the ruler of Anceris. Alessandra was dressed in a black silk gown set with tiny sparkling black stones and a hooded black cloak embroidered down the front in silver. She wore a rope of white pearls with emeralds between every fourth pearl. A sword, the hilt of which was set with pale green stones, was belted at her waist. She lowered her hood with a black gloved hand to reveal that the Ancerin ruler had aged considerably in the three years since the occasion of her Silver Jubilee. Her once dark brown hair was liberally streaked with grey and silver and her eyes were visibly tired.
"Honour and prosperity to you Thalia Darkthorne. It is a pleasure to be present on this most auspicious occasion."


Later on...

Alessandra and her guards had kept their eyes out for someone from the Spring Court and were very fortunate to find Lady Spring herself. The urgency of the matter they wished to discuss with her was such that they were prepared to interrupt whatever conversations she was engaged in, but fortunately, there was a lull which permitted Alessandra to approach. Uncharacteristically, she bowed before the Aeldir girl.
"Lady Spring, I sincerely hope you have received my message regarding the disappearance of Cynfonni. As her guardian I have failed her and you also. I have dispatched agents throughout my realm and every ship entering or leaving Azandria is being searched, but there is as yet no sign of her."

Thalia was taken aback by the regal woman's worn appearance, last time she saw the Princess, she had been hale.

"Greetings to you and thanks Grand princess, it is a pleasure to attend you in my home. Tell me, how fare you and your realm?" Thalia hoped for some explanation of the princess's current condition.

"Would you like a beverage, or perhaps a seat?" The Queen's tone bespoke her concern, yet she did not dare inquire directly into Alessandra's troubles, lest the woman be offended by her presumption.

[BootStrapTommy]

Many among the Nihonwyr believed the struggles in Lycarus were like to draw unwanted attention to Carraig Dún, despite the Marchnadwr's promises that such was not the case. The sudden arrival of an Avonlean emissary served as a catalyst for their fears. First Nihonwyr Dafydd stormed the Council Chambers of the Citadel to make the Nihonwyr's dissent known.

"Here we are, not a sol's removed from Lady Cerys' confounded entanglements on the surface, only to discover that half the bloody world now looks to our Noble City. The Nihonwyr warned you that the Lady's foreign machinations would bring nothing but trouble. And it looks as if our suspicions were correct. Surface dwellers now vie for the chance to ensnare us in the tendrils of their political games!"

"Come now, Margrave Dafydd, don't you think you're overreacting just a little? It's just a party, for Paragons' sake," the First Marchnadwr intoned in her own defense. The Exarch remained quiet, expressionless under the Visage of the Paragons.

"Dammit, brother! Why do you let that, that... damned temptress cloud your vision like she clouded father's!"

The Exarch stood, descending the his throne until he stood towering over the First Nihonwyr. Margrave Dafydd Penddraig was tall for a Nihoni, but was dwarfed by the abnormal stature of his elder brother. With a single swift motion the Exarch grabbed his little brother by the throat, lifting him to eye level. "Need I remind the First Nihonwyr of the Code? Or will I be forced to answer his continual filial impieties by making our family... smaller?" he threatened, pausing a moment before releasing his grip.

Dafydd fell to the ground sputtering. "So you're just going to let her wander off to paragons-know-where to let bloody surfacers sink their 'claws' into her?" the First Nihonwyr retorted with an angry look in his eye, rubbing his throat.

The Exarch paused again, visibly smoldering under his mask. 'Of course not. You'll be accompanying her.'

"Wait, wh..."
.
"We are done, Margrave. This is settled. I will not let centuries of stagnant tradition prevent Carraig Dún from prospering any longer; I am finishing what our father started. I'd suggest you get with the times, First Nihonwyr, lest you find yourself falling behind. Now do as your brother bids. Show the surfacers what a Nihonwyr looks like for me."

A look of indignation passed Dafydd's face. "Settled my arse..." he said before turning and storming out.

"All is not lost, dear nephew. Given your fondness for 'chasing tail' I'm sure that liberally lubricated with enough spirits, one those bloody surfacers will let you sink your 'claws' into her!" Lady Cerys called after her nephew with a wicked smile.

"Bloody hell! Was I that hotheaded at his age?" the Exarch inquired.

The First Marchnadwr smiled slyly. "I can neither confirm nor deny the matter..."

[Elemental]

Thalia was taken aback by the regal woman's worn appearance, last time she saw the Princess, she had been hale.

"Greetings to you and thanks Grand princess, it is a pleasure to attend you in my home. Tell me, how fare you and your realm?" Thalia hoped for some explanation of the princess's current condition.

"Would you like a beverage, or perhaps a seat?" The Queen's tone bespoke her concern, yet she did not dare inquire directly into Alessandra's troubles, lest the woman be offended by her presumption.

"The realm fares well. Prosperity and happiness abound despite the looming shadow cast by Tir Amser. I, however, do not fare as well. An illness has plagued me these past few years and recent events continue to wear away at my remaining strength. Do not concern yourself though, at this rate it will be years before I fully succumb. Plenty of time to tie up loose ends."
Her stance wavered momentarily, prompting one of her guards to stand and support her.
"A drink would be excellent. Something fortifying, but not too fortifying."

[Mary_Sue]

Many among the Nihonwyr believed the struggles in Lycarus were like to draw unwanted attention to Carraig Dún, despite the Marchnadwr's promises that such was not the case. The sudden arrival of an Avonlean emissaries served as a catalyst for their fears. First Nihonwyr Dafydd stormed the Council Chambers of the Citadel to make the Nihonwyr's dissent known.

"Here we are, not a sol's removed from Lady Cerys' confounded entanglements on the surface, only to discover that half the bloody world now looks to our Noble City. The Nihonwyr warned you that the Lady's foreign machinations would bring nothing but trouble. And it looks as if our suspicions were correct. Surface dwellers now vie for the chance to ensnare us in the tendrils of their political games!"

"Come now, Margrave Dafydd, don't you think you're overreacting just a little? It's just a party, for Paragon's sake," the First Marchnadwr intoned in her own defense. The Exarch remained quiet, expressionless under the Visage of the Paragons.

"Dammit, brother! Why do you let that, that... damned temptress cloud your vision like she clouded father's!"

The Exarch stood, descending the his throne until he stood towering over the First Nihonwyr. Margrave Dafydd Penddraig was tall for a Nihoni, but was dwarfed by the abnormal stature of his elder brother. With a single swift motion the Exarch grabbed his little brother by the throat, lifting him to eye level. "Need I remind the First Nihonwyr of the Code? Or will I be forced to answer his continual filial impieties by making our family... smaller?" he threatened, pausing a moment before releasing his grip.

"So you're just going to let her wander off to paragons-know-where to let bloody surfacers sink their 'claws' into her?" the First Nihonwyr retorted with an angry looking in his eye as he rubbed his neck.

The Exarch paused again, visibly smoldering under his mask. 'Of course not. You'll be accompanying her.'

"Wait, wh..."
.
"We are done, Margrave. This is settled. I will not let centuries of stagnant tradition prevent Carraig Dún from prospering any longer; I am finishing what our father started. I'd suggest you get with the times, First Nihonwyr, lest you find yourself falling behind. Now do as your brother bids. Show the surfacers what a Nihonwyr looks like for me."

A look of indignation passed Dafydd's face. "Settled my arse..." he said before turning and storing out.

"All is not lost, dear nephew. Given your fondness for 'chasing tail' I'm sure that liberally lubricated with enough spirits, one those bloody surfacers will let you sink your 'claws' into her!" Lady Cerys called after her nephew with a wicked smile.

"Bloody hell! Was I that hotheaded at his age?" the Exarch inquired.

The First Marchnadwr smiled slyly. "I can neither confirm nor deny the matter..."

Thalia, along with the rest of her realm had been surprised when the couriers that had been sent out with invitations had returned with tales of peoples heretofore unknown to them and the larger world. Reports had come in of a people with features that were being described as feline. Thalia had hoped to meet them, though they lived a fair ways and underground if her courier reported true. Her thoughts turned to them and the others, her brow furrowed as she thought of the one ship she had sent out that had not returned. Action may have to be taken to find it if it did not return within a reasonable period.

I like your introduction to your people! Feel free to arrive at will. :smallsmile:


"The realm fares well. Prosperity and happiness abound despite the looming shadow cast by Tir Amser. I, however, do not fare as well. An illness has plagued me these past few years and recent events continue to wear away at my remaining strength. Do not concern yourself though, at this rate it will be years before I fully succumb. Plenty of time to tie up loose ends."
Her stance wavered momentarily, prompting one of her guards to stand and support her.
"A drink would be excellent. Something fortifying, but not too fortifying."

"Of course." Thalia spoke quiet instructions to Lisare, who returned momentarily with a cup of wine, watered to half-strength and warmed with fragrant spices, she offered it silently to Alessandra. Lisare was followed by a blond man carrying a small cushioned bench which he placed next to the Grand Princess.

"Please, rest yourself. Long journeys may be wearying under the best of circumstances. I must say, though I am pleased to hear of the success of your realm, I am aggrieved to hear of your ill health. Is there nothing to be done for it?" Alessandra seemed quite resigned to her fate, quite alarmingly so in Thalia's opinion.



gL'tr stared at the strange little creature, as it dramatically strutted around the room. Yelling, and flailing around with such effort and determination. He was not sure if it was more frustrated at the goings on, or if he was. Probably did not matter, but it was a distracting line of thinking. Favourable to struggling with his assigned task. Yet it was his task, and had to be done.

He struggled with the bizarre language, but tried his best. "Purpose?" He held up the rolled document, indicating that that was the intended target of his question. "Yes?" He placed it onto the stone table, and unrolled it. "Invitation? Yes?"

He nodded to the guard by the door, who snatched the map from the prisoner and placed it on the table. gL'tr unrolled the map overtop the document. "Where?" He raised his hands, holding his palms up, in the same manner he had seen many small folk do when they did not understand the instructions they had been given, in the hopes that it was a universal primal instinct amongst their kind.
Mariya looked stupidly at the great lout for a moment, staggered by this sudden breakthrough in communication. She hurried over to the map, and frowning with concentration, finally pointed to the region she knew to be Avonlea and looked curiously at them to see if she had truly been understood.

"There. Home." She kept her finger on the spot as she spoke.

[moossabi]

Thalia's eyes followed Oshenvar, her eyes lingering on the gnolls. She had not before seen such, they were fearsome creatures to behold. Her attention shifted back to Pralkamiri as he mentioned formal matters to discuss,

"Do you have matters you wish to speak with me of?" She asked curiously.

"Well, not overly formal. Just getting to know our neighbors better. At this time, I am unsure as to whether or not we can produce any deals or alliances at this point, seeing as how we've only just met." As the death fleet totally logical amount of Winter warships enters the harbor, Pralkamiri lets out a soft chuckle. "We know that the Winter Court isn't even in charge of their military and yet their lord comes here with more men than Lord Summer. Their adoration for death is... apparent, to say the least." As he speaks these last few words, the humor of his previous chuckle turns to bile in his mouth. Disgusting, Pralkamiri thought to himself. That's the word to describe it.

[HalfTangible]

The Queen's eyebrow raised at Illydae's eagerness, it was almost enough for her to feel sorry for the men of Avonlea.

Thalia grinned at Breydice's matter of fact nature, and at the compliment,

"Thank you, you are very kind." She chose not to mention Phelnia's difficulty, she imagined it had something to do with her scar, a dreadful attack like that was sure to wound one within and without, and Thalia would not subject her to speaking of it with a practical stranger, though she was Queen and in her own lands.

"I try." Breydice smiled back, the first expression she'd given since arriving. "No doubt you have much to discuss with other dignitaries. We'll get out of your way, though I do hope to see you at the bonfire later."

[Catrus]

Mariya looked stupidly at the great lout for a moment, staggered by this sudden breakthrough in communication. She hurried over to the map, and frowning with concentration, finally pointed to the region she knew to be Avonlea and looked curiously at them to see if she had truly been understood.

"There. Home." She kept her finger on the spot as she spoke.
"Home." gL'tr parroted the prisoner's response. He looked at the indicated location on the map, then tapped on the location which seemingly indicated their present location. "Home." gL'tr then traced his fingers along the coastline at both locations, and stopped when the map markings faded into the unknown. "How?" He scratched his brow, and tapped the map again, on the clearly unknown areas between his home and the one the prisoner declared. "Error? Accident?"

[Gengy]

Phelnia didn't look convinced, but she didn't contradict the Spring girl. "Arenhal was certainly an eye-opening event."



"Apologies, Lady Spring - He meant no insult. The Aima can see blood, but can't speak very well." Phelnia held up Galorius' hand. "He's basically saying you look thirsty and wanted to know if he should get water for you."

Galorius nodded. "No water, blood slows. Make heart hurt."

"That. Very lots interesting." A sudden gleam came into Lady Spring's eyes, as she stared at Galorius. "I not thirsty. But... now I is wondering. Owena!"

"Yes, Lady Spring?" Lady Owena said, from atop Warchod Prejudice, a few feet away. The Salvax had been moving closer to act as both Bas Pride and the Lady Spring's guard, as needed. Prejudice had seen no reason for any dangers here, especially not with such a large fleet of Winter ships nearby, but she would be remiss if she did not keep an eye on both important dignitaries.

"You is stand there. You," Kellianth pointed at Galorius, "is Owena's blood slow?"

[HalfTangible]

"That. Very lots interesting." A sudden gleam came into Lady Spring's eyes, as she stared at Galorius. "I not thirsty. But... now I is wondering. Owena!"

"Yes, Lady Spring?" Lady Owena said, from atop Warchod Prejudice, a few feet away. The Salvax had been moving closer to act as both Bas Pride and the Lady Spring's guard, as needed. Prejudice had seen no reason for any dangers here, especially not with such a large fleet of Winter ships nearby, but she would be remiss if she did not keep an eye on both important dignitaries.

"You is stand there. You," Kellianth pointed at Galorius, "is Owena's blood slow?"

Galorius was blindfolded, but his head looked straight at Owena for a few moments before turning back to Kellianth and nodding. "Yes. Less slow, but slow."

Lady Navus's eyes sparkled as a practiced smile slipped onto her face. "Galorius is a personal manservant to Phelnia, but there are other Aima in Quartus. Perhaps you'd like us to find one to send to Glaw Novo?" Breydice raised her eyebrow at that.

[RandoMan]

Thalia had been pleasantly surprised when Lord Summer and Helia had been announced, it had been long and again since she had seen her close friend, and she was glad to see her. The garb of the Aeldir was well-suited to her, and she looked hale and well. She took in Lord Summer as he approached with a confident swagger, strong and graceful, he cut a dashing figure and she thought them a well-suited pair. Handsome and honourable, she reminded herself, for she had only just received the instructions for an advanced armour, payment for Helia's services, just as he had promised. Thalia smiled warmly at the pair and found that her handmaidens had gathered around her, to welcome Helia home, or to gaze upon the Lord of Summer it was unclear. She could feel waves of heat wafting off of him as he approached, though if this was a tangible thing, or one born of his charisma she could not decipher. She and her maids curtsied as one, a pretty sight.

"You honour us with your presence and congratulations, my Lord. May we ever be deserving of your favour." Thalia spoke warmly while the twin maids Tena and Minalee giggled behind her, whilst Avalinda whispered to Lisare while admiring Lord Summer's physique. Thalia chose to ignore her hens and continued speaking,

"We have heard of your recent successes in battle and we wish to offer you your own congratulations." She turned to her old friend,

"You look quite well, Helia. It is good you have come." She smiled happily at them both as her maids crept a bit closer to Lord Summer.


Lord Summer inclined his head in appreciation at the Queen's congratulations on his successful campaigns. As her words directed towards Helia, Drustan turned to look her direction as well. Helia's eyes glanced over towards the Aeldir Lord's own and a flash of confused emotion crossed behind her eyes before she returned her gaze to the Queen.

"Thank you m'lady. Lord Summer has been very kind to me," her words sounded practiced, though not insincere.

"Helia has been a great boon to my Court, I thank you again for allowing me to host her.I wish to speak with you later as well regarding our arrangement. For now I see you have other guests and shall not interfere."

His eyes scanned through the variety of maidens who giggled and gawked with an appraising eye.

"I shall look forward to seeing you once you are no longer needed elsewhere. The congratulations again of the Summer Court for your unity in victory."

With that the Aeldir lord departed the Queen's audience along with Helia and headed back towards the city and the festival.


The arrival of Lord Winter to the festivities was perhaps unexpected, but was nevertheless noted by all.

Drustan had known that Lord Winter had intended to lead a conquest of the local independent factions on the island east of Fantastigoria and he had been aware of his intended fleet size but seeing it before him upon a foreign coast, even well loved Avonlea, stirred a happiness within him. A portion of the fleet being transported was intended to simply be docked in Fantastigoria for future excursions into the Sea of Coin but its intentions did not deter its magnificence. The wisdom of Lord Winter, showing to all the might of the Demesne as their power projected further than any other across the sea.

Drustan looked over at Helia by his side, a fair woman still but diminishing in Lord Summer's eyes. Slowly, but her human life would not stretch on for terribly much longer. He wished her preserved and he knew well the might of the Word wielded by Lord Winter. It had been his hope to speak with Lord Winter upon their mutual return from campaign but now was presented a fine opportunity to do so earlier. He awaited his fellow Aeldir Lord to enter the city and bade Helia to go and visit her Queen and former maidens. ((Mary if you want to start something there with Helia and Thalia please feel free to. Also PM me if you do so we can figure out how to RP it))

As Lord Winter entered the festival Drustain watched as the common people cowed away from his visage. Lord Winter was the oldest Aeldir upon Tir Amser, he had seen the many Seasonal Ages and ruled Drustan's predecessors as well as those that came before Cynel and Kellianth on multiple occasions. He was not a man to be trifled with or disrespected and Drustan knew to lend him precedence. His committing to the Rose Contract had caused many across the Courts to truly consider a united Tir Amser. Drustan knew why he had agreed, Lord Winter had been freed to speak the Word again. The Old Gods and their secrets were known to Lord Winter and he was no longer bound by the ancient law that had followed the last Age of Winter.

Drustan approached Lord Winter, holding his back straight out of respect for the man before him. He spoke in their home tongue with the rapidity of pace only attainable by natives.

<"Lord Balor, it was a pleasant surprise to see the fleet off the coast on its way to Primacentra. Have there been any updates back in Tir Amser on the situation with Anceris?">

[Gengy]

Galorius was blindfolded, but his head looked straight at Owena for a few moments before turning back to Kellianth and nodding. "Yes. Less slow, but slow."

Lady Navus's eyes sparkled as a practiced smile slipped onto her face. "Galorius is a personal manservant to Phelnia, but there are other Aima in Quartus. Perhaps you'd like us to find one to send to Glaw Novo?" Breydice raised her eyebrow at that.

<"Owena, you are not thirsty are you? The creature here is able to sense the speed of one's blood, and claims that a slower blood may indicate thirst.">

<"I do not thirst, Lady. I have been drinking fine wines and beverages since we arrived.">

<"As have I. Very curious then, that our blood is slow, is it not?">

<"As you say, Lady."> Kellianth could tell Owena's curiosity was piqued. <"What does that mean for us?">

<"Perhaps nothing. Perhaps... just another different between us and non-Aeldir. Now come, we are being quite silly. I happen to know that Lady Breydice, at the least, has made an effort to learn to speak the Aeldir Tongue. Aleuta thought that rather clever of her and her mother, and it did her heart good to hear the words of Aeldir every so often."> Lady Spring turned back to look upon the delegation from Primus. "I is certainly curious in these... Aima. Is maybe something we discuss. You is send one to Tir Xungla, perhaps? Can go with Owena. She very busy these days. Need very very lots help. And I is thinking... I is thinking speed of blood may be... hindy-kay-shun of something more. We is look into it. Find us Summer or Winter Aeldir at party, maybe? Not Cousin Drustan or Grandpop Balor. Not yet. Summer Ranger, or Winter Raven Ship-man."

"Sailor, Lady Spring. Or Soldier. Winter Soldier."

"Good name. Yes. Winter Soldier. We find one of them, maybe. Your Aima look at them?"

[Reggiejam]

Thalia spotted a familiar face in the back of the Spring Aeldir group,

"Duke Sand! It has been long and again since we last met. I am certain you have been up to many adventures, tell me, how fare you good Ser?" Thalia had developed a fondness for the little Duke and his clever ways at the Summit. Still, she remembered his kind warning to her, though cryptic at the time, it was now plain to her what he had wished to warn her against. It had been Helia who had caught the attention of the Lords Summer and Winter, however, and not the Queen herself. Helia had been the fairest amidst a people of fair, and the beauty of the realm had been diminished with her absence.


Duke Sand grinned and threw his arms open as he came up from the rear of the group responding to the High Queen boisterously. His eyes passed over Lady Spring with the well aware look in his eyes that his recognition by and friendship with the High Queen no doubt annoyed her greatly. A Spring Boy receiving welcome from the High Queen? It would not be done if he was still of the Spring Court.

"Oh, I have High Queen! The stories I could tell pale in comparison to the stories I will tell," he laughed warmly as he caught the eyes of the Avonlean Queen and bowed, keeping his eyes locked with hers.

"I fare well, your majesty. Kind of you to ask after me. With your realm now uniting you must be faring rather poorly yourself," Sand flashed a grin before continuing, "Not that any could notice of course, your majesty. You are as radiant as ever."

[HalfTangible]

<"Owena, you are not thirsty are you? The creature here is able to sense the speed of one's blood, and claims that a slower blood may indicate thirst.">

<"I do not thirst, Lady. I have been drinking fine wines and beverages since we arrived.">

<"As have I. Very curious then, that our blood is slow, is it not?">

<"As you say, Lady."> Kellianth could tell Owena's curiosity was piqued. <"What does that mean for us?">

<"Perhaps nothing. Perhaps... just another different between us and non-Aeldir. Now come, we are being quite silly. I happen to know that Lady Breydice, at the least, has made an effort to learn to speak the Aeldir Tongue. Aleuta thought that rather clever of her and her mother, and it did her heart good to hear the words of Aeldir every so often."> Lady Spring turned back to look upon the delegation from Primus. "I is certainly curious in these... Aima. Is maybe something we discuss. You is send one to Tir Xungla, perhaps? Can go with Owena. She very busy these days. Need very very lots help. And I is thinking... I is thinking speed of blood may be... hindy-kay-shun of something more. We is look into it. Find us Summer or Winter Aeldir at party, maybe? Not Cousin Drustan or Grandpop Balor. Not yet. Summer Ranger, or Winter Raven Ship-man."

"Sailor, Lady Spring. Or Soldier. Winter Soldier."

"Good name. Yes. Winter Soldier. We find one of them, maybe. Your Aima look at them?""Can. Will."

Phelnia's hood kept her eyes from view, but she did step forward. "Aima can see blood, but they can only see blood. I'll act as his eyes."

Galorius' head turned to look to Phelnia. "Thank."

"It's not a problem. Not like I've got anywhere else to be here." Phelnia gestured towards the longboats. "I imagine the best place to look for a 'winter soldier' would be among the docks holding Lord Winter's troops?"

[Aedilred]

"To Unity!" The Ambrosans took up the cry and quaffed their wine, Maldarr still lingered with the Queen and their children as the party started to mingle. Derris caught his eye and gave his friend a subtle warning nod towards Willa. Maldarr pursed his lips in irritation, at Willa and at the guilt he felt in the presence of Thalia. His marriage to Willa had not been a choice, his bride had come to him happily until she had realized that he wed her in duty and was not like to get more than duty from him. Long ago, when they were but children, Maldarr had offered Belinda his heart and she had politely returned it in favor of wedding Derris, then a rising Polemarchos. A wise choice, Maldarr had to admit. Thalia though, had not only taken his heart, but guarded it jealously under lock and key. She had left none for Willa.

Maldarr dutifully made his way to his wife's side as Kusal was introducing the ambassador Reza to the Ambrosan delegation. Maldarr had met the man before, under rather questionable circumstances. His mind went back to the Nanda Triumph and coming upon Reza being attended by Thalia's maids. He glanced around at the several blue haired children at play, he's certainly been busy. Maldarr put his arm around his wife, who jumped, startled then looked almost grateful to see it was him. Maldarr had another inconvenient pang of guilt and stroked her back gently. This could not be easy for her either, he reminded himself. Just then, Reza greeted Willa with a comment of Maldarr having had loved two queens, Maldarr's anger quickly boiled over as the blue haired man attempted an innocent smirk. As from a distance, he heard his wife say,

"It was an arranged marriage, Ser." Her words were like ice, cold and stiff as she pulled away from Maldarr and took her leave of the balcony, head held high as she stormed out. Maldarr did not move, but the baleful gaze of his one good eye was quietly focused on Reza as though marking him for later revenge. It was Derris who interceded himself between the two men,

"Go after her." He spoke softly, he knew his friend well and this could go very badly if not treated gently. After another long, uncomfortable moment, Maldarr turned his gaze to Derris and said simply,

"Yes." He turned and stalked away without a backwards glance. Derris turned to look at Kusal with a raised eyebrow, clearly questioning his choice of ambassador.

Kusal glared at Reza for a moment. He had chosen him as someone likely to adapt well to the Avonlean court, and he had certainly done that. Indeed, there could scarcely be better places from which to influence Avonlean attitudes towards the kingdom than the queen's bed: father of her daughter, no less! Yet he could not shake the suspicion that the ambassador had to an extent gone native, and however useful his promiscuity was, by Nanda standards it was a scandal.

"Ambassador, a word," he said, with ice dripping from his voice. He stepped to one side, nominally more private but still within earshot of Derris.

"What in Alyssah's name is wrong with you, man? Have you forgotten your station entirely?" He gave him no time to reply. "You are here to advance the interests of the kingdom, and by extension the League as a whole, not to indulge your base desires like some Primal. Lest you forget, the Ambrosans are our allies and partners, and you answer to the Protos in your dealings as surely as you do to my son. It is not your place to offend his friends. I know not what private feud you have with Maldarr, but it ends now. You will find some way of making good your insult, and from now I shall be keeping a much closer eye on you. If anything else comes to my ears that I do not like, I shall have you recalled, and you shall never see your children again. I trust that is sufficiently clear."

Once, perhaps, he would have been gentler, or more tolerant, but something inside him had hardened in the last few years and Reza was taken aback rather to see the change in his former (and in truth, current, for it was an open secret that whoever sat on the throne Kusal was still the most powerful man in the kingdom) master.

[BootStrapTommy]

The trip had been something of a nightmare. His aunt's contacts throughout Lycarus were not nearly as reliable as she claimed. The vessel she booked passage out of the Bay of Prosperity on was a small cramped vessel, offering the First Nihonwyr little in the way of refuge from the constant retching of his Grey Company escorts. Even less from the Lady Cerys' incorrigible flirtations with the crew. They were aware that she has hairy legs, right? Dafydd Penddraig stood at the rails of the ship as it arrived in Avonlea, squinting while holding back curses for that infernal ball of flaming pain in the sky. How the hell do surfacers see with that damn thing? Dayfdd turned to his left, catching Aeres' face as she caught her first glimpse of Avonlea. He couldn't decide whether she looked afraid or simply stupider than usual.

"See that, little Pip. Apparently, surfacers need to build their own mountains. Too stupid to use the one's they already have. And Llywe wonders why I don't trust them."

Aeres' expression failed to change, her eyes locked on the land. "Llywe says that if we stay underground it will eventually strangle us all."

"That's because he's a bloody melodramatist."

Aeres turned her blank stare to Dafydd. "You're one to talk." she commented flatly.

As the ship docked, the Nihoni delegation departed, making their way to toward Keya's Rest with little ceremony while declining to draw attention to themselves. They arrived almost unnoticed at the gate. Dafydd looked the castle up and down, wondering exactly what possessed the Avonleans to build up rather than down. He's expression turned incredulous upon sight of the litter bearers.

"They seriously need people to carry them up steps? That's actually a thing?" Dafydd snorted.

"Hush, nephew, why don't you lighten up a bit? Accept the hospitality of the natives! If you'd just relax, it will be a wonderful experience." Lady Cerys laughed.

"You seem to mistake me for you. I know how you'd love for those gentlemen to give you a ride." Dafydd retorted through clenched teeth.

"Why? Why do you says such mean things of your dear ol' aunty?" Lady Cerys replied with a mock pout, "Why do you hate me so, dearest nephew?"

The Nihoni delegation, two Councilmen and over a dozen retainers and grey-cloak Nihonwyr, entered the castle. Heralds announced their presence: "May I present Lady Cerys Tellus, First of the Marchnadwr and Councilwoman of Carraig Dún, and Margrave Dafydd Penddraig, First of Nihonwyr and Commander of the Grey Company."

[Reggiejam]

Spotting Lady Autumn's associate among the other guests, Oshenvar detaches himself from the main group to speak with them. With the Gnolls at his tail, he wove in between the other groups (making a huge detour to avoid the Primus delegation), making his way to the Spring Aeldir. "Hello again, Duke Sand. It's been a while since we last saw each other. I would like to inquire as to whether or not Lady Autumn will be in attendance, as we might possibly have some business to conduct."


Duke Sand had just finished telling a great tale of heroism and woe to a group of enchanted Avonlean spectators when the Dhuda Loka approached him. Turning from his audience and granting them a reprieve from his amusement he smiled diplomatically towards Oshenvar.

"I'm afraid not Councilor, but it is good that you have found me. If you hadn't I surely would have had to find you and that can be a challenge given issues of height. My Lady instructed me to give you this," Duke Sand produced an envelope, sealed with the Rose of the Demesne and handed it to the other Aeldir.

"Granting the rights of Evergale Valley to the Union," Sand explained as Oshenvar took the envelope, "A gift to go along with the proclamation of the Union as a Favored Kingdom of the Aeldir. A bit of a silly thing in my opinion seeing as you already are Aeldir and you aren't a kingdom but my Lady was very insistent the honor be conferred."

The letter would confirm the Duke's words as well as laying out terms to limit the spread of the Children of the Earth to a minority within the Demesne, though it was welcomed which was a rare honor.

"The Lady has authorized me to act as her agent here so if you have any questions or concerns I am available to answer them. She would also apologize for not being present but developing political matters demand her attention in the Courtlands."

[Mary_Sue]

"Well, not overly formal. Just getting to know our neighbors better. At this time, I am unsure as to whether or not we can produce any deals or alliances at this point, seeing as how we've only just met." As the death fleet totally logical amount of Winter warships enters the harbor, Pralkamiri lets out a soft chuckle. "We know that the Winter Court isn't even in charge of their military and yet their lord comes here with more men than Lord Summer. Their adoration for death is... apparent, to say the least." As he speaks these last few words, the humor of his previous chuckle turns to bile in his mouth. Disgusting, Pralkamiri thought to himself. That's the word to describe it.

Thalia considered Pralkamiri's words for a moment before responding,

"Perhaps we may negotiate a beginning of trade between our peoples? As a sign of goodwill." Thalia turned to the Harbor as Pralkamiri spoke,

"I would have said it more of a reverence than an adoration. A subtle difference perhaps, though an interesting obsession for those not destined to suffer a natural death themselves."


"I try." Breydice smiled back, the first expression she'd given since arriving. "No doubt you have much to discuss with other dignitaries. We'll get out of your way, though I do hope to see you at the bonfire later."

"I am sure we will speak again at the festival tonight, please enjoy yourselves until then."



"Home." gL'tr parroted the prisoner's response. He looked at the indicated location on the map, then tapped on the location which seemingly indicated their present location. "Home." gL'tr then traced his fingers along the coastline at both locations, and stopped when the map markings faded into the unknown. "How?" He scratched his brow, and tapped the map again, on the clearly unknown areas between his home and the one the prisoner declared. "Error? Accident?"

Mariya's delicate face was squinched in concentration as the churl tried to communicate something further. Unsure of what was meant, she pointed to the unknown area of the map, made a rowing motion with her left arm while her right hand came up to her face as if trying to shield her eyes from the sun, she squinted off into the distance and made a surprised face, gasping for effect. Then she took the map, and again presented it to the oaf closest to her. Then looked around her cell.

"And now I'm here," She said somewhat dispiritedly,

"Home?" She asked hopefully, her head tilted to the side.


Lord Summer inclined his head in appreciation at the Queen's congratulations on his successful campaigns. As her words directed towards Helia, Drustan turned to look her direction as well. Helia's eyes glanced over towards the Aeldir Lord's own and a flash of confused emotion crossed behind her eyes before she returned her gaze to the Queen.

"Thank you m'lady. Lord Summer has been very kind to me," her words sounded practiced, though not insincere.

"Helia has been a great boon to my Court, I thank you again for allowing me to host her.I wish to speak with you later as well regarding our arrangement. For now I see you have other guests and shall not interfere."

His eyes scanned through the variety of maidens who giggled and gawked with an appraising eye.

"I shall look forward to seeing you once you are no longer needed elsewhere. The congratulations again of the Summer Court for your unity in victory."

With that the Aeldir lord departed the Queen's audience along with Helia and headed back towards the city and the festival.

Drustan had known that Lord Winter had intended to lead a conquest of the local independent factions on the island east of Fantastigoria and he had been aware of his intended fleet size but seeing it before him upon a foreign coast, even well loved Avonlea, stirred a happiness within him. A portion of the fleet being transported was intended to simply be docked in Fantastigoria for future excursions into the Sea of Coin but its intentions did not deter its magnificence. The wisdom of Lord Winter, showing to all the might of the Demesne as their power projected further than any other across the sea.

Drustan looked over at Helia by his side, a fair woman still but diminishing in Lord Summer's eyes. Slowly, but her human life would not stretch on for terribly much longer. He wished her preserved and he knew well the might of the Word wielded by Lord Winter. It had been his hope to speak with Lord Winter upon their mutual return from campaign but now was presented a fine opportunity to do so earlier. He awaited his fellow Aeldir Lord to enter the city and bade Helia to go and visit her Queen and former maidens. ((Mary if you want to start something there with Helia and Thalia please feel free to. Also PM me if you do so we can figure out how to RP it))

As Lord Winter entered the festival Drustain watched as the common people cowed away from his visage. Lord Winter was the oldest Aeldir upon Tir Amser, he had seen the many Seasonal Ages and ruled Drustan's predecessors as well as those that came before Cynel and Kellianth on multiple occasions. He was not a man to be trifled with or disrespected and Drustan knew to lend him precedence. His committing to the Rose Contract had caused many across the Courts to truly consider a united Tir Amser. Drustan knew why he had agreed, Lord Winter had been freed to speak the Word again. The Old Gods and their secrets were known to Lord Winter and he was no longer bound by the ancient law that had followed the last Age of Winter.

Drustan approached Lord Winter, holding his back straight out of respect for the man before him. He spoke in their home tongue with the rapidity of pace only attainable by natives.

<"Lord Balor, it was a pleasant surprise to see the fleet off the coast on its way to Primacentra. Have there been any updates back in Tir Amser on the situation with Anceris?">

"I will look forward to speaking with you later, M'Lord." Thalia said pleasantly, though something had seemed off about Helia and nagged upon her mind as she went about her diplomatic duties.

When Helia returned to her later, it gladdened Thalia's heart to see her and she embraced her close.

"My dear friend, physically you look unchanged, but there is a sadness about you. Tell me true, is it the flame of summer that withers your spirit so?" Thalia had struck a bargain with the Lords Summer and Winter, but it made her feel ill to think her friend was suffering at her behest.


Duke Sand grinned and threw his arms open as he came up from the rear of the group responding to the High Queen boisterously. His eyes passed over Lady Spring with the well aware look in his eyes that his recognition by and friendship with the High Queen no doubt annoyed her greatly. A Spring Boy receiving welcome from the High Queen? It would not be done if he was still of the Spring Court.

"Oh, I have High Queen! The stories I could tell pale in comparison to the stories I will tell," he laughed warmly as he caught the eyes of the Avonlean Queen and bowed, keeping his eyes locked with hers.

"I fare well, your majesty. Kind of you to ask after me. With your realm now uniting you must be faring rather poorly yourself," Sand flashed a grin before continuing, "Not that any could notice of course, your majesty. You are as radiant as ever."

Thalia laughed and favoured the small Duke with a kiss on his cheek.

"You are kind to say so, Duke Sand." Thalia was taken aback by his comment, she had wondering if her reign had outlived her in usefulness, now that her realm was united a weariness had set upon her shoulders, and her crown grew ever more heavy and burdensome. Never had she met one so perceptive as this Duke Sand,

"In true, my own happiness has been intangible to me, though the unity of my realm has always been my goal paramount. Is it so obvious to you, my most inner thoughts?" You are perceptive, perhaps dangerously so." She did not say this unkindly, but with a smile, for her own sad fate had been made plain to her the night she had first bed Maldarr.


"To Unity!" The Ambrosans took up the cry and quaffed their wine, Maldarr still lingered with the Queen and their children as the party started to mingle. Derris caught his eye and gave his friend a subtle warning nod towards Willa. Maldarr pursed his lips in irritation, at Willa and at the guilt he felt in the presence of Thalia. His marriage to Willa had not been a choice, his bride had come to him happily until she had realized that he wed her in duty and was not like to get more than duty from him. Long ago, when they were but children, Maldarr had offered Belinda his heart and she had politely returned it in favor of wedding Derris, then a rising Polemarchos. A wise choice, Maldarr had to admit. Thalia though, had not only taken his heart, but guarded it jealously under lock and key. She had left none for Willa.

Maldarr dutifully made his way to his wife's side as Kusal was introducing the ambassador Reza to the Ambrosan delegation. Maldarr had met the man before, under rather questionable circumstances. His mind went back to the Nanda Triumph and coming upon Reza being attended by Thalia's maids. He glanced around at the several blue haired children at play, he's certainly been busy. Maldarr put his arm around his wife, who jumped, startled then looked almost grateful to see it was him. Maldarr had another inconvenient pang of guilt and stroked her back gently. This could not be easy for her either, he reminded himself. Just then, Reza greeted Willa with a comment of Maldarr having had loved two queens, Maldarr's anger quickly boiled over as the blue haired man attempted an innocent smirk. As from a distance, he heard his wife say,

"It was an arranged marriage, Ser." Her words were like ice, cold and stiff as she pulled away from Maldarr and took her leave of the balcony, head held high as she stormed out. Maldarr did not move, but the baleful gaze of his one good eye was quietly focused on Reza as though marking him for later revenge. It was Derris who interceded himself between the two men,

"Go after her." He spoke softly, he knew his friend well and this could go very badly if not treated gently. After another long, uncomfortable moment, Maldarr turned his gaze to Derris and said simply,

"Yes." He turned and stalked away without a backwards glance. Derris turned to look at Kusal with a raised eyebrow, clearly questioning his choice of ambassador.


Kusal glared at Reza for a moment. He had chosen him as someone likely to adapt well to the Avonlean court, and he had certainly done that. Indeed, there could scarcely be better places from which to influence Avonlean attitudes towards the kingdom than the queen's bed: father of her daughter, no less! Yet he could not shake the suspicion that the ambassador had to an extent gone native, and however useful his promiscuity was, by Nanda standards it was a scandal.

"Ambassador, a word," he said, with ice dripping from his voice. He stepped to one side, nominally more private but still within earshot of Derris.

"What in Alyssah's name is wrong with you, man? Have you forgotten your station entirely?" He gave him no time to reply. "You are here to advance the interests of the kingdom, and by extension the League as a whole, not to indulge your base desires like some Primal. Lest you forget, the Ambrosans are our allies and partners, and you answer to the Protos in your dealings as surely as you do to my son. It is not your place to offend his friends. I know not what private feud you have with Maldarr, but it ends now. You will find some way of making good your insult, and from now I shall be keeping a much closer eye on you. If anything else comes to my ears that I do not like, I shall have you recalled, and you shall never see your children again. I trust that is sufficiently clear."

Once, perhaps, he would have been gentler, or more tolerant, but something inside him had hardened in the last few years and Reza was taken aback rather to see the change in his former (and in truth, current, for it was an open secret that whoever sat on the throne Kusal was still the most powerful man in the kingdom) master.

Thalia had seen from afar how Reza's words had wounded Maldarr's wife so, and wondered what game her blue haired lover played at. Was it jealously for her love of Maldarr? She did not make an effort to hide it from him, that was true, though she doubted the fickle man's feelings for her existed out of the bedchamber. She held her breath for a long moment as she was sure Maldarr was sure to strike Reza before his Protos interceded himself between them, and she let our her breath in relief as he relented and stalked after his wife. She wondered if the union was to last much longer before she caught herself and silently chided her own selfish heart. She turned back to Reza, who appeared to be in the middle of some stern lecture from his Lord when six of Reza's Blue Maids ran past giggling,

"Dada I pet a kitty this big!" The smallest one opened her arms as wide as she could before losing her balance and falling back onto her padded bottom. The other girls giggled, oblivious to their father's current predicament.

[DimpleLoamsdown]

"Of course you aren't, I'm sorry how silly of me." Thalia laughed

"I'm sure we will, you and yours are quite welcome here. I hope you'll enjoy the planned festivities. There will be a grand feast later, with drums and dancing. I have already met a couple of your union fellows." Thalia smiled warmly

"Please forgive me, but would you mind aiding the investigation of my father's assassination? He was assassinated just one year after his Purpleversary, and I would like to avenge his death, though I am very busy trying to prevent rebellions in Liberantia, while my people are beginning to doubt my capabilities. If you can find out who killed him, I will be greatly in your debt. I will discuss possible rewards with the rest of the Union, as people in my bloodline have been known to make bad decisions when put on the spot." Jack then bowed low and began looking for other members of the Crystal Union.

[Mary_Sue]

The trip had been something of a nightmare. His aunt's contacts throughout Lycarus were not nearly as reliable as she claimed. The vessel she booked passage out of the Bay of Prosperity on was a small cramped vessel, offering the First Nihonwyr little in the way of refuge from the constant retching of his Grey Company escorts. Even less from the Lady Cerys' incorrigible flirtations with the crew. They were aware that she has hairy legs, right? Dafydd Penddraig stood at the rails of the ship as it arrived in Avonlea, squinting while holding back curses for that infernal ball of flaming pain in the sky. How the hell do surfacers see with that damn thing? Dayfdd turned to his left, catching Aeres' face as she caught her first glimpse of Avonlea. He couldn't decide whether she looked afraid or simply stupider than usual.

"See that, little Pip. Apparently, surfacers need to build their own mountains. Too stupid to use the one's they already have. And Llywe wonders why I don't trust them."

Aeres' expression failed to change, her eyes locked on the land. "Llywe says that if we stay underground it will eventually strangle us all."

"That's because he's a bloody melodramatist."

Aeres turned her blank stare to Dafydd. "You're one to talk." she commented flatly.

As the ship docked, the Nihoni delegation departed, making their way to toward Keya's Rest with little ceremony while declining to draw attention to themselves. They arrived almost unnoticed at the gate. Dafydd looked the castle up and down, wondering exactly what possessed the Avonleans to build up rather than down. He's expression turned incredulous upon sight of the litter bearers.

"They seriously need people to carry them up steps? That's actually a thing?" Dafydd snorted.

"Hush, nephew, why don't you lighten up a bit? Accept the hospitality of the natives! If you'd just relax, it will be a wonderful experience." Lady Cerys laughed.

"You seem to mistake me for you. I know how you'd love for those gentlemen to give you a ride." Dafydd retorted through clenched teeth.

"Why? Why do you says such mean things of your dear ol' aunty?" Lady Cerys replied with a mock pout, "Why do you hate me so, dearest nephew?"

The Nihoni delegation, two Councilmen and over a dozen retainers and grey-cloak Nihonwyr, entered the castle. Heralds announced their presence: "May I present Lady Cerys Tellus, First of the Marchnadwr and Councilwoman of Carraig Dún, and Margrave Dafydd Penddraig, First of Nihonwyr and Captain of the Grey Company."

Thalia's face lit up as the Herald announced the unfamiliar name from an unfamiliar land and stood from the Grand Princess's bench that had been left after her departure.

"Greetings and welcome to my realm. We are greatly honoured by your visit to our lands. I am Thalia Darkthorne, High Queen of Avonlea. I do hope you find the festivities to your liking, there will be a great feast tonight, with drums and a bonfire." She greatly wished to ply the newcomers with questions of their lands and culture, but did not wish to seem rude, so held her tongue.


"Please forgive me, but would you mind aiding the investigation of my father's assassination? He was assassinated just one year after his Purpleversary, and I would like to avenge his death, though I am very busy trying to prevent rebellions in Liberantia, while my people are beginning to doubt my capabilities. If you can find out who killed him, I will be greatly in your debt. I will discuss possible rewards with the rest of the Union, as people in my bloodline have been known to make bad decisions when put on the spot." Jack then bowed low and began looking for other members of the Crystal Union.

Thalia looked at Sheep Bob with concern,

"I am greatly troubled and sorry to hear of your father's untimely demise. I am sure I can find somebody to help investigate his death, though I would think somebody unfamiliar with the terrain would be at a disadvantage in the matter." Thalia considered Sheep Bob's request more seriously,

"I will need to take the matter up with my Prophetess Council, I will inform you of their decision on the morrow, if you please, Ser."

[moossabi]

Duke Sand had just finished telling a great tale of heroism and woe to a group of enchanted Avonlean spectators when the Dhuda Loka approached him. Turning from his audience and granting them a reprieve from his amusement he smiled diplomatically towards Oshenvar.

"I'm afraid not Councilor, but it is good that you have found me. If you hadn't I surely would have had to find you and that can be a challenge given issues of height. My Lady instructed me to give you this," Duke Sand produced an envelope, sealed with the Rose of the Demesne and handed it to the other Aeldir.

"Granting the rights of Evergale Valley to the Union," Sand explained as Oshenvar took the envelope, "A gift to go along with the proclamation of the Union as a Favored Kingdom of the Aeldir. A bit of a silly thing in my opinion seeing as you already are Aeldir and you aren't a kingdom but my Lady was very insistent the honor be conferred."

The letter would confirm the Duke's words as well as laying out terms to limit the spread of the Children of the Earth to a minority within the Demesne, though it was welcomed which was a rare honor.

"The Lady has authorized me to act as her agent here so if you have any questions or concerns I am available to answer them. She would also apologize for not being present but developing political matters demand her attention in the Courtlands."

"Oh. I'm sorry that Lady Autumn could not make it." Although the leader of the Autumn court was not present (odd, considering the presence of every other Lord/Lady), it was still good to have some kind of contact. As his eyes wandered over the page, the portion about religious spread stopped him in his tracks. "Actually, I came here to discuss this particular matter. Of course, we ware aware of Lord Winter's new faith and respect your wish to honor his wishes, but I would like to clarify one thing: does this limitation also apply to the Stormlands? If so, there will be no disappointment. We are greatly honored to be given the privilege to bring our beliefs to the greatest nation on this world, but as they are not part of the main Demesne I would like to inquire as to whether or not we can bring them to just a bit more."


Thalia considered Pralkamiri's words for a moment before responding,

"Perhaps we may negotiate a beginning of trade between our peoples? As a sign of goodwill." Thalia turned to the Harbor as Pralkamiri spoke,

"I would have said it more of a reverence than an adoration. A subtle difference perhaps, though an interesting obsession for those not destined to suffer a natural death themselves."

"A trade would, indeed, be good for our people's relations. From what we've gathered in our research we may not truly see eye-to-eye in certain affairs," (Vinariun shifts back and forth a little at this statement) "but I am sure that something can definitely be arranged." Turning around to observe Lord Winter leaving his flagship, Pralkamiri smirks quickly. "You should probably go ahead and meet some of the other guests, we wouldn't want to hog all the attention."

[Zayuz]

Thalia smiled warmly at the other Queen's happiness.

"Our people's friendly relations is all that I wish." Thalia put her arm around Lilia and beckoned for Lisare to attend her,

"Please show the good Queen to Eysella" She directed her cousin,

"We will speak again at the feast." Thalia spoke as her maid whisked the scaled Queen to the royal Aspis Keeper for instructions on caring for the little god.

Lilia gave an excited nod to Queen Thalia, hurrying off with Lisare. "I shall look forwards to it." She says as she turns away, unable to restrain a smile. Eagerly she followed Lisare, the precious Aspis exploring her hand. Gently she carried it, as if one wrong touch might make it disappear. Lisare lead her away from the crowd, to the royal Aspis keeper. ..By the gods, what a title to have.

Her guards looked to each-other with a puzzled expression, debating weather or not to follow them. After a moment of indecision, the most experienced guard gestured to the other three to enjoy the feast while he followed. Garelis was his name, a man from the capital of Escaye. Despite growing up as a blue Zaj, he had proven himself many a time over that he was able - And the added bonus of being a long time friend of the queen's. He was about thirty years old, wearing the same thin chain-mail as the others with decorative red robes over them. Only a slight difference on his shoulder badge would denote his rank, which was quite high in the system. He wasn't the most handsome character, though it was apparent that he made quite an effort for the event. He would guard her well, for even holy house-pets could leave a vicious wound. In truth, he wasn't too convinced by this religion thing. It seemed genuine, though he preferred hard facts and proof to any belief. It would be no issue to contain his excitement for these lizards.

Would you rather we do a time skip here, or play it out? I'm fine with either. Plus, if it was your intent (which I doubt it is) this would be an excellent chance to assassinate me.. Because, drama! :smalltongue:

[Catrus]

Mariya's delicate face was squinched in concentration as the churl tried to communicate something further. Unsure of what was meant, she pointed to the unknown area of the map, made a rowing motion with her left arm while her right hand came up to her face as if trying to shield her eyes from the sun, she squinted off into the distance and made a surprised face, gasping for effect. Then she took the map, and again presented it to the oaf closest to her. Then looked around her cell.

"And now I'm here," She said somewhat dispiritedly,

"Home?" She asked hopefully, her head tilted to the side.
gL'tr stared blankly at the prisoner, pondered its comment, then scratched his chin. "Home..." He decided that he had had enough for the day, and that he was unlikely to get anything more. He turned to the guard and motioned towards the prisoner. "Return it to its cell, I must speak with the Master."

"At once, Inquisitor." The guard responded as it grabbed the prisoner around the waist, dragging it from the room and back to its cell.

-=-=-

gL'tr galumphed into the Master's office, pulling himself up to the stone slab table, and bowed low. "Master, I think we have gotten all that we are going to get out of the prisoner."

"Is it a spy? Perhaps an assassin?" The Master replied, his speech thick and slurred, as his tongues fought against one another for dominance.

"I think not, Master. It seems that they are little more than just a messenger. A lost and confused one at that."

"What makes you presume that gL'tr?"

"They seem unsure of exactly how they ended up here. Their maps, as you know, are incomplete. Perhaps they were thrown off course by a storm, and arrived here, at the first port."

"Perhaps the maps are forgeries. Perhaps the whelp is a liar." The Master lurched forward and grabbed his drink, throwing it back and drinking deep, most of it pouring down his face around his twisted mouth.

"Those are indeed possibilities, Master. But I do not believe so."

"If you are so certain, than we shall need to rectify this... misunderstanding." The Master refilled his bowl, as he eyed the small folk that hustled out of the shadows to clean up the spilled drink. "I shall pass word on to the Council. If this was indeed a mistake, we may yet escape with our hides intact." He took another swig of his drink, again spilling most of it. "How long have we held it?"

"Thirteen suns, Master."

"Thirteen suns... it will be a high price. The Council will not be pleased. But the scholars are nearly finished with duplicating the documents and maps seized. This may not be a total loss after all." gL'tr leaned over the table and refilled the Master's bowl. "Thank you. I shall go speak to the Council, I will have your orders soon."

"Yes Master." gL'tr bowed, and left.

-=-=-

"Home." gL'tr said to the prisoner, pointing at the merchant ship being loaded at the end of the dock. "Apology." He said, pointing to the thirteen heavy chests being hauled down the dock toward the ship.

"I don't see why we just do not kill the accursed thing, and save the Council the expense." said the guard behind the prisoner.

gL'tr glared at the guard. "How would you feel if your property was destroyed? The thing may just be a small folk, but it belongs to somebody. Wanton destruction of another's property is a good way to go starting a war. Which is not something we want to risk, not with somebody we do not know the location of."

The guard just grunted in response, unhappy of being lectured in front of the prisoner, even if the thing could not understand. He unshackled the prisoner, and nudged it forward. Looking longingly at the thirteen massive chests of obsidian chips. Far more riches than he would ever see in his life, all being handed over to some foreign small folk.

"Safe voyage." gL'tr said to the former prisoner, as he handed it a satchel of maps and journals, then turned and returned to his duties, the guard in tow.

[QuintonBeck]

Gustav ran his left hand over his chin in contemplative confusion. The scruff scratched at his calloused palms and he sniffed to clear his nose as he adjusted the weight on his feet. He looked around at the celebrating people, the "common people" or rather, their gentry. Merchants, bureaucrats, and esquires who had secured the position nearest the entrance for the foreign guests. Engaging in enterprise or establishing connections with foreign dignitaries, or more often the aids of the dignitaries, was potentially highly advantageous. A foreign connection could provide a merchant with a connection point for any trade deals worked by the dignitary. It could provide a minor noble the chance to much acclaim in a foreign court for a minor Avonlean noble might be the only Avonlean noble in the Nevarri League.

Gustav was among them but he wasn't one of them, he knew that. He looked down in a panic, he was dressed well enough but the rough scruff betrayed an unkempt appearance. His head whipped around as he realized in a deepening panic that he didn't know who he was. He began to twist around trying to push through the crowd when a strong hand grabbed his shoulder and he felt a small row of sharp teeth sink into the back of his neck. He stopped panicking and began to breathe normally again. His eyes turned back to where the foreign guests were entering and he returned to scanning the delegations, waiting for the right one. The right one, yes that was what he was here to do. He was to find the right one.

[Elemental]

"Of course." Thalia spoke quiet instructions to Lisare, who returned momentarily with a cup of wine, watered to half-strength and warmed with fragrant spices, she offered it silently to Alessandra. Lisare was followed by a blond man carrying a small cushioned bench which he placed next to the Grand Princess.

"Please, rest yourself. Long journeys may be wearying under the best of circumstances. I must say, though I am pleased to hear of the success of your realm, I am aggrieved to hear of your ill health. Is there nothing to be done for it?" Alessandra seemed quite resigned to her fate, quite alarmingly so in Thalia's opinion.

Alessandra took the offered wine and sat gracefully upon the cushioned bench before taking a sip.
"This wine is excellent, even watered down, I feel myself recovering from the rigours of my journey already. If I'd known the vintners of your land were so talented I'd have visited years ago."
She took another sip before continuing.
"As for my illness, I have consulted with the most learned physicians and apothecaries across the entirety of my realm. It is a wasting disease, of that they are certain. There is no known cure save for legendary fountains and the fruit of enchanted trees. We must weather whatever comes, though between you and me I panicked upon finding out."

[Mary_Sue]

"A trade would, indeed, be good for our people's relations. From what we've gathered in our research we may not truly see eye-to-eye in certain affairs," (Vinariun shifts back and forth a little at this statement) "but I am sure that something can definitely be arranged." Turning around to observe Lord Winter leaving his flagship, Pralkamiri smirks quickly. "You should probably go ahead and meet some of the other guests, we wouldn't want to hog all the attention."

Thalia raised her eyebrow at the mention of their "research". It was well-known his people had no love for Daen, a fault Thalia was willing to overlook in favour of friendly relations and trade.

"Good, I will task my merchants to see what can be sent into your lands. I do hope you enjoy the evening's festivities, and we will speak again soon." Thalia was not convinced by this first encounter, that their people would become fast friends, but it was a start, she thought to herself as she watched the Lord of Winter depart his longship.


Lilia gave an excited nod to Queen Thalia, hurrying off with Lisare. "I shall look forwards to it." She says as she turns away, unable to restrain a smile. Eagerly she followed Lisare, the precious Aspis exploring her hand. Gently she carried it, as if one wrong touch might make it disappear. Lisare lead her away from the crowd, to the royal Aspis keeper. ..By the gods, what a title to have.

Her guards looked to each-other with a puzzled expression, debating weather or not to follow them. After a moment of indecision, the most experienced guard gestured to the other three to enjoy the feast while he followed. Garelis was his name, a man from the capital of Escaye. Despite growing up as a blue Zaj, he had proven himself many a time over that he was able - And the added bonus of being a long time friend of the queen's. He was about thirty years old, wearing the same thin chain-mail as the others with decorative red robes over them. Only a slight difference on his shoulder badge would denote his rank, which was quite high in the system. He wasn't the most handsome character, though it was apparent that he made quite an effort for the event. He would guard her well, for even holy house-pets could leave a vicious wound. In truth, he wasn't too convinced by this religion thing. It seemed genuine, though he preferred hard facts and proof to any belief. It would be no issue to contain his excitement for these lizards.

Would you rather we do a time skip here, or play it out? I'm fine with either. Plus, if it was your intent (which I doubt it is) this would be an excellent chance to assassinate me.. Because, drama! :smalltongue:

Goodness no! If anybody is to be harmed at this event, it will not be by Avonlean hands. We can time skip to the bonfire if you wish, I might set it up tomorrow, other incidents allowing.

Thalia watched the Queen depart with her guard, and smiling, was assured she had made a favorable impression with the Dynasty of Escaye.



gL'tr stared blankly at the prisoner, pondered its comment, then scratched his chin. "Home..." He decided that he had had enough for the day, and that he was unlikely to get anything more. He turned to the guard and motioned towards the prisoner. "Return it to its cell, I must speak with the Master."

"At once, Inquisitor." The guard responded as it grabbed the prisoner around the waist, dragging it from the room and back to its cell.

-=-=-

gL'tr galumphed into the Master's office, pulling himself up to the stone slab table, and bowed low. "Master, I think we have gotten all that we are going to get out of the prisoner."

"Is it a spy? Perhaps an assassin?" The Master replied, his speech thick and slurred, as his tongues fought against one another for dominance.

"I think not, Master. It seems that they are little more than just a messenger. A lost and confused one at that."

"What makes you presume that gL'tr?"

"They seem unsure of exactly how they ended up here. Their maps, as you know, are incomplete. Perhaps they were thrown off course by a storm, and arrived here, at the first port."

"Perhaps the maps are forgeries. Perhaps the whelp is a liar." The Master lurched forward and grabbed his drink, throwing it back and drinking deep, most of it pouring down his face around his twisted mouth.

"Those are indeed possibilities, Master. But I do not believe so."

"If you are so certain, than we shall need to rectify this... misunderstanding." The Master refilled his bowl, as he eyed the small folk that hustled out of the shadows to clean up the spilled drink. "I shall pass word on to the Council. If this was indeed a mistake, we may yet escape with our hides intact." He took another swig of his drink, again spilling most of it. "How long have we held it?"

"Thirteen suns, Master."

"Thirteen suns... it will be a high price. The Council will not be pleased. But the scholars are nearly finished with duplicating the documents and maps seized. This may not be a total loss after all." gL'tr leaned over the table and refilled the Master's bowl. "Thank you. I shall go speak to the Council, I will have your orders soon."

"Yes Master." gL'tr bowed, and left.

-=-=-

"Home." gL'tr said to the prisoner, pointing at the merchant ship being loaded at the end of the dock. "Apology." He said, pointing to the thirteen heavy chests being hauled down the dock toward the ship.

"I don't see why we just do not kill the accursed thing, and save the Council the expense." said the guard behind the prisoner.

gL'tr glared at the guard. "How would you feel if your property was destroyed? The thing may just be a small folk, but it belongs to somebody. Wanton destruction of another's property is a good way to go starting a war. Which is not something we want to risk, not with somebody we do not know the location of."

The guard just grunted in response, unhappy of being lectured in front of the prisoner, even if the thing could not understand. He unshackled the prisoner, and nudged it forward. Looking longingly at the thirteen massive chests of obsidian chips. Far more riches than he would ever see in his life, all being handed over to some foreign small folk.

"Safe voyage." gL'tr said to the former prisoner, as he handed it a satchel of maps and journals, then turned and returned to his duties, the guard in tow.

Mariya had protested as she had been marched from her cell, until she realized they were headed outside to the dock.

"Oh." She said stupidly, wondering if this was a trick. As she watched the two louts depart, she shouted,

"Good-bye!" and ran aboard the ship to swap stories of their strange encounter with the oafs.


Gustav ran his left hand over his chin in contemplative confusion. The scruff scratched at his calloused palms and he sniffed to clear his nose as he adjusted the weight on his feet. He looked around at the celebrating people, the "common people" or rather, their gentry. Merchants, bureaucrats, and esquires who had secured the position nearest the entrance for the foreign guests. Engaging in enterprise or establishing connections with foreign dignitaries, or more often the aids of the dignitaries, was potentially highly advantageous. A foreign connection could provide a merchant with a connection point for any trade deals worked by the dignitary. It could provide a minor noble the chance to much acclaim in a foreign court for a minor Avonlean noble might be the only Avonlean noble in the Nevarri League.

Gustav was among them but he wasn't one of them, he knew that. He looked down in a panic, he was dressed well enough but the rough scruff betrayed an unkempt appearance. His head whipped around as he realized in a deepening panic that he didn't know who he was. He began to twist around trying to push through the crowd when a strong hand grabbed his shoulder and he felt a small row of sharp teeth sink into the back of his neck. He stopped panicking and began to breathe normally again. His eyes turned back to where the foreign guests were entering and he returned to scanning the delegations, waiting for the right one. The right one, yes that was what he was here to do. He was to find the right one.

A young maiden dressed in a soft white gown with flowers embroidered in pink and green thread that encircled her small waist noticed the man circling the area confusedly and muttering to himself. He did not seem to be local and so the maiden figured he must be a visitor from another land.

"Merry met, Ser, and welcome to Avonlea." The girl moved to place the flower garland over his head and moved in for a welcoming kiss.

[Mary_Sue]

Alessandra took the offered wine and sat gracefully upon the cushioned bench before taking a sip.
"This wine is excellent, even watered down, I feel myself recovering from the rigours of my journey already. If I'd known the vintners of your land were so talented I'd have visited years ago."
She took another sip before continuing.
"As for my illness, I have consulted with the most learned physicians and apothecaries across the entirety of my realm. It is a wasting disease, of that they are certain. There is no known cure save for legendary fountains and the fruit of enchanted trees. We must weather whatever comes, though between you and me I panicked upon finding out."

"As anyone would." Thalia placed a comforting hand upon the Grand Princess's shoulder.

"I will see to it that you want for nothing during your stay here, Princess. I only wish for you to relax and set your worry aside while you can. The realm and it's worries will be there when you return, this I know too well."

[Gengy]

"Can. Will."

Phelnia's hood kept her eyes from view, but she did step forward. "Aima can see blood, but they can only see blood. I'll act as his eyes."

Galorius' head turned to look to Phelnia. "Thank."

"It's not a problem. Not like I've got anywhere else to be here." Phelnia gestured towards the longboats. "I imagine the best place to look for a 'winter soldier' would be among the docks holding Lord Winter's troops?"

"Yes. We go with you. Bas Pride get see Winter Court warships. Meet Winter Soldier." Lady Spring waved at the Salvax dignitary, whom was currently carrying around one of the wayward children - the blue haired one - on his back. Child still riding along, Lady Kellianth led the party towards the docks. Most of the ships were far back, but a few were docked. The Winter Court were older looking, in terms of the human frame of mind, but their exact ages were just as difficult to determine as any other Court. Still, they recognized Lady Spring immediately, and while some of them might have had... opinions... regarding her bringing a mixed group towards them, the other Aeldir Courts were - in their own ways - used to Spring's eccentricities. Lady Kellianth walked straight up to the Judgement, and nodded her head, ever so slightly, at the first Winter Court member she saw.

<"Lady Spring."> The Soldier bowed respectfully, and then eyed the people with her. <"Is there trouble, that you would come to us?">

<"No known troubles, Warrior of Winter. Though this is not our party, these with me are our temporary guests, as they help me to understand something. The blind one is going to 'look' upon you, and judge your blood. It is safe, and it amuses me. So there should be no harm.">

<"And Lord Winter approves of this...?"> The warrior looked over with skepticism, still unsure, and seeking to act as a warrior would when faced with the unknown: caution and a hand near his weapon.

<"He knows of it not, for I have but a theory, and a theory only. The science behind it is interesting to me, and I wouldn't bother Lord Winter with anything that I wasn't able to reliably prove in a consistent manner; it's why I haven't taken to having him look at the Arandi Runes I have discovered. Would you have me bother him with a trifle that I am unsure of, when this is clearly my domain of activity in the Courts to investigate such things first?">

<"No, Lady.">

<"I thought not. As you are doing me this favor, I would ask your name. And, if you are able, speak in the Trade Tongue.">

The warrior cleared his throat, and in very halting speech, said, "My name. Gwydion, of Winter."

"Very very thank you, Winter Soldier Gwydion." Turning to Phelnia and the Aimar, Lady Spring asked, "Well? What you see? Slow?"

For his part, Bas Pride was lying down, letting the blue haired child pet him and bounce upon him. He paid enough attention to the Kit that it remained interested, but was also watching the Winter Court warrior with interest. Lord Balor was a man that Bas Pride could see challenging the Salvax Ri for the title, so his warriors were things to be judged with care, to see if they were as worthy as their leader.

I've got your blue haired kid, riding on the back of Bas Pride, down on the docks. The scamp can scamper off at any time, or stick around with the big kitty, as you see fit. Also, this next bit is for you.

Another Time...

Lady Spring, with Warchod Prejudice and Lady Owena in tow, went looking for a member of the Prophetess Council, to discuss the matter of the Jeweler and the Star Metal.

[TheDarkDM]

An awed hush had fallen over her assembled maids as the brooding fleet of dark, almost sinister looking longships approached Wraith Harbor, giving credit to it's otherworldly name. The large mass of crows that circled above the ships left no doubt as to who the fleet belonged to. Even from a great distance, she could perceive Lord Winter's imperious form as he made his way through the oblivious rabble, a mighty mantis among gnats. Thalia suddenly wished she had dressed more formally, and worn her tall jeweled crown. She was keenly aware of her own fading beauty, stolen by advancing age, motherhood, and the stress of unifying the realm. She smoothed her still golden hair and gown self-consciously as she tried to still her nerves as she only half seriously considered trying to pass off her younger, otherwise identical cousin Lisare as herself.

The stories she had heard of the dread magnificence of the Lord of Winter had neither been overstated nor did the creature justice, for a being such as that which stood before her could not be called a mere man. Goose bumps raised her exposed flesh as he approached, his form commanded her attention and her eyes were locked on him. She flushed as he spoke to her in Aeldir, her own Aeldir speech was middling at best, though she understood his words well enough. Knowing it was a great honour he bestowed upon her, she did her best to respond in his own tongue,

"You do my realm a great honour M'Lord Balor." Thalia returned the Lord's bow.

"You and yours are most welcome here. Would you care for a beverage after your long journey? Perhaps some Mistwater Wine?" She considered for a moment,

"Although the Mistwater is said to bring visions to those so inclined to see them." She had spoken the last in her own tongue, smiling as she offered her own courtesy to the imposing figure. Her maids had remained silent throughout their exchange, even the children's voices were hushed as they went about their quiet play. Only Aris Morningsworn dared to approach the pair, brave in her innocence, a radiant maiden of seventeen curtsied deeply to Lord Winter, and Thalia obliged her with an introduction, switching back to Aeldir,

"If you please, Lord Balor. This is my heir, Aris Morningsworn (https://40.media.tumblr.com/0997a056c9d49e3a6c6865c4d6e6d6a7/tumblr_n8ad1a1LEt1tbgelzo1_500.png)." She presented the maid to the Great Lord,

"It is an honour, Ser." Aris spoke halting Aeldir, Thalia had bid all her maids to learn it, but without a dedicated tutor other than herself, they had attempted to comply with varying degrees of success.

Lord Winter's eyes turned to Aris as she approached, the black mirrors stripping away whatever trepidation lay beneath her voice as she spoke in the elder tongue. He studied her a long moment before bowing in reply, and answering in Avonlea's own tongue. Though he favored the beauty inherent in Aeldir speech, he was no stranger to the power of understanding.

"The honor is mine, Lady of Avonlea, to see so clearly the promise in your young eyes. Your mighty legacy is in good hands, High Queen. A legacy to which I would add some small token."

He motioned his attendants forward, and as they neared the High Queen the two Aeldir knelt to present their charge. Lord Winter opened the case with a slow reverence, revealing a long sword of Aeldir design, its oiled coldblood blade gleaming in the sunlight. The guard was inlaid with silver tracery in the shape of thorned vines, while the circular pommel bore an engraved rose. The hilt was wrapped in deep maroon leather, as was the scabbard that lay alongside the naked blade. His gift revealed, Lord Winter turned back to Thalia and fell back into the Aeldir tongue.

<"I gift this to you, High Queen of Avonlea. A Rose for the house of Darkthorne, forged by mine own hand. May it serve well in the defense of your realm.">

Later...


Drustan had known that Lord Winter had intended to lead a conquest of the local independent factions on the island east of Fantastigoria and he had been aware of his intended fleet size but seeing it before him upon a foreign coast, even well loved Avonlea, stirred a happiness within him. A portion of the fleet being transported was intended to simply be docked in Fantastigoria for future excursions into the Sea of Coin but its intentions did not deter its magnificence. The wisdom of Lord Winter, showing to all the might of the Demesne as their power projected further than any other across the sea.

Drustan looked over at Helia by his side, a fair woman still but diminishing in Lord Summer's eyes. Slowly, but her human life would not stretch on for terribly much longer. He wished her preserved and he knew well the might of the Word wielded by Lord Winter. It had been his hope to speak with Lord Winter upon their mutual return from campaign but now was presented a fine opportunity to do so earlier. He awaited his fellow Aeldir Lord to enter the city and bade Helia to go and visit her Queen and former maidens. ((Mary if you want to start something there with Helia and Thalia please feel free to. Also PM me if you do so we can figure out how to RP it))

As Lord Winter entered the festival Drustain watched as the common people cowed away from his visage. Lord Winter was the oldest Aeldir upon Tir Amser, he had seen the many Seasonal Ages and ruled Drustan's predecessors as well as those that came before Cynel and Kellianth on multiple occasions. He was not a man to be trifled with or disrespected and Drustan knew to lend him precedence. His committing to the Rose Contract had caused many across the Courts to truly consider a united Tir Amser. Drustan knew why he had agreed, Lord Winter had been freed to speak the Word again. The Old Gods and their secrets were known to Lord Winter and he was no longer bound by the ancient law that had followed the last Age of Winter.

Drustan approached Lord Winter, holding his back straight out of respect for the man before him. He spoke in their home tongue with the rapidity of pace only attainable by natives.

<"Lord Balor, it was a pleasant surprise to see the fleet off the coast on its way to Primacentra. Have there been any updates back in Tir Amser on the situation with Anceris?">

Balor nodded at Drustan's approach, his mouth rising in a thin smile.

<"Well met, Lord Drustan. It seemed a fine opportunity to display our strength before expanding the reach of the Demesne further east. Better to let the Ancerins see the folly of their resistance than be forced to us an object lesson. Sadly, I am yet unsure how Cynel will overcome the barbarians' stubbornness.">

[RandoMan]

"I will look forward to speaking with you later, M'Lord." Thalia said pleasantly, though something had seemed off about Helia and nagged upon her mind as she went about her diplomatic duties.

When Helia returned to her later, it gladdened Thalia's heart to see her and she embraced her close.

"My dear friend, physically you look unchanged, but there is a sadness about you. Tell me true, is it the flame of summer that withers your spirit so?" Thalia had struck a bargain with the Lords Summer and Winter, but it made her feel ill to think her friend was suffering at her behest.


Helia welcomed the hug and returned it with less passion than the Queen exuded. Her aquamarine eyes darted around and she seemed intent to take in every detail of her homeland. Helia bit her lip as her Queen questioned her, a reflex she had developed since having left the Queen's court Thalia would surely notice.

"The Summer's flame is hot and at times I feel I shall wilt for its intensity," Helia's eyes met Thalia's and conveyed a true fear, "but then a cooling rain comes. Just as I believe I cannot bear it, I am relieved."

Here now in her eyes was relief, an honest pleasure mixed within as well. Her voice seemed quieter but stronger than it had when she's last spoken to the High Queen. The moment stretched on a beat too long before a smile crested her face, breaking the lukewarm expression she had worn since her arrival.

"It is good to be back in Avonlea and to see what you have accomplished m'lady!"

[BootStrapTommy]

Thalia's face lit up as the Herald announced the unfamiliar name from an unfamiliar land and stood from the Grand Princess's bench that had been left after her departure.

"Greetings and welcome to my realm. We are greatly honoured by your visit to our lands. I am Thalia Darkthorne, High Queen of Avonlea. I do hope you find the festivities to your liking, there will be a great feast tonight, with drums and a bonfire." She greatly wished to ply the newcomers with questions of their lands and culture, but did not wish to seem rude, so held her tongue."We are most honoured that have been invited, Your Grace. Avonlea is truly a sight to behold. I'm sure the Exarch will regret that his duties prevented his attendance ever more once I regale him with tales of your magnificent realm." Lady Cerys replied, curtsying in the most extravagant and exaggerated manner.

Behind her, the First Nihonwyr performed a stiff bow, as desultory and nonchalant as the Lady's was deliberate.

Dressed in a fantastic, sultry black dress of spider silk, embroidered with seemingly fluorescent green trim and made to draw attention to all her most significant features, the smiling Lady stood just over five feet tall, her blonde mane flowing all the way down her back. Quit beautiful, the only thing that betrayed her heritage are her feline eyes, tufted ears, and fluttering blonde tail.

The First Nihonwyr struck a more fearsome visage. Just under six feet tall, his broad shoulders betrayed a lifetime of training in martial endeavors. Handsome, his square jaw and white-blue eyes were set with a look of suspicion and fierce determination which seemed out of place in such a jovial setting. Clad in a suit of glittering, blue-white mithril lamellar, the brilliance of his armor was dulled by the dour dark-grey cloak of his office, the hood still pull over his head, hiding his ears and coal black locks. His black tail twitched nervously as he scanned his surroundings.

"Unfortunately, the Exarch was not the only one who could not make it. Lady Aerona Penddraig, the First of the Grefftwr, had something of an emergency, though she wished to attend. She sent a gift from the craftsmen of the Undercity in her stead, which she wished us to present to you to commemorate your people's unification."

Lady Cerys clapped her hands and the grim contingent of Grey Company soldiers parted. A young woman emerged from the soldiers, bearing an extravagantly carved, slightly morbid chitin chest. The young lady approached the High Queen. Much more modestly dress, the girl's resemblance to the First Marchnadwr was evident, save for the arrow shaped brand across her check. Opening the chest, she presented its contents to the High Queen: a beautifully brilliant, blue-white shirt of tightly woven mithril rings, complete with collar.

"A mithril shirt. Stronger than steel, yet near'y as light as a silken blouse," the First Marchnadwr explained. "Wonderful for staying protected, no matter your required wardrobe." As if to emphasis her point, she struck her own breast with her fist, the chime of mithril ringing out.

"Please accept as a gift from the people of Carraig Dún, Your Grace." the First Nihonwyr added, seemingly unsure of his words.

[RandoMan]

Balor nodded at Drustan's approach, his mouth rising in a thin smile.

<"Well met, Lord Drustan. It seemed a fine opportunity to display our strength before expanding the reach of the Demesne further east. Better to let the Ancerins see the folly of their resistance than be forced to us an object lesson. Sadly, I am yet unsure how Cynel will overcome the barbarians' stubbornness.">

<"We are developing much experience in overcoming the stubborn nature of the younger race,"> he spoke from experience, both from war and elsewhere, <"When I heard of this festival down in Evergale with Helia I knew we must attend to congratulate the Avonleans if nothing else. It is even more fortunate that you too decided to arrive.">

<"I wished to speak with you regarding Helia Whitstone, the Avonlean I purchased services of. She is growing old. Not yet, her beauty still holds, but I can see it advancing ever closer. I suspect soon she shall have no more purpose in my Court. However, she has learned so much and adapted well to Aeldir customs. She knows our language and customs well and it would be a waste to return her now to Avonlea. Yet I am bound to do so, soon my time with her shall come to a close and I promised to release her back to Thalia.">

Drustan paused, offering the ever wise Lord Winter the chance to voice the conclusion Drustan had come to.

[HalfTangible]

[QUOTE=Gengy;20350577]

"Yes. We go with you. Bas Pride get see Winter Court warships. Meet Winter Soldier." Lady Spring waved at the Salvax dignitary, whom was currently carrying around one of the wayward children - the blue haired one - on his back. Child still riding along, Lady Kellianth led the party towards the docks. Most of the ships were far back, but a few were docked. The Winter Court were older looking, in terms of the human frame of mind, but their exact ages were just as difficult to determine as any other Court. Still, they recognized Lady Spring immediately, and while some of them might have had... opinions... regarding her bringing a mixed group towards them, the other Aeldir Courts were - in their own ways - used to Spring's eccentricities. Lady Kellianth walked straight up to the Judgement, and nodded her head, ever so slightly, at the first Winter Court member she saw.

<"Lady Spring."> The Soldier bowed respectfully, and then eyed the people with her. <"Is there trouble, that you would come to us?">

<"No known troubles, Warrior of Winter. Though this is not our party, these with me are our temporary guests, as they help me to understand something. The blind one is going to 'look' upon you, and judge your blood. It is safe, and it amuses me. So there should be no harm.">

<"And Lord Winter approves of this...?"> The warrior looked over with skepticism, still unsure, and seeking to act as a warrior would when faced with the unknown: caution and a hand near his weapon.

<"He knows of it not, for I have but a theory, and a theory only. The science behind it is interesting to me, and I wouldn't bother Lord Winter with anything that I wasn't able to reliably prove in a consistent manner; it's why I haven't taken to having him look at the Arandi Runes I have discovered. Would you have me bother him with a trifle that I am unsure of, when this is clearly my domain of activity in the Courts to investigate such things first?">

<"No, Lady.">

<"I thought not. As you are doing me this favor, I would ask your name. And, if you are able, speak in the Trade Tongue.">

The warrior cleared his throat, and in very halting speech, said, "My name. Gwydion, of Winter."

"Very very thank you, Winter Soldier Gwydion." Turning to Phelnia and the Aimar, Lady Spring asked, "Well? What you see? Slow?"

For his part, Bas Pride was lying down, letting the blue haired child pet him and bounce upon him. He paid enough attention to the Kit that it remained interested, but was also watching the Winter Court warrior with interest. Lord Balor was a man that Bas Pride could see challenging the Salvax Ri for the title, so his warriors were things to be judged with care, to see if they were as worthy as their leader.

I've got your blue haired kid, riding on the back of Bas Pride, down on the docks. The scamp can scamper off at any time, or stick around with the big kitty, as you see fit. Also, this next bit is for you.As they walked, Phelnia did most of the talking between the two, though Galorius seemed content with that. She would look around the bustling city of Wraith Harbor and describe what things she saw for her ward. The rich cloths, the polished silver, the occasional foreign dignitary (he could see those, but it wasn't like he could tell who they were).

As they approached the winter armada, however, they fell silent. An eerie feeling of age and mysticism hung around the Aeldir of the winter court. It clung to their black longboats like the mist of an early dawn, and crept under the Primal visitors' bones like slimy tendrils.

The Aima stared directly at Gwydion, his expression blank. He looked the winter aeldir up and down, at one point asking him to relax so he could get a better sight on his blood.

Phelnia was frowning, though she nodded to Gwydion and answered in an attempt at Aeldir. "<Thank you, Gwydion. Your help is appreciated.>" She had a bit of trouble with the subtler vowel sounds, but she'd evidently researched the language and made an effort to learn it.

Then his mouth split into a wide grin, revealing a mouth full of canines. Galorius turned his head towards the short-but-bright glob of blood he knew to be Kellianth. "Faster than Spring. Aeldir blood slow?" Curiosity had crept into the Aima's tone. He knew Kellianth was on to something, but the pieces weren't fitting together for him yet. Evidently, Aeldir blood went slower than humans' in general, but that didn't coincide with a long life. Galorius knew that when blood flowed poorly, the heart had to pump harder to move it, which meant a greater strain was placed on the body.

He was interested to see where Kellianth was going with this.

Phelnia rubbed her chin. "Interesting."

[Aedilred]

Thalia had seen from afar how Reza's words had wounded Maldarr's wife so, and wondered what game her blue haired lover played at. Was it jealously for her love of Maldarr? She did not make an effort to hide it from him, that was true, though she doubted the fickle man's feelings for her existed out of the bedchamber. She held her breath for a long moment as she was sure Maldarr was sure to strike Reza before his Protos interceded himself between them, and she let our her breath in relief as he relented and stalked after his wife. She wondered if the union was to last much longer before she caught herself and silently chided her own selfish heart. She turned back to Reza, who appeared to be in the middle of some stern lecture from his Lord when six of Reza's Blue Maids ran past giggling,

"Dada I pet a kitty this big!" The smallest one opened her arms as wide as she could before losing her balance and falling back onto her padded bottom. The other girls giggled, oblivious to their father's current predicament.

"Of course, Lord. How may I be of service?" Reza at least did a decent impression of appearing chastened, though it was not, it had to be said, an expression that seemed to come naturally to him.

The appearance of his children was at once a welcome interruption and an unfortunate illustration of what it seemed Kusal had taken issue with. He turned momentarily to his daughter. "How exciting! Why don't you go and show your mother?"

Kusal's face gave nothing away. "If you would care to put your apparent influence in the court to some use," he said, while Reza was still talking to his daughter, "the king's brother is in need of a bride. Is that within your ability to arrange?"

[DimpleLoamsdown]

Thalia looked at Sheep Bob with concern,

"I am greatly troubled and sorry to hear of your father's untimely demise. I am sure I can find somebody to help investigate his death, though I would think somebody unfamiliar with the terrain would be at a disadvantage in the matter." Thalia considered Sheep Bob's request more seriously,

"I will need to take the matter up with my Prophetess Council, I will inform you of their decision on the morrow, if you please, Ser."

On the "morrow", Grand Sheep Bob II seeks out Thalia in order to discuss possible outcomes for the investigations of the death of Grand Sheep Jack XII

[Gengy]

As they walked, Phelnia did most of the talking between the two, though Galorius seemed content with that. She would look around the bustling city of Wraith Harbor and describe what things she saw for her ward. The rich cloths, the polished silver, the occasional foreign dignitary (he could see those, but it wasn't like he could tell who they were).

As they approached the winter armada, however, they fell silent. An eerie feeling of age and mysticism hung around the Aeldir of the winter court. It clung to their black longboats like the mist of an early dawn, and crept under the Primal visitors' bones like slimy tendrils.

The Aima stared directly at Gwydion, his expression blank. He looked the winter aeldir up and down, at one point asking him to relax so he could get a better sight on his blood.

Phelnia was frowning, though she nodded to Gwydion and answered in an attempt at Aeldir. "<Thank you, Gwydion. Your help is appreciated.>" She had a bit of trouble with the subtler vowel sounds, but she'd evidently researched the language and made an effort to learn it.

Then his mouth split into a wide grin, revealing a mouth full of canines. Galorius turned his head towards the short-but-bright glob of blood he knew to be Kellianth. "Faster than Spring. Aeldir blood slow?" Curiosity had crept into the Aima's tone. He knew Kellianth was on to something, but the pieces weren't fitting together for him yet. Evidently, Aeldir blood went slower than humans' in general, but that didn't coincide with a long life. Galorius knew that when blood flowed poorly, the heart had to pump harder to move it, which meant a greater strain was placed on the body.

He was interested to see where Kellianth was going with this.

Phelnia rubbed her chin. "Interesting."

"Agreed. Enter-est-ing." Kellianth grinned, for sure she had something here. Seeing Winter Warriors upon the deck of the Judgement, she turned to Galorius. "Aima-man. You is look at other Winter Soldiers from here. Is blood same speed for all, or is slightly different for all?"

Lady Spring was putting together a hypothesis, that yet another difference among the Aeldir was the speed of blood flow, compared to that of non-Aeldir. With little information on the science involved, she was trying to learn what she could, and this was providing an excellent diversion and a wealth of entertainment.

"Gwydion. Very thank you. You is to be remembered. I is tell the Orm of your aid."

"Very. Thank you." Still uncertain in his speech, Gwydion was polite, if still a bit dubious.

"Is maybe find Summer Court Ranger, next, I is thinking." Speaking to Phelnia, Kellianth said, "Is agree?"

[QuintonBeck]

A young maiden dressed in a soft white gown with flowers embroidered in pink and green thread that encircled her small waist noticed the man circling the area confusedly and muttering to himself. He did not seem to be local and so the maiden figured he must be a visitor from another land.

"Merry met, Ser, and welcome to Avonlea." The girl moved to place the flower garland over his head and moved in for a welcoming kiss.

Gustav's eyes never left the archway where delegates were entering even as the young maiden placed the garland over his head. As she moved in for a welcoming kiss his eyes darted to her with irritation but before he could say anything he caught a glimpse of the right one and grabbed the Avonlean maiden, pushing her away from him none too gently.

"I am looking for someone, be gone," he ordered tersely, his eyes now darting between the newly entered procession from Carraig Dún as they made their way up to the Queen and another spot in the crowd.

His hand raised instinctively to his high collar and he seemed to caress or itch something at the back of his neck. He paid no mind to the maiden he had just dismissed and made no movements that might be seen by her as threatening.

[Mary_Sue]

"Yes. We go with you. Bas Pride get see Winter Court warships. Meet Winter Soldier." Lady Spring waved at the Salvax dignitary, whom was currently carrying around one of the wayward children - the blue haired one - on his back. Child still riding along, Lady Kellianth led the party towards the docks. Most of the ships were far back, but a few were docked. The Winter Court were older looking, in terms of the human frame of mind, but their exact ages were just as difficult to determine as any other Court. Still, they recognized Lady Spring immediately, and while some of them might have had... opinions... regarding her bringing a mixed group towards them, the other Aeldir Courts were - in their own ways - used to Spring's eccentricities. Lady Kellianth walked straight up to the Judgement, and nodded her head, ever so slightly, at the first Winter Court member she saw.

<"Lady Spring."> The Soldier bowed respectfully, and then eyed the people with her. <"Is there trouble, that you would come to us?">

<"No known troubles, Warrior of Winter. Though this is not our party, these with me are our temporary guests, as they help me to understand something. The blind one is going to 'look' upon you, and judge your blood. It is safe, and it amuses me. So there should be no harm.">

<"And Lord Winter approves of this...?"> The warrior looked over with skepticism, still unsure, and seeking to act as a warrior would when faced with the unknown: caution and a hand near his weapon.

<"He knows of it not, for I have but a theory, and a theory only. The science behind it is interesting to me, and I wouldn't bother Lord Winter with anything that I wasn't able to reliably prove in a consistent manner; it's why I haven't taken to having him look at the Arandi Runes I have discovered. Would you have me bother him with a trifle that I am unsure of, when this is clearly my domain of activity in the Courts to investigate such things first?">

<"No, Lady.">

<"I thought not. As you are doing me this favor, I would ask your name. And, if you are able, speak in the Trade Tongue.">

The warrior cleared his throat, and in very halting speech, said, "My name. Gwydion, of Winter."

"Very very thank you, Winter Soldier Gwydion." Turning to Phelnia and the Aimar, Lady Spring asked, "Well? What you see? Slow?"

For his part, Bas Pride was lying down, letting the blue haired child pet him and bounce upon him. He paid enough attention to the Kit that it remained interested, but was also watching the Winter Court warrior with interest. Lord Balor was a man that Bas Pride could see challenging the Salvax Ri for the title, so his warriors were things to be judged with care, to see if they were as worthy as their leader.

I've got your blue haired kid, riding on the back of Bas Pride, down on the docks. The scamp can scamper off at any time, or stick around with the big kitty, as you see fit. Also, this next bit is for you.

Another Time...

Lady Spring, with Warchod Prejudice and Lady Owena in tow, went looking for a member of the Prophetess Council, to discuss the matter of the Jeweler and the Star Metal.

The Prophetess Council sat in the quiet castle temple, before a large marble statue carved into the likeness of Daen. A mother figure, round and robust her eyes gazed outward kindly, though in her lips were held a sterness and in her brow was determination. The six very old women who sat cross legged on silken cushions did not open their eyes at Lady Spring's approach. The eldest of the old spoke as she neared,

"We know why you have come, the one who is young but is not. Your heart is old and covetous, your hand grasps what it will. You would seek to sway us, clever girl, and might have but it is the Mother who must be swayed, for we have seen that it is Her wish that Avonlea bid on this illustrious trinket that shall be fashioned from the powerful omen that fell above our fair city, and the Mother must be obeyed in all things." She did not mention that there were others who bid the Silvervein's services, trusting lady Spring to her own advisors.




Lord Winter's eyes turned to Aris as she approached, the black mirrors stripping away whatever trepidation lay beneath her voice as she spoke in the elder tongue. He studied her a long moment before bowing in reply, and answering in Avonlea's own tongue. Though he favored the beauty inherent in Aeldir speech, he was no stranger to the power of understanding.

"The honor is mine, Lady of Avonlea, to see so clearly the promise in your young eyes. Your mighty legacy is in good hands, High Queen. A legacy to which I would add some small token."

He motioned his attendants forward, and as they neared the High Queen the two Aeldir knelt to present their charge. Lord Winter opened the case with a slow reverence, revealing a long sword of Aeldir design, its oiled coldblood blade gleaming in the sunlight. The guard was inlaid with silver tracery in the shape of thorned vines, while the circular pommel bore an engraved rose. The hilt was wrapped in deep maroon leather, as was the scabbard that lay alongside the naked blade. His gift revealed, Lord Winter turned back to Thalia and fell back into the Aeldir tongue.

<"I gift this to you, High Queen of Avonlea. A Rose for the house of Darkthorne, forged by mine own hand. May it serve well in the defense of your realm.">

Later...



Balor nodded at Drustan's approach, his mouth rising in a thin smile.

<"Well met, Lord Drustan. It seemed a fine opportunity to display our strength before expanding the reach of the Demesne further east. Better to let the Ancerins see the folly of their resistance than be forced to us an object lesson. Sadly, I am yet unsure how Cynel will overcome the barbarians' stubbornness.">

Aris's gaze trailed up Lord Winter's form as he spoke until they reached the dark pools of his eyes. A cooling sensation of calm washed over her as she delved into their depths,

"Thank you M'Lord, you do me honour." Aris replied in Aeldir. Thalia watched the exchange and made to speak when the Lord of Winter brought forward his retinue with a gift. She halted her words, perhaps for the best and beheld the glorious sword bestowed upon her with awe.

"I have never before seen it's like, nor has any in the world of man I would think." She smiled as she lifted the sword from it's case, noting the perfection of the colour, the same as on her banner, and tested it's sharpness against her thumb, a small droplet of blood welled against her flesh and dripped along her hand.

"This rose has a mighty thorn indeed, M'Lord. I will surely vanquish any foe who would rise against me with this." But how could she vanquish that which dwelt within? A momentary cloud drifted across her face and was gone as quickly.


Helia welcomed the hug and returned it with less passion than the Queen exuded. Her aquamarine eyes darted around and she seemed intent to take in every detail of her homeland. Helia bit her lip as her Queen questioned her, a reflex she had developed since having left the Queen's court Thalia would surely notice.

"The Summer's flame is hot and at times I feel I shall wilt for its intensity," Helia's eyes met Thalia's and conveyed a true fear, "but then a cooling rain comes. Just as I believe I cannot bear it, I am relieved."

Here now in her eyes was relief, an honest pleasure mixed within as well. Her voice seemed quieter but stronger than it had when she's last spoken to the High Queen. The moment stretched on a beat too long before a smile crested her face, breaking the lukewarm expression she had worn since her arrival.

"It is good to be back in Avonlea and to see what you have accomplished m'lady!"

Thalia pulled her friend down onto the bench with her and sat, her arm still around her as they spoke,

"I can not take all of the credit." She spoke quietly,

"Many and more have played their own role in Avonlea's success, and as many have been sacrificed." She kissed Helia's head,

"But they have not been forgotten. I have not forgotten you, my friend and you have my thanks." She sat quietly with her arm around Helia, contemplating her friend's arrangement, and her own fate, a bit vexed that her mood had turned to melancholy on the eve of her grand festival.


"We are most honoured that have been invited, Your Grace. Avonlea is truly a sight to behold. I'm sure the Exarch will regret that his duties prevented his attendance ever more once I regale him with tales of your magnificent realm." Lady Cerys replied, curtsying in the most extravagant and exaggerated manner.

Behind her, the First Nihonwyr performed a stiff bow, as desultory and nonchalant as the Lady's was deliberate.

Dressed in a fantastic, sultry black dress of spider silk, embroidered with seemingly fluorescent green trim and made to draw attention to all her most significant features, the smiling Lady stood just over five feet tall, her blonde mane flowing all the way down her back. Quit beautiful, the only thing that betrayed her heritage are her feline eyes, tufted ears, and fluttering blonde tail.

The First Nihonwyr struck a more fearsome visage. Just under six feet tall, his broad shoulders betrayed a lifetime of training in martial endeavors. Handsome, his square jaw and white-blue eyes were set with a look of suspicion and fierce determination which seemed out of place in such a jovial setting. Clad in a suit of glittering, blue-white mithril lamellar, the brilliance of his armor was dulled by the dour dark-grey cloak of his office, the hood still pull over his head, hiding his ears and coal black locks. His black tail twitched nervously as he scanned his surroundings.

"Unfortunately, the Exarch was not the only one who could not make it. Lady Aerona Penddraig, the First of the Grefftwr, had something of an emergency, though she wished to attend. She sent a gift from the craftsmen of the Undercity in her stead, which she wished us to present to you to commemorate your people's unification."

Lady Cerys clapped her hands and the grim contingent of Grey Company soldiers parted. A young woman emerged from the soldiers, bearing an extravagantly carved, slightly morbid chitin chest. The young lady approached the High Queen. Much more modestly dress, the girl's resemblance to the First Marchnadwr was evident, save for the arrow shaped brand across her check. Opening the chest, she presented its contents to the High Queen: a beautifully brilliant, blue-white shirt of tightly woven mithril rings, complete with collar.

"A mithril shirt. Stronger than steel, yet near'y as light as a silken blouse," the First Marchnadwr explained. "Wonderful for staying protected, no matter your required wardrobe." As if to emphasis her point, she struck her own breast with her fist, the chime of mithril ringing out.

"Please accept as a gift from the people of Carraig Dún, Your Grace." the First Nihonwyr added, seemingly unsure of his words.

"I do hope to have the chance to meet your other countrymen soon." Thalia said politely as their absent were noted by the Nihoni. Lady Cerys was beautiful indeed, accentuated by her exotic eyes, but it was the first Nihonwyr that caught her eye, his fierce countenance and twitching tail added to the aura of the unknown that enveloped him. Thalia smiled curiously, wondered what gift they had brought from their distant lands. Her eyebrows raised in surprise and delight as she beheld the mithril shirt.

"It is beautiful. It will be my honour to wear it into our next battle. You have my thanks M'Lady, M'Lord." She lifted the shirt and noticed how it glimmered in the sunlight which washed over the exposed balcony. The mithril was indeed light, as they had said, and the Queen admired it's expert construction.


"Of course, Lord. How may I be of service?" Reza at least did a decent impression of appearing chastened, though it was not, it had to be said, an expression that seemed to come naturally to him.

The appearance of his children was at once a welcome interruption and an unfortunate illustration of what it seemed Kusal had taken issue with. He turned momentarily to his daughter. "How exciting! Why don't you go and show your mother?"

Kusal's face gave nothing away. "If you would care to put your apparent influence in the court to some use," he said, while Reza was still talking to his daughter, "the king's brother is in need of a bride. Is that within your ability to arrange?"

Thalia slowly made her way over to the men, who were intent on their discussion. She smiled, amused at the contrite expression Reza was attempting to hold on his face while Tena's babe tried to speak with him. Contriteness did not suit him well, and even beneath she had a sense of his ever present smirk. Reza amused nobody half as much as himself, though the queen admitted that he had been a pleasant distraction over the years. Thalia signaled Lisare over and whispered to her cousin, who soon returned with a flagon of wine. Thalia and Lisare approached Kusal and Reza,

"Some more wine, M'Lord?" She smiled, eager to ease the tensions between the two men. Kusal seemed especially tense, and again she wondered what had been said. She vowed to get it out of Reza after the festival.


On the "morrow", Grand Sheep Bob II seeks out Thalia in order to discuss possible outcomes for the investigations of the death of Grand Sheep Jack XII

OOC: Dimple, I will wait until Quinton's plans unfold to respond to this so that we can be sure there is a morrow. :smallwink:

[Mary_Sue]

Gustav's eyes never left the archway where delegates were entering even as the young maiden placed the garland over his head. As she moved in for a welcoming kiss his eyes darted to her with irritation but before he could say anything he caught a glimpse of the right one and grabbed the Avonlean maiden, pushing her away from him none too gently.

"I am looking for someone, be gone," he ordered tersely, his eyes now darting between the newly entered procession from Carraig Dún as they made their way up to the Queen and another spot in the crowd.

His hand raised instinctively to his high collar and he seemed to caress or itch something at the back of his neck. He paid no mind to the maiden he had just dismissed and made no movements that might be seen by her as threatening.

The girl, surprised by his brusque treatment of her staggered slightly as he shoved her away. Determined to be of some use,

"Please, Ser. Tell me who you wish to meet and I shall arrange it for you." She had been tasked with making all of their guests welcomed, even this one, she told herself sternly as she brushed off the rough touch of the hands he had laid on her.

[BlazingAegis]

A messenger hurriedly ran up the steps to the Valencian Palace where House Leonis resides, desperate to deliver a missive that arrived from Aeternum days ago. The guards at the throne room, seeing the messenger running towards them, threw the doors open with a loud bang. All eyes in the room went to door just as the messenger entered.

“My Lord, an envoy of a faraway land arrived at Aeternum more than two days ago, they hail from a Queendom known as Avonlea, the High Queen known as Thalia Darkthorne has extended an invitation to all nations to come attend the Unification Celebration of Avonlea. The Envoy has given us the maps and charts necessary to navigate to the port where the celebration will occur, as well as a brief history into the Queendom.”

“Thank you for bringing this to me as quickly as possible, with the other houses out overseeing the colonization new lands, I suppose it falls to House Leonis to make an impression. If you will hand me the materials the envoy entrusted you with, I would be happy to pay you for your services.”

The messenger approaches the throne and hands the package of books and maps to Lord Davon, and in return receives a coin purse almost overflowing with coin. Davon motions to the room that all are dismissed and the room starts to empty.

“Aurelia, Cato, follow me.” Davon motions for his children to follow him to the adjacent council chamber. He spreads the maps and charts out on the table and hands a book to each child. “Okay you two, each of you read through those, Aurelia the one you have is about their government and culture, and Cato your’s is about the Reign of High Queen Thalia. Take notes about customs, symbology, heck anything we can do to make sure we don’t make a bad impression. I’ll find some scribes to make copies of these charts and get a ship prepared for the journey.” Davon picks up the maps and charts and walks back out into the throne room.

The front gates of the palace open up Davon emerges followed by two of the palace guard. The trio walk down the main street of the city and stop by the front door of the cities largest exploration guild. The heavy stone doors of the guild creak open the three walk into the dimly lit hall, where scribes are writing tomes full of information gained from the last expedition and young adventurers are sitting around the stone hearth sharing tales with mugs of beer in hand. An older man walks out from behind a desk upon hearing the doors close.

“Ah Lord Leonis, how can the Valencian Seekers help you today? Interested in the latest expedition journals? Or maybe you have some new places for us to explore? Whatever it is the guild will be pleased to help you.”

“Well actually Hermon I need some charts and maps to be copied. We’ve received an invitation to a celebration in a far away land, I’d like a copy of the charts to remain here in Valencia. How fast do you think your scribes can make an exact duplicate of these?”

“Ah hmmmm, well Davon I think we can get these done in perhaps a week or so, if they get done sooner they will be delivered to the palace.”

“Well I trust your judgement Hermon, these need to be exact or they are useless, now what would you like for payment for this service?”

“If it wouldn’t be too presumptuous of us, I think having our own copy of these charts would be more than enough payment. We are interested in exploration after all and these contain the coastlines of a majority of the known world.”

“Very well Hermon, as long as it does not delay the copying of the first. You may have your copy”

The two men shake hands and go their separate ways with the large stone doors closing loudly behind Davon and his guards. Upon entering the bustling streets once again Davon reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a list of things he needs to have done before the journey to Wraith Harbor begins. He dismisses the guards and continues onto the tradesmen’s district where various practitioners of skill professions may be found. Armorers, weaponsmiths, blacksmiths, fletchers, jewellers, and other stalls line the streets, the best of the best have shops on the corners of the streets. Davon ducks in and out of a few shops and heads on back to the palace to see what sort of trouble his kids have gotten themselves into.

“Hey Aurie, Cato, you two still around?” Davon shouted into the empty throne room.

“Yeah we’re still here”Came the reply from the council room.

Davon walked into the council room which had darkened as the day passed, now lit with a few flickering candles.

“So Aurie, how goes the research into their culture?”

Aurelia’s face turns a bright red and she remains quiet.

“Aurie? What? You going to share this information with us or what?”

“Eh nah”

“What do you mean nah?”

“Nah means nah”

“Would you just tell us already?”

“Fine, it’s a matriarchal society, women lead the government there, men are mostly responsible for physical labor, such as farming, cutting of lumber, mining, and so on. The military is comprised solely of women. And marriage is uncommon and discouraged. Who a woman is with is up to her and her alone. And uh, well it says it is not uncommon for the High Queen to keep a harem of men.”

“Oh so that’s what this is about, Aurie wants her own harem.”

A pewter mug flies past Davon’s head and clanks against the stone floor.

“You are a much better shot with a bow then a mug.”

“Oh shut up dad.”

A faint snicker is heard from across the room.

“Oh don’t you be laughing Cato your turn is next, lets go you can tell us over dinner.”

The trio stand up from the table and blow the candles out and walk out into the throne room as the last rays of sunlight pass through the glass windows above. The wooden doors of the throne room close tightly behind as they walk through the halls on the way to the dining room. Cato began telling the tales of the High Queen’s accomplishments and the night the days following passed quickly.

Everything Davon had order had been arriving precisely when it was supposed to, each piece as perfect he had wished it to be. The charts had been finished early and were completely indistinguishable from the original. all that was left to do was to ship everything to Aeternum and get it packed up for the voyage.

It was an early morning in the harbor of Aeternum the mist from the sea was still clinging firmly to the horizon. The last few crates of supplies and goods were loaded onto the Dawn’s Radiance and carefully stowed below deck. Only a few people were milling about the docks, fishermen getting ready set sail, dock workers moving supplies back and forth between larger ships, and a trio of figures emerging from the Inn at the harbor’s edge.

“Dad it is way too early to be up.”

“Oh come on Cato it’s not that early, Aurie back me up here.”

“The birds aren’t even awake.”

A firm punch from Aurelia lands on Cato’s shoulder.

“Ow, alright, alright, I’ll just keep quiet then.”
The trio meet up with their honor guard and walk to the Dawn’s Radiance.

“Hello Captain, permission to board.”

“Why certainly Lord Leonis, welcome aboard the Dawn’s Radiance. We’ll be ready to depart as soon as you are all settled in.”

“Thank you sir, we’ll try not to get in your way.”

The sailors bring their guests to their sleeping quarters where everything had been stowed and secured for the voyage. Cato and Aurelia stay below deck and start to unpack their essentials as Davon heads up to talk to the captain.

“Well Captain I do believe we are ready when you are.”

“Alright boys, you heard the man lets get this ship moving, they have a celebration to attend.”

All the sailors start jumping into action, pulling up the anchors and untying the ropes from the piers. The helmsman adjusts the rudder as the sails start to unfurl and catch the early morning winds.

“Ah so we are on our way.”

“Yes my Lord, and it looks like we are going to have smooth sailing for a while.”

A faint shout comes from below the deck.

“Are we there yet?”

“It’s going to be a really long trip I think Captain.”


On the ship Dawn’s Radiance, on approach to Wraith Harbor.

A faint shout comes from below deck.

“Are we there yet?”

The captain and Lord Leonis just look at each other.

“Cato”

“Are we there yet?”

“Lord Leonis can we just throw him overboard?”

“Captain you have no idea how much I wish we could.”

“Well he can swim right?”

“Eh, we’ll push him off when we get into port.”

“But who gets to push him off?”

“You want to flip a coin on it?”

“Sure my Lord”

Lord Davon reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small metal coin and flips it into the air.

“Call it Captain.”

“Tails”

The coin lands heads up in Davon’s hand.

“Well Captain, looks like I get to have the fun.”

The ship pulls into port in Wraith Harbor and the sailors start tying everything down for the stay, securing the ship to the moorings. The port is bustling with activity, stall owners selling their goods, soldiers patrolling around, sailors busily restocking the supplies expended on their journey to the harbor. Ships of all sorts are docked at the harbor, both traditional in design and some outlandish in design.

“Aurelia, Cato, we’re there, get up here and look at all of this.”

The two wander above to the deck and begin taking in all the sights and sounds of the foreign port. Cato walks over to the railing and leans on it as he excitedly looks around at the many people rushing around. Davon sneaks up slowly behind Cato and firmly pushes him over the side of the ship. He falls into the water with a loud and satisfying splash.

“Dad what the hell?” Cato yells from the water.

“Lets face it Cato you probably could have used a bath anyway. Also you may want to swim to the dock before that shark gets to you.”

Cato hurriedly swims to the dock before turning around and realizing there is no shark and all there actually is are the two fully grown adults dying from laughter on the ship. Davon, his children and their honor guard get cleaned up and into more suitable clothing. Davon opens one of the two jewellery boxes that came on the journey and hands everyone a jinxyte lapel pin shaped into the form of a phoenix. Each small crystal glows with a faint indigo hue. Everyone attaches their pins, Davon hands the remaining jewellery box to Cato and then hoists a large bag onto his own back. The entourage departs the ship and starts to make their journey up to Keya’s Rest.

The group makes it to the gate and Davon briefly speaks with his honor guard to make sure they understand the culture and don’t get themselves into trouble. Davon tosses them a large coin purse and dismisses them.

Upon entering the courtyard the herald quickly walks over speaks briefly with Davon before announcing their arrival to the already bustling party.

“Lord Davon Leonis, Aurelia Leonis, and Cato Leonis of the Praetorian Protectorate.”

The trio make their way to the High Queen and bow before her before addressing her.

“Your Majesty it is an honor to meet you. We would like to congratulate you on making your nation whole once more, something we too strive to accomplish one day.”

Davon and his two children straighten up and then proceed with the conversation.

“Cato, would you do the honor of presenting the jewellery box you have to the High Queen?”

Cato shyly steps forward holding the box in hand and stops in front of the High Queen and slowly opens the jewellery box and reveals the assorted pieces of finely crafted jinxyte jewellery within. A set of rings, a necklace, and a bracelet all faintly glowing in the daylight. Cato hands the box to the High Queen’s aide and then steps back behind his father and bows once more.

“Aurelia, I think you should be the one to present this last gift. Open the bag and present it to the High Queen please.”

Aurelia opens the flap to bag and starts slowly pulling the large object out its confinement. She takes a few confident steps forward and presents the gift to the High Queen. A shield, with the sigil of Avonlea embossed in jinxyte front and center, the larger crystal glows more brightly than the smaller ones in the jewellery. Unlike Cato she gives the shield directly to the High Queen herself and then begins to address her.

“High Queen Thalia, the people of the Praetorian Protectorate give you this shield as is the custom of our people, you have done well by them to unify your nation, and may this shield be the symbol to them that they are protected and shall flourish as long as you reign.”

With that Aurelia steps back behind her father and all three bow once more before Davon addresses the High Queen.

“Your Majesty thank you once again for having us visit your glorious nation. May your reign last forever.”

Davon bows one final time before moving away from the High Queen and allowing other guests a turn to speak.

[QuintonBeck]

The girl, surprised by his brusque treatment of her staggered slightly as he shoved her away. Determined to be of some use,

"Please, Ser. Tell me who you wish to meet and I shall arrange it for you." She had been tasked with making all of their guests welcomed, even this one, she told herself sternly as she brushed off the rough touch of the hands he had laid on her.

The man didn't reply to her, instead moving away heading towards the other spot in the crowd he had been glancing towards. As he did so the crowd began to rippled with the movement of someone pushing their way out.



A woman, dressed in Avonlean garb though clearly not of Avonlea stock for her hair was dark as midnight and her eyes shone with amber stood among a crowd across the way from where Gustav was positioned. Her eyes were locked on the scruffy faced Gustav and her eyebrow raised as he began to stomp across the way over towards her. She looked to either side of her, checking if perhaps his attention was on another but it was not. She saw now too a young Avonlean maiden calling after him and she grimaced. The foolish man was going to get them both found and killed. She began to move back through the crowd, trying to escape the attention of Gustav and those who were watching him.

[Mary_Sue]

A messenger hurriedly ran up the steps to the Valencian Palace where House Leonis resides, desperate to deliver a missive that arrived from Aeternum days ago. The guards at the throne room, seeing the messenger running towards them, threw the doors open with a loud bang. All eyes in the room went to door just as the messenger entered.

“My Lord, an envoy of a faraway land arrived at Aeternum more than two days ago, they hail from a Queendom known as Avonlea, the High Queen known as Thalia Darkthorne has extended an invitation to all nations to come attend the Unification Celebration of Avonlea. The Envoy has given us the maps and charts necessary to navigate to the port where the celebration will occur, as well as a brief history into the Queendom.”

“Thank you for bringing this to me as quickly as possible, with the other houses out overseeing the colonization new lands, I suppose it falls to House Leonis to make an impression. If you will hand me the materials the envoy entrusted you with, I would be happy to pay you for your services.”

The messenger approaches the throne and hands the package of books and maps to Lord Davon, and in return receives a coin purse almost overflowing with coin. Davon motions to the room that all are dismissed and the room starts to empty.

“Aurelia, Cato, follow me.” Davon motions for his children to follow him to the adjacent council chamber. He spreads the maps and charts out on the table and hands a book to each child. “Okay you two, each of you read through those, Aurelia the one you have is about their government and culture, and Cato your’s is about the Reign of High Queen Thalia. Take notes about customs, symbology, heck anything we can do to make sure we don’t make a bad impression. I’ll find some scribes to make copies of these charts and get a ship prepared for the journey.” Davon picks up the maps and charts and walks back out into the throne room.

The front gates of the palace open up Davon emerges followed by two of the palace guard. The trio walk down the main street of the city and stop by the front door of the cities largest exploration guild. The heavy stone doors of the guild creak open the three walk into the dimly lit hall, where scribes are writing tomes full of information gained from the last expedition and young adventurers are sitting around the stone hearth sharing tales with mugs of beer in hand. An older man walks out from behind a desk upon hearing the doors close.

“Ah Lord Leonis, how can the Valencian Seekers help you today? Interested in the latest expedition journals? Or maybe you have some new places for us to explore? Whatever it is the guild will be pleased to help you.”

“Well actually Hermon I need some charts and maps to be copied. We’ve received an invitation to a celebration in a far away land, I’d like a copy of the charts to remain here in Valencia. How fast do you think your scribes can make an exact duplicate of these?”

“Ah hmmmm, well Davon I think we can get these done in perhaps a week or so, if they get done sooner they will be delivered to the palace.”

“Well I trust your judgement Hermon, these need to be exact or they are useless, now what would you like for payment for this service?”

“If it wouldn’t be too presumptuous of us, I think having our own copy of these charts would be more than enough payment. We are interested in exploration after all and these contain the coastlines of a majority of the known world.”

“Very well Hermon, as long as it does not delay the copying of the first. You may have your copy”

The two men shake hands and go their separate ways with the large stone doors closing loudly behind Davon and his guards. Upon entering the bustling streets once again Davon reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a list of things he needs to have done before the journey to Wraith Harbor begins. He dismisses the guards and continues onto the tradesmen’s district where various practitioners of skill professions may be found. Armorers, weaponsmiths, blacksmiths, fletchers, jewellers, and other stalls line the streets, the best of the best have shops on the corners of the streets. Davon ducks in and out of a few shops and heads on back to the palace to see what sort of trouble his kids have gotten themselves into.

“Hey Aurie, Cato, you two still around?” Davon shouted into the empty throne room.

“Yeah we’re still here”Came the reply from the council room.

Davon walked into the council room which had darkened as the day passed, now lit with a few flickering candles.

“So Aurie, how goes the research into their culture?”

Aurelia’s face turns a bright red and she remains quiet.

“Aurie? What? You going to share this information with us or what?”

“Eh nah”

“What do you mean nah?”

“Nah means nah”

“Would you just tell us already?”

“Fine, it’s a matriarchal society, women lead the government there, men are mostly responsible for physical labor, such as farming, cutting of lumber, mining, and so on. The military is comprised solely of women. And marriage is uncommon and discouraged. Who a woman is with is up to her and her alone. And uh, well it says it is not uncommon for the High Queen to keep a harem of men.”

“Oh so that’s what this is about, Aurie wants her own harem.”

A pewter mug flies past Davon’s head and clanks against the stone floor.

“You are a much better shot with a bow then a mug.”

“Oh shut up dad.”

A faint snicker is heard from across the room.

“Oh don’t you be laughing Cato your turn is next, lets go you can tell us over dinner.”

The trio stand up from the table and blow the candles out and walk out into the throne room as the last rays of sunlight pass through the glass windows above. The wooden doors of the throne room close tightly behind as they walk through the halls on the way to the dining room. Cato began telling the tales of the High Queen’s accomplishments and the night the days following passed quickly.

Everything Davon had order had been arriving precisely when it was supposed to, each piece as perfect he had wished it to be. The charts had been finished early and were completely indistinguishable from the original. all that was left to do was to ship everything to Aeternum and get it packed up for the voyage.

It was an early morning in the harbor of Aeternum the mist from the sea was still clinging firmly to the horizon. The last few crates of supplies and goods were loaded onto the Dawn’s Radiance and carefully stowed below deck. Only a few people were milling about the docks, fishermen getting ready set sail, dock workers moving supplies back and forth between larger ships, and a trio of figures emerging from the Inn at the harbor’s edge.

“Dad it is way too early to be up.”

“Oh come on Cato it’s not that early, Aurie back me up here.”

“The birds aren’t even awake.”

A firm punch from Aurelia lands on Cato’s shoulder.

“Ow, alright, alright, I’ll just keep quiet then.”
The trio meet up with their honor guard and walk to the Dawn’s Radiance.

“Hello Captain, permission to board.”

“Why certainly Lord Leonis, welcome aboard the Dawn’s Radiance. We’ll be ready to depart as soon as you are all settled in.”

“Thank you sir, we’ll try not to get in your way.”

The sailors bring their guests to their sleeping quarters where everything had been stowed and secured for the voyage. Cato and Aurelia stay below deck and start to unpack their essentials as Davon heads up to talk to the captain.

“Well Captain I do believe we are ready when you are.”

“Alright boys, you heard the man lets get this ship moving, they have a celebration to attend.”

All the sailors start jumping into action, pulling up the anchors and untying the ropes from the piers. The helmsman adjusts the rudder as the sails start to unfurl and catch the early morning winds.

“Ah so we are on our way.”

“Yes my Lord, and it looks like we are going to have smooth sailing for a while.”

A faint shout comes from below the deck.

“Are we there yet?”

“It’s going to be a really long trip I think Captain.”


On the ship Dawn’s Radiance, on approach to Wraith Harbor.

A faint shout comes from below deck.

“Are we there yet?”

The captain and Lord Leonis just look at each other.

“Cato”

“Are we there yet?”

“Lord Leonis can we just throw him overboard?”

“Captain you have no idea how much I wish we could.”

“Well he can swim right?”

“Eh, we’ll push him off when we get into port.”

“But who gets to push him off?”

“You want to flip a coin on it?”

“Sure my Lord”

Lord Davon reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small metal coin and flips it into the air.

“Call it Captain.”

“Tails”

The coin lands heads up in Davon’s hand.

“Well Captain, looks like I get to have the fun.”

The ship pulls into port in Wraith Harbor and the sailors start tying everything down for the stay, securing the ship to the moorings. The port is bustling with activity, stall owners selling their goods, soldiers patrolling around, sailors busily restocking the supplies expended on their journey to the harbor. Ships of all sorts are docked at the harbor, both traditional in design and some outlandish in design.

“Aurelia, Cato, we’re there, get up here and look at all of this.”

The two wander above to the deck and begin taking in all the sights and sounds of the foreign port. Cato walks over to the railing and leans on it as he excitedly looks around at the many people rushing around. Davon sneaks up slowly behind Cato and firmly pushes him over the side of the ship. He falls into the water with a loud and satisfying splash.

“Dad what the hell?” Cato yells from the water.

“Lets face it Cato you probably could have used a bath anyway. Also you may want to swim to the dock before that shark gets to you.”

Cato hurriedly swims to the dock before turning around and realizing there is no shark and all there actually is are the two fully grown adults dying from laughter on the ship. Davon, his children and their honor guard get cleaned up and into more suitable clothing. Davon opens one of the two jewellery boxes that came on the journey and hands everyone a jinxyte lapel pin shaped into the form of a phoenix. Each small crystal glows with a faint indigo hue. Everyone attaches their pins, Davon hands the remaining jewellery box to Cato and then hoists a large bag onto his own back. The entourage departs the ship and starts to make their journey up to Keya’s Rest.

The group makes it to the gate and Davon briefly speaks with his honor guard to make sure they understand the culture and don’t get themselves into trouble. Davon tosses them a large coin purse and dismisses them.

Upon entering the courtyard the herald quickly walks over speaks briefly with Davon before announcing their arrival to the already bustling party.

“Lord Davon Leonis, Aurelia Leonis, and Cato Leonis of the Praetorian Protectorate.”

The trio make their way to the High Queen and bow before her before addressing her.

“Your Majesty it is an honor to meet you. We would like to congratulate you on making your nation whole once more, something we too strive to accomplish one day.”

Davon and his two children straighten up and then proceed with the conversation.

“Cato, would you do the honor of presenting the jewellery box you have to the High Queen?”

Cato shyly steps forward holding the box in hand and stops in front of the High Queen and slowly opens the jewellery box and reveals the assorted pieces of finely crafted jinxyte jewellery within. A set of rings, a necklace, and a bracelet all faintly glowing in the daylight. Cato hands the box to the High Queen’s aide and then steps back behind his father and bows once more.

“Aurelia, I think you should be the one to present this last gift. Open the bag and present it to the High Queen please.”

Aurelia opens the flap to bag and starts slowly pulling the large object out its confinement. She takes a few confident steps forward and presents the gift to the High Queen. A shield, with the sigil of Avonlea embossed in jinxyte front and center, the larger crystal glows more brightly than the smaller ones in the jewellery. Unlike Cato she gives the shield directly to the High Queen herself and then begins to address her.

“High Queen Thalia, the people of the Praetorian Protectorate give you this shield as is the custom of our people, you have done well by them to unify your nation, and may this shield be the symbol to them that they are protected and shall flourish as long as you reign.”

With that Aurelia steps back behind her father and all three bow once more before Davon addresses the High Queen.

“Your Majesty thank you once again for having us visit your glorious nation. May your reign last forever.”

Davon bows one final time before moving away from the High Queen and allowing other guests a turn to speak.

Thalia smiled warmly at the newcomers,

"I would be well satisfied with my realm's continued success, my own notwithstanding." Her eyebrows rose as she spied the Lord's own emblem,

"I see we share an affinity for the bird who rose again." She gestured at Lord Leonis's jeweled pin.

"My people took it as a symbol of the rebirth of our realm after we journeyed south from the far north, back before the memory of man." She smiled, bemused that they should share an emblem with a cultue they had been unknown to them before now.

"You are most welcome here, I bid you stay and tell me of your own lands." She motioned her maidens who approached with beverages.

[Mary_Sue]

The man didn't reply to her, instead moving away heading towards the other spot in the crowd he had been glancing towards. As he did so the crowd began to rippled with the movement of someone pushing their way out.



A woman, dressed in Avonlean garb though clearly not of Avonlea stock for her hair was dark as midnight and her eyes shone with amber stood among a crowd across the way from where Gustav was positioned. Her eyes were locked on the scruffy faced Gustav and her eyebrow raised as he began to stomp across the way over towards her. She looked to either side of her, checking if perhaps his attention was on another but it was not. She saw now too a young Avonlean maiden calling after him and she grimaced. The foolish man was going to get them both found and killed. She began to move back through the crowd, trying to escape the attention of Gustav and those who were watching him.

The girl pouted at the rude man's back and watched him storm away as he disappeared into the crowd. She was quite put out at being denied her duty, but she tried to brush off her annoyance and looked for another guest to make welcome and turned back to the throng of intermingled natives and visitors.

[DimpleLoamsdown]

The man didn't reply to her, instead moving away heading towards the other spot in the crowd he had been glancing towards. As he did so the crowd began to rippled with the movement of someone pushing their way out.

Grand Sheep Bob II's wife, Elle, approaches Gustav and says, "Excuse me sir, but what do you have against that poor flower girl over there?" She proceeds to get the girl's attention and call her over.

[Mary_Sue]

Grand Sheep Bob II's wife, Elle, approaches Gustav and says, "Excuse me sir, but what do you have against that poor flower girl over there?" She proceeds to get the girl's attention and call her over.

Out of the corner of her eye, the girl sees a Lady frantically trying to get her attention whilst accosting the rude man she had encountered earlier. Made curious by his odd actions and the Lady's peculiarities, the girl advanced through the crowd towards them somewhat warily.

"Yes M'Lady? Might I be of service?" She says directly to the Lady, ignoring the rude man best she can for now.

[HalfTangible]

"Agreed. Enter-est-ing." Kellianth grinned, for sure she had something here. Seeing Winter Warriors upon the deck of the Judgement, she turned to Galorius. "Aima-man. You is look at other Winter Soldiers from here. Is blood same speed for all, or is slightly different for all?"

Lady Spring was putting together a hypothesis, that yet another difference among the Aeldir was the speed of blood flow, compared to that of non-Aeldir. With little information on the science involved, she was trying to learn what she could, and this was providing an excellent diversion and a wealth of entertainment.

"Gwydion. Very thank you. You is to be remembered. I is tell the Orm of your aid."

"Very. Thank you." Still uncertain in his speech, Gwydion was polite, if still a bit dubious.

"Is maybe find Summer Court Ranger, next, I is thinking." Speaking to Phelnia, Kellianth said, "Is agree?"

Galorius was already looking at the longboats. "Slight." Galorius was grinning wide. "But different. Spring has idea?"

Phelnia was frowning when Kellianth turned to her, but she nodded. "Under the presumption you're going somewhere with this and are not just dragging Galorius around for s#@$s and giggles, yes, I'm okay with seeing the Summer Court." She shivered, and muttered to herself in Primal. "<Maybe they'll be less scary>."

"<If fear, can leave.>" Galorius responded, also switching to Primal. "<Spring can see.>"

"<Courage is not a lack of fear, but your ability to conquer it. I'm okay with being afraid, that doesn't mean it's comfortable.>" She squeezed his hand. "<Come on. Lady Spring may know the Primal tongue or she may not, but either way we look rude.>" She turned to Kellianth. "Where to, then?"

[DimpleLoamsdown]

Out of the corner of her eye, the girl sees a Lady frantically trying to get her attention whilst accosting the rude man she had encountered earlier. Made curious by his odd actions and the Lady's peculiarities, the girl advanced through the crowd towards them somewhat warily.

"Yes M'Lady? Might I be of service?" She says directly to the Lady, ignoring the rude man best she can for now.

"I just want..." Elle stops speaking once she realizes that Gustav had run off. "Oh I am terribly sorry for taking you away from your work." She tosses a topaz the size of her thumbnail to the girl and looks back to see where the man went, then turning back to the girl, "I am terribly sorry" and she runs after Gustav.

[RandoMan]

Thalia pulled her friend down onto the bench with her and sat, her arm still around her as they spoke,

"I can not take all of the credit." She spoke quietly,

"Many and more have played their own role in Avonlea's success, and as many have been sacrificed." She kissed Helia's head,

"But they have not been forgotten. I have not forgotten you, my friend and you have my thanks." She sat quietly with her arm around Helia, contemplating her friend's arrangement, and her own fate, a bit vexed that her mood had turned to melancholy on the eve of her grand festival.


Helia smiled softly at her friend's show of compassion and she let the quiet carry them for a while. She stroked her friend's back slowly as they sat there staring out at the courtyard. At last she spoke, her voice was steady and practiced but a pain still echoed behind it,

"It is so different over there, Thalia. There are many laws within the Summer Court. Control and discipline are central tenants to them. They are all, even the lords, as servants to Lord Summer. And I, a woman of Avonlea was to them an object of scorn. They saw me as less than them and an insult to be so close to Lord Summer and being too afraid to accuse Lord Summer they accused me for this."

Her voice fluctuated here between a fierce pride and seeming guilt as she continued,

"Lord Summer saw this and knew he could not change all the views of his Aeldir on me. So he decided to change my views on them. He trained me and taught me as a parent might train a child."

She paused here as she collected her thoughts,

"I've learned a lot of the Aeldir. Their ways and customs are as simple to me now as our own. When I look at the Aeldir I no longer see a mysterious and ancient people. They are flesh and blood just as we are."

"What I mean to say, m'lady is that you did not sacrifice me. I have learned more than I might ever have known about the truths of the world. I am..."

She paused again searching for the right word,

"satisfied by my time serving the Summer Court. It is even more gratifying to think it was in service to the realm. This unity you have brought us is shared and enjoyed by all who live under the Avonlean banner. This celebration marks the beginning of a new era for the entire Queendom."

[BootStrapTommy]

"I do hope to have the chance to meet your other countrymen soon." Thalia said politely as their absent were noted by the Nihoni. Lady Cerys was beautiful indeed, accentuated by her exotic eyes, but it was the first Nihonwyr that caught her eye, his fierce countenance and twitching tail added to the aura of the unknown that enveloped him. Thalia smiled curiously, wondered what gift they had brought from their distant lands. Her eyebrows raised in surprise and delight as she beheld the mithril shirt.

"It is beautiful. It will be my honour to wear it into our next battle. You have my thanks M'Lady, M'Lord." She lifted the shirt and noticed how it glimmered in the sunlight which washed over the exposed balcony. The mithril was indeed light, as they had said, and the Queen admired it's expert construction. The First Nihonwyr felt vulnerable, exposed, his eyes wearily scanned his surroundings.

"Lady Aerona will be ecstatic to hear your praise of her Grefftwr's work, Your Grace." Lady Cerys responded.

Dafydd stifled back an emerging smirk at the idea that Aerona the Statue had ever been ecstatic about anything in her life.

"We... Hope it will serve well, if the need should ever come." he added grimly.

[QuintonBeck]

"I just want..." Elle stops speaking once she realizes that Gustav had run off. "Oh I am terribly sorry for taking you away from your work." She tosses a topaz the size of her thumbnail to the girl and looks back to see where the man went, then turning back to the girl, "I am terribly sorry" and she runs after Gustav.

Elle followed Gustav as he pushed through the crowd though he stayed just out of her reach and ignored any shouts. As he cleared through the back of the crowd he darted off down the road before shooting over into an alley. As Elle rounded the corner she saw Gustav pinning a dark haired woman to the wall. She could see now he wore an iron glove on his right hand and he had the woman held by her throat.

"Stop following me!" he shouted though his attention was directed towards the woman he held to the wall and not Elle.

The woman noticed Elle first and tried to shout for help though her voice was blocked by Gustav's fingers. She clawed the air towards the Adrax Awarian pleading for help.

[Mary_Sue]

Helia smiled softly at her friend's show of compassion and she let the quiet carry them for a while. She stroked her friend's back slowly as they sat there staring out at the courtyard. At last she spoke, her voice was steady and practiced but a pain still echoed behind it,

"It is so different over there, Thalia. There are many laws within the Summer Court. Control and discipline are central tenants to them. They are all, even the lords, as servants to Lord Summer. And I, a woman of Avonlea was to them an object of scorn. They saw me as less than them and an insult to be so close to Lord Summer and being too afraid to accuse Lord Summer they accused me for this."

Her voice fluctuated here between a fierce pride and seeming guilt as she continued,

"Lord Summer saw this and knew he could not change all the views of his Aeldir on me. So he decided to change my views on them. He trained me and taught me as a parent might train a child."

She paused here as she collected her thoughts,

"I've learned a lot of the Aeldir. Their ways and customs are as simple to me now as our own. When I look at the Aeldir I no longer see a mysterious and ancient people. They are flesh and blood just as we are."

"What I mean to say, m'lady is that you did not sacrifice me. I have learned more than I might ever have known about the truths of the world. I am..."

She paused again searching for the right word,

"satisfied by my time serving the Summer Court. It is even more gratifying to think it was in service to the realm. This unity you have brought us is shared and enjoyed by all who live under the Avonlean banner. This celebration marks the beginning of a new era for the entire Queendom."

Thalia nodded sympathetically as Helia spoke, only from being close to the various seasonal Lords, Thalia understood that any length of time amongst the Aeldir was sure to alter a person's perception.

"It does, a great era for our people indeed. And what is to be our place in it I wonder? Certainly the Council has it's grand designs, but I am not privy to them. They have small love for me and less since I have ignored their cries to devote myself to Her worship, and they do not confide in me." Thalia fidgeted restlessly

"More and more I feel as though I've outlived my usefulness to my realm. Or perhaps it is just that I grow ever more weary of the crown's burdens." Thalia leaned her head against Helia's shoulder

"It is good to have you here, I have long missed my oldest confidant."


The First Nihonwyr felt vulnerable, exposed, his eyes wearily scanned his surroundings.

"Lady Aerona will be ecstatic to hear your praise of her Grefftwr's work, Your Grace" Lady Cerys responded.

Dafydd stifled back an emerging smirk at the idea that Aerona the Statue had ever been ecstatic about anything in her life.

"We hope it will serve well, if the need should ever come." he added grimly.

"You have my thanks, it is a marvelous gift and does your realm honour. I have heard from our returning courier, that your lands lie underground? Does she speak true? I know only one other realm who dwells below the ground and they live a distance to the west." Noting the Nihonwr's ill-humour, Thalia sought to turn the conversation to something more pleasant, such as their homeland,

"Would you care for a beverage while we speak?" Perhaps some wine would put him at ease.


Elle followed Gustav as he pushed through the crowd though he stayed just out of her reach and ignored any shouts. As he cleared through the back of the crowd he darted off down the road before shooting over into an alley. As Elle rounded the corner she saw Gustav pinning a dark haired woman to the wall. She could see now he wore an iron glove on his right hand and he had the woman held by her throat.

"Stop following me!" he shouted though his attention was directed towards the woman he held to the wall and not Elle.

The woman noticed Elle first and tried to shout for help though her voice was blocked by Gustav's fingers. She clawed the air towards the Adrax Awarian pleading for help.



"I just want..." Elle stops speaking once she realizes that Gustav had run off. "Oh I am terribly sorry for taking you away from your work." She tosses a topaz the size of her thumbnail to the girl and looks back to see where the man went, then turning back to the girl, "I am terribly sorry" and she runs after Gustav.

The girl caught the gem by reflex and stared at it, momentarily dumbfounded by the sudden onset of such a treasure.


"But wait!" She called after the strange Lady who was still chasing after the Rude Man and ran after them. She came up behind the Lady, her forward motion grinding to a sudden halt as she sees that the Rude Man was in the middle of another assault. She screamed as loud as she could muster,

"GUARDS! HELP! Help her!" She directed her plea to the Lady who was standing and staring at the horrid scene that lay before them.

[Rexleox]

Three cloaked horsemen who are far larger than the average person, the middle one early exceeding six feet. The men who have clearly been riding for days, stop to stable their horses at an average inn not caring much for extravegance. The men travel up to the castle rejecting the offers to be carried up the stairs. Arriving in front of the herald the middle man removes his hood to reveal a Rexline with pale white fur, large mane and a set of fearsome teeth. The Rexline hands the herald his invitation and speaking in a thick Rex accent he says his name is "Alpha Dunadrad". After being announced he swiftly makes his way over to Thalia.

"I am sorry for my tardiness, my name is Alpha Dunadrad, but you may call me Thalgram". He makes a move towards Thalia's hand to kiss it as a greeting.

[BootStrapTommy]

"You have my thanks, it is a marvelous gift and does your realm honour. I have heard from our returning courier, that your lands lie underground? Does she speak true? I know only one other realm who dwells below the ground and they live a distance to the west." Noting the Nihonwr's ill-humour, Thalia sought to turn the conversation to something more pleasant, such as their homeland,

"Would you care for a beverage while we speak?" Perhaps some wine would put him at ease."Indeed it is, Your Grace." the Margrave responded curtly.

"Ha, I for one am most certainly parched. I dine to say the First Nihonwyr is as well." Lady Cerys laughed nervously. "Carraig Dún is indeed underground. Paragons know how, but some forces long ago carved enormous caverns deep beneath the Ring of Rhune. The biggest, which we call the Citadel, is so large that you cannot see the ceiling in the darkness. It was there our ancestors sought refuge many centuries ago, and it was there we built the Undercity. There are many treasures underground, Your Grace. One simply needs to know where to find them."

[DimpleLoamsdown]

Elle followed Gustav as he pushed through the crowd though he stayed just out of her reach and ignored any shouts. As he cleared through the back of the crowd he darted off down the road before shooting over into an alley. As Elle rounded the corner she saw Gustav pinning a dark haired woman to the wall. She could see now he wore an iron glove on his right hand and he had the woman held by her throat.

"Stop following me!" he shouted though his attention was directed towards the woman he held to the wall and not Elle.

The woman noticed Elle first and tried to shout for help though her voice was blocked by Gustav's fingers. She clawed the air towards the Adrax Awarian pleading for help.

Elle was kept very well in touch with Grand Sheep Bob II as the Grand Ewe of Adrax Awaria, she even accompanied him on most of his Colonizations, Explorations and Investigations. She knew who this man was, though she tried not to show her sudden revelation on her face. She decided it would be foolish to call for the guards, as this man would surely kill the poor women, just as he had the Grand Sheep Jack XII. Instead, she prayed that her brief training with the Liberantians would be enough for her to take down the slim, scruffy man. She charges in to knock him out, but not to kill him, Punching Gustav in the gut in an attempt to wind him, before attempting to break his nose with an open palm. She then attempts to kick him in the "you know where" before wrapping her leg around his knee and knocking his head against the wall as he falls backwards. She proceeds to attempt to slash his hamstrings with her quickdrawn knife. Only then, does she cry out "Guards! Guards! I found the one who killed Jack! Come Help me!"

[Reggiejam]

Thalia laughed and favoured the small Duke with a kiss on his cheek.

"You are kind to say so, Duke Sand." Thalia was taken aback by his comment, she had wondering if her reign had outlived her in usefulness, now that her realm was united a weariness had set upon her shoulders, and her crown grew ever more heavy and burdensome. Never had she met one so perceptive as this Duke Sand,

"In true, my own happiness has been intangible to me, though the unity of my realm has always been my goal paramount. Is it so obvious to you, my most inner thoughts?" You are perceptive, perhaps dangerously so." She did not say this unkindly, but with a smile, for her own sad fate had been made plain to her the night she had first bed Maldarr.


"Only sometimes!" he protested with his own smile in return, "It's the same everywhere I've seen with you mortals. You get all worked up putting something nice together," he gestured around to encompass the whole of the Queendom, "And when you finish you're too tired or too old to enjoy it."

Realizing he was stretching out the greeting of Lady Spring's delegation and wishing not to make his return trip less bearable than the first he concluded quickly,

"We can talk at length about your eternal emptiness later, your majesty."

With that he bowed again and stepped back, ceding the floor to the Aeldir lady of the east.


"Oh. I'm sorry that Lady Autumn could not make it." Although the leader of the Autumn court was not present (odd, considering the presence of every other Lord/Lady), it was still good to have some kind of contact. As his eyes wandered over the page, the portion about religious spread stopped him in his tracks. "Actually, I came here to discuss this particular matter. Of course, we ware aware of Lord Winter's new faith and respect your wish to honor his wishes, but I would like to clarify one thing: does this limitation also apply to the Stormlands? If so, there will be no disappointment. We are greatly honored to be given the privilege to bring our beliefs to the greatest nation on this world, but as they are not part of the main Demesne I would like to inquire as to whether or not we can bring them to just a bit more."


"A spade's a spade," Sand spoke the Luskan Trade phrase and continued on resuming in the Dhuda Loka dialect, "It would indeed include our recently acquired Third Order Member of the Demesne on principle though if you came to a separate agreement with the good King Devon or his heirs it would be his ability to alter this provision within his lands."

"I am glad to hear this agreement satisfies your desires. We desire our cousins in the great basin prosper as we upon the island do. While the Old Gods will not be replaced there are many across the Demesne eager to hear the tales of the New God and now too might those of Evergale Valley be enlightened to the ways of the Children."

[QuintonBeck]

Elle was kept very well in touch with Grand Sheep Bob II as the Grand Ewe of Adrax Awaria, she even accompanied him on most of his Colonizations, Explorations and Investigations. She knew who this man was, though she tried not to show her sudden revelation on her face. She decided it would be foolish to call for the guards, as this man would surely kill the poor women, just as he had the Grand Sheep Jack XII.

Instead, she prayed that her brief training with the Liberantians would be enough for her to take down the slim, scruffy man. She charges in to knock him out, but not to kill him, Punching Gustav in the gut in an attempt to wind him, before attempting to break his nose with an open palm. She then attempts to kick him in the "you know where" before wrapping her leg around his knee and knocking his head against the wall as he falls backwards. She proceeds to attempt to slash his hamstrings with her quickdrawn knife. Only then, does she cry out "Guards! Guards! I found the one who killed Jack! Come Help me!"

All of Gustav's focus on the face of the woman in front of his was caught off guard by the gut punch thrown by the Adrax Awarian Grand Ewe. He doubled over but managed to block her palm from crashing into his face with a swat of his gauntleted hand. Her foot swinging up between his legs however struck true and he collapsed to the ground. It seemed a feint however for as the blade came to find the back of his legs his ungloved hand clamped down on Elle's wrist, twisting it to force her to drop the weapon.

"You dumb bi-" suddenly a brick cracked down onto Gustav's head cracking it open and spilling thick crimson onto the dirt.

The woman who had been pinned against the wall stood staring down at the body with a fury that far outpaced any fear she might have had. As she noticed Elle looking at her the features on her face noticeably softened and fear took hold as she began to shake and gasp.

"By Valac's name... Are you okay? Oh gods what have I done?"

[Mary_Sue]

Three cloaked horsemen who are far larger than the average person, the middle one early exceeding six feet. The men who have clearly been riding for days, stop to stable their horses at an average inn not caring much for extravegance. The men travel up to the castle rejecting the offers to be carried up the stairs. Arriving in front of the herald the middle man removes his hood to reveal a Rexline with pale white fur, large mane and a set of fearsome teeth. The Rexline hands the herald his invitation and speaking in a thick Rex accent he says his name is "Alpha Dunadrad". After being announced he swiftly makes his way over to Thalia.

"I am sorry for my tardiness, my name is Alpha Dunadrad, but you may call me Thalgram". He makes a move towards Thalia's hand to kiss it as a greeting.

Thalia smiles graciously as the imposing Rexline kisses her hand.

"Welcome gallant Ser, no apology is necessary." Thalia's eyes went to the horizon, it was yet mid-afternoon.

"We have ample time to visit until the night's festival commences. And time for rest, if that is your preference. You do my realm an honour with your presence. Tell me, how fare you on your long journey?" Thalia signaled her maids who offered the travelers a glass of wine.


"Indeed it is, Your Grace." the Margrave responded curtly.

"Ha, I for one am most certainly parched. I dine to say the First Nihonwyr is as well." Lady Cerys laughed nervously. "Carraig Dún is indeed underground. Paragons know how, but some forces long ago carved enormous caverns deep beneath the Ring of Rhune. The biggest, which we call the Citadel, is so large that you cannot see the ceiling in the darkness. It was there our ancestors sought refuge many centuries ago, and it was there we built the Undercity. There are many treasures underground, Your Grace. One simply needs to know where to find them."

Thalia whispered to Lisare, who stood near-by and regarded the Nihonwyr with open curiosity. Lisare blinked and took her leave, returning after a short time with a tray filled with glasses of wine, bread and cheese.

"Please help yourself," Thalia beckoned he visitors as she listened to the description of their homeland with fascination.

"Truly, it sounds a wonder!" Lisare exclaimed, forgetting her station. Thalia grinned,

"My maid speaks true, how exotic it seems! Tell me this, how are your caverns lit? It seems it would take a ruinous number of torches to light up and underground realm." She helped herself to a glass of wine and sipped as they spoke.


"Only sometimes!" he protested with his own smile in return, "It's the same everywhere I've seen with you mortals. You get all worked up putting something nice together," he gestured around to encompass the whole of the Queendom, "And when you finish you're too tired or too old to enjoy it."

Realizing he was stretching out the greeting of Lady Spring's delegation and wishing not to make his return trip less bearable than the first he concluded quickly,

"We can talk at length about your eternal emptiness later, your majesty."

With that he bowed again and stepped back, ceding the floor to the Aeldir lady of the east.



"A spade's a spade," Sand spoke the Luskan Trade phrase and continued on resuming in the Dhuda Loka dialect, "It would indeed include our recently acquired Third Order Member of the Demesne on principle though if you came to a separate agreement with the good King Devon or his heirs it would be his ability to alter this provision within his lands."

"I am glad to hear this agreement satisfies your desires. We desire our cousins in the great basin prosper as we upon the island do. While the Old Gods will not be replaced there are many across the Demesne eager to hear the tales of the New God and now too might those of Evergale Valley be enlightened to the ways of the Children."

The Queen could not stifle a laugh, the little Duke's blunt words rang true and she welcomed them.

"You do have a pretty way of deciphering the ugly, Duke Sand, I like to think that underneath your brusque manners, lies a tenderness for me. No, do not disillusion me if it's not so, I won't have it!" Again she bent graced his head with a kiss.

"Lady Autumn likes to think herself sly, but I name you Duke Fox, the Wily."


All of Gustav's focus on the face of the woman in front of his was caught off guard by the gut punch thrown by the Adrax Awarian Grand Ewe. He doubled over but managed to block her palm from crashing into his face with a swat of his gauntleted hand. Her foot swinging up between his legs however struck true and he collapsed to the ground. It seemed a feint however for as the blade came to find the back of his legs his ungloved hand clamped down on Elle's wrist, twisting it to force her to drop the weapon.

"You dumb bi-" suddenly a brick cracked down onto Gustav's head cracking it open and spilling thick crimson onto the dirt.

The woman who had been pinned against the wall stood staring down at the body with a fury that far outpaced any fear she might have had. As she noticed Elle looking at her the features on her face noticeably softened and fear took hold as she began to shake and gasp.

"By Valac's name... Are you okay? Oh gods what have I done?"

The girl's shriek at the shocking display of violence was piercing as she stood aghast at the scene of the crime, the prized topaz slipped from her hand and clattered onto the floor as she brought her hands to her face to shield her from the sight of the Rude Man's blood flowing thickly out of his ruined skull.

[Gengy]

Galorius was already looking at the longboats. "Slight." Galorius was grinning wide. "But different. Spring has idea?"

Phelnia was frowning when Kellianth turned to her, but she nodded. "Under the presumption you're going somewhere with this and are not just dragging Galorius around for s#@$s and giggles, yes, I'm okay with seeing the Summer Court." She shivered, and muttered to herself in Primal. "<Maybe they'll be less scary>."

"<If fear, can leave.>" Galorius responded, also switching to Primal. "<Spring can see.>"

"<Courage is not a lack of fear, but your ability to conquer it. I'm okay with being afraid, that doesn't mean it's comfortable.>" She squeezed his hand. "<Come on. Lady Spring may know the Primal tongue or she may not, but either way we look rude.>" She turned to Kellianth. "Where to, then?"

"S#@$s? I know not this word." Kellianth looked confused, over towards Owena, who seemed puzzled as well, before realization dawned upon her.

<"It means, Lady, to defecate, but in a purposefully vulgar manner. As Aleuda informed you, Primus is at times purposefully free in the way they speak. She thinks it amuses them.">

<"Ah. Yes."> Kellianth looked back at Phelnia. "Poop. Is mean poop. And is odd to poop and giggle. Though I suppose the word is silly. Poop. Poop. Yes. More I say it, funnier it gets. Poop."

Kellianth thought she heard the child riding upon Bas Pride giggling each time she said the word, so the phrase must have some accuracy. Lady Spring once again nodded to the warriors on Judgement, and proceeded to walk towards the Summer Court Rangers that she had been informed were at a nearby camp. "This longer walk. Is not waste of time. Is test of theory. Is thinking... maybe blood matter more then first think. Maybe is slow, because Aeldir is not die as quick. Is maybe not very very important, but is very very interesting. Is very thank you for... what is word... human-or-ing? Hue-mooring?"

"Humoring, Lady."

"Yes. Humoring! Is thank you for humoring me. You is free to ask questions." Lady Spring continued to walk towards the Thyrngar Rangers camp.

Hey, this is not super important, but if I could get the name of the guy most likely to be on guard at the camp, I'd appreciate it. I'm having fun exploring an idea here; it's probably nothing, just some more fluff for the Aeldir. But it's fun!


Three cloaked horsemen who are far larger than the average person, the middle one early exceeding six feet. The men who have clearly been riding for days, stop to stable their horses at an average inn not caring much for extravegance. The men travel up to the castle rejecting the offers to be carried up the stairs. Arriving in front of the herald the middle man removes his hood to reveal a Rexline with pale white fur, large mane and a set of fearsome teeth. The Rexline hands the herald his invitation and speaking in a thick Rex accent he says his name is "Alpha Dunadrad". After being announced he swiftly makes his way over to Thalia.

"I am sorry for my tardiness, my name is Alpha Dunadrad, but you may call me Thalgram". He makes a move towards Thalia's hand to kiss it as a greeting.

Bas Pride had grown bored. He was following along with Lady Spring, mostly because the littlest Aeldir Leader was still a commanding presence. Bas Pride had... mixed feelings about her. One moment, she was like a Kit. The next, she was one of the most cunning creatures he'd ever listened to. The next after that, she was a dangerous predator, and Pride felt like prey before her. So he watched. He listened. He learned.

Now, however, with the kits of Avonlea playing with him, he was rather bored. This... party... was clearly shaping up to be much like the rest. No one was treating him seriously. It... got his hackles standing up. Yet, he saw the usefulness of being ignored. Being thought of as a pet. The less intelligent would be more free with their words, and had been at times, when there were no translators present. Though it had taken him some time, he understood the trade tongue and Aeldir speech just fine; it was merely a matter of birth that prevented him from communicating freely in return. It was fortunate that there were Aeldir in the world who saw the opportunity to study and learn to speak with the Salvax, like Owena, or the Salvax Ri would have to attend these events; which would be too dangerous for him, or Tir Xungla.

So Bas Pride stewed upon his boredom, and idly scanned the crowd. His whiskers suddenly perked up. He thought he saw something. Something... cat-like. Alert. Caution. Rivalry. Not Pack.

Warchod Prejudice was suddenly extremely attentive, and Owena also. Lady Spring was looking confused at the three of them. <"Is something the matter, Owena?">

<"Bas Pride senses another animal nearby; dangerous, and not Salvax.">

Kellianth began to scan the crowd, and was suddenly giggling. <"Oh. I see the issue. Come. Let us introduce Bas Pride to the Rexline. I have not had a chance to meet them either, but they make for good trading partners on the Fern Ridge.">

Bas Pride licked his nose, daring not to show any shame. He followed along, now no longer bored, seeking to find out more about these... Rexline.


"Only sometimes!" he protested with his own smile in return, "It's the same everywhere I've seen with you mortals. You get all worked up putting something nice together," he gestured around to encompass the whole of the Queendom, "And when you finish you're too tired or too old to enjoy it."

Realizing he was stretching out the greeting of Lady Spring's delegation and wishing not to make his return trip less bearable than the first he concluded quickly,

"We can talk at length about your eternal emptiness later, your majesty."

With that he bowed again and stepped back, ceding the floor to the Aeldir lady of the east.

Lady Spring showed no emotions as Duke Sand clearly used what little benefits he had to ingratiate himself with the High Queen. It was just so... unnatural for a Spring Boy. Clearly time spent on the Tir Gwydr was detrimental to the Courts, and Kellianth was glad that Aunty Cynel had taken up what little contact the Courts had with the small colony there. Still, Kellianth did appreciate Sand for his cleverness, even if it was being used to subtly snub her in a manner that she was only used to from an Autumn Court Aeldir.

He would find the trip back to Tir Amser less comfortable, Lady Spring decided, and turned once more to High Queen Thalia as Sand concluded his welcome. "We is not take up more of your time. Is honor to be here. Is looking forward to party. Is would be seen as good, if you is telling me how to be meeting with Profit-tess Council, please and very thank you."


The Prophetess Council sat in the quiet castle temple, before a large marble statue carved into the likeness of Daen. A mother figure, round and robust her eyes gazed outward kindly, though in her lips were held a sterness and in her brow was determination. The six very old women who sat cross legged on silken cushions did not open their eyes at Lady Spring's approach. The eldest of the old spoke as she neared,

"We know why you have come, the one who is young but is not. Your heart is old and covetous, your hand grasps what it will. You would seek to sway us, clever girl, and might have but it is the Mother who must be swayed, for we have seen that it is Her wish that Avonlea bid on this illustrious trinket that shall be fashioned from the powerful omen that fell above our fair city, and the Mother must be obeyed in all things." She did not mention that there were others who bid the Silvervein's services, trusting lady Spring to her own advisors.

Oh dear, Kellianth thought privately, it is a group of Avolean Daen-Followers. Spirits guide me. And I have to be nice to them.

Summoning up her cutest smile, Lady Spring nodded her head politely, and said a few words to Owena, who answered the Council, "Her Lady Spring apologizes for requiring a translator for what is obviously a very important matter; to even be allowed to speak with the Council regarding this is seen favorably by the Spring Court, and for that, we thank you. First, we should say that though there is a potential conflict of interests, we mean no disrespect to the... Mother, and are seeking to have a conversation only. Lady Spring however, is unfamiliar with your ways, and has some questions, so that we might learn more, allowing us to discuss this fully from a more comprehensive standpoint. If that is acceptable, we shall proceed with our inquiries."

OOC: That... that text color. Ouch. Um. Maybe a better choice could be orange?

[Aedilred]

Thalia slowly made her way over to the men, who were intent on their discussion. She smiled, amused at the contrite expression Reza was attempting to hold on his face while Tena's babe tried to speak with him. Contriteness did not suit him well, and even beneath she had a sense of his ever present smirk. Reza amused nobody half as much as himself, though the queen admitted that he had been a pleasant distraction over the years. Thalia signaled Lisare over and whispered to her cousin, who soon returned with a flagon of wine. Thalia and Lisare approached Kusal and Reza,

"Some more wine, M'Lord?" She smiled, eager to ease the tensions between the two men. Kusal seemed especially tense, and again she wondered what had been said. She vowed to get it out of Reza after the festival.
"Why yes, thank you." Kusal glanced over to Derris to see if he was still watching, and give him a signal as if to say things were settled for now, and normal service could be resumed - though he doubted Maldarr would find it so straightforward.

"Your timing is opportune," Reza commented. "Prince Kusal was just giving me instructions regarding the king's younger brother Jangir, who is in need of a bride. Can you think of any ladies of good family and marriageable age who might be suitable for him? Most of the maids at court I know are rather too young, I suspect." He indicated the swarm of Blue Maids with a flick of his hand and a wry smirk.

[BootStrapTommy]

Thalia whispered to Lisare, who stood near-by and regarded the Nihonwyr with open curiosity. Lisare blinked and took her leave, returning after a short time with a tray filled with glasses of wine, bread and cheese.

"Please help yourself," Thalia beckoned he visitors as she listened to the description of their homeland with fascination.

"Truly, it sounds a wonder!" Lisare exclaimed, forgetting her station. Thalia grinned,

"My maid speaks true, how exotic it seems! Tell me this, how are your caverns lit? It seems it would take a ruinous number of torches to light up and underground realm." She helped herself to a glass of wine and sipped as they spoke.The Margrave grabbed a glass of wine, reticently taking a sip. "Well, we certainly don't have one of those," he said, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his voice as he pointed at the sun.

A big smile crossed Lady Cerys' face, her fangs prominently on display as she too grabbed a glass. "These eyes are not just cosmetic, Your Grace. If I understand correctly, we do not suffer in the dark nearly as much as other races. However, the Undercity is not without light." She gestured to the embroidery on her dress. "Folsfire grows almost everywhere in Carraig Dún, especially near the lakes. It is our primary source of illumination."

"It makes pretty good soup, too," the First Nihonwyr added flatly.

The Lady's smile became nervous. "He jests." The Nihonwyr's face was deadpan.

[HalfTangible]

"S#@$s? I know not this word." Kellianth looked confused, over towards Owena, who seemed puzzled as well, before realization dawned upon her.

<"It means, Lady, to defecate, but in a purposefully vulgar manner. As Aleuda informed you, Primus is at times purposefully free in the way they speak. She thinks it amuses them.">

<"Ah. Yes."> Kellianth looked back at Phelnia. "Poop. Is mean poop. And is odd to poop and giggle. Though I suppose the word is silly. Poop. Poop. Yes. More I say it, funnier it gets. Poop."

Kellianth thought she heard the child riding upon Bas Pride giggling each time she said the word, so the phrase must have some accuracy. Lady Spring once again nodded to the warriors on Judgement, and proceeded to walk towards the Summer Court Rangers that she had been informed were at a nearby camp. "This longer walk. Is not waste of time. Is test of theory. Is thinking... maybe blood matter more then first think. Maybe is slow, because Aeldir is not die as quick. Is maybe not very very important, but is very very interesting. Is very thank you for... what is word... human-or-ing? Hue-mooring?"

"Humoring, Lady."

"Yes. Humoring! Is thank you for humoring me. You is free to ask questions." Lady Spring continued to walk towards the Thyrngar Rangers camp.

Hey, this is not super important, but if I could get the name of the guy most likely to be on guard at the camp, I'd appreciate it. I'm having fun exploring an idea here; it's probably nothing, just some more fluff for the Aeldir. But it's fun!

Galorius snickered. "Poop."

"... yes, '****s' means 'poop', but 'for s#@$s and giggles' is an expression meaning 'for fun'." Phelnia rubbed the back of her head. "I was asking if there was a reason for these... tests, for lack of a better word coming to mind, other than the reactions of the other Aeldir. It seems that yes, there is."

She turned to look at Kellianth. "You're welcome. What interests me is that Galorius says that slow blood is bad for you. That if your blood doesn't flow well, it causes... er..."

"Heart work hard."

"Yes, that. But the Aeldir live longer lives than most other humanoids, which would seem to run contrary to that idea." She rubbed her chin. "Perhaps Aeldir don't need as much blood to keep functioning? You're right, this is very intriguing and raises many interesting questions."

"The big one I have, however," She looked up towards the summer camp, "Is what you're hoping to learn by looking at the other courts. If we needed a larger sample size, the Winter fleet would have done."

---

Lady Navus sought out dignitaries from the League of Allied Provinces.

[Reggiejam]

The Queen could not stifle a laugh, the little Duke's blunt words rang true and she welcomed them.

"You do have a pretty way of deciphering the ugly, Duke Sand, I like to think that underneath your brusque manners, lies a tenderness for me. No, do not disillusion me if it's not so, I won't have it!" Again she bent graced his head with a kiss.

"Lady Autumn likes to think herself sly, but I name you Duke Fox, the Wily."





Lady Spring showed no emotions as Duke Sand clearly used what little benefits he had to ingratiate himself with the High Queen. It was just so... unnatural for a Spring Boy. Clearly time spent on the Tir Gwydr was detrimental to the Courts, and Kellianth was glad that Aunty Cynel had taken up what little contact the Courts had with the small colony there. Still, Kellianth did appreciate Sand for his cleverness, even if it was being used to subtly snub her in a manner that she was only used to from an Autumn Court Aeldir.

He would find the trip back to Tir Amser less comfortable, Lady Spring decided, and turned once more to High Queen Thalia as Sand concluded his welcome. "We is not take up more of your time. Is honor to be here. Is looking forward to party. Is would be seen as good, if you is telling me how to be meeting with Profit-tess Council, please and very thank you."


The Duke beamed at his naming by the High Queen and turned his attention to Lady Spring only as she asked to see the Prophetess Council. His smile sank as he recognized a tone in the Lady Spring's voice suggesting she had grown tired of his shenanigans and was ready to return to her own whims. He chewed his lip a moment as he contemplated the level of trouble he was now in with the Lady. Spring Girls were always so sensitive, he thought to himself and once again he was happy he'd been greeted by Cynel and not Kellianth back on Tir Gwydr. He would be sure to give Lady Spring her space once they entered the celebration proper.



The youthful looking Duke Sand had been having a truly disastrous time so far at this celebration. No one would serve him a glass of wine and trekking all the way back to the Spring ship for his personal store seemed like an absolute chore. The Duke knew the Lady Spring cared not for the drink so it was unlikely she would have any wherever the Spring delegate set up. He had seen Lords Summer and Winter, walking like a pair of war and death, but decided it better not to interrupt them. It was better he not end up meeting the Orm involuntarily.

He had been contemplating actually making the journey back to the ship when a scream pierced the air causing him to react. He looked around, spotting the bustle of people that indicated whatever happening was happening near them. He made his way over, curious as any Spring Aeldir was aught to be, squeezing through and under legs to reach the front of the scene.

[Rexleox]

Thalia smiles graciously as the imposing Rexline kisses her hand.

"Welcome gallant Ser, no apology is necessary." Thalia's eyes went to the horizon, it was yet mid-afternoon.

"We have ample time to visit until the night's festival commences. And time for rest, if that is your preference. You do my realm an honour with your presence. Tell me, how fare you on your long journey?" Thalia signaled her maids who offered the travelers a glass of wine.

"Ah my journey was long and hard, but the tough journey has already been made worth it at the sight of your beauty." Thalgram politely sends the maiden off saying that he does not drink and waves for one of his guards who brings him a small flask.

Handing the flask to Thalia he explains "This is some of the finest white sand from the beaches of Caladia mixed with the leaves of our rain forest's largest tree Lignum, in this vial you can smell the ocean breeze and the serenity of the forest. I hope that it will allow you to experience my homeland even if you never make it their in person."
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________



Bas Pride had grown bored. He was following along with Lady Spring, mostly because the littlest Aeldir Leader was still a commanding presence. Bas Pride had... mixed feelings about her. One moment, she was like a Kit. The next, she was one of the most cunning creatures he'd ever listened to. The next after that, she was a dangerous predator, and Pride felt like prey before her. So he watched. He listened. He learned.

Now, however, with the kits of Avonlea playing with him, he was rather bored. This... party... was clearly shaping up to be much like the rest. No one was treating him seriously. It... got his hackles standing up. Yet, he saw the usefulness of being ignored. Being thought of as a pet. The less intelligent would be more free with their words, and had been at times, when there were no translators present. Though it had taken him some time, he understood the trade tongue and Aeldir speech just fine; it was merely a matter of birth that prevented him from communicating freely in return. It was fortunate that there were Aeldir in the world who saw the opportunity to study and learn to speak with the Salvax, like Owena, or the Salvax Ri would have to attend these events; which would be too dangerous for him, or Tir Xungla.

So Bas Pride stewed upon his boredom, and idly scanned the crowd. His whiskers suddenly perked up. He thought he saw something. Something... cat-like. Alert. Caution. Rivalry. Not Pack.

Warchod Prejudice was suddenly extremely attentive, and Owena also. Lady Spring was looking confused at the three of them. <"Is something the matter, Owena?">

<"Bas Pride senses another animal nearby; dangerous, and not Salvax.">

Kellianth began to scan the crowd, and was suddenly giggling. <"Oh. I see the issue. Come. Let us introduce Bas Pride to the Rexline. I have not had a chance to meet them either, but they make for good trading partners on the Fern Ridge.">

Bas Pride licked his nose, daring not to show any shame. He followed along, now no longer bored, seeking to find out more about these... Rexline.


After he finished his business with Thalia he stepped away, Thalgram took in the many different races that he saw never thinking so many different races could exist let alone stand in one hall. He jokingly thought to himself<"Well this is the day of Unification after all.">

He started to walk towards his body guards then stopped abruptly Thalgran's nose caught a sent nearing, he smelt another large feline that was not one of his own; not Rexline nor Igara. Curious to this new intriguing smell unlike the stench of many other races in this hall he had interest in this one, he made his way toward it.

Thalgram finally found the source of the scent, what appeared to be a large white tiger[Correct me if I'm wrong]. Knowing the power and cunning of a large cat as he is one himself he approached cautiously fiddling with something under his cloak and questioned the person who seemed to be in charge of the cat "Who is the owner of this beast and what is it, as I am similar to it I am curious."His accent coming out as thick as ever; slightly growling every o and i.

[PepperP.]

"Why yes, thank you." Kusal glanced over to Derris to see if he was still watching, and give him a signal as if to say things were settled for now, and normal service could be resumed - though he doubted Maldarr would find it so straightforward.

"Your timing is opportune," Reza commented. "Prince Kusal was just giving me instructions regarding the king's younger brother Jangir, who is in need of a bride. Can you think of any ladies of good family and marriageable age who might be suitable for him? Most of the maids at court I know are rather too young, I suspect." He indicated the swarm of Blue Maids with a flick of his hand and a wry smirk.

Derris nodded to Kusal in acknowledgment, though he still seethed and Belinda was still flushed from embarrassment. Belinda had confessed their childhood infatuation to Derris years ago, to have it dragged into the open and thrown in their face was infuriating, but Derris was determined to let Kusal handle it out of respect for his friend. Still, Reza's easy smirks after being so chastised made him want to throttle the man and his hand twitched momentarily before Belinda offered him a glass of wine with a sympathetic smile. He took it gratefully and took a long swallow. Derris had needed to secure Willa's family's and Kyanos's allegiance to the realm and Maldarr had been the only suitable Polemarchos available. He had foolishly thought that Maldarr and Willa would end up like him and Belinda had, but Maldarr was so blind in love with Thalia that this marriage had been a complete disaster so far. Derris cursed himself for bringing them, he could have just brought Nyle, if Maldarr had wished it. He cursed himself twice for not thinking of it and drank more of his wine as he leaned over to whisper at Kusal as Thalia pondered upon a maiden for Jangir,

"Much as I'm a mind to demand the rogue's resignation, I would hate to break up two families over this matter." The Blue Maids ran by, squealing.

"Or seven, rather." His tone was dry but civil and he downed the last of his glass.


Maldarr had chased after Willa to find her in their chambers, she seethed at him, though she did not speak but picked up the item nearest at hand, a small gilded looking glass, and threw it at him as he advanced upon her. It struck his chest but had no effect as to his forward movement, so she picked up a small pot of face cream and likewise hurled it in his direction. She uttered a grunt of frustration as it went wide and missed him and shattered on the floor. She picked up the next closest item, a harmless scarf and hurled it at him, but it drifted harmlessly to the ground. By this time he was upon her, and he grabbed her wrists below the fists she had balled and ready to strike ineffectually against his chest but he held them firmly in his hands,

"You are my wife." She turned her face away, willing herself not to hear him. He pulled her close so that she may not escape and repeated his words with passion,

"You are my wife." Willa's full lips quivered, inwardly she was screaming "BUT YOU DON'T LOVE ME!" but the words died on her lips from which escaped a sob, and she collapsed into tears against him. He stood with her and stroked her back as her hurt flowed from her eyes and ran down her face. Finally she calmed, and though her voice trembled, she managed,

"You do though, love her?" She said almost hopefully as though if she wished it hard enough, it would not be true.

"Thalia, that is." She remembered the cruel blue-haired man's words, "Loved two queens", and felt the sudden need to clarify and flushed. Maldarr looked at her, anguish shining from his good eye, he did not wish to hurt her further but,

"Yes. I do." He could not and would not deny his love for Thalia.

"I will be honest with you, always, from now until forever. You have my word." He offered her what little comfort he could with his words, though he knew they were not what she wished to hear. he tried to remember how young she was and how raw and hot emotions could run in the heat of your first love. "Two Queens", how had that basterd known?

"Do you love me?" He was pulled back into the room by his wife's words, he gazed down at her lovely face and stroked her cheek tenderly,

"I care for you." He admitted somewhat grudgingly, keenly aware that it was not the same thing. She seemed to ponder that over for a moment,

"Could you?" She looked up at him, hope and tears shining in her dark eyes.

"I don't know." He was astonished to find a tear had fallen from his good eye and was slowly sliding down his cheek. Willa wiped it away and put her arms around him. It was perhaps the most honest thing he had ever said to her.

[Mary_Sue]

"S#@$s? I know not this word." Kellianth looked confused, over towards Owena, who seemed puzzled as well, before realization dawned upon her.

<"It means, Lady, to defecate, but in a purposefully vulgar manner. As Aleuda informed you, Primus is at times purposefully free in the way they speak. She thinks it amuses them.">

<"Ah. Yes."> Kellianth looked back at Phelnia. "Poop. Is mean poop. And is odd to poop and giggle. Though I suppose the word is silly. Poop. Poop. Yes. More I say it, funnier it gets. Poop."

Kellianth thought she heard the child riding upon Bas Pride giggling each time she said the word, so the phrase must have some accuracy. Lady Spring once again nodded to the warriors on Judgement, and proceeded to walk towards the Summer Court Rangers that she had been informed were at a nearby camp. "This longer walk. Is not waste of time. Is test of theory. Is thinking... maybe blood matter more then first think. Maybe is slow, because Aeldir is not die as quick. Is maybe not very very important, but is very very interesting. Is very thank you for... what is word... human-or-ing? Hue-mooring?"

"Humoring, Lady."

"Yes. Humoring! Is thank you for humoring me. You is free to ask questions." Lady Spring continued to walk towards the Thyrngar Rangers camp.

Hey, this is not super important, but if I could get the name of the guy most likely to be on guard at the camp, I'd appreciate it. I'm having fun exploring an idea here; it's probably nothing, just some more fluff for the Aeldir. But it's fun!



Bas Pride had grown bored. He was following along with Lady Spring, mostly because the littlest Aeldir Leader was still a commanding presence. Bas Pride had... mixed feelings about her. One moment, she was like a Kit. The next, she was one of the most cunning creatures he'd ever listened to. The next after that, she was a dangerous predator, and Pride felt like prey before her. So he watched. He listened. He learned.

Now, however, with the kits of Avonlea playing with him, he was rather bored. This... party... was clearly shaping up to be much like the rest. No one was treating him seriously. It... got his hackles standing up. Yet, he saw the usefulness of being ignored. Being thought of as a pet. The less intelligent would be more free with their words, and had been at times, when there were no translators present. Though it had taken him some time, he understood the trade tongue and Aeldir speech just fine; it was merely a matter of birth that prevented him from communicating freely in return. It was fortunate that there were Aeldir in the world who saw the opportunity to study and learn to speak with the Salvax, like Owena, or the Salvax Ri would have to attend these events; which would be too dangerous for him, or Tir Xungla.

So Bas Pride stewed upon his boredom, and idly scanned the crowd. His whiskers suddenly perked up. He thought he saw something. Something... cat-like. Alert. Caution. Rivalry. Not Pack.

Warchod Prejudice was suddenly extremely attentive, and Owena also. Lady Spring was looking confused at the three of them. <"Is something the matter, Owena?">

<"Bas Pride senses another animal nearby; dangerous, and not Salvax.">

Kellianth began to scan the crowd, and was suddenly giggling. <"Oh. I see the issue. Come. Let us introduce Bas Pride to the Rexline. I have not had a chance to meet them either, but they make for good trading partners on the Fern Ridge.">

Bas Pride licked his nose, daring not to show any shame. He followed along, now no longer bored, seeking to find out more about these... Rexline.



Lady Spring showed no emotions as Duke Sand clearly used what little benefits he had to ingratiate himself with the High Queen. It was just so... unnatural for a Spring Boy. Clearly time spent on the Tir Gwydr was detrimental to the Courts, and Kellianth was glad that Aunty Cynel had taken up what little contact the Courts had with the small colony there. Still, Kellianth did appreciate Sand for his cleverness, even if it was being used to subtly snub her in a manner that she was only used to from an Autumn Court Aeldir.

He would find the trip back to Tir Amser less comfortable, Lady Spring decided, and turned once more to High Queen Thalia as Sand concluded his welcome. "We is not take up more of your time. Is honor to be here. Is looking forward to party. Is would be seen as good, if you is telling me how to be meeting with Profit-tess Council, please and very thank you."



Oh dear, Kellianth thought privately, it is a group of Avolean Daen-Followers. Spirits guide me. And I have to be nice to them.

Summoning up her cutest smile, Lady Spring nodded her head politely, and said a few words to Owena, who answered the Council, "Her Lady Spring apologizes for requiring a translator for what is obviously a very important matter; to even be allowed to speak with the Council regarding this is seen favorably by the Spring Court, and for that, we thank you. First, we should say that though there is a potential conflict of interests, we mean no disrespect to the... Mother, and are seeking to have a conversation only. Lady Spring however, is unfamiliar with your ways, and has some questions, so that we might learn more, allowing us to discuss this fully from a more comprehensive standpoint. If that is acceptable, we shall proceed with our inquiries."

OOC: That... that text color. Ouch. Um. Maybe a better choice could be orange?

The old crone rocked side to side on her cushion as the one known as Owena spoke her piece, the Council had all kept their eyes closed this entire time, and still they remained so as the eldest amongst them stopped swaying and replied,

"I will answer you questions sprite, but only if you do me one thing", The other five Prophetesses leaned forward eagerly, as if they knew what was to be asked,

"You must let me touch your hand." The crone put forward one finger, twisted with arthritis from which a hoary nail sprouted. The other crones inexplicably cackled with glee and great merriment.


"Why yes, thank you." Kusal glanced over to Derris to see if he was still watching, and give him a signal as if to say things were settled for now, and normal service could be resumed - though he doubted Maldarr would find it so straightforward.

"Your timing is opportune," Reza commented. "Prince Kusal was just giving me instructions regarding the king's younger brother Jangir, who is in need of a bride. Can you think of any ladies of good family and marriageable age who might be suitable for him? Most of the maids at court I know are rather too young, I suspect." He indicated the swarm of Blue Maids with a flick of his hand and a wry smirk.

Thalia raised her eyebrow at Reza's flippant remark and considered carefully before replying,

"I have a cousin of 16, she is gently bred and a maiden. I shall call for her so that you may consider her properly for your son." She motioned for Lisare, who went to fetch her sister. The younger girl trailed her to the awaiting party, she was short, but her figure was feminine, with good hips and pale blond hair that fell to her waist. She wore the festival white of a true maid that had been embroidered with a shade of blue to match her eyes.

"May I present to you, the Lady Linna Darkthorne." Linna curtsied gracefully

"Well met, M'Lord." She replied politely to Kusal.

"Linna, Kusal is considering you as a match for his younger son. Do you think you could be happy married to his prince, and be ever faithful?" Linna blushed prettily,

"Yes my Queen, I would do our realm credit, and conduct myself with honour." She gazed at Kusal shyly, wondering if his son was the same lovely colour his father was.

"Will she do, M'Lord? You have time to consider of course." She didn't wish Kusal to feel pressured, so she gave him an out in case he found the girl unsuitable.


The Margrave grabbed a glass of wine, reticently taking a sip. "Well, we certainly don't have one of those," he said, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his voice as he pointed at the sun.

A big smile crossed Lady Cerys' face, her fangs prominently on display as she too grabbed a glass. "These eyes are not just cosmetic, Your Grace. If I understand correctly, we do not suffer in the dark nearly as much as other races. However, the Undercity is not without light." She gestured to the embroidery on her dress. "Folsfire grows almost everywhere in Carraig Dún, especially near the lakes. It is our primary source of illumination."

"It makes pretty good soup, too," the First Nihonwyr added flatly.

The Lady's smile became nervous. "He jests." The Nihonwyr's face was deadpan.

"Of course." She laughed along with Lady Cerys's jest and nodded, interested as she spoke of her people's strengths and her realm's singular features. She raised an eyebrow at the Nihonwyr, perhaps it was only being away from his homeland that made him so terse. All this open space as opposed to his dim cavern.

"Perhaps you would care to retire to your chambers to relax before the festival? I will have a flagon of wine sent for you." Thalia said with a gentle smile, trying to ease the Nihonwyr's angst.



"Ah my journey was long and hard, but the tough journey has already been made worth it at the sight of your beauty." Thalgram politely sends the maiden off saying that he does not drink and waves for one of his guards who brings him a small flask.

Handing the flask to Thalia he explains "This is some of the finest white sand from the beaches of Caladia mixed with the leaves of our rain forest's largest tree Lignum, in this vial you can smell the ocean breeze and the serenity of the forest. I hope that it will allow you to experience my homeland even if you never make it their in person."
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________


After he finished his business with Thalia he stepped away, Thalgram took in the many different races that he saw never thinking so many different races could exist let alone stand in one hall. He jokingly thought to himself<"Well this is the day of Unification after all.">

He started to walk towards his body guards then stopped abruptly Thalgran's nose caught a sent nearing, he smelt another large feline that was not one of his own; not Rexline nor Igara. Curious to this new intriguing smell unlike the stench of many other races in this hall he had interest in this one, he made his way toward it.

Thalgram finally found the source of the scent, what appeared to be a large white tiger[Correct me if I'm wrong]. Knowing the power and cunning of a large cat as he is one himself he approached cautiously fiddling with something under his cloak and questioned the person who seemed to be in charge of the cat "Who is the owner of this beast and what is it, as I am similar to it I am curious."His accent coming out as thick as ever; slightly growling every o and i.

"You do me a kindness, Good Ser, if you do not like wine, perhaps we can offer you some cool water instead?" Thalia smiled and modestly accepted Thalgram's compliment, her eyes lit up at the unique gift and she accepted it,

"You have brought me a piece of your homeland, I am honoured to accept it." She cautiously removed the lid and put her nose to the opening, she closed her eyes as she breathed in deeply and by the scent, was transported to a warm jungle beach, a scent rich with the brisk salt air and the rich dark loam of the jungle soil.

"How wonderful, I feel as if I could picture your very homeland!" She exclaimed, delighted, and kissed the Rexline on his furry cheek.

[TheDarkDM]

Aris's gaze trailed up Lord Winter's form as he spoke until they reached the dark pools of his eyes. A cooling sensation of calm washed over her as she delved into their depths,

"Thank you M'Lord, you do me honour." Aris replied in Aeldir. Thalia watched the exchange and made to speak when the Lord of Winter brought forward his retinue with a gift. She halted her words, perhaps for the best and beheld the glorious sword bestowed upon her with awe.

"I have never before seen it's like, nor has any in the world of man I would think." She smiled as she lifted the sword from it's case, noting the perfection of the colour, the same as on her banner, and tested it's sharpness against her thumb, a small droplet of blood welled against her flesh and dripped along her hand.

"This rose has a mighty thorn indeed, M'Lord. I will surely vanquish any foe who would rise against me with this." But how could she vanquish that which dwelt within? A momentary cloud drifted across her face and was gone as quickly.

When Thalia's eyes returned to the Aeldir lord, they found his instantly. His gaze, intent and inexorable, was fixed on hers, and in that moment he seemed to find something only vaguely felt. The phantom of a smile passed through his eyes, and vanished.

"One can but pity any that would set themselves against your will, High Queen. It would be folly to deny you."

A smile, and he turned towards the harbor teeming with Aeldir soldiery and disconcerted merchantmen.

"I hope you forgive the extravagance of my arrival. Our forces move to restore order in the east, and when faced with the choice of refusing your invitation or diverting the fleet there was but one option. Share a drink with me, that I might recompense any dismay I might have birthed."

He dismissed his attendants with a motion, leaving him alone with the women of Avonlea in the afternoon sun.

Later...


<"We are developing much experience in overcoming the stubborn nature of the younger race,"> he spoke from experience, both from war and elsewhere, <"When I heard of this festival down in Evergale with Helia I knew we must attend to congratulate the Avonleans if nothing else. It is even more fortunate that you too decided to arrive.">

<"I wished to speak with you regarding Helia Whitstone, the Avonlean I purchased services of. She is growing old. Not yet, her beauty still holds, but I can see it advancing ever closer. I suspect soon she shall have no more purpose in my Court. However, she has learned so much and adapted well to Aeldir customs. She knows our language and customs well and it would be a waste to return her now to Avonlea. Yet I am bound to do so, soon my time with her shall come to a close and I promised to release her back to Thalia.">

Drustan paused, offering the ever wise Lord Winter the chance to voice the conclusion Drustan had come to.

Balor chuckled in response to Drustan's summation, nodding at mention of their joint triumphs.

<"Truly, it seems that for every Avonlean or Ambrosian we encounter a horde of Geshem of Fantastigorians arise to plague us. All the better that their efforts prove entirely impotent. My congratulations on finally ridding us of the blight of the Geshemafar.">

Lord Winter continued to listen, his attention split between Lord Summer's words and the sun-framed silhouettes of Thalia and Helia upon the balcony.

<"Truly, it would be a tragedy to consign one of such talent to a life where it has no purpose. I much desire an ambassatrix of Avonlea at Caer Gheimhridh. Perhaps providence continues to smile on this daughter of white stone. This creature of marble.">

[BlazingAegis]

Noticing a lull in the festivities Davon reaches for his collar and pulls his lapel pin off and closes his hand around it as he starts to walk towards the High Queen. On the way there he is approached by a maiden with glasses of wine, he picks one up and takes a big sip and continues on his way.

"Your Majesty" He says as he bows carefully as to not spill the wine.

"I would like you to have this pin, you seemed to take a little interest in it when we first met." Davon holds out his hand with the pin to the High Queen.

"You had asked about our land, well we are quite far to the east from here, so far to be honest I have no idea how your envoy managed to find us. Praetoria is mostly grasslands to the north and east, mostly an agricultural area, to the west we have steppes where we have a few nomadic clans that graze their animals. To the south we have the beginning of a large mountain range, and the Great Vale. The largest valley any of us has ever seen, this is where my ancestors settled, a valley cradled in the mountains, where our capital city of Valencia was built."

Davon takes another sip of the wine and ponders over what other information he can pass to Queen Thalia.

"You had mentioned that your people had come from the far north, which is similar to the stories our elders have always told us. To the north used to lie a great kingdom, it prospered under the rule of its King and Queen, until a darkness had taken hold in those that aided them. The two were murdered, and their throne taken, an age of darkness swept over the kingdom, the people were terrorized, the new regime starting taking people's valuables, and sometimes even the people themselves. By this point some of the soldiers must have broken ranks with the army and had started leading groups of people south, away from the strife that had befallen them. We have no way of knowing how many groups had left that kingdom behind, or how many had gotten lost during the journey south. We only recently felt we have become stable enough to start looking for our missing kin. It was quite fortunate that your envoy had found us after all."

[DimpleLoamsdown]

All of Gustav's focus on the face of the woman in front of his was caught off guard by the gut punch thrown by the Adrax Awarian Grand Ewe. He doubled over but managed to block her palm from crashing into his face with a swat of his gauntleted hand. Her foot swinging up between his legs however struck true and he collapsed to the ground. It seemed a feint however for as the blade came to find the back of his legs his ungloved hand clamped down on Elle's wrist, twisting it to force her to drop the weapon.

"You dumb bi-" suddenly a brick cracked down onto Gustav's head cracking it open and spilling thick crimson onto the dirt.

The woman who had been pinned against the wall stood staring down at the body with a fury that far outpaced any fear she might have had. As she noticed Elle looking at her the features on her face noticeably softened and fear took hold as she began to shake and gasp.

"By Valac's name... Are you okay? Oh gods what have I done?"

"I do not know what you might have done, or who Valac is, but I do know that at least for now, we are safe." Elle bends down and picks up her dropped knife and reattaches it to her belt. "I am Elle, the Grand Ewe of the Topaz Liberantatem, otherwise known as Adrax Arawia, who are you and from where to you come?" While listening to what the lady has to say, Elle bends down, and kneels next Gustav, examining his wounds, while checking to see for certain whether or not it was the assassin who killed Jack. She then removes his glove to see if there was something he might have been hiding under it.

[woolli264]

The girl's shriek at the shocking display of violence was piercing as she stood aghast at the scene of the crime, the prized topaz slipped from her hand and clattered onto the floor as she brought her hands to her face to shield her from the sight of the Rude Man's blood flowing thickly out of his ruined skull.


"I do not know what you might have done, or who Valac is, but I do know that at least for now, we are safe." Elle bends down and picks up her dropped knife and reattaches it to her belt. "I am Elle, the Grand Ewe of the Topaz Liberantatem, otherwise known as Adrax Arawia, who are you and from where to you come?" While listening to what the lady has to say, Elle bends down, and kneels next Gustav, examining his wounds, while checking to see for certain whether or not it was the assassin who killed Jack. She then removes his glove to see if there was something he might have been hiding under it.

King Alvin and Eleanor, hearing the scream, motioned to their four guards and came running. As they reached the bloody scene they paused to take it all in. King Alvin muttered a curse about Banions under his breath while Eleanor said, "What in Arandi happened here?" The guards then stepped in front of the royalty, spears at the ready.

[DimpleLoamsdown]

King Alvin and Eleanor, hearing the scream, motioned to their four guards and came running. As they reached the bloody scene they paused to take it all in. King Alvin muttered a curse about Banions under his breath while Eleanor said, "What in Arandi happened here?" The guards then stepped in front of the royalty, spears at the ready.

"I followed this rude man who is lying here on the floor, in order to tell him to be more polite, then he ran down this alleyway and as I turned the corner, I saw him attempting to strangle this women, so I used my self defense tactics, that I learned from the Liberantians and the Saphiraquaneers, in an attempt to knock him out, but once she was free, she," gesturing towards the lady who was being strangled, "took a brick and smashed it over his head." Elle then put her back against the wall and from all of the trauma, stress and the adrenaline of the situation, not knowing how to handle it all, slid down the wall until she was seated and began to cry. Just then, Grand Sheep Bob II arrived on the scene with two Liberantian Bodyguards and some Adrax Awarian Soldiers. "Oh dear. It appears as though we had an assault of some sort," gesturing to the Lady with the glove marks on her neck, before seeing the dead man on the ground, with a broken brick over his head, the dust from the brick floating through the air, and primarily of the hands of the women with the glove marks on her neck, King Alvin, Eleanor and their guards, the girl from the entrance way to the city, with a dropped topaz at her feet and finally, the one who he came primarily ensure was alright, his wife, Elle, sitting against the wall and crying. He then mutters, "Oh Salmonella."

[Gengy]

Galorius snickered. "Poop."

"... yes, '****s' means 'poop', but 'for s#@$s and giggles' is an expression meaning 'for fun'." Phelnia rubbed the back of her head. "I was asking if there was a reason for these... tests, for lack of a better word coming to mind, other than the reactions of the other Aeldir. It seems that yes, there is."

She turned to look at Kellianth. "You're welcome. What interests me is that Galorius says that slow blood is bad for you. That if your blood doesn't flow well, it causes... er..."

"Heart work hard."

"Yes, that. But the Aeldir live longer lives than most other humanoids, which would seem to run contrary to that idea." She rubbed her chin. "Perhaps Aeldir don't need as much blood to keep functioning? You're right, this is very intriguing and raises many interesting questions."

"The big one I have, however," She looked up towards the summer camp, "Is what you're hoping to learn by looking at the other courts. If we needed a larger sample size, the Winter fleet would have done."

"Is easy answer. Is checking all Courts for... berry-fick-ation. Very-fic-ation? Would be... improper, leave some out. Is not balanced, if is not do so. Is will need to check Autumn too, but is no Autumn here. Is maybe check them later." Lady Spring could see the Summer Court camp in the distance, and started scanning the camp for whomever was on watch.

Just waiting on a name from Rando, or, if he wants, he can join in on the fun with a character at his choosing.


After he finished his business with Thalia he stepped away, Thalgram took in the many different races that he saw never thinking so many different races could exist let alone stand in one hall. He jokingly thought to himself<"Well this is the day of Unification after all.">

He started to walk towards his body guards then stopped abruptly Thalgran's nose caught a sent nearing, he smelt another large feline that was not one of his own; not Rexline nor Igara. Curious to this new intriguing smell unlike the stench of many other races in this hall he had interest in this one, he made his way toward it.

Thalgram finally found the source of the scent, what appeared to be a large white tiger[Correct me if I'm wrong]. Knowing the power and cunning of a large cat as he is one himself he approached cautiously fiddling with something under his cloak and questioned the person who seemed to be in charge of the cat "Who is the owner of this beast and what is it, as I am similar to it I am curious."His accent coming out as thick as ever; slightly growling every o and i.

Lady Spring looked up bemusedly at the Rexline, finding something funny about the way he used the Trade Tongue. "Owena. Explain."

"Yes, Lady." Turning towards Thalgram, the other Spring Court girl indicated towards the white tiger Salvax, "There is a misunderstanding, sir. Bas Pride here is no beast, and is owned in the same way we understand that you are owned; by no one. He does owe allegiance to the Salvax Ri, the leader of the Salvax in Tir Xungla, but he is here as a dignitary. I am Owena, and I can act as a translator for you, if you wish. May I also present Lady Spring, of the Rose Courts."

"You is Rexline. Petravolan is good trading partner. Good neighbor too, to south regions." Lady Kellianth nodded her head respectfully at the creature before her. "Can has your name?"

[Zayuz]

Lilia returns somewhere in between one and two hours later with a large degree of knowledge on how to care for her new Aspis. It still needed a name of course, but that was something to think about in the days to come. Feed him twice a day, with.. Tiny things of meat, was it? She wondered if it could also eat fruits, but perhaps that was an experiment for another time. The large feast hall didn't seem all too different from before, aside from a few additional guests and.. A little bit of confusion over in one part. The further she and the union stayed away from that the better. Controversy was the last thing she needed.

There lay a great selection of conversation partners for her.. Some from the far north, further north than any aside from Juius Darlip had been.. Though he was a famous explorer of course, it was kind of his thing. All of the Aeldir lords.. Or at least their representatives were present.. The league of allied provinces.. Independents.. Her union members.. An unusually high assortment of tiger-people, which she focused on for a moment. One seemed to be a mix of the two, conversing with a literal tiger and another who was far more human, a race she had not recognized. The foreign person seemed to have feline eyes rather than human ones. ..Which she was sure she had not seen before. She did notice that the kingdom of three crowns was not present, which seemed most unlike them. Casting the thought aside, the Queen refocused on their host and the mysterious newcomer.

The Aspis fluttered around her shoulder as she approached the two, wishing not to interrupt their conversation too badly. She was invited to speak to Queen Thalia later anyways, perhaps now was a good time? If not, she could certainly return in a few minutes when they were done. Her guard Garelis still followed her closely. He had stayed quiet throughout the pet care lessons, making only the occasional comment. Lilia wished he would lighten up, though it was never his style to relax on a 'mission.'

Just wondering if MARY SUE and BOOTSTRAP TOMMY would rather I enter their current conversation or speak to both individually. I'm good with either. :smallsmile:



Meanwhile, one of Lilia's off duty guards watched the controversy over from afar. He had stayed on the side, not wishing to draw too much attention to himself. ..The situation seemed to be that a minor lord or tradesman had been acting strange, and attacked a woman when she refused to leave him alone. Naturally, a heroic lord had come to save the damsel in distress - Taking out the other man perhaps a bit too roughly for his own tastes. Another two, who he recognized as the Liggumese royalty rushed over. ..The situation appeared to be handled, as long as there was no threat to the Queen, he needn't implicate himself.

[woolli264]

"I followed this rude man who is lying here on the floor, in order to tell him to be more polite, then he ran down this alleyway and as I turned the corner, I saw him attempting to strangle this women, so I used my self defense tactics, that I learned from the Liberantians and the Saphiraquaneers, in an attempt to knock him out, but once she was free, she," gesturing towards the lady who was being strangled, "took a brick and smashed it over his head." Elle then put her back against the wall and from all of the trauma, stress and the adrenaline of the situation, not knowing how to handle it all, slid down the wall until she was seated and began to cry. Just then, Grand Sheep Bob II arrived on the scene with two Liberantian Bodyguards and some Adrax Awarian Soldiers. "Oh dear. It appears as though we had an assault of some sort," gesturing to the Lady with the glove marks on her neck, before seeing the dead man on the ground, with a broken brick over his head, the dust from the brick floating through the air, and primarily of the hands of the women with the glove marks on her neck, King Alvin, Eleanor and their guards, the girl from the entrance way to the city, with a dropped topaz at her feet and finally, the one who he came primarily ensure was alright, his wife, Elle, sitting against the wall and crying. He then mutters, "Oh Salmonella."

Eleanor looked to the Avonlean girl and asked "Is this true?"
When Bob arrived Alvin turned and said, "Of course there has been an assault do you not see the dead man?"

[DimpleLoamsdown]

Eleanor looked to the Avonlean girl and asked "Is this true?"
When Bob arrived Alvin turned and said, "Of course there has been an assault do you not see the dead man?"
"Yes, yes I do. I also see an injured women, and two shocked women, one of which being my wife." He then tries to walk past Alvin and his men and beckons for his Liberantian guards to follow, before bending down to pick up the dropped topaz, saying, "Whose might this be?"

[QuintonBeck]

The girl's shriek at the shocking display of violence was piercing as she stood aghast at the scene of the crime, the prized topaz slipped from her hand and clattered onto the floor as she brought her hands to her face to shield her from the sight of the Rude Man's blood flowing thickly out of his ruined skull.


"I do not know what you might have done, or who Valac is, but I do know that at least for now, we are safe." Elle bends down and picks up her dropped knife and reattaches it to her belt. "I am Elle, the Grand Ewe of the Topaz Liberantatem, otherwise known as Adrax Arawia, who are you and from where to you come?" While listening to what the lady has to say, Elle bends down, and kneels next Gustav, examining his wounds, while checking to see for certain whether or not it was the assassin who killed Jack. She then removes his glove to see if there was something he might have been hiding under it.


King Alvin and Eleanor, hearing the scream, motioned to their four guards and came running. As they reached the bloody scene they paused to take it all in. King Alvin muttered a curse about Banions under his breath while Eleanor said, "What in Arandi happened here?" The guards then stepped in front of the royalty, spears at the ready.


"I followed this rude man who is lying here on the floor, in order to tell him to be more polite, then he ran down this alleyway and as I turned the corner, I saw him attempting to strangle this women, so I used my self defense tactics, that I learned from the Liberantians and the Saphiraquaneers, in an attempt to knock him out, but once she was free, she," gesturing towards the lady who was being strangled, "took a brick and smashed it over his head." Elle then put her back against the wall and from all of the trauma, stress and the adrenaline of the situation, not knowing how to handle it all, slid down the wall until she was seated and began to cry. Just then, Grand Sheep Bob II arrived on the scene with two Liberantian Bodyguards and some Adrax Awarian Soldiers. "Oh dear. It appears as though we had an assault of some sort," gesturing to the Lady with the glove marks on her neck, before seeing the dead man on the ground, with a broken brick over his head, the dust from the brick floating through the air, and primarily of the hands of the women with the glove marks on her neck, King Alvin, Eleanor and their guards, the girl from the entrance way to the city, with a dropped topaz at her feet and finally, the one who he came primarily ensure was alright, his wife, Elle, sitting against the wall and crying. He then mutters, "Oh Salmonella."



Meanwhile, one of Lilia's off duty guards watched the controversy over from afar. He had stayed on the side, not wishing to draw too much attention to himself. ..The situation seemed to be that a minor lord or tradesman had been acting strange, and attacked a woman when she refused to leave him alone. Naturally, a heroic lord had come to save the damsel in distress - Taking out the other man perhaps a bit too roughly for his own tastes. Another two, who he recognized as the Liggumese royalty rushed over. ..The situation appeared to be handled, as long as there was no threat to the Queen, he needn't implicate himself.


Eleanor looked to the Avonlean girl and asked "Is this true?"
When Bob arrived Alvin turned and said, "Of course there has been an assault do you not see the dead man?"

As Elle searched the man, certain in her heart that he was the man who had killed her father-in-law she could find nothing on his person that indicated who he was or where he was from nor what he may or may not have done. As she looked him over the girl settled down near her on her knees checking the man's neck, presumably for a pule.

"Oh gods, is he dead? Is he dead?"

Her fingers stayed at the man's neck and she ignored Elle's question as Elle moved to remove his glove. Removing the gauntlet Elle saw quickly his hand was paler than his other and scarred on his palm like a brand was a gauntlet fist held inside a circular ring. Just as she finished looking at the strange mark on the hand the woman reeled back with tears welling in her eyes.

"He's dead!" she shouted just as the Lignummese arrived.

She rubbed her hands together nervously, right hand clenched in a fist and cupped by the other. As more people arrived she rushed over towards them, looking for refuge among the guards and apparently wishing the flee to corpse of her attacker.

[DimpleLoamsdown]

As Elle searched the man, certain in her heart that he was the man who had killed her father-in-law she could find nothing on his person that indicated who he was or where he was from nor what he may or may not have done. As she looked him over the girl settled down near her on her knees checking the man's neck, presumably for a pule.

"Oh gods, is he dead? Is he dead?"

Her fingers stayed at the man's neck and she ignored Elle's question as Elle moved to remove his glove. Removing the gauntlet Elle saw quickly his hand was paler than his other and scarred on his palm like a brand was a gauntlet fist held inside a circular ring. Just as she finished looking at the strange mark on the hand the woman reeled back with tears welling in her eyes.

"He's dead!" she shouted just as the Lignummese arrived.

She rubbed her hands together nervously, right hand clenched in a fist and cupped by the other. As more people arrived she rushed over towards them, looking for refuge among the guards and apparently wishing the flee to corpse of her attacker.

Elle stands up, putting her hand on the women's shoulder, "Do not run, it will not help our case, instead, we should honestly explain to the guards what happened, but only then, if they throw us in jail or kill us, we will flee to Adrax Awaria and we will be safe."

[Mary_Sue]

When Thalia's eyes returned to the Aeldir lord, they found his instantly. His gaze, intent and inexorable, was fixed on hers, and in that moment he seemed to find something only vaguely felt. The phantom of a smile passed through his eyes, and vanished.

"One can but pity any that would set themselves against your will, High Queen. It would be folly to deny you."

A smile, and he turned towards the harbor teeming with Aeldir soldiery and disconcerted merchantmen.

"I hope you forgive the extravagance of my arrival. Our forces move to restore order in the east, and when faced with the choice of refusing your invitation or diverting the fleet there was but one option. Share a drink with me, that I might recompense any dismay I might have birthed."

He dismissed his attendants with a motion, leaving him alone with the women of Avonlea in the afternoon sun.

Later...



Balor chuckled in response to Drustan's summation, nodding at mention of their joint triumphs.

<"Truly, it seems that for every Avonlean or Ambrosian we encounter a horde of Geshem of Fantastigorians arise to plague us. All the better that their efforts prove entirely impotent. My congratulations on finally ridding us of the blight of the Geshemafar.">

Lord Winter continued to listen, his attention split between Lord Summer's words and the sun-framed silhouettes of Thalia and Helia upon the balcony.

<"Truly, it would be a tragedy to consign one of such talent to a life where it has no purpose. I much desire an ambassatrix of Avonlea at Caer Gheimhridh. Perhaps providence continues to smile on this daughter of white stone. This creature of marble.">

As Thalia met the Lord of Winter's eyes, an understanding passed between them unspoken, a great weight lifted from her shoulders as the bare flick of a smile crossed his thin lips. He glimmered in the sunlight, it's strong afternoon rays catching the silver threading in his greatcoat and added to his otherworldly aura that he wore like a cloak.

"There is no need to apologize, M'Lord. Though the sparrows may squawk at the arrival of the mighty raven, you have given me no cause for concern. Indeed to see the strength of those whom I value so highly is a pretty sight." And ever prettier it was, to know the Council would surely be made aware of the Aeldir's mighty display. Thalia smiled sincerely at he thought, and signaled her maids for wine.

"I would gladly share a drink with you, and toast to the future, yours and mine both." Thalia lifted her glass as she made the toast.


Noticing a lull in the festivities Davon reaches for his collar and pulls his lapel pin off and closes his hand around it as he starts to walk towards the High Queen. On the way there he is approached by a maiden with glasses of wine, he picks one up and takes a big sip and continues on his way.

"Your Majesty" He says as he bows carefully as to not spill the wine.

"I would like you to have this pin, you seemed to take a little interest in it when we first met." Davon holds out his hand with the pin to the High Queen.

"You had asked about our land, well we are quite far to the east from here, so far to be honest I have no idea how your envoy managed to find us. Praetoria is mostly grasslands to the north and east, mostly an agricultural area, to the west we have steppes where we have a few nomadic clans that graze their animals. To the south we have the beginning of a large mountain range, and the Great Vale. The largest valley any of us has ever seen, this is where my ancestors settled, a valley cradled in the mountains, where our capital city of Valencia was built."

Davon takes another sip of the wine and ponders over what other information he can pass to Queen Thalia.

"You had mentioned that your people had come from the far north, which is similar to the stories our elders have always told us. To the north used to lie a great kingdom, it prospered under the rule of its King and Queen, until a darkness had taken hold in those that aided them. The two were murdered, and their throne taken, an age of darkness swept over the kingdom, the people were terrorized, the new regime starting taking people's valuables, and sometimes even the people themselves. By this point some of the soldiers must have broken ranks with the army and had started leading groups of people south, away from the strife that had befallen them. We have no way of knowing how many groups had left that kingdom behind, or how many had gotten lost during the journey south. We only recently felt we have become stable enough to start looking for our missing kin. It was quite fortunate that your envoy had found us after all."

Thalia looked at the Lord with surprise as she took the offered pin, could it be mere chance that two exiled realms from the north might have the same emblem? The Council would need to be notified, she thought to herself as she pinned the phoenix, it's blue jewels settling nicely against her pale blue gown.

"Quite fortunate indeed, Ser. It must be providence that we met, I would wish to foster relations between our peoples, though we are not within proximity for trade. Does your son require a bride, perhaps?" She hoped he would not be offended by the sudden proposal.


Lilia returns somewhere in between one and two hours later with a large degree of knowledge on how to care for her new Aspis. It still needed a name of course, but that was something to think about in the days to come. Feed him twice a day, with.. Tiny things of meat, was it? She wondered if it could also eat fruits, but perhaps that was an experiment for another time. The large feast hall didn't seem all too different from before, aside from a few additional guests and.. A little bit of confusion over in one part. The further she and the union stayed away from that the better. Controversy was the last thing she needed.

There lay a great selection of conversation partners for her.. Some from the far north, further north than any aside from Juius Darlip had been.. Though he was a famous explorer of course, it was kind of his thing. All of the Aeldir lords.. Or at least their representatives were present.. The league of allied provinces.. Independents.. Her union members.. An unusually high assortment of tiger-people, which she focused on for a moment. One seemed to be a mix of the two, conversing with a literal tiger and another who was far more human, a race she had not recognized. The foreign person seemed to have feline eyes rather than human ones. ..Which she was sure she had not seen before. She did notice that the kingdom of three crowns was not present, which seemed most unlike them. Casting the thought aside, the Queen refocused on their host and the mysterious newcomer.

The Aspis fluttered around her shoulder as she approached the two, wishing not to interrupt their conversation too badly. She was invited to speak to Queen Thalia later anyways, perhaps now was a good time? If not, she could certainly return in a few minutes when they were done. Her guard Garelis still followed her closely. He had stayed quiet throughout the pet care lessons, making only the occasional comment. Lilia wished he would lighten up, though it was never his style to relax on a 'mission.'

Just wondering if MARY SUE and BOOTSTRAP TOMMY would rather I enter their current conversation or speak to both individually. I'm good with either. :smallsmile:



Meanwhile, one of Lilia's off duty guards watched the controversy over from afar. He had stayed on the side, not wishing to draw too much attention to himself. ..The situation seemed to be that a minor lord or tradesman had been acting strange, and attacked a woman when she refused to leave him alone. Naturally, a heroic lord had come to save the damsel in distress - Taking out the other man perhaps a bit too roughly for his own tastes. Another two, who he recognized as the Liggumese royalty rushed over. ..The situation appeared to be handled, as long as there was no threat to the Queen, he needn't implicate himself.

Thalia had noticed the Queen's return from her Aspis rookery, and as Lilia approached the uncomfortable conversation with the Nihonwyr, Thalia took the opportunity for diversion,

"Queen Lilia, welcome back. I trust my Keeper has you well informed on Aspis upkeep. Please let me introduce Lady Cerys and the First Nihonwyr of Carraig Dún" She smiled at the woman, pleased at her interruption.

[BootStrapTommy]

"Of course." She laughed along with Lady Cerys's jest and nodded, interested as she spoke of her people's strengths and her realm's singular features. She raised an eyebrow at the Nihonwyr, perhaps it was only being away from his homeland that made him so terse. All this open space as opposed to his dim cavern.

"Perhaps you would care to retire to your chambers to relax before the festival? I will have a flagon of wine sent for you." Thalia said with a gentle smile, trying to ease the Nihonwyr's angst.Lady Cerys' eyes flitted to the First Nihonwyr, then back to the High Queen. The First Nihonwyr was stone faced. "Aye, perhaps that is for the best, Your Grace. I'm sure the Margrave is as weary from our travels as I am."

Dafydd's face failed to betray whether that statement held any veracity.

"Your hospitality thus far has been greatly appreciated. We will retire, and look forward to the night's events," the Lady Tellus said with a curtesy.

"Indeed, Your Grace," the Nihonwyr added laconically, his bow more desultory than his last.

[Zayuz]

Thalia had noticed the Queen's return from her Aspis rookery, and as Lilia approached the uncomfortable conversation with the Nihonwyr, Thalia took the opportunity for diversion,

"Queen Lilia, welcome back. I trust my Keeper has you well informed on Aspis upkeep. Please let me introduce Lady Cerys and the First Nihonwyr of Carraig Dún" She smiled at the woman, pleased at her interruption.


Lady Cerys' eyes flitted to the First Nihonwyr, then back to the High Queen. The First Nihonwyr was stone faced. "Aye, perhaps that is for the best, Your Grace. I'm sure the Margrave is as weary from our travels as I am."

Dafydd's face failed to betray whether that statement held any veracity.

"Your hospitality thus far has been greatly appreciated. We will retire, and look forward to the night's events," the Lady Tellus said with a curtesy.

"Indeed, Your Grace," the Nihonwyr added laconically, his bow more desultory than his last.

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Cerys." Lilia says, nodding in her direction. She herself was unsure of how high a title this one might have.. Or what a Nihonwyr was for that matter. The Zaj seemed quite relaxed compared to before, wearing a small smile in addition to her extravagant dress. "Your keeper has taught me a great many things, I should have no problem taking care of it when I return." As she speaks, the Aspis climbs he sleeve and bites a small tear in it, though it was only one of many. The queen hadn't seem have noticed.

Her gaze turns to the two feline-people. "I was hoping to have spoken with those who I had not met, though if you are retiring I do understand; there is always tomorrow. My name is Queen Lilia of Escaye, it would be quite nice to hear of Carraig Dún at some point. ..I fear that none of my maps show any record of it." Her demeanor was friendly, hoping that they would not leave just yet.



As Elle searched the man, certain in her heart that he was the man who had killed her father-in-law she could find nothing on his person that indicated who he was or where he was from nor what he may or may not have done. As she looked him over the girl settled down near her on her knees checking the man's neck, presumably for a pule.

"Oh gods, is he dead? Is he dead?"

Her fingers stayed at the man's neck and she ignored Elle's question as Elle moved to remove his glove. Removing the gauntlet Elle saw quickly his hand was paler than his other and scarred on his palm like a brand was a gauntlet fist held inside a circular ring. Just as she finished looking at the strange mark on the hand the woman reeled back with tears welling in her eyes.

"He's dead!" she shouted just as the Lignummese arrived.

She rubbed her hands together nervously, right hand clenched in a fist and cupped by the other. As more people arrived she rushed over towards them, looking for refuge among the guards and apparently wishing the flee to corpse of her attacker.

The guard looked upon the scene, retreating back to his queen where she was chatting with some others. "Queen Lilia." He says in a stern voice, gathering the attention of the small crowd. "There has been a murder. A nobleman, local I believe." Lilia raises her free hand over her mouth, making a small gasp. "You needn't worry, the threat should not be of any danger to you.. Or you lot." He gestures to the other three. "..You did tell me to warn you of these things, your grace." His calm and orderly voice did have a hint of worry in it, which was also reflected in his expression. He shifted his weight from wide to side - Only just realizing he had interrupted her conversation with Queen Thalia herself. Upon this realization his face goes pale, making a deep bow. "I-I'm so sorry my lady, I did not realize.."

[TheDarkDM]

As Thalia met the Lord of Winter's eyes, an understanding passed between them unspoken, a great weight lifted from her shoulders as the bare flick of a smile crossed his thin lips. He glimmered in the sunlight, it's strong afternoon rays catching the silver threading in his greatcoat and added to his otherworldly aura that he wore like a cloak.

"There is no need to apologize, M'Lord. Though the sparrows may squawk at the arrival of the mighty raven, you have given me no cause for concern. Indeed to see the strength of those whom I value so highly is a pretty sight." And ever prettier it was, to know the Council would surely be made aware of the Aeldir's mighty display. Thalia smiled sincerely at he thought, and signaled her maids for wine.

"I would gladly share a drink with you, and toast to the future, yours and mine both." Thalia lifted her glass as she made the toast.

"To our future, High Queen."

Lord Winter raised his own glass to meet hers, and the cold ring of crystal resonated through the afternoon air, carrying with it a queer chill.

[Rexleox]

"You do me a kindness, Good Ser, if you do not like wine, perhaps we can offer you some cool water instead?" Thalia smiled and modestly accepted Thalgram's compliment, her eyes lit up at the unique gift and she accepted it,

"You have brought me a piece of your homeland, I am honored to accept it." She cautiously removed the lid and put her nose to the opening, she closed her eyes as she breathed in deeply and by the scent, was transported to a warm jungle beach, a scent rich with the brisk salt air and the rich dark loam of the jungle soil.

"How wonderful, I feel as if I could picture your very homeland!" She exclaimed, delighted, and kissed the Rexline on his furry cheek.

Thalgram graciously accepted the water offered to him and thanked the maiden who brought it to him.

Surprised by the kiss, he smiled back saying "I am glad that you enjoy my gift and I can only hope you can visit my homeland yourself one day."

"Now that I have given you a taste of my homeland I would wish to hear about your lands history and customs as I am sure it would be intriguing"



Lady Spring looked up bemusedly at the Rexline, finding something funny about the way he used the Trade Tongue. "Owena. Explain."

"Yes, Lady." Turning towards Thalgram, the other Spring Court girl indicated towards the white tiger Salvax, "There is a misunderstanding, sir. Bas Pride here is no beast, and is owned in the same way we understand that you are owned; by no one. He does owe allegiance to the Salvax Ri, the leader of the Salvax in Tir Xungla, but he is here as a dignitary. I am Owena, and I can act as a translator for you, if you wish. May I also present Lady Spring, of the Rose Courts."

"You is Rexline. Petravolan is good trading partner. Good neighbor too, to south regions." Lady Kellianth nodded her head respectfully at the creature before her. "Can has your name?"
A glint of curiosity showed in Thalgram's eyes and his ears perked up as he heard that Bas Pride was a sentient being. Giving an apologizing bow to Bas Pride and his company and making sure to give a separate bow to the Lady Spring." My name is Thalgram Alpha of Petavolan and I am sorry for that misunderstanding, I was unaware of another sentient large cat species in theses lands."

Tahlgram looks at Bas Pride with eyes that show great curiosity and rivalry saying "I would be curious to hear of the lands that you come from Bas Pride and would also like to know of your race"

[BootStrapTommy]

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Cerys." Lilia says, nodding in her direction. She herself was unsure of how high a title this one might have.. Or what a Nihonwyr was for that matter. The Zaj seemed quite relaxed compared to before, wearing a small smile in addition to her extravagant dress. "Your keeper has taught me a great many things, I should have no problem taking care of it when I return." As she speaks, the Aspis climbs he sleeve and bites a small tear in it, though it was only one of many. The queen hadn't seem have noticed.

Her gaze turns to the two feline-people. "I was hoping to have spoken with those who I had not met, though if you are retiring I do understand; there is always tomorrow. My name is Queen Lilia of Escaye, it would be quite nice to hear of Carraig Dún at some point. ..I fear that none of my maps show any record of it." Her demeanor was friendly, hoping that they would not leave just yet.

The guard looked upon the scene, retreating back to his queen where she was chatting with some others. "Queen Lilia." He says in a stern voice, gathering the attention of the small crowd. "There has been a murder. A nobleman, local I believe." Lilia raises her free hand over her mouth, making a small gasp. "You needn't worry, the threat should not be of any danger to you.. Or you lot." He gestures to the other three. "..You did tell me to warn you of these things, your grace." His calm and orderly voice did have a hint of worry in it, which was also reflected in his expression. He shifted his weight from wide to side - Only just realizing he had interrupted her conversation with Queen Thalia herself. Upon this realization his face goes pale, making a deep bow. "I-I'm so sorry my lady, I did not realize..""You probably never would have, had the Ancerin not saw fit to set up shop right at our doorstep." A seemingly devious smile suddenly precipitated on the First Nihonwyr's face. "I must admit, I have things that need attending to. So I will excuse myself. But if you would like to stay and chat, Lady Cerys, pay me no mind."

At this he bowed, this time with some semblance of manners, and made his way out.

Lady Cerys blushed slightly. "I do apologize for the First Nihonwyr's behavior. Sometimes I think the Nihonwyr spend more time being taught how to kill people than they do how to speak."


Ser Cadwy stood anxiously, feeling oddly conspicuous. This was a much different task than tailing Thaeog dissidents. He rubbed his facial brand, feeling self-conscious when the First Nihonwyr appeared.

"Assessments, Ser Cadwy?" the Margrave inquired.

Relief crossed Cadwy's face. "Well, it's a sturdily built structure, made with defense in mind. But the number of guests is rather mind boggling. Any one of them could poise a threat, it's hard to assess who that might be. Not to mention, this 'bonfire' seems to be taking place in something a tricky location."

"Well, I need you to keep an eye out to the best of your ability, let me know of anything you see outside the insanity that passes for ordinary around here."

"Aye, Commander. You see the fleet in the harbor? Some blowhard thought it necessary to bring a whole fleet!"

"I did. It's also my understanding that this party has already claimed one victim."

"Aye, some bloke got domed with masonry just outside the gates. Don't know the specifics, but it sounds like a delegate from another nation may have been involved. Quit the mess."

The First Nihonwyr grinned ear to ear. "It's always out of the pan and into fire with Cerys, isn't it? Keep your eyes open, soldier. I've the feeling this has the potential to become an... interesting night."

"Your aunt sure knows how to keep us on our toes, Commander."

[moossabi]

"A spade's a spade," Sand spoke the Luskan Trade phrase and continued on resuming in the Dhuda Loka dialect, "It would indeed include our recently acquired Third Order Member of the Demesne on principle though if you came to a separate agreement with the good King Devon or his heirs it would be his ability to alter this provision within his lands."

"I am glad to hear this agreement satisfies your desires. We desire our cousins in the great basin prosper as we upon the island do. While the Old Gods will not be replaced there are many across the Demesne eager to hear the tales of the New God and now too might those of Evergale Valley be enlightened to the ways of the Children."

"Of course. As long as the Winter Court can remove the worship of Daen from their lands, we would be content with turning our gaze elsewhere..." Oshenvar looks out over the harbor, then continues: "After all, the competition should not be allowed to persist, and its protector is extremely ill-equipped to stop us."

[Reggiejam]

"Of course. As long as the Winter Court can remove the worship of Daen from their lands, we would be content with turning our gaze elsewhere..." Oshenvar looks out over the harbor, then continues: "After all, the competition should not be allowed to persist, and its protector is extremely ill-equipped to stop us."

"I can make no promises on whether the existing Daenites shall be targeted by the Winter Court but I do assure you they shall not be allowed to flourish as the Children and their New God shall be within the Demesne."

Sand paused, carefully choosing his next words.

"When my two friends are enemies, what am I to do?"

He leaned in close, whispering to the Councilor,


"You have one Court, they have two."

As he spoke 'they' he glanced towards a nearby cluster of Avonleans.


The Duke leaned back with a smile.

"I am happy our realms shall continue forward as allies. If there is anything else I shall be happy to aid you, but if not I shall beg my leave."

[Mary_Sue]

Thalgram graciously accepted the water offered to him and thanked the maiden who brought it to him.

Surprised by the kiss, he smiled back saying "I am glad that you enjoy my gift and I can only hope you can visit my homeland yourself one day."

"Now that I have given you a taste of my homeland I would wish to hear about your lands history and customs as I am sure it would be intriguing"


A glint of curiosity showed in Thalgram's eyes and his ears perked up as he heard that Bas Pride was a sentient being. Giving an apologizing bow to Bas Pride and his company and making sure to give a separate bow to the Lady Spring." My name is Thalgram Alpha of Petavolan and I am sorry for that misunderstanding, I was unaware of another sentient large cat species in theses lands."

Tahlgram looks at Bas Pride with eyes that show great curiosity and and rivalry saying "I would be curious to hear of the lands that you come from Bas Pride and would also like to know of your race"[/SPOILER]

"I would very much like to visit your homeland, Ser Thalgram." Thalia's voice was wistful as she spoke and a small smile curved her bow lips,

"I do hope you enjoy the evening's festivities, there will be a feast and drumming, and bonfires. Do you have such festivals in your lands?" She asked, eager and curious to learn of their lands.

[Rexleox]

"I would very much like to visit your homeland, Ser Thalgram." Thalia's voice was wistful as she spoke and a small smile curved her bow lips,

"I do hope you enjoy the evening's festivities, there will be a feast and drumming, and bonfires. Do you have such festivals in your lands?" She asked, eager and curious to learn of their lands.

"Ay, we do have such festivals in my land, we host The Grand Hunt every year. When the hunt comes about each clan volunteers its strongest warrior to join in the hunting party that will attempt to slay a mighty Lacetra. If they succeed and they usually do they will bring back the beast that will become the main course in a feast. The feast includes dances around a bone fire, story telling from the brave warriors that slew the beast and drummers playing the Yotoro, a drum hooked up to a metal tube that comes to a bell at the end." Tahlgram glances up longingly imagining the festivities.

Thalgram starts to step back preparation to leave."I would be delighted to hear more about the history of The Unification Celebration, but I fear I may have taken up too much of your time, would you like me to move on so you may talk to your other guests?"

[Mary_Sue]

"Ay, we do have such festivals in my land, we host The Grand Hunt every year. When the hunt comes about each clan volunteers its strongest warrior to join in the hunting party that will attempt to slay a mighty Lacetra. If they succeed and they usually do they will bring back the beast that will become the main course in a feast. The feast includes dances around a bone fire, story telling from the brave warriors that slew the beast and drummers playing the Yotoro, a drum hooked up to a metal tube that comes to a bell at the end." Tahlgram glances up longingly imagining the festivities.

Thalgram starts to step back preparation to leave."I would be delighted to hear more about the history of The Unification Celebration, but I fear I may have taken up too much of your time, would you like me to move on so you may talk to your other guests?"

Thalia glanced at the sun, the eve was near, but still there was time before the festival would begin,

"There is no rush, M'Lord, I would be pleased to speak of our festival so that you may gain a greater pleasure through your understanding. Never before has our lands held a Unification Celebration, as this is the first time we have been united since our people fled south from persecution. Those events were long and long, before remembered time began. We are also celebrating the Festival of Flowers today, which is the beginning of Spring and the fertile season, a time that special to our Mother Goddess, this night also happens to hold a Goddess Moon, when the moon hangs full and pregnant in the sky, so the night is especially fortuitous. Our prophetesses saw in their visions that it would be so, and so we set to have a celebration, and hear you all are!" Thalia summarize the night's festivities and the meaning behind them,

"My time for Honouring the Mother with children are done, but my two youngest were conceived during a Goddess Moon, it is known to be a lucky time and both children enjoy a happy life, and are hale and well." Though being children of the Queen couldn't hurt, she did not voice her heretical doubts though her brow furrowed ever so slightly.

[Mary_Sue]

Nightfall

Night had descended upon the realm, though it had failed to bring the darkness with it. A lurid splash of stars painted the velvet black sky with light, and brighter still the moon rose to sit high in the sky, heavy and full round it hung, illuminating the scene below as the glowing embers from the great bonfire rose in an effort to meet it. Children of both sexes capered around the fire, younger children minded by the older. Servants were busy laying out the feast, long trestle tables had been put out end to end, and were heaped high with sweet and savory morsels which all were welcome to feast from regardless of station as the Mother nurtures all of Her children.

Mistwater Acolytes dressed in colorful hooded robes sat in a large circle, their hands beating upon long drums, tabors, timbrels and bells in a driving beat that moved the children and dancers.
At times, the orange flames seemed to sway in rhythm with the beat of the drums along with the revelers, a great mass of people that filled the large field that stretched for a league behind the castle grounds, further bonfires dotted the distance and beyond those were small fabric tents set up around the perimeter edge to house the weary or those overcome and wish to honour the Mother with their union, it was well known that children conceived by the Goddess Moon would enjoy a charmed life of good health and fortune.

Thalia sat on a low cushioned bench and watched the revelers, a servant had brought her a plate laden with honeyed chicken, a cheese tart and sliced pears. She nibbled the tart and sipped some wine, next to her Aris Morningsworn sat radiant in the firelight sipping on a glass of wine and giggling nervously at some occasional jest of their attending maids. It had been ordained by the Prophetess Council that Aris was to Honour the Mother for the first time at the festival tonight, and her stomach fluttered too wildly to hold food as she regarded the men who had come forward to attempt to earn the privilege of her favour. The hopeful men who stepped forward were free to try and impress the Heiress for her honour as they wished. Thalia kept close by to wave away anybody who dared be openly vulgar to Her future Grace, rudeness would not be tolerated.

Those who do not wish to partake in the contest, feel free to continue to rp the bonfire! Thalia is available for role play, any role play done with Thalia will happen in a time bubble after the end of the contest, ic.
If we have unfinished business on the balcony, please continue! Hooray for time bubbles!

Those who wish to vie for Her future Grace's honour may enter a name and a description of how your gentlemen is trying to impress Aris and roll a 2d6+CUR. CUR is your realm's Curiosity score. I will end the contest 48 hours from now OR when somebody rolls a perfect 22. Luck is not allowed to be used. Males only please, thank you. :smallsmile:

[Gengy]

A glint of curiosity showed in Thalgram's eyes and his ears perked up as he heard that Bas Pride was a sentient being. Giving an apologizing bow to Bas Pride and his company and making sure to give a separate bow to the Lady Spring." My name is Thalgram Alpha of Petavolan and I am sorry for that misunderstanding, I was unaware of another sentient large cat species in theses lands."

Tahlgram looks at Bas Pride with eyes that show great curiosity and rivalry saying "I would be curious to hear of the lands that you come from Bas Pride and would also like to know of your race"

Finally. Something worth paying attention to. Bas Pride was not even insulted by the misunderstanding. These Petravolan were two-legged walking cat things. It was, in Bas Pride's opinion, a step in the right direction. Curiosity. Respect. Pleasure. Content.

"Bas Pride indicates that he too, is curious, about your lands, and it would be his pleasure to answer your questions about Tir Xungla and the Salvax. I feel I should point out that both Bas Pride and Warchod Prejudice here," Owena indicates the speckled Elephant that stands only a little taller than the Alpha, "are of the same place and consider themselves both Salvax. One just has a Tiger body, and the other an Elephant one."

Curious. Hunters? Gatherers? Bas Pride begins to walk close to Thalgram, keeping his eyes locked on the Petravolan.

"Bas Pride would like to know more of your people; are they primarily hunters, or gatherers?"

[woolli264]

Nightfall

Night had descended upon the realm, though it had failed to bring the darkness with it. A lurid splash of stars painted the velvet black sky with light, and brighter still the moon rose to sit high in the sky, heavy and full round it hung, illuminating the scene below as the glowing embers from the great bonfire rose in an effort to meet it. Children of both sexes capered around the fire, younger children minded by the older. Servants were busy laying out the feast, long trestle tables had been put out end to end, and were heaped high with sweet and savory morsels which all were welcome to feast from regardless of station as the Mother nurtures all of Her children.

Mistwater Acolytes dressed in colorful hooded robes sat in a large circle, their hands beating upon long drums, tabors, timbrels and bells in a driving beat that moved the children and dancers.
At times, the orange flames seemed to sway in rhythm with the beat of the drums along with the revelers, a great mass of people that filled the large field that stretched for a league behind the castle grounds, further bonfires dotted the distance and beyond those were small fabric tents set up around the perimeter edge to house the weary or those overcome and wish to honour the Mother with their union, it was well known that children conceived by the Goddess Moon would enjoy a charmed life of good health and fortune.

Thalia sat on a low cushioned bench and watched the revelers, a servant had brought her a plate laden with honeyed chicken, a cheese tart and sliced pears. She nibbled the tart and sipped some wine, next to her Aris Morningsworn sat radiant in the firelight sipping on a glass of wine and giggling nervously at some occasional jest of their attending maids. It had been ordained by the Prophetess Council that Aris was to Honour the Mother for the first time at the festival tonight, and her stomach fluttered too wildly to hold food as she regarded the men who had come forward to attempt to earn the privilege of her favour. The hopeful men who stepped forward were free to try and impress the Heiress for her honour as they wished. Thalia kept close by to wave away anybody who dared be openly vulgar to Her future Grace, rudeness would not be tolerated.

Those who do not wish to partake in the contest, feel free to continue to rp the bonfire! Thalia is available for role play, any role play done with Thalia will happen in a time bubble after the end of the contest, ic.
If we have unfinished business on the balcony, please continue! Hooray for time bubbles!

Those who wish to vie for Her future Grace's honour may enter a name and a description of how your gentlemen is trying to impress Aris and roll a 2d6+CUR. CUR is your realm's Curiosity score. I will end the contest 48 hours from now OR when somebody rolls a perfect 22. Luck is not allowed to be used. Males only please, thank you. :smallsmile:

The Lignummese are overjoyed. They acquire a drum and begin beating and chanting in their simple, rhythmic way. They manage to get a few children to join in and try to teach them the traditional Lignummese words but eventually just translate to the trade tongue.

Having heard of a contest (and having had a few too many drinks by human standards) Alvin performs a disastrous musical juggling routine on horseback that ends with him slipping of the horse and vomiting on the ground. Afterwords he is helped up and led to a quiet tent to rest. roll (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20360983&postcount=450)

[HalfTangible]

Those who wish to vie for Her future Grace's honour may enter a name and a description of how your gentlemen is trying to impress Aris and roll a 2d6+CUR. CUR is your realm's Curiosity score. I will end the contest 48 hours from now OR when somebody rolls a perfect 22. Luck is not allowed to be used. Males only please, thank you. :smallsmile:Prince Biron of the Primus Imperium attempted to woo Aris through a simultaneous display of poetry and mock swordplay. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exactly great either.

It was impressive that he cut off one of his fingers by accident and continued his third stanza without missing a beat, though.

Roll (10) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20361043&postcount=451)

---

Lady Navus is still looking for a representative from the League of Allied Provinces to discuss trading opportunities.

[DimpleLoamsdown]

Those who wish to vie for Her future Grace's honour may enter a name and a description of how your gentlemen is trying to impress Aris and roll a 2d6+CUR. CUR is your realm's Curiosity score. I will end the contest 48 hours from now OR when somebody rolls a perfect 22. Luck is not allowed to be used. Males only please, thank you. :smallsmile:

Bob steps forward, with the permission of his Grand Ewe, saying, "This is for my son, Fred." he then sings a song that is generally sung at a traditional Adrax Awarian Funeral, while playing an out of tune strummed string instrument native to Adrax Awaria, before attempting a backflip off of a giant pile of feathers, stuck together with horse poop, attempting to land on a horse that was running by as fast as it could.

He did reasonably well in his routine, only, he did not accomplish his backflip, and the horse had to come back around twice, at a slower pace the second time. Instead of backflipping, he just sort of hopped. 12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20361177&postcount=452)

[Aedilred]

Thalia raised her eyebrow at Reza's flippant remark and considered carefully before replying,

"I have a cousin of 16, she is gently bred and a maiden. I shall call for her so that you may consider her properly for your son." She motioned for Lisare, who went to fetch her sister. The younger girl trailed her to the awaiting party, she was short, but her figure was feminine, with good hips and pale blond hair that fell to her waist. She wore the festival white of a true maid that had been embroidered with a shade of blue to match her eyes.

"May I present to you, the Lady Linna Darkthorne." Linna curtsied gracefully

"Well met, M'Lord." She replied politely to Kusal.

"Linna, Kusal is considering you as a match for his younger son. Do you think you could be happy married to his prince, and be ever faithful?" Linna blushed prettily,

"Yes my Queen, I would do our realm credit, and conduct myself with honour." She gazed at Kusal shyly, wondering if his son was the same lovely colour his father was.

"Will she do, M'Lord? You have time to consider of course." She didn't wish Kusal to feel pressured, so she gave him an out in case he found the girl unsuitable..
"She certainly seems fair and well-mannered," Kusal said, nodding respectfully to Linna. "I am sure that she would make a fine match for my son, but perhaps she and I should meet privately tomorrow so that she understands precisely what would be required of her, and to discuss matters of more delicacy away from the public gaze." Kusal had known plenty of dullards who presented a good facade, and while decorum was important, so too did he hope to find a young woman of decent education and strong character, which would take rather longer to determine than a first impression. Moreover he needed to make sure Linna understood the moral requirements of the position: what passed for respectability in Avonlea could constitute a capital offence in Nand, and if the girl could or would not commit to monogamy he would not force her into it - nor run the risk of scandal that could result otherwise.

"Speaking of delicate subjects," he said, after a moment, "I had hoped to speak with you about the missionary activities of the Grand Church. Some years ago during my regency the Church made a number of attempts to proselytise in Sasanand, and while those were ultimately unsuccessful and have not been repeated, there has been concern that the Church is gathering its forces to make another attempt in greater strength." He raised an apologetic hand. "I assure you that to my mind at least this is a political issue, not a religious one, and we are happy to allow the existing worshippers to remain unmolested, but we would be grateful if you could use your influence with the Church to dissuade them from sending further missionaries, at least unless invitations are issued."

Reza stood in something approximating a respectful silence, nodding at appropriate moments but watching Thalia carefully and unable to help himself from wondering whether she would invite him to her chamber tonight. He regretted slightly the remark he had made to Willa: it had ultimately been impulsive, even if the comment itself had formed in his head the moment he had heard Maldarr was married. In truth, strange as it sounded, he was somewhat jealous of the one-eyed Ambrosan, not so much for his past dalliances with the queen (for he undoubtedly enjoyed much more time with her than Maldarr did, and he had hardly maintained any kind of chaste monogamy during his relationship with her) but because it was clear that she held an affection for him that she never would for Reza. He was no doe-eyed romantic who would lose sleep knowing that his paramours did not love him, but it was still hard not to be somewhat stung when they were together and he could tell she was, at least on some level, wishing he were someone else.

His mind drifted to the chastisement Kusal had given him. He held the former prince regent in some respect, but it was clear to him that Kusal simply did not understand the Avonlean court, where the currency of influence was as much carnal as anything. His behaviour might have caused outrage in Nand, but through good fortune and persistence he had established himself as one of the most influential men in the queendom, which could surely only be in the interests of Nand and the League as a whole. When first appointed, he had quickly understood that Kusal had had a choice between appointing an ambassador who would be virtuous, and one who would be effective - and had chosen the latter. It seemed his former master had forgotten, or perhaps the events of the last few years had changed his perspective.

He briefly considered what was to happen later, and pondered for a second what Kusal would make of it. Nothing good, no doubt. But he was the expert on Avonlean affairs, not the prince, and he could not help but feel Kusal should defer to his judgment. Perhaps that was the very opportunity needed to demonstrate why he was so important to Nand's interests in Avonlea. And, he had to admit, if he could make Thalia even a bit jealous into the bargain, that would be even sweeter.



Lady Navus is still looking for a representative from the League of Allied Provinces to discuss trading opportunities.

Kusal spotted Lady Navus and approached, giving her a respectful bow. "Lady Navus, a pleasure to see you again. We were as shocked as you were to discover the results of the investigation into Queen Roethye's death, and share your outrage."

Kusal is happy to talk generally, but for trade you'd need Blade really, or Pepper in a pinch.



The contest

There was a degree of surprise among the Nanda delegates when Reza stepped forward to present himself to the heir to the queendom, although Kusal gave nothing away and looked on impassively. For all his licentious reptuation, the ambassador was a talented and educated man, conversant in several languages, and chose to recite a passage from a traditional Avonlean romance. Yet while his recall was good, his diction left something to be desired, as it seemed an uncharacteristic nervousness overtook him, and as he attempted to compensate, his normally reasonable Avonlean accent began to slip. Perhaps he was unsettled by the presence of Thalia, to whom his eyes drifted once or twice. After he completed his recital, he attempted to salvage the performance a little with a bow and a dextrous flourish, but fumbled slightly and nearly dropped his hat. Still, for all that, it was not a disaster and he was able to retreat with his dignity largely unpunctured, if not exactly burnished.

Roll: 12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20361382&postcount=453)

[HalfTangible]

"She certainly seems fair and well-mannered," Kusal said, nodding respectfully to Linna. "I am sure that she would make a fine match for my son, but perhaps she and I should meet privately tomorrow so that she understands precisely what would be required of her, and to discuss matters of more delicacy away from the public gaze." Kusal had known plenty of dullards who presented a good facade, and while decorum was important, so too did he hope to find a young woman of decent education and strong character, which would take rather longer to determine than a first impression. Moreover he needed to make sure Linna understood the moral requirements of the position: what passed for respectability in Avonlea could constitute a capital offence in Nand, and if the girl could or would not commit to monogamy he would not force her into it - nor run the risk of scandal that could result otherwise.

"Speaking of delicate subjects," he said, after a moment, "I had hoped to speak with you about the missionary activities of the Grand Church. Some years ago during my regency the Church made a number of attempts to proselytise in Sasanand, and while those were ultimately unsuccessful and have not been repeated, there has been concern that the Church is gathering its forces to make another attempt in greater strength." He raised an apologetic hand. "I assure you that to my mind at least this is a political issue, not a religious one, and we are happy to allow the existing worshippers to remain unmolested, but we would be grateful if you could use your influence with the Church to dissuade them from sending further missionaries, at least unless invitations are issued."

Reza stood in something approximating a respectful silence, nodding at appropriate moments but watching Thalia carefully and unable to help himself from wondering whether she would invite him to her chamber tonight. He regretted slightly the remark he had made to Willa: it had ultimately been impulsive, even if the comment itself had formed in his head the moment he had heard Maldarr was married. In truth, strange as it sounded, he was somewhat jealous of the one-eyed Ambrosan, not so much for his past dalliances with the queen (for he undoubtedly enjoyed much more time with her than Maldarr did, and he had hardly maintained any kind of chaste monogamy during his relationship with her) but because it was clear that she held an affection for him that she never would for Reza. He was no doe-eyed romantic who would lose sleep knowing that his paramours did not love him, but it was still hard not to be somewhat stung when they were together and he could tell she was, at least on some level, wishing he were someone else.

His mind drifted to the chastisement Kusal had given him. He held the former prince regent in some respect, but it was clear to him that Kusal simply did not understand the Avonlean court, where the currency of influence was as much carnal as anything. His behaviour might have caused outrage in Nand, but through good fortune and persistence he had established himself as one of the most influential men in the queendom, which could surely only be in the interests of Nand and the League as a whole. When first appointed, he had quickly understood that Kusal had had a choice between appointing an ambassador who would be virtuous, and one who would be effective - and had chosen the latter. It seemed his former master had forgotten, or perhaps the events of the last few years had changed his perspective.

He briefly considered what was to happen later, and pondered for a second what Kusal would make of it. Nothing good, no doubt. But he was the expert on Avonlean affairs, not the prince, and he could not help but feel Kusal should defer to his judgment. Perhaps that was the very opportunity needed to demonstrate why he was so important to Nand's interests in Avonlea. And, he had to admit, if he could make Thalia even a bit jealous into the bargain, that would be even sweeter.



Kusal spotted Lady Navus and approached, giving her a respectful bow. "Lady Navus, a pleasure to see you again. We were as shocked as you were to discover the results of the investigation into Queen Roethye's death, and share your outrage."

Kusal is happy to talk generally, but for trade you'd need Blade really, or Pepper in a pinch. Pepper and I have already discussed the trade in particular (moonsilver weapons tech for repeater crossbows), she said she'd talk to you guys about it. I'm just setting up an IC scenario for a yes/no/maybe answer. :smallwink:

"... Your sympathies are appreciated." Rikadime's mouth twitched from a practiced smile to a frown. "... She trusted me to wed her own blood, you know. Her nephew, but still her blood. My daughter will never inherit the throne, but she is still a Princess of the Imperium... though, I always thought Roethye would die in battle. One reckless charge too many, surrounded by the corpses of her enemies." Navus' eyes grew dark. "By all rights the royal chambers are Breydice's, but she refuses to sleep there. She's more soft-hearted than she likes to let on, and poor Phelnia... she actually found the corpse..."

Her face slipped into a dark, morose rage. "I still have King Lysus' letter. Talking about how much they 'respected' her as a general. Can't respect her enough to kill her in combat, oh no, but you're so very remorseful that her half-trained daughter was put in place..." Her fists clenched. "If I ever have the pleasure of getting my hands on whoever..."

Lady Navus fell silent. For a few moments more, she maintained that look of morose anger, then shook herself and switched back to the soft smile of the diplomat. "But not to worry, we aren't restarting the six crown conflict. Much as we would like to, the terms of the Treaty of the Ninth Peace hold true, even if the people signing it were false. The League is in no danger."

"I had hoped to discuss a trade of knowledge. These repeating crossbows are... quite fascinating."

[PepperP.]

Nightfall

Night had descended upon the realm, though it had failed to bring the darkness with it. A lurid splash of stars painted the velvet black sky with light, and brighter still the moon rose to sit high in the sky, heavy and full round it hung, illuminating the scene below as the glowing embers from the great bonfire rose in an effort to meet it. Children of both sexes capered around the fire, younger children minded by the older. Servants were busy laying out the feast, long trestle tables had been put out end to end, and were heaped high with sweet and savory morsels which all were welcome to feast from regardless of station as the Mother nurtures all of Her children.

Mistwater Acolytes dressed in colorful hooded robes sat in a large circle, their hands beating upon long drums, tabors, timbrels and bells in a driving beat that moved the children and dancers.
At times, the orange flames seemed to sway in rhythm with the beat of the drums along with the revelers, a great mass of people that filled the large field that stretched for a league behind the castle grounds, further bonfires dotted the distance and beyond those were small fabric tents set up around the perimeter edge to house the weary or those overcome and wish to honour the Mother with their union, it was well known that children conceived by the Goddess Moon would enjoy a charmed life of good health and fortune.

Thalia sat on a low cushioned bench and watched the revelers, a servant had brought her a plate laden with honeyed chicken, a cheese tart and sliced pears. She nibbled the tart and sipped some wine, next to her Aris Morningsworn sat radiant in the firelight sipping on a glass of wine and giggling nervously at some occasional jest of their attending maids. It had been ordained by the Prophetess Council that Aris was to Honour the Mother for the first time at the festival tonight, and her stomach fluttered too wildly to hold food as she regarded the men who had come forward to attempt to earn the privilege of her favour. The hopeful men who stepped forward were free to try and impress the Heiress for her honour as they wished. Thalia kept close by to wave away anybody who dared be openly vulgar to Her future Grace, rudeness would not be tolerated.

Those who do not wish to partake in the contest, feel free to continue to rp the bonfire! Thalia is available for role play, any role play done with Thalia will happen in a time bubble after the end of the contest, ic.
If we have unfinished business on the balcony, please continue! Hooray for time bubbles!

Those who wish to vie for Her future Grace's honour may enter a name and a description of how your gentlemen is trying to impress Aris and roll a 2d6+CUR. CUR is your realm's Curiosity score. I will end the contest 48 hours from now OR when somebody rolls a perfect 22. Luck is not allowed to be used. Males only please, thank you. :smallsmile:

Baram sat cross legged on the ground with his father, feasting and drinking wine as they watched the proceedings with interest and speaking quietly of the barbarism of allowing the populace vie for their future queen's maidenhead. The men spoke well, confident in the unquestionable validity of their opinions and superior morality when Willa, who had been sitting behind them and listening intently suddenly spoke up, the barest hint of fury coloring her voice,

"At least she has a hand in choosing her first lover!" She looked at Maldarr indignantly who had the grace to flush and busy himself with a cheese tart. Belinda put her arm around Willa soothingly and whispered something in her ear. The younger woman nodded and they both arose,

"We're going to dance, you all enjoy the show." Belinda said with a wink at her husband who grinned at her gratefully. She and Willa clasped hands and ran off to one of the distant bonfires, far away from the ongoing spectacle. Maldarr sighed as he gazed over to the two golden haired women sitting on the benches, Aris was lovely prize indeed, but his eyes were only for Thalia and he noted her small curved lips, her soft curly hair moving in the breeze and her blue eyes made dark by the night that reflected the orange of the flames. Suddenly Baram, who had remained silent throughout Willa's outburst, handed Maldarr his empty wine glass and stood, gaze intent on Aris and her suitors, remembering how he had held her close during their dance at the Silver Jubilee not so long ago. Just as suddenly, a strong hand gripped the back of his pants and pulled him back down to his seat.

"Just where do you think you're going?" His father's voice was stern but amused,

"Have you forgotten that your betrothed's mother is in attendance? Do you mean to shame us?" He raised his eyebrow at his son curiously,

"I'm not.." His words cut off suddenly. Untouched anyway, was what he had meant to say, but the memory of bright purple flesh made him stay his words and instead he said,

"Afraid of her." Somewhat lamely, sounding to his own ears a petulant child. He scowled as his father snorted,

"Even if she was not here, the future Protos's heir must not be a basterd. It seems you would risk much for a pretty face." Baram scowled further as he realized it was not only Aris, but he was expected to refrain from all of the potential festivities. Derris put his arm around him and grinned ruefully,

"You will be wed soon enough, I have it on good faith that Giovanna de Altan is quite lovely in her own right. Come, let's parade you around the Grand Princess so she can see just how chaste and faithful her future son in law is being. Wouldn't want all this forced virtue to go to waste." Baram sighed in defeated resignation, he didn't think he would ever be as wise as Derris, or as good at self-control he thought as a gaggle of pretty blonde maids skipped by merrily.

The contest had ended while Derris was talking sense into his son and they stood and watched the couple go off to an enthusiastically cheering crowd. Well that's done then, he thought relieved. Aris's departure had left Thalia sitting on her bench alone, though a loose group of hangers-on still congregated nearby. He blinked in surprise as Maldarr passed himself and Baram, to walk and stop in front of Thalia, and as Maldarr knelt in front of his queen, Derris could feel his friend's anguish palpably. Him and Baram edged in closer so that they might hear Maldarr's words.

Maldarr's heart was thudding in his chest, what had overcome him he did not know, but neither was it in his power to stop himself now that his actions had been put into motion. He knelt in front of Thalia and gazed into her eyes, drowned in them. He took her hand and said,

"I wish to vie for my Queen's Honor." Maldarr cleared his throat and began to sing a sad, lilting melody,

"You've haunted me all my life
Through endless days and countless nights
And there's a flaw in my heart's design
For I keep trying to make you mine

You've haunted me all my life
You've haunted me all my life
You are the mistress I can't make a wife
And you've haunted me all my life

And so I wait but I never seem to learn
How to capture your diminishing returns
I still see you through the eyes of a child
Naive in thinking I could tame the wild

You've haunted me all my life
You've haunted me all my life
You are the mistress I can't make a wife
And you've haunted me all my life"

As he finished his song his voice shook and he drifted to silence and waited for her response, his pulse thudding rapidly in his ears.

[Rexleox]

Thalia glanced at the sun, the eve was near, but still there was time before the festival would begin,

"There is no rush, M'Lord, I would be pleased to speak of our festival so that you may gain a greater pleasure through your understanding. Never before has our lands held a Unification Celebration, as this is the first time we have been united since our people fled south from persecution. Those events were long and long, before remembered time began. We are also celebrating the Festival of Flowers today, which is the beginning of Spring and the fertile season, a time that special to our Mother Goddess, this night also happens to hold a Goddess Moon, when the moon hangs full and pregnant in the sky, so the night is especially fortuitous. Our prophetesses saw in their visions that it would be so, and so we set to have a celebration, and hear you all are!" Thalia summarize the night's festivities and the meaning behind them,

"My time for Honouring the Mother with children are done, but my two youngest were conceived during a Goddess Moon, it is known to be a lucky time and both children enjoy a happy life, and are hale and well." Though being children of the Queen couldn't hurt, she did not voice her heretical doubts though her brow furrowed ever so slightly.

Seeming to be interested by the descriptions of the festivities and their origins Thalgram turns to face the moon saying something softly in the Rex tongue.

Without turning around he said "A Grand Celebration such as this could have few greater purposes than celebrating a nations unity, as I am sure this day has more meaning to you than most considering the hardships you must have gone through."

Turning back to Thalia he smoothly stated "It is becoming late and the festivities seem to almost be starting , may I walk you down to the fire?"





Finally. Something worth paying attention to. Bas Pride was not even insulted by the misunderstanding. These Petravolan were two-legged walking cat things. It was, in Bas Pride's opinion, a step in the right direction. Curiosity. Respect. Pleasure. Content.

"Bas Pride indicates that he too, is curious, about your lands, and it would be his pleasure to answer your questions about Tir Xungla and the Salvax. I feel I should point out that both Bas Pride and Warchod Prejudice here," Owena indicates the speckled Elephant that stands only a little taller than the Alpha, "are of the same place and consider themselves both Salvax. One just has a Tiger body, and the other an Elephant one."

Curious. Hunters? Gatherers? Bas Pride begins to walk close to Thalgram, keeping his eyes locked on the Petravolan.

"Bas Pride would like to know more of your people; are they primarily hunters, or gatherers?"

With almost a laugh Thalgram responds "My people are very much so hunters despite our trade being medicinal herbs." Thalgram raised his chops to show his teeth and flexed his claws "My people don't waste waste these tools, and if you need any proof of that I could invite you to The Grand Hunt."

"I am assuming that your people are a balanced mix of hunters and gathers judging by your uh...diverse race?"

[Mary_Sue]

"She certainly seems fair and well-mannered," Kusal said, nodding respectfully to Linna. "I am sure that she would make a fine match for my son, but perhaps she and I should meet privately tomorrow so that she understands precisely what would be required of her, and to discuss matters of more delicacy away from the public gaze." Kusal had known plenty of dullards who presented a good facade, and while decorum was important, so too did he hope to find a young woman of decent education and strong character, which would take rather longer to determine than a first impression. Moreover he needed to make sure Linna understood the moral requirements of the position: what passed for respectability in Avonlea could constitute a capital offence in Nand, and if the girl could or would not commit to monogamy he would not force her into it - nor run the risk of scandal that could result otherwise.

"Speaking of delicate subjects," he said, after a moment, "I had hoped to speak with you about the missionary activities of the Grand Church. Some years ago during my regency the Church made a number of attempts to proselytise in Sasanand, and while those were ultimately unsuccessful and have not been repeated, there has been concern that the Church is gathering its forces to make another attempt in greater strength." He raised an apologetic hand. "I assure you that to my mind at least this is a political issue, not a religious one, and we are happy to allow the existing worshippers to remain unmolested, but we would be grateful if you could use your influence with the Church to dissuade them from sending further missionaries, at least unless invitations are issued."

Reza stood in something approximating a respectful silence, nodding at appropriate moments but watching Thalia carefully and unable to help himself from wondering whether she would invite him to her chamber tonight. He regretted slightly the remark he had made to Willa: it had ultimately been impulsive, even if the comment itself had formed in his head the moment he had heard Maldarr was married. In truth, strange as it sounded, he was somewhat jealous of the one-eyed Ambrosan, not so much for his past dalliances with the queen (for he undoubtedly enjoyed much more time with her than Maldarr did, and he had hardly maintained any kind of chaste monogamy during his relationship with her) but because it was clear that she held an affection for him that she never would for Reza. He was no doe-eyed romantic who would lose sleep knowing that his paramours did not love him, but it was still hard not to be somewhat stung when they were together and he could tell she was, at least on some level, wishing he were someone else.

His mind drifted to the chastisement Kusal had given him. He held the former prince regent in some respect, but it was clear to him that Kusal simply did not understand the Avonlean court, where the currency of influence was as much carnal as anything. His behaviour might have caused outrage in Nand, but through good fortune and persistence he had established himself as one of the most influential men in the queendom, which could surely only be in the interests of Nand and the League as a whole. When first appointed, he had quickly understood that Kusal had had a choice between appointing an ambassador who would be virtuous, and one who would be effective - and had chosen the latter. It seemed his former master had forgotten, or perhaps the events of the last few years had changed his perspective.

He briefly considered what was to happen later, and pondered for a second what Kusal would make of it. Nothing good, no doubt. But he was the expert on Avonlean affairs, not the prince, and he could not help but feel Kusal should defer to his judgment. Perhaps that was the very opportunity needed to demonstrate why he was so important to Nand's interests in Avonlea. And, he had to admit, if he could make Thalia even a bit jealous into the bargain, that would be even sweeter.



Kusal spotted Lady Navus and approached, giving her a respectful bow. "Lady Navus, a pleasure to see you again. We were as shocked as you were to discover the results of the investigation into Queen Roethye's death, and share your outrage."

Kusal is happy to talk generally, but for trade you'd need Blade really, or Pepper in a pinch.



The contest

There was a degree of surprise among the Nanda delegates when Reza stepped forward to present himself to the heir to the queendom, although Kusal gave nothing away and looked on impassively. For all his licentious reptuation, the ambassador was a talented and educated man, conversant in several languages, and chose to recite a passage from a traditional Avonlean romance. Yet while his recall was good, his diction left something to be desired, as it seemed an uncharacteristic nervousness overtook him, and as he attempted to compensate, his normally reasonable Avonlean accent began to slip. Perhaps he was unsettled by the presence of Thalia, to whom his eyes drifted once or twice. After he completed his recital, he attempted to salvage the performance a little with a bow and a dextrous flourish, but fumbled slightly and nearly dropped his hat. Still, for all that, it was not a disaster and he was able to retreat with his dignity largely unpunctured, if not exactly burnished.

Roll: 12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20361382&postcount=453)

"Of course, M'Lord." Thalia agreed to the private meeting between Kusal and Linna and waved Linna away, who then curtsied and took her leave. As Kusal started to speak of the Daen conversions, Thalia fidgeted uncomfortably, to be true she had had little contact with the Church over the last few years, the Faith was kept by the Prophetesses and their Acolytes, though of course she was always present at ritual service.

"A delicate matter indeed, M'Lord, and one I will need to discuss with the Council, as they must be intermediary between myself and the Church." The Prophetess Council was as like to request conversions out of spite as to be true to the Nand's desires and beg the Church to stay their missionaries. The old crones were astoundingly contrary.

"Though you have my word that I will so speak with them on the matter." She would speak dispassionately lest they get an inkling of her true desires, not that it was like to do any good, she thought silently to herself.

The Next Morning

Linna had made her way to the apartments which had been assigned to house the delegation from the League of Allied Provinces first thing in the morning. Chipper and dressed in a sunny yellow that picked up the soft highlights in her pale hair which flowed free around her shoulders, kept away from her face by a velvet golden band. She presented herself to the guards and waited to be seen, her stomach aflutter with nerves and excitement. Though she would miss her sister and their friends, being a noble in Avonlea meant being under the thumb of the Prophetess Council, a prospect that was less and less appealing to her as she grew older. She shuddered at the scene last night, poor Aris, she thought to herself. The Nand were a respected westron power, and this was her chance, if only she could impress the stern man who stood between her and her escape before she was forced to endure her own Goddess Moon rite.


Baram sat cross legged on the ground with his father, feasting and drinking wine as they watched the proceedings with interest and speaking quietly of the barbarism of allowing the populace vie for their future queen's maidenhead. The men spoke well, confident in the unquestionable validity of their opinions and superior morality when Willa, who had been sitting behind them and listening intently suddenly spoke up, the barest hint of fury coloring her voice,

"At least she has a hand in choosing her first lover!" She looked at Maldarr indignantly who had the grace to flush and busy himself with a cheese tart. Belinda put her arm around Willa soothingly and whispered something in her ear. The younger woman nodded and they both arose,

"We're going to dance, you all enjoy the show." Belinda said with a wink at her husband who grinned at her gratefully. She and Willa clasped hands and ran off to one of the distant bonfires, far away from the ongoing spectacle. Maldarr sighed as he gazed over to the two golden haired women sitting on the benches, Aris was lovely prize indeed, but his eyes were only for Thalia and he noted her small curved lips, her soft curly hair moving in the breeze and her blue eyes made dark by the night that reflected the orange of the flames. Suddenly Baram, who had remained silent throughout Willa's outburst, handed Maldarr his empty wine glass and stood, gaze intent on Aris and her suitors, remembering how he had held her close during their dance at the Silver Jubilee not so long ago. Just as suddenly, a strong hand gripped the back of his pants and pulled him back down to his seat.

"Just where do you think you're going?" His father's voice was stern but amused,

"Have you forgotten that your betrothed's mother is in attendance? Do you mean to shame us?" He raised his eyebrow at his son curiously,

"I'm not.." His words cut off suddenly. Untouched anyway, was what he had meant to say, but the memory of bright purple flesh made him stay his words and instead he said,

"Afraid of her." Somewhat lamely, sounding to his own ears a petulant child. He scowled as his father snorted,

"Even if she was not here, the future Protos's heir must not be a basterd. It seems you would risk much for a pretty face." Baram scowled further as he realized it was not only Aris, but he was expected to refrain from all of the potential festivities. Derris put his arm around him and grinned ruefully,

"You will be wed soon enough, I have it on good faith that Giovanna de Altan is quite lovely in her own right. Come, let's parade you around the Grand Princess so she can see just how chaste and faithful her future son in law is being. Wouldn't want all this forced virtue to go to waste." Baram sighed in defeated resignation, he didn't think he would ever be as wise as Derris, or as good at self-control he thought as a gaggle of pretty blonde maids skipped by merrily.

The contest had ended while Derris was talking sense into his son and they stood and watched the couple go off to an enthusiastically cheering crowd. Well that's done then, he thought relieved. Aris's departure had left Thalia sitting on her bench alone, though a loose group of hangers-on still congregated nearby. He blinked in surprise as Maldarr passed himself and Baram, to walk and stop in front of Thalia, and as Maldarr knelt in front of his queen, Derris could feel his friend's anguish palpably. Him and Baram edged in closer so that they might hear Maldarr's words.

Maldarr's heart was thudding in his chest, what had overcome him he did not know, but neither was it in his power to stop himself now that his actions had been put into motion. He knelt in front of Thalia and gazed into her eyes, drowned in them. He took her hand and said,

"I wish to vie for my Queen's Honor." Maldarr cleared his throat and began to sing a sad, lilting melody,

"You've haunted me all my life
Through endless days and countless nights
And there's a flaw in my heart's design
For I keep trying to make you mine

You've haunted me all my life
You've haunted me all my life
You are the mistress I can't make a wife
And you've haunted me all my life

And so I wait but I never seem to learn
How to capture your diminishing returns
I still see you through the eyes of a child
Naive in thinking I could tame the wild

You've haunted me all my life
You've haunted me all my life
You are the mistress I can't make a wife
And you've haunted me all my life"

As he finished his song his voice shook and he drifted to silence and waited for her response, his pulse thudding rapidly in his ears.

Thalia had sat with Aris as a seemingly never-ending parade of suitors vied for Her future Grace's Honour. The scene put her in mind of the night of her own deflowering and she shivered, though the night was warm. Her suitor pool had been much smaller, but still she had sat for hours, too terrified to make a choice until a young man of an age with herself came to make his bid for her. He seemed as nervous as she was, but his blue eyes had smiled at her kindly whilst he chanted his recitations of love and beauty to her. I choose you, she had said tremulously, her voice barely above a whisper but he had heard her and smiled with delight and happiness. Alone, he had admitted to her, that he too was untouched and so they had spent the night together, learning much from each other's embrace. Later, after she had become Queen, she had sought to add him to her harem, but had found that he had died during his farm work when a mule bucked and kicked in his skull some years before. That experience, she reflected, was likely why she had subtly defied the Council for so long and had silently refused to make a babe of her harem for years. Finally, she had relented and been blessed with her youngest son, a sweet and happy boy, likely the last child that would be born to her.

After what seemed like ages, the contest had finished to a satisfactory result and Aris had been whisked away by her triumphant suitor as the crowd cheered. Thalia smiled thinly but found no voice with which to cheer and continued to sit alone as the crowd started to depart, most after other, easier conquests than the Heiress. Thalia had been surprised when Maldarr had approached, she was about to tell him facetiously that the contest had ended when he dropped to his knee in front of her, the touch of his hand turning her stomach to butterflies. When he told her he would vie for her honour, she laughed heartily though it stilled on her lips when he began his song. Upon it's end she found that she had been holding her breath, and a tear ran down her cheek. She released her breath with a small sob and threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him thoroughly,

"I choose you. Only you." She said softly to him between kisses.


Seeming to be interested by the descriptions of the festivities and their origins Thalgram turns to face the moon saying something softly in the Rex tongue.

Without turning around he said "A Grand Celebration such as this could have few greater purposes than celebrating a nations unity, as I am sure this day has more meaning to you than most considering the hardships you must have gone through."

Turning back to Thalia he smoothly stated "It is becoming late and the festivities seem to almost be starting , may I walk you down to the fire?"




With almost a laugh Thalgram responds "My people are very much so hunters despite our trade being medicinal herbs." Thalgram raised his chops to show his teeth and flexed his claws "My people don't waste waste these tools, and if you need any proof of that I could invite you to The Grand Hunt."

"I am assuming that your people are a balanced mix of hunters and gathers judging by your uh...diverse race?"

Thalia smiled graciously at Thalgram, and offered her hand to him,

"Of course! Let us go now." She signaled to her handmaids who began herding the children out from the balcony and down to the festival grounds for the celebration.

[Aedilred]

"Of course, M'Lord." Thalia agreed to the private meeting between Kusal and Linna and waved Linna away, who then curtsied and took her leave. As Kusal started to speak of the Daen conversions, Thalia fidgeted uncomfortably, to be true she had had little contact with the Church over the last few years, the Faith was kept by the Prophetesses and their Acolytes, though of course she was always present at ritual service.

"A delicate matter indeed, M'Lord, and one I will need to discuss with the Council, as they must be intermediary between myself and the Church." The Prophetess Council was as like to request conversions out of spite as to be true to the Nand's desires and beg the Church to stay their missionaries. The old crones were astoundingly contrary.

"Though you have my word that I will so speak with them on the matter." She would speak dispassionately lest they get an inkling of her true desires, not that it was like to do any good, she thought silently to herself.

The Next Morning

Linna had made her way to the apartments which had been assigned to house the delegation from the League of Allied Provinces first thing in the morning. Chipper and dressed in a sunny yellow that picked up the soft highlights in her pale hair which flowed free around her shoulders, kept away from her face by a velvet golden band. She presented herself to the guards and waited to be seen, her stomach aflutter with nerves and excitement. Though she would miss her sister and their friends, being a noble in Avonlea meant being under the thumb of the Prophetess Council, a prospect that was less and less appealing to her as she grew older. She shuddered at the scene last night, poor Aris, she thought to herself. The Nand were a respected westron power, and this was her chance, if only she could impress the stern man who stood between her and her escape before she was forced to endure her own Goddess Moon rite.

"I would be grateful," Kusal said, feeling that perhaps he owed the queen slightly more of an explanation. He remembered Eraneh, the last Daenist monarch in Nand. A sweet, brave, girl, as he had come to think of her, although he always caught himself, for she had been a grown woman and he little more than a boy in the brief time he had been in her service. But she was gone, frozen in her relative youth in his memory, while he had aged, for better or worse. How things would have been different had she lived, and borne heirs. Even had he been permitted to marry Aiman after all, they would likely have retreated to some bureaucratic obscurity: Isdanfir a minor official with no princely title, let alone a crown; Jangir searching for brides among the local common girls rather than in the courts of foreign royalty; Hannah - might still be alive. Would he make that trade? How could he possibly make that calculation? The prosperity of the realm against his daughter's life? The murder of his mistress against his family's welfare?

Nothing had ever been proven, of course, but it did not take a genius to work out what had happened. Some of the culprits were probably still alive, had fawned before his wife and now dripped their venom in the ear of his son. He recalled the dark days that had followed the queen's death - literally, for many of the clandestine meetings had been held in darkness, the physical discomfort adding to the nervousness and near-panic of the small group of trusted loyalists. Only when it was clear that the king was dying had Firouz aborted his plans, and shifted his - and his collaborators' - efforts to securing the safety of his daughter. Kusal still sometimes wondered what he would have done had their plot reached fruition, but on some level he thought he already knew. These days he had the luxury of wonder, but at the time he would simply have acted: out of outrage at the fallen queen's fate; because Firouz requested it of him; to advance his own station, for that matter. He could not pretend to himself that his loyalty to the house of Sasan was entirely altruistic, after all - he had profited more than anyone from that association.

"The state of religion in the League stands in a precarious balance," he said, by way of explanation, "and in Nand in particular. We have followers of three foreign faiths, hardline pagans who want them expelled, and a militant new sect on our doorstep with a sizeable army and who appear to consider us infidels in need of forcible conversion. Every new convert to Daen runs the risk of upsetting this balance, and gives weight to the arguments of those who would see them purged. Civil strife is a real possibility if conversions continue, a conflict which could easily see the death or expulsion of every Daenist in the land. Ultimately, it is in the Church's own interest to continue with their current restraint."



The Next Morning

Kusal chose to receive Linna on a terrace, in full view of the morning sun, where a table had been set up with two chairs. A lady-in-waiting sat some distance away, attending to embroidery, likely just out of earshot but clearly present as a chaperone. Kusal himself was dressed in an embroidered silk loincloth and sandals, but otherwise wore only jewellery: gold bracelets and armlets, as well as a carefully arranged coiffure held in place with gold pins.

He stood as Linna approached and smiled, trying to project an image of some warmth, as he was aware he had been somewhat chilly the previous evening.

"Please take a seat, my lady. Would you care for some refreshment?" He indicated the table, upon which stood a selection of beverages: wine, rose-water and a coffee-pot, as well as a plate of sweetmeats.

[BlazingAegis]

Davon ponders the thought of his son marrying a young woman from Avonlea. The thought bemused him, maybe this is what was needed to get Cato’s head out of the books all day long.

“That is quite an interesting proposal your Majesty, it could be just the thing that keeps him out of the library from sunrise to sunset. If you’ll pardon me I will go and talk to him about this, maybe even get his sister to twist his arm about it.”

Davon bows slowly to not spill what’s left over of the wine in his cup before setting out of find Cato and tell him of the impending arrangement.

[PepperP.]

"Of course, M'Lord." Thalia agreed to the private meeting between Kusal and Linna and waved Linna away, who then curtsied and took her leave. As Kusal started to speak of the Daen conversions, Thalia fidgeted uncomfortably, to be true she had had little contact with the Church over the last few years, the Faith was kept by the Prophetesses and their Acolytes, though of course she was always present at ritual service.

"A delicate matter indeed, M'Lord, and one I will need to discuss with the Council, as they must be intermediary between myself and the Church." The Prophetess Council was as like to request conversions out of spite as to be true to the Nand's desires and beg the Church to stay their missionaries. The old crones were astoundingly contrary.

"Though you have my word that I will so speak with them on the matter." She would speak dispassionately lest they get an inkling of her true desires, not that it was like to do any good, she thought silently to herself.

The Next Morning

Linna had made her way to the apartments which had been assigned to house the delegation from the League of Allied Provinces first thing in the morning. Chipper and dressed in a sunny yellow that picked up the soft highlights in her pale hair which flowed free around her shoulders, kept away from her face by a velvet golden band. She presented herself to the guards and waited to be seen, her stomach aflutter with nerves and excitement. Though she would miss her sister and their friends, being a noble in Avonlea meant being under the thumb of the Prophetess Council, a prospect that was less and less appealing to her as she grew older. She shuddered at the scene last night, poor Aris, she thought to herself. The Nand were a respected westron power, and this was her chance, if only she could impress the stern man who stood between her and her escape before she was forced to endure her own Goddess Moon rite.



Thalia had sat with Aris as a seemingly never-ending parade of suitors vied for Her future Grace's Honour. The scene put her in mind of the night of her own deflowering and she shivered, though the night was warm. Her suitor pool had been much smaller, but still she had sat for hours, too terrified to make a choice until a young man of an age with herself came to make his bid for her. He seemed as nervous as she was, but his blue eyes had smiled at her kindly whilst he chanted his recitations of love and beauty to her. I choose you, she had said tremulously, her voice barely above a whisper but he had heard her and smiled with delight and happiness. Alone, he had admitted to her, that he too was untouched and so they had spent the night together, learning much from each other's embrace. Later, after she had become Queen, she had sought to add him to her harem, but had found that he had died during his farm work when a mule bucked and kicked in his skull some years before. That experience, she reflected, was likely why she had subtly defied the Council for so long and had silently refused to make a babe of her harem for years. Finally, she had relented and been blessed with her youngest son, a sweet and happy boy, likely the last child that would be born to her.

After what seemed like ages, the contest had finished to a satisfactory result and Aris had been whisked away by her triumphant suitor as the crowd cheered. Thalia smiled thinly but found no voice with which to cheer and continued to sit alone as the crowd started to depart, most after other, easier conquests than the Heiress. Thalia had been surprised when Maldarr had approached, she was about to tell him facetiously that the contest had ended when he dropped to his knee in front of her, the touch of his hand turning her stomach to butterflies. When he told her he would vie for her honour, she laughed heartily though it stilled on her lips when he began his song. Upon it's end she found that she had been holding her breath, and a tear ran down her cheek. She released her breath with a small sob and threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him thoroughly,

"I choose you. Only you." She said softly to him between kisses.



Thalia smiled graciously at Thalgram, and offered her hand to him,

"Of course! Let us go now." She signaled to her handmaids who began herding the children out from the balcony and down to the festival grounds for the celebration.

As if in a dream Maldarr wrapped his arms around Thalia and met her kisses gladly. He rose from his knee with her sleight weight in his arms, her form warm against him as he carried her off, rather than the direction of the distant tents, he headed back up to the castle and the relative privacy her own chambers would afford them.

Baram stood next to his father, gaping at the spectacle. His own brief experience with love had been many years ago, and they both had been little more than children playing at love, he understood that now as he watched Maldrr and the Queen, the depths of their affections and anguish was plain for anyone to see. Derris had watched the scene with consternation and exasperation, wondering what it would mean for relations with Kyanos if Willa truly desired a divorce after hearing of this. He glanced at the spectators to the display, if only he could keep Willa sequestered away until they left, again grateful to Belinda for occupying her. Derris had meant to linger in Avonlea after the festival, but now he knew they should leave as soon as possible tomorrow, for the first time really angry with his friend, he had a duty dammit, the same as the rest of us. He sighed, still scowling in the direction Maldarr had carried Thalia.

"Come" he nudged Baram out of his trance, he really did need to get his son married as soon as possible. Hopefully it would be less of a disaster than the last marriage he had arranged, he thought grimly as we walked Baram back to their castle chambers and set a guard on the boy's door.

[Mary_Sue]

As Elle searched the man, certain in her heart that he was the man who had killed her father-in-law she could find nothing on his person that indicated who he was or where he was from nor what he may or may not have done. As she looked him over the girl settled down near her on her knees checking the man's neck, presumably for a pule.

"Oh gods, is he dead? Is he dead?"

Her fingers stayed at the man's neck and she ignored Elle's question as Elle moved to remove his glove. Removing the gauntlet Elle saw quickly his hand was paler than his other and scarred on his palm like a brand was a gauntlet fist held inside a circular ring. Just as she finished looking at the strange mark on the hand the woman reeled back with tears welling in her eyes.

"He's dead!" she shouted just as the Lignummese arrived.

She rubbed her hands together nervously, right hand clenched in a fist and cupped by the other. As more people arrived she rushed over towards them, looking for refuge among the guards and apparently wishing the flee to corpse of her attacker.

After the incident with the Rude Man, Elle had been detained by Avolean guards for questioning.

"Please start off by stating your name and country of origin." Orcanet Blackpool was the Captain of the guards that had been assigned to port security and she was aghast at the attack that had happened during her watch. Two of her guards stood inside of the small holding room on either side of the door, she sat across a small table from the woman who had so effectively dispatched her attacker and looked at her kindly whilst she questioned her.


"I would be grateful," Kusal said, feeling that perhaps he owed the queen slightly more of an explanation. He remembered Eraneh, the last Daenist monarch in Nand. A sweet, brave, girl, as he had come to think of her, although he always caught himself, for she had been a grown woman and he little more than a boy in the brief time he had been in her service. But she was gone, frozen in her relative youth in his memory, while he had aged, for better or worse. How things would have been different had she lived, and borne heirs. Even had he been permitted to marry Aiman after all, they would likely have retreated to some bureaucratic obscurity: Isdanfir a minor official with no princely title, let alone a crown; Jangir searching for brides among the local common girls rather than in the courts of foreign royalty; Hannah - might still be alive. Would he make that trade? How could he possibly make that calculation? The prosperity of the realm against his daughter's life? The murder of his mistress against his family's welfare?

Nothing had ever been proven, of course, but it did not take a genius to work out what had happened. Some of the culprits were probably still alive, had fawned before his wife and now dripped their venom in the ear of his son. He recalled the dark days that had followed the queen's death - literally, for many of the clandestine meetings had been held in darkness, the physical discomfort adding to the nervousness and near-panic of the small group of trusted loyalists. Only when it was clear that the king was dying had Firouz aborted his plans, and shifted his - and his collaborators' - efforts to securing the safety of his daughter. Kusal still sometimes wondered what he would have done had their plot reached fruition, but on some level he thought he already knew. These days he had the luxury of wonder, but at the time he would simply have acted: out of outrage at the fallen queen's fate; because Firouz requested it of him; to advance his own station, for that matter. He could not pretend to himself that his loyalty to the house of Sasan was entirely altruistic, after all - he had profited more than anyone from that association.

"The state of religion in the League stands in a precarious balance," he said, by way of explanation, "and in Nand in particular. We have followers of three foreign faiths, hardline pagans who want them expelled, and a militant new sect on our doorstep with a sizeable army and who appear to consider us infidels in need of forcible conversion. Every new convert to Daen runs the risk of upsetting this balance, and gives weight to the arguments of those who would see them purged. Civil strife is a real possibility if conversions continue, a conflict which could easily see the death or expulsion of every Daenist in the land. Ultimately, it is in the Church's own interest to continue with their current restraint."



The Next Morning

Kusal chose to receive Linna on a terrace, in full view of the morning sun, where a table had been set up with two chairs. A lady-in-waiting sat some distance away, attending to embroidery, likely just out of earshot but clearly present as a chaperone. Kusal himself was dressed in an embroidered silk loincloth and sandals, but otherwise wore only jewellery: gold bracelets and armlets, as well as a carefully arranged coiffure held in place with gold pins.

He stood as Linna approached and smiled, trying to project an image of some warmth, as he was aware he had been somewhat chilly the previous evening.

"Please take a seat, my lady. Would you care for some refreshment?" He indicated the table, upon which stood a selection of beverages: wine, rose-water and a coffee-pot, as well as a plate of sweetmeats.

Thalia listened intently to Kusal's, her face placid, though she was inwardly aghast by the seemingly precarious state of the Provinces religious affairs. Surely the Council must never be privy to this information lest they use the information tot heir own unknown nefarious purposes. She glanced around the area furtively, wondering who was in earshot. She smiled to reassure both Kusal and herself,

"I understand your situation and take no offence, you need not to worry. I will do my best to convince the Council to stay the hand of the Temple, You have my word." Somehow, she thought to herself as she sipped her wine and smiled at Kusal pleasantly.

Linna

"Thank you, Ser. I would with pleasure, I have yet to break my fast." She said pleasantly as she seated herself at the table. She chose a selection of sweetmeats and rosewater, wine made her head swimmy and she wanted to be at her best to impress the Lord.


Davon ponders the thought of his son marrying a young woman from Avonlea. The thought bemused him, maybe this is what was needed to get Cato’s head out of the books all day long.

“That is quite an interesting proposal your Majesty, it could be just the thing that keeps him out of the library from sunrise to sunset. If you’ll pardon me I will go and talk to him about this, maybe even get his sister to twist his arm about it.”

Davon bows slowly to not spill what’s left over of the wine in his cup before setting out of find Cato and tell him of the impending arrangement.

Thalia smiled, bemused by the man's abrupt departure. She would need to gather a suitable collection of maidens for his son to choose from, she considered her options. Kusal would surely find Linna suitable, she was confident enough in the girl's learning and manners. She was less confident in the Protectorate's requirements, as Davon had departed before she could ask of his desires for the girl who would wed his son. She signaled her maids and they spoke, each recommending a maiden for her purposes.


Late in the morning the next day, no less than five eligible maidens of varying age, though all of noble birth, each gently bred and well tutored appeared at the chambers that had been assigned to the small delegation from the Praetorian Protectorate and presented themselves to the guards. There was Belaflor Blackswan, younger sister of the intrepid Enyrre. A maiden of 16, Belaflor was dainty with large dark blue eyes the color of sapphires, and long wavy hair the color of summer wheat. There was Ninwen Steelheart, 15, her mild, feminine appearance belying her proclivities towards military training and swordplay, she wore her golden hair in a practical braid that hung down her back to her waist. Fenida Redtree was the niece of the Grand Duchess of Coventry, a fair maiden of 17, Fenida had a pleasant singing voice and could could play multiple instruments with similar acumen and had a good head for memorizing songs and recitations. Lynesse Oakburn, a maid of 16 was dressed modestly in a gown of pale silvery-blue the same color as her eyes, a shy, unassuming girl who was rather more fond of books than people despite the attention her fair face and pleasant womanly figure normally afforded her. Vineve Highmore, the daughter of Grand Duchess Aderine Highmore of Ramshorn, a tall, willowy maiden of 17 Vineve seemed to excel at all activities equally, though perhaps not as physically beautiful as the other candidates, still fair enough to look upon, with wide set aquamarine eyes which were perhaps her best feature. The girls lined up and waited to be seen expectantly.


As if in a dream Maldarr wrapped his arms around Thalia and met her kisses gladly. He rose from his knee with her sleight weight in his arms, her form warm against him as he carried her off, rather than the direction of the distant tents, he headed back up to the castle and the relative privacy her own chambers would afford them.

Baram stood next to his father, gaping at the spectacle. His own brief experience with love had been many years ago, and they both had been little more than children playing at love, he understood that now as he watched Maldrr and the Queen, the depths of their affections and anguish was plain for anyone to see. Derris had watched the scene with consternation and exasperation, wondering what it would mean for relations with Kyanos if Willa truly desired a divorce after hearing of this. He glanced at the spectators to the display, if only he could keep Willa sequestered away until they left, again grateful to Belinda for occupying her. Derris had meant to linger in Avonlea after the festival, but now he knew they should leave as soon as possible tomorrow, for the first time really angry with his friend, he had a duty dammit, the same as the rest of us. He sighed, still scowling in the direction Maldarr had carried Thalia.

"Come" he nudged Baram out of his trance, he really did need to get his son married as soon as possible. Hopefully it would be less of a disaster than the last marriage he had arranged, he thought grimly as we walked Baram back to their castle chambers and set a guard on the boy's door.

Thalia's heart was in her throat as Maldarr whisked her away from the crowd that had lingered from Aris's choosing. She closed her eyes and willed for time to stop while she rested with his strong arms around her. This might well be their last time together, she thought to herself, tears threatening to dampen Maldarr's chest, but then any of their times might have been their last together, that danger is what had made their love so intense and bittersweet. She had not been meaning to fall in love with him when she had invited him to her pavilion at the Summit of Tir Gwdyr where they had first met, where they had conceived their son, but the heart is a capricious creature, with a cruel mind unto itself, made to suffer, as she had, and knew Maldarr had as well and would continue to well after she was gone, she thought with a pang of guilt before she pushed the intruding thoughts away. Tonight was not for melancholy, there would be time enough for that, tonight was for Maldarr and he deserved her undivided attention least not for the suffering her love had caused him.

[TheDarkDM]

As night fell, and the bonfires of the Great Mother lit the night, the Lord Winter took his place nearby the Contest. His retinue had expanded since the coming dark, a few chosen retainers allowed to leave the fleet and participate in the grand revel. And among them walked a specter in white, returned from seeing to the disposition of the fleet back to his master's side. The Dullahan's face was impassive as Lord Winter recounted the reason for the commotion around the Avonlean heir, yet the air around both Aeldir grew chill even in the warm night as the Contest began. There sat one of the few foreign leaders judged by Balor Morrig himself to be worthy of praise, forced to auction her daughter's innocence by the whims of malevolent dotage. The knot of Winter Aeldir drank little and ate less, sensing their lord's growing displeasure as one after another the leaders of foreign lands made further mockery of this violation. All save Lugh Annan, whose face slowly shifted into a tight smile as the latest suitor stepped back in shame. Leaning towards Lord Winter, the two Aeldir shared some whispered words, and the Dullahan withdrew into the darkness.

Lady Spring, for her part, was relieved to see him go. There were three equals to her, in her mind. Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But of all of them, it was Winter who had the most reason for her to keep him alive. Whether through wisdom or pure chance, the succession for the Winter Court was clear: the Dullahan, Lugh Annan, would be the next Lord Winter, should Balor Morrig fall. And that was a terrible fate. The Dullahan, by all accounts, was an artist; but where others could play a harp, he could play a prisoner, and his instrument would sing all the sweeter under his tender mercies. Though Kellianth was not afraid of him - she was not - she did have a healthy respect for him, born from years of hearing what happened to Spring Court members whom, during the Age of Conflict, fell into the hands of the Winter Court. Death was a rare thing among Aeldir. Yet, the Spring Court had once had a saying: "Death or the Dullahan; I would welcome the former. It would be a quicker meeting." Even in this unnamed age of a unified court, the specter in white was given a wide berth by many Aeldir, and not just among the Spring Court.

Idle thoughts for Lady Spring, perhaps, but still, her breath caught in her throat as she saw the Dullahan return.

He had not been gone long, though long enough that the crowd of suitors had grown large enough to seethe around the seated monarch. Some, great men and kings of men, stood out even among the rabble, but the multitude of Avonlea's lecherous youth overshadowed even their noble personages. They overshadowed the single, white garbed stranger as he passed into their midst, emerging before Aris Morningsworn with a light bow. In his hands was - no prisoner, thankfully, but - a small triangular rosewood harp, its strings glowing golden in the firelight. Standing to his full height he towered over the assemblage, demanding their attention.

Then he sat, devoid of ceremony, and began to play. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFlKx3YPL5I)

The melody emerged a delicate thing, seemingly at odds with the frightful reputation of the fingers that gave it life. Yet for all its fragility the sound had a strength not easily reckoned, for it banished the sound of the surrounding festivities. In a few brief heartbeats, Dullahan and heir were locked together within the walls of his golden song, a still tableau of chaste maiden and frightful predator meeting as equals. Lithe fingers flew over cords, seeking to sustain the illusion for as long as possible, until at last it broke like waves upon the shore. The last wistful note faded into the suddenly warm night, and as the Dullahan stood Aris Morningsworn saw herself reflected in the black mirrors of his eyes.

Roll: 18 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20362629&postcount=455)

[RandoMan]

Thalia nodded sympathetically as Helia spoke, only from being close to the various seasonal Lords, Thalia understood that any length of time amongst the Aeldir was sure to alter a person's perception.

"It does, a great era for our people indeed. And what is to be our place in it I wonder? Certainly the Council has it's grand designs, but I am not privy to them. They have small love for me and less since I have ignored their cries to devote myself to Her worship, and they do not confide in me." Thalia fidgeted restlessly

"More and more I feel as though I've outlived my usefulness to my realm. Or perhaps it is just that I grow ever more weary of the crown's burdens." Thalia leaned her head against Helia's shoulder

"It is good to have you here, I have long missed my oldest confidant."


Helia held her Queen close for a moment and then pulled back, gently raising and removing the Queen's ceremonial crown before leaning back and resting her cheek against her friend's thick blond hair.

"I know the Council has little love for you, but the Lords of the Aeldir do," Helia spoke softly, conspiratorially, "Lord Summer, Lord Winter, they both celebrate you."



Hey, this is not super important, but if I could get the name of the guy most likely to be on guard at the camp, I'd appreciate it. I'm having fun exploring an idea here; it's probably nothing, just some more fluff for the Aeldir. But it's fun!



Thyrngar Ranger Turien




Balor chuckled in response to Drustan's summation, nodding at mention of their joint triumphs.

<"Truly, it seems that for every Avonlean or Ambrosian we encounter a horde of Geshem of Fantastigorians arise to plague us. All the better that their efforts prove entirely impotent. My congratulations on finally ridding us of the blight of the Geshemafar.">

Lord Winter continued to listen, his attention split between Lord Summer's words and the sun-framed silhouettes of Thalia and Helia upon the balcony.

<"Truly, it would be a tragedy to consign one of such talent to a life where it has no purpose. I much desire an ambassatrix of Avonlea at Caer Gheimhridh. Perhaps providence continues to smile on this daughter of white stone. This creature of marble.">

Drustan nodded in agreement with his senior Lord's conclusion.

<"It would seem so.">

Drustan turned to face Balor head on. Lord Summer was tall, even for an Aeldir and well built but still even he stood shorter than Lord Winter and despite his bulkier and stronger appearance lent to him by apparent youth and decades as a warrior it seemed the two were evenly matched in raw power.

<"The Words stir the Old Gods to awaken to this world once again. I trust you with the Words, Balor because they are by all rights your Words. You preserved them and kept them and with Aeldir unity you may speak them once more. I trust you because I know you have seen the destruction they can bring. They are capable of becoming a powerful weapon and I trust you to understand that but do you trust anyone else with them? Do you trust the Dullahan?">


As night fell, and the bonfires of the Great Mother lit the night, the Lord Winter took his place nearby the Contest. His retinue had expanded since the coming dark, a few chosen retainers allowed to leave the fleet and participate in the grand revel. And among them walked a specter in white, returned from seeing to the disposition of the fleet back to his master's side. The Dullahan's face was impassive as Lord Winter recounted the reason for the commotion around the Avonlean heir, yet the air around both Aeldir grew chill even in the warm night as the Contest began. There sat one of the few foreign leaders judged by Balor Morrig himself to be worthy of praise, forced to auction her daughter's innocence by the whims of malevolent dotage. The knot of Winter Aeldir drank little and ate less, sensing their lord's growing displeasure as one after another the leaders of foreign lands made further mockery of this violation. All save Lugh Annan, whose face slowly shifted into a tight smile as the latest suitor stepped back in shame. Leaning towards Lord Winter, the two Aeldir shared some whispered words, and the Dullahan withdrew into the darkness.

Lady Spring, for her part, was relieved to see him go. There were three equals to her, in her mind. Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But of all of them, it was Winter who had the most reason for her to keep him alive. Whether through wisdom or pure chance, the succession for the Winter Court was clear: the Dullahan, Lugh Annan, would be the next Lord Winter, should Balor Morrig fall. And that was a terrible fate. The Dullahan, by all accounts, was an artist; but where others could play a harp, he could play a prisoner, and his instrument would sing all the sweeter under his tender mercies. Though Kellianth was not afraid of him - she was not - she did have a healthy respect for him, born from years of hearing what happened to Spring Court members whom, during the Age of Conflict, fell into the hands of the Winter Court. Death was a rare thing among Aeldir. Yet, the Spring Court had once had a saying: "Death or the Dullahan; I would welcome the former. It would be a quicker meeting." Even in this unnamed age of a unified court, the specter in white was given a wide berth by many Aeldir, and not just among the Spring Court.

Idle thoughts for Lady Spring, perhaps, but still, her breath caught in her throat as she saw the Dullahan return.

He had not been gone long, though long enough that the crowd of suitors had grown large enough to seethe around the seated monarch. Some, great men and kings of men, stood out even among the rabble, but the multitude of Avonlea's lecherous youth overshadowed even their noble personages. They overshadowed the single, white garbed stranger as he passed into their midst, emerging before Aris Morningsworn with a light bow. In his hands was - no prisoner, thankfully, but - a small triangular rosewood harp, its strings glowing golden in the firelight. Standing to his full height he towered over the assemblage, demanding their attention.

Then he sat, devoid of ceremony, and began to play. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFlKx3YPL5I)

The melody emerged a delicate thing, seemingly at odds with the frightful reputation of the fingers that gave it life. Yet for all its fragility the sound had a strength not easily reckoned, for it banished the sound of the surrounding festivities. In a few brief heartbeats, Dullahan and heir were locked together within the walls of his golden song, a still tableau of chaste maiden and frightful predator meeting as equals. Lithe fingers flew over cords, seeking to sustain the illusion for as long as possible, until at last it broke like waves upon the shore. The last wistful note faded into the suddenly warm night, and as the Dullahan stood Aris Morningsworn saw herself reflected in the black mirrors of his eyes.

Roll: 18 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20362629&postcount=455)

Helia gripped herself closer to Drustan's arm, a shiver running up her spine as the Dullahan entranced the Avonlean heir. Lord Summer had always told her she should fear no Aeldir over him but when she had first met the Dullahan she had failed to follow Lord Summer's orders. Tales of the Dullahan from the Age of Conflict and the Seasonal Ages persisted in the Summer Courtlands and Helia had grown to fear him even though she had not yet seen him. When she first traveled with Lord Summer to meet with his Winter Court counterpart to discuss news of Abrahaia's March she'd met the Dullahan and found his presence, while frightening and otherworldly, not especially more unsettling than Lord Winter.

Over the course of the meeting however she'd begun to notice every time the name Abrahaia was spoken by either Lords Summer or Winter they would glance over towards the Dullahan. The Dullahan always saw them and she saw, each time, a flicker of excitement cross behind his eyes. She could tell then watching his eyes that there was something...evil, inside of the Dullahan. She saw those same eyes now, staring into the eyes of her best friend's daughter and heir and she went ice cold, overcoming even the warm skin of Lord Summer.

[BlazingAegis]

Davon had left the High Queen's presence to return and inform Cato about a marriage proposal between a young lady of Avonlea and himself. Cato and Davon spoke in hushed words about the details of the betrothal as a silence fell over the crowd. The announcement of the contest shook Davon, he wandered away from Cato and Aurelia mid-sentence. He finds a spot under a tree and stops to think about what can be done. Surely the queen wouldn't want this, making a young girl choose between strangers to give herself to. The culture was different, but it didn't fit what he thought he knew about Avonlea. A strong matriarchal government and military, men as lesser class citizens, regulated to doing menial work on farms and around the cities. So why dangle an innocent girl in front of people who care nothing for her but as a prize to be won? But what could be done about it now? The Queen only announced it, the decision was made long before by the Prophetess Council. There would be no point in talking to the Queen about this, it would only cause friction with those who are trying to be the one to win the grand 'prize'.

Davon started to pace around the outside of the courtyard, looking at all possible exits, there was next to no way to get Aris out of there without someone noticing. It would be difficult even if he had his honor guard, and even if they escaped out of the castle grounds there was little chance to escape the port. The Protectorate were the outsiders here, the only ones who had come from lands unknown, any possibility of getting aid in the escape was extremely small, and most would likely rather attempt to stop it to gain the High Queen's favor. Without support and risking his own family or the marriage arrangement that was to be discussed, trying to escape with Aris was not a valid option. The only option left was for Davon to attempt to win the contest, to try and save the heiress' honor.

It has been what seems like decades since the last time Davon had to use poetry to win a young lady's heart, but he would rather give it a try than sit back and watch helpless.

He steps up in front of the heiress and the High Queen and bows before he begins to recite his verses. He stumbles over a few words but for a majority of it he stays on point. Before leaving he gives a prayer for the Heiress.

Bowing its feathered head
Before the roaring flames
The phoenix utters
Its ancient prayer:

Homage to the great fire!
The time has come,
The moment has arrived.

I shall leave behind
This old beak
That pecks constantly
At what no longer nourishes,
This old voice
That croaks the same stale song,
These old wings
That have forgotten
How to soar,
Flapping feebly
Back and forth
Over familiar territory.

I approach this fire
With a mind of faith.
I embrace this fire
With a fearless heart.
I endure this fire
With a patient spirit.

Through this death
I shall find new life.
Through this heat
I shall cool my mind.
Through this suffering
I shall find great bliss.
In this fire
I shall forge my freedom.



Roll: 17 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20365888&postcount=458)

[Mary_Sue]

Davon had left the High Queen's presence to return and inform Cato about a marriage proposal between a young lady of Avonlea and himself. Cato and Davon spoke in hushed words about the details of the betrothal as a silence fell over the crowd. The announcement of the contest shook Davon, he wandered away from Cato and Aurelia mid-sentence. He finds a spot under a tree and stops to think about what can be done. Surely the queen wouldn't want this, making a young girl choose between strangers to give herself to. The culture was different, but it didn't fit what he thought he knew about Avonlea. A strong matriarchal government and military, men as lesser class citizens, regulated to doing menial work on farms and around the cities. So why dangle an innocent girl in front of people who care nothing for her but as a prize to be won? But what could be done about it now? The Queen only announced it, the decision was made long before by the Prophetess Council. There would be no point in talking to the Queen about this, it would only cause friction with those who are trying to be the one to win the grand 'prize'.

Davon started to pace around the outside of the courtyard, looking at all possible exits, there was next to no way to get Aris out of there without someone noticing. It would be difficult even if he had his honor guard, and even if they escaped out of the castle grounds there was little chance to escape the port. The Protectorate were the outsiders here, the only ones who had come from lands unknown, any possibility of getting aid in the escape was extremely small, and most would likely rather attempt to stop it to gain the High Queen's favor. Without support and risking his own family or the marriage arrangement that was to be discussed, trying to escape with Aris was not a valid option. The only option left was for Davon to attempt to win the contest, to try and save the heiress' honor.

It has been what seems like decades since the last time Davon had to use poetry to win a young lady's heart, but he would rather give it a try than sit back and watch helpless.

He steps up in front of the heiress and the High Queen and bows before he begins to recite his verses. He stumbles over a few words but for a majority of it he stays on point. Before leaving he gives a prayer for the Heiress.

Bowing its feathered head
Before the roaring flames
The phoenix utters
Its ancient prayer:

Homage to the great fire!
The time has come,
The moment has arrived.

I shall leave behind
This old beak
That pecks constantly
At what no longer nourishes,
This old voice
That croaks the same stale song,
These old wings
That have forgotten
How to soar,
Flapping feebly
Back and forth
Over familiar territory.

I approach this fire
With a mind of faith.
I embrace this fire
With a fearless heart.
I endure this fire
With a patient spirit.

Through this death
I shall find new life.
Through this heat
I shall cool my mind.
Through this suffering
I shall find great bliss.
In this fire
I shall forge my freedom.



Roll: 17 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20365888&postcount=458)


As night fell, and the bonfires of the Great Mother lit the night, the Lord Winter took his place nearby the Contest. His retinue had expanded since the coming dark, a few chosen retainers allowed to leave the fleet and participate in the grand revel. And among them walked a specter in white, returned from seeing to the disposition of the fleet back to his master's side. The Dullahan's face was impassive as Lord Winter recounted the reason for the commotion around the Avonlean heir, yet the air around both Aeldir grew chill even in the warm night as the Contest began. There sat one of the few foreign leaders judged by Balor Morrig himself to be worthy of praise, forced to auction her daughter's innocence by the whims of malevolent dotage. The knot of Winter Aeldir drank little and ate less, sensing their lord's growing displeasure as one after another the leaders of foreign lands made further mockery of this violation. All save Lugh Annan, whose face slowly shifted into a tight smile as the latest suitor stepped back in shame. Leaning towards Lord Winter, the two Aeldir shared some whispered words, and the Dullahan withdrew into the darkness.

Lady Spring, for her part, was relieved to see him go. There were three equals to her, in her mind. Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But of all of them, it was Winter who had the most reason for her to keep him alive. Whether through wisdom or pure chance, the succession for the Winter Court was clear: the Dullahan, Lugh Annan, would be the next Lord Winter, should Balor Morrig fall. And that was a terrible fate. The Dullahan, by all accounts, was an artist; but where others could play a harp, he could play a prisoner, and his instrument would sing all the sweeter under his tender mercies. Though Kellianth was not afraid of him - she was not - she did have a healthy respect for him, born from years of hearing what happened to Spring Court members whom, during the Age of Conflict, fell into the hands of the Winter Court. Death was a rare thing among Aeldir. Yet, the Spring Court had once had a saying: "Death or the Dullahan; I would welcome the former. It would be a quicker meeting." Even in this unnamed age of a unified court, the specter in white was given a wide berth by many Aeldir, and not just among the Spring Court.

Idle thoughts for Lady Spring, perhaps, but still, her breath caught in her throat as she saw the Dullahan return.

He had not been gone long, though long enough that the crowd of suitors had grown large enough to seethe around the seated monarch. Some, great men and kings of men, stood out even among the rabble, but the multitude of Avonlea's lecherous youth overshadowed even their noble personages. They overshadowed the single, white garbed stranger as he passed into their midst, emerging before Aris Morningsworn with a light bow. In his hands was - no prisoner, thankfully, but - a small triangular rosewood harp, its strings glowing golden in the firelight. Standing to his full height he towered over the assemblage, demanding their attention.

Then he sat, devoid of ceremony, and began to play. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFlKx3YPL5I)

The melody emerged a delicate thing, seemingly at odds with the frightful reputation of the fingers that gave it life. Yet for all its fragility the sound had a strength not easily reckoned, for it banished the sound of the surrounding festivities. In a few brief heartbeats, Dullahan and heir were locked together within the walls of his golden song, a still tableau of chaste maiden and frightful predator meeting as equals. Lithe fingers flew over cords, seeking to sustain the illusion for as long as possible, until at last it broke like waves upon the shore. The last wistful note faded into the suddenly warm night, and as the Dullahan stood Aris Morningsworn saw herself reflected in the black mirrors of his eyes.

Roll: 18 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20362629&postcount=455)

Thalia's lips had pressed into a hard thin line, the only hint in her otherwise placid face of her annoyance as Reza stood before her Heiress, a young woman he had seen grown from a mere girl to the lovely creature before him, and recited poems of love to win her favour. She sat with her back stiff, refusing to meet his eyes, though she felt his gaze fall upon her more than once. When he was quite done, Thalia's eyes moved to Aris's face to gauge her interest curiously, She blushed uncomfortably and merely said,

"Thank you, well spoken." Politely, though she did not speak the words of choosing and so Reza must depart. Thalia busied herself with her glass of wine and did not take notice of his departure, nor did she look for him in the crowd. Though she did not think the rogue would do the girl harm, she perceived his true purpose was to get under Thalia's skin and Aris deserved better on this her Moon Goddess night, and was relieved he had not been chosen. It was an oft contrary relationship she had with her Nand ambassador, their sparks of conflict frequently turning into sparks of another kind, but he knew that her heart was elsewhere whilst they were together and had perhaps sought tonight a small morsel of revenge, which ultimately failed, she told herself, though she felt the hot barb of jealousy and knew it untrue.

Thalia and Aris were surprised in equal measure as the newcomer from the Praetorian Protectorate stepped up to win Aris's Honour. The man was attractive, though of an age with Thalia and old enough to be Aris's father. Both of the women were curious when he began his poem, which represented beautifully the fall, struggle and rise of their people, so alike in their histories. The man felt warm and familiar to Aris, and spoke softly with kindness in his eyes, and the words were on the tip of her tongue to speak them and choose this man for her Honour when behind him, her eyes alighted upon a tall, compelling figure and she spoke instead,

"That was truly lovely Ser, a gift indeed", a heartfelt compliment, to be sure, though they were not the words, and so the gentlemen must depart, crestfallen.

Her eyes climbed the long length up to the black, mysterious eyes of the Dullahan and they were transfixed upon him as he played for her his beautiful lilting melody. Her mind tried to relate the gentle song that she heard with the fearsome reputation that this mysterious man had even among his own peoples. She watched his fingers intently as he play, but it was no trick, and as her eyes raised to meet the dark depths of his where only shadows lived once again, she shivered, and knew she had made her choice, and at once was made emboldened and also afraid for it. As he finished his song and stood, Aris said clearly and for all to hear,

"I choose you." The words were spoke well with more confidence than she felt as she stood to take his hand with one that trembled. His hand was cool in her warm one, but it was not the frigid cold of the the uncaring gale, but the refreshing coolness of a soft breeze after a hot summers day and she was calmed and her trembling stilled. She gazed at him expectantly, cheeks blushed, eyes vulnerable with fear and trust as the crowd around them cheered and applauded the pair with glee. Thalia had been well surprised by her choice, she had been almost certain that Aris had been about to choose the Praetorian King when Lugh Annan had melted into the foreground much like the spectre he was rumoured to be. Though surprised, Thalia held no special concern. The Winter Court were friends of Avonlea and had given her no cause for alarm, though perhaps they were not known for their gentle nature, she did not think the Dullahan would do the girl undue harm. She sighed, relieved to the core that the spectacle was done, though she knew that Aris's real test of the night was yet to come, in the Dullahan's embrace. Little did she know that her night was far from finished as well.

[Aedilred]

Linna

"Thank you, Ser. I would with pleasure, I have yet to break my fast." She said pleasantly as she seated herself at the table. She chose a selection of sweetmeats and rosewater, wine made her head swimmy and she wanted to be at her best to impress the Lord.

Kusal himself helped himself to a cup of coffee and sat back, clearly enjoying the sunshine.

"Jangir is the king's brother, and his only surviving sibling, and of similar age to yourself," he said, once Linna had finished choosing her food and drinks. "It is unlikely he will inherit, though not impossible, and he is more likely destined to become an official of the crown. It is possible he might enter military life, though I would recommend against it. The king has already lost one sibling to war, and he would surely rather not lose another. As his wife, you would be expected to assist him in this work, or to take an equivalent position yourself, if you passed the examinations.

"You might find life rather different to your experiences in Avonlea, and the expectations on you will be different too. I understand that in Avonlea there are rather different standards set for decorum, in particular. Much of the behaviour which here is expected would be considered scandalous in Nand, and, as part of the royal family, it would be essential that you avoid scandal. In particular, infidelity is considered a criminal offence, and could be construed as treasonous.

"Does what I have described so far sound tolerable to you? Do you think you would be able to meet the required standards?"

[Mary_Sue]

Helia held her Queen close for a moment and then pulled back, gently raising and removing the Queen's ceremonial crown before leaning back and resting her cheek against her friend's thick blond hair.

"I know the Council has little love for you, but the Lords of the Aeldir do," Helia spoke softly, conspiratorially, "Lord Summer, Lord Winter, they both celebrate you."




Thyrngar Ranger Turien




Drustan nodded in agreement with his senior Lord's conclusion.

<"It would seem so.">

Drustan turned to face Balor head on. Lord Summer was tall, even for an Aeldir and well built but still even he stood shorter than Lord Winter and despite his bulkier and stronger appearance lent to him by apparent youth and decades as a warrior it seemed the two were evenly matched in raw power.

<"The Words stir the Old Gods to awaken to this world once again. I trust you with the Words, Balor because they are by all rights your Words. You preserved them and kept them and with Aeldir unity you may speak them once more. I trust you because I know you have seen the destruction they can bring. They are capable of becoming a powerful weapon and I trust you to understand that but do you trust anyone else with them? Do you trust the Dullahan?">



Helia gripped herself closer to Drustan's arm, a shiver running up her spine as the Dullahan entranced the Avonlean heir. Lord Summer had always told her she should fear no Aeldir over him but when she had first met the Dullahan she had failed to follow Lord Summer's orders. Tales of the Dullahan from the Age of Conflict and the Seasonal Ages persisted in the Summer Courtlands and Helia had grown to fear him even though she had not yet seen him. When she first traveled with Lord Summer to meet with his Winter Court counterpart to discuss news of Abrahaia's March she'd met the Dullahan and found his presence, while frightening and otherworldly, not especially more unsettling than Lord Winter.

Over the course of the meeting however she'd begun to notice every time the name Abrahaia was spoken by either Lords Summer or Winter they would glance over towards the Dullahan. The Dullahan always saw them and she saw, each time, a flicker of excitement cross behind his eyes. She could tell then watching his eyes that there was something...evil, inside of the Dullahan. She saw those same eyes now, staring into the eyes of her best friend's daughter and heir and she went ice cold, overcoming even the warm skin of Lord Summer.

Thalia smiled to hear her friend's words and leaned against her comfortably,

"Great ones to have the love of indeed. How feel you of those two Lords? Do they inspire your love in return for mine?" Thalia asked curiously, trying to glean as much of life with the Aeldir as she could before her friend must again depart.


Kusal himself helped himself to a cup of coffee and sat back, clearly enjoying the sunshine.

"Jangir is the king's brother, and his only surviving sibling, and of similar age to yourself," he said, once Linna had finished choosing her food and drinks. "It is unlikely he will inherit, though not impossible, and he is more likely destined to become an official of the crown. It is possible he might enter military life, though I would recommend against it. The king has already lost one sibling to war, and he would surely rather not lose another. As his wife, you would be expected to assist him in this work, or to take an equivalent position yourself, if you passed the examinations.

"You might find life rather different to your experiences in Avonlea, and the expectations on you will be different too. I understand that in Avonlea there are rather different standards set for decorum, in particular. Much of the behaviour which here is expected would be considered scandalous in Nand, and, as part of the royal family, it would be essential that you avoid scandal. In particular, infidelity is considered a criminal offence, and could be construed as treasonous.

"Does what I have described so far sound tolerable to you? Do you think you would be able to meet the required standards?"

Linna's stomach fluttered nervously at the mention of examinations. What if they taught so differently in Sasanand that she could not pass them? Would they be before the wedding? Would she be sent back to Avonlea and the mercies of the Council if so?

"I was sorry to hear of your daughter's death, Ser. I might like to help my husband in his official capacities, the High Queen tells me that I have a knack with diplomacy and was intending to use me as an emissary herself once I was of an age." She did not mention that she was also trained in swordplay, relieved that Jangir would be pressed to not joined the military, it had never been her strong point, to be true and she had suffered many bruises during training with the other girls.

"There is much to like in Avonlea and much to not like as well." Her eyes went to the chaperone, wondering how much the elder could hear of their conversation,

"I imagine that every realm might have it's own challenges to wield upon it's citizens. I would like to believe myself sufficiently capable of adaptations to be satisfied in my station as your Prince's wife." She spoke thoughtfully, swirling her rosewater in it's glass.

"As to the matter of fidelity, Ser, I am yet a maiden untouched and so would not find it any great burden to remain faithful to your son. I can not miss the so-called "freedom" of wantoness if I have never experienced such. It seems a fair trade for the love of another, which I would hope to earn from my husband in time." Linna's cheeks blushed prettily, the desire for marriage was such a taboo subject, especially for the nobility she felt rather scandalous just for discussing it with Kusal.

[DimpleLoamsdown]

After the incident with the Rude Man, Elle had been detained by Avolean guards for questioning.

"Please start off by stating your name and country of origin." Orcanet Blackpool was the Captain of the guards that had been assigned to port security and she was aghast at the attack that had happened during her watch. Two of her guards stood inside of the small holding room on either side of the door, she sat across a small table from the woman who had so effectively dispatched her attacker and looked at her kindly whilst she questioned her.


"I am Elle, the Grand Ewe of Adrax Awaria, soon to be the Topaz Liberantatem, of the Crystal Union."

[Mary_Sue]

"I am Elle, the Grand Ewe of Adrax Awaria, soon to be the Topaz Liberantatem, of the Crystal Union."

Captain Blackpool looked at her papers with some confusion and peered at Elle,

"Pardon me M'Lady, but are you the woman who wielded the brick that ended the attacker's life?"

[TheDarkDM]

Drustan nodded in agreement with his senior Lord's conclusion.

<"It would seem so.">

Drustan turned to face Balor head on. Lord Summer was tall, even for an Aeldir and well built but still even he stood shorter than Lord Winter and despite his bulkier and stronger appearance lent to him by apparent youth and decades as a warrior it seemed the two were evenly matched in raw power.

<"The Words stir the Old Gods to awaken to this world once again. I trust you with the Words, Balor because they are by all rights your Words. You preserved them and kept them and with Aeldir unity you may speak them once more. I trust you because I know you have seen the destruction they can bring. They are capable of becoming a powerful weapon and I trust you to understand that but do you trust anyone else with them? Do you trust the Dullahan?">

Balor nodded in silent contemplation as he took Drustan's meaning, savoring another mouthful of wine before answering.

<"That is a difficult question, Drustan. Do I trust in the Lugh Annan's loyalty? His dedication to me, and now to our people united? Without question. But loyalty and truth of purpose are not wisdom. He lacks restraint when set loose, as your Court well knows, and his mercurial nature makes him difficult to predict when given free reign. So let us say, if he were given the terrible responsibility of the Word, he would use it in the aid of our people. I am simply unsure whether our people would welcome it.">

Lord Winter's eyes drifted towards the harbor, where the white specter of the Lord of Skulls waited on his whim.

<"But he has no ambition to that responsibility, and in that I place my hope that he would accept it with the gravity it deserves. His competition with the Danu Llaeth left both scarred, but such is the fire of final ambition. Its passing has left but dim embers.">

Later...


Thalia's lips had pressed into a hard thin line, the only hint in her otherwise placid face of her annoyance as Reza stood before her Heiress, a young woman he had seen grown from a mere girl to the lovely creature before him, and recited poems of love to win her favour. She sat with her back stiff, refusing to meet his eyes, though she felt his gaze fall upon her more than once. When he was quite done, Thalia's eyes moved to Aris's face to gauge her interest curiously, She blushed uncomfortably and merely said,

"Thank you, well spoken." Politely, though she did not speak the words of choosing and so Reza must depart. Thalia busied herself with her glass of wine and did not take notice of his departure, nor did she look for him in the crowd. Though she did not think the rogue would do the girl harm, she perceived his true purpose was to get under Thalia's skin and Aris deserved better on this her Moon Goddess night, and was relieved he had not been chosen. It was an oft contrary relationship she had with her Nand ambassador, their sparks of conflict frequently turning into sparks of another kind, but he knew that her heart was elsewhere whilst they were together and had perhaps sought tonight a small morsel of revenge, which ultimately failed, she told herself, though she felt the hot barb of jealousy and knew it untrue.

Thalia and Aris were surprised in equal measure as the newcomer from the Praetorian Protectorate stepped up to win Aris's Honour. The man was attractive, though of an age with Thalia and old enough to be Aris's father. Both of the women were curious when he began his poem, which represented beautifully the fall, struggle and rise of their people, so alike in their histories. The man felt warm and familiar to Aris, and spoke softly with kindness in his eyes, and the words were on the tip of her tongue to speak them and choose this man for her Honour when behind him, her eyes alighted upon a tall, compelling figure and she spoke instead,

"That was truly lovely Ser, a gift indeed", a heartfelt compliment, to be sure, though they were not the words, and so the gentlemen must depart, crestfallen.

Her eyes climbed the long length up to the black, mysterious eyes of the Dullahan and they were transfixed upon him as he played for her his beautiful lilting melody. Her mind tried to relate the gentle song that she heard with the fearsome reputation that this mysterious man had even among his own peoples. She watched his fingers intently as he play, but it was no trick, and as her eyes raised to meet the dark depths of his where only shadows lived once again, she shivered, and knew she had made her choice, and at once was made emboldened and also afraid for it. As he finished his song and stood, Aris said clearly and for all to hear,

"I choose you." The words were spoke well with more confidence than she felt as she stood to take his hand with one that trembled. His hand was cool in her warm one, but it was not the frigid cold of the the uncaring gale, but the refreshing coolness of a soft breeze after a hot summers day and she was calmed and her trembling stilled. She gazed at him expectantly, cheeks blushed, eyes vulnerable with fear and trust as the crowd around them cheered and applauded the pair with glee. Thalia had been well surprised by her choice, she had been almost certain that Aris had been about to choose the Praetorian King when Lugh Annan had melted into the foreground much like the spectre he was rumoured to be. Though surprised, Thalia held no special concern. The Winter Court were friends of Avonlea and had given her no cause for alarm, though perhaps they were not known for their gentle nature, she did not think the Dullahan would do the girl undue harm. She sighed, relieved to the core that the spectacle was done, though she knew that Aris's real test of the night was yet to come, in the Dullahan's embrace. Little did she know that her night was far from finished as well.

The Dullahan was silent as Aris led him into the darkness, his grip firm but oddly gentle. His eyes, proof against the night, remained on his young guide the entire journey, drinking in the determined delicacy of her stance. The stride that spoke of determination even in the face of unsavory duty. It was only at the end, when they reached one of the many nondescript tents littering the night, that he stopped.

"Hold a moment, child of morning. You have honored me with your choice, but I know it was a choice made for duty. I well understand duty. But more, I understand that innocence is little valued by those who still possess it, and greatly treasured by we who have lost it. If your will aligns with that of your Council, I will accept this precious gift. But if you would choose a different night, a different man, then I return the gift to you bereft of acrimony. We could share this tent as two, not as one, and on the morrow I would attest to your womanhood. Your valor in the face of this edict is proof enough of that."

[Mary_Sue]

Later...



The Dullahan was silent as Aris led him into the darkness, his grip firm but oddly gentle. His eyes, proof against the night, remained on his young guide the entire journey, drinking in the determined delicacy of her stance. The stride that spoke of determination even in the face of unsavory duty. It was only at the end, when they reached one of the many nondescript tents littering the night, that he stopped.

"Hold a moment, child of morning. You have honored me with your choice, but I know it was a choice made for duty. I well understand duty. But more, I understand that innocence is little valued by those who still possess it, and greatly treasured by we who have lost it. If your will aligns with that of your Council, I will accept this precious gift. But if you would choose a different night, a different man, then I return the gift to you bereft of acrimony. We could share this tent as two, not as one, and on the morrow I would attest to your womanhood. Your valor in the face of this edict is proof enough of that."

The Dullahan's words took Aris by surprise and she stood close to him for a long moment, her small hand still clasped in his as she stared into his dark, inscrutable eyes. Conscious of others milling about, some gleefully making their way to tents of their own in which to honour Her, Aris stepped closer still to Lugh Annan, as if in embrace. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine what it might be like, to lie with a man, this one in particular. She held him close and leaned her head on his slim chest, waiting to see if some great urge might consume her, but she only blushed and trembled against his cool form. Thalia's maids had, of course, regaled her merrily with tales of their Goddess Moon night. They had not been tales of pleasure, but of pain and fumbling anxiety. Suitable sacrifices for the Mother, so that she may spare them in the birthing bed, having already sated herself with their blood. Aris trembled, would She be offended if she did not complete her rite? Would she be spared now, only to be sacrificed in childbed later? Aris turned from the Dullahan's chest up into the night sky. The Goddess Moon hung bright and full in the night sky but remained silent, she would find no answers there.

Her eyes turned back to the Aeldir's,

"Come, we must not speak of this out here." She spoke softly but pulled him firmly by his hand into the tent. She ducked under the low opening and settled herself comfortably onto the cushioned floor of the compact interior and turned to him,

"Though it was not your purpose, you have asked me to make a second impossible choice this night. Nay, perhaps even a third, for not only would remaining untouched mean to defy the Council, but it would also mean to bereft the Mother Her sacrifice. Would you spare me now, only to sacrifice me in birth after I have lain with another?" She touched his arm gently, to show she held no animosity towards him or the difficult circumstance he had unwittingly placed her,

"And even still, I am sorely tempted to do as you bid, despite the peril it put me in, and preserve my youth for yet longer. I had not been in mind to defy the Council, but you have shown me it might be so, and that knowing can not now be undone." A deep trembling shook her and she hugged her arms about her knees and looked to the Dullahan with uncertainty and some distress.

[BootStrapTommy]

"He's pretty good," Aeres observed of Dullahan.

"Ha, not a bad choice. There are a few things I liked to do to him myself." the Lady Tellus added.

Dafydd Penddraig looked up from his cup of wine, directing the venom in his eyes at the two women.

"This is suppose to be a party, Dav," Aeres observed.

"Yes, as I've repeatedly stated, this is a celebratory function, Margrave. Could you get that stick out of your arse for a few moments and take the time to enjoy yourself?"

Dafydd shot another look their way before he stood up and walked away. He couldn't help but feel a bit more at home here in the dark, the clusters of bonfires like clusters of folsfire dotting the caverns of the Undercity. He looked up at the stars, stunned by the vastness.

Such strangeness, yet such familiarity...

He felt like punching something.

[Geckus]

Disembarking at a crowded quay in Wraith Harbor, Kuldir and his retinue of four drimma, all as alike as brothers but for the one who carried an iron strongbox, drew little more notice than any of the human’s leaving the same ship - they made no show of their arrival, and were far from the strangest of visitors this day. The Master Architect accepted the gift of a flower garland from an Avonlean maid with his thanks and the kiss with a bemused smile.

Glad to feel the earth beneath his feet once more, he choose to wander amongst the merchants for a time rather than heading directly to the castle; judging by the number of foreign ships in the harbour, the High Queen would no doubt be occupied greeting dignitaries for some time. Examining the foreign wares, he was particularly taken with the fine wine.

“Where do you say this was from, good sir?”

“T’is from Evermoor, master dwarf, and this particular vintage is from the Coldglen region; best of the best if I do say so myself.”

“I’ll take it.“

“Oh, very good sir, a fine choice you’ve made. Would you care to have the bottle wrapped?”

“You misunderstand. I’ll take all you have. Mortan, make the arrangements please.”

Leaving the Architect to deal with the shocked and elated merchant, Kuldir found that the hour was growing later than he had planned and made his way up the plateau to the castle.

------

On being brought into the presence of the High Queen, Kuldir offered a deep bow of respect.

“Your Highness, my apologies for my late arrival. We of the Wandering Clans thank you for your invitation and the hospitality of your most beautiful home; please accept this small token of our esteem, to commemorate this grand event.”

The drimma hauling the strongbox, removed from it a smaller wooden box, it’s lid delicately carved with the Avonlean coat of arms. Within the box are several dozen gold and silver coins, each bearing the graven image of the same coat of arms on one side, though the opposite face remained blank.

“I am afraid we had no images of you that would do you justice, but if you would consent to a sitting, Master Silversmith Lugon,” he gestured towards another of his retinue, “will remain to see that they are completed to your satisfaction.”

[DimpleLoamsdown]

Captain Blackpool looked at her papers with some confusion and peered at Elle,

"Pardon me M'Lady, but are you the woman who wielded the brick that ended the attacker's life?"

"I did not throw the brick, it was the other lady who was there, who tried to run away, I only knocked him out, but she smashed the brick over his head."

[QuintonBeck]

After the incident with the Rude Man, Ellethe Woman had been detained by Avolean guards for questioning.

"Please start off by stating your name and country of origin." Orcanet Blackpool was the Captain of the guards that had been assigned to port security and she was aghast at the attack that had happened during her watch. Two of her guards stood inside of the small holding room on either side of the door, she sat across a small table from the woman who had so effectively dispatched her attacker and looked at her kindly whilst she questioned her.


The woman had complied readily with requests for her accompanying the guards and expected an expedient release. She had acted in self defense, plainly enough for all to see, and the man was dead. There would be little reason to hold her for long.

"My name is Francesca Dumont, I am from Kherson, formerly of the Kingdom of Akti and now a protectorate of the Grand Principality of Anceris."

Her voice was level and she seemed calmer now that the incident was over. She focused intently on the Captain's eyes as she spoke, her own eyes conveying a focused determination.

[Mary_Sue]

Disembarking at a crowded quay in Wraith Harbor, Kuldir and his retinue of four drimma, all as alike as brothers but for the one who carried an iron strongbox, drew little more notice than any of the human’s leaving the same ship - they made no show of their arrival, and were far from the strangest of visitors this day. The Master Architect accepted the gift of a flower garland from an Avonlean maid with his thanks and the kiss with a bemused smile.

Glad to feel the earth beneath his feet once more, he choose to wander amongst the merchants for a time rather than heading directly to the castle; judging by the number of foreign ships in the harbour, the High Queen would no doubt be occupied greeting dignitaries for some time. Examining the foreign wares, he was particularly taken with the fine wine.

“Where do you say this was from, good sir?”

“T’is from Evermoor, master dwarf, and this particular vintage is from the Coldglen region; best of the best if I do say so myself.”

“I’ll take it.“

“Oh, very good sir, a fine choice you’ve made. Would you care to have the bottle wrapped?”

“You misunderstand. I’ll take all you have. Mortan, make the arrangements please.”

Leaving the Architect to deal with the shocked and elated merchant, Kuldir found that the hour was growing later than he had planned and made his way up the plateau to the castle.

------

On being brought into the presence of the High Queen, Kuldir offered a deep bow of respect.

“Your Highness, my apologies for my late arrival. We of the Wandering Clans thank you for your invitation and the hospitality of your most beautiful home; please accept this small token of our esteem, to commemorate this grand event.”

The drimma hauling the strongbox, removed from it a smaller wooden box, it’s lid delicately carved with the Avonlean coat of arms. Within the box are several dozen gold and silver coins, each bearing the graven image of the same coat of arms on one side, though the opposite face remained blank.

“I am afraid we had no images of you that would do you justice, but if you would consent to a sitting, Master Silversmith Lugon,” he gestured towards another of his retinue, “will remain to see that they are completed to your satisfaction.”

Thalia was quite surprised to hear the Master Architect announced, and welcomed him warmly.

"Master Architect, you do us a great honour traveling from your distant lands to grace our celebration with your presence. The Wandering Clans are quite welcome here." Thalia ran her hands over the carving on the wooden box,

"This is well done, Ser. Avonlean's boast some of the finest woodworking I have seen, but this is expertly done." Her eyes widened in surprise at the coins which the chest contained, and blushed when he suggested she sit for Master Lugon.

"I suppose it may be done Ser, though perhaps my Heiress should grace the coins for she is still young and fair." She called Aris over, who curtsied gracefully for the Architect,

"Greetings, good Ser, it is an honour to have you at our shores." Thalia was six and thirty on her last name day, Though her hair still golden and her face only slightly lined, and her age was keenly felt next to Aris's tender years.


"I did not throw the brick, it was the other lady who was there, who tried to run away, I only knocked him out, but she smashed the brick over his head."

After shuffling her papers around further and glaring at her guards, Orcanet looked back to Elle,

"Thank you for your cooperation, M'Lady. You are free to go. Please enjoy the rest of your stay in Avonlea." Orcanet smiled politely as the guards showed the Grand Ewe out.


The woman had complied readily with requests for her accompanying the guards and expected an expedient release. She had acted in self defense, plainly enough for all to see, and the man was dead. There would be little reason to hold her for long.

"My name is Francesca Dumont, I am from Kherson, formerly of the Kingdom of Akti and now a protectorate of the Grand Principality of Anceris."

Her voice was level and she seemed calmer now that the incident was over. She focused intently on the Captain's eyes as she spoke, her own eyes conveying a focused determination.

Orcanet had repeated the questions that she had relayed to Elle after recovering her embarrassment of holding the Grand Ewe for questioning. She listened to Franscesca's information,

"Thank you, M'Lady. Will you please recount the events that culminated in the death of the man in the alley?" She questioned further.

[TheDarkDM]

The Dullahan's words took Aris by surprise and she stood close to him for a long moment, her small hand still clasped in his as she stared into his dark, inscrutable eyes. Conscious of others milling about, some gleefully making their way to tents of their own in which to honour Her, Aris stepped closer still to Lugh Annan, as if in embrace. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine what it might be like, to lie with a man, this one in particular. She held him close and leaned her head on his slim chest, waiting to see if some great urge might consume her, but she only blushed and trembled against his cool form. Thalia's maids had, of course, regaled her merrily with tales of their Goddess Moon night. They had not been tales of pleasure, but of pain and fumbling anxiety. Suitable sacrifices for the Mother, so that she may spare them in the birthing bed, having already sated herself with their blood. Aris trembled, would She be offended if she did not complete her rite? Would she be spared now, only to be sacrificed in childbed later? Aris turned from the Dullahan's chest up into the night sky. The Goddess Moon hung bright and full in the night sky but remained silent, she would find no answers there.

Her eyes turned back to the Aeldir's,

"Come, we must not speak of this out here." She spoke softly but pulled him firmly by his hand into the tent. She ducked under the low opening and settled herself comfortably onto the cushioned floor of the compact interior and turned to him,

"Though it was not your purpose, you have asked me to make a second impossible choice this night. Nay, perhaps even a third, for not only would remaining untouched mean to defy the Council, but it would also mean to bereft the Mother Her sacrifice. Would you spare me now, only to sacrifice me in birth after I have lain with another?" She touched his arm gently, to show she held no animosity towards him or the difficult circumstance he had unwittingly placed her,

"And even still, I am sorely tempted to do as you bid, despite the peril it put me in, and preserve my youth for yet longer. I had not been in mind to defy the Council, but you have shown me it might be so, and that knowing can not now be undone." A deep trembling shook her and she hugged her arms about her knees and looked to the Dullahan with uncertainty and some distress.

The Dullahan bent low to enter the small tent, and lowered himself across from Aris as she explained the impossible decision before her. If the Aeldir regretted his part in her predicament, he gave no sign, simply leaning forward to scrutinize her desperate eyes.

"I have little knowledge of your goddess, Aris Morningsworn. We have an order that mirrors your council on Tir Amser, but the Caillech serve the dead, they do not rule the living. If you believe this to be the will of your goddess, and hold her faith true in your heart, it is a dire thing to betray that trust. But what little I know of the Prophetess Council ill fits the veneration of a Mother Goddess. Unless Avonlean mothers make habit of banishing their children?"

The last was a question, though Lugh Annan well knew the answer. While his Lord had no quarrel with the Sun God, and took no stance on Daen's status as Father or Mother, the Avonlean branch of the church had well earned his scorn with their petty power plays. Oh to be sure, the priests and high priests of the Old Gods were held in great respect by the Courts, but none would be foolish enough to sully their connection to the divine by meddling in material concerns.

"I suppose you must consider what is expected of you, as heiress to the throne of Avonlea, and to what extent obfuscation will serve. For it is clear there are those in Avonlea who would make of you a slave, if only to refasten the bonds loosened by your predecessor's fierce spirit. I told you before that I understand duty, but my loyalty is born of my great respect for my Lord, of long years of service well-rewarded. My loyalty is not fastened by terror."

He cupped her face in one hand, drawing it up to look at him and stilling her trembling.

"Do you seek to please your goddess out of fear, Aris Morningsworn, or out of love? Is your desire to remain untouched rooted in things you yet seek in your innocence, or things you fear will come with this new awakening? Consider well, for surrendering now will make you forever a servant to your fear."

[Geckus]

Thalia was quite surprised to hear the Master Architect announced, and welcomed him warmly.

"Master Architect, you do us a great honour traveling from your distant lands to grace our celebration with your presence. The Wandering Clans are quite welcome here." Thalia ran her hands over the carving on the wooden box,

"This is well done, Ser. Avonlean's boast some of the finest woodworking I have seen, but this is expertly done." Her eyes widened in surprise at the coind which the chest contained, and blushed when he suggested she sit for Master Lugon.

"I suppose it may be done Ser, though perhaps my Heiress should grace the coins for she is still young and fair." She called Aris over, who curtsied gracefully for the Architect,

"Greetings, good Ser, it is an honour to have you at our shores." Thalia was six and thirty on her last name day, Though her hair still golden and her face only slightly lined, and her age was keenly felt next to Aris's tender years.


"My thanks, your Highness. We love all forms of creation, whether they be purely physical, or as in this case, a creation of the spirit."

Pleased with the High Queen's reaction to her gift, Kuldir nodded and made a mental note to examine the local woodwork; the Varmiir Clan might be interested in their techniques.

"I shall convey your compliment it's crafter, your Highness; I am sure she will be most pleased to hear it."

The Master Architect studied Aris as she was called over, and returned her curtsy with a formal bow, though one a touch less deep than that given to the High Queen.

"The honour is mine, my lady, though I must admit I wish your shores were a tad closer; the Clans may be Wanderers, but we were made children of the land, not the sea." The hint of a smile peeked through the Master Architect's thick beard, a touch of softness on the otherwise stern featured drimma.

"I am sure Lugon would be most pleased to place the lady's likeness upon the coins, though I think you do yourself a disservice if you mean to compare yourself unfavourably, your Highness. Might I suggest grasping the best of both, and using the gold for yourself, the silver for the young lady? Current and future High Queen's." He bowed again to Thalia. "Suggestion only, your Highness, for the gift is yours."

[Mary_Sue]

"My thanks, your Highness. We love all forms of creation, whether they be purely physical, or as in this case, a creation of the spirit."

Pleased with the High Queen's reaction to her gift, Kuldir nodded and made a mental note to examine the local woodwork; the Varmiir Clan might be interested in their techniques.

"I shall convey your compliment it's crafter, your Highness; I am sure she will be most pleased to hear it."

The Master Architect studied Aris as she was called over, and returned her curtsy with a formal bow, though one a touch less deep than that given to the High Queen.

"The honour is mine, my lady, though I must admit I wish your shores were a tad closer; the Clans may be Wanderers, but we were made children of the land, not the sea." The hint of a smile peeked through the Master Architect's thick beard, a touch of softness on the otherwise stern featured drimma.

"I am sure Lugon would be most pleased to place the lady's likeness upon the coins, though I think you do yourself a disservice if you mean to compare yourself unfavourably, your Highness. Might I suggest grasping the best of both, and using the gold for yourself, the silver for the young lady? Current and future High Queen's." He bowed again to Thalia. "Suggestion only, your Highness, for the gift is yours."

"We would make friendly neighbors indeed, Master Architect, for along with our woodworkers, we also have a fine cadre of silversmiths in Bellarion to work the supply we have there. Our interests are quite aligned." Thalia favoured the Drimma with a delighted smile which lit her face.

"A fine notion, gallant Ser. It shall be as you say, my likeness will appear on the gold and Aris's will grace the silver. Would you care for a drink after your long journey?" Thalia motioned to her maids who came forward and offered wine to the Drimma gentlemen.




The Dullahan bent low to enter the small tent, and lowered himself across from Aris as she explained the impossible decision before her. If the Aeldir regretted his part in her predicament, he gave no sign, simply leaning forward to scrutinize her desperate eyes.

"I have little knowledge of your goddess, Aris Morningsworn. We have an order that mirrors your council on Tir Amser, but the Caillech serve the dead, they do not rule the living. If you believe this to be the will of your goddess, and hold her faith true in your heart, it is a dire thing to betray that trust. But what little I know of the Prophetess Council ill fits the veneration of a Mother Goddess. Unless Avonlean mothers make habit of banishing their children?"

The last was a question, though Lugh Annan well knew the answer. While his Lord had no quarrel with the Sun God, and took no stance on Daen's status as Father or Mother, the Avonlean branch of the church had well earned his scorn with their petty power plays. Oh to be sure, the priests and high priests of the Old Gods were held in great respect by the Courts, but none would be foolish enough to sully their connection to the divine by meddling in material concerns.

"I suppose you must consider what is expected of you, as heiress to the throne of Avonlea, and to what extent obfuscation will serve. For it is clear there are those in Avonlea who would make of you a slave, if only to refasten the bonds loosened by your predecessor's fierce spirit. I told you before that I understand duty, but my loyalty is born of my great respect for my Lord, of long years of service well-rewarded. My loyalty is not fastened by terror."

He cupped her face in one hand, drawing it up to look at him and stilling her trembling.

"Do you seek to please your goddess out of fear, Aris Morningsworn, or out of love? Is your desire to remain untouched rooted in things you yet seek in your innocence, or things you fear will come with this new awakening? Consider well, for surrendering now will make you forever a servant to your fear."

Aris was drawn into the Dullahan's dark eyes, if she looked deep enough she fancied she might see the stars in them. As he held her face up to his, she thought for a moment to kiss him, it would be such a small thing, to lean in to him and let their lips meet, but the mere inches between them seemed wide as a mountain crevasse and her blue eyes blinked as she surfaced from the fathoms of his own,

"It was a punishment. It is well known the Council sent Nyle away because Thalia dare thwart them in conceiving a son of Avonlea." Aris's lips quirked in a smile. She had not thought to irk the Council with her choosing, though if that had been her purpose, he was well-suited for it.

"The Council seeks to maintain their power through subjugation, this I have seen and they do not try to hide. Perhaps they fear becoming relics of an age obsolete as the populace become aware of other cultures and gods. I can not pretend to perceive their true purpose, that they know things sometimes, which should be unknowable. This is a fact. Whether it is the Mother or no that provides this knowledge, I could not say." She shifted slightly as she spoke, tucking her legs beneath her as she continued,

"You ask me if I love the Mother, I can say that I do without reservation, but I know not how to delineate between Her true voice and that of the Council. I do not posses such wisdom, for I am but a girl. Have you a blade with you, Ser? It is my Moon Goddess night and She must be appeased with my blood. This I believe." She considered for a moment, she thought she might be disappointed if she were to awake in the morn still a child.

"You ask me if I am afraid of being awakened, and I can say true that I am, for I know that it would be the death of the girl that I am and the birth of the woman that I shall yet become, and I'm afraid that I know her not, and what her heart desires is unknown to me." She had thought to lay her form bare before him, but it had been her soul that he had exposed and she was both relieved to share her fears and wary of his scorn in the face of her trepidations.

[TheDarkDM]

Aris was drawn into the Dullahan's dark eyes, if she looked deep enough she fancied she might see the stars in them. As he held her face up to his, she thought for a moment to kiss him, it would be such a small thing, to lean in to him and let their lips meet, but the mere inches between them seemed wide as a mountain crevasse and her blue eyes blinked as she surfaced from the fathoms of his own,

"It was a punishment. It is well known the Council sent Nyle away because Thalia dare thwart them in conceiving a son of Avonlea." Aris's lips quirked in a smile. She had not thought to irk the Council with her choosing, though if that had been her purpose, he was well-suited for it.

"The Council seeks to maintain their power through subjugation, this I have seen and they do not try to hide. Perhaps they fear becoming relics of an age obsolete as the populace become aware of other cultures and gods. I can not pretend to perceive their true purpose, that they know things sometimes, which should be unknowable. This is a fact. Whether it is the Mother or no that provides this knowledge, I could not say." She shifted slightly as she spoke, tucking her legs beneath her as she continued,

"You ask me if I love the Mother, I can say that I do without reservation, but I know not how to delineate between Her true voice and that of the Council. I do not posses such wisdom, for I am but a girl. Have you a blade with you, Ser? It is my Moon Goddess night and She must be appeased with my blood. This I believe." She considered for a moment, she thought she might be disappointed if she were to awake in the morn still a child.

"You ask me if I am afraid of being awakened, and I can say true that I am, for I know that it would be the death of the girl that I am and the birth of the woman that I shall yet become, and I'm afraid that I know her not, and what her heart desires is unknown to me." She had thought to lay her form bare before him, but it had been her soul that he had exposed and she was both relieved to share her fears and wary of his scorn in the face of her trepidations.

The Dullahan listened silently as Aris bared her truths, both of Avonlea and of herself. When she asked for a blade, however, his eyebrows rose.

"My lady, I was well warned that to carry a weapon at this event would be the height of impropriety."

His eyebrows fell, and a wolfish grin spread over his face.

"I have but the one."

Reaching behind his back, his hand slid beneath his surcoat to the hidden scabbard at his waist, pulling forth a long, thin blade of curved coldblood. Double-edged and lacking a guard, it was no warrior's weapon. No, this was an assassin's dagger, an easily concealed razor. It glinted in the space between them for a long moment before he placed it on the ground between them. He considered it in the silence before looking back to her.

"None who approach this transition do so without fear, my lady, for it is the fulcrum on which we set the course of our future. And none can say until it comes where that course will lead us. In my youth I knew a girl of unique skill at the art of war, and in comparing myself to her I judged my course better set towards the art of poetry and song. Yet we both came of age in a time of transition, where Winter fell to the machinations of Autumn and our Court was greatly imperiled. My sense of duty overcame my doubts, and I joined in the defense of my home. In so doing, I found the truth of my spirit, and have regretted it but once in all my long years. None but the Gods can say what the future holds, and even divine eyes find constant amazement in the chaos and confusion of life on this earth."

He paused, gesturing towards the oiled blade.

"If you would bleed, Aris Morningsworn, let it be on your own terms whether it is for your Goddess alone or your Goddess and yourself. I can offer but one piece of wisdom. You say you fear the unknown that lies beyond this night, the pain that might come with the passing of your old life into the new. It is a fear I can credit. But like all things, moments of revelation are born but one way. In pain."

[Gengy]

"Is easy answer. Is checking all Courts for... berry-fick-ation. Very-fic-ation? Would be... improper, leave some out. Is not balanced, if is not do so. Is will need to check Autumn too, but is no Autumn here. Is maybe check them later." Lady Spring could see the Summer Court camp in the distance, and started scanning the camp for whomever was on watch.

Though she is not looking directly into the camp, Lady Spring spies a Summer Court Thyrngar Ranger she is familiar with, from reports of war-time merits, and peace-time exemplary attitude while guarding Trade Routes with other members of the Rose Courts. She calls out to him, "Thyrngar Ranger Turien!"

From near the camp, a seemingly young man walks out of a close by tree; or so it appears. More than likely, he was just well blended into the surroundings, acting as a guard. His dress would certainly make it easier for him to do so. Holding a bow in his hands, and eyeing the Primus 'guests' with suspicion, he turns his gaze towards Kellianth. Bowing his head in respect, he says <"Well spotted, Lady Spring. How may I assist you?">

<"Ranger Turien. Peace. These are my guests. They are aiding me in a new amusement of mine. I am having the cloth-wearing one look upon Aeldir. He sees things in a different way, and the information he provides is of interest to me. Also, for their benefit, as disdainful as I might personally find it myself, speak in the Trade Tongue.">

"Is Lord Summer aware of this new... amusement, Lady?" Turien switched seamlessly to Trade, apparently fluent from his years of helping to guard trade routes.

Mildly displeased at having to explain her requests - twice - to a warrior, Kellianth frowns, "He not. Is very new. Is only guess right now. Is not bother Cousin Drustan with guess, when not matter of combat. Is matter of science. He is get information when I is sure of thing."

"Ah. Like the Runes we are meant to keep our eyes out for?"

"Yes! Is like that. Is much faster, though. Well, Aima-creature, you is had good look at Ranger Turien and other Summer Court behind him?"


With almost a laugh Thalgram responds "My people are very much so hunters despite our trade being medicinal herbs." Thalgram raised his chops to show his teeth and flexed his claws "My people don't waste waste these tools, and if you need any proof of that I could invite you to The Grand Hunt."

"I am assuming that your people are a balanced mix of hunters and gathers judging by your uh...diverse race?"

"I will be happy to answer that, Alpha Thalgram." Owena says, seeing no need to translate here. "The Salvax are comprised of two... diversities, as you say. You see them before you. The White Tigers are very much hunters, quick, and clever, but pale in comparison to the raw strength that the spotted Elephants have. Warchod Prejudice is here not as a dignitary, but as a bodyguard. For both Bas Pride, and Lady Spring. She is also one of the Salvax's tactical minds. Between the two of them, they comprise the leader and the... general, if you will... of the Southern section of Tir Xungla. Bas Pride organizes and participates in hunting parties in the Hunting Grounds, an area of the island that has many wild creatures - non-sentient beasts, we are sure of it - that are quite tasty. Warchod Prejudice organizes and partakes of sojourns into the jungle to find fruit and other foods for those Salvax like her whom prefer it over meat; but I have seen her sampling a well cooked and cut steak before."

Enjoyment. Consternation. Warchod Prejudice sent.

"She says liked it, but finds it frustrating that she must wait for someone else to remove the bones and prepare the meat." Owena translated. "She mostly sticks to a gatherer's diet."

Grand Hunt? Confusion. Interest. Pride stretched his long body, but did not take his eyes off of the Alpha. Desire. Inquire.

"Of course, Bas Pride," Owena nods respectfully, before turning back to Thalgram. "He would like to know more about this Grand Hunt. When does it occur? How can one participate? Is it for amusement and display of skill, or is it needed for some reason?"

The Wandering Clan and the Spring Court

Jocylyn had been with the Wandering Clans for over a decade now. She had a private wagon that was gifted to her by the Master Architect, and was given a guide in the form of Architect Farama. The Wandering Clans had treated Jocylyn fairly, and had been gracious enough to honor her request to come to this party. She had been trying desperately to convince them to seek out and speak with Lady Spring about their 'Minted Coins', as the Spring Girl thought that her Lady would be very interested in them.

She was quite right.

Lady Spring was interested in the Minted Coins, and was actively seeking out Jocylyn and the Wandering Clans to discuss matters.

[Aedilred]

Linna's stomach fluttered nervously at the mention of examinations. What if they taught so differently in Sasanand that she could not pass them? Would they be before the wedding? Would she be sent back to Avonlea and the mercies of the Council if so?

"I was sorry to hear of your daughter's death, Ser. I might like to help my husband in his official capacities, the High Queen tells me that I have a knack with diplomacy and was intending to use me as an emissary herself once I was of an age." She did not mention that she was also trained in swordplay, relieved that Jangir would be pressed to not joined the military, it had never been her strong point, to be true and she had suffered many bruises during training with the other girls.

"There is much to like in Avonlea and much to not like as well." Her eyes went to the chaperone, wondering how much the elder could hear of their conversation,

"I imagine that every realm might have it's own challenges to wield upon it's citizens. I would like to believe myself sufficiently capable of adaptations to be satisfied in my station as your Prince's wife." She spoke thoughtfully, swirling her rosewater in it's glass.

"As to the matter of fidelity, Ser, I am yet a maiden untouched and so would not find it any great burden to remain faithful to your son. I can not miss the so-called "freedom" of wantoness if I have never experienced such. It seems a fair trade for the love of another, which I would hope to earn from my husband in time." Linna's cheeks blushed prettily, the desire for marriage was such a taboo subject, especially for the nobility she felt rather scandalous just for discussing it with Kusal.

"I am glad to hear it," Kusal said, setting aside his now-drained cup of coffee and pouring himself some rosewater. In truth, Nanda society was a little more permissive than he had suggested, although he reflected now that his own attitudes had hardened over the years. Would he now appoint Reza as ambassador, knowing how he would conduct himself? Would he have sent the queen's cousin to Krozna as a lover for the Mirzahib? Still, it was best to present Nanda expectations of decorum to Linna as flatly and forbiddingly as possible. If she accepted them as presented, she would likely find the realities easier to negotiate, rather than raising her expectations and consequently running the risk of scandal.

"You say you have training in diplomacy," he said, after a moment. "You speak the Luskan tongue well, so are you adept at learning new languages? In order to flourish it would be preferable for you to deal with at least the Nanda language and script, and preferably that of the Kroznat as well. It is a burden, I know, but we are still establishing a unified bureaucracy and as yet nobody is comfortable asserting supremacy in that regard. I would happily have tutors assigned to help you learn, if you think yourself able."



Reza shrugged off his rejection by Aris with barely a thought: it seemed he had at least succeeded in needling Thalia - although any sense of triumph he might have felt was soon curdled as he saw the approach Maldarr made, and realised that he would have the pleasure of the queen's company this evening. The boldness of the man startled even he: only hours before, it seemed that his relationship with Thalia was the cause of some great marital strife, and yet he could not even make it one night without returning to his lover. He was almost tempted to seek out Willa and make some apparently innocent comment or enquiry, but the result of the last time he had tried anything of the sort was not promising.

At least if Thalia was occupied it left him free to pursue other opportunities. He located Tena and approached, being sure to give a respectful bow, for he could feel the eyes of Kusal upon him.

"Could you please convey to Her Highness that I wish to speak with her regarding her daughter?" he asked, in a slightly louder voice than necessary, in case any of his countrymen were within earshot. "If she will not see me, my proposal is that Adelie be sent to Ambrose as a companion for her brother, and so that she might get to know her father better." He hoped that would serve as sufficient apology to the one-eyed fool. That side of things concluded, he winked and leaned in slight closer, more quietly making a rather more intimate proposal to Tena personally with regard to the later evening.

[HalfTangible]

Though she is not looking directly into the camp, Lady Spring spies a Summer Court Thyrngar Ranger she is familiar with, from reports of war-time merits, and peace-time exemplary attitude while guarding Trade Routes with other members of the Rose Courts. She calls out to him, "Thyrngar Ranger Turien!"

From near the camp, a seemingly young man walks out of a close by tree; or so it appears. More than likely, he was just well blended into the surroundings, acting as a guard. His dress would certainly make it easier for him to do so. Holding a bow in his hands, and eyeing the Primus 'guests' with suspicion,At first, Phelnia had almost jumped, and for a brief instant, Turien had seen her eyes widen with surprise. She'd had no idea he was there. Her recovery was impressive, though - while her face was obscured by her hood, it was evident to the eyes of the ranger that her eyes had fallen to his leggings. It seemed that Primal libidos were as engorged as rumor said.

Galorius, on the other hand, showed no sign whatsoever of surprise.


he turns his gaze towards Kellianth. Bowing his head in respect, he says <"Well spotted, Lady Spring. How may I assist you?">

<"Ranger Turien. Peace. These are my guests. They are aiding me in a new amusement of mine. I am having the cloth-wearing one look upon Aeldir. He sees things in a different way, and the information he provides is of interest to me. Also, for their benefit, as disdainful as I might personally find it myself, speak in the Trade Tongue.">

"Is Lord Summer aware of this new... amusement, Lady?" Turien switched seamlessly to Trade, apparently fluent from his years of helping to guard trade routes.

Mildly displeased at having to explain her requests - twice - to a warrior, Kellianth frowns, "He not. Is very new. Is only guess right now. Is not bother Cousin Drustan with guess, when not matter of combat. Is matter of science. He is get information when I is sure of thing."

"Ah. Like the Runes we are meant to keep our eyes out for?"

"Yes! Is like that. Is much faster, though. Well, Aima-creature, you is had good look at Ranger Turien and other Summer Court behind him?"

Galorius nodded, still grinning at the Aeldir. "Fast to Spring. But slow."

"Uh-huh. Sure, go ahead." Phelnia said absentmindedly, still staring at the ranger. She wondered what kind of physique was under that camoflauge. An entire court of warriors had to mean a well-defined musculature. He looked like he was in his prime, but had the experience of age, that had to count for something. (Her mouth was watering at the thought) And scarred or no, she did have a hot twin, and Varadia insisted guys loved that sorta thing. Maybe she could invite him home for Rhona's protection and-

Galorius' elbow slammed into her side.

"SIGNUM IRAE!!" She swore. "What was that for?!"

"Not stare. Rude."

She glared at her charge, then turned her gaze back to Spring. For what it was worth, she looked slightly flushed at her error. "So his blood's slow too, but still faster than yours."

[Mary_Sue]

"I am glad to hear it," Kusal said, setting aside his now-drained cup of coffee and pouring himself some rosewater. In truth, Nanda society was a little more permissive than he had suggested, although he reflected now that his own attitudes had hardened over the years. Would he now appoint Reza as ambassador, knowing how he would conduct himself? Would he have sent the queen's cousin to Krozna as a lover for the Mirzahib? Still, it was best to present Nanda expectations of decorum to Linna as flatly and forbiddingly as possible. If she accepted them as presented, she would likely find the realities easier to negotiate, rather than raising her expectations and consequently running the risk of scandal.

"You say you have training in diplomacy," he said, after a moment. "You speak the Luskan tongue well, so are you adept at learning new languages? In order to flourish it would be preferable for you to deal with at least the Nanda language and script, and preferably that of the Kroznat as well. It is a burden, I know, but we are still establishing a unified bureaucracy and as yet nobody is comfortable asserting supremacy in that regard. I would happily have tutors assigned to help you learn, if you think yourself able."



Reza shrugged off his rejection by Aris with barely a thought: it seemed he had at least succeeded in needling Thalia - although any sense of triumph he might have felt was soon curdled as he saw the approach Maldarr made, and realised that he would have the pleasure of the queen's company this evening. The boldness of the man startled even he: only hours before, it seemed that his relationship with Thalia was the cause of some great marital strife, and yet he could not even make it one night without returning to his lover. He was almost tempted to seek out Willa and make some apparently innocent comment or enquiry, but the result of the last time he had tried anything of the sort was not promising.

At least if Thalia was occupied it left him free to pursue other opportunities. He located Tena and approached, being sure to give a respectful bow, for he could feel the eyes of Kusal upon him.

"Could you please convey to Her Highness that I wish to speak with her regarding her daughter?" he asked, in a slightly louder voice than necessary, in case any of his countrymen were within earshot. "If she will not see me, my proposal is that Adelie be sent to Ambrose as a companion for her brother, and so that she might get to know her father better." He hoped that would serve as sufficient apology to the one-eyed fool. That side of things concluded, he winked and leaned in slight closer, more quietly making a rather more intimate proposal to Tena personally with regard to the later evening.

Linna's face reddened when Kusal mentioned learning the Nanda language, she felt an utter fool,

"Forgive me Ser, but I speak the Nanda language already, Reza has taught much of the Court to speak it, though I can read and write it less." She spoke in Nanda apologetically,

"I also know some Ambrosan, from the Queen." Her Ambrosan was not as fluent as her Nanda, and her accent was off a bit though understandable.
"Kroznat I'm afraid I know not, though believe myself capable of learning it." She said this last in Luskan sheepishly, fearful of sounding boastful.


Tena had stood behind Aris and the Queen as suitors vied for Aris's Honour. Tena had sat in that spot not so many years ago, though she had been accompanied by her twin sister, and not the Queen. They had both been quite eager to put that last vestige of their childhoods behind them, and so Tena found Aris's tremulousness about the whole thing perplexing. She had grown quite bored when Reza approached her, her face lit up in his charismatic presence, she and Minalee always found Reza entertaining. She listened seriously to his idea for Adelie, wondering briefly what the Queen would think of his proposal. As he made his second proposal, a small smirk graced her lips, quickly smothered lest his Lord be privy to his impropriety.

"I will inform the Queen of your proposal straight away." She turned to the Queen to see she had departed in the arms of her lover, Maldarr. She turned back to Reza, nonplussed,

"When I can." She smiled at the blue haired man, no small part amused and sent him a conspiratory wink,

"I do hope you have a pleasant evening." She said mildly, with a pleasant smile on her face. Menalee was sure to be jealous, her sister had yet to bear a blue maid, though not for lack of trying, to be sure.

[RandoMan]

Thalia smiled to hear her friend's words and leaned against her comfortably,

"Great ones to have the love of indeed. How feel you of those two Lords? Do they inspire your love in return for mine?" Thalia asked curiously, trying to glean as much of life with the Aeldir as she could before her friend must again depart.


"Can you love something that is imperfectly better than yourself?" Helia's tone suggested it was a question for herself more than for the Queen, "I feel they are powerful and that they seek something only the most ambitious mortal might dream. They believe themselves the rightful lords and masters of all. That they love you I know not what to feel for that. Love to them for it, or fear for you and the Queendom?"

She paused and as the silence dragged on it became clear she intended to say no more on the matter.




Balor nodded in silent contemplation as he took Drustan's meaning, savoring another mouthful of wine before answering.

<"That is a difficult question, Drustan. Do I trust in the Lugh Annan's loyalty? His dedication to me, and now to our people united? Without question. But loyalty and truth of purpose are not wisdom. He lacks restraint when set loose, as your Court well knows, and his mercurial nature makes him difficult to predict when given free reign. So let us say, if he were given the terrible responsibility of the Word, he would use it in the aid of our people. I am simply unsure whether our people would welcome it.">

Lord Winter's eyes drifted towards the harbor, where the white specter of the Lord of Skulls waited on his whim.

<"But he has no ambition to that responsibility, and in that I place my hope that he would accept it with the gravity it deserves. His competition with the Danu Llaeth left both scarred, but such is the fire of final ambition. Its passing has left but dim embers.">


<"I do not trust him,"> Drustan stated flatly, <"Not in regards to his loyalty. He is surely loyal to your Lordship of the northern court and I do not question his dedication to the Aeldir cause so long as he is not left to guide the cause. I do not trust him with the Words. I should not wish to imagine Lugh Annan making pacts with the Old Gods or calling upon their favor.">

<"You have lived a long time, Balor. Longer than any other upon the island and when I first became Lord Summer I knew that one day when I fall upon the field and another became the southern lord you would live on as Lord Winter.">

<"Things have changed now. Killers have been hired and sicked on kings of men and mortals. High Queen Roethye, while no contemporary of our own, was killed by the desperate and floundering Three Kingdoms who pale even to Primal strength. One of the kings of the Crystal Union was killed for an unknown agenda.">

<"You know I do not take the security of our homeland or any of the Aeldir lightly but if the unthinkable were to happen it would be a far greater loss to lose you than myself or the Lady Spring or Autumn.">



Galorius nodded, still grinning at the Aeldir. "Fast to Spring. But slow."

"Uh-huh. Sure, go ahead." Phelnia said absentmindedly, still staring at the ranger. She wondered what kind of physique was under that camoflauge. An entire court of warriors had to mean a well-defined musculature. He looked like he was in his prime, but had the experience of age, that had to count for something. (Her mouth was watering at the thought) And scarred or no, she did have a hot twin, and Varadia insisted guys loved that sorta thing. Maybe she could invite him home for Rhona's protection and-

Galorius' elbow slammed into her side.

"SIGNUM IRAE!!" She swore. "What was that for?!"

"Not stare. Rude."

She glared at her charge, then turned her gaze back to Spring. For what it was worth, she looked slightly flushed at her error. "So his blood's slow too, but still faster than yours."

Turien gazed down his nose at the Primal specimen sizing him up, wondering perhaps if the westerner was preparing to attack. The thought was quickly dissipated as he recognized the animal lust swimming behind the woman's eyes and he sneered. Lord Summer may have taken his pet from Avonlea but such was his right and she was kept quietly. Allowing a human the privilege of an Aeldir's company was earned through beauty and respect for the fact that it was a privilege. From what he had seen and heard of the Primus Imperium that was not likely with this human.

[Aedilred]

Linna's face reddened when Kusal mentioned learning the Nanda language, she felt an utter fool,

"Forgive me Ser, but I speak the Nanda language already, Reza has taught much of the Court to speak it, though I can read and write it less." She spoke in Nanda apologetically,

"I also know some Ambrosan, from the Queen." Her Ambrosan was not as fluent as her Nanda, and her accent was off a bit though understandable.
"Kroznat I'm afraid I know not, though believe myself capable of learning it." She said this last in Luskan sheepishly, fearful of sounding boastful.

"Ah! I am glad to hear it." Kusal's face darkened momentarily as Reza was mentioned; had Linna not already protested her innocence, her association with the ambassador might have been cause for doubt in his mind. "I apologise for assuming you could not speak our language: it is not widely known away from our shores." And I am glad that rogue has done some good in the time he has been here. "Did you learn the tongue with any particular intention in mind, or simply out of curiosity?"

[HalfTangible]

Turien gazed down his nose at the Primal specimen sizing him up, wondering perhaps if the westerner was preparing to attack. The thought was quickly dissipated as he recognized the animal lust swimming behind the woman's eyes and he sneered. Lord Summer may have taken his pet from Avonlea but such was his right and she was kept quietly. Allowing a human the privilege of an Aeldir's company was earned through beauty and respect for the fact that it was a privilege. From what he had seen and heard of the Primus Imperium that was not likely with this human.

The Primal princess probably would have been very pretty (for a human) before having her face cut open in at least... 8 different ways, from what the ranger could see. Even now, it wasn't terrible. Maybe she'd make a nice companion for an Aeldir that liked scars.

But respect for the privilege? Turien was right, that was definitely not happening. If anything, the male should be the one considering it a privilege that a woman was eager for his company. Though, Phelnia honestly didn't expect that company anyway, the courts' arrogance was well known and even if it wasn't she was scarred.

But a girl can dream. And what sweet dreams she'd have~

[Mary_Sue]

Lady Spring and The Prophetess Council......




Lady Spring, with Warchod Prejudice and Lady Owena in tow, went looking for a member of the Prophetess Council, to discuss the matter of the Jeweler and the Star Metal.

The Prophetess Council sat in the quiet castle temple, before a large marble statue carved into the likeness of Daen. A mother figure, round and robust her eyes gazed outward kindly, though in her lips were held a sterness and in her brow was determination. The six very old women who sat cross legged on silken cushions did not open their eyes at Lady Spring's approach. The eldest of the old spoke as she neared,

"We know why you have come, the one who is young but is not. Your heart is old and covetous, your hand grasps what it will. You would seek to sway us, clever girl, and might have but it is the Mother who must be swayed, for we have seen that it is Her wish that Avonlea bid on this illustrious trinket that shall be fashioned from the powerful omen that fell above our fair city, and the Mother must be obeyed in all things." She did not mention that there were others who bid the Silvervein's services, trusting lady Spring to her own advisors.





Oh dear, Kellianth thought privately, it is a group of Avolean Daen-Followers. Spirits guide me. And I have to be nice to them.

Summoning up her cutest smile, Lady Spring nodded her head politely, and said a few words to Owena, who answered the Council, "Her Lady Spring apologizes for requiring a translator for what is obviously a very important matter; to even be allowed to speak with the Council regarding this is seen favorably by the Spring Court, and for that, we thank you. First, we should say that though there is a potential conflict of interests, we mean no disrespect to the... Mother, and are seeking to have a conversation only. Lady Spring however, is unfamiliar with your ways, and has some questions, so that we might learn more, allowing us to discuss this fully from a more comprehensive standpoint. If that is acceptable, we shall proceed with our inquiries."


The old crone rocked side to side on her cushion as the one known as Owena spoke her piece, the Council had all kept their eyes closed this entire time, and still they remained so as the eldest amongst them stopped swaying and replied,

"I will answer you questions sprite, but only if you do me one thing", The other five Prophetesses leaned forward eagerly, as if they knew what was to be asked,

"You must let me touch your hand." The crone put forward one finger, twisted with arthritis from which a hoary nail sprouted. The other crones inexplicably cackled with glee and great merriment.


Owena looked over at Lady Spring, her lips pursed in perplexity. How to explain this to Lady Kellianth? It was clearly a trick of some sort; either some bit of mysticism, or even worse, the women here were making fun of Lady Spring. Favored Kingdom or not, if they were actively insulting one of the Seasonal Leaders, it would go poorly, no matter how old or wise they are reported to be. Owena was about to speak, when Lady Kellianth said, "Owena. You and Warchod Prejudice is dismissed. Wait outside."

<"My Lady? Are you..."> Owena was going to ask if the Lady was certain, but she looked within Kellianth's eyes. She was... amused. Her eyes said she was laughing inside. And only those in the Spring Court - whom had worked with her closely - would be able to tell. It meant that Kellianth was enjoying herself, which was good, but if she wasn't giggling out loud, it also meant she was entertaining some private joke. Which usually ended with someone else not laughing. Owena choked down her words. <"As you say, Lady.">

"You is call me one who is young, but not. You is call me old and covetous. You is call me clever girl." Lady Kellianth said to the Prophetess Council, as Owena left, Warchod Prejudice with her. Lady Spring was smiling, as she watched them go. After they were outside, and out of earshot, Lady Spring said, "You is call me sprite. Is perhaps true, I am perhaps all these things."

Walking forward towards the eldest crone, Lady Spring continued, "I could take last one as insult, though. I could see that you is all laughing at me. I could, if I is not friendly, and this is not Favored Kingdom by accord and contract, leave this building and think un-favored things. Go talk with Grandpop Balor, Lord Winter. Have him come talk with you. See if you call him sprite."

"Is all joke, of course! This is Favored Kingdom. I very friendly." Lady Spring herself giggled, still approaching the old crone, "And I is maybe let you in on joke of my own. Is good joke.

Here, Lady Spring came to stand right before the eldest woman, her finger protruded. And with a speed that she had not display before, Lady Spring zipped past the woman's hand, inside her arm, and straight up to her body, to be face to face with the woman, and then... she hugged her. Her hands - both of them - made sure to touch the woman's skin on the back her neck.


The crone smiled widely, revealing toothless pink gums between her loose wrinkled lips as she returned Lady Spring’s embrace, the infernal cackling silenced by the surprise of Lady Spring’s sudden display of power.

“Lord Corvid I would call Spectre and I would be speaking true.” The crone spoke quietly, though in good humour, Lady Spring could feel the dim hum of her voice beneath the thin mottled skin of her throat. The Prophetess’s opened their eyes in unison, revealing their blind, milky-white orbs.

“You are quick to take offense where none is meant, and your long-pretended rashness of youth has come to be truth, and caused your true form to be revealed to me, but no matter. I have had my touch, you are in your own way, an aspect of the Mother, though the life you perpetuate is not the promising first buds of the Spring but the sustaining symbiote of the forest moss. I would not pretend to understand your nature fully, but I now know for certain that you are more than you appeared, which I had expected, as perhaps are we."

“You may ask your questions, Lady of Spring, and I will answer them best I can.”


Kellianth stepped away from the hug, and looked around the room, a grin on her tiny face. What she had revealed was minor, if anything, but if the woman was satisfied, Lady Spring would begin. "Is simple questions, from one not familiar with gods. Is not my... form of study. I is have respect of gods - Mother or Old Ones or spirits - but I is not in pursuit of them. Please to be understanding that. Insult is last thing want to utter concerning the Mother. Wish to learn. To understand. Such is way to avoid conflict."

Twirling around the room slowly, so that she could look upon each member of the Prophetess Council, Kellianth asked her first few questions. "I is been told that the Mother is want you to bid on trinket. That you is not to be swayed. This fine. But I is wondering: Is jeweler that must be swayed, yes? And I is thinking that, though jeweler may respect the Mother, Freia Silvervein is more like to be swayed with earthly things, yes? Is maybe danger of someone other than Avonlea or Rose Courts that sways her?"


The other crones leaned in the direction of Lady Spring and cocked their heads towards her as if to better hear her words, “Outside interference must always be a matter of concern for realms of note, as we know the Rose Courts have found themselves on occasion.” The crone’s smile was meant to be coy, though the pink gums and milky white eyes turned it a grotesque sight.

“The Silvervein is no fool, nor are we. We fully intend to offer proper recompense in exchange for the trinket, though we dare not bid as much as it’s like to cause every fool to claim their ordinary iron be of the stars and think to charge more than it’s worth. If another realm dares to so foolishly, that can not be helped. The Mother would surely return the rightful artifact to it’s rightful home in time, we have this faith in Her.” The other crones made soft noises of assent.


"Is good. Trust in faith. Grandpop Balor trust in faith very very lots. He among oldest of all Aeldir. Cousin Drustan... he trust in strength. He among strongest of all Aeldir. Auntie Cynel, she trust in words. She is... what is word? Lawyer? Is has been told this maybe terrible thing to be, but she good at it. Among best of all Aeldir." Kellianth continued to slowly spin around, to be sure that all on the Council could hear her. "All good things. Is no disrespect meant to Laws. Strength. Faith."

"I, however... I is trust in deals. Is like laws, but is enforced by faith that everyone be friends... and sometimes, sometimes by strength, when needed. Is speaking of course, of Favored Kingdom status of Avonlea. And is why I is come to you. Is want to make a deal. Another deal. Be even more friends."

Once again looking at the eldest Prophetess whom she had hugged, Kellianth said, "Is some parts of deal you is maybe need to talk with Lady Autumn; but is mostly thing I can offer, as Lady Spring, just so you know: Rose Courts offer this. To friendly Avonlea. Rose Courts bid on services of Silvervein. Tell her, if she like bid, she make trinket, and give to Rose Courts... who, after talk more with Lady Autumn on specifics, loan to Avonlea. Maybe for very long time. Maybe for good. Is not sure of this part. Words. Laws. Auntie Cynel better at these things. What I is know is this: We make deal to work together and make it more likely that Avonlea get shiny jewelry from star-thing."

"In return, Avonlea - win bid or lose bid to Courts - help to encourage Jeweler Silvervein to visit Tir Amser. We is want star jewelry too, but is rather have hands - and brain - that can make it. Is seek... permission... to bid on Silvervein's services after star-thing jewelery made." The word 'permission' is said as though Lady Spring is testing out the concept; as if it is a new thing to her. As though the thought of it amuses her.

"Avonlea win jewelry bid, get jewelery." Pausing, Lady Kellianth suddenly looked perplexed, as though she were thinking of something, and an in a second, a dawning smile showed she had it.
"Phrase is 'No hard feelings'. However... Rose Courts win jewelry, Avonlea get jewelry, within reason. Either way, Rose Courts or Avonlea, Rose Courts gets Jeweler. Or, at least, permission, and perhaps aid, to convince Silvervein to visit us."

"Of course... outsider have winning bid? Deal not important. Is as though not happen."


“You speak true, Lady of Spring, friendship is a faith unto itself, a faith in which our Queen in her infinite wisdom has placed upon your people.” The other crones made breathy sounds of amused dissent, most like a soft hiss. The eldest’s voice retained her merry timbre, as though most entertained by Kellianth’s presence.

“And yet you would have our peoples further entwined,” The crone sat back and brought her gnarled finger up to rest on her pointed chin as if deep in thought. Her head turned to her sisters for a moment, as if gazing upon them with her blind eyes, and they all turned to her as one in response, nodding their heads as if urging her to continue.

“We are aware that we inspire no love in our people, though we are but vessels through which She speaks Her word.” Her skeletal arms rose to indicate the statue that loomed above them, marble eyes blind and unseeing as the crones. She leaned towards Lady Spring as if imparting conspiratory information,

“We have seen that our peoples are to be further entwined still.”

“And further still.” Another of the crones spoke up, to be hissed at in irritation by the others for speaking out of turn.

“This we have seen” This we have seen, the other crones echoed eerily,

“We will accept your deal, Lady of Spring, it suits our purposes well.” The crone signaled to the Acolyte Chere who was their servant and Hers. The girl with the odd blue-white eyes came to the eldest crone holding a small, worn metal bowl.

“The deal must be sealed proper, with blood and fire.” The old crone pressed her sharp, claw-like fingernail into the thick part of her palm below her thumb until a red droplet of blood appeared. She turned her hand so that it fell into the bowl, it left a thin, red trail along her hand as it dripped and pooled into the bottom of the bowl.


From her person, Lady Spring pulled out a small dagger. Where it had been hidden was hard to say for certain, but she did not hesitate to prick her thumb and allow the drop of blood to fall into the bowl as well. She cleaned the weapon, and concealed it just as quickly back into her clothing. "Is good. Is consider matter settled."


The old crones leaned forward greedily as if listening to Lady Spring's blood fall into the bowl, when it was done the eldest smiled her pink toothless smile widely, well pleased, for the Aeldir's blood must contain powerful magic. The Acolyte Chere mixed the blood of the crone and the blood of Lady Spring in the bowl and dipped the top half of a candle wick into the blood. She placed the candle into a worn looking candleholder and placed it at the feet of the statue. She lit the bottom of the wick next to the wax, and the bloody tip soon was gone in flames as well. Once it had burned off, the eldest spoke,

"The deal has been struck. So may it be." The crones closed their blind eyes and went back to their silent swaying, a small smile lingering on the lips of the eldest.

[BootStrapTommy]

The wine was going to his head. The First Nihonwyr made his way back to his men, taking a seat unceremoniously, his glare pensive and unsettling.

"You seem a tad... homesick, Commander?" Ser Cadwy inquired, taking a moment from his hawkish survey of the surroundings.

The First Nihonwyr simply shrugged noncommittally.

"Perhaps a reminder of home is in order. You've a pleasant voice, Ser Cadwy, a song to remind us of home perhaps?"

"I... ah... I don't really know any song that feel... appropriate for the present company..."

The First Nihonwyr poured himself another glass, only to immediately down the whole thing. "You give the First Marchnadwr too much credit, Ser Cadwy." There was even more venom in his voice than normal. "Plus, it's not most of our present company understand the Tongue..."

Shouts of consent rang from the other Nihonwyr. Soon a fiddle was produced, while a number of Grey Company soldiers placed their swords across their laps, using the stomping of feet and the rattling of their blade within their scabbards as percussion.

An embarrassed Ser Cadwy visibly blushed in the fire light, an awkward smile crossing his face. Reluctantly he shouted a few directions to his accompaniment, and began singing*:

"In my defense
These dungeon walls
They couldn't hold anything in at all
I see your face
And iron bars
They have me crawling on back to you

Honestly
Will you wait for me?
Little girl, promise me
Because one day I'll be free"

Aeres, thoroughly enjoying the song, stood and began dancing along with the tune, her dress fanning out as she spun. A rare, true smile crossed the Margrave's face.

"This kinda place
It brings you down
Everyone's dragging their feet underground
Your kind face
Could save a soul
It keeps me crying on all night for you

Honestly
Will you wait for me?
Little kitty, promise me
One day I'll be free

Honestly
Will you wait for me?
A little bird, promise me
One day I'll be free
I'll be free
I'll be free
I'll be free!

I keep on crawling on back to you!"

"You can take a Thaeog out of the dungeon, but not the dungeon out of the Thaeog!" a Nihonwyr shouted sarcastically.

The Margrave shoot the soldier a dark look, silencing him. He grab Ser Cadwy around the shoulder before himself soberingly intoning*:

"The grips of my sword are covered in blood
This town turned its back on the sun
Now they will see how swift judgement can be
Compared to a life on the run

Holy, the face of the gods appear to be
Holy, the face of the gods appeared to me"

The soldiers joined in chorus, as Aeres continued dancing.

"Another city razed, carelessly placed
Withered and waiting for trial
And now we will see how swift judgement can be
When compared to a life of denial

Holy, the face of the gods appear to be
Holy, my mother Mali, let them all die
Slowly, hold me in your arms and please
Console me, forgive what I've done
I'm your son, please don't send me to Hel

These visions you see
They're not what they seem
Even hte gods can be wrong
And a virgin of peace
Is down on her knees
Begging for Death to move on!

Holy, the face of the gods appear to be
Holy, my mother Mali, let them all die
Slowly, hold me in your arms and please
Console me, forgive what I've done
I'm your son, please don't send me to Hel

Please don't send me to Hel, oh no!

Forgive what I've done
I'm your son, please don't send me to Hel!"

Cheers rang out from the soldiers. Despite it all, Dafydd still felt like punching something.

*In the Nihoni tongue

[Mary_Sue]

"Can you love something that is imperfectly better than yourself?" Helia's tone suggested it was a question for herself more than for the Queen, "I feel they are powerful and that they seek something only the most ambitious mortal might dream. They believe themselves the rightful lords and masters of all. That they love you I know not what to feel for that. Love to them for it, or fear for you and the Queendom?"

She paused and as the silence dragged on it became clear she intended to say no more on the matter.


Thalia smiled gently and nodded, understanding her friend's ambivalence,

"Better their love than their animosity, no doubt." One only had to look at the ruins of the Rosenbaum to see it be true.

"No matter, let us speak no more of the melancholy." She gave Helia one last squeeze before releasing her, and spoke pleasantly of the past, and mused upon their future and that of their beloved realm as her mind dwelled upon the preparations she must yet make.


"Ah! I am glad to hear it." Kusal's face darkened momentarily as Reza was mentioned; had Linna not already protested her innocence, her association with the ambassador might have been cause for doubt in his mind. "I apologise for assuming you could not speak our language: it is not widely known away from our shores." And I am glad that rogue has done some good in the time he has been here. "Did you learn the tongue with any particular intention in mind, or simply out of curiosity?"

"The Queen bid her court to learn it, M'Lord. I also know a bit of the Storm Lords tongue and Fantastigorian." She continued, staring out at the sun-lit view before them.

"The tongue of the Aeldir is trickier, though perhaps not as tricky as that of Low Ancerin and even harder still is High Ancerin." She trailed off and blushed, aware she had taken to rambling,

"Forgive me, M'Lord. I did not mean to bore you with particulars. What I mean to say is that I quite enjoy linguistics and would relish the chance to polish my Nanda, and learn Ambrosan and Kroznat properly."

[PepperP.]

Baram sat cross legged on the ground with his father, feasting and drinking wine as they watched the proceedings with interest and speaking quietly of the barbarism of allowing the populace vie for their future queen's maidenhead. The men spoke well, confident in the unquestionable validity of their opinions and superior morality when Willa, who had been sitting behind them and listening intently suddenly spoke up, the barest hint of fury coloring her voice,

"At least she has a hand in choosing her first lover!" She looked at Maldarr indignantly who had the grace to flush and busy himself with a cheese tart. Belinda put her arm around Willa soothingly and whispered something in her ear. The younger woman nodded and they both arose,

"We're going to dance, you all enjoy the show." Belinda said with a wink at her husband who grinned at her gratefully. She and Willa clasped hands and ran off to one of the distant bonfires, far away from the ongoing spectacle. Maldarr sighed as he gazed over to the two golden haired women sitting on the benches, Aris was lovely prize indeed, but his eyes were only for Thalia and he noted her small curved lips, her soft curly hair moving in the breeze and her blue eyes made dark by the night that reflected the orange of the flames. Suddenly Baram, who had remained silent throughout Willa's outburst, handed Maldarr his empty wine glass and stood, gaze intent on Aris and her suitors, remembering how he had held her close during their dance at the Silver Jubilee not so long ago. Just as suddenly, a strong hand gripped the back of his pants and pulled him back down to his seat.

"Just where do you think you're going?" His father's voice was stern but amused,

"Have you forgotten that your betrothed's mother is in attendance? Do you mean to shame us?" He raised his eyebrow at his son curiously,

"I'm not.." His words cut off suddenly. Untouched anyway, was what he had meant to say, but the memory of bright purple flesh made him stay his words and instead he said,

"Afraid of her." Somewhat lamely, sounding to his own ears a petulant child. He scowled as his father snorted,

"Even if she was not here, the future Protos's heir must not be a basterd. It seems you would risk much for a pretty face." Baram scowled further as he realized it was not only Aris, but he was expected to refrain from all of the potential festivities. Derris put his arm around him and grinned ruefully,

"You will be wed soon enough, I have it on good faith that Giovanna de Altan is quite lovely in her own right. Come, let's parade you around the Grand Princess so she can see just how chaste and faithful her future son in law is being. Wouldn't want all this forced virtue to go to waste." Baram sighed in defeated resignation, he didn't think he would ever be as wise as Derris, or as good at self-control he thought as a gaggle of pretty blonde maids skipped by merrily.

The contest had ended while Derris was talking sense into his son and they stood and watched the couple go off to an enthusiastically cheering crowd. Well that's done then, he thought relieved. Aris's departure had left Thalia sitting on her bench alone, though a loose group of hangers-on still congregated nearby. He blinked in surprise as Maldarr passed himself and Baram, to walk and stop in front of Thalia, and as Maldarr knelt in front of his queen, Derris could feel his friend's anguish palpably. Him and Baram edged in closer so that they might hear Maldarr's words.

Maldarr's heart was thudding in his chest, what had overcome him he did not know, but neither was it in his power to stop himself now that his actions had been put into motion. He knelt in front of Thalia and gazed into her eyes, drowned in them. He took her hand and said,

"I wish to vie for my Queen's Honor." Maldarr cleared his throat and began to sing a sad, lilting melody,

"You've haunted me all my life
Through endless days and countless nights
And there's a flaw in my heart's design
For I keep trying to make you mine

You've haunted me all my life
You've haunted me all my life
You are the mistress I can't make a wife
And you've haunted me all my life

And so I wait but I never seem to learn
How to capture your diminishing returns
I still see you through the eyes of a child
Naive in thinking I could tame the wild

You've haunted me all my life
You've haunted me all my life
You are the mistress I can't make a wife
And you've haunted me all my life"

As he finished his song his voice shook and he drifted to silence and waited for her response, his pulse thudding rapidly in his ears.




Reza shrugged off his rejection by Aris with barely a thought: it seemed he had at least succeeded in needling Thalia - although any sense of triumph he might have felt was soon curdled as he saw the approach Maldarr made, and realised that he would have the pleasure of the queen's company this evening. The boldness of the man startled even he: only hours before, it seemed that his relationship with Thalia was the cause of some great marital strife, and yet he could not even make it one night without returning to his lover. He was almost tempted to seek out Willa and make some apparently innocent comment or enquiry, but the result of the last time he had tried anything of the sort was not promising.

At least if Thalia was occupied it left him free to pursue other opportunities. He located Tena and approached, being sure to give a respectful bow, for he could feel the eyes of Kusal upon him.

"Could you please convey to Her Highness that I wish to speak with her regarding her daughter?" he asked, in a slightly louder voice than necessary, in case any of his countrymen were within earshot. "If she will not see me, my proposal is that Adelie be sent to Ambrose as a companion for her brother, and so that she might get to know her father better." He hoped that would serve as sufficient apology to the one-eyed fool. That side of things concluded, he winked and leaned in slight closer, more quietly making a rather more intimate proposal to Tena personally with regard to the later evening.


Nyle had sat quietly and watched with the others as his Father had gone to woo the Queen with his song. His Father had raised him by himself in Ambrose, but recently Willa had been introduced to their household and brought with her a tension where there hadn't been any before. He had never really understood it until now, as he watched his parents embrace from a distance, their desperation for each other was palpable and he watched them with despair in his heart for he knew that it was Willa who would be returning home with them and not his mother. He spied the blue-haired man who had spoken to Willa on the balcony and caused her and his Father much distress. The man was watching his Father carry off the Queen intently, his look of malicious humor was not a comfort to Nyle, who watched the blue haired man quietly, and with narrowed eyes from a distance.

[Mary_Sue]

Nyle had sat quietly and watched with the others as his Father had gone to woo the Queen with his song. His Father had raised him by himself in Ambrose, but recently Willa had been introduced to their household and brought with her a tension where there hadn't been any before. He had never really understood it until now, as he watched his parents embrace from a distance, their desperation for each other was palpable and he watched them with despair in his heart for he knew that it was Willa who would be returning home with them and not his mother. He spied the blue-haired man who had spoken to Willa on the balcony and caused her and his Father much distress. The man was watching his Father carry off the Queen intently, his look of malicious humor was not a comfort to Nyle, who watched the blue haired man quietly, and with narrowed eyes from a distance.

Adelie had tired of capering about the bonfire with the other children and had wandered back to her mother, but she saw that the Queen was well occupied and so when she spied her new found brother, she went and sat down next to him, wrapping her arms around her knees as she gazed with interest at the spectacle of her parents.

"Does our sire love our mum?" She asked with great curiosity, for though her mother often spent time with the men of her harem and blue haired man, who particularly made her laugh, Adelie had never heard any of them tell her mother that they loved her, nor her to them.




The Dullahan listened silently as Aris bared her truths, both of Avonlea and of herself. When she asked for a blade, however, his eyebrows rose.

"My lady, I was well warned that to carry a weapon at this event would be the height of impropriety."

His eyebrows fell, and a wolfish grin spread over his face.

"I have but the one."

Reaching behind his back, his hand slid beneath his surcoat to the hidden scabbard at his waist, pulling forth a long, thin blade of curved coldblood. Double-edged and lacking a guard, it was no warrior's weapon. No, this was an assassin's dagger, an easily concealed razor. It glinted in the space between them for a long moment before he placed it on the ground between them. He considered it in the silence before looking back to her.

"None who approach this transition do so without fear, my lady, for it is the fulcrum on which we set the course of our future. And none can say until it comes where that course will lead us. In my youth I knew a girl of unique skill at the art of war, and in comparing myself to her I judged my course better set towards the art of poetry and song. Yet we both came of age in a time of transition, where Winter fell to the machinations of Autumn and our Court was greatly imperiled. My sense of duty overcame my doubts, and I joined in the defense of my home. In so doing, I found the truth of my spirit, and have regretted it but once in all my long years. None but the Gods can say what the future holds, and even divine eyes find constant amazement in the chaos and confusion of life on this earth."

He paused, gesturing towards the oiled blade.

"If you would bleed, Aris Morningsworn, let it be on your own terms whether it is for your Goddess alone or your Goddess and yourself. I can offer but one piece of wisdom. You say you fear the unknown that lies beyond this night, the pain that might come with the passing of your old life into the new. It is a fear I can credit. But like all things, moments of revelation are born but one way. In pain."

Though Aris was wary as the Dullahan unsheathed his weapon, she could not help but return his devilish grin. The smile sat much more easily on his face than she would have thought a smile would. As he spoke of his youth, she longed to ply him with questions, to in some small way learn of him better but this was not the time. Perhaps she might have cause another time to speak with him, and hear of his victories and regrets. She thought there was much more to hear of him than might be learned in her short lifetime, and he would still be speaking, when she was but dust and bones upon the ground. She traced her fingers delicately over the length of the shining blade, her forehead furrowed as she considered Lugh Annan's words, suddenly lifting her blue eyes to his black ones,

"I know you speak true, for when I was taken at six from my Mother's home I knew a great pain and longing, but it was necessary so that I might learn to be Queen, though I see now that it was not Queen I must learn to be, but my own self. You would have made a fine bard, your words are such that they would have made maids weep, and men rally to war, and cravens to cower in fear. I am still a maid and yet I shall not weep." Aris removed her jeweled silver circlet from atop her head and set it aside, it had left small shallow red impressions along her forehead.

"I have no war to be rallied to, other than the one in mine own mind and heart." Aris lifted the blade gently that had tempted her so and set it aside.

"There is much to fear and yet I am no craven." Aris took the Dullahan's hands in hers, they were cool and dry under her warm ones, and she found the gap that had spanned leagues before was only mere inches now and she pressed over them and found the Dullahan's lips with her own and shared her first kiss with him.

[QuintonBeck]

Orcanet had repeated the questions that she had relayed to Elle after recovering her embarrassment of holding the Grand Ewe for questioning. She listened to Franscesca's information,

"Thank you, M'Lady. Will you please recount the events that culminated in the death of the man in the alley?" She questioned further.

"That man," she paused, collecting herself as she realized she had begun her story quicker than she'd had time to think of the proper words.

"The man must have had some ill intent for me, I know not why. He followed, or chased really, he chased me and when I tried to escape, still unsure if this was a play of my imagination or the truth and before I could call out for help he had me by the throat and-"

She reached up to touch the purple and blue bruises around her neck.

"The Grand Ewe showed up quickly and fought him off me but he was still giving her trouble. I was recovering, watching as he fought with the Grand Ewe and I found a loose brick on the ground. It all happened so fast. It was just instinct."

She paused again, seeming to collect herself before pressing on.

"I lobbed the brick at his head and it struck true. He must have died instantly. Do you know who he was or what he wanted?"

[Geckus]

"We would make friendly neighbors indeed, Master Architect, for along with our woodworkers, we also have a fine cadre of silversmiths in Bellarion to work the supply we have there. Our interests are quite aligned." Thalia favoured the Drimma with a delighted smile which lit her face.

"A fine notion, gallant Ser. It shall be as you say, my likeness will appear on the gold and Aris's will grace the silver. Would you care for a drink after your long journey?" Thalia motioned to her maids who came forward and offered wine to the Drimma gentlemen.

"A drink? I daresay you know the quickest way to a drimma's heart, your Highness."

Taking the wine glass with surprising delicacy for one with such thick fingered and heavily calloused hands, Kuldir gently swirled the wine to let it breathe, enjoying the bouquet before taking a small sip. Nodding in appreciation of the fine vintage, he raised the glass to the host and called out, "Za fstryetchoo! Byodem zdarovy!", before downing the rest of the glass. A careful observer would note the brief expressions of surprise on the faces of Kuldir's escorts at his use of their native tongue, it being so rarely spoken in the presence of other races.

"I'll not keep you from your many guests, your Highness, though I do hope to steal more of your time later in the eve, if I may."


--------------



The Wandering Clan and the Spring Court

Jocylyn had been with the Wandering Clans for over a decade now. She had a private wagon that was gifted to her by the Master Architect, and was given a guide in the form of Architect Farama. The Wandering Clans had treated Jocylyn fairly, and had been gracious enough to honor her request to come to this party. She had been trying desperately to convince them to seek out and speak with Lady Spring about their 'Minted Coins', as the Spring Girl thought that her Lady would be very interested in them.

She was quite right.

Lady Spring was interested in the Minted Coins, and was actively seeking out Jocylyn and the Wandering Clans to discuss matters.


The Spring Court and the Wandering Clans

Not long after his introduction to Thalia and Aris, charming ladies, remind me why I like the humans so much, Kuldir sought out the Lady of the Spring Court; he was sure that by now Jocylyn must have found her way to her mistress.

Have to admire the girl's tenacity; been nearly two years since Lugon starting making those coins of his and not a day's gone by without her asking about them.

Finally spotting the diminutive Lady Spring through the crowd, not an easy task when he himself stood only a touch over four foot, the Master Architect approached the Aeldir Lady.

"My Lady Spring! It has been too long since our last meeting, a pleasure to see you once again."

Kuldir bowed to Kellianth, only a touch less deeply than he had to his host and her heiress.

"I hope your puppy...Dewdrop, wasn't it, is well?"

[Mary_Sue]

"That man," she paused, collecting herself as she realized she had begun her story quicker than she'd had time to think of the proper words.

"The man must have had some ill intent for me, I know not why. He followed, or chased really, he chased me and when I tried to escape, still unsure if this was a play of my imagination or the truth and before I could call out for help he had me by the throat and-"

She reached up to touch the purple and blue bruises around her neck.

"The Grand Ewe showed up quickly and fought him off me but he was still giving her trouble. I was recovering, watching as he fought with the Grand Ewe and I found a loose brick on the ground. It all happened so fast. It was just instinct."

She paused again, seeming to collect herself before pressing on.

"I lobbed the brick at his head and it struck true. He must have died instantly. Do you know who he was or what he wanted?"

Orcanet listened carefully as Francesca recounted her harrowing tale, face impassive,

"We were hoping you might tell us that, M'Lady. Had you ever seen that man before today? Did he say anything out of the ordinary to you?"



"A drink? I daresay you know the quickest way to a drimma's heart, your Highness."

Taking the wine glass with surprising delicacy for one with such thick fingered and heavily calloused hands, Kuldir gently swirled the wine to let it breathe, enjoying the bouquet before taking a small sip. Nodding in appreciation of the fine vintage, he raised the glass to the host and called out, "Za fstryetchoo! Byodem zdarovy!", before downing the rest of the glass. A careful observer would note the brief expressions of surprise on the faces of Kuldir's escorts at his use of their native tongue, it being so rarely spoken in the presence of other races.

"I'll not keep you from your many guests, your Highness, though I do hope to steal more of your time later in the eve, if I may."


"I would say your heart is much like my own. Of course, find me at your leisure, there will be a grand feast and drumming later." Thalia said graciously to the Architect,

"But first you must teach me your toast so that I might share a drink with you properly, if you please."

[PepperP.]

Adelie had tired of capering about the bonfire with the other children and had wandered back to her mother, but she saw that the Queen was well occupied and so when she spied her new found brother, she went and sat down next to him, wrapping her arms around her knees as she gazed with interest at the spectacle of her parents.

"Does our sire love our mum?" She asked with great curiosity, for though her mother often spent time with the men of her harem and blue haired man, who particularly made her laugh, Adelie had never heard any of them tell her mother that they loved her, nor her to them.

Nyle glanced sideways at his younger sister, though they had grown up apart, they were much alike in looks and temperament. He straightened his legs out and leaned back on his arms,

"Yes, I would say that he loves her very much." Perhaps more than anything, he thought but did not say as that included them and he did wish to mar their Father in his sister's eyes.

[Mary_Sue]

Nyle glanced sideways at his younger sister, though they had grown up apart, they were much alike in looks and temperament. He straightened his legs out and leaned back on his arms,

"Yes, I would say that he loves her very much." Perhaps more than anything, he thought but did not say as that included them and he did wish to mar their Father in his sister's eyes.

"How grand!" Adelie clasped her hands together, much pleased by this news. But then she looked confused,

"But why did he marry that other?" This was spoke in a bewildered tone, for to choose one over her Mother was surely a foolish thing to do.

[PepperP.]

"How grand!" Adelie clasped her hands together, much pleased by this news. But then she looked confused,

"But why did he marry that other?" This was spoke in a bewildered tone, for to choose one over her Mother was surely a foolish thing to do.

"His Protos bid him to do his duty. That's like a King, remember you met him, with the scar." He drew a vertical line down the left side of his face with his finger,

"You understand what duty is don't you?" Nyle looked back to where he had last seen his Father, but he had gone, carrying their Mother with him.

[TheDarkDM]

<"I do not trust him,"> Drustan stated flatly, <"Not in regards to his loyalty. He is surely loyal to your Lordship of the northern court and I do not question his dedication to the Aeldir cause so long as he is not left to guide the cause. I do not trust him with the Words. I should not wish to imagine Lugh Annan making pacts with the Old Gods or calling upon their favor.">

<"You have lived a long time, Balor. Longer than any other upon the island and when I first became Lord Summer I knew that one day when I fall upon the field and another became the southern lord you would live on as Lord Winter.">

<"Things have changed now. Killers have been hired and sicked on kings of men and mortals. High Queen Roethye, while no contemporary of our own, was killed by the desperate and floundering Three Kingdoms who pale even to Primal strength. One of the kings of the Crystal Union was killed for an unknown agenda.">

<"You know I do not take the security of our homeland or any of the Aeldir lightly but if the unthinkable were to happen it would be a far greater loss to lose you than myself or the Lady Spring or Autumn.">

Balor considered the younger Lord Summer's words, and it seemed a shadow passed over the corner where they stood.

<"Perhaps you are right, Drustan. The machinations of these mortals are bereft of the dignity of our ways, their barbarism dwarfing even the most terrible years of our long struggle. They could meddle in things beyond their ken. And the Word unleashed by the anger of a grieving servant, or for the pleasure of a willing killer, would have dire consequences for all.">

He paused, seemingly unsure if he should continue before his mouth set in a thin, grim line.

<"There is a safeguard to such a future, one of the Elder Words. But to pursue such power requires sacrifice. Sacrifice beyond what most could bear.">

Later...


Though Aris was wary as the Dullahan unsheathed his weapon, she could not help but return his devilish grin. The smile sat much more easily on his face than she would have thought a smile would. As he spoke of his youth, she longed to ply him with questions, to in some small way learn of him better but this was not the time. Perhaps she might have cause another time to speak with him, and hear of his victories and regrets. She thought there was much more to hear of him than might be learned in her short lifetime, and he would still be speaking, when she was but dust and bones upon the ground. She traced her fingers delicately over the length of the shining blade, her forehead furrowed as she considered Lugh Annan's words, suddenly lifting her blue eyes to his black ones,

"I know you speak true, for when I was taken at six from my Mother's home I knew a great pain and longing, but it was necessary so that I might learn to be Queen, though I see now that it was not Queen I must learn to be, but my own self. You would have made a fine bard, your words are such that they would have made maids weep, and men rally to war, and cravens to cower in fear. I am still a maid and yet I shall not weep." Aris removed her jeweled silver circlet from atop her head and set it aside, it had left small shallow red impressions along her forehead.

"I have no war to be rallied to, other than the one in mine own mind and heart." Aris lifted the blade gently that had tempted her so and set it aside.

"There is much to fear and yet I am no craven." Aris took the Dullahan's hands in hers, they were cool and dry under her warm ones, and she found the gap that had spanned leagues before was only mere inches now and she pressed over them and found the Dullahan's lips with her own and shared her first kiss with him.

The Dullahan's kiss was lightning breaking from a stormcloud, meeting the bravery of the Avonlean girl with an intensity that annihilated doubt. His fingers were as the north wind as he touched her, raising goose-pimples along her arms as they made their way to the ties of her gown. Soon, his surcoat lay forgotten in a shadowed corner beyond the eye of the storm, revealing the scar-crossed figure that gave proof to the Dullahan's fearsome reputation. Most were long faded, but one seemed to burn with its own fire, a puckered puncture scar mere inches above his heart, twin to a scar that tied him to another in death's halls. But that was all before the storm descended again, and the heiress to Avonlea was swallowed in black mirrors, drowning in the unchained hunger of the ageless.

The Next Morning...

Lord Winter watched the dawn from the deck of Judgement and seethed. He knew his will had been twisted the night before, for he could feel the winds of Tir Amser on his back, the forbidden calling of an Aeldir soul beyond the protective borders of Anghau's hunt. He would have words with the Dullahan on his return. But for the moment, he had business of a different kind.

He made his way back to Keya's Rest slowly, taking in the aftermath of the revels of this Goddess Moon. Idly, he wondered at the nature of a god that would send maidens out to sacrifice yet spare her priests even the obligation of an appearance. Clearly, these mortal-born gods were as those that worshiped them - yet imperfect, and frightfully weak. It would be a rare experience to see whether they would grow into their power or wither away into darkness.

The sun was well clear of the horizon when he finally arrived at the gates, his eyes swinging imperiously over whatever official manned them at that hour. His mouth wrinkled in disdain at the need to speak with these inferiors, but at length he spoke in Avonlean.

"Has the Polemarchos departed yet?"

[Mary_Sue]

"His Protos bid him to do his duty. That's like a King, remember you met him, with the scar." He drew a vertical line down the left side of his face with his finger,

"You understand what duty is don't you?" Nyle looked back to where he had last seen his Father, but he had gone, carrying their Mother with him.

Adelie looked at her older brother for a moment,

"Of course I do, it's like when mummy had to send you away." She shifted and returned her innocent eyes to her big brother,

"Nyle, if mummy sends me away, would you look after me?" She gazed at him seriously, intent upon his answer.

[PepperP.]

Adelie looked at her older brother for a moment,

"Of course I do, it's like when mummy had to send you away." She shifted and returned her innocent eyes to her big brother,

"Nyle, if mummy sends me away, would you look after me?" She gazed at him seriously, intent upon his answer.

It was on the tip of his tongue to reassure her that the Queen would never send her away, but the words died on his lips and he said instead,

"Of course I will." And he moved and put his arm around the girl as they sat side by side watching the revelers and watching the flames of the bonfires dance to the beat of the pounding drummers.

[QuintonBeck]

Orcanet listened carefully as Francesca recounted her harrowing tale, face impassive,

"We were hoping you might tell us that, M'Lady. Had you ever seen that man before today? Did he say anything out of the ordinary to you?"


"Nothing at all," she lied easily, "I have no idea who that man was or what he wanted with me."

[Mary_Sue]

"Nothing at all," she lied easily, "I have no idea who that man was or what he wanted with me."

"Very well, last question before you are released if you please, what delegation did you come with? We will need to question somebody of authority from your lands, just to verify your identity. Standard procedure, I assure you." Orcanet smiled at Francesca, but it did not reach her eyes, the woman was hiding something, she could feel it.



The Dullahan's kiss was lightning breaking from a stormcloud, meeting the bravery of the Avonlean girl with an intensity that annihilated doubt. His fingers were as the north wind as he touched her, raising goose-pimples along her arms as they made their way to the ties of her gown. Soon, his surcoat lay forgotten in a shadowed corner beyond the eye of the storm, revealing the scar-crossed figure that gave proof to the Dullahan's fearsome reputation. Most were long faded, but one seemed to burn with its own fire, a puckered puncture scar mere inches above his heart, twin to a scar that tied him to another in death's halls. But that was all before the storm descended again, and the heiress to Avonlea was swallowed in black mirrors, drowning in the unchained hunger of the ageless.

The Next Morning...

Lord Winter watched the dawn from the deck of Judgement and seethed. He knew his will had been twisted the night before, for he could feel the winds of Tir Amser on his back, the forbidden calling of an Aeldir soul beyond the protective borders of Anghau's hunt. He would have words with the Dullahan on his return. But for the moment, he had business of a different kind.

He made his way back to Keya's Rest slowly, taking in the aftermath of the revels of this Goddess Moon. Idly, he wondered at the nature of a god that would send maidens out to sacrifice yet spare her priests even the obligation of an appearance. Clearly, these mortal-born gods were as those that worshiped them - yet imperfect, and frightfully weak. It would be a rare experience to see whether they would grow into their power or wither away into darkness.

The sun was well clear of the horizon when he finally arrived at the gates, his eyes swinging imperiously over whatever official manned them at that hour. His mouth wrinkled in disdain at the need to speak with these inferiors, but at length he spoke in Avonlean.

"Has the Polemarchos departed yet?"


Aris and the Dullahan

Aris awoke as dawn bathed their tent in sunlight. She had fallen asleep curled up next to the Dullahan, nestled comfortably in the crook of his arm. As her eyes slowly opened she found herself staring at the angry looking scar just above his heart. She ran her fingers over it absently, she had not been prepared for the intensity of his desire and had felt helpless before it's power. She blushed even now to remember it, though it gave her pause to think she might inspire such great passions. There was a power in that itself, she thought. She turned on her stomach to face him, still cradled in his embrace, her long platinum hair tousled from sleep. She saw that he slept not and a slow smile crept along her lips. She kissed him once again, seeking to wield her power over him once more.

Lord Winter

The two trusted guards at the gate had been expecting Lord Winter, but still they quailed at his presence though they held their station steadfast,

"Yes, M'Lord. Very early this morning." She said with a deep bow and opened the gate so that he may pass within.

[Geckus]

"I would say your heart is much like my own. Of course, find me at your leisure, there will be a grand feast and drumming later." Thalia said graciously to the Architect,

"But first you must teach me your toast so that I might share a drink with you properly, if you please."

"Of course."

Though the drimma with him were far too disciplined to betray their surprise past the first initial reaction, Kuldir did not have to look at them to know they were uneasy. Even after all these years of wandering, we are still far too insular, too wrapped up in old ways to truly follow the path laid before us by the First Architect. But change is only another journey, my people, taken one step at a time. And like any good Architect, Kuldir had been leading them along that journey for decades.

As glasses were brough for the High Queen (and her heiress?), along with a refill for himself, Kuldir repeated the toast a couple of times, sure to enunciate the words slowly and clearly. "Za fstryetchoo. Byodem zdarovy. The closest translation would be 'To our meeting. To our health.' Both spoken together carry the wish for a long life, with many meeting as pleasant as the first. But the glass must be emptied, or the words ring hollow."

Raising his newly filled glass, Kuldir offered the toast once more, "Za fstryetchoo! Byodem zdarovy!", downing the wine in a single gulp once he heard the words repeated.

[Mary_Sue]

"Of course."

Though the drimma with him were far too disciplined to betray their surprise past the first initial reaction, Kuldir did not have to look at them to know they were uneasy. Even after all these years of wandering, we are still far too insular, too wrapped up in old ways to truly follow the path laid before us by the First Architect. But change is only another journey, my people, taken one step at a time. And like any good Architect, Kuldir had been leading them along that journey for decades.

As glasses were brough for the High Queen (and her heiress?), along with a refill for himself, Kuldir repeated the toast a couple of times, sure to enunciate the words slowly and clearly. "Za fstryetchoo. Byodem zdarovy. The closest translation would be 'To our meeting. To our health.' Both spoken together carry the wish for a long life, with many meeting as pleasant as the first. But the glass must be emptied, or the words ring hollow."

Raising his newly filled glass, Kuldir offered the toast once more, "Za fstryetchoo! Byodem zdarovy!", downing the wine in a single gulp once he heard the words repeated.

High Queen Thalia and Aris raised their glasses high and did their best to approximate the Drimma's toast,

"Za fstryetchoo! Byodem zdarovy!" Stumbling only slightly over the unfamiliar words. Thalia took a drink of her wine, smiling delightedly,

"Well spoken, Ser Architect and well met, indeed." The golden Queen bent down and kissed the Drimma King on his head, her maids cheering merrily and repeating the toast in Avonlean as they sipped their wine.

[BlazingAegis]

The Next Day

The previous night's festivities made it fly by and the next day had arrived. Davon had been up early pondering over the events of last night, he had not be able to prevent what he perceived as a disgraceful and insensitive act by a council who cared not for the people it ruled. He had hoped only that the Representative of the Aeldir Winter Court had treated the young Heiress with respect.

A sharp rap at the door broke the thoughts running through Davon's head, the door had slowly creaked open and one of the guards pokes her head through the door.

"Excuse me, but there are some young ladies here to see you." Davon walked towards the door and had opened it the rest of the way, got a glimpse of the five girls who were waiting outside in the hall. Davon thanks the guards and welcomes the girls into the quarters given to them by the High Queen. The girls quickly introduced themselves to Davon, Aurelia, and Cato, before taking their seats at the table in the main room of the quarters.

Davon had stood back up to address the people present. "I know this is to be an arranged marriage, but if any of you should not want to be wed, that is your right, the Protectorate has no wish to force people into doing anything they do not want. We strive to unit people and protect them under our influence, people have a right to free will. Should you choose my son we will welcome you with open arms, should you not there will be no harm done. Cato will get over it eventually. With all that said I will leave you to talk this through. Aurelia will stay to keep Cato out of trouble. I shall be waiting eagerly for your decisions. I shall be with the guards outside should you need me."

With Davon walks towards the door and closes it behind him.

A good portion of time passes by. Davon spent the time talking to the guards about what sorts of things they like to do when they not on duty, places to see in the Queendom and their general opinion of the girls. The discussion ended when a loud bang emanated from the room. The guards hurriedly opened the door and entered followed by Davon. All the girls were standing and looking down at the floor.

"Aurelia whats going on?" Davon said as he approached the group of young girls and saw Cato lying on the floor in the middle of the circle.

"Aurelia?" Davon gently pushed his way through the circle and knelt down next to his son and daughter.

"Well I suppose I should start from the beginning of this incident. The girls were giving a more through introduction of themselves, and all was going fine until we got young Ninwen Steelheart. She had mentioned that she was rather adept at fighting, Cato thought that was funny."

"Oh I think I see where this is going."

"He thought there was no way a 'little girl' could be a good fighter, not better then he is anyway. So they decided to have a little sparring match."

"And you didn't think this might not be such a good idea?"

"I thought this would be a great idea, and I still think it is. Anyway long story short, Cato tried to rush in, Ninwen grabbed his arm, twisted it, and flipped him onto his back. And here we are."

"So that's how long he managed to stay in the fight. Well, he certainly didn't learn that from you or me. Anyway, what's wrong with him?"

"Well he hit his head a little so he may be a little foggy for the rest of the day, and this arm of his, hmmmm" Aurelia grabs Cato's right wrist and lifts it up.

"Oww stop, stop." Cato winced as she continued. manipulated his arm

"Well can you move your arm yourself?" She let his arm down against the floor. Cato tries to move his arm but he cannot, no matter how much he tried.

"What's your opinion here Aurie?" Davon said looking over the scene.

"Well you're probably thinking what I am too, dislocated shoulder. Shall I just pop it back into the socket?" Cato's face grimaces at the thought.

"Please don't let her, she'll have way too much fun causing me pain."

"Look your options are either we do it now, or just wrap it up in a sling and get someone else to do it."

"Fine, then put the sling on."

Aurelia walks over to a trunk of clothing and rips a piece of cloth off of a shirt and starts to fashion a sling for Cato's arm. She returns to Cato's side and fits the sling onto him and fastens it tight and Cato winces slightly.

"Seriously. Just because I wouldn't let you play doctor more you have to find another way to hurt me?"

"Awwww quit it you crybaby, or did you forget there's a room full of girls here?"

Cato stops and realizes he had forgotten all about the others in the room and he starts turning a little red from embarrassment.

"So Cato, did any of these young ladies pique your interest?" Davon interjected to try and get him back on track with what this whole meeting was about in the first place.

Cato remained flustered but managed to spit out "Ninwen"

Aurelia and Davon exchanged looks.

"Well, I suppose we'll just have to see if Ninwen feels the same way, and then talk to High Queen about the outcome of this little conference."

[TheDarkDM]

Aris and the Dullahan

Aris awoke as dawn bathed their tent in sunlight. She had fallen asleep curled up next to the Dullahan, nestled comfortably in the crook of his arm. As her eyes slowly opened she found herself staring at the angry looking scar just above his heart. She ran her fingers over it absently, she had not been prepared for the intensity of his desire and had felt helpless before it's power. She blushed even now to remember it, though it gave her pause to think she might inspire such great passions. There was a power in that itself, she thought. She turned on her stomach to face him, still cradled in his embrace, her long platinum hair tousled from sleep. She saw that he slept not and a slow smile crept along her lips. She kissed him once again, seeking to wield her power over him once more.

Aris felt her kiss returned, and when she pulled back the Dullahan's eyes had opened into black slits. There was a light there that had been absent the night before, a playfulness that both thrilled and terrified as a slender hand rose to caress her disheveled tresses.

"When you conquer your fears, Majesty, you do so without restraint."

His hand tightened, pulling her into another kiss, heavy with the knowledge of what waited beyond it. Pulling away to allow her a breath, the Aeldir could but growl.

"I can only hope to match your vigor."

No more words followed, as the Dullahan indulged the silent desire in that waking kiss. And in the still of the morning, he gave truth to his skill at eliciting screams.

Thalia and Lord Winter

The two trusted guards at the gate had been expecting Lord Winter, but still they quailed at his presence though they held their station steadfast,

"Yes, M'Lord. Very early this morning." She said with a deep bow and opened the gate so that he may pass within.

The Lord Winter nodded his assent, and in some small way his approval, as the guard saw to her duty and opened wide the gate. That the man of Ambrose had departed was unsurprising, but still Balor could but marvel at the folly in these two mortals. Here they had found a happiness that eluded most, even among the Aeldir, yet they allowed the bindings of their fellows and their birth divide them yet again. Old as he was, Lord Winter well knew what cold comfort that duty would be in the ailing years of their lives. It was near enough to make him hope for Maldarr's death on the field of battle, that he be spared the slow wasting of this perfect dream unfulfilled.

Such thoughts followed him as he made his way through the empty halls of the castle, to the solar where he knew the Queen awaited him. The chill in the air announced his arrival with a weight beyond the words of any herald, yet he paused on the threshold, waiting to be summoned by the castle's mistress.

[Gengy]

At first, Phelnia had almost jumped, and for a brief instant, Turien had seen her eyes widen with surprise. She'd had no idea he was there. Her recovery was impressive, though - while her face was obscured by her hood, it was evident to the eyes of the ranger that her eyes had fallen to his leggings. It seemed that Primal libidos were as engorged as rumor said.

Galorius, on the other hand, showed no sign whatsoever of surprise.

-------------(snip)----------------

Galorius nodded, still grinning at the Aeldir. "Fast to Spring. But slow."

"Uh-huh. Sure, go ahead." Phelnia said absentmindedly, still staring at the ranger. She wondered what kind of physique was under that camoflauge. An entire court of warriors had to mean a well-defined musculature. He looked like he was in his prime, but had the experience of age, that had to count for something. (Her mouth was watering at the thought) And scarred or no, she did have a hot twin, and Varadia insisted guys loved that sorta thing. Maybe she could invite him home for Rhona's protection and-

Galorius' elbow slammed into her side.

"SIGNUM IRAE!!" She swore. "What was that for?!"

"Not stare. Rude."

She glared at her charge, then turned her gaze back to Spring. For what it was worth, she looked slightly flushed at her error. "So his blood's slow too, but still faster than yours."

Lady Spring was about to say something to this, but quickly cut off her own words, to watch - bemusedly - as Ranger Turien sized up the Primal Princess... and she in turn did the same, but with less obvious restraint. Kellianth allowed this to continue for a few seconds, before giggling in a friendly - yet loud - manner, as she said, "Ranger Turien. Is very very thank you. We is have answer we is looking for. You is free to return to duties, as assigned by Cousin Drustan. Or, if Phelnia would rather, I is find you a replacement, and you is maybe participate in... brief cultural exchange."

"Otherwise, I is must find the Prophetess Council. Is much I is must discuss. Thank you for pleasant diversion."


The Spring Court and the Wandering Clans

Not long after his introduction to Thalia and Aris, charming ladies, remind me why I like the humans so much, Kuldir sought out the Lady of the Spring Court; he was sure that by now Jocylyn must have found her way to her mistress.

Have to admire the girl's tenacity; been nearly two years since Lugon starting making those coins of his and not a day's gone by without her asking about them.

Finally spotting the diminutive Lady Spring through the crowd, not an easy task when he himself stood only a touch over four foot, the Master Architect approached the Aeldir Lady.

"My Lady Spring! It has been too long since our last meeting, a pleasure to see you once again."

Kuldir bowed to Kellianth, only a touch less deeply than he had to his host and her heiress.

"I hope your puppy...Dewdrop, wasn't it, is well?"

"Is good see you again! Jocylyn write home infrequently," Lady Spring said with a bemused accusation in her voice at the Spring Girl near her in Clan leathers and purple rose petal accouterments, "But is always say nice things. Private wagon is nice gift. Is add my very thank you to hers. And yes. Is Dewdrop. Is getting older. Less cute. But is matron to large brood of very cute puppies. I is have given care of her to Axuda, and I has new puppy. Is named Seelo. Is very cute. Is not up for travel though, Axuda says. Eyes not open, when we leave. Be open when we return!"

"Lady," Jocylyn said, quietly, "about the Minted Coins? Did you get my letters?"

"Did I get letters?" Lady Spring giggled. "Is sudden rush of letters from Jocylyn, five arrive on same day, all talk of this new thing. Minted Coins. Yes. I is get letters. And I is very interested in idea. Imagine. Easy to bargain with, trade improve, and bestest of all: my face on silver coin everywhere. Only downside: Grandpop Balor's face on coins everywhere. Is must make sure just as many coins with our faces is on there as other courts. That is, of course, if Master Ironsong is interested in maybe teaching us how to make them?"

The Courts players are in agreement with the terms we set earlier, via PM, and Reggie has added the agreement to her Round Actions (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?447257-EMPIRE-2-IC-Thread&p=20342800#post20342800). If you could confirm the agreement in your own Round Actions, we'd appreciate it.

[Aedilred]

"The Queen bid her court to learn it, M'Lord. I also know a bit of the Storm Lords tongue and Fantastigorian." She continued, staring out at the sun-lit view before them.

"The tongue of the Aeldir is trickier, though perhaps not as tricky as that of Low Ancerin and even harder still is High Ancerin." She trailed off and blushed, aware she had taken to rambling,

"Forgive me, M'Lord. I did not mean to bore you with particulars. What I mean to say is that I quite enjoy linguistics and would relish the chance to polish my Nanda, and learn Ambrosan and Kroznat properly."
Kusal continued looking at her in silence for a few moments after she finished, his expression slightly pensive, then, just as the pause was beginning to become uncomfortable, he blinked and gave Linna a thin smile.

"Fear not, you did not bore me. You appear to be a young woman of talent, and a worthy bride for my son, I am sure. I shall speak to the queen to make the necessary arrangements. I hope it will be possible for you to accompany us on our return journey, or if not, make the trip at some point soon thereafter."

He realised he knew nothing of Avonlean marriage customs - did they even have such a notion? Would there have to be some symbolic ceremony here before she left, with a substitute for Jangir, or would she simply be able to board the ship and allow them to handle everything once they arrived back in the west? It gradually dawned on him that he would have to make enquiries of that wretched ambassador on the subject, which he had been hoping to avoid. Still, he had been planning to speak with him anyway.

That's all fine from my end then. If there's anything else you want to discuss on the subject or anything I should know about Avonlea "marriage" then I'm happy to continue or for you to fill me in though!

[HalfTangible]

Lady Spring was about to say something to this, but quickly cut off her own words, to watch - bemusedly - as Ranger Turien sized up the Primal Princess... and she in turn did the same, but with less obvious restraint. Kellianth allowed this to continue for a few seconds, before giggling in a friendly - yet loud - manner, as she said, "Ranger Turien. Is very very thank you. We is have answer we is looking for. You is free to return to duties, as assigned by Cousin Drustan. Or, if Phelnia would rather, I is find you a replacement, and you is maybe participate in... brief cultural exchange."

"Otherwise, I is must find the Prophetess Council. Is much I is must discuss. Thank you for pleasant diversion."

Phelnia's flush was just slightly deeper than the Aima's skin tone now.

Galorius was snickering. "I go with Spring?"

"Thank you both, but I am not blind nor stupid." Phelnia muttered, not looking up. "He's not interested." As usual.

She kept her eyes focused on the ground a moment longer before looking at Turien. "... Though, the strength of Summer is legendary, and I... er, Primal do strive to... improve in... all... "

Galorius nudged her. ="Sparring."= He whispered in Primal.

"Uh, right, I... um... you... =WouldyouliketosparforabitpleaseI'dverymuchliketoa ndmaybef#@$whenwe'redoneifyouwantImeanifyoudon'twa nttoigetitbutyou'rereallyhotandI-="

"Slow." Galorius said dryly, somehow managing to roll his non-existent eyes. "Speak trade."

"<... would you like to spar with me?>" She asked timidly, in the Aeldir tongue. Though her consonants were a bit harsher than they should have been, she spoke it surprisingly well for someone outside the courts. Especially for a kingdom that (as far as could be told) had no interest in befriending them.

The Aima tilted his head, uncomprehending.

[Mary_Sue]

The Next Day

The previous night's festivities made it fly by and the next day had arrived. Davon had been up early pondering over the events of last night, he had not be able to prevent what he perceived as a disgraceful and insensitive act by a council who cared not for the people it ruled. He had hoped only that the Representative of the Aeldir Winter Court had treated the young Heiress with respect.

A sharp rap at the door broke the thoughts running through Davon's head, the door had slowly creaked open and one of the guards pokes her head through the door.

"Excuse me, but there are some young ladies here to see you." Davon walked towards the door and had opened it the rest of the way, got a glimpse of the five girls who were waiting outside in the hall. Davon thanks the guards and welcomes the girls into the quarters given to them by the High Queen. The girls quickly introduced themselves to Davon, Aurelia, and Cato, before taking their seats at the table in the main room of the quarters.

Davon had stood back up to address the people present. "I know this is to be an arranged marriage, but if any of you should not want to be wed, that is your right, the Protectorate has no wish to force people into doing anything they do not want. We strive to unit people and protect them under our influence, people have a right to free will. Should you choose my son we will welcome you with open arms, should you not there will be no harm done. Cato will get over it eventually. With all that said I will leave you to talk this through. Aurelia will stay to keep Cato out of trouble. I shall be waiting eagerly for your decisions. I shall be with the guards outside should you need me."

With Davon walks towards the door and closes it behind him.

A good portion of time passes by. Davon spent the time talking to the guards about what sorts of things they like to do when they not on duty, places to see in the Queendom and their general opinion of the girls. The discussion ended when a loud bang emanated from the room. The guards hurriedly opened the door and entered followed by Davon. All the girls were standing and looking down at the floor.

"Aurelia whats going on?" Davon said as he approached the group of young girls and saw Cato lying on the floor in the middle of the circle.

"Aurelia?" Davon gently pushed his way through the circle and knelt down next to his son and daughter.

"Well I suppose I should start from the beginning of this incident. The girls were giving a more through introduction of themselves, and all was going fine until we got young Ninwen Steelheart. She had mentioned that she was rather adept at fighting, Cato thought that was funny."

"Oh I think I see where this is going."

"He thought there was no way a 'little girl' could be a good fighter, not better then he is anyway. So they decided to have a little sparring match."

"And you didn't think this might not be such a good idea?"

"I thought this would be a great idea, and I still think it is. Anyway long story short, Cato tried to rush in, Ninwen grabbed his arm, twisted it, and flipped him onto his back. And here we are."

"So that's how long he managed to stay in the fight. Well, he certainly didn't learn that from you or me. Anyway, what's wrong with him?"

"Well he hit his head a little so he may be a little foggy for the rest of the day, and this arm of his, hmmmm" Aurelia grabs Cato's right wrist and lifts it up.

"Oww stop, stop." Cato winced as she continued. manipulated his arm

"Well can you move your arm yourself?" She let his arm down against the floor. Cato tries to move his arm but he cannot, no matter how much he tried.

"What's your opinion here Aurie?" Davon said looking over the scene.

"Well you're probably thinking what I am too, dislocated shoulder. Shall I just pop it back into the socket?" Cato's face grimaces at the thought.

"Please don't let her, she'll have way too much fun causing me pain."

"Look your options are either we do it now, or just wrap it up in a sling and get someone else to do it."

"Fine, then put the sling on."

Aurelia walks over to a trunk of clothing and rips a piece of cloth off of a shirt and starts to fashion a sling for Cato's arm. She returns to Cato's side and fits the sling onto him and fastens it tight and Cato winces slightly.

"Seriously. Just because I wouldn't let you play doctor more you have to find another way to hurt me?"

"Awwww quit it you crybaby, or did you forget there's a room full of girls here?"

Cato stops and realizes he had forgotten all about the others in the room and he starts turning a little red from embarrassment.

"So Cato, did any of these young ladies pique your interest?" Davon interjected to try and get him back on track with what this whole meeting was about in the first place.

Cato remained flustered but managed to spit out "Ninwen"

Aurelia and Davon exchanged looks.

"Well, I suppose we'll just have to see if Ninwen feels the same way, and then talk to High Queen about the outcome of this little conference."

Ninwen (http://img3.goodfon.ru/original/2319x1080/9/db/art-narisovannaya-devushka-4427.jpg) had been sore vexed when the Prince had sought to belittle her size and skills. She had tossed her blonde hair and him in annoyance, when he had come at her. Seeing him in pain of her causing made her ashamed with herself, she should have better control of her temper. Her cheeks flushed and she hung her head.

"Please forgive me, your Grace," She beseeched Davon,

"I only meant to prove myself, it was not my intention to harm your son." Upon hearing Cato say that he wished her to be his bride, she gaped at him in surprise momentarily, not understanding why he would seek her hand now.

"I'm sorry, M'Lord, you mean me?" She looked to his injured arm,

"That needs to be taken care of straight away, I shall do it if it please you, and take no enjoyment from it, I can assure you that." Perhaps he would respect her for the better after this ordeal, she thought to herself.



Aris and the Dullahan


Aris felt her kiss returned, and when she pulled back the Dullahan's eyes had opened into black slits. There was a light there that had been absent the night before, a playfulness that both thrilled and terrified as a slender hand rose to caress her disheveled tresses.

"When you conquer your fears, Majesty, you do so without restraint."

His hand tightened, pulling her into another kiss, heavy with the knowledge of what waited beyond it. Pulling away to allow her a breath, the Aeldir could but growl.

"I can only hope to match your vigor."

No more words followed, as the Dullahan indulged the silent desire in that waking kiss. And in the still of the morning, he gave truth to his skill at eliciting screams.

Thalia and Lord Winter


The Lord Winter nodded his assent, and in some small way his approval, as the guard saw to her duty and opened wide the gate. That the man of Ambrose had departed was unsurprising, but still Balor could but marvel at the folly in these two mortals. Here they had found a happiness that eluded most, even among the Aeldir, yet they allowed the bindings of their fellows and their birth divide them yet again. Old as he was, Lord Winter well knew what cold comfort that duty would be in the ailing years of their lives. It was near enough to make him hope for Maldarr's death on the field of battle, that he be spared the slow wasting of this perfect dream unfulfilled.

Such thoughts followed him as he made his way through the empty halls of the castle, to the solar where he knew the Queen awaited him. The chill in the air announced his arrival with a weight beyond the words of any herald, yet he paused on the threshold, waiting to be summoned by the castle's mistress.

High Queen Thalia Darkthorne was a golden vision bathed in sunlight as she stood in her solar and awaited Lord Winter's arrival. Her eyes, while now dry, were still red from Maldarr's final departure from her, leaving her feeling empty and bereft as his departure always had. A shadow slowly crept into the room and a deep chill enveloped her, and she knew Lord Winter had arrived. She had dismissed Lisare from her duties, wanting absolute privacy for this meeting, and so she saw to Winter's arrival herself.

"Welcome M'Lord. Please come in, would you care for some wine or to break your fast?" A table had been set out with a simple meal of wine, bread, fruit and cheese.


Kusal continued looking at her in silence for a few moments after she finished, his expression slightly pensive, then, just as the pause was beginning to become uncomfortable, he blinked and gave Linna a thin smile.

"Fear not, you did not bore me. You appear to be a young woman of talent, and a worthy bride for my son, I am sure. I shall speak to the queen to make the necessary arrangements. I hope it will be possible for you to accompany us on our return journey, or if not, make the trip at some point soon thereafter."

He realised he knew nothing of Avonlean marriage customs - did they even have such a notion? Would there have to be some symbolic ceremony here before she left, with a substitute for Jangir, or would she simply be able to board the ship and allow them to handle everything once they arrived back in the west? It gradually dawned on him that he would have to make enquiries of that wretched ambassador on the subject, which he had been hoping to avoid. Still, he had been planning to speak with him anyway.

That's all fine from my end then. If there's anything else you want to discuss on the subject or anything I should know about Avonlea "marriage" then I'm happy to continue or for you to fill me in though!

Linna felt a rush of happiness as the stern man spoke so nonchalantly of her marrying his son. She could not hide her smile of pleasure as she rose to depart, there were many things to do before she sailed west to her new home and husband. She rose and curtsied deeply to Kusal,

"You honour me Ser, and I will do my best not to disappoint you or your son in your choice." She spoke humbly in Nanda before hurrying off to tell her sister and the other maids excitedly of her good fortune.

There are no special marriage customs in Avonlea you need attend and Linna may accompany you on your voyage home.

[BootStrapTommy]

Dafydd quietly slipped away as the Nihonwyr continued, loudly singing their favorite songs.

He walked, nursing his most recent cup, making his best attempts to stifle his continued frustrations. It was enough to have to babysit Cerys, but he couldn't help but feel like this whole things was little more than monument to hubris. Or an excuse by his brother to act unchecked back home. He couldn't decide which seemed more tasteless.

After downing the last of his cup he stopped outside the flickering light of the bonfires hidden among the shadows not far the Spring Court delegates, his smoldering rage making its way to the surface. He clenched his fists and bit his lip before letting out a primal yell, his claws unleashing a violent flurry of damage against a nearby tree.

[Mary_Sue]

Lady Spring and The Prophetess Council......

After the dim interior of the temple had returned to still silence once more after Lady Spring's departure, the crones again opened their milky white orbs. Without needing to be asked, the Acolyte Chere from her billowing purple robes produced the hammered metal bowl that still contained the dregs of the crone's blood mixed with Lady Spring's. She placed it solemnly before the eldest of the old who picked it up reverently between her swollen, crooked hands and brought it up to her lips. The crone's tongue stretched from between her toothless gums to lap up the remaining blood. Once the worn bowl had been licked clean, she handed it back to Her servant. The old Prophetess smiled widely, well pleased. Strong magic indeed, she thought to herself as the others cackled their frightful laugh, the Acolyte Chere's face impassive, for this was only the most recent terror and she had seen other horrors, and knew she would see others yet still.

[PepperP.]

Maldarr stood with Thalia embraced in his arms, he held her close and stroked her back gently as he breathed in the sweet scent of her unruly hair as it tickled against his lips and nose. They had spent yet another illicit night together, and as the exposing light of the morning sun dawned in which hid no betrayals, he knew that this must be their last rendezvous so long as he remained married to Willa. He buried his face in the thick mass of her hair,

"Why didn't I ask to come with you?" His voice was muted and husky with despair, knowing that they must part ways once again. On the precipice of losing what should have been his by the right of their love, he understood the folly of his pride, that by refusing to entertain the idea of being placed in her harem, or living as an emissary instead of man and wife, he had refused the only future that had been available to them.

"For pride, and duty." He answered his own question as he shivered with grief. Duty, he thought to himself grimly, he had once sought to define himself by that word, how he despised it now. He kissed Thalia's head as he held her body close to his own as he trembled, so overwhelmed he was with anger and hopelessness.

[Gengy]

Dafydd quietly slipped away as the Nihonwyr continued, loudly singing their favorite songs.

He walked, nursing his most recent cup, making his best attempts to stifle his continued frustrations. It was enough to have to babysit Cerys, but he couldn't help but feel like this whole things was little more than monument to hubris. Or an excuse by his brother to act unchecked back home. He couldn't decide which seemed more tasteless.

After downing the last of his cup he stopped outside the flickering light of the bonfires hidden among the shadows not far the Spring Court delegates, his smoldering rage making its way to the surface. He clenched his fists and bit his lip before letting out a primal yell, his claws unleashing a violent flurry of damage against a nearby tree.

It was the yell that did it. The Spring Court had chosen to camp close by to the Summer Court, if only because Lady Kellianth was tiring of sleeping aboard the ship. Warchod Prejudice had recently gone to bed, and placed Bas Pride in charge of keeping watch for a few hours. This suited the Tiger Salvax just fine. He'd had a small nap earlier, and was having issue sleeping now, so was wide awake when the sound of a primal creature and the rending of bark caused him to move into action.

Seeing the creature - another cat like thing, but not Rexline - tearing up the tree, facing towards the camp, Bas Pride decided that it was a dangerous thing; either to the Lady Spring, or to itself. To be so aggressive so close to the Summer and Spring Courts, even to a tree (and perhaps, in fact, especially to a tree, as who know what Ranger might be in it's branches), was just asking for arrows to rain down into the being's body.

With a roar of his own, Bas Pride leapt from the shadows, and dashed into the thing's eyesight, and then out again. Enough of a glimpse that it might know that there was something else out there, but not enough to reveal Pride's location.

He could hear Warchod Prejudice stirring from her place near the fire, and knew he would soon have help. Until then, Pride roared once again, and moved between light and shadow, to confuse the cat thing. He hoped Prejudice would rouse Owena, so that they might better voice their complaints in conversation, rather then in battle. Better to have Owena, then... the Summer Court. Who knows what Lord Summer would do, if his own rest were disturbed? For that matter, if the roars and yells awoke Lady Spring, Bas Pride was concerned the ride home on the ship would be uncomfortable for him. He'd already heard her speculating to the Spring Girl Jocylyn as to just what she would be doing to Duke Sand, and did not wish to join him in punishment.

[Mary_Sue]

Maldarr stood with Thalia embraced in his arms, he held her close and stroked her back gently as he breathed in the sweet scent of her unruly hair as it tickled against his lips and nose. They had spent yet another illicit night together, and as the exposing light of the morning sun dawned in which hid no betrayals, he knew that this must be their last rendezvous so long as he remained married to Willa. He buried his face in the thick mass of her hair,

"Why didn't I ask to come with you?" His voice was muted and husky with despair, knowing that they must part ways once again. On the precipice of losing what should have been his by the right of their love, he understood the folly of his pride, that by refusing to entertain the idea of being placed in her harem, or living as an emissary instead of man and wife, he had refused the only future that had been available to them.

"For pride, and duty." He answered his own question as he shivered with grief. Duty, he thought to himself grimly, he had once sought to define himself by that word, how he despised it now. He kissed Thalia's head as he held her body close to his own as he trembled, so overwhelmed he was with anger and hopelessness.

Thalia stood with her head against Maldarr's chest, his strong arms a dear, familiar feeling around her. If only she could freeze time, she would pause here in his arms, never to grow old, never to die, never to part, their children mere doors away. A selfish notion, she chided herself, just like her love for him always was. However selfish, it could not be denied and as she felt him trembling with the intensity of his emotions, she was overcome with an impotent regret that burned in her chest and threatened to consume her.

"I never should have let anything keep us apart, nor anybody, however powerful, our love is a power such that could have overwhelmed any doubt or obstacle." She thought of her fate yet to come, stricken that their chance had passed, ungrasped.

"We both are guilty of putting our duty above our love, the blame is not yours alone. We share in blame as we do our love and our grief." She rubbed his back gently, trying to soothe his thrembling. She pulled her face from his chest and looked up to him,

"I love you." All their regrets had been spoken of, all of their blame divided at their feet, their hearts exposed for all to see. There was nothing more for her to say but,

"Goodbye Maldarr." She cupped his cheek for a moment before lifting her lips up to be kissed.

[TheDarkDM]

[spoiler="Previously..."]
High Queen Thalia Darkthorne was a golden vision bathed in sunlight as she stood in her solar and awaited Lord Winter's arrival. Her eyes, while now dry, were still red from Maldarr's final departure from her, leaving her feeling empty and bereft as his departure always had. A shadow slowly crept into the room and a deep chill enveloped her, and she knew Lord Winter had arrived. She had dismissed Lisare from her duties, wanting absolute privacy for this meeting, and so she saw to Winter's arrival herself.

"Welcome M'Lord. Please come in, would you care for some wine or to break your fast?" A table had been set out with a simple meal of wine, bread, fruit and cheese.

Passing over the threshold, Lord Winter moved to stand alongside the High Queen, a vision in black alongside her golden radiance. He examined the gathered repast a moment, then nodded.

<"I would gladly dine with you, High Queen.">

He sat, claiming a few choice morsels before speaking again.

<"There is a final piece of official business I would discuss. As you are no doubt aware, the Courts have established a capital in my home of Caer Gheimhridh. I greatly desire an official ambassatrix of Avonlea at my court, and in so doing my mind turns to Helia Whitstone.">

[BlazingAegis]

Ninwen had been sore vexed when the Prince had sought to belittle her size and skills. She had tossed her blonde hair and him in annoyance, when he had come at her. Seeing him in pain of her causing made her ashamed with herself, she should have better control of her temper. Her cheeks flushed and she hung her head.

"Please forgive me, your Grace," She beseeched Davon,

"I only meant to prove myself, it was not my intention to harm your son." Upon hearing Cato say that he wished her to be his bride, she gaped at him in surprise momentarily, not understanding why he would seek her hand now.

"I'm sorry, M'Lord, you mean me?" She looked to his injured arm,

"That needs to be taken care of straight away, I shall do it if it please you, and take no enjoyment from it, I can assure you that." Perhaps he would respect her for the better after this ordeal, she thought to herself.

Cato (http://img13.deviantart.net/e860/i/2012/239/6/d/summersun_by_gerryarthur-d5cosgb.jpg) looked up at Ninwen from his seated position at the floor and nodded.

"You I will trust to do it." Cato reached his left arm out to Aurelia who pulled him onto his feet and gave him a gentle push towards Ninwen. He turned and glared at Aurelia before continuing until he stopped face to face with Ninwen.

[PepperP.]

Thalia stood with her head against Maldarr's chest, his strong arms a dear, familiar feeling around her. If only she could freeze time, she would pause here in his arms, never to grow old, never to die, never to part, their children mere doors away. A selfish notion, she chided herself, just like her love for him always was. However selfish, it could not be denied and as she felt him trembling with the intensity of his emotions, she was overcome with an impotent regret that burned in her chest and threatened to consume her.

"I never should have let anything keep us apart, nor anybody, however powerful, our love is a power such that could have overwhelmed any doubt or obstacle." She thought of her fate yet to come, stricken that their chance had passed, ungrasped.

"We both are guilty of putting our duty above our love, the blame is not yours alone. We share in blame as we do our love and our grief." She rubbed his back gently, trying to soothe his thrembling. She pulled her face from his chest and looked up to him,

"I love you." All their regrets had been spoken of, all of their blame divided at their feet, their hearts exposed for all to see. There was nothing more for her to say but,

"Goodbye Maldarr." She cupped his cheek for a moment before lifting her lips up to be kissed.

Maldarr's lips found the Queen's own, their last kiss was gentle and lingering though lacked urgency. The needs of his body had been well met, the needs of his heart ever less so. He pulled away from their kiss to gaze down upon her once again, his hand brushing her curls away from her face to tuck the errant strands of gold behind one ear. He leaned in close to that ear and spoke softly,

"I love you." Those were the last words he spoke as he bent to kiss Thalia's forehead before he turned and left, closing the doors on their love, he did not look back.

Maldarr found the chambers that the Ambrose wing of the Provinces delegation had been assigned to and entered. Derris was the only one up and about, his friend looked at him grimly, as though he would speak but he must have thought better of it because he merely handed him an herbal decoction and briefly clasped him about the shoulders. Maldarr looked away and blinked his good eye furiously in an effort to dissuade the tears that threatened to fall. He took a sip of his drink,

"What is that?" He had almost spit it right back out, so bitter and acrid the taste. Derris grinned sheepishly,

"It is supposed to be good for hangovers, I thought the girls might need some." Belinda and Willa had come in from the revelry very early this morning, both drunk and giggling. Derris had spent a sleepless night ensuring Baram did not try and run off to father a Reza sized cadre of basterds, but his son had slept deeply and Derris had been alone much of the night thinking. He had meant to chide Maldarr angrily on his display last night. Derris saw his infatuation with the Queen as a failure of duty and character that was unlike his usually dependable friend, but when Maldarr walked in, he was white as a sheet and looked so stricken that Derris could not bring himself to lecture the man, and the words had died on his lips. One look at the man and it was plain to see that he had already given up everything for his country and for Derris. Two Queens, Derris thought to himself grimly, he had certainly played his own part in getting Maldarr to the state he was in now, suddenly scoldings lacked appeal, though if he happened to see Reza on the way out, he would much like to give the rogue a bit more than a scolding, and would if the blue haired ambassador sought to raise strife in his family again. Derris's eyes narrowed dangerously and his hand went to touch the Mournblade which he wore at his waist.

[Mary_Sue]

[spoiler="Previously..."]

Passing over the threshold, Lord Winter moved to stand alongside the High Queen, a vision in black alongside her golden radiance. He examined the gathered repast a moment, then nodded.

<"I would gladly dine with you, High Queen.">

He sat, claiming a few choice morsels before speaking again.

<"There is a final piece of official business I would discuss. As you are no doubt aware, the Courts have established a capital in my home of Caer Gheimhridh. I greatly desire an official ambassatrix of Avonlea at my court, and in so doing my mind turns to Helia Whitstone.">

Thalia sat across the small table from Lord Winter and added a few pieces of sliced apples and cheese to her plate, she was bone weary and heart sick after Maldarr's final departure, but it seemed she was not yet free to mourn alone. As Lord Morrig spoke of Helia, her eyes rose to his though she was not unduly surprised. The Aeldir had shown themselves to be greatly covetous of beauty and Helia was the fairest of the fair. She had also already spent much time in the Aeldir lands, and Thalia thought Helia would be well suited though pondered the shock of transitioning from a land of ever summer to one of ever winter. In addition to these ponderances, one thing from her conversation with Helia on the balcony yesterday had been gnawing at her mind,

"M'Lord," Thalia began slowly, frowning at the untouched fruit on her plate,

"While Helia was not mistreated at the hands of Lord Summer, she intimated to me that his affections for her were akin to the fondness one might feel for a pet. I would worry for the state of her mind and heart if that would continue in your Court, for I believe that she is due proper respect, and would be sore aggrieved if she could not expect to find that in your lands." Thalia voiced her concerns to the Lord of Winter and tried to glean his thoughts, but his face was as white and immobile as marble as he listened quietly and ate his meal.

[BootStrapTommy]

It was the yell that did it. The Spring Court had chosen to camp close by to the Summer Court, if only because Lady Kellianth was tiring of sleeping aboard the ship. Warchod Prejudice had recently gone to bed, and placed Bas Pride in charge of keeping watch for a few hours. This suited the Tiger Salvax just fine. He'd had a small nap earlier, and was having issue sleeping now, so was wide awake when the sound of a primal creature and the rending of bark caused him to move into action.

Seeing the creature - another cat like thing, but not Rexline - tearing up the tree, facing towards the camp, Bas Pride decided that it was a dangerous thing; either to the Lady Spring, or to itself. To be so aggressive so close to the Summer and Spring Courts, even to a tree (and perhaps, in fact, especially to a tree, as who know what Ranger might be in it's branches), was just asking for arrows to rain down into the being's body.

With a roar of his own, Bas Pride leapt from the shadows, and dashed into the thing's eyesight, and then out again. Enough of a glimpse that it might know that there was something else out there, but not enough to reveal Pride's location.

He could hear Warchod Prejudice stirring from her place near the fire, and knew he would soon have help. Until then, Pride roared once again, and moved between light and shadow, to confuse the cat thing. He hoped Prejudice would rouse Owena, so that they might better voice their complaints in conversation, rather then in battle. Better to have Owena, then... the Summer Court. Who knows what Lord Summer would do, if his own rest were disturbed? For that matter, if the roars and yells awoke Lady Spring, Bas Pride was concerned the ride home on the ship would be uncomfortable for him. He'd already heard her speculating to the Spring Girl Jocylyn as to just what she would be doing to Duke Sand, and did not wish to join him in punishment.The first roar shook Dafydd from his haze, his eyes dozily refocusing on the tree in front of him. He'd nearly carved a third of the way through. He stared at his hands for a moment.

The second roar turned the Margrave's attention toward the creature now demanding it. The creature, a large tiger, circled menacingly. His hand reflexively reached for his hip, only to realize his sword as not there.

"My father got me a kitten that looked just like you when I was young," the Margrave commented with a drunken, toothy grin, blood dripping from his mouth where he had bit his lip. His smile quickly disappeared, "He made me kill it."

[Mary_Sue]

Ninwen had been sore vexed when the Prince had sought to belittle her size and skills. She had tossed her blonde hair and him in annoyance, when he had come at her. Seeing him in pain of her causing made her ashamed with herself, she should have better control of her temper. Her cheeks flushed and she hung her head.

"Please forgive me, your Grace," She beseeched Davon,

"I only meant to prove myself, it was not my intention to harm your son." Upon hearing Cato say that he wished her to be his bride, she gaped at him in surprise momentarily, not understanding why he would seek her hand now.

"I'm sorry, M'Lord, you mean me?" She looked to his injured arm,

"That needs to be taken care of straight away, I shall do it if it please you, and take no enjoyment from it, I can assure you that." Perhaps he would respect her for the better after this ordeal, she thought to herself.

Cato (http://img13.deviantart.net/e860/i/2012/239/6/d/summersun_by_gerryarthur-d5cosgb.jpg) looked up at Ninwen from his seated position at the floor and nodded.

"You I will trust to do it." Cato reached his left arm out to Aurelia who pulled him onto his feet and gave him a gentle push towards Ninwen. He turned and glared at Aurelia before continuing until he stopped face to face with Ninwen.

"Please hold him steady from behind." Ninwen took charge of the situation by directing instructions to the Praetorian King, trying not to be conscious that the man she was ordering around was a King and her potential Father-in-Law. Ninwen felt gently along Cato's shoulder where it had dislocated from it's socket. She then gave it a quick shove and felt it snap back into place. She winced inwardly, though her expression remained steady throughout the ordeal. Her face softened as she saw the Prince in such pain,

"I will consent to marry you, Ser." She spoke of marriage far more shyly than she had of combat, and colour rose to her cheeks.

[Gengy]

The first roar shook Dafydd from his haze, his eyes dozily refocusing on the tree in front of him. He'd nearly carved a third of the way through. He stared at his hands for a moment.

The second roar turned the Margrave's attention toward the creature now demanding it. The creature, a large tiger, circled menacingly. His hand reflexively reached for his hip, only to realize his sword as not there.

"My father got me a kitten that looked just like you when I was young," the Margrave commented with a drunken, toothy grin, blood dripping from his mouth where he had bit his lip. His smile quickly disappeared, "He made me kill it."

Blood. Bas Pride could smell the blood. But was it the creature's own, or someone else's? The thing smelled of blood and... ah. Drink. Alcohol. Pride was not a fan of the stuff, and discouraged it within the South Hunt. Bas Judgement of the North Hunt, however, was entranced by the liquid, and loved it's tastes. The Salvax Ri had needed to come in and speak with the Northern Bas, regarding moderation, and was now using the situation as an example to all Salvax: Have a care when you drink imported 'beer' and 'wine'.

The fact that the being could speak was promising though. Bas Pride tried to communicate with the thing, sending out emotions of: Peace. Serenity. Safety.

So far, though, only those of the Spring Court and the Salvax Ri himself had bothered to learn to 'hear' the Salvax. Pride was fairly sure that his message - that he was not an enemy, that this being should stand down - would just be seen as a White Tiger staring down it's target. The Salvax Bas continued to move, weaving in and out of the shadows, changing patterns frequently, so as to keep himself from being an easy target of this... drunken cat-thing.

From the Spring Court camp, he heard Warchod Prejudice send, Danger? Aid?

Danger. Owena.

Owena. Haste! Caution.

[BootStrapTommy]

Blood. Bas Pride could smell the blood. But was it the creature's own, or someone else's? The thing smelled of blood and... ah. Drink. Alcohol. Pride was not a fan of the stuff, and discouraged it within the South Hunt. Bas Judgement of the North Hunt, however, was entranced by the liquid, and loved it's tastes. The Salvax Ri had needed to come in and speak with the Northern Bas, regarding moderation, and was now using the situation as an example to all Salvax: Have a care when you drink imported 'beer' and 'wine'.

The fact that the being could speak was promising though. Bas Pride tried to communicate with the thing, sending out emotions of: Peace. Serenity. Safety.

So far, though, only those of the Spring Court and the Salvax Ri himself had bothered to learn to 'hear' the Salvax. Pride was fairly sure that his message - that he was not an enemy, that this being should stand down - would just be seen as a White Tiger staring down it's target. The Salvax Bas continued to move, weaving in and out of the shadows, changing patterns frequently, so as to keep himself from being an easy target of this... drunken cat-thing.

From the Spring Court camp, he heard Warchod Prejudice send, Danger? Aid?

Danger. Owena.

Owena. Haste! Caution.A strange wave of emotion flowed over Dafydd, like whispers in his mind. He blinked, shaking his head, his eyes settling on the cat as it circled. It stared at him intently as it weaved in and out of the shadows, like he'd seen so many beast of the Undercity do stalking prey. He grew uneasy.

He slowly drew a dagger from his sleeve.

[Gengy]

A strange wave of emotion flowed over Dafydd, like whispers in his mind. He blinked, shaking his head, his eyes settling on the cat as it circled. It stared at him intently as it weaved in and out of the shadows, like he'd seen so many beast of the Undercity do stalking prey. He grew uneasy.

He slowly drew a dagger from his sleeve.

Why did it just pull a dagger? Were it's claws not weapon enough? Part of Bas Pride lost respect for the being before him. An additional weapon was a bother - it could be thrown - but it also confirmed that the being was dangerous. Pride was getting ready to leap towards the cat thing, and take his chances, when he heard a welcome sound.

"Who is out there?!" Owena, upon the back of Warchod Pride, ran into the clearing. Upon seeing the cat-man - brandishing the knife - the Spring Girl said, "Identify yourself, or be named assassin, and dealt with accordingly!"

[RandoMan]

Phelnia's flush was just slightly deeper than the Aima's skin tone now.

Galorius was snickering. "I go with Spring?"

"Thank you both, but I am not blind nor stupid." Phelnia muttered, not looking up. "He's not interested." As usual.

She kept her eyes focused on the ground a moment longer before looking at Turien. "... Though, the strength of Summer is legendary, and I... er, Primal do strive to... improve in... all... "

Galorius nudged her. ="Sparring."= He whispered in Primal.

"Uh, right, I... um... you... =WouldyouliketosparforabitpleaseI'dverymuchliketoa ndmaybef#@$whenwe'redoneifyouwantImeanifyoudon'twa nttoigetitbutyou'rereallyhotandI-="

"Slow." Galorius said dryly, somehow managing to roll his non-existent eyes. "Speak trade."

"<... would you like to spar with me?>" She asked timidly, in the Aeldir tongue. Though her consonants were a bit harsher than they should have been, she spoke it surprisingly well for someone outside the courts. Especially for a kingdom that (as far as could be told) had no interest in befriending them.

The Aima tilted his head, uncomprehending.

Turien glared even as the Primal woman attempted to honor him by speaking his native tongue. He had already assessed her when she'd first approached and he thought her intent might have been violent and he'd found her lacking. He had no doubt he would defeat her in any test of arms she could concoct and a Ranger did not waste their time with inferior challenges for there was nothing to be gained by defeating those who were not a true test of skill. He was about to decline her request, none too politely, when he looked over towards Lady Spring and was reminded of present company.

<"If you wish to spar I may spare a short time. I shall defeat you twice and then we will be finished.">


A strange wave of emotion flowed over Dafydd, like whispers in his mind. He blinked, shaking his head, his eyes settling on the cat as it circled. It stared at him intently as it weaved in and out of the shadows, like he'd seen so many beast of the Undercity do stalking prey. He grew uneasy.

He slowly drew a dagger from his sleeve.


Why did it just pull a dagger? Were it's claws not weapon enough? Part of Bas Pride lost respect for the being before him. An additional weapon was a bother - it could be thrown - but it also confirmed that the being was dangerous. Pride was getting ready to leap towards the cat thing, and take his chances, when he heard a welcome sound.

"Who is out there?!" Owena, upon the back of Warchod Pride, ran into the clearing. Upon seeing the cat-man - brandishing the knife - the Spring Girl said, "Identify yourself, or be named assassin, and dealt with accordingly!"

Turien notched an arrow as he watched the events unfolding before him from a covered position in the distance. Lord Summer refused to train any but Aeldir in the arts of war though some within the Summer Courtlands had argued passionately for the utility of the Salvax it was a poorly kept secret that Lord Summer found them offputting. Lord Summer hunted, as almost all in the Summer Courtlands did, and while an animal was respected and honored in death they were no more equal to an Aeldir than a Gesh or a human and at least a Gesh or human was capable of speaking the First Tongue. Lord Summer had intimated on many occasions his belief in the Salvax's intelligence being one of dubiousness and on more than one occasion when pressed to train them by Summer lordlings had threatened to start a great hunt across Tir Xungla, allowing whatever few survivors remained to join the Aeldir armies.

Still, Lord Summer's opinions were, outside of where they became law, only his opinions. Turien supported the integration of the intelligent island beasts within the ranks of the Rangers, for he believed a Salvax could be trained into a killing machine that might even rival an Aeldir. He had been eagerly awaiting to see if his inclinations would be born true by the vicious mauling of this strange foreigner and if he was wrong to see through his own plans of killing one who would threaten a member of the Rose Demesne when he heard the voice of a Spring Girl. Unfortunate. The Spring Court was always so reticent to let a little blood be spilled.

[HalfTangible]

Turien glared even as the Primal woman attempted to honor him by speaking his native tongue. He had already assessed her when she'd first approached and he thought her intent might have been violent and he'd found her lacking. He had no doubt he would defeat her in any test of arms she could concoct and a Ranger did not waste their time with inferior challenges for there was nothing to be gained by defeating those who were not a true test of skill. He was about to decline her request, none too politely, when he looked over towards Lady Spring and was reminded of present company.

<"If you wish to spar I may spare a short time. I shall defeat you twice and then we will be finished.">

"<... Well, you uh...>" She grinned sheepishly. "<Certainly don't lack for confidence... Turien, wasn't it? I am Phelnia, High Princess of the Primus Imperium. If you only want two bouts, we shall have two bouts in melee - one to first blood and the second to a knock-down.>"

The part of her mind that was giddy with joy that she was sparring with a piece of man meat this hot was still talking. But she was more than a lonely, horny young woman: She was a warrior, a Primal, and that part of her mind awoke the instant her moonsilver daggers slipped into her hands.

Ranger, male, Aeldir. Taller than you, which means greater reach. Likely more experienced, though in a rangers' case that probably means experience with camoflague and a bow, neither of which would be useful in a sparring match. Commander of some description, which meant he was smart. Underestimating you, but likely will only hold back enough to avoid killing you. My daggers are adapted specifically to my swings.

Recommended tactic: disarm, close, keep under his reach.

She shifted into a combat stance for defense, narrowed her eyes and waited. No more talk, just the beautiful song of metal on metal.

[BootStrapTommy]

Why did it just pull a dagger? Were it's claws not weapon enough? Part of Bas Pride lost respect for the being before him. An additional weapon was a bother - it could be thrown - but it also confirmed that the being was dangerous. Pride was getting ready to leap towards the cat thing, and take his chances, when he heard a welcome sound.

"Who is out there?!" Owena, upon the back of Warchod Pride, ran into the clearing. Upon seeing the cat-man - brandishing the knife - the Spring Girl said, "Identify yourself, or be named assassin, and dealt with accordingly!"Dafydd eyed Warchod Prejudice incredulously. Flipping the blade in his hand, he clamped his fingers down on the blade, until blood dripped out, gritting his teeth.

"If that... thing," he indicated Bas Pride, "is yours, I suggest you make it heel, because I'm not having it today." His eyes flitted to the damage on the tree.

Aures Penddraig came barreling out of the trees behind him, stumbling onto her knees a few inches in front of Bas Pride. Her eye were as wide as saucers as she look at the cat, like a kid staring at particularly large bug. After wiping her blonde hair out of her eyes, the camp fire light danced across her brand as she reached out her hand as if touch his whiskers, before cautiously withdrawing her hand with a squeak.

"Bloody Hel, Pip! Get away from that thing; it's dangerous!" Dafydd shouted, his angry look suddenly replaced with one of intense concern.

"He thinks you should calm down, Dav," she retorted with a smile, "Isn't that right, Ser Kitty?" She stared intently at the Salvax. As if an after thought she asked, "What's your name? Can I touch your fur? It looks so soft."

Ser Cadwy came trotting into the clearing, his bow in one hand and a bundle of arrows in the other. He stopped, his face a mixture of embarrassment and incredulity. "I... I... Apologies, First Nihonwyr, she... She wanted to know where you were. She just started running when she heard you yell. Margrave, I..." His eyes settled on those present as he trailed off, confusion on his face as he looked at Owena.

"Ser Cadwy, it's a talking kitty!" Ser Cadwy stared at Aures, a look on his face as if this was all a joke being played at his expense.

"It doesn't talk, Aures. Now get away from it." the Margrave said, he features softening as he approached her.

"You're suppose to hold the knife with the handle, Dav. You're bleeding." As she turned, she saw Warchod Prejudice. Her eyes lit up again. "Dav, that thing in the front. That's her nose! Isn't that cool?!"

Ser Cadwy blushed visibly, before letting out a laugh as his posture relaxed. Dafydd Penddraig smiled.

"Paragon's damnit, Pip..."

[TheDarkDM]

Thalia sat across the small table from Lord Winter and added a few pieces of sliced apples and cheese to her plate, she was bone weary and heart sick after Maldarr's final departure, but it seemed she was not yet free to mourn alone. As Lord Morrig spoke of Helia, her eyes rose to his though she was not unduly surprised. The Aeldir had shown themselves to be greatly covetous of beauty and Helia was the fairest of the fair. She had also already spent much time in the Aeldir lands, and Thalia thought Helia would be well suited though pondered the shock of transitioning from a land of ever summer to one of ever winter. In addition to these ponderances, one thing from her conversation with Helia on the balcony yesterday had been gnawing at her mind,

"M'Lord," Thalia began slowly, frowning at the untouched fruit on her plate,

"While Helia was not mistreated at the hands of Lord Summer, she intimated to me that his affections for her were akin to the fondness one might feel for a pet. I would worry for the state of her mind and heart if that would continue in your Court, for I believe that she is due proper respect, and would be sore aggrieved if she could not expect to find that in your lands." Thalia voiced her concerns to the Lord of Winter and tried to glean his thoughts, but his face was as white and immobile as marble as he listened quietly and ate his meal.

The Lord Winter did not immediately reply, instead finishing his dexterous manipulation of a pomegranate to reveal the deep red seeds within. Choosing one of the bloody orbs, he retrieved it and chewed thoughtfully before responding.

<"The passion of Summer, High Queen, is the passion of fire. It flares brightly, dazzles with its intensity, yet soon consumes the object of its desire. For all my admiration of Lord Summer, his trysts are fleeting things, with little concern for their object once they are passed. He is the most vital of us, in that way, his immortality unburdened.">

Another seed cracked between his teeth.

<"My interest in Lady Whitstone is quite different. I have no interest in a passing fancy, though I make no promises on the part of my Lord Captain. She was quite enchanted by young Helia. But I desire her presence not simply for her beauty, but for the eyes with which she sees the world. I am old, High Queen, older I think than any that walk upon this earth. From time to time I wish to indulge in the enchanting hope and despair of youth. You need not worry for Helia's well being at Caer Gheimhridh. I do not seek pets, I seek companions.">

He pushed his plate away, washing down his repast with sweet wine.

<"And of course, I do not simply seek her presence but the presence of Avonlea. As ambassatrix she would have both standing and responsibility. And it would well please me to have someone from your court I know to be free of certain...influences.">

[Gengy]

Dafydd eyed Warchod Prejudice incredulously. Flipping the blade in his hand, he clamped his fingers down on the blade, until blood dripped out, gritting his teeth.

"If that... thing," he indicated Bas Pride, "is yours, I suggest you make it heel, because I'm not having it today." His eyes flitted to the damage on the tree.

Aures Penddraig came barreling out of the trees behind him, stumbling onto her knees a few inches in front of Bas Pride. Her eye were as wide as saucers as she look at the cat, like a kid staring at particularly large bug. After wiping her blonde hair out of her eyes, the camp fire light danced across her brand as she reached out her hand as if touch his whiskers, before cautiously withdrawing her hand with a squeak.

"Bloody Hel, Pip! Get away from that thing; it's dangerous!" Dafydd shouted, his angry look suddenly replaced with one of intense concern.

"He thinks you should calm down, Dav," she retorted with a smile, "Isn't that right, Ser Kitty?" She stared intently at the Salvax. As if an after thought she asked, "What's your name? Can I touch your fur? It looks so soft."

Ser Cadwy came trotting into the clearing, his bow in one hand and a bundle of arrows in the other. He stopped, his face a mixture of embarrassment and incredulity. "I... I... Apologies, First Nihonwyr, she... She wanted to know where you were. She just started running when she heard you yell. Margrave, I..." His eyes settled on those present as he trailed off, confusion on his face as he looked at Owena.

"Ser Cadwy, it's a talking kitty!" Ser Cadwy stared at Aures, a look on his face as if this was all a joke being played at his expense.

"It doesn't talk, Aures. Now get away from it." the Margrave said, he features softening as he approached her.

"You're suppose to hold the knife with the handle, Dav. You're bleeding." As she turned, she saw Warchod Prejudice. Her eyes lit up again. "Dav, that thing in the front. That's her nose! Isn't that cool?!"

Ser Cadwy blushed visibly, before letting out a laugh as his posture relaxed. Dafydd Penddraig smiled.

"Paragon's damnit, Pip..."

"While I will not disagree with you that Bas Pride is dangerous, sir," Owena began, "He is his own thing. And the... young one? Aures? Is right. He speaks. I am frankly amazed that she hears him. The Salvax are not wild beasts, and Pride is, in fact, the Bas of the South Hunt of Tir Xungla, just as Warchod Prejudice is the tactical mind of the South Hunt. I am Owena, of the Spring Court of the Aeldir. I do not know your kind. And you will identify yourself, for I do believe that while Bas Pride would regret becoming violent in front of a youth, he will not restrain himself from defending himself or the Rose Courts."

Not to mention, Owena thought privately, what Prejudice would do. Or the Summer Court, if my guess is right.

Danger. Defend? Prejudice sent.

Kit. Peace. Wary. Curious. Pride replied, his eyes still on Dafydd.

Also looking at the cat-man with the knife, Owena continued, "So. Who are you? What, if I might also ask, are you? Where are you from, and what are you doing here, interrupting Lady Spring's meditations? Or do I call for the Avonlean guardsmen, while our own guards... subdue you for holding the dangerous weapon so close to not one, but two important members of the Rose Courts?"

[QuintonBeck]

"Very well, last question before you are released if you please, what delegation did you come with? We will need to question somebody of authority from your lands, just to verify your identity. Standard procedure, I assure you." Orcanet smiled at Francesca, but it did not reach her eyes, the woman was hiding something, she could feel it.


"I didn't come with any delegation," Francesca explained, "I am a merchant and part of a caravan, the Golden Gage? The caravan operates along the Fern Ridge trading route."

"I was in Nettofurikusu when I heard of this celebration and I'm sure you don't need to be explained the beneficial connections available to a merchant at an international gathering. If you need a place of origin for your documentation you can put down the Marauder Isles but I doubt there's anyone there who would know me. I left when I was relatively young and I have no kin there."

[BootStrapTommy]

"While I will not disagree with you that Bas Pride is dangerous, sir," Owena began, "He is his own thing. And the... young one? Aures? Is right. He speaks. I am frankly amazed that she hears him. The Salvax are not wild beasts, and Pride is, in fact, the Bas of the South Hunt of Tir Xungla, just as Warchod Prejudice is the tactical mind of the South Hunt. I am Owena, of the Spring Court of the Aeldir. I do not know your kind. And you will identify yourself, for I do believe that while Bas Pride would regret becoming violent in front of a youth, he will not restrain himself from defending himself or the Rose Courts."

Not to mention, Owena thought privately, what Prejudice would do. Or the Summer Court, if my guess is right.

Danger. Defend? Prejudice sent.

Kit. Peace. Wary. Curious. Pride replied, his eyes still on Dafydd.

Also looking at the cat-man with the knife, Owena continued, "So. Who are you? What, if I might also ask, are you? Where are you from, and what are you doing here, interrupting Lady Spring's meditations? Or do I call for the Avonlean guardsmen, while our own guards... subdue you for holding the dangerous weapon so close to not one, but two important members of the Rose Courts?""You don't have to be wary of him, Mister Pride. He just gets grumpy when he drinks. Llywe says it's because of Father, but I don't know why that would be..." Aures reached her hand out to the Salvax to touch his face, quickly withdrawing it again.

"Shut up, Aures." Dafydd snapped, as he palmed his dagger. "It was he who is threatening me not the other way around, milady."

Ser Cadwy struggled to hold back a laugh as he slung his bow over his back. "You are speaking to Margrave Dafydd Penddraig, First of the Nihonwyr, Commander of the Grey Company, and Prince of Carraig Dún, Lady Owena."

"As for what I was doing..."

"He was throwing a tantrum because he was sad." Aures' face betrayed frustration, as she fought back the urge to pet Bas Pride. "Dav, he's so fluffy that I think I'm gunna die."

"For Paragons' sake, shut up, Aures."

"He looks like he could have been Ser Pouncealot's big brother."

[Gengy]

"You don't have to be wary of him, Mister Pride. He just gets grumpy when he drinks. Llywe says it's because of Father, but I don't know why that would be..." Aures reached her hand out to the Salvax to touch his face, quickly withdrawing it again.

"Shut up, Aures." Dafydd snapped, as he palmed his dagger. "It was he who is threatening me not the other way around, milady."

Ser Cadwy struggled to hold back a laugh as he slung his bow over his back. "You are speaking to Margrave Dafydd Penddraig, First of the Nihonwyr, Commander of the Grey Company, and Prince of Carraig Dún, Lady Owena."

"As for what I was doing..."

"He was throwing a tantrum because he was sad." Aures' face betrayed frustration, as she fought back the urge to pet Bas Pride. "Dav, he's so fluffy that I think I'm gunna die."

"For Paragons' sake, shut up, Aures."

"He looks like he could have been Ser Pouncealot's big brother."

Bas Pride snorted, and dropped to his haunches on the ground. The others, from this... Carraig Dún... seemed fine. It was as he had suspected. This 'Dafydd' was drunk. Deplorable. But no longer worthy of Pride's attentions. Prejudice would sort this out, with Owena's help. Pride turned his attentions to the young kit. Assent. Enjoyment. Left ear.

Owena also, was paying some attention to the girl. It had taken her what the non-Aeldir called two years to be able to hear the Salvax so well, and she was the second best interpreter, after the Salvax Ri himself. But the situation was still... volatile. "A prince. I see. Well, Prince Dafydd, as I have intimated, you have come very close to the camps of the Spring and Summer Courts, both of which house two of the four Seasonal Leaders. You are... fortunate that it was Bas Pride whom found you first. Lord Drustan of Summer is known for his skill in battle, and hesitates little, when he feels that Aeldir may be threatened. Lady Kellianth, of Spring, is... less known for her battle skills, but she is no less protective when in comes to the Aeldir. Likely, she would have given an order to any nearby warriors - of which I am sure there is at least two, even if you cannot see them - and that would have proven a poor first relationship between the Courts and Carraig Dún."

"Bas Pride, in his wisdom, wishes for peace here. He finds young Aures, intriguing, as do I. Please. Tell me. Is your race in any way related to Rexline, or are - Nihonwyr - something different?"

"Yes. Is good question." A new girl, smaller in size then the first, and dressed all in purple, with giant pink butterfly wings on her back, walked into the clearing. Owena immediately hopped from the back of Warchod Prejudice, and bowed. The elephant Salvax backed away as well, and fell in behind the new arrival, like a guardsman stepping into place. "Also good question: Who Ser Pouncealot?"

Her head still bowed, Owena says, "Margrave Dafydd Penddraig, may I present the Matriarch of the New, Cutest of the Cute, Ruler of Caer Bolbereta, Leader of the Gold Stem Merchants, and one of the four Seasons of the Rose Courts: Lady Spring, Kellianth Beagan."

"You is answer questions. I is maybe forget you interrupt time of meditation. Is maybe we is become friends, instead of... hall-tern-a-tive? Alternative. Not friends. Is bad place. Decasage of Geshemafar did not like being not friends." It was soon clear that Lady Spring's command of the Trade Tongue was not as clearly spoken as that of Lady Owena. The small smile on her tiny, child-like frame, however, promised friendship. The look in her eyes, however, was hardened and older than her physical appearance would otherwise seem, and further suggested that friendship was the better of the two options.

[Mary_Sue]

The Lord Winter did not immediately reply, instead finishing his dexterous manipulation of a pomegranate to reveal the deep red seeds within. Choosing one of the bloody orbs, he retrieved it and chewed thoughtfully before responding.

<"The passion of Summer, High Queen, is the passion of fire. It flares brightly, dazzles with its intensity, yet soon consumes the object of its desire. For all my admiration of Lord Summer, his trysts are fleeting things, with little concern for their object once they are passed. He is the most vital of us, in that way, his immortality unburdened.">

Another seed cracked between his teeth.

<"My interest in Lady Whitstone is quite different. I have no interest in a passing fancy, though I make no promises on the part of my Lord Captain. She was quite enchanted by young Helia. But I desire her presence not simply for her beauty, but for the eyes with which she sees the world. I am old, High Queen, older I think than any that walk upon this earth. From time to time I wish to indulge in the enchanting hope and despair of youth. You need not worry for Helia's well being at Caer Gheimhridh. I do not seek pets, I seek companions.">

He pushed his plate away, washing down his repast with sweet wine.

<"And of course, I do not simply seek her presence but the presence of Avonlea. As ambassatrix she would have both standing and responsibility. And it would well please me to have someone from your court I know to be free of certain...influences.">

Thalia waited patiently as the Lord Winter formulated his reply, she studied his thoughtful face as she sat in silence. His was a stern face, though she would not say it cold, despite his namesake. Thoughts rippled beneath the poised surface lingering just below the impenetrable facade of practiced ages. To be true, she had found the various dignitaries from the Winter Court agreeable company, in many ways oddly warmer than those of the Summer Court.

“What you say of Lord Summer reflects true what Helia has relayed to me as well. Perhaps a thrill in the short term, though one must eventually wither and shrivel in the face of such extraordinary heat. At least us mere humans must.” Thalia sipped her wine thoughtfully, her plate still left untouched,

“And yet she never once complained of the arrangement, I dare say she even enjoyed it, though her spirit seemed much diminished last we spoke, as though she were a candle guttering at the end of it’s wick.” She turned her head to look out upon the sunlit fields that had held the last night’s revel pensively, her face alight in the golden rays that streamed through the open windows.

“I quite enjoyed the Orm’s company upon our meeting at the Tournament in Primus. I found her presence calming, there is something of your Court that I find is a balm to my turbulent heart. The knowledge that you have seen ages before me gives me faith that my realm will last long after I am dust upon the ground, and the world long after my realm has turned to ruins. It would seem our realms are fated to be intertwined, Lord Balor.” Her thoughts went to the night before, and Aris’s Choosing of the Dullahan, somehow she doubted that was mere chance.

“I am positive that Helia will make you an excellent companion and ambassatrix, you may be assured that she is under no other’s influence, and that Their reach may not grasp her in Tir Amser. I continue in my faith of her ability to represent Avonlea in the seasonal courts and give leave for her to sail back with you straight away. I trust you will find her perspective as bracing as she shall find the chill halls of Caer Gheimhridh, she was ever the optimist when in my service.” She smiled, finally picking up an apple slice though it failed to find her mouth, and she placed it back down on her plate absently, much distracted from her meal with thoughts of Aris, Maldarr and Caer Gheimhridh.

[BootStrapTommy]

Bas Pride snorted, and dropped to his haunches on the ground. The others, from this... Carraig Dún... seemed fine. It was as he had suspected. This 'Dafydd' was drunk. Deplorable. But no longer worthy of Pride's attentions. Prejudice would sort this out, with Owena's help. Pride turned his attentions to the young kit. Assent. Enjoyment. Left ear.

Owena also, was paying some attention to the girl. It had taken her what the non-Aeldir called two years to be able to hear the Salvax so well, and she was the second best interpreter, after the Salvax Ri himself. But the situation was still... volatile. "A prince. I see. Well, Prince Dafydd, as I have intimated, you have come very close to the camps of the Spring and Summer Courts, both of which house two of the four Seasonal Leaders. You are... fortunate that it was Bas Pride whom found you first. Lord Drustan of Summer is known for his skill in battle, and hesitates little, when he feels that Aeldir may be threatened. Lady Kellianth, of Spring, is... less known for her battle skills, but she is no less protective when in comes to the Aeldir. Likely, she would have given an order to any nearby warriors - of which I am sure there is at least two, even if you cannot see them - and that would have proven a poor first relationship between the Courts and Carraig Dún."

"Bas Pride, in his wisdom, wishes for peace here. He finds young Aures, intriguing, as do I. Please. Tell me. Is your race in any way related to Rexline, or are - Nihonwyr - something different?"

"Yes. Is good question." A new girl, smaller in size then the first, and dressed all in purple, with giant pink butterfly wings on her back, walked into the clearing. Owena immediately hopped from the back of Warchod Prejudice, and bowed. The elephant Salvax backed away as well, and fell in behind the new arrival, like a guardsman stepping into place. "Also good question: Who Ser Pouncealot?"

Her head still bowed, Owena says, "Margrave Dafydd Penddraig, may I present the Matriarch of the New, Cutest of the Cute, Ruler of Caer Bolbereta, Leader of the Gold Stem Merchants, and one of the four Seasons of the Rose Courts: Lady Spring, Kellianth Beagan."

"You is answer questions. I is maybe forget you interrupt time of meditation. Is maybe we is become friends, instead of... hall-tern-a-tive? Alternative. Not friends. Is bad place. Decasage of Geshemafar did not like being not friends." It was soon clear that Lady Spring's command of the Trade Tongue was not as clearly spoken as that of Lady Owena. The small smile on her tiny, child-like frame, however, promised friendship. The look in her eyes, however, was hardened and older than her physical appearance would otherwise seem, and further suggested that friendship was the better of the two options.Cutest of the Cute. Ser Cadwy let out a laugh. Suddenly he blushed, a frightened look crossing his face as he bowed. Dafydd bowed as well.

"Ser Pouncealot was Dav's cat when we were growing up. He disappeared. No one knows what happened to him." She was smiling ear to ear as she scratched the Salvax's ear.

The Margrave looked for a moment like he might get sick, before addressing the Lady Spring, "Aye. My dearest apologies, Your Grace. I... I seem to have forgotten myself. This is the farthest I've been away from Carraig Dún, at least on the surface. I'm afraid I feel a bit like... a fish out of water." He was blushing now.

"The Nihonwyr are the warrior caste of the Nihoni people, trained from birth in the arts of war. Drunk and lacking in sense though he may be, my nephew did not become their First for lack of prowess himself. I fear such a conflict would have cost dearly all those involved, Your Grace." Lady Cerys Tellus emerged from the shadows, accompanied by a handful of Grey Company soldiers. She curtsied. "Lady Cerys Tellus, First of the Marchnadwr, at your service, Lady Kellianth. I too must beg your most humble apologies for the First Nihonwyr's actions. I can assure you, the Exarch will hear of it," She turned to look at the Margrave, "and he shan't be pleased."

"The Marchnadwr are the merchant caste," Aures added, "Your fur is so lovely, Mister Pride."

Lady Cerys smiled. "As for the Rexline, I don't believe we are acquainted with them. Relatives of the Nitent'oculis, perhaps?"

[Mary_Sue]

<"We are developing much experience in overcoming the stubborn nature of the younger race,"> he spoke from experience, both from war and elsewhere, <"When I heard of this festival down in Evergale with Helia I knew we must attend to congratulate the Avonleans if nothing else. It is even more fortunate that you too decided to arrive.">

<"I wished to speak with you regarding Helia Whitstone, the Avonlean I purchased services of. She is growing old. Not yet, her beauty still holds, but I can see it advancing ever closer. I suspect soon she shall have no more purpose in my Court. However, she has learned so much and adapted well to Aeldir customs. She knows our language and customs well and it would be a waste to return her now to Avonlea. Yet I am bound to do so, soon my time with her shall come to a close and I promised to release her back to Thalia.">

Drustan paused, offering the ever wise Lord Winter the chance to voice the conclusion Drustan had come to.

Once Thalia had come to be sure that Helia's term of service to Lord Summer had concluded, she set about gathering the three loveliest maidens of her court, well aware that Lord Summer would never deign to settle for a maid of lesser beauty. There was Belaflor Blackswan (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/74/c9/b3/74c9b3aafe5c39840871b2fe1dec0843.jpg), younger sister of the intrepid Enyrre. A maiden of 16, Belaflor was dainty with large dark blue eyes the color of sapphires, and long wavy hair the color of summer wheat. Fenida Redtree (http://cache.desktopnexus.com/thumbseg/1400/1400143-bigthumbnail.jpg) was the niece of the Grand Duchess of Coventry, a fair maiden of 17, Fenida had a pleasant singing voice and could could play multiple instruments with similar acumen and had a good head for memorizing songs and recitations. Lynesse Oakburn (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5e/cc/4f/5ecc4fa88cba02f178ff107c1196e61a.jpg), a maid of 16 was dressed modestly in a gown of pale silvery-blue the same color as her eyes, a shy, unassuming girl who was rather more fond of books than people despite the attention her fair face and pleasant womanly figure normally afforded her. Thalia bid the girls to go before the Lord of Summer and see if he may be pleased by them.


"I didn't come with any delegation," Francesca explained, "I am a merchant and part of a caravan, the Golden Gage? The caravan operates along the Fern Ridge trading route."

"I was in Nettofurikusu when I heard of this celebration and I'm sure you don't need to be explained the beneficial connections available to a merchant at an international gathering. If you need a place of origin for your documentation you can put down the Marauder Isles but I doubt there's anyone there who would know me. I left when I was relatively young and I have no kin there."

"You previously gave your point of origin as Kherson." Orcanet studied the woman's face carefully as she questioned her. She paused and whispered something to an attending guard who then left the room.

"Would you have contacts there perhaps?" Orcanet was almost certain Francesca was lying, but why protect the man who attacked her? Something here was not making sense.

[RandoMan]

"<... Well, you uh...>" She grinned sheepishly. "<Certainly don't lack for confidence... Turien, wasn't it? I am Phelnia, High Princess of the Primus Imperium. If you only want two bouts, we shall have two bouts in melee - one to first blood and the second to a knock-down.>"

The part of her mind that was giddy with joy that she was sparring with a piece of man meat this hot was still talking. But she was more than a lonely, horny young woman: She was a warrior, a Primal, and that part of her mind awoke the instant her moonsilver daggers slipped into her hands.

Ranger, male, Aeldir. Taller than you, which means greater reach. Likely more experienced, though in a rangers' case that probably means experience with camoflague and a bow, neither of which would be useful in a sparring match. Commander of some description, which meant he was smart. Underestimating you, but likely will only hold back enough to avoid killing you. My daggers are adapted specifically to my swings.

Recommended tactic: disarm, close, keep under his reach.

She shifted into a combat stance for defense, narrowed her eyes and waited. No more talk, just the beautiful song of metal on metal.


Roll off? 2d6+Mil? If so: 19 & 15 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20390678&postcount=473)



Once Thalia had come to be sure that Helia's term of service to Lord Summer had concluded, she set about gathering the three loveliest maidens of her court, well aware that Lord Summer would never deign to settle for a maid of lesser beauty. There was Belaflor Blackswan (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/74/c9/b3/74c9b3aafe5c39840871b2fe1dec0843.jpg), younger sister of the intrepid Enyrre. A maiden of 16, Belaflor was dainty with large dark blue eyes the color of sapphires, and long wavy hair the color of summer wheat. Fenida Redtree (http://cache.desktopnexus.com/thumbseg/1400/1400143-bigthumbnail.jpg) was the niece of the Grand Duchess of Coventry, a fair maiden of 17, Fenida had a pleasant singing voice and could could play multiple instruments with similar acumen and had a good head for memorizing songs and recitations. Lynesse Oakburn (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5e/cc/4f/5ecc4fa88cba02f178ff107c1196e61a.jpg), a maid of 16 was dressed modestly in a gown of pale silvery-blue the same color as her eyes, a shy, unassuming girl who was rather more fond of books than people despite the attention her fair face and pleasant womanly figure normally afforded her. Thalia bid the girls to go before the Lord of Summer and see if he may be pleased by them.


Lord Summer had been surprised when he received word of the Avonlean Queen gathering her maidens for his inspection. It was a pleasant surprise however to say the least. He had so enjoyed Helia's services and while he would not ask for a replacement to be provided by a Favored Kingdom of the Aeldir there was no denying he was pleased by the news and felt a reinvigorated confidence in developing positive relations with the Queendom.

When the three Avonlean maidens arrived he asked for them to be sent in one at a time that he might inspect them. First came Belafor, a resplendent beauty whose darker skin and deep blue eyes intrigued the Aeldir lord. Still, he could see in her the passion and wanderlust of her farflung sister. Behind her eyes lay the passion of an explorer, a wanderer whose passionate heart would lead her down many roads if Drustan did not force her onto a path of his own choosing. Drustan enjoyed taming and harnessing a passionate heart but he did not know if he wished to possess this one. Without a word or a hint of positivity or negativity he dismissed her and ordered in the next.

Fenida was a regal beauty and her pouted lips with the royal bearing with which she carried herself amused and endeared Drustan to her. She was a fine specimen of an Avonlean, of any human woman. She was sharp and bore herself with such purpose that the Aeldir lord found himself contemplating what role she might naturally serve in. Perhaps she might make a great ambassatrix to the Winter or Autumn Court or a well looked upon administrator of Avonlea. Whether she would serve him and learn the lessons he sought to teach... She would serve, he concluded, but to teach her to hoard her abilities to himself would rob them from playing out before a grander audience. The thought of stealing her away for himself was certainly tempting. Again, he dismissed her without comment.

Lynesse came in next and at her appearance the lord's eyes squinted in appreciative assessment. She reminded him of Helia when she had first arrived in the Summer Court. So timid and careful on the surface, fearful of what was in store for her. Her eyes were cast down even now upon the ground except for when he stood directly before her. He could see she did not see herself a beauty or rather, she did not wish to. Momentarily his mind wandered beneath her modest dress and the body that defined its shape. He tilted her head that he might look into her eyes. A gleam belied a reserved intellect and he saw still a smoldering passion hidden within her just waiting to be unlocked.

"I will have you."

He stated simply as he concluded his inspection of Lynesse, bidding not the return of the other girls.

"Go and make ready. You shall return with me to the Summer Courtlands."

[TheDarkDM]

Thalia waited patiently as the Lord Winter formulated his reply, she studied his thoughtful face as she sat in silence. His was a stern face, though she would not say it cold, despite his namesake. Thoughts rippled beneath the poised surface lingering just below the impenetrable facade of practiced ages. To be true, she had found the various dignitaries from the Winter Court agreeable company, in many ways oddly warmer than those of the Summer Court.

“What you say of Lord Summer reflects true what Helia has relayed to me as well. Perhaps a thrill in the short term, though one must eventually wither and shrivel in the face of such extraordinary heat. At least us mere humans must.” Thalia sipped her wine thoughtfully, her plate still left untouched,

“And yet she never once complained of the arrangement, I dare say she even enjoyed it, though her spirit seemed much diminished last we spoke, as though she were a candle guttering at the end of it’s wick.” She turned her head to look out upon the sunlit fields that had held the last night’s revel pensively, her face alight in the golden rays that streamed through the open windows.

“I quite enjoyed the Orm’s company upon our meeting at the Tournament in Primus. I found her presence calming, there is something of your Court that I find is a balm to my turbulent heart. The knowledge that you have seen ages before me gives me faith that my realm will last long after I am dust upon the ground, and the world long after my realm has turned to ruins. It would seem our realms are fated to be intertwined, Lord Balor.” Her thoughts went to the night before, and Aris’s Choosing of the Dullahan, somehow she doubted that was mere chance.

“I am positive that Helia will make you an excellent companion and ambassatrix, you may be assured that she is under no other’s influence, and that Their reach may not grasp her in Tir Amser. I continue in my faith of her ability to represent Avonlea in the seasonal courts and give leave for her to sail back with you straight away. I trust you will find her perspective as bracing as she shall find the chill halls of Caer Gheimhridh, she was ever the optimist when in my service.” She smiled, finally picking up an apple slice though it failed to find her mouth, and she placed it back down on her plate absently, much distracted from her meal with thoughts of Aris, Maldarr and Caer Gheimhridh.

Lord Winter watched as the High Queen sank into her reverie, his face giving no hint of the knowing smile that lay behind his eyes. At length he nodded and stood.

<"We sail on the evening tide. Should Helia wish to gather her possessions, or any few handmaids she feels trustworthy and equal to assisting her in her duties, she need but send word to Judgement and I will dispatch porters. I leave you to your repast, Thalia Darkthorne.">

He took her hand and lay a cold, dry kiss upon it, ensuring that his presence would linger long after he had departed Keya's Rest.

[HalfTangible]

Roll off? 2d6+Mil? If so: 19 & 15 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20390678&postcount=473)


*shrug* I kinda wanted to roleplay it out (and technically we probably should've done half-Mil) but this is fine. Phelnia wasn't gonna win anyway. 14 and 10 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20390696&postcount=474)

Phelnia blinked up at the sky from her position on the ground. "....... huh. So I'm slow. Good to know." She grimaced as she pulled herself to her feet. "<Thank you for a... good fight, Turien...> =Oh, gonna feel that tomorrow...="

Galorius tilted his head. "Are well?"

Her previously calm (perhaps resigned) expression became a scowl. "It's just a sparring match, I'm fine. It's not like I expected to win anyway."

"Meant flesh."

"Also fine. Bruises at worst."

[Gengy]

Cutest of the Cute. Ser Cadwy let out a laugh. Suddenly he blushed, a frightened look crossing his face as he bowed. Dafydd bowed as well.

"Ser Pouncealot was Dav's cat when we were growing up. He disappeared. No one knows what happened to him." She was smiling ear to ear as she scratched the Salvax's ear.

The Margrave looked for a moment like he might get sick, before addressing the Lady Spring, "Aye. My dearest apologies, Your Grace. I... I seem to have forgotten myself. This is the farthest I've been away from Carraig Dún, at least on the surface. I'm afraid I feel a bit like... a fish out of water." He was blushing now.

"The Nihonwyr are the warrior caste of the Nihoni people, trained from birth in the arts of war. Drunk and lacking in sense though he may be, my nephew did not become their First for lack of prowess himself. I fear such a conflict would have cost dearly all those involved, Your Grace." Lady Cerys Tellus emerged from the shadows, accompanied by a handful of Grey Company soldiers. She curtsied. "Lady Cerys Tellus, First of the Marchnadwr, at your service, Lady Kellianth. I too must beg your most humble apologies for the First Nihonwyr's actions. I can assure you, the Exarch will hear of it," She turned to look at the Margrave, "and he shan't be pleased."

"The Marchnadwr are the merchant caste," Aures added, "Your fur is so lovely, Mister Pride."

Lady Cerys smiled. "As for the Rexline, I don't believe we are acquainted with them. Relatives of the Nitent'oculis, perhaps?"

"Perhaps. Is would introduce them to you, but is leaving early after sun rise." Lady Spring viewed the bows from this... Nihoni delegation as perfectly respectful. Contrite, even. "Very well. I overlook any unintended slights. You is forgiven. Is not wise, though, to drink too much. Is maybe lesson you take to heart, price of Nihoni?"

"Lady Tellus," Kellianth continued, "You is of the merchants. We is must speak more. Is find out if... what was place?"

"Carraig Dún, Lady," Owena supplied, rising to stand beside Warchod Prejudice, behind Lady Spring.

"Yes. Is good name. Carraig Dún. We is must find out if Carraig Dún is near to Aeldir shipping lines. Is maybe we become friends through much trade. Is how I like do things. Is better remember this... situation... as meeting of new trade partner, yes? Where is... Carraig Dún from here?"

Meanwhile, Bas Pride has decided that he rather likes this girl. She was scratching in all the right places, being respectful, and most surprising of all, she was 'hearing' him. Content. Curious: Age?

[RandoMan]

*shrug* I kinda wanted to roleplay it out (and technically we probably should've done half-Mil) but this is fine. Phelnia wasn't gonna win anyway. 14 and 10 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20390696&postcount=474)

Phelnia blinked up at the sky from her position on the ground. "....... huh. So I'm slow. Good to know." She grimaced as she pulled herself to her feet. "<Thank you for a... good fight, Turien...> =Oh, gonna feel that tomorrow...="

Galorius tilted his head. "Are well?"

Her previously calm (perhaps resigned) expression became a scowl. "It's just a sparring match, I'm fine. It's not like I expected to win anyway."

"Meant flesh."

"Also fine. Bruises at worst."


I meant we'd roll so we'd know what to write towards (since I wasn't opposed to an upset) but this is fine.


<"Perhaps you have learned something.">

Turien's face was impassive. While a Summer Ranger was not above jubilance in victory there was no honor in squashing bugs and no achievement to celebrate.

<"Goodbye Primal. My Lady Spring,"> he bowed towards the eastern Aeldir lady and made to return to his duties.

[BootStrapTommy]

"Perhaps. Is would introduce them to you, but is leaving early after sun rise." Lady Spring viewed the bows from this... Nihoni delegation as perfectly respectful. Contrite, even. "Very well. I overlook any unintended slights. You is forgiven. Is not wise, though, to drink too much. Is maybe lesson you take to heart, price of Nihoni?"

"Lady Tellus," Kellianth continued, "You is of the merchants. We is must speak more. Is find out if... what was place?"

"Carraig Dún, Lady," Owena supplied, rising to stand beside Warchod Prejudice, behind Lady Spring.

"Yes. Is good name. Carraig Dún. We is must find out if Carraig Dún is near to Aeldir shipping lines. Is maybe we become friends through much trade. Is how I like do things. Is better remember this... situation... as meeting of new trade partner, yes? Where is... Carraig Dún from here?""Are you acquainted with the Ancerin territory of Lycarus, on the Bay of Prosperity? The Undercity lies beneath the mountains in its north."


Meanwhile, Bas Pride has decided that he rather likes this girl. She was scratching in all the right places, being respectful, and most surprising of all, she was 'hearing' him. Content. Curious: Age?"15 sols. But my birthday is in a moon." Aures bit her lip, resisting the urge to bury her face in Salvax's fur.

In case that's a surprise, she's intended to... not be all there. That's why she gets away with being so candid.

[QuintonBeck]

"You previously gave your point of origin as Kherson." Orcanet studied the woman's face carefully as she questioned her. She paused and whispered something to an attending guard who then left the room.

"Would you have contacts there perhaps?" Orcanet was almost certain Francesca was lying, but why protect the man who attacked her? Something here was not making sense.

"I am so sorry, I've been so frazzled by the day's events... I was born in the Marauder Isles but ended up in Kherson at a young age. I grew up there and think of it as my home but I recently returned to this continent hoping to recover my connections with my birthplace. I have been working as a merchant since returning."

She reached up again to brush her bruised neck.

"I'm sorry, my throat is paining me dearly. If there are no more questions I should be glad for the chance to rest it."

[Rexleox]

"I will be happy to answer that, Alpha Thalgram." Owena says, seeing no need to translate here. "The Salvax are comprised of two... diversities, as you say. You see them before you. The White Tigers are very much hunters, quick, and clever, but pale in comparison to the raw strength that the spotted Elephants have. Warchod Prejudice is here not as a dignitary, but as a bodyguard. For both Bas Pride, and Lady Spring. She is also one of the Salvax's tactical minds. Between the two of them, they comprise the leader and the... general, if you will... of the Southern section of Tir Xungla. Bas Pride organizes and participates in hunting parties in the Hunting Grounds, an area of the island that has many wild creatures - non-sentient beasts, we are sure of it - that are quite tasty. Warchod Prejudice organizes and partakes of sojourns into the jungle to find fruit and other foods for those Salvax like her whom prefer it over meat; but I have seen her sampling a well cooked and cut steak before."

Enjoyment. Consternation. Warchod Prejudice sent.

"She says liked it, but finds it frustrating that she must wait for someone else to remove the bones and prepare the meat." Owena translated. "She mostly sticks to a gatherer's diet."

Grand Hunt? Confusion. Interest. Pride stretched his long body, but did not take his eyes off of the Alpha. Desire. Inquire.

"Of course, Bas Pride," Owena nods respectfully, before turning back to Thalgram. "He would like to know more about this Grand Hunt. When does it occur? How can one participate? Is it for amusement and display of skill, or is it needed for some reason?"

Obviously somewhat bewildered at the thought of an elephant eating chunks of meat such as a steak, Thalgram said with a small smile towards Warchod Prejudice "I have never heard of an Elephant that eats large game, although I do respect that you wish to do the "dirty" work yourself."

Looking back to Bas Pride "Now as for The Grand Hunt, it is a test of strength and a testament of faith for a small party of seven hunters that occurs every summer solstice. The hunters are comprised of one elected member of each of the larger clans. Once chosen they are brought to our Grand Priest Kedric Stormgrad for The Blessing of Venator, who is our God of The Hunt. Now I am sure you are curious what creature we hunt to make an entire ceremony worthy, we hunt the mighty Lacetra."

Turning his attention to Owena Thalgram bluntly stated "As for Bas Pride participating I am unsure, normally we do not accept outsiders into our customs but since Bas Pride is similar to us Kedric might accept him into our hunt as a representative to the "Salvax Clan", it could be a good be a test of our peoples "compatibility"."

[HalfTangible]

I meant we'd roll so we'd know what to write towards (since I wasn't opposed to an upset) but this is fine.


<"Perhaps you have learned something.">

Turien's face was impassive. While a Summer Ranger was not above jubilance in victory there was no honor in squashing bugs and no achievement to celebrate.

<"Goodbye Primal. My Lady Spring,"> he bowed towards the eastern Aeldir lady and made to return to his duties.

Phelnia grunted an affirmative as she turned to leave. "<I learned that I'm slow, and that losing a fight makes me feel inadequate even when I know going into it that I'll lose. Good day to you.>"

In my head, Phelnia got beaten (she's supposed to be the scientist/thinker, not the fighter), but she wasn't completely helpless.

I'd say this scene is done, unless you or Gengy have anything to add. Phelnia'll move on to a scene with Illydae that night.

[Mary_Sue]

"I am so sorry, I've been so frazzled by the day's events... I was born in the Marauder Isles but ended up in Kherson at a young age. I grew up there and think of it as my home but I recently returned to this continent hoping to recover my connections with my birthplace. I have been working as a merchant since returning."

She reached up again to brush her bruised neck.

"I'm sorry, my throat is paining me dearly. If there are no more questions I should be glad for the chance to rest it."

Orcanet tapped her fingers on the wooden table thoughtfully, she couldn't see holding Francesca for much longer without proper cause, though she felt the woman was hiding something, she couldn't prove any criminal activity, and the woman had been attacked after all, nobody was disputing that.

"Very well, M'Lady. You are free to go." Orcanet went to look for the guard she had sent on her errand and found him with the corpse of the Rude Man.

"I'm going to need to do a full investigation on his body." The guard nodded and dragged the body down to the cooler holding cells of the basement to await inspection.

Unfortunately I have no actions to investigate with this round, however, I will be investigating next round most likely.

[Gengy]

"Are you acquainted with the Ancerin territory of Lycarus, on the Bay of Prosperity? The Undercity lies beneath the mountains in its north."

"15 sols. But my birthday is in a moon." Aures bit her lip, resisting the urge to bury her face in Salvax's fur.

In case that's a surprise, she's intended to... not be all there. That's why she gets away with being so candid.

"Is not close. Yet. Soon, maybe. The Rose Courts, we is expanding East to aid our allies in Fantastigoria. Maybe we is trade partners soon. When you is near ocean." Lady Spring looked around, and then said, "Apologies. Must return to time of meditation. Long journey ahead. Prefer to be rested. You is free to send messengers to Fantastigoria, to the north of Avonlea. They will reach Tir Amser from there. Looking forward to continue talk."

Bas Pride smiled a large tiger grin, closing his eyes as the girl scratched his head. Invitation. Tir Xungla. Beckoning. Learn. Teach.

Salvax, during their inception, caused a few difficulties, due to the nature of world-building. To keep things 'even' and 'fair', the Salvax have a few restrictions. They are smaller then their normal animal counterparts, and their 'speech' is limited to emotions, and a few... concepts. People. Places. Dialogue is extremely limiting for them, and only a few people - some Spring Court members - have taken the time to 'hear' them. It's actually perfectly interesting to find someone, even someone 'not all there' who can hear them just fine. But I'm rolling with it as an outlier, and not the norm. Still, she would be invited to come - as an ambassador - to Tir Xungla. Up to you if that happens.

Also, since you are new to Empire events, they tend to fall off after the start of the next round. If I stop responding, it's just that I'm focusing on new stuff. Not meant as an insult or slight on your personage, just that very rarely do Empire people continue events after the two weeks are up.


Obviously somewhat bewildered at the thought of an elephant eating chunks of meat such as a steak, Thalgram said with a small smile towards Warchod Prejudice "I have never heard of an Elephant that eats large game, although I do respect that you wish to do the "dirty" work yourself."

Looking back to Bas Pride "Now as for The Grand Hunt, it is a test of strength and a testament of faith for a small party of seven hunters that occurs every summer solstice. The hunters are comprised of one elected member of each of the larger clans. Once chosen they are brought to our Grand Priest Kedric Stormgrad for The Blessing of Venator, who is our God of The Hunt. Now I am sure you are curious what creature we hunt to make an entire ceremony worthy, we hunt the mighty Lacetra."

Turning his attention to Owena Thalgram bluntly stated "As for Bas Pride participating I am unsure, normally we do not accept outsiders into our customs but since Bas Pride is similar to us Kedric might accept him into our hunt as a representative to the "Salvax Clan", it could be a good be a test of our peoples "compatibility"."

Interest. Curious. Challenge. Acceptance. Pack? Bas Pride kept his eyes on the Alpha as Owena translated, "Bas Pride is very interested in this Grand Hunt. He finds it curious, and a challenge he'd gladly accept. Is he allowed to bring a hunting group to fill out, as you say, the 'Salvax Clan'? Speaking for myself, I'd be very happy to come along to translate."

"Is sound like fun!" Lady Spring smirked.

[Rexleox]

Interest. Curious. Challenge. Acceptance. Pack? Bas Pride kept his eyes on the Alpha as Owena translated, "Bas Pride is very interested in this Grand Hunt. He finds it curious, and a challenge he'd gladly accept. Is he allowed to bring a hunting group to fill out, as you say, the 'Salvax Clan'? Speaking for myself, I'd be very happy to come along to translate."

"Is sound like fun!" Lady Spring smirked.

Thalgram who was happy to hear that Bas Prde was taking interest in his people's customs said "I am glad to hear it, but you misunderstand Bas Pride, you would be the only one from your 'clan' to participate in the hunt as I would be the only from my clan to participate."

Turning his attention to Owena "As for you, I would happy to have you come along to translate. I would also be grateful if at some point I could learn how to communicate with the Salvax as I would consider them to be a distant cousin to my people."