Empire! Karnavali tis Eikaria [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

PepperP.

2016-03-22, 05:37 PM

Trifylli, Pagetotosi 125.

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A brisk Autumn wind whipped from the sea into Port Byra and rushed inland, rustling the clipped stalks of wheat that had already been harvested and formed into great bales, left to dry in the vast fields before it was brewed into the beer for which the region was famous. Though the season was already two-thirds past, and the days had grown short, a bright sun shone in a deep blue sky and resulted in crisp but pleasant days. The Port itself was a frantic bustle of activity as dignitaries and revelers disembarked before making their way the short distance inland to Didyma's Keep, the large castle town that was the seat of power for the two rulers under Ambrose in the region, Polemarchos Valli and Polemarchos Stathos. Those who wished, stayed at the Port in order to indulge themselves in commerce, or drink or other debaucherous activity which is often found where sailors dwell.

Those who wished to indulge their thirst might be surprised upon entry of a Port tavern, at the unbridled hostility of it's patrons. A hostility not directed at the thirsty traveler, but amongst the local tribes there had grown a great rivalry and many a man had to be carried out onto the streets by his brethren, laid low by fist or drink. It was often seen from two rivals to be seated across from each other and engaged in a contest of wills and intimidation, downing draught after draught of the golden ale to see who might last the longest. The winner of these conflicts almost always came out slightly richer, as a popular way of threatening your foe was to place three coins on the table in front of you, indicating that you were prepared to pay the fine for violent assault, if necessary.

Those who pressed on to the duel-towered castle would find themselves crossing a lovely golden stretch of farmlands before reaching Didyma's Keep that sat atop a low plateau overlooking the scenic Lake Vathys, with it's calm sparkling waters glistening in the meadows below. The newly constructed Vathys Raceway was just visible in the distance and would be the site of the festival's popular simurgh races. Constructed by the upstart racetrack magnate Archie Anargyos who had quickly become renown for his impressive racetracks which were not only beautifully built and luxurious, but also relatively safe, employing guards who patrolled the area on racing days and attracted a higher caliber of clientele than did the more famous Speedway at Kolkoi in Ambrose.

The Karnavali opening parade was well under way, the citizens of Didyma's Keep and Port Byra had hung streamers of all colors from their windows that rippled in the sea breezes. Musicians and dancers performed in the parade for the revelers pleasure, and many a performance troupe presented their own form of the simurgh dance which is performed by a team of dancers who manipulate a long flexible figure of a simurgh using poles positioned at regular intervals along the colorful length and wings. Also marching in the parade were the popular boxing champions, Krisnia Primus and Polemarchos Maldarr Drivas whose rugged countenance and tattooed, rippling physique caused many a maiden to swoon and toss a small token of her favor after him for luck, though Krisnia had also gained many adoring fans and they were both subject to much celebrity and cheers.

Derris and the other nobility in attendance sat atop a raised platform that had been constructed with a fabric awning in order to shield it's patrons from the bright sun. Room had been made for visiting dignitaries to sit and watch the parade if they so desired. Servants buzzed around them, serving the beer that the region was known for. Primarily an amber ale, which is crisp with medium-high maltiness and mild hops, that results in a well balanced beer, with a mild hop bitterness, flavor and floral aroma. If one might join Derris in revel, you would find him in a singularly good mood, having partaken of several draughts by this time, attended by his son and heir Baram, who is in a similarly jolly condition, his wife Belinda, who is sober and slightly embarrassed, and Willa, the long-suffering wife of Maldarr who is surprisingly jealous of her husband's attentions from his female admirers and sits scowling despite the revel around her.

Founded in distant history as a revel in honor of their ancient Goddess of Luck, Eikaria, the Karnavali has evolved, though some may say devolved, into an all-encompassing festival of parades, racing, gambling and boxing. Held after the hard work of the last Autumn harvest, it is seen as a time for the citizens to let loose and celebrate a successful growing season. The festival of Karnavali was well underway within the allied clan holdings of the Provinces. With the recent addition of the newly built raceways throughout the League, Trifylli, being the center of the beer brewing industry, was chosen to host the biggest revel and would be expecting to cater to the international guests who might chose to attend and partake in the festivities.
Note: Pagetotosi is October in Ambrosan.

Gambling! To enter the contest, you must note which simurgh you are betting on and how much money you wish to wager! You may only bid on one simurgh. Odds of a simurgh winning are listed below and will pay out accordingly. Wagers may not be less than 10,000 coins and no more than 50,000 coins. The participant who wins the most coins will be crowned the King, (or Queen!) of Karnavali! The biggest loser will be dubbed the festival fool and be paraded about the town, dressed in motley and subjected to good-natured taunts. In the case of more than one winner, the title of King or Queen will be determined by luck, and the title of Fool will be shared.

Our simurgh racers:
1.Quickstep Odds: 1 in 3
2.Skylight Odds: 1 in 4
3.Sunbolt Odds: 1 in 5
4.Speckles Odds: 1 in 6
5.Windmaker Odds: 1 in 7
6.Noblesilver Odds: 1 in 8
7.Sugarflash Odds: 1 in 9
8.Cindermist Odds: 1 in 10

Note: In the event of a tie roll, the win will be given to the racer with the highest odds. Ex: 1 in 10 always wins ties.

To enter the Boxing Tournament, please list the following:
Name of participant:
Realm:
Military Score:
The score will be determined by 2d6+MIL.
Note: You may enter a second participant with half of your military score, rounded down.

The winner of the boxing tournament will win prizes and glory!

Derris's second son, Archon Colson Asker aged 20 seeking an eligible maiden to wed. Prefers to stay in Ambrose.
The Lady Ebele Asker, aged 18 seeking an eligible bachelor to wed. Enjoys long walks on the beach and candlelit dinners. Will relocate.

HalfTangible

2016-03-22, 06:57 PM

Reggiejam

2016-03-22, 07:57 PM

Duke Sand had been very excited when Lady Autumn had invited him to join her on a trip to a harvest celebration in the League of Allied Provinces. He'd been even more pleased when it was revealed it was in one of the Ambrosan Clan territories. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the Nend but he dealt with them enough in his various duties as Head Boy of Tir Gwydr. He found them to be an overly serious people despite their laissez fair attitude towards clothing, an unpleasant attitude in Duke Sand's opinion given his height. He'd not had much chance to deal with the Krozna provinces but by all accounts most were murky swampy places filled with twice as many flies as people. Ambrosan lands though, the clans knew where to settle. Green lands, good for growing crops, with centralized city-states safe and provisional of all the things one needed in life.

The brief thought about Kroznat swamps connected now with his relief at being part of this diplomatic venture. With Lady Cynel's decreasing popularity at Court so too had Duke Sand's importance waned. Where he sought aversion from his boredom previously in serving Lord Summer's grand ambitions the southern lord had grown soft and piteous. No campaigns into the relative unknown awaited and he'd been near resigning his commission when he'd received a request to oversee fort construction in Limelight Bayou. If he had to see that backwater again it would be the last thing he saw, Old Gods be damned. He chuckled at his thought, for it was those thoughts that had kept him from riding the new wave in the Court. The idea of the Old Gods and speaking the Words as a form of entertainment. Sand found the idea incredibly boring, there was nothing new in the Words of the Old Gods, their very names lay in the past. Now, Duke Sand had found some interest in the New God of the Dhuda Besina but that too had passed.

He wondered sometimes whether he might not be better off returning to the Spring Court. They at least went out on explorations even if they did end up running to a longship as a horde of madmen chased you to the shores. There was also the change in Lady Spring and she reminded him much less of the Lady Spring he remembered from the Age when he'd first been sent out and ended up on Tir Gwydr. Still, he'd pledge himself to the Autumn Court although he wondered whether Lady Autumn would retain him were she to change as Lady Spring had. He hoped so, it was ill befitting to be an Aeldir without a Court or so the old legends said. Perhaps he would journey to Dhuda Besina which had no Court by his understanding, were he expelled from the Autumn Court or merely left by the wayside.

These were the thoughts that consumed Duke Sand's mind as he had traveled to meet with Lady Autumn and variations of them had occurred during their journey to Tryfilli and the first hours of the Karnival. He and Lady Autumn had not discussed the matter openly though they'd developed a metaphor aboard the ship relating to fish and from it Sand had surmised that Lady Cynel was aware she would soon no longer be Lady Autumn. Her vision in unifying the Courts and in reestablishing the Demesne were legendary but here at the end of the rapid expansion that had marked the Courts' premiere upon the world stage her abilities had become less useful. Religion filled the minds of her Court's most noble Aeldir as a distraction and amusement in this time of relative peace and Cynel could not offer them a more powerful direction for their duties and needs across the Demesne had been filled. Lady Deirma Orlan however possessed the passions of the Fantastigorian Expanse and its myriad of peoples and Sand suspected they would be the next major influencer in Autumn culture.

The thought gave Sand a headache and he thirsted for a fine brew. His appearance put many in Ambrose on edge for giving him a pint and so he tugged the sleeve of Lady Autumn beside him and requested she acquire a pair of beers for them. It was during the wait for his compatriot's return that he saw the woman, Willa, the wife of Maldarr Drivas, infamous in social circles for his legendary trysts with the Avonlean Queen Thalia Darkthorne before her disappearance. Sand had heard he'd had a wife some years ago and been curious for the state of such a woman given the frequency and bawdy nature of the rumors Sand was privy to. Now here she was before him and the curiosity was overwhelming. When Lady Autumn returned he took both drinks from her hands and began to make his way towards the royal delegation, splitting from his compatriot as she ventured towards Derris and Sand towards Willa.

"Care for a drink, my lady? I hear it's a fine brew they make here in these lands," Duke Sand was smiling and his voice lit with carefree happiness as he offered a tankard to the Ambrosan woman.

Lady Autumn was attempting to relax and enjoy this event. It was a celebration in honor of her Court's patron god and yet she felt uneasy. Already she wielded less power within her Court than she had any time before since winning the title of Lady Autumn. This event and her attendance of it was one of the few privileges in which she was fully deferred to. Already her Ladies and Matrons had taken to the Words and despite their relative ineptitude at being Speakers of the Old Gods they did not listen to her requests that they stop or refocus. The Court was beginning to resent her and she knew her friend Lady Derima Orlan was to become the next Lady Autumn. The thought did not relax her although she swallowed her pride and tried to focus on her present situation.

She grabbed the two beers from the servant with a matronly nod of appreciation to the young server and returned to her one remaining friend, Duke Sand. As he took off towards the royals from Ambrose, who she had formally greeted days ago when she'd first arrived in anticipation of the event, she followed. Seeing Derris well into his drink as well as his son the motherly Aeldir woman merely smiled and turned towards Belinda. Her brown eyes sparked with a playful disapproval of the male mischief and she addressed her directly.

"Lady Belinda, might I make an odd request of you? I have heard much of gambling amongst the Valli and Stathos and the Vathys Raceway though I regret my knowledge of gambling is rather limited. Might you perhaps be interested in instructing me and helping me fully enjoy this event?"

Mary_Sue

2016-03-22, 09:01 PM

Avonlea

Mariya, Claviana, Enyd and Landrie meandered through Port Byra, enjoying the raucous commotion and giggling as the occasional drunkard hooted and hollered compliments as they walked past. The four maids of Avonlean court were dressed more casually than was their wont, all alike in colored linen dresses that were embroidered in contrasting colors around the sleeves, the neck and down the bodice. They eschewed corsets to the last, instead decorating their waists with belts of string and gilded medallions. Their blonde hair was arranged in various fashionable braids and they often paused at merchants stalls to admire various items and trinkets whilst roaming the port town. They soon found a carriage making its way to the castle proper and cajoled the driver (without much effort), into giving the four young women a lift. Upon their arrival, they lauded the driver with many thanks and traipsed into town, themselves having become the gawkers as the parade wound its way past them and they cheered and clapped for the performers. The four gasped as Maldarr Drivas strutted by, the man was legend in Avonlea. His song to Thalia had become famous and was oft sung by the heart stricken to woo their loves into their bedchambers.

"Maldarr!" Mariya cried.

"Maldarr over here!" Claviana tried desperately to get the man's attention.

"Maldarr, Maldarr!" Enyd jumped up and down and waved her hands in the air.

"Maldarr, take this for luck!" Landrie pulled a gilded medallion from her belt and held it out to Maldarr as he passed.

Tychris1

2016-03-22, 09:58 PM

It had been a long 3 years. Skada Lochbar had travelled far and wide since the last time she journeyed to foreign lands with the intent of merriment and adventure. She had accepted an Avonlean Maiden into the courts and battle halls of Nifhel, an act deemed repulsive by the conservative minded Chieftains, and had done the unspeakable in speaking on friendly terms with the Winter Aeldir. She had ventured down a path of religious revelation, spreading the harsh truths of the Fimbulvintr as far east as the north poles went, and to the very bowels of the Dragon's Throat. She had been given the horrid truth of her fathers death, her messenger? The blade of a would be assassin slicing her face and ruining her left eye. Her brothers entrails presented to her as a gift by those who didn't believe in the world she did, a world of gods and fairies, and a world where every effort must be taken to touch the divine no matter how far they may be.

Her last global appearance was in the capital of the Winter Aeldir, though it was quite the dour event for her as she did naught but passively watch the world spin by, and turned aside all dignitaries who wished to speak or entrance the Princess of Ice. There she still bore the death shroud of her mourning, a slathered layer of the ash of those traitors she had burned after torturing and dragging them across the roads of Nifhel. She wore their ashes for months, reapplying a fresh layer each day she found the mask was lacking, and lubricated her weapons and armor within their blood. A proper tribute to avenge her father and brother. Skada was alone in the world, for the first time truly alone, and though she had passed the period of mourning custom for the Nifhel, she still carried some of their ashes and blood in memory.

The years had changed so much and yet so little in the Harbinger of Nifhel. She had grown even taller and lankier then last when she was naught but 13 years of age, her body still compact with inlaid muscles and new scars. Her skin became even more tainted with the waters of Nifhel, large patches of her body pulsing with the blue coloration from those blighted springs, and her one intact yellow right eye took on a slight glowing sheen. Her warriors pony tail had stretched even farther, accounting several more talismans and bone decorations embroidered within it. A black eyepatch covered her useless crimson eye, crudely made and reinforced thickly with furs and strong stitching it also managed to cover most of the scar along her eye. Her body was less immature, her figure coming in more fully though only by a slight margin from where she was hence, and now the Warrior Queen carried herself in bone armor painted with sigils of the Fimbulvintr by her own hands. Though she had not yet entered the full breadth of adulthood, the grips of her childhood slipped, and it would be a dour thought in self reflection.

But today was not a day of self reflection, it was not a day for dour spirits or the mourning of those who have been lost. Today was a day of violence, of inebriation, of good spirits and most of all seeing the greatest fighters Telluris had to offer in her quest to assemble the greatest mercenary band known to this realm. Considering the gravity and expenditures of such an action, the highest authorities of each of the Great Clans assembled to ride with her shattering all expectations and past notions. For the first time in recorded history, the Four Horsemen of Nifhel rode out of her territories all as one, and it was not with the banners of war flying but the disgruntled observations of suspicious investors. Skada had already inebriated herself quite heavily in advance of the proceedings, her armored countenance bouncing lazily too and fro aback her mighty black maned steed, and her musical accompaniment with her cherished platinum trumpet was but a series of simple melodies and off tune blasting in equal measure. She watched the proceedings of the parade with drunken lecherous attention, whistling at fine maidens and barking at the strong jawed fighters who passed by. Her musings were only interrupted upon her hampered hearing piecing together a comment amidst the din of hoof beats and raucous celebrating. A gruff and yet articulate voice that could only be the leader of Clan Grimmson, the Horseman Pestilence.

"The Harbinger promises us proof of these foreign dogs worthiness in hiring them, yet she wastes time drinking and screaming. Foolish Child..."

She came to a stop in an instant, her body retching violently as those words rattled in her head, and then suddenly all hell broke loose. Her horse began to neigh and stomp about in fear as Skada leapt off its saddle in one fluid motion, like a tiger leaping from the masking fauna to tear its prey instantly, and in a moment she was upon Pestilence tackling him off his horse and through a group of gawking citizens. Grunting and screaming in anger, Pestilence grabbed a hold of the girls ponytail, pulling her off of his bulky frame and tossing her with one heavy swing. Like a landslide she smashed through the scattering crowd, her armored form quickly dashing itself against the earth below and tumbling into the middle of the parade. Flopping about like a rag doll, chunks of her armor cracked and scattered off, disfiguring some of its more esoteric qualities, yet leaving it none less effective. Quick as an arrow she regained her composure and stood on all fours, throwing herself up onto her feet and pulling out her spear as Pestilence charged her head on, unsheathing his own warhammer. For their part the other warriors and guards of the Nifhel, a veritable war band in its own right, simply stopped and watched the brawl ensue, and were content to passively observe who would come out the victor as they stopped in their tracks. Hammer met dust as Pestilence's attack went wide, Skada taking advantage of the situation to bash his back in with the length of her spear, and following through with a steady kick to the head. His green painted horned helmet went flying at the motion, his body stumbling along with it as his face was fully exposed. A mountain of a man, Pestilence, Arngrímur Berglund was clearly long in the tooth. His face was withered with age and weather, his eyes foggy and clouded with cataracts, his hair white as the killer snows, and his broad body wrapped in a layer of chainmail and bone armor unseen by other Raiders.

He was armored like a fortress, his very pauldrons like shields for lesser men, and behind his bespectecled eyes was the wisdom of generations. None of it mattered, however, when Skada bashed her boot against his stomach and brought her bone ridden gauntlet down against his unarmored face. Glass shattered and metal bent as the seeing aid exploded against his face and cut his already scarred visage. She brought her fist down again upon his face, then again, then again, and again. Scrambling for his discarded iron helmet, Skada lifted it high and smashed it against the side of his face, denting the front of it and leaving a large bruise on his forehead. Panting, heaving, off kilter, Skada Lochbar stood over her defeated and unconscious foe and simply raised her opponents helmet on high like a trophy. She banged her fist against her chest in brazen and ardent excitement, howling her name for all to hear.

"I AM SKADA LOCHBAR! DAUGHTER OF GOTH LOCHBAR! GRANDAUGHTER OF WIGLAF LOCHBAR. I AM NO CHILD. HEAR ME-"

She bent over, vomitting out the contents of her lunch along the road as her body recoiled backwards from the force, and she grabbed a hold of her knees to stay steady. Her riders and the other Horsemen simply raised their weapons in agreement and shouted their assent. Wiping her mouth, the Harbinger looked around to fully take in her surroundings, and with a wave of her hand two Raiders from Clan Grimmson carried off their lord to rejoin the other Horsemen in their trek to meet with Derris and the other dignitaries in the raised platform to watch the events of today unfold and "Play Nice" with the infidels as Skada wished for them. But the Harbinger? She had different plans now. Brandishing her trumpet and spitting out what phlegm and bile still remained in her mouth, she took her trusted steed Nidhogg and rode with the parade like another performer or champion. Quite literally tooting her own horn, she rode through with the parade like a woman possessed, and laughed hysterically the whole time.

It was going to be a good day.

Name of Participant: Skada Lochbar
Realm: The Great Clans of Nifhel
Military Score: 5

PepperP.

2016-03-22, 10:18 PM

[Krisnia]

When Krisnia had first come to Ambrose, no one there had really known what to expect. The Primal were warriors, to be certain, but they were also well known for using moonsilver. Krisnia herself had primarily used a spear with a moonsilver tip (which she still kept around and trained with), and her family had not even shown up for her fight. She seemed a complete unknown.

Then she'd gotten into the arena, pointed straight at the air and shouted "I'M KRISNIA PRIMUS, PRINCESS OF THE PRIMUS IMPERIUM, AND I'M GONNA BEAT EVERYONE HERE! YOU GOT THAT?!"

... And then she did. She was an utter monster in the ring, turning her fights into public spectacles.

That wasn't the only time she made a loud, bombastic statement and immediately followed through on it. Many said she was proud as the Primal (naturally), as confident as the Aeldir and as stylish as a Fantastigorian. There wasn't a crowd in existence she hadn't been able to whip into a frenzy of cheers and chants. Naturally, she'd come back to reclaim her title. She'd been trained by the original Allied Boxing League champion and the Primal, she wasn't going to give up because of one loss.

Even now, no longer the champion, she heard catcalls and whistles from the audience, and she would whistle right back with the fervor of a blushing Avonlean "maiden". She blew kisses to the crowd, shouting out thanks and adoration. Her blue eyes sparkled as she winked at the crowd, her black hair tipped with red sweeping behind one shoulder. She wore her formal armor, of course, what Primal wouldn't? She had to look her best for her fans - they loved her and she loved them, even as she heard them cheering someone else's name. The crowd would be in a fevered frenzy in the arena, and win or lose, she intended to put on a show.

Krisnia glanced briefly at the rugged countenance of the man standing next to her and frowned. She didn't know much about Maldarr, beyond him being pretty good in the arena. She turned to him and clapped a gauntlet on his shoulder. "Come on, buddy, flick that frown off your face! This is a day for passion and joy!" She grinned and poked his cheek. "I know men that would kill for the admirers you got!"

Name of participant: Krisnia Primus
Realm: The Primus Imperium
Military Score: 9

Maldarr snorted as his good eye flicked to the former Primal Champion, accustomed to her bombastic ways from their long acquaintance within the ABL. he leaned into her so that she may hear his voice over the crowd without shouting,

"They cheer louder when you scowl." And he turned from Krisnia to the crowd that had gathered to watch as they passed. He flexed his biceps and scowled fiercely at his fans as the crowd became ever more boisterous with their cheers and admiration. A brief half smile flickered across his lips as his eye went back to his primal companion. He raised his eyebrow silently as if to say, "I told you so."

Avonlea

Mariya, Claviana, Enyd and Landrie meandered through Port Byra, enjoying the raucous commotion and giggling as the occasional drunkard hooted and hollered compliments as they walked past. The four maids of Avonlean court were dressed more casually than was their wont, all alike in colored linen dresses that were embroidered in contrasting colors around the sleeves, the neck and down the bodice. They eschewed corsets to the last, instead decorating their waists with belts of string and gilded medallions. Their blonde hair was arranged in various fashionable braids and they often paused at merchants stalls to admire various items and trinkets whilst roaming the port town. They soon found a carriage making its way to the castle proper and cajoled the driver (without much effort), into giving the four young women a lift. Upon their arrival, they lauded the driver with many thanks and traipsed into town, themselves having become the gawkers as the parade wound its way past them and they cheered and clapped for the performers. The four gasped as Maldarr Drivas strutted by, the man was legend in Avonlea. His song to Thalia had become famous and was oft sung by the heart stricken to woo their loves into their bedchambers.

"Maldarr!" Mariya cried.

"Maldarr over here!" Claviana tried desperately to get the man's attention.

"Maldarr, Maldarr!" Enyd jumped up and down and waved her hands in the air.

"Maldarr, take this for luck!" Landrie pulled a gilded medallion from her belt and held it out to Maldarr as he passed.

Maldarr had taken to varying scowls and flexing with waves to the crowd for amusement when he spotted the four comely maids who he took to be Avonleans from their appearance. They seemed to be shouting and waving at him. One of them was even jumping up and down, desperate for his attention. Pretending to ignore them, he flexed within their proximity for longer than perhaps strictly necessary and then swaggered over to them, not saying anything her took the proferred medallion and graced the maiden with a wink in from his good eye before he continued along the parade route.

Duke Sand had been very excited when Lady Autumn had invited him to join her on a trip to a harvest celebration in the League of Allied Provinces. He'd been even more pleased when it was revealed it was in one of the Ambrosan Clan territories. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the Nend but he dealt with them enough in his various duties as Head Boy of Tir Gwydr. He found them to be an overly serious people despite their laissez fair attitude towards clothing, an unpleasant attitude in Duke Sand's opinion given his height. He'd not had much chance to deal with the Krozna provinces but by all accounts most were murky swampy places filled with twice as many flies as people. Ambrosan lands though, the clans knew where to settle. Green lands, good for growing crops, with centralized city-states safe and provisional of all the things one needed in life.

The brief thought about Kroznat swamps connected now with his relief at being part of this diplomatic venture. With Lady Cynel's decreasing popularity at Court so too had Duke Sand's importance waned. Where he sought aversion from his boredom previously in serving Lord Summer's grand ambitions the southern lord had grown soft and piteous. No campaigns into the relative unknown awaited and he'd been near resigning his commission when he'd received a request to oversee fort construction in Limelight Bayou. If he had to see that backwater again it would be the last thing he saw, Old Gods be damned. He chuckled at his thought, for it was those thoughts that had kept him from riding the new wave in the Court. The idea of the Old Gods and speaking the Words as a form of entertainment. Sand found the idea incredibly boring, there was nothing new in the Words of the Old Gods, their very names lay in the past. Now, Duke Sand had found some interest in the New God of the Dhuda Besina but that too had passed.

He wondered sometimes whether he might not be better off returning to the Spring Court. They at least went out on explorations even if they did end up running to a longship as a horde of madmen chased you to the shores. There was also the change in Lady Spring and she reminded him much less of the Lady Spring he remembered from the Age when he'd first been sent out and ended up on Tir Gwydr. Still, he'd pledge himself to the Autumn Court although he wondered whether Lady Autumn would retain him were she to change as Lady Spring had. He hoped so, it was ill befitting to be an Aeldir without a Court or so the old legends said. Perhaps he would journey to Dhuda Besina which had no Court by his understanding, were he expelled from the Autumn Court or merely left by the wayside.

These were the thoughts that consumed Duke Sand's mind as he had traveled to meet with Lady Autumn and variations of them had occurred during their journey to Tryfilli and the first hours of the Karnival. He and Lady Autumn had not discussed the matter openly though they'd developed a metaphor aboard the ship relating to fish and from it Sand had surmised that Lady Cynel was aware she would soon no longer be Lady Autumn. Her vision in unifying the Courts and in reestablishing the Demesne were legendary but here at the end of the rapid expansion that had marked the Courts' premiere upon the world stage her abilities had become less useful. Religion filled the minds of her Court's most noble Aeldir as a distraction and amusement in this time of relative peace and Cynel could not offer them a more powerful direction for their duties and needs across the Demesne had been filled. Lady Deirma Orlan however possessed the passions of the Fantastigorian Expanse and its myriad of peoples and Sand suspected they would be the next major influencer in Autumn culture.

The thought gave Sand a headache and he thirsted for a fine brew. His appearance put many in Ambrose on edge for giving him a pint and so he tugged the sleeve of Lady Autumn beside him and requested she acquire a pair of beers for them. It was during the wait for his compatriot's return that he saw the woman, Willa, the wife of Maldarr Drivas, infamous in social circles for his legendary trysts with the Avonlean Queen Thalia Darkthorne before her disappearance. Sand had heard he'd had a wife some years ago and been curious for the state of such a woman given the frequency and bawdy nature of the rumors Sand was privy to. Now here she was before him and the curiosity was overwhelming. When Lady Autumn returned he took both drinks from her hands and began to make his way towards the royal delegation, splitting from his compatriot as she ventured towards Derris and Sand towards Willa.

"Care for a drink, my lady? I hear it's a fine brew they make here in these lands," Duke Sand was smiling and his voice lit with carefree happiness as he offered a tankard to the Ambrosan woman.

Lady Autumn was attempting to relax and enjoy this event. It was a celebration in honor of her Court's patron god and yet she felt uneasy. Already she wielded less power within her Court than she had any time before since winning the title of Lady Autumn. This event and her attendance of it was one of the few privileges in which she was fully deferred to. Already her Ladies and Matrons had taken to the Words and despite their relative ineptitude at being Speakers of the Old Gods they did not listen to her requests that they stop or refocus. The Court was beginning to resent her and she knew her friend Lady Derima Orlan was to become the next Lady Autumn. The thought did not relax her although she swallowed her pride and tried to focus on her present situation.

She grabbed the two beers from the servant with a matronly nod of appreciation to the young server and returned to her one remaining friend, Duke Sand. As he took off towards the royals from Ambrose, who she had formally greeted days ago when she'd first arrived in anticipation of the event, she followed. Seeing Derris well into his drink as well as his son the motherly Aeldir woman merely smiled and turned towards Belinda. Her brown eyes sparked with a playful disapproval of the male mischief and she addressed her directly.

"Lady Belinda, might I make an odd request of you? I have heard much of gambling amongst the Valli and Stathos and the Vathys Raceway though I regret my knowledge of gambling is rather limited. Might you perhaps be interested in instructing me and helping me fully enjoy this event?"

Willa and the Duke

Willa turned, surprised at being addressed by this unknown boy. The scowl that had consumed her features as she watched her husband flirt with the crowd now fixed upon Duke Sand. She didn't know why she was jealous anyway. She thought to herself heatedly as her pretty dark blue eyes narrowed at her husband's back, pretending to not feel the pride of being wed to one of such celebrity. Her eyes went back to the boy and she realized that this "boy" was of the Spring Court and no boy at all. She took the beer gratefully and quaffed three big gulps.

"You have my thanks Ser, though I do not know your name. Please sit." She indicated the seat next to her politely, dark of hair and fair of skin, Willa was a lovely sight, though made slightly less so by her scowl.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Belinda had seen Lady Autumn approach and was made glad to have some pleasant feminine company.

"Of course, Lady Derima. Please have a seat besides me, I am quite grateful for some sober company." Belinda rolled her eyes as Derris and Baram laughed uproariously at some jest known only to themselves. Sipping her beer delicately she thought upon the Lady's request,

"To gamble is to play a game of chance, though in this case, chance really means odds." She paused to take another sip of the cool brew,

"Each simurgh is judged very carefully by his past performances in the racing track, and based upon his performance, it is judged how likely he is to win this race against his fellows." She took a longer drink,

"To gamble on a simurgh is to judge him to be the winner. Of course if you choose unwisely, then you will loose your bet. Though it does make rooting for a simurgh more exciting, if you are invested in it." Derris sent an errant hand to collide with her beer which sloshed in its glass, though was low enough in it that it did not spill over. He looked contritely at his wife for a moment and went back to watching the parade. Belinda shook her head in mostly mock disgust.

It had been a long 3 years. Skada Lochbar had travelled far and wide since the last time she journeyed to foreign lands with the intent of merriment and adventure. She had accepted an Avonlean Maiden into the courts and battle halls of Nifhel, an act deemed repulsive by the conservative minded Chieftains, and had done the unspeakable in speaking on friendly terms with the Winter Aeldir. She had ventured down a path of religious revelation, spreading the harsh truths of the Fimbulvintr as far east as the north poles went, and to the very bowels of the Dragon's Throat. She had been given the horrid truth of her fathers death, her messenger? The blade of a would be assassin slicing her face and ruining her left eye. Her brothers entrails presented to her as a gift by those who didn't believe in the world she did, a world of gods and fairies, and a world where every effort must be taken to touch the divine no matter how far they may be.

Her last global appearance was in the capital of the Winter Aeldir, though it was quite the dour event for her as she did naught but passively watch the world spin by, and turned aside all dignitaries who wished to speak or entrance the Princess of Ice. There she still bore the death shroud of her mourning, a slathered layer of the ash of those traitors she had burned after torturing and dragging them across the roads of Nifhel. She wore their ashes for months, reapplying a fresh layer each day she found the mask was lacking, and lubricated her weapons and armor within their blood. A proper tribute to avenge her father and brother. Skada was alone in the world, for the first time truly alone, and though she had passed the period of mourning custom for the Nifhel, she still carried some of their ashes and blood in memory.

The years had changed so much and yet so little in the Harbinger of Nifhel. She had grown even taller and lankier then last when she was naught but 13 years of age, her body still compact with inlaid muscles and new scars. Her skin became even more tainted with the waters of Nifhel, large patches of her body pulsing with the blue coloration from those blighted springs, and her one intact yellow right eye took on a slight glowing sheen. Her warriors pony tail had stretched even farther, accounting several more talismans and bone decorations embroidered within it. A black eyepatch covered her useless crimson eye, crudely made and reinforced thickly with furs and strong stitching it also managed to cover most of the scar along her eye. Her body was less immature, her figure coming in more fully though only by a slight margin from where she was hence, and now the Warrior Queen carried herself in bone armor painted with sigils of the Fimbulvintr by her own hands. Though she had not yet entered the full breadth of adulthood, the grips of her childhood slipped, and it would be a dour thought in self reflection.

But today was not a day of self reflection, it was not a day for dour spirits or the mourning of those who have been lost. Today was a day of violence, of inebriation, of good spirits and most of all seeing the greatest fighters Telluris had to offer in her quest to assemble the greatest mercenary band known to this realm. Considering the gravity and expenditures of such an action, the highest authorities of each of the Great Clans assembled to ride with her shattering all expectations and past notions. For the first time in recorded history, the Four Horsemen of Nifhel rode out of her territories all as one, and it was not with the banners of war flying but the disgruntled observations of suspicious investors. Skada had already inebriated herself quite heavily in advance of the proceedings, her armored countenance bouncing lazily too and fro aback her mighty black maned steed, and her musical accompaniment with her cherished platinum trumpet was but a series of simple melodies and off tune blasting in equal measure. She watched the proceedings of the parade with drunken lecherous attention, whistling at fine maidens and barking at the strong jawed fighters who passed by. Her musings were only interrupted upon her hampered hearing piecing together a comment amidst the din of hoof beats and raucous celebrating. A gruff and yet articulate voice that could only be the leader of Clan Grimmson, the Horseman Pestilence.

"The Harbinger promises us proof of these foreign dogs worthiness in hiring them, yet she wastes time drinking and screaming. Foolish Child..."

She came to a stop in an instant, her body retching violently as those words rattled in her head, and then suddenly all hell broke loose. Her horse began to neigh and stomp about in fear as Skada leapt off its saddle in one fluid motion, like a tiger leaping from the masking fauna to tear its prey instantly, and in a moment she was upon Pestilence tackling him off his horse and through a group of gawking citizens. Grunting and screaming in anger, Pestilence grabbed a hold of the girls ponytail, pulling her off of his bulky frame and tossing her with one heavy swing. Like a landslide she smashed through the scattering crowd, her armored form quickly dashing itself against the earth below and tumbling into the middle of the parade. Flopping about like a rag doll, chunks of her armor cracked and scattered off, disfiguring some of its more esoteric qualities, yet leaving it none less effective. Quick as an arrow she regained her composure and stood on all fours, throwing herself up onto her feet and pulling out her spear as Pestilence charged her head on, unsheathing his own warhammer. For their part the other warriors and guards of the Nifhel, a veritable war band in its own right, simply stopped and watched the brawl ensue, and were content to passively observe who would come out the victor as they stopped in their tracks. Hammer met dust as Pestilence's attack went wide, Skada taking advantage of the situation to bash his back in with the length of her spear, and following through with a steady kick to the head. His green painted horned helmet went flying at the motion, his body stumbling along with it as his face was fully exposed. A mountain of a man, Pestilence, Arngrímur Berglund was clearly long in the tooth. His face was withered with age and weather, his eyes foggy and clouded with cataracts, his hair white as the killer snows, and his broad body wrapped in a layer of chainmail and bone armor unseen by other Raiders.

He was armored like a fortress, his very pauldrons like shields for lesser men, and behind his bespectecled eyes was the wisdom of generations. None of it mattered, however, when Skada bashed her boot against his stomach and brought her bone ridden gauntlet down against his unarmored face. Glass shattered and metal bent as the seeing aid exploded against his face and cut his already scarred visage. She brought her fist down again upon his face, then again, then again, and again. Scrambling for his discarded iron helmet, Skada lifted it high and smashed it against the side of his face, denting the front of it and leaving a large bruise on his forehead. Panting, heaving, off kilter, Skada Lochbar stood over her defeated and unconscious foe and simply raised her opponents helmet on high like a trophy. She banged her fist against her chest in brazen and ardent excitement, howling her name for all to hear.

"I AM SKADA LOCHBAR! DAUGHTER OF GOTH LOCHBAR! GRANDAUGHTER OF WIGLAF LOCHBAR. I AM NO CHILD. HEAR ME-"

She bent over, vomitting out the contents of her lunch along the road as her body recoiled backwards from the force, and she grabbed a hold of her knees to stay steady. Her riders and the other Horsemen simply raised their weapons in agreement and shouted their assent. Wiping her mouth, the Harbinger looked around to fully take in her surroundings, and with a wave of her hand two Raiders from Clan Grimmson carried off their lord to rejoin the other Horsemen in their trek to meet with Derris and the other dignitaries in the raised platform to watch the events of today unfold and "Play Nice" with the infidels as Skada wished for them. But the Harbinger? She had different plans now. Brandishing her trumpet and spitting out what phlegm and bile still remained in her mouth, she took her trusted steed Nidhogg and rode with the parade like another performer or champion. Quite literally tooting her own horn, she rode through with the parade like a woman possessed, and laughed hysterically the whole time.

It was going to be a good day.

Name of Participant: Skada Lochbar
Realm: The Great Clans of Nifhel
Military Score: 5

A crowd had gathered to watch the fight as Skada pummeled her clansmen, though nobody moved to help him. The onlookers cheered as she crowed her victory and drank in her honor as she vomited her lunch and adrenaline in the streets. As she rode down the parade route, the parade attendants cheered and clapped for the Nifhel girl, urging on her playing and antics as she trotted along with the performers, tooting her horn and entertaining them all with her glee and bravado. Not having been formally introduced, Derris recognized her not, though he and Baram cheered for the strange and fierce looking young woman as she blew her horn and cantered on her mighty steed past their platform.

HalfTangible

2016-03-22, 10:43 PM

Maldarr snorted as his good eye flicked to the former Primal Champion, accustomed to her bombastic ways from their long acquaintance within the ABL. he leaned into her so that she may hear his voice over the crowd without shouting,

"They cheer louder when you scowl." And he turned from Krisnia to the crowd that had gathered to watch as they passed. He flexed his biceps and scowled fiercely at his fans as the crowd became ever more boisterous with their cheers and admiration. A brief half smile flickered across his lips as his eye went back to his primal companion. He raised his eyebrow silently as if to say, "I told you so."

Krisnia raised an eyebrow at the one-eyed man. He was right, of course; so much of Maldarr's fanbase was obsessed with him primarily because he seemed to rough and callous. The ladies loved his aloof nature, and the gentlemen wished they could be that tough. He'd get more cheers by looking angry than by the eccentric, bombastic and joyful personality she showed... but the way he'd presented that fact sounded almost like a challenge to her.

And Krisnia - any Primal, really - loved a good challenge.

She turned back to her own fans and posed, winking beautifully for them all to see. Her black hair flowed and the red tips sparkled in the breeze as a frenzied chant of her name began, rising up above even Maldaar's fans cheers. She looked over her shoulder to her fellow boxer and winked as if to say, 'your move'.

[Skada]

As Skada rode her steed past Krisnia and Maldarr, a woman's laughter rang out over the procession. Krisnia pointed to her and shouted, "NICE ONE BACK THERE! I'M KRISNIA OF PRIMUS, AND I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS! YOU HEAR ME?!" in a joyful and boisterous manner.

PepperP.

2016-03-22, 11:10 PM

Krisnia raised an eyebrow at the one-eyed man. He was right, of course; so much of Maldarr's fanbase was obsessed with him primarily because he seemed to rough and callous. The ladies loved his aloof nature, and the gentlemen wished they could be that tough. He'd get more cheers by looking angry than by the eccentric, bombastic and joyful personality she showed... but the way he'd presented that fact sounded almost like a challenge to her.

And Krisnia - any Primal, really - loved a good challenge.

She turned back to her own fans and posed, winking beautifully for them all to see. Her black hair flowed and the red tips sparkled in the breeze as a frenzied chant of her name began, rising up above even Maldaar's fans cheers. She looked over her shoulder to her fellow boxer and winked as if to say, 'your move'.

Maldarr looked momentarily surprised by Krisnia's response before a rare grin broke across his face at his fellow Champion's antics. He moved to her side and took her hand and lifted it with his own as if in victory. The crowd roared to see them united and he held them there in the pose for a moment before releasing her hand and continuing down the route, leaving her to catch up.

lt_murgen

2016-03-23, 07:54 AM

Reggiejam

2016-03-23, 09:51 AM

Willa and the Duke

Willa turned, surprised at being addressed by this unknown boy. The scowl that had consumed her features as she watched her husband flirt with the crowd now fixed upon Duke Sand. She didn't know why she was jealous anyway. She thought to herself heatedly as her pretty dark blue eyes narrowed at her husband's back, pretending to not feel the pride of being wed to one of such celebrity. Her eyes went back to the boy and she realized that this "boy" was of the Spring Court and no boy at all. She took the beer gratefully and quaffed three big gulps.

"You have my thanks Ser, though I do not know your name. Please sit." She indicated the seat next to her politely, dark of hair and fair of skin, Willa was a lovely sight, though made slightly less so by her scowl.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Belinda had seen Lady Autumn approach and was made glad to have some pleasant feminine company.

"Of course, Lady Cynel. Please have a seat besides me, I am quite grateful for some sober company." Belinda rolled her eyes as Derris and Baram laughed uproariously at some jest known only to themselves. Sipping her beer delicately she thought upon the Lady's request,

"To gamble is to play a game of chance, though in this case, chance really means odds." She paused to take another sip of the cool brew,

"Each simurgh is judged very carefully by his past performances in the racing track, and based upon his performance, it is judged how likely he is to win this race against his fellows." She took a longer drink,

"To gamble on a simurgh is to judge him to be the winner. Of course if you choose unwisely, then you will loose your bet. Though it does make rooting for a simurgh more exciting, if you are invested in it." Derris sent an errant hand to collide with her beer which sloshed in its glass, though was low enough in it that it did not spill over. He looked contritely at his wife for a moment and went back to watching the parade. Belinda shook her head in mostly mock disgust.

Will and the Duke

"You can call me the Fox," the Spring Aeldir offered as he took the seat indicated for him.

He sipped from his beer, almost the size of his head and comical in its size comparison to the Aeldir lordling, "I'd wager a pretty lady like you must make the whole League swoon with your beauty. Why, I'd bet the Autumn Court would fight over purchasing your services just so your presence could ornament the background of some Matron's home. Tell me, you must be the object of desire for much of the Allied Provinces?"

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Lady Autumn smiled and nodded silently as Belinda explained the basic concept of gambling. Cynel was familiar to be sure with gambling and how it worked but she would not begrudge her host by interrupting. As she finished her explanation and Derris' hand flew to knock into her drink Lady Autumn feigned a surprised jump and offered her own mockingly disapproving smile to Belinda's shaking head.

"That all sounds very exciting. Tell me, have you placed a bet on any of the racing simurghs? I could surely use a more well acquainted eye in judging a racer than my own."

PepperP.

2016-03-23, 11:39 AM

It was an arduous trip for the Truserchen. The trip overland along the south road was pleasant. Most of the road was paved with cutstone, and many of the bridges were complete. In the lands of the Nemeria, their Ochregrew worked closely with the locals to bring their sections up to Truwerchen standards. Travel through the Pale Empyrium was more difficult, largely due to the lack of anything resembling a proper road. Still, the locals were enthusiastic and happy to see the scholarly caravan.

The second half of the trip, the sea voyage, was more trying. Truserchen, for the most part, were not true sailors. Only those raised in Phoenix Bay managed the trip without sea-sickness. Salt spray, humidity, and the constant rocking of the boats made scholarly work impossible. It was a long, boring frog-hop through the islands and along the coast of the western continent.

It was hardly surprising, then, that so many of the Truserchen failed to return to the ship at each port. There was so much of the wild world to explore and write-about. Younger scholars of the 2nd and 3rd Unisep were enticed away with opportunities as clerks and money counters by rich nobles and guilds. Small knots of 5th and 6th level Uniseps and their assistants were scattered like path-stones along the travels of the caravan.

So it was that only a small delegation of Truserchen arrived at the festival. Pontisep Huxley Unitwitetrasolograph, Bluepulsar, CarryInterest led the group. 7th Degree Phyloxgrew Gretchen Griefstep, Thumbhold was also there. The last person of note was a Field Commander Waroochek, a Maywn warrior. The remainder of the group were lower level Uniseps.

The Pontisep made a formal appearance at the pavillion and introduced the group to Derris and the other nobles. “The Inquisition of Truserchen Scholars convened to research Western Merriment.” Huxley announced, then bowed to present a hard-stock card listing the names of each of the scholars upon it- in small print, on both sides. ”Go learn something.” He said, dismissing the younger scholars.

”Is it proper for Pontisep Huxley to take leisure here in the pavillion for a time?” Huxley addressed the gathered nobility.

All of them were dark haired and dark skinned. The men were short and stocky. They dressed in bold, strong monochromatic colored blouse and pants. Over that, a long double-buttoned leather jacket of lighter color, with fringe and beaded decorations. Around their necks were beaded scarves. Each wore a short hat with long tailings, cut away at the front to show off the jewel embedded in their skulls.

The women were similarly attired, but in paler colors. Their scarves were more sheer and instead of a cap, they wore a beaded headdress. Long hard-leather boots and a satchel bag completed their attire.
Gretchen Griefstep, Thumbhold was an attractive middle-aged woman. Dusky brown skin and flat features set off her gold-streaked eyes. She wore very pale colors and an elegant headdress. A large light-purple gem was clearly embedded in her forehead, set off by henna scrollwork around it. She moved with the economy of motion seen in soldiers or top predators, her eyes roving while her head remained still.

Derris looked at the Pontisep for a moment, a bit taken aback at being addressed so formally at such an informal occasion, perhaps made even more so by the copious amount of beer he had already imbibed. He stood, swaying only a little and supported by Baram's back as his son remained seated. Derris had forgone a shirt or jacket, the tattoos of his station plainly visible across his shoulders to anybody who could decipher their meaning. He wore the laurel crown atop his salt and pepper curls, though it had fallen slightly askew in his revel, and the liquor had turned the long vertical scar that traversed the left side of his face a light shade of purple. Derris clapped the arm of the hand that was not holding his beer and turned the Pontisep towards the crowd,

"Aftos thelei euphraino!" He shouted to his people and they cheered back,

"Opa!" and they drank a toast to the Pontisep as servants rushed towards them and pressed the newcomers with drinks of their own.

"Please friend, sit with us. You are most welcome here. Tell me of your journey." Derris had the dim notion that it may have been a ponderous journey for the Truserchen, but now that he thought of it, he could not recall exactly where their homelands were.

"Whence are your homelands? East?" He asked, waving his hand in the direction he thought was east in his haze, though it was in reality vaguely north. East was always a safe bet, Derris thought to himself, chuckling aloud without realizing.

Will and the Duke

"You can call me the Fox," the Spring Aeldir offered as he took the seat indicated for him.

He sipped from his beer, almost the size of his head and comical in its size comparison to the Aeldir lordling, "I'd wager a pretty lady like you must make the whole League swoon with your beauty. Why, I'd bet the Autumn Court would fight over purchasing your services just so your presence could ornament the background of some Matron's home. Tell me, you must be the object of desire for much of the Allied Provinces?"

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Lady Autumn smiled and nodded silently as Belinda explained the basic concept of gambling. Cynel was familiar to be sure with gambling and how it worked but she would not begrudge her host by interrupting. As she finished her explanation and Derris' hand flew to knock into her drink Lady Autumn feigned a surprised jump and offered her own mockingly disapproving smile to Belinda's shaking head.

"That all sounds very exciting. Tell me, have you placed a bet on any of the racing simurghs? I could surely use a more well acquainted eye in judging a racer than my own."

Willa and the Fox

Willa raised an eyebrow and snorted as the little Lord extolled upon her perceived virtues.

"I'm afraid my charms are quite eclipsed by those of my husband, he is the recipient of all of the attention in our household." Willa spoke sourly and downed her cup in four big gulps, signaling for another. A servant hurried over to comply.

"Everyone loves him." She waved her mug at his retreating back as his portion of the parade moved past them, her eyes roving once again to the gaggle of Avonleans that he had paused to flirt with,

"Especially the Avonleans. Sometimes I'm surprised when they don't pop out of the cupboards in the mornings just to swoon over him." She rolled her eyes to show her suffering and took another swig of ale,

"How did you get the name Fox anyway?" She asked as she glared at the dainty blondes' backs.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

"Men," Belinda shook her head derisively, though her tone held an air of indulgence.

"All oafs when in their cups, every one of them Protos or no." She sipped lightly on her brew as if to show Derris how it should be done proper, though the lesson was quite lost on him as he and Baram were once again laughing at something or another.

"Admittedly, My Lady, I am no great gambler myself." Despite or because her father was Aleksy Drivas, operator of the Speedway, she was not entirely certain.

"My father, who is wont to gamble," Indeed, it was how he came on his fortune and married his daughter to the then Polemarchos Derris Asker,

"He would say to bet the maximum on the beast with the highest odds. Cindermist I think the pup's name is. I'm sure we could arrange a tour of the racers before the contest if you wished to see them for yourself before the bet." Her father strongly believed in seeing the simurghs up close first hand to gauge their mettle, he said. She snorted at the thought.

Mary_Sue

2016-03-23, 12:00 PM

Maldarr had taken to varying scowls and flexing with waves to the crowd for amusement when he spotted the four comely maids who he took to be Avonleans from their appearance. They seemed to be shouting and waving at him. One of them was even jumping up and down, desperate for his attention. Pretending to ignore them, he flexed within their proximity for longer than perhaps strictly necessary and then swaggered over to them, not saying anything her took the proferred medallion and graced the maiden with a wink in from his good eye before he continued along the parade route.

Maldarr's seeming indifference and strategic flexing only served to fuel the maids furor and they were shouting quite excitedly by the time he had deigned swagger over to their group. Landrie gaped as he approached and took her medallion from her, blushing as he favoured her with a wink and smiling most delightedly. They four stood for a time in stunned silence, watching the legend strut past before they were consumed by giggles which soon turned to uproarious laughter as they congratulated Landrie jealously but happily, the lucky maid herself in danger of swooning.

Skada

The four maids, still made merry by their interaction with Maldarr, had been joining their calls and cheers with the crowds when a strange girl sitting atop a great horse rode by holding a horn and looking rather fearsome. Landrie, emboldened by Maldarr's favour, called to her,

"Play your horn, girl!" She bid her.

"We fancy a song!" Enyd added her voice to Landrie's.

"Toot, toot your horn!" Mariya called out.

"Toot toot toot!" Claviana added her voice to the chant and jumped up and down.

lt_murgen

2016-03-23, 01:24 PM

Derris looked at the Pontisep for a moment, a bit taken aback at being addressed so formally at such an informal occasion, perhaps made even more so by the copious amount of beer he had already imbibed. He stood, swaying only a little and supported by Baram's back as his son remained seated. Derris had forgone a shirt or jacket, the tattoos of his station plainly visible across his shoulders to anybody who could decipher their meaning. He wore the laurel crown atop his salt and pepper curls, though it had fallen slightly askew in his revel, and the liquor had turned the long vertical scar that traversed the left side of his face a light shade of purple. Derris clapped the arm of the hand that was not holding his beer and turned the Pontisep towards the crowd,

"Aftos thelei euphraino!" He shouted to his people and they cheered back,

"Opa!" and they drank a toast to the Pontisep as servants rushed towards them and pressed the newcomers with drinks of their own.

"Please friend, sit with us. You are most welcome here. Tell me of your journey." Derris had the dim notion that it may have been a ponderous journey for the Truserchen, but now that he thought of it, he could not recall exactly where their homelands were.

"Whence are your homelands? East?" He asked, waving his hand in the direction he thought was east in his haze, though it was in reality vaguely north. East was always a safe bet, Derris thought to himself, chuckling aloud without realizing.

Pontisep Huxley took a seat, and a beer, drinking deeply before he talked. The beer was, simply, delicious. “Fondnew! The Truserchen must send brewers to learn the techniques!” He clarified, “Of course, it is often the wheat, hopps, and yeast more than the techniques. Still, a worthy subject of research.” High praise, indeed, from the scholars.

“The homeland of the Truserchen, the Gran Fingardium Sharides, is half a globe away. Across the Sea of Coin, the Babdi Ocean, or the Western Ocean, as the Truserchen name it. Even then, across the Pale Empiyrum and the Sea of Storms. Perhaps one day a passage across the unenlightened portions of the globe will be found.”

“Many of the Truserchen attached to this expedition have wandered off in various lands. The Pontisep apologizes for such a minimal group attending this event. The Pontisep is particularly interested to learn of this concept of gambling. ”

Tychris1

2016-03-23, 01:53 PM

A crowd had gathered to watch the fight as Skada pummeled her clansmen, though nobody moved to help him. The onlookers cheered as she crowed her victory and drank in her honor as she vomited her lunch and adrenaline in the streets. As she rode down the parade route, the parade attendants cheered and clapped for the Nifhel girl, urging on her playing and antics as she trotted along with the performers, tooting her horn and entertaining them all with her glee and bravado. Not having been formally introduced, Derris recognized her not, though he and Baram cheered for the strange and fierce looking young woman as she blew her horn and cantered on her mighty steed past their platform.

Continuing about with her antics, the more stern faced (And in one case unconscious) members of the Horsemen continued on and finished arriving at the platform. The three of them dismounted in unison, grumbling and glancing amongst each other before Famine stepped forward. Whipping her helmets plume with a bow of her head, Famine held out a scroll and formally announced the Nifhel dignitaries.

"The Horseman War, Oglaf Shieldbreaker of Clan Jötenhel.
The Horsewoman Death, Fjolda Niffeldruch of Clan Niffeldruch
I, the Horsewoman Famine, Petra Holmberg of Clan Hardrada
And the unconscious man is the Horseman Pestilence, Arngrímur Berglund of Clan Grimmson.
We are the Four Horseman of Nifhel, and the young lady frolicking on her horse and screaming is Skada Lochbar, Harbinger of Nifhel."

She rolled up the scroll once more and then handed it off to her Herald. Dismissing their coterie, the Horseman moved to take seat with the other dignitaries, and made no motion to remove their helmets or armor.

[Skada]

As Skada rode her steed past Krisnia and Maldarr, a woman's laughter rang out over the procession. Krisnia pointed to her and shouted, "NICE ONE BACK THERE! I'M KRISNIA OF PRIMUS, AND I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS! YOU HEAR ME?!" in a joyful and boisterous manner.

Spitting up her drink, Skada bucked in her seat and looked over at Krisnia and Maldarr. Her eye scanned the two, foggy determination blazing within her pupils, and soon she started laughing aswell. "WHAT'S THAT? I COULDN'T HEAR YOU OVER YOUR EGO! BITE ME KRISNIA OF PRIMUS, IF YOUR MOUTH'S GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT BLABBING! FUHUHUHUHU!"

Skada

The four maids, still made merry by their interaction with Maldarr, had been joining their calls and cheers with the crowds when a strange girl sitting atop a great horse rode by holding a horn and looking rather fearsome. Landrie, emboldened by Maldarr's favour, called to her,

"Play your horn, girl!" She bid her.

"We fancy a song!" Enyd added her voice to Landrie's.

"Toot, toot your horn!" Mariya called out.

"Toot toot toot!" Claviana added her voice to the chant and jumped up and down.

Looking over at the four maidens, Skada purred seductively before swishing her pony tail from side to side, and began to discard chunks of her armor. Ripping and tearing, she wiggled and danced on her horse even as she loosened the heavier pieces of gear, and finally worked her way to clumsily standing atop her horse. Nidhogg, loyal and thorough bred steed that he was, remained unphased and continued trotting forward along the path of the parade. Gripping her horn tightly with both hands, Skada's yellow tainted eye wobbled as her body followed suit, and she took in a deep breathe before steadying herself with a grinding of her boot. Blasting a single powerful note, she began to thrust back and forth in dance and carried on the note into a song her brother had taught her years ago (https://musescore.com/user/7225121/scores/1687446).

HalfTangible

2016-03-23, 02:42 PM

Spitting up her drink, Skada bucked in her seat and looked over at Krisnia and Maldarr. Her eye scanned the two, foggy determination blazing within her pupils, and soon she started laughing aswell. "WHAT'S THAT? I COULDN'T HEAR YOU OVER YOUR EGO! BITE ME KRISNIA OF PRIMUS, IF YOUR MOUTH'S GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT BLABBING! FUHUHUHUHU!"

"At least my ego can't be eaten in one bite, little girl!" Krisnia yelled back, laughing right along with the Nifhel Harbinger. "Why don't you come back here and I'll show you exactly what else my mouth is good for!!"

---
[Maldarr]

"Okay, okay, I get it!" Krisnia caught up, chuckling. "Great audience today, at least. Can't wait to get into the arena." She winked at Maldarr. "Watch your blind spot. It's killing ya out there."

PepperP.

2016-03-23, 02:42 PM

Pontisep Huxley took a seat, and a beer, drinking deeply before he talked. The beer was, simply, delicious. “Fondnew! The Truserchen must send brewers to learn the techniques!” He clarified, “Of course, it is often the wheat, hopps, and yeast more than the techniques. Still, a worthy subject of research.” High praise, indeed, from the scholars.

“The homeland of the Truserchen, the Gran Fingardium Sharides, is half a globe away. Across the Sea of Coin, the Babdi Ocean, or the Western Ocean, as the Truserchen name it. Even then, across the Pale Empiyrum and the Sea of Storms. Perhaps one day a passage across the unenlightened portions of the globe will be found.”

“Many of the Truserchen attached to this expedition have wandered off in various lands. The Pontisep apologizes for such a minimal group attending this event. The Pontisep is particularly interested to learn of this concept of gambling. ”

"Finest brew in the west! Perhaps the whole of the known world, you know they brew down in the southeast but I find their take quite bitter." Derris leaned in confidentially,

"Too many hops." He said with a knowing nod.

"You are quite welcome to send your brewmasters to study amongst us." Derris stood and raised his mug,

"Erchontai mia erchontai ola!" He shouted to the crowd,

"Opa!" They responded to their Protos gleefully and drank deeply with him.

Derris's attention returned fully to the Pontisep as he asked about gambling, though he spotted his youngest son Colson making his way to the platform with Nyle in tow.

"Gambling is a game of chance my friend! Pick a worthy beast and pray to Eikaria!" He thought dimly that there must be more to it than that, though at the moment what it might be escaped him.

Continuing about with her antics, the more stern faced (And in one case unconscious) members of the Horsemen continued on and finished arriving at the platform. The three of them dismounted in unison, grumbling and glancing amongst each other before Famine stepped forward. Whipping her helmets plume with a bow of her head, Famine held out a scroll and formally announced the Nifhel dignitaries.

"The Horseman War, Oglaf Shieldbreaker of Clan Jötenhel.
The Horsewoman Death, Fjolda Niffeldruch of Clan Niffeldruch
I, the Horsewoman Famine, Petra Holmberg of Clan Hardrada
And the unconscious man is the Horseman Pestilence, Arngrímur Berglund of Clan Grimmson.
We are the Four Horseman of Nifhel, and the young lady frolicking on her horse and screaming is Skada Lochbar, Harbinger of Nifhel."

She rolled up the scroll once more and then handed it off to her Herald. Dismissing their coterie, the Horseman moved to take seat with the other dignitaries, and made no motion to remove their helmets or armor.

Derris turned to the Pontisep and raised a finger apologetically at the interruption in their conversation,

"Welcome!" And he spread his arms, indicating they should make themselves comfortable.

"Ferei tin byra!" He called to the servants who came scurrying with fresh mugs of beer for the newcomers.

"Ahhh" for a moment he could not recall the newcomers name or title,

"Harbinger!" He almost shouted as it came back to him,

"This is the Pontisep, from the lands of the Truserchen. Far east." Again he waved vaguely north.

His twenty year old son joined him then, along with Nyle, just turned nineteen. They sat next to Baram, amused looks on their faces at the advanced state of Derris's merry making.

"This is my heir Baram, Colson, my youngest and that one is Maldarr's boy Nyle." He failed to point out exactly which was which, but the three young men all nodded and said their hellos politely.

Mary_Sue

2016-03-23, 02:59 PM

Looking over at the four maidens, Skada purred seductively before swishing her pony tail from side to side, and began to discard chunks of her armor. Ripping and tearing, she wiggled and danced on her horse even as she loosened the heavier pieces of gear, and finally worked her way to clumsily standing atop her horse. Nidhogg, loyal and thorough bred steed that he was, remained unphased and continued trotting forward along the path of the parade. Gripping her horn tightly with both hands, Skada's yellow tainted eye wobbled as her body followed suit, and she took in a deep breathe before steadying herself with a grinding of her boot. Blasting a single powerful note, she began to thrust back and forth in dance and carried on the note into a song her brother had taught her years ago (https://musescore.com/user/7225121/scores/1687446).

The four maids stoop agape as the girl began to undress in front of them. They looked at each aghast and then burst out giggling, turning to cheer her on, and they began to clap in rhythm with her song, well pleased at her unexpected prowess at playing her horn. The four maids linked arms and began to dance gaily, twirling each other about and skipping around each other merrily. The crowd around them soon followed suit and a large crowd broke into dance as Skada played her upbeat tune. They reluctantly stopped dancing once the jaunty tune was at an end and they clapped and cheered for her uproariously along with the crowd that had joined them in their dance.

"Well played!" Called Landrie.

"Very well played!" Added Claviana.

"Play another!" Urged Mariya.

"Yes, do play it again!" Pleaded Enyd, waving her arms.

Gengy

2016-03-23, 04:21 PM

The Delegation of Spring

Lady Spring had just completed months of traveling. Not because Tir Amser was so far away from Didyma's Keep, but because she had many guests that she wished to see the Demesne with. Early in the year, they had started within Tir Amser, but had traveled first to Tir Corryn and Free-Men's Beach, the bustling city of swordsmen. There, they had traveled along the Fern Ridge trade route to the South Rose trade route, and up along the regions found therein, finally coming to a week long rest within the Tillwell. The Gesh governor treated Lady Spring quite well, and she was sorry to have to go, but once again she and her party moved onwards towards Gullinbursti. Though many refused to call the region Tir Or-Torc, a bustling trade town had been steadily growing and it had taken on the name Tir Or-Torc with no issues. It vexed Lady Spring some, but she resigned herself to the ways of the world, seeing that - though she might order it otherwise - the region was too firmly rooted to have it's name changed. Additional guests arrived from far away lands, right on schedule, much to Lady Aleuta's pleasure.

From Tir Or-Torc, Lady Spring and her growing group of guests took a ship to Silverwood, where they quickly found passage upon a merchant vessel set to delver goods first to the Autumn Court, and then on to Tir Xungla. Upon arriving in the Autumn Courtlands, Lady Spring spoke with the dockmaster for Caer Hydref, and had a letter sent on to Lady Autumn, explaining that she would hope to see Lady Cynel at the Karnavali, just a month away. Though Aleuta dearly wished she could have spent more time in the Autumn Courtlands, it was Tir Xungla that most of her guests wished to see, and the merchant had already proven himself to be a capable host; earning from Lady Spring the much desired Golden Stem that he now wore proudly upon his upper arm at all times.

Tir Xungla was absolutely lovely. Aleuta enjoyed her time among the Salvax, and the Salvax Ri was quite the individual. For a Summer Court Aeldir, he was fairly relaxed and non-aggressive. Then again, the Salvax Ri was not - through his existance - constantly being challenged by his peers to prove his worth; here in Tir Xungla, his actions were not under the same level of scrutiny that other Summer Court Aeldir had to deal with, and his power was - among the Salvax - quite absolute. The fact that Lord Summer personally saw the Salvax as just another group of people to be protected, and not as possible members for an army, also gave Tir Xungla some additional autonomy. Everything was quite pleasant, and Lady Spring left feeling refreshed. The Xungla Crystals were a curiosity to her and the Spring Court, and now the Truserchen were also interested. The Salvax Ri assured Lady Spring that any researchers sent to the island would be treated with care.

Wisely, Aleuta chose not to ask what he meant by that, but seeing as Marchnadwr Aures from Carraig Dún was well treated, she was sure any delegates would find a welcome home so long as they posed no dangers to the Salvax themselves. Still, Lady Aleuta resolved herself to a conversation with Lady Autumn before providing permission to the Truserchen. The lines between... research group and diplomatic envoys were blurred enough that, when outside of the Spring Courtlands, this was clearly something that - at the very least - Cynel Bres should be informed of, if she did not have a say in the matter.

And so, just a short time after visiting Tir Xungla, the merchant vessel Crystal Theona arrived, and offloaded quite the unusual amount of passengers. With Lady Spring - in her white silk dress and gold stem trim - was her personal guard, Eoghan, his armor still not fitting quite right. Lady Owena from Tir Xungla was acting as translator for Bas Pride and Warchod Prejudice, here just for fun, and because it was so close. The Salvax Ri was sorely tempted to attend himself, but the Bas and Warchods of the North and East hunts were adamant in arguing over whom would be given the honor to guard him. Lady Spring left him, politely arguing with his Salvax, Lady Owena quietly giggling as she informed Lady Aleuta that the Bas of the North was growling at the Warchod of the East as to just how many hundreds of Salvax would be traveling with the Salvax Ri, and the number was only going up.

Along with - what some might now consider the normal Spring Court delegation - there were also some additional persons of note. Towering over almost everyone, his black leather vest open in a way that showed off both his tan skin and his tribal tattooes, Bansuko of the Boar Tribe, Governor of Gullinbursti, was here. His normally dour face was breaking into a small smile, as he saw several attractive women walking around. Internally, he had been struggling for weeks with his faith versus all that the Aeldir were providing. He still believed in the Pale Lady, but there were so many people traveling through Tir Or-Torc these days, with new ideas and new ways of thinking; and they weren't all wrong. And the Rose Demesne had been good for the Boar and Eagle tribes. This last decade or so had been much better for his people than his first two decades of life. He still wasn't... pleased... with the way that his tribesman had been brought into the Demesne, but more and more, he was learning to trust the Aeldir. When they gave their word, they wouldn't let even a charging stampede of troubles prevent them from keeping it. This kind of thinking was going against many of the more... adamant members of his tribe, so Bansuko was welcome for the distraction that the Karnavli would provide. Who knows? Maybe he would find himself a good women. Perhaps one of those blonde Avonlean girls? Or a strong fighter from Primus? Igwana had already turned Bansuko down, though he still thought she was pretty.

If Igwana Twinblades, of Tir Corryn, knew of Bansuko's mildly lecherous desires, she certainly didn't show it. The tall, dark haired woman was thin, but strong, in the say that a dancer might be. Her flexibility as a swordswoman was unparalleled in Free-Men's Beach; a good thing, considering the Twinblades family had been Anchors - council members - for the region for as long as anyone could remember. Igwana could trace her lineage back to Rohana 'Twisted Daggers' Twinblades, a pirate of some infamy and legend within both Tir Corryn and the Maurader Isles. Though no longer a family of pirates, the Twinblades were respected for their cunning and careful natures, and Anchor Igwana insisted on coming with the small, if charming, Lady Spring as the Aeldir toured some of the Demesne. Igwana wore the yellow shirt and red leather of her region, and her namesake hung upon her sides. She had been sparring with the Islander from the ship - teaching, really - but hoped that there would be someone here who might offer her more of a challenge. She eyed some of the men from Ambrose appreciatively, until her eyes set upon the clansmen (and women) of the Nifhel, and then she was smiling quite openly.

Almost entirely out of place, but trying not to look it, was Councilman Monpaket, chief of the Council of Seven from the Melzini Archipelago. He had volunteered to travel great distances, just to see more of the Rose Demesne, and he had to admit... it had been worth it. Already, he had seen the great masked city of Fantastigoria, the isle of Tir Amser and the beautiful women of the Autumn Court, and Tir Xungla, a place so wild and yet peaceful, it was going to be unbelievable to describe. And now? Now there were so many new faces. New races. There were people who even had skin that was a different color. Monpaket was trying to keep it all together, and was gripping the wooden practice sword on his waist tightly. His movements betrayed the fact that he was unused to the silk shirt and the purple Violet Rose-made trousers that he wore. Monpaket was more accustomed to wearing more simple clothing, but he had to admit that with his sun-kissed skin, he was looking rather dashing. He trailed behind the others, wide-eyed but quite happy.

Beside him, a Spring Girl and her pair of Simurghs walked carefully, excitement in all three pairs of eyes. Lady Honora and her Simurghs Doubledash and Swiftrain were well known in Glaw Novo for being among the best that Tir Amser had to offer for racers, and Honora was excited at being able to hopefully show her two beauties off to the Ambrose, to whom she owed so much. She had even heard there was a race, and had begged Lady Spring to ask about it.

Finally, coming off the Crystal Theona was a man riding upon a curious animal; it seemed to be a white horse, with an armored, spiked helm upon the horse's head. First Erik Wilheim was uncertain what to make of his other guests, and he had no colors of his own to fly. He was here on behalf of his people, to see just what he had agreed to by honoring the traditions of his people. He had been explained that his lands were to the south of a place called Fan'Xabla, and north of some regions of a Queendom called 'Avonlea', though he had to admit, it was all a great big bit of confusion to him. Still, he was handling it well, and the awe he saw from many within the crowd as they looked upon his steed Strideheart was giving him great pleasure. He also knew that if he did not return to his lands, the Aeldir would have much to explain for losing a First.

Though a rather large party, Lady Spring, Aleuta Kellianth, led them with a small smile, and awaited her turn to be presented to their hosts; though she knew she must make time to find Lady Cynel as soon as that was done. Upon coming close enough, Aleuta spoke, "Greetings, to our allies of the League of Provinces. Thank you for what looks to be an exciting event. Where might we enter our Simurghs into the race?"

Spring and Autumn

Aleuta sought out Lady Autumn, Eoghan behind her. Cynel Bres was found easily enough, and Aleuta almost hesitated to approach the pinnacle of Autumn. Almost. But even a little hesitation could very well show weakness, and that simply would not do. With no care for what anyone else might think, Aleuta walked straight up to Cynel - and cutting off what some unimportant Spring Boy was saying - said, "Aunt Autumn. A moment of your time, please? I've received a message from the Truserchen that I feel we must discuss."

Only then did she look and see the Spring Boy was the so-called 'Duke Sand'. Aleuta gazed upon him, and her eyes squinted in interest. She couldn't understand what Kellianth had found so objectionable about the Boy, other than that he was a much more intelligent Spring Boy than normal. Still, in the presence of Lady Spring and Lady Autum, with important things to discuss, whatever he had been saying mattered little to her. Aleuta turned her eyes back to Lady Cynel.

Spring Court Aeldir

Lady Spring, Aleuta Kellianth (F) [unwed, and it's not gonna happen anytime soon; wrong culture]
Eoghan, Aleuta's Guard (M) [unwed, and seems to only have eyes for Aleuta... and anything that might hurt her]
Lady Owena, Translator (F) [unwed, wrong culture, seems to like animals though]
Lady Honora, Simurgh Racer (F) [definitely likes animal, married to her Simurghs in the way that others are married to their jobs]

Salvax

Bas Pride, of the South Hunt (M) [unwed, would be amused by the prospect, even if there were no cubs]
Warchod Prejudice, of the South Hunt (F) [unwed, looking for a nice elephant type Salvax to raise her kids]

Humans

Bansuko of the Boar Tribe, Governor of Gullinbursti (M) [unwed, actively looking]
Igwana Twinblades, Anchor of Free-Men's Beach (F) [unwed, actively looking, open to the idea of appreciating either gender]
Monpaket, Chief Councilman of the Melzini Archipelago (M) [young widower, wife passed a year before the Aeldir arrived to an unknown illness]
Erik Wilheim, 'First' of Region 78 (M) [unwed, V.I.P. of an unapproved region; possibly riding what could very well be a unicorn. Region write-up soon. Interactions restricted till after approval.]

Animals

Swiftrain the Simurgh (F) [unwed]
Doubledash the Simurgh (M) [unwed, grandson of Dewdrop]
Strideheart the... horse? (M) [Animal of Unapproved region 78; might be a unicorn?]

PepperP.

2016-03-23, 05:33 PM

The Delegation of Spring

Lady Spring had just completed months of traveling. Not because Tir Amser was so far away from Didyma's Keep, but because she had many guests that she wished to see the Demesne with. Early in the year, they had started within Tir Amser, but had traveled first to Tir Corryn and Free-Men's Beach, the bustling city of swordsmen. There, they had traveled along the Fern Ridge trade route to the South Rose trade route, and up along the regions found therein, finally coming to a week long rest within the Tillwell. The Gesh governor treated Lady Spring quite well, and she was sorry to have to go, but once again she and her party moved onwards towards Gullinbursti. Though many refused to call the region Tir Or-Torc, a bustling trade town had been steadily growing and it had taken on the name Tir Or-Torc with no issues. It vexed Lady Spring some, but she resigned herself to the ways of the world, seeing that - though she might order it otherwise - the region was too firmly rooted to have it's name changed. Additional guests arrived from far away lands, right on schedule, much to Lady Aleuta's pleasure.

From Tir Or-Torc, Lady Spring and her growing group of guests took a ship to Silverwood, where they quickly found passage upon a merchant vessel set to delver goods first to the Autumn Court, and then on to Tir Xungla. Upon arriving in the Autumn Courtlands, Lady Spring spoke with the dockmaster for Caer Hydref, and had a letter sent on to Lady Autumn, explaining that she would hope to see Lady Cynel at the Karnavali, just a month away. Though Aleuta dearly wished she could have spent more time in the Autumn Courtlands, it was Tir Xungla that most of her guests wished to see, and the merchant had already proven himself to be a capable host; earning from Lady Spring the much desired Golden Stem that he now wore proudly upon his upper arm at all times.

Tir Xungla was absolutely lovely. Aleuta enjoyed her time among the Salvax, and the Salvax Ri was quite the individual. For a Summer Court Aeldir, he was fairly relaxed and non-aggressive. Then again, the Salvax Ri was not - through his existance - constantly being challenged by his peers to prove his worth; here in Tir Xungla, his actions were not under the same level of scrutiny that other Summer Court Aeldir had to deal with, and his power was - among the Salvax - quite absolute. The fact that Lord Summer personally saw the Salvax as just another group of people to be protected, and not as possible members for an army, also gave Tir Xungla some additional autonomy. Everything was quite pleasant, and Lady Spring left feeling refreshed. The Xungla Crystals were a curiosity to her and the Spring Court, and now the Truserchen were also interested. The Salvax Ri assured Lady Spring that any researchers sent to the island would be treated with care.

Wisely, Aleuta chose not to ask what he meant by that, but seeing as Marchnadwr Aures from Carraig Dún was well treated, she was sure any delegates would find a welcome home so long as they posed no dangers to the Salvax themselves. Still, Lady Aleuta resolved herself to a conversation with Lady Autumn before providing permission to the Truserchen. The lines between... research group and diplomatic envoys were blurred enough that, when outside of the Spring Courtlands, this was clearly something that - at the very least - Cynel Bres should be informed of, if she did not have a say in the matter.

And so, just a short time after visiting Tir Xungla, the merchant vessel Crystal Theona arrived, and offloaded quite the unusual amount of passengers. With Lady Spring - in her white silk dress and gold stem trim - was her personal guard, Eoghan, his armor still not fitting quite right. Lady Owena from Tir Xungla was acting as translator for Bas Pride and Warchod Prejudice, here just for fun, and because it was so close. The Salvax Ri was sorely tempted to attend himself, but the Bas and Warchods of the North and East hunts were adamant in arguing over whom would be given the honor to guard him. Lady Spring left him, politely arguing with his Salvax, Lady Owena quietly giggling as she informed Lady Aleuta that the Bas of the North was growling at the Warchod of the East as to just how many hundreds of Salvax would be traveling with the Salvax Ri, and the number was only going up.

Along with - what some might now consider the normal Spring Court delegation - there were also some additional persons of note. Towering over almost everyone, his black leather vest open in a way that showed off both his tan skin and his tribal tattooes, Bansuko of the Boar Tribe, Governor of Gullinbursti, was here. His normally dour face was breaking into a small smile, as he saw several attractive women walking around. Internally, he had been struggling for weeks with his faith versus all that the Aeldir were providing. He still believed in the Pale Lady, but there were so many people traveling through Tir Or-Torc these days, with new ideas and new ways of thinking; and they weren't all wrong. And the Rose Demesne had been good for the Boar and Eagle tribes. This last decade or so had been much better for his people than his first two decades of life. He still wasn't... pleased... with the way that his tribesman had been brought into the Demesne, but more and more, he was learning to trust the Aeldir. When they gave their word, they wouldn't let even a charging stampede of troubles prevent them from keeping it. This kind of thinking was going against many of the more... adamant members of his tribe, so Bansuko was welcome for the distraction that the Karnavli would provide. Who knows? Maybe he would find himself a good women. Perhaps one of those blonde Avonlean girls? Or a strong fighter from Primus? Igwana had already turned Bansuko down, though he still thought she was pretty.

If Igwana Twinblades, of Tir Corryn, knew of Bansuko's mildly lecherous desires, she certainly didn't show it. The tall, dark haired woman was thin, but strong, in the say that a dancer might be. Her flexibility as a swordswoman was unparalleled in Free-Men's Beach; a good thing, considering the Twinblades family had been Anchors - council members - for the region for as long as anyone could remember. Igwana could trace her lineage back to Rohana 'Twisted Daggers' Twinblades, a pirate of some infamy and legend within both Tir Corryn and the Maurader Isles. Though no longer a family of pirates, the Twinblades were respected for their cunning and careful natures, and Anchor Igwana insisted on coming with the small, if charming, Lady Spring as the Aeldir toured some of the Demesne. Igwana wore the yellow shirt and red leather of her region, and her namesake hung upon her sides. She had been sparring with the Islander from the ship - teaching, really - but hoped that there would be someone here who might offer her more of a challenge. She eyed some of the men from Ambrose appreciatively, until her eyes set upon the clansmen (and women) of the Nifhel, and then she was smiling quite openly.

Almost entirely out of place, but trying not to look it, was Councilman Monpaket, chief of the Council of Seven from the Melzini Archipelago. He had volunteered to travel great distances, just to see more of the Rose Demesne, and he had to admit... it had been worth it. Already, he had seen the great masked city of Fantastigoria, the isle of Tir Amser and the beautiful women of the Autumn Court, and Tir Xungla, a place so wild and yet peaceful, it was going to be unbelievable to describe. And now? Now there were so many new faces. New races. There were people who even had skin that was a different color. Monpaket was trying to keep it all together, and was gripping the wooden practice sword on his waist tightly. His movements betrayed the fact that he was unused to the silk shirt and the purple Violet Rose-made trousers that he wore. Monpaket was more accustomed to wearing more simple clothing, but he had to admit that with his sun-kissed skin, he was looking rather dashing. He trailed behind the others, wide-eyed but quite happy.

Beside him, a Spring Girl and her pair of Simurghs walked carefully, excitement in all three pairs of eyes. Lady Honora and her Simurghs Doubledash and Swiftrain were well known in Glaw Novo for being among the best that Tir Amser had to offer for racers, and Honora was excited at being able to hopefully show her two beauties off to the Ambrose, to whom she owed so much. She had even heard there was a race, and had begged Lady Spring to ask about it.

Finally, coming off the Crystal Theona was a man riding upon a curious animal; it seemed to be a white horse, with an armored, spiked helm upon the horse's head. First Erik Wilheim was uncertain what to make of his other guests, and he had no colors of his own to fly. He was here on behalf of his people, to see just what he had agreed to by honoring the traditions of his people. He had been explained that his lands were to the south of a place called Fan'Xabla, and north of some regions of a Queendom called 'Avonlea', though he had to admit, it was all a great big bit of confusion to him. Still, he was handling it well, and the awe he saw from many within the crowd as they looked upon his steed Strideheart was giving him great pleasure. He also knew that if he did not return to his lands, the Aeldir would have much to explain for losing a First.

Though a rather large party, Lady Spring, Aleuta Kellianth, led them with a small smile, and awaited her turn to be presented to their hosts; though she knew she must make time to find Lady Cynel as soon as that was done. Upon coming close enough, Aleuta spoke, "Greetings, to our allies of the League of Provinces. Thank you for what looks to be an exciting event. Where might we enter our Simurghs into the race?"

Spring Court Aeldir

Lady Spring, Aleuta Kellianth (F) [unwed, and it's not gonna happen anytime soon; wrong culture]
Eoghan, Aleuta's Guard (M) [unwed, and seems to only have eyes for Aleuta... and anything that might hurt her]
Lady Owena, Translator (F) [unwed, wrong culture, seems to like animals though]
Lady Honora, Simurgh Racer (F) [definitely likes animal, married to her Simurghs in the way that others are married to their jobs]

Salvax

Bas Pride, of the South Hunt (M) [unwed, would be amused by the prospect, even if there were no cubs]
Warchod Prejudice, of the South Hunt (F) [unwed, looking for a nice elephant type Salvax to raise her kids]

Humans

Bansuko of the Boar Tribe, Governor of Gullinbursti (M) [unwed, actively looking]
Igwana Twinblades, Anchor of Free-Men's Beach (F) [unwed, actively looking, open to the idea of appreciating either gender]
Monpaket, Chief Councilman of the Melzini Archipelago (M) [young widower, wife passed a year before the Aeldir arrived to an unknown illness]
Erik Wilheim, 'First' of Region 78 (M) [unwed, V.I.P. of an unapproved region; possibly riding what could very well be a unicorn. Region write-up soon. Interactions restricted till after approval.]

Animals

Swiftrain the Simurgh (F) [unwed]
Doubledash the Simurgh (M) [unwed, grandson of Dewdrop]
Strideheart the... horse? (M) [Animal of Unapproved region 78; might be a unicorn?]

Derris was nonplussed as the large spring court delegation suddenly appeared in front of him and presented themselves. The smile lines around his eyes crinkled slightly as he squinted at the one who spoke, he seemed to know her as Lady Spring though in his inebriated haze, she appeared different than he had recalled. The crowd around the platform gestured excitedly at the large animals and cheered, thinking they were part of the parade.

"Welcome to Karnavali Lady of Spring, I hope the festivities will be to your liking." Derris managed a small modicum of formality before turning,

"Byra gia olous!" He gestured at the group to the servants who came with trays of beer for the new arrivals, thoughtfully placing bowls down for the salvax, their Protos had said all.

"Racers you say?" A bit slow on the uptake, her words had only now sunk in and he vaulted off of the platform, staggering only slightly and knelt down in front of the spring girl who stood with the two simurghs. He buried his hands in their soft fur and gave them a good scratch.

"These are beautiful specimens, it is good to see that our simurghs are getting such superb care even outside of our realm." He commended their master and stood, thinking.

"If you wish for your simurghs to race, you will need to speak with the manager of the Raceway, there just around the lake." We waved vaguely in a non-determinate direction.

"Ajax Vallis is your man. Old chap, can't miss him." He grinned cordially at the girl, he knew she was not a child though he still had to resist the urge to pat the spring girl on the head, fortunately he was successful in resisting despite the amount of beer he had already imbibed.

Ebele who had joined her cousins on the platform, took a proferred drink from a servant and took a sip. Beer was not her favorite, truthfully, she much preferred wine. She turned as the large group approached, a pretty flash of violet caught her eye and she was surprised to see a man dressed in it from head to toe. Unusual for certain, though she had to admit it was attractive on him. Next to her, Colson snorted and rolled his eyes.

"Here we go again." He spoke to Nyle, though the taunting was for her benefit, she knew. Her forehead crinkled prettily and she tossed her glossy dark hair.

"You're the one always going on about your Princesses, you aren't the only person in the world who desires to be happily wed." She stood her ground indignantly as Colson scowled.

"I am an Archon, I am due a princess. You aren't even an Archessa, you're just my father's niece." He said scornfully as spots of color rose to her cheeks, though she did not deign a reply. her eyes roved furtively back to the violet gentleman as Colson sat and looked irritated at his continued lack of Princesses.

HalfTangible

2016-03-23, 06:08 PM

[Spring]

Breydice had initially come in order to oversee a betrothal or two, and to witness her sister's prowess in the arena. Phelnia's choice to stay in the Winter courtlands had hit her hard, and she needed some levity. However, the moment she heard Lady Spring was attending, she made a beeline for her, leaving behind Oronara and the rest of the Primal delegation. The Custodia Alta would throw a fit, but she didn't particularly care right then. She could take care of herself, and needed to see. Oronara would be glad for the delay to meet her betrothed, and Denippe/Ionia were happiest when they were left to their own devices anyway.

As she came to the large delegation, she managed to reign herself in and approach slowly and politely, awaiting a chance to speak. When she finally had a chance to, though... her voice died in her throat.

White silk with golden trim. Blonde hair. Taller than Breydice remembered, strong purpose in her eyes.

Aleuta knew Breydice as well as her own family did. It had been years, but Breydice remained the same person (albeit with a few more lines marring her visage). Her face was always unreadable, like a stone carved in the High Queen's likeness, but she had less mastery over her limbs. Her fists were clenched from a supreme effort of self-control, and there was a twitch in her right foot that showed she wanted to move.

"... Symrera wrote of this. But I don't think I dared to believe it until I saw you with my own eyes." Breydice whispered, falling to one knee to look Aleuta dead in the eye. "When I was told of the Nap, I thought..." And for the first time in a long time, she smiled. "Well. It doesn't matter what I thought anymore."

She embraced Aleuta Kellianth, trembling. "Lady Spring, it is so good to see you well!"

---
[Colson]

"If you're an Archon, being related to your father is quite a good position to have, no matter the distance."

Colson found a glass of wine being offered to him. A young woman (http://orig04.deviantart.net/3028/f/2010/197/d/e/de1f332e916102b2074c7d14b20ef015.jpg) with gray eyes that sparkled like starlight smiled brightly at the Ambrosan man. She wore moonsilver gauntlets colored snow white that marked her as Primal, but she wore a silk dress in the style of the Kingdom of Berrium. She carried herself with a poise and nobility one would not expect from the barbarian imperium, with golden-blonde hair and numerous jewels adorning her dress. What Colson could see of her flesh (her arms, mostly) was smooth but well-muscled - she clearly kept herself fit.

"And you shouldn't look down on your own family in any case - they're all you've got. Princess Oronara of Primus and Berrium. How do you do, Archon~?" She spoke the title like she was teasing him.

Reggiejam

2016-03-24, 12:01 AM

Willa and the Fox

Willa raised an eyebrow and snorted as the little Lord extolled upon her perceived virtues.

"I'm afraid my charms are quite eclipsed by those of my husband, he is the recipient of all of the attention in our household." Willa spoke sourly and downed her cup in four big gulps, signaling for another. A servant hurried over to comply.

"Everyone loves him." She waved her mug at his retreating back as his portion of the parade moved past them, her eyes roving once again to the gaggle of Avonleans that he had paused to flirt with,

"Especially the Avonleans. Sometimes I'm surprised when they don't pop out of the cupboards in the mornings just to swoon over him." She rolled her eyes to show her suffering and took another swig of ale,

"How did you get the name Fox anyway?" She asked as she glared at the dainty blondes' backs.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

"Men," Belinda shook her head derisively, though her tone held an air of indulgence.

"All oafs when in their cups, every one of them Protos or no." She sipped lightly on her brew as if to show Derris how it should be done proper, though the lesson was quite lost on him as he and Baram were once again laughing at something or another.

"Admittedly, My Lady, I am no great gambler myself." Despite or because her father was Aleksy Drivas, operator of the Speedway, she was not entirely certain.

"My father, who is wont to gamble," Indeed, it was how he came on his fortune and married his daughter to the then Polemarchos Derris Asker,

"He would say to bet the maximum on the beast with the highest odds. Cindermist I think the pup's name is. I'm sure we could arrange a tour of the racers before the contest if you wished to see them for yourself before the bet." Her father strongly believed in seeing the simurghs up close first hand to gauge their mettle, he said. She snorted at the thought

Willa and the Fox

"Some Avonlean, no doubt mere moments from turning into a hag, gave it to me. I know they draw eyes when they're young but they age like milk. Don't even get me started on the stories I've heard about their Prophetess Council. The way I hear it those women look like they're six seconds from the grave and liable to try and eat your soul if they think it'll grant them another couple seconds of life."

"No ma'am, a fine aging race you westmen. Look at Lady Belinda, still competing with Lady Autumn for the eyes of men. Admittedly foolish and easy eyes to trick but still a testament. Let these Avonlean hussies have their moment in the sun, Lady Willa, for soon the men around you will begin to notice your retaining beauty in age and your accumulated intelligence. I've seen it happen ten thousand times before. Mortals are so predictable."

Realizing perhaps he was alienating the Ambrosan, Duke Sand cracked a smile and quipped, "But you should take heart in this. I do not understand how an imperfect man like Mad Eyed Maldarr can win so many hearts but I'm certain you can win his. And if you can't, or just don't want to I'm certain I could find some disciple of Lord Drustan in the Summer Court for you."

Belinda and Lady Autumn

"I am surprised you're not a gambler Lady Belinda. I've read about your father, Aleksy Drivas. He is a very influential man with an interesting history. I would surely appreciate his advice on a wise pick for my simurgh. His, or his daughter's. Though you deny such knowledge I feel it must be in your blood. Even if you do not voice an opinion it would be a pleasure to have you join me in a tour of the racing simurghs."

Lady Autumn left little room for Lady Belinda to decline. Cynel was eager to see and do something interesting. While she still had her obligations to the Demesne she was Lady Autumn only in name any more and much of her Court was now run from Fantastigoria by Lady Deirma. She would at least have fun on her final diplomatic trip.

Spring and Autumn

Aleuta sought out Lady Autumn, Eoghan behind her. Cynel Bres was found easily enough, and Aleuta almost hesitated to approach the pinnacle of Autumn. Almost. But even a little hesitation could very well show weakness, and that simply would not do. With no care for what anyone else might think, Aleuta walked straight up to Cynel - and cutting off what some unimportant Spring Boy was saying - said, "Aunt Autumn. A moment of your time, please? I've received a message from the Truserchen that I feel we must discuss."

Only then did she look and see the Spring Boy was the so-called 'Duke Sand'. Aleuta gazed upon him, and her eyes squinted in interest. She couldn't understand what Kellianth had found so objectionable about the Boy, other than that he was a much more intelligent Spring Boy than normal. Still, in the presence of Lady Spring and Lady Autum, with important things to discuss, whatever he had been saying mattered little to her. Aleuta turned her eyes back to Lady Cynel.

As Lady Spring interrupted him Duke Sand bit his tongue and forced a thin smile that betrayed his irritation. Lady Spring was well within her rights as a Seasonal Lady to take precedent in conversation but Duke Sand was relatively well respected and enjoyed in the Autumn Court. He took precedence in the court over every other Aeldir in conversation but Lady Autumn herself and the resplendent Lady Deirma. Though he was tied to a sinking ship he was still afforded a degree of respect and having the roles reversed here annoyed him to no end. Lady Spring would be Lady Spring.

"Of course Lady Spring, go ahead," Cynel's words interrupted his train of thought and he listened to hear what was so important he had been interrupted about.

lt_murgen

2016-03-24, 07:34 AM

"Finest brew in the west! Perhaps the whole of the known world, you know they brew down in the southeast but I find their take quite bitter." Derris leaned in confidentially,

"Too many hops." He said with a knowing nod.

"You are quite welcome to send your brewmasters to study amongst us." Derris stood and raised his mug,

"Erchontai mia erchontai ola!" He shouted to the crowd,

"Opa!" They responded to their Protos gleefully and drank deeply with him.

Derris's attention returned fully to the Pontisep as he asked about gambling, though he spotted his youngest son Colson making his way to the platform with Nyle in tow.

"Gambling is a game of chance my friend! Pick a worthy beast and pray to Eikaria!" He thought dimly that there must be more to it than that, though at the moment what it might be escaped him.

The Pontisep took the interruptions in stride. He took the opportunity to greet them as well. The Nifel were closer to his homelands than the dignitaries of the west.

"Hail! The Horseman War, Oglaf Shieldbreaker of Clan Jötenhel. The Horsewoman Death, Fjolda Niffeldruch of Clan Niffeldruch. The Horsewoman Famine, Petra Holmberg of Clan Hardrada. The Pontisep of the Truserchen is pleased by this arrival. Please enlighten this gathering on the travels of the Four Horsemen of Nifel."

Spring Court Arrival
Gretchen sat quietly, watching the various arrivals and allowing the Pontisep his due. Absently, she noticed the beer was having a modest effect. It wasn't until the arrival of the Spring Court that she grew interested again. "Best Friend Aluta!" She thought happily. "No", she corrected herself, "Aluta, Lady Spring of the Aeldir Court." She was looking forward to talking to Aluta again. The few letters that passed between the two exhibited a growing friendship, of a sort. Gretchen had heard distant rumors, passed through four or five different interpreters, of Aluta's ascension. She started to get up to greet the Spring Lady. But Aluta seemed to need to speak to the Autumn Lady, so she held off. "There will be plenty of time for discourse" she rationalized.

Gengy

2016-03-24, 10:36 AM

Derris was nonplussed as the large spring court delegation suddenly appeared in front of him and presented themselves. The smile lines around his eyes crinkled slightly as he squinted at the one who spoke, he seemed to know her as Lady Spring though in his inebriated haze, she appeared different than he had recalled. The crowd around the platform gestured excitedly at the large animals and cheered, thinking they were part of the parade.

"Welcome to Karnavali Lady of Spring, I hope the festivities will be to your liking." Derris managed a small modicum of formality before turning,

"Byra gia olous!" He gestured at the group to the servants who came with trays of beer for the new arrivals, thoughtfully placing bowls down for the salvax, their Protos had said all.

"Racers you say?" A bit slow on the uptake, her words had only now sunk in and he vaulted off of the platform, staggering only slightly and knelt down in front of the spring girl who stood with the two simurghs. He buried his hands in their soft fur and gave them a good scratch.

"These are beautiful specimens, it is good to see that our simurghs are getting such superb care even outside of our realm." He commended their master and stood, thinking.

"If you wish for your simurghs to race, you will need to speak with the manager of the Raceway, there just around the lake." We waved vaguely in a non-determinate direction.

"Ajax Vallis is your man. Old chap, can't miss him." He grinned cordially at the girl, he knew she was not a child though he still had to resist the urge to pat the spring girl on the head, fortunately he was successful in resisting despite the amount of beer he had already imbibed.

Aleuta lifted the cup with the beer delicately. Based upon the situation, and the number of people imbibing the drink, this was part of the celebration, and therefore rude to her hosts to decline. She espied one or two of the revelers, though, drinking wine. To the servant whom was to bring her beer, she took a small sip, and then pointed at a wine glass, and said, "One of those. Please."

To Derris and those around him, she said, "Thank you. We shall speak with this Ajax Vallis."

Everyone else in the larger Spring Delegation, however, tried their glass, and while Lady Owena and Lady Honora found the taste displeasing and soon asked for wine themselves - and water for the Simurghs - the six visiting dignitaries from the Demesne found they quite enjoyed the beer. Bansuko drained his cup in a full bodied gulp, and grabbed another mug to sip later. Igwana sniffed hers first, before sipping and smiling. The two Salvax enjoyed their bowls, but Lady Owena translated that they declined further drink at this time, already familiar with the effects of alcohol. First Erik, still atop his pure white haired mount, tried his glass hesitantly at first, but licked his lips, and smacked them at the taste; he was soon taking deeper drinks. Monpaket...? Well.

Ebele who had joined her cousins on the platform, took a proferred drink from a servant and took a sip. Beer was not her favorite, truthfully, she much preferred wine. She turned as the large group approached, a pretty flash of violet caught her eye and she was surprised to see a man dressed in it from head to toe. Unusual for certain, though she had to admit it was attractive on him. Next to her, Colson snorted and rolled his eyes.

"Here we go again." He spoke to Nyle, though the taunting was for her benefit, she knew. Her forehead crinkled prettily and she tossed her glossy dark hair.

"You're the one always going on about your Princesses, you aren't the only person in the world who desires to be happily wed." She stood her ground indignantly as Colson scowled.

"I am an Archon, I am due a princess. You aren't even an Archessa, you're just my father's niece." He said scornfully as spots of color rose to her cheeks, though she did not deign a reply. her eyes roved furtively back to the violet gentleman as Colson sat and looked irritated at his continued lack of Princesses.
Monpaket, in his fine purple clothes, saw the girl chatting with the man next to her. Absently, he took the mug of beer handed him, but was distracted by the beautiful woman before his eyes. Since his late wife Galwoset had passed, he was sure that he would never find another female as fine as she... and yet, he could not tear his eyes from her. He sipped at what he thought was water, still gazing upon her, only to - at his dismay - see her looking right back at him as he realized that what he was drinking was not water.

He sputtered a bit at the taste, and started coughing due to the surprise. Sheepishly, he turned away; he tried the drink again, and found that he was all right with it, now that he knew it was something other than what he had first thought it to be.

"She still watches you, Islander." The gravely voice of Bansuko from the Boar Tribe held amusement, as he spoke in low tones. "Grit your teeth into a smile."

Taking a sip of the beer, Monpaket answered, "But... but... I just made a fool of myself."

"And so? Be the fool. Be all things, but be them with pride. To do otherwise would be to be unworthy."

For a moment uncertain, Monpaket gathered his courage, and stole another glace at the girl. After all, this was some kind of big party, right? It couldn't hurt to try and have some fun. Seeing her still looking at him, he smiled, and took another gulp of his beer while waggling his eyebrows at her; hoping that whoever she was sitting next to was not the jealous type, or worse, had reason to become the jealous type.

What does Ebele look like?

[Spring]

Breydice had initially come in order to oversee a betrothal or two, and to witness her sister's prowess in the arena. Phelnia's choice to stay in the Winter courtlands had hit her hard, and she needed some levity. However, the moment she heard Lady Spring was attending, she made a beeline for her, leaving behind Oronara and the rest of the Primal delegation. The Custodia Alta would throw a fit, but she didn't particularly care right then. She could take care of herself, and needed to see. Oronara would be glad for the delay to meet her betrothed, and Denippe/Ionia were happiest when they were left to their own devices anyway.

As she came to the large delegation, she managed to reign herself in and approach slowly and politely, awaiting a chance to speak. When she finally had a chance to, though... her voice died in her throat.

White silk with golden trim. Blonde hair. Taller than Breydice remembered, strong purpose in her eyes.

Aleuta knew Breydice as well as her own family did. It had been years, but Breydice remained the same person (albeit with a few more lines marring her visage). Her face was always unreadable, like a stone carved in the High Queen's likeness, but she had less mastery over her limbs. Her fists were clenched from a supreme effort of self-control, and there was a twitch in her right foot that showed she wanted to move.

"... Symrera wrote of this. But I don't think I dared to believe it until I saw you with my own eyes." Breydice whispered, falling to one knee to look Aleuta dead in the eye. "When I was told of the Nap, I thought..." And for the first time in a long time, she smiled. "Well. It doesn't matter what I thought anymore."

She embraced Aleuta Kellianth, trembling. "Lady Spring, it is so good to see you well!"

Aleuta did not know what to do at first. Breydice was not like this. Breydice was strong. Breydice was brash. She did not tremble. She made others tremble. And the situation... the Spring Delegation had just finished speaking with their host. Aleuta was Lady Spring, one of the four Seasons of the Aeldir Rose Courts. She could see Eoghan reaching for his spear. Aleuta shook her head negatively, and he stood down, but she did need to say something. "High Queen Breydice. This is highly inappropriate."

"However, I know I am adorable," Aleuta said with a smile, and returned the hug, "So I shall allow it."

Aleuta locked eyes with Lady Owena, and with two quick juts of her chin, Lady Spring knew the translator would understand the signal. "Guests of the Spring Court, this is a safe place; a festival of our allies from Ambrose. Please feel free to disperse and enjoy yourselves. Should you encounter any issues, know that you may always return to the Crystal Theona and consider it a part of the Demesne. That kind of difficulty is unlikely though. Go. Find merriment!"

With that, Lady Spring and the High Queen of Primus were left - relatively - alone, save for Eoghan standing steadfast a few paces away, his eyes turned towards inspecting the many revelers with sharp implements. He actively dissuaded others away from the two political powers.

With a whisper only for Breydice, Aleuta continued, "I told the truth. I always have. A part of me did die that day. I cannot say more; to do so would be to relive it, and it pains me still. Now get up, you silly woman. Why, what would your mother have thought, getting the front of your dress a mess like that... for another girl?"

As Lady Spring interrupted him Duke Sand bit his tongue and forced a thin smile that betrayed his irritation. Lady Spring was well within her rights as a Seasonal Lady to take precedent in conversation but Duke Sand was relatively well respected and enjoyed in the Autumn Court. He took precedence in the court over every other Aeldir in conversation but Lady Autumn herself and the resplendent Lady Deirma. Though he was tied to a sinking ship he was still afforded a degree of respect and having the roles reversed here annoyed him to no end. Lady Spring would be Lady Spring.

"Of course Lady Spring, go ahead," Cynel's words interrupted his train of thought and he listened to hear what was so important he had been interrupted about.

<"The lines of whose purview this falls under have blurred. Your advice in this matter is appreciated."> Aleuta pulled out the letter from her sleeve, and continued to explain, shoving the paper into Duke Sand's hands, wordlessly instructing him to hold it. <"Years ago, the Best Friend of Lady Spring handed over a sample of Xungla Crystals to a human from a place called the Truserchen. As Aunt Autumn is no doubt aware, this is seemingly an entire region of scholars, far to the east, even beyond the Pale Empyrium. At the time, the Best Friend found them worthy of continued correspondence, at least in matters of science and inquiry.">

<"They continued to investigate the sample given to them, and have sent a copy of their findings, to which I have read and ordered copies of crafted, should my Girls verify the contents. If this were just a matter of continued research into trade goods, it would clearly be within my prerogative as Lady Spring to oversee any requests that the Truserchen made... however, they have requested that a research team be allowed access to Tir Xungla itself."> Lady Aleuta paused, picking her words carefully. <"The Arandi Runes found upon the Crystals I believe to be important. Any information we can acquire about them could be the breakthrough the Courts need to begin to understand what could very well be one of the world's most ancient languages. I've tried to speak to Grandfather Winter regarding them, but he has not responded... or has chosen to not respond. I am uncertain. Still, the Truserchen surveyors...> Landoverseen <...as they call it, could unravel a mystery for us. I have spoken to the Salvax Ri, and, in his words: 'They can be dealt with, and will be treated with care.'">

<"I am of the opinion to allow them access. The Spring Courtlands have allowed access to researchers before; we have a team of Primals in Glaw Novo looking into matters of blood flow. Those, however, are within my own purple forests. These of the Truserchen would be within a wider area of the Aeldir Heartlands. They can be tied down with a treaty, to restrict them to a sector of the Salvax's Island, but doing so might limit their scientific study in a way that could ruin the outcome. A delicate balance of access and order must be reached. They have the potential to be... very useful to us.">

Aleuta could have made this decision on her own. There may have been grumbling. There may have been some pointed discussion regarding matters of politics versus matters of science. Lady Cynel and Lady Kellianth Beagen had has many such... discussions. Aleuta preferred to go about it differently. Cynel Bres was a proud woman; a woman of skill and cunning, and one who, sadly, would probably not remain Lady Autumn for long. That was simply the way of the Autumn Court. While she was the Seasons of the West, however, Aleuta chose to work with her, rather than give her reason to find objections to the Spring Court's decisions. To the decisions of Lady Spring. And that was simply a matter of swallowing a little of Aleuta's own pride, and asking a very easy question, <"How do you think we should proceed?">

((OOC: originally sent via PM from Murgen))

The Truserchen request the opportunity to send a Landoverseen (survey and research party) to Tir Xungla to continue their studies of the Xungla crystals. They point to their research that indicates the runes themselves seem to have little influence on the ability of the crystals. The Truserchen suspect either an archeological or geographical influence powers the crystals.

The Simurgh Raceway

Lady Honora made her way around the lake, as instructed, and by asking a few questions, she and her two simurghs were able to be pointed towards the Raceway Manager, Ajax Vallis.

Sitting astride Swiftrain, and scratching Doubledash's head, Honora spoke up, "Manager Vallis?"

PepperP.

2016-03-24, 11:28 AM

[Colson]

"If you're an Archon, being related to your father is quite a good position to have, no matter the distance."

Colson found a glass of wine being offered to him. A young woman (http://orig04.deviantart.net/3028/f/2010/197/d/e/de1f332e916102b2074c7d14b20ef015.jpg) with gray eyes that sparkled like starlight smiled brightly at the Ambrosan man. She wore moonsilver gauntlets colored snow white that marked her as Primal, but she wore a silk dress in the style of the Kingdom of Berrium. She carried herself with a poise and nobility one would not expect from the barbarian imperium, with golden-blonde hair and numerous jewels adorning her dress. What Colson could see of her flesh (her arms, mostly) was smooth but well-muscled - she clearly kept herself fit.

"And you shouldn't look down on your own family in any case - they're all you've got. Princess Oronara of Primus and Berrium. How do you do, Archon~?" She spoke the title like she was teasing him.

Colson took the glass of wine from the unknown Primal, his face a frown of annoyance from being told what he "shouldn't" be doing.

"And what exactly is it to you, anyway?" He snipped, the glass she had given him made it halfway to his lips until he looked at it quizzically, his eyes going between it and the mug of beer he held in his other hand. Where in the world did she get wine?

"I'll take that." Ebele divested him of the glass and sipped happily, enjoying her lifelong tormentor's discomfort for a change. Colson sent his cousin a sour look before Derris noticed the new arrivals.

"Who are you to tell me anything?" He continued haughtily, pausing to sip his beer.

"Colson! I see you've met your betrothed! Princess Oronara, it is such a pleasure. Isn't she lovely Cole? Just the Princess you wanted." Derris's look of self satisfaction in providing the demanded Princess was lost on Colson who had taken to choking on his beverage. Baram, who was trying quite hard not to laugh at his brother's discomfort pounded him on the back helpfully. Nyle (http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q487/Brandi_42/fc8876c5-74b8-4cf7-a5ac-4b849f633bee_zpssjmtsqko.jpg) was the first to greet the Princess accordingly, kneeling gallantly before her and taking her hand,

"Princess Oronara, you are a delight. Welcome to our family." He kissed her hand and Ebele, who was quite enjoying herself followed suit and curtsied deeply,

"We hope you find happiness amongst us, Your Highness." Baram (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f9/e0/1f/f9e01fa8d359afb3bc21f2d5d0e90e39.jpg) who had by now stopped pounding on his younger brother's back, stood and gave a courtly bow to his brother's intended,

"If you have need of anything, please just let me know and it shall be yours." As heir and Kastellan, he could certainly follow through on his promise. the three of them stood back and awaited Colson to greet his future wife properly. Colson, for his part had almost entirely recovered from his coughing fit though was still wiping tears from his face. His mind reeled, she was certainly lovely, though he had pictured his wife to be of a more pliable demeanor than might be found in a Primal. A woman who could readily recognize his inherent superiority and give him the honor due him. He glanced sideways at his father, wondering what was the meaning of all this. Derris meanwhile remained quite inscrutable, his face a pleasant mask of inebriated joviality.

"My Lady you are not what I expected." Colson (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/15/2d/0f/152d0f9f46bf1ee8d6b8e5a04b770ae8.jpg) bowed deeply and said somewhat ambiguously, not thinking that he might be unlike what the Princess imagined. Though his brief stint serving in the military in Sasanand had filled him out somewhat, he would always be a smaller man, with narrow shoulders and a pretty, rather than ruggedly handsome visage.

Willa and the Fox

"Some Avonlean, no doubt mere moments from turning into a hag, gave it to me. I know they draw eyes when they're young but they age like milk. Don't even get me started on the stories I've heard about their Prophetess Council. The way I hear it those women look like they're six seconds from the grave and liable to try and eat your soul if they think it'll grant them another couple seconds of life."

"No ma'am, a fine aging race you westmen. Look at Lady Belinda, still competing with Lady Autumn for the eyes of men. Admittedly foolish and easy eyes to trick but still a testament. Let these Avonlean hussies have their moment in the sun, Lady Willa, for soon the men around you will begin to notice your retaining beauty in age and your accumulated intelligence. I've seen it happen ten thousand times before. Mortals are so predictable."

Realizing perhaps he was alienating the Ambrosan, Duke Sand cracked a smile and quipped, "But you should take heart in this. I do not understand how an imperfect man like Mad Eyed Maldarr can win so many hearts but I'm certain you can win his. And if you can't, or just don't want to I'm certain I could find some disciple of Lord Drustan in the Summer Court for you."

Belinda and Lady Autumn

"I am surprised you're not a gambler Lady Belinda. I've read about your father, Aleksy Drivas. He is a very influential man with an interesting history. I would surely appreciate his advice on a wise pick for my simurgh. His, or his daughter's. Though you deny such knowledge I feel it must be in your blood. Even if you do not voice an opinion it would be a pleasure to have you join me in a tour of the racing simurghs."

Lady Autumn left little room for Lady Belinda to decline. Cynel was eager to see and do something interesting. While she still had her obligations to the Demesne she was Lady Autumn only in name any more and much of her Court was now run from Fantastigoria by Lady Deirma. She would at least have fun on her final diplomatic trip.

Willa and The Fox

Willa sniffed in agreement as she glared at the blonde's backs and sipped her beer. She herself had seen how that queen, for she would not even say the wanton's name in her mind, had begun to develop the small creases of age around her eyes before she had so agreeably disappeared. She remembered how she had tested Maldarr, storming away from the balcony and that wretch's mooning eyes that had followed her husband around unrelentingly. How he had held her and insisted, you are my wife. Yes, but she was your whore, she would tell him now if he had been present to hear it, and throw her drink in his face in front of all of his adoring fans. She took comfort in her ire and snickered a bit at the thought,

"He had his chance to win me, it has long since passed." She replied haughtily, she had thought that there might be a chance at reconciliation for them once, but that was before,

"Do you know that he sought to name our daughter Talia? The very idea." She fumed anew at his bafflement at her utter rejection of the name.

"I'm quite done with him." Her voice was certain, though her eyes followed his back, tracing over the familiar tattoos and muscles that she knew intimately. She sighed longingly, though she was unaware that she did so, even as a possessive jealousy encompassed her heart and she deliberately ignored the burning desire to claim him as her own.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Belinda smiled at Lady Autumn's assertions,

"Perhaps so, though children often rebel against their elders." She grinned to think that her form of rebellion had been to refrain from gambling.

"I would be happy to tour the simurgh racers with you, Lady Autumn. Let us go straight away." Indeed, the thought of a diversion pleased her, as much as to get away from her husband's drunken state as anything. Besides, she had had her fill of the brew in any case.

Tychris1

2016-03-24, 12:14 PM

The four maids stoop agape as the girl began to undress in front of them. They looked at each aghast and then burst out giggling, turning to cheer her on, and they began to clap in rhythm with her song, well pleased at her unexpected prowess at playing her horn. The four maids linked arms and began to dance gaily, twirling each other about and skipping around each other merrily. The crowd around them soon followed suit and a large crowd broke into dance as Skada played her upbeat tune. They reluctantly stopped dancing once the jaunty tune was at an end and they clapped and cheered for her uproariously along with the crowd that had joined them in their dance.

"Well played!" Called Landrie.

"Very well played!" Added Claviana.

"Play another!" Urged Mariya.

"Yes, do play it again!" Pleaded Enyd, waving her arms.

"At least my ego can't be eaten in one bite, little girl!" Krisnia yelled back, laughing right along with the Nifhel Harbinger. "Why don't you come back here and I'll show you exactly what else my mouth is good for!!"

Skada merely laughed off the Primus' threats before loosening off pieces of her armor to allow for her musical horseplay. After she had finished her upbeat tune, the Harbinger of Nifhel tooted off a scale before jumping off of the back of her horse. Clicking softly into Nidhogg's ear, Skada released her hand from the reins and watched as the horse trotted alongside her without guidance. "But of course!" Taking out her flask, the Queen of Ice took a swig of liquid courage and then joined the four maids in their dancing. She couldn't remember any other specific tune in her current state of mind, so she instead defaulted to merely playing whatever came to mind, and danced a little ditty with her uncoordinated feet as she did so.

Derris turned to the Pontisep and raised a finger apologetically at the interruption in their conversation,

"Welcome!" And he spread his arms, indicating they should make themselves comfortable.

"Ferei tin byra!" He called to the servants who came scurrying with fresh mugs of beer for the newcomers.

"Ahhh" for a moment he could not recall the newcomers name or title,

"Harbinger!" He almost shouted as it came back to him,

"This is the Pontisep, from the lands of the Truserchen. Far east." Again he waved vaguely north.

His twenty year old son joined him then, along with Nyle, just turned nineteen. They sat next to Baram, amused looks on their faces at the advanced state of Derris's merry making.

"This is my heir Baram, Colson, my youngest and that one is Maldarr's boy Nyle." He failed to point out exactly which was which, but the three young men all nodded and said their hellos politely.

The Three Horseman nodded their heads in acknowledgement, moving to sit down as they each received their mugs, and Pestilence was laid to rest alongside his Herald. War instantly began drinking from his mug, tipping his helmet back in order to quaff the beverage, and was the only dignitary to give more then a curt greeting to the LAP representatives and heirs. Pointing a finger at Nyle, he grunted "You have strong jaw. You will make fine warrior." Famine took a sip from her mug experimentally and Death merely stared at it before looking off at the other foreign dignitaries.

HalfTangible

2016-03-24, 12:33 PM

Aleuta did not know what to do at first. Breydice was not like this. Breydice was strong. Breydice was brash. She did not tremble. She made others tremble. And the situation... the Spring Delegation had just finished speaking with their host. Aleuta was Lady Spring, one of the four Seasons of the Aeldir Rose Courts. She could see Eoghan reaching for his spear. Aleuta shook her head negatively, and he stood down, but she did need to say something. "High Queen Breydice. This is highly inappropriate."

"However, I know I am adorable," Aleuta said with a smile, and returned the hug, "So I shall allow it."

Aleuta locked eyes with Lady Owena, and with two quick juts of her chin, Lady Spring knew the translator would understand the signal. "Guests of the Spring Court, this is a safe place; a festival of our allies from Ambrose. Please feel free to disperse and enjoy yourselves. Should you encounter any issues, know that you may always return to the Crystal Theona and consider it a part of the Demesne. That kind of difficulty is unlikely though. Go. Find merriment!"

With that, Lady Spring and the High Queen of Primus were left - relatively - alone, save for Eoghan standing steadfast a few paces away, his eyes turned towards inspecting the many revelers with sharp implements. He actively dissuaded others away from the two political powers.

With a whisper only for Breydice, Aleuta continued, "I told the truth. I always have. A part of me did die that day. I cannot say more; to do so would be to relive it, and it pains me still. Now get up, you silly woman. Why, what would your mother have thought, getting the front of your dress a mess like that... for another girl?"

Breydice was actually wearing ceremonial armor. Sure, it was the crude armor of the Primal, but it was certainly no dress.

She caught the hint in her old friend's tone, and deigned not to speak of it further. She was well aware that Lady Spring was considered a single being through the ages (which made her wonder about Lord Winter) and had no intention of questioning it.

"Heh. She'd tell me to find someone taller. Find someone you can bite without gobbling them up, Breydice!" She whispered back, teasingly. When Breydice pulled back and stood again, however, she had regained her composure. Her face was stone and iron once more, and her limbs held fast to her sides.

"... You're right. That was inappropriate and foolish of me." She looked to Eoghan for a brief moment. "Though it is good to learn you possess a competent guard."

"My apologies."

Colson took the glass of wine from the unknown Primal, his face a frown of annoyance from being told what he "shouldn't" be doing.

"And what exactly is it to you, anyway?" He snipped, the glass she had given him made it halfway to his lips until he looked at it quizzically, his eyes going between it and the mug of beer he held in his other hand. Where in the world did she get wine?

"I'll take that." Ebele divested him of the glass and sipped happily, enjoying her lifelong tormentor's discomfort for a change. Colson sent his cousin a sour look before Derris noticed the new arrivals.

"Who are you to tell me anything?" He continued haughtily, pausing to sip his beer.

"Colson! I see you've met your betrothed! Princess Oronara, it is such a pleasure. Isn't she lovely Cole? Just the Princess you wanted." Derris's look of self satisfaction in providing the demanded Princess was lost on Colson who had taken to choking on his beverage. Baram, who was trying quite hard not to laugh at his brother's discomfort pounded him on the back helpfully. Nyle (http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q487/Brandi_42/fc8876c5-74b8-4cf7-a5ac-4b849f633bee_zpssjmtsqko.jpg) was the first to greet the Princess accordingly, kneeling gallantly before her and taking her hand,

"Princess Oronara, you are a delight. Welcome to our family." He kissed her hand and Ebele, who was quite enjoying herself followed suit and curtsied deeply,

"We hope you find happiness amongst us, Your Highness." Baram (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f9/e0/1f/f9e01fa8d359afb3bc21f2d5d0e90e39.jpg) who had by now stopped pounding on his younger brother's back, stood and gave a courtly bow to his brother's intended,

"If you have need of anything, please just let me know and it shall be yours."
"What is it to you, anyway?"

"On a practical level, a ruling family in conflict will often lead to civil war." Oronara pointed out. "Morally, family should not squabble."

"Who are you to tell me anything?"
"Colson! I see you've met your betrothed!"

Oronara was never so proud of her ability to keep herself from laughing. "Lovely to meet you all at last."

As she greeted the family she was about to wed into and was greeted in turn, she did her best to remember all of their names and faces. She accepted the kiss on her hand gladly, giggling a bit; she was a might ticklish. Nyle seemed the handsome sort, though she supposed she would have to limit herself now. Too bad, but at least she got good eye candy.

"Please, 'your highness' is not necessary, I'll be family soon, and most of you outrank me here anyway." She chuckled and returned Ebele's curtsy, nodding to the wine. "I had to bring a few bottles of my own, but it's aged very well, I think."

Oronara nodded to Baram. Speaking of eye candy. "I will try not to abuse that offer... Baram, I believe?"

As heir and Kastellan, he could certainly follow through on his promise. the three of them stood back and awaited Colson to greet his future wife properly. Colson, for his part had almost entirely recovered from his coughing fit though was still wiping tears from his face. His mind reeled, she was certainly lovely, though he had pictured his wife to be of a more pliable demeanor than might be found in a Primal. A woman who could readily recognize his inherent superiority and give him the honor due him. He glanced sideways at his father, wondering what was the meaning of all this. Derris meanwhile remained quite inscrutable, his face a pleasant mask of inebriated joviality.

"My Lady you are not what I expected." Colson (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/15/2d/0f/152d0f9f46bf1ee8d6b8e5a04b770ae8.jpg) bowed deeply and said somewhat ambiguously, not thinking that he might be unlike what the Princess imagined. Though his brief stint serving in the military in Sasanand had filled him out somewhat, he would always be a smaller man, with narrow shoulders and a pretty, rather than ruggedly handsome visage.

Oronara smirked at the arrogant man. A little boyish, perhaps, but not unfit. He'd make good daughters. She could wear down those rough edges with time - any man was pliable enough once he saw you naked. "I can see that, my dear Colson, but I hope to be a pleasant surprise." She placed a gauntleted hand under his chin; the moonsilver felt oddly warm and smooth to the touch as she lifted his face to look directly into his eyes. "Am I?"

Mary_Sue

2016-03-24, 04:06 PM

Skada merely laughed off the Primus' threats before loosening off pieces of her armor to allow for her musical horseplay. After she had finished her upbeat tune, the Harbinger of Nifhel tooted off a scale before jumping off of the back of her horse. Clicking softly into Nidhogg's ear, Skada released her hand from the reins and watched as the horse trotted alongside her without guidance. "But of course!" Taking out her flask, the Queen of Ice took a swig of liquid courage and then joined the four maids in their dancing. She couldn't remember any other specific tune in her current state of mind, so she instead defaulted to merely playing whatever came to mind, and danced a little ditty with her uncoordinated feet as she did so.

The four maids cried with glee as the girl with the horn joined in their revel, the crowd began their dance anew as they clapped and capered, encircling Skada and the maids within their cheering circle. Enyd suddenly found herself bumping against Mariya, as she had ceased her joyful dancing and stood agape as a man on a great white horse rode by. Giggling, she took Mariya's hand and pulled her away from the still dancing crowd to follow the man and the strange horse.

"Claviana, Landrie come on!" She beckoned as Mariya pulled her along the same path as the large delegation the man seemed to be a part of.

"Oh wait!" Enyd dug her heels in for a moment and Mariya looked at her impatiently,

"Thank you for your song!" She cried to Skada

"Yes, thank you and farewell!" Landrie cried, waving to the strange girl.

"I hope we meet again!" Claviana shouted, turning to run and catch up with the others.

"Come on!" Mariya urged the other three girls, who joined hands and trotted gleefully after the man on the horse, giggling all the while.

Finally, coming off the Crystal Theona was a man riding upon a curious animal; it seemed to be a white horse, with an armored, spiked helm upon the horse's head. First Erik Wilheim was uncertain what to make of his other guests, and he had no colors of his own to fly. He was here on behalf of his people, to see just what he had agreed to by honoring the traditions of his people. He had been explained that his lands were to the south of a place called Fan'Xabla, and north of some regions of a Queendom called 'Avonlea', though he had to admit, it was all a great big bit of confusion to him. Still, he was handling it well, and the awe he saw from many within the crowd as they looked upon his steed Strideheart was giving him great pleasure. He also knew that if he did not return to his lands, the Aeldir would have much to explain for losing a First.

The man's party had stopped at the platform that housed this land's Lord and his guests as they enjoyed their revel. Mariya stopped uncertainly for a moment, made shy by the force of her interest in the man. Clever Enyd whispered in her ear and she nodded, the maids casually made their way over to the man and Mariya, ignoring the handsome man on the armoured horse, placed her palms on the horse's neck and stroked him gently.

"Aren't you a beauty." She spoke true, she had never seen its like and was quite taken with the pair of them.

PepperP.

2016-03-24, 05:09 PM

Aleuta lifted the cup with the beer delicately. Based upon the situation, and the number of people imbibing the drink, this was part of the celebration, and therefore rude to her hosts to decline. She espied one or two of the revelers, though, drinking wine. To the servant whom was to bring her beer, she took a small sip, and then pointed at a wine glass, and said, "One of those. Please."

To Derris and those around him, she said, "Thank you. We shall speak with this Ajax Vallis."

Everyone else in the larger Spring Delegation, however, tried their glass, and while Lady Owena and Lady Honora found the taste displeasing and soon asked for wine themselves - and water for the Simurghs - the six visiting dignitaries from the Demesne found they quite enjoyed the beer. Bansuko drained his cup in a full bodied gulp, and grabbed another mug to sip later. Igwana sniffed hers first, before sipping and smiling. The two Salvax enjoyed their bowls, but Lady Owena translated that they declined further drink at this time, already familiar with the effects of alcohol. First Erik, still atop his pure white haired mount, tried his glass hesitantly at first, but licked his lips, and smacked them at the taste; he was soon taking deeper drinks. Monpaket...? Well.

Monpaket, in his fine purple clothes, saw the girl chatting with the man next to her. Absently, he took the mug of beer handed him, but was distracted by the beautiful woman before his eyes. Since his late wife Galwoset had passed, he was sure that he would never find another female as fine as she... and yet, he could not tear his eyes from her. He sipped at what he thought was water, still gazing upon her, only to - at his dismay - see her looking right back at him as he realized that what he was drinking was not water.

He sputtered a bit at the taste, and started coughing due to the surprise. Sheepishly, he turned away; he tried the drink again, and found that he was all right with it, now that he knew it was something other than what he had first thought it to be.

"She still watches you, Islander." The gravely voice of Bansuko from the Boar Tribe held amusement, as he spoke in low tones. "Grit your teeth into a smile."

Taking a sip of the beer, Monpaket answered, "But... but... I just made a fool of myself."

"And so? Be the fool. Be all things, but be them with pride. To do otherwise would be to be unworthy."

For a moment uncertain, Monpaket gathered his courage, and stole another glace at the girl. After all, this was some kind of big party, right? It couldn't hurt to try and have some fun. Seeing her still looking at him, he smiled, and took another gulp of his beer while waggling his eyebrows at her; hoping that whoever she was sitting next to was not the jealous type, or worse, had reason to become the jealous type.

What does Ebele look like?

The Simurgh Raceway

Lady Honora made her way around the lake, as instructed, and by asking a few questions, she and her two simurghs were able to be pointed towards the Raceway Manager, Ajax Vallis.

Sitting astride Swiftrain, and scratching Doubledash's head, Honora spoke up, "Manager Vallis?"

The Girl and the Island Chief

With Colson well occupied by his intended bride, Ebele (http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q487/Brandi_42/fantasy-girl-2880x1800_zpsolj0b07l.jpg) had been free to cast her eyes at the intriguing violet garbed fellow once again. She giggled as he sputtered in his drink, blushing and playing coy as he waggled his eyebrows at her. Goodness did he think she a harlot? She thought with some alarm as she wrested her eyes away from him, feeling suddenly guilty for her flirtatious nature.

"What's wrong?" Nyle, astute as ever had noticed her discomfiture.

"He waggled his eyebrows at me, it was quite improper." She flushed at her admission and Nyle grinned the half grin of his father.

"Customs are different elsewhere, perhaps the women of his land are a forceful lot." She continued to studiously ignore the brazen man despite Nyle's words.

"Come, if you want him to treat you like a proper Lady he must know you for one." He took his cousin's hand and led her across the platform to where the bulk of the Spring delegation remained.

"My Lord, I would present to you my cousin, Lady Ebele Asker, our own Protos's niece." Nyle introduced her with an easy confidence. Ebele, still blushing, curtsied to the man in violet, her eyes slowly making their way up to his eyes until they finally met his own.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintaince, My Lord." Ebele spoke gently as if made shy by the Lord.

The Raceway

They came upon Archie Vallis as he was well occupied in grooming a simurgh's coat, brushing it firmly to loosen any shed hairs from his fur. The elder looked up and squinted as the girl rode her simurgh into his midst and asked for him.

"I'm the manager here." he said proudly,

"What might I do for you young miss?" He said as he rolled the simurgh unto his back so that he may continue his administrations on the beast's fluffy tummy.

Skada merely laughed off the Primus' threats before loosening off pieces of her armor to allow for her musical horseplay. After she had finished her upbeat tune, the Harbinger of Nifhel tooted off a scale before jumping off of the back of her horse. Clicking softly into Nidhogg's ear, Skada released her hand from the reins and watched as the horse trotted alongside her without guidance. "But of course!" Taking out her flask, the Queen of Ice took a swig of liquid courage and then joined the four maids in their dancing. She couldn't remember any other specific tune in her current state of mind, so she instead defaulted to merely playing whatever came to mind, and danced a little ditty with her uncoordinated feet as she did so.

The Three Horseman nodded their heads in acknowledgement, moving to sit down as they each received their mugs, and Pestilence was laid to rest alongside his Herald. War instantly began drinking from his mug, tipping his helmet back in order to quaff the beverage, and was the only dignitary to give more then a curt greeting to the LAP representatives and heirs. Pointing a finger at Nyle, he grunted "You have strong jaw. You will make fine warrior." Famine took a sip from her mug experimentally and Death merely stared at it before looking off at the other foreign dignitaries.

Skada, Krisnia and Maldarr

Maldarr had noticed Krisnia hanging back and as he turned, he heard her shout insults to a strange girl on a fierce looking horse. that's more like it. he thought to himself with satisfaction as he wandered over to see what the fuss was about. He came at the end of their shouting and watched with Krisnia as the girl divested herself of her armor and began to caper and play at the behest of the Avonlean maids he had seen prior. He watched with some amusement at the spectacle, idly wondering if the two had finished their taunting as the girl's song ended.

Nyle and War

Nyle raised an eyebrow at the fearsome man and rubbed his jaw with his hand as if testing out his theory. Shrugging, certain it had been a compliment he raised his mug,

"To battle!" He shouted at the warrior and quaffed his drink. You had to find common ground with all sorts, he was fast learning.

"What is it to you, anyway?"

"On a practical level, a ruling family in conflict will often lead to civil war." Oronara pointed out. "Morally, family should not squabble."

"Who are you to tell me anything?"
"Colson! I see you've met your betrothed!"

Oronara was never so proud of her ability to keep herself from laughing. "Lovely to meet you all at last."

As she greeted the family she was about to wed into and was greeted in turn, she did her best to remember all of their names and faces. She accepted the kiss on her hand gladly, giggling a bit; she was a might ticklish. Nyle seemed the handsome sort, though she supposed she would have to limit herself now. Too bad, but at least she got good eye candy.

"Please, 'your highness' is not necessary, I'll be family soon, and most of you outrank me here anyway." She chuckled and returned Ebele's curtsy, nodding to the wine. "I had to bring a few bottles of my own, but it's aged very well, I think."

Oronara nodded to Baram. Speaking of eye candy. "I will try not to abuse that offer... Baram, I believe?"

Oronara smirked at the arrogant man. A little boyish, perhaps, but not unfit. He'd make good daughters. She could wear down those rough edges with time - any man was pliable enough once he saw you naked. "I can see that, my dear Colson, but I hope to be a pleasant surprise." She placed a gauntleted hand under his chin; the moonsilver felt oddly warm and smooth to the touch as she lifted his face to look directly into his eyes. "Am I?"

"Ah, that is I mean to say yes." He sputtered, his superior affectation quite surprised out of him.

"Please sit." He motioned to the seats that Nyle and Ebele had only recently vacated. His attention turned to the boisterous parade, though his eyes wandered over to the young woman of their own volition. My bride. He thought to himself, scarcely believing it to be true.

Baram smirked at his brother's unaccustomed lack of self-assuredness. He only hoped to be half as astute as his father some day.

HalfTangible

2016-03-24, 05:42 PM

"Ah, that is I mean to say yes." He sputtered, his superior affectation quite surprised out of him.

"Please sit." He motioned to the seats that Nyle and Ebele had only recently vacated. His attention turned to the boisterous parade, though his eyes wandered over to the young woman of their own volition. My bride. He thought to himself, scarcely believing it to be true.

Baram smirked at his brother's unaccustomed lack of self-assuredness. He only hoped to be half as astute as his father some day.

"Good. Sit with me." Oronara sat where he indicated, her eyes watching the parade. She took Colson's hand in her gauntlets and held it in her lap, rubbing the back of his hand with one finger. "Quite the spectacle. Do you like the Karnavali, dear?"

I'm gonna need to log off for a bit. I got work to do. Back later.

Reggiejam

2016-03-24, 09:11 PM

<"The lines of whose purview this falls under have blurred. Your advice in this matter is appreciated."> Aleuta pulled out the letter from her sleeve, and continued to explain, shoving the paper into Duke Sand's hands, wordlessly instructing him to hold it. <"Years ago, the Best Friend of Lady Spring handed over a sample of Xungla Crystals to a human from a place called the Truserchen. As Aunt Autumn is no doubt aware, this is seemingly an entire region of scholars, far to the east, even beyond the Pale Empyrium. At the time, the Best Friend found them worthy of continued correspondence, at least in matters of science and inquiry.">

<"They continued to investigate the sample given to them, and have sent a copy of their findings, to which I have read and ordered copies of crafted, should my Girls verify the contents. If this were just a matter of continued research into trade goods, it would clearly be within my prerogative as Lady Spring to oversee any requests that the Truserchen made... however, they have requested that a research team be allowed access to Tir Xungla itself."> Lady Aleuta paused, picking her words carefully. <"The Arandi Runes found upon the Crystals I believe to be important. Any information we can acquire about them could be the breakthrough the Courts need to begin to understand what could very well be one of the world's most ancient languages. I've tried to speak to Grandfather Winter regarding them, but he has not responded... or has chosen to not respond. I am uncertain. Still, the Truserchen surveyors...> Landoverseen <...as they call it, could unravel a mystery for us. I have spoken to the Salvax Ri, and, in his words: 'They can be dealt with, and will be treated with care.'">

<"I am of the opinion to allow them access. The Spring Courtlands have allowed access to researchers before; we have a team of Primals in Glaw Novo looking into matters of blood flow. Those, however, are within my own purple forests. These of the Truserchen would be within a wider area of the Aeldir Heartlands. They can be tied down with a treaty, to restrict them to a sector of the Salvax's Island, but doing so might limit their scientific study in a way that could ruin the outcome. A delicate balance of access and order must be reached. They have the potential to be... very useful to us.">

Aleuta could have made this decision on her own. There may have been grumbling. There may have been some pointed discussion regarding matters of politics versus matters of science. Lady Cynel and Lady Kellianth Beagen had has many such... discussions. Aleuta preferred to go about it differently. Cynel Bres was a proud woman; a woman of skill and cunning, and one who, sadly, would probably not remain Lady Autumn for long. That was simply the way of the Autumn Court. While she was the Seasons of the West, however, Aleuta chose to work with her, rather than give her reason to find objections to the Spring Court's decisions. To the decisions of Lady Spring. And that was simply a matter of swallowing a little of Aleuta's own pride, and asking a very easy question, <"How do you think we should proceed?">

((OOC: originally sent via PM from Murgen))

Spring and Autumn

Duke Sand took the paper with a tongue-in-cheek smile towards Lady Spring who had not spared him a glance. Feeling safe from her focus as she spoke to Cynel he rolled his eyes. He suspected her fawning Courtlands Boy might have seen him but he didn't care. He outranked him by several orders of magnitude and he would be unlikely to bother his lady with such a petty matter. Satisfied in his conclusions on the matter he concentrated on Lady Spring's detailing of the Truserchen request.

He looked towards Cynel instantly but her face was, as always, cooly diplomatic. She nodded at the appropriate places as Lady Spring spoke and the Duke was reminded why she was Lady Autumn. What made it so impressive was the conversation they'd had in their journey here regarding Truserchen rumors. While much of the Court seemed obsessed with matters in Avonlea, Fantastigoria and the Sea of Coin, and the irritable Pavos Republic both Cynel and Sand kept abridged of less publically gripping matters. They were well aware of rumors that the Truserchen lust for knowledge exceeded all currently accounted kingdoms. Such rumors had made Cynel shy of befriending them but now she listened to Lady Spring as if she held no prior opposition.

<"A research team looking into the Arandi Runes and the Xungla Crystals on Tir Xungla sounds perfectly within your realm, Lady Spring, and what's more an advantageous pursuit. I know the Arandi Runes have long vexed the Lady Spring and to see her curiosity relieved would be rewarding.">

Duke Sand was astounded at how quickly she was spinning a deal.

<"Of course, any researchers will need to be bound by a Contract with the Truserchen that defines their purpose specifically. They are to look into the Xungla Crystals and Arandi Runes, nothing more. If necessary we may need to examine their notes before they leave the Demesne and ensure the Truserchen quest for knowledge does not breach the propriety of the Demesne.">

Willa and The Fox

Willa sniffed in agreement as she glared at the blonde's backs and sipped her beer. She herself had seen how that queen, for she would not even say the wanton's name in her mind, had begun to develop the small creases of age around her eyes before she had so agreeably disappeared. She remembered how she had tested Maldarr, storming away from the balcony and that wretch's mooning eyes that had followed her husband around unrelentingly. How he had held her and insisted, you are my wife. Yes, but she was your whore, she would tell him now if he had been present to hear it, and throw her drink in his face in front of all of his adoring fans. She took comfort in her ire and snickered a bit at the thought,

"He had his chance to win me, it has long since passed." She replied haughtily, she had thought that there might be a chance at reconciliation for them once, but that was before,

"Do you know that he sought to name our daughter Talia? The very idea." She fumed anew at his bafflement at her utter rejection of the name.

"I'm quite done with him." Her voice was certain, though her eyes followed his back, tracing over the familiar tattoos and muscles that she knew intimately. She sighed longingly, though she was unaware that she did so, even as a possessive jealousy encompassed her heart and she deliberately ignored the burning desire to claim him as her own.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Belinda smiled at Lady Autumn's assertions,

"Perhaps so, though children often rebel against their elders." She grinned to think that her form of rebellion had been to refrain from gambling.

"I would be happy to tour the simurgh racers with you, Lady Autumn. Let us go straight away." Indeed, the thought of a diversion pleased her, as much as to get away from her husband's drunken state as anything. Besides, she had had her fill of the brew in any case.

Willa and the Fox

"Well surely a bright beautiful woman like you has considered revenge?" despite, or perhaps because of the twisted subject Duke Sand's eyes twinkled. It might have been amusing or terrifying on such a small childish face but his eyes betrayed his age in the way a children's eyes never could and transformed it into a parody or play whose actor was a man and character a boy.

"It's a tale as old as time. Like love, but more rife with violence and steamy scenes, that is to say more interesting. Here you are, forced to wed a man by circumstance but he loves another and with such an oafish commitment as to still love her after she is gone. You didn't even have to dispose her out, so consider your blessings from Llymr there of being alleviated any guilt."

"You've done no wrong and the world has punished you anyway. If being good is not rewarded, is it not better than to do bad things that benefit you knowing the world will not be just?"

The Duke posed the moral question carefully, leaving little room for argument against him. He personally didn't agree with such an outlook but he found his outlook difficult to explain to mortal species. Nonetheless he found thinking of what mortal philosophies were and might be an entertaining venture and upon seeing Willa and recalling the stories about her he decided he might attempt to guide her moral construction.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Cynel had smiled and nodded agreeably with Belinda, chuckling at her joke at rebellion. As the ladies rose and began to move away from the platform and into the quieter walkways that led to their destination at the Simurgh cages Cynel struck up conversation.

"I've always been such an admirer of the League and especially Ambrose in it. Don't take me wrong, the Nend are a proud people and the Kingdom of Nand is well regarded. So too is the South Sea Company and Krozna's governorship. Though my eastern counterpart is mostly to deal with them I have heard respectful things."

"Ambrose however, is a kingdom that has truly tested itself and pulled through stronger for it. Kinslaying is so often frowned upon within kingdoms, and rightly so, but to the point that a king might even be subject to such law. Occasionally family requires the firm hand of a king. That the Laurel Crown has not suffered undue loss as the Nenda royals have speaks to the decisive handling of the Collins disturbance without disrupting the sanctity against kinslaying."

Despite the queer subject matter Cynel seemed sincere and she focused on Belinda as she spoke.

"The credit goes to your husband and king of course, but I suspect he could not have done it without a wife for him to relieve to. A man whose home was unhappy forced to make the decision he made would be mad and while your husband may be drunk he is not mad."

Cynel smiled, her brown-red eyes twinkling with knowing.

"It is commendable what all your realm has accomplished and I, as Lady Autumn, have always admired your kingdom and the strength of its monarchs."

She let the plurality settle only for a moment.

"Things are changing in my Court and the whole of the Demesne but I want you to know I remember Ambrose and the League."

As she spoke they arrived at their destination. Despite her unfamiliarity with the area her speech seemed perfectly timed to the travel time. Now that they arrived she deferred to Belinda for where to start on examining the Simurghs.

PepperP.

2016-03-25, 01:01 AM

"Good. Sit with me." Oronara sat where he indicated, her eyes watching the parade. She took Colson's hand in her gauntlets and held it in her lap, rubbing the back of his hand with one finger. "Quite the spectacle. Do you like the Karnavali, dear?"

I'm gonna need to log off for a bit. I got work to do. Back later.

Colson did as his betrothed bid, seating himself next to her, close, though not undecorously so. He nearly jumped as she took his hand in her own gauntleted ones, it felt strange to hold her hand through the metal and briefly he wondered if she ever took them off. It felt strange to have her next to him at all, it would seem that having now received his Princess, he did not quite know what to do with her. All of his previous encounters with women allowed for his brevity, he simply paid and they left. It would seem this one meant to stick around. She again startled him, this time by speaking,

"Ah, yes quite so. The Karnavali is the grandest festival of the year. I do enjoy a good revel don't you?" He wasn't entirely sure this was true, but it seemed a safe enough topic until he found his bearings, he felt quite the fool.

Willa and the Fox

"Well surely a bright beautiful woman like you has considered revenge?" despite, or perhaps because of the twisted subject Duke Sand's eyes twinkled. It might have been amusing or terrifying on such a small childish face but his eyes betrayed his age in the way a children's eyes never could and transformed it into a parody or play whose actor was a man and character a boy.

"It's a tale as old as time. Like love, but more rife with violence and steamy scenes, that is to say more interesting. Here you are, forced to wed a man by circumstance but he loves another and with such an oafish commitment as to still love her after she is gone. You didn't even have to dispose her out, so consider your blessings from Llymr there of being alleviated any guilt."

"You've done no wrong and the world has punished you anyway. If being good is not rewarded, is it not better than to do bad things that benefit you knowing the world will not be just?"

The Duke posed the moral question carefully, leaving little room for argument against him. He personally didn't agree with such an outlook but he found his outlook difficult to explain to mortal species. Nonetheless he found thinking of what mortal philosophies were and might be an entertaining venture and upon seeing Willa and recalling the stories about her he decided he might attempt to guide her moral construction.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Cynel had smiled and nodded agreeably with Belinda, chuckling at her joke at rebellion. As the ladies rose and began to move away from the platform and into the quieter walkways that led to their destination at the Simurgh cages Cynel struck up conversation.

"I've always been such an admirer of the League and especially Ambrose in it. Don't take me wrong, the Nend are a proud people and the Kingdom of Nand is well regarded. So too is the South Sea Company and Krozna's governorship. Though my eastern counterpart is mostly to deal with them I have heard respectful things."

"Ambrose however, is a kingdom that has truly tested itself and pulled through stronger for it. Kinslaying is so often frowned upon within kingdoms, and rightly so, but to the point that a king might even be subject to such law. Occasionally family requires the firm hand of a king. That the Laurel Crown has not suffered undue loss as the Nenda royals have speaks to the decisive handling of the Collins disturbance without disrupting the sanctity against kinslaying."

Despite the queer subject matter Cynel seemed sincere and she focused on Belinda as she spoke.

"The credit goes to your husband and king of course, but I suspect he could not have done it without a wife for him to relieve to. A man whose home was unhappy forced to make the decision he made would be mad and while your husband may be drunk he is not mad."

Cynel smiled, her brown-red eyes twinkling with knowing.

"It is commendable what all your realm has accomplished and I, as Lady Autumn, have always admired your kingdom and the strength of its monarchs."

She let the plurality settle only for a moment.

"Things are changing in my Court and the whole of the Demesne but I want you to know I remember Ambrose and the League."

As she spoke they arrived at their destination. Despite her unfamiliarity with the area her speech seemed perfectly timed to the travel time. Now that they arrived she deferred to Belinda for where to start on examining the Simurghs.

Willa and The Fox

"Revenge?" she asked, not entirely disinterested,

"Of what sort do you mean? I would not seek to lower myself to his standards." Or hers, she thought sourly as she sipped her beer, watching her husband's back grow smaller as he faded into the distance.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Belinda listened as Lady Autumn shared her thoughts on her realm, somewhat alarmed to think the larger world might see Derris as a kinslayer, she had been so close to it, that she had not been able to see it from the outside's perspective until now and she was both gratified to Lady Autumn for making her aware of it, and yet also concerned. She could only hope that one traitor's execution would not mar their standing in the world's ever judging eyes.

Her inclusion within Lady Autumn's esteem was not lost on her, and Belinda smiled to show she understood her meaning. It had been hard when they had first married, her feelings for Maldarr had been stronger than she had thought, and she had struggled with the loss. Derris had come upon her sobbing one eve and bid her tell him what was the matter. She told him everything, and where he might have been hurt or have turned against her, he had been kind and patient instead. Derris had proved himself a good man and earned her love, she repaid him by earning his own and they loved each other dearly.

"It gratifies me to hear so, My Lady, your esteem is well spoken. You have friends in Ambrose no matter which way the wind is blowing on Tir Amser." her attention turned to the kennels in which they now stood, the simurghs were mostly napping though some stood and watched as the two women passed by.

"Ser Vallis?" Belinda called. Receiving no answer, Belinda shrugged and peered into a kennel with an awake simurgh in it. "Quickstep" was the name tag on the kennel.

"Quickstep!" Belinda spoke to the simugh who began to wag his feathery tail.

"I think this one likes me." She laughed as he rolled over onto his back with his paws in the air, a silly sight in the great wolf-like creature.

HalfTangible

2016-03-25, 08:50 AM

Colson did as his betrothed bid, seating himself next to her, close, though not undecorously so. He nearly jumped as she took his hand in her own gauntleted ones, it felt strange to hold her hand through the metal and briefly he wondered if she ever took them off. It felt strange to have her next to him at all, it would seem that having now received his Princess, he did not quite know what to do with her. All of his previous encounters with women allowed for his brevity, he simply paid and they left. It would seem this one meant to stick around. She again startled him, this time by speaking,

"Ah, yes quite so. The Karnavali is the grandest festival of the year. I do enjoy a good revel don't you?" He wasn't entirely sure this was true, but it seemed a safe enough topic until he found his bearings, he felt quite the fool.

"I enjoy the company more than the revel itself-"

"ORONARA! WOO! F#@$ HIM HARD!"

She didn't reply to her cousin. "-but occasionally, yes, I do enjoy a good party." She turned to look at her husband and smiled at his evident unease. "Why are you nervous, Colson? Am I so intimidating?"

Of course she was. As far as this man was concerned, a woman was to be meek, demure, a pushover meant to serve and lift up her skirt. In the span of a few minutes, Oronara had swaggered in, befriended his family and now had him literally in the palm of her hand. She was a Lady of the Kingdom of Berrium's court, but she was also a warrior of Primus, and pride was not something they threw away on the whim of House Navus. She'd keep Colson happy, of course; she had no desire for a miserable husband. In time perhaps she would even love him dearly. But she was not going to roll over for him.

... Well. Maybe~

"You can't have a good relationship with your bride if you're afraid to sit with her. Relax." She wrapped an arm around him, gazing into his eyes. "Ask me anything you like, tell me anything you like. I would know my husband's heart."

Gengy

2016-03-25, 09:27 AM

Breydice was actually wearing ceremonial armor. Sure, it was the crude armor of the Primal, but it was certainly no dress.

She caught the hint in her old friend's tone, and deigned not to speak of it further. She was well aware that Lady Spring was considered a single being through the ages (which made her wonder about Lord Winter) and had no intention of questioning it.

"Heh. She'd tell me to find someone taller. Find someone you can bite without gobbling them up, Breydice!" She whispered back, teasingly. When Breydice pulled back and stood again, however, she had regained her composure. Her face was stone and iron once more, and her limbs held fast to her sides.

"... You're right. That was inappropriate and foolish of me." She looked to Eoghan for a brief moment. "Though it is good to learn you possess a competent guard."

"My apologies."

"Humans. Always apologizing for things that need no apologies." Aleuta said this with a small smirk upon her child-like face. "I said that I would allow it. I am the Cutest of the Cute. Why not utilize this title to allow my friends some privileges?"

With a glance back at Eoghan, Aleuta nodded, "And yes. Egohan has made himself quite useful. Where my Best Friend liked to show off her power by flouncing around without a guard, I choose to do things differently. I can, and will, do what is needed for the Aeldir... but I would rather have an extra pair of eyes at my back. It helps to show that I am important, to those who have not yet met a Season."

Gazing around at Breydice's lack of guards, Aleuta said, "Though neither way is wrong."

"Do you happen to know if your friends from the Kingdom of Berrium are in attendance? It was my understanding that they might have a gift or two for your people. If they do not show, seek me out again; I shall have a gift for you to give to your people, in their stead. I am afraid, though, that I must be going to find Lady Autumn. She and I must discuss a matter of scientific and political importance."

"Oh." Aleuta paused, as though she had just had a thought, "The decision to ward Crudice and Phelnia within the Winter Court? Masterful. They may not be your favorite people right now, but Pavos is being given every opportunity to... allow the rest of the world to discern the truth for themselves. The Quont needs to see the truth of the matter, as well. The Spring Court will not be denied knowledge. Any day now, explorers from Avonlea or the Stormlands, or even someone else, will find a way around the Pavos blockade. We'll be able to speak with the Followers of Kan once more. We were told they were demons. We found followers of the Doctrine of Nine Candles."

The air around Aleuta seemed to grow still, and Breydice could see that even though her friend smiled, there was a disquieting discomfort to her eyes; they were not the eyes of the curious adviser whom had warded within Primus. They were the eyes of something that was like anger, but not quite. Like looking into pure curiosity, that had been denied, if such a thing were possible. They were the eyes not of Aeluta, but of Lady Spring. "We feel lied to."

And then, whatever the look meant, it was gone, as quickly as it had come. It was just all small smiles once more. "If you will excuse me for now, High Queen? I would invite you to come along, but I know that willingly placing you and Lady Cynel in the same tent would be amusing, but not productive."

The man's party had stopped at the platform that housed this land's Lord and his guests as they enjoyed their revel. Mariya stopped uncertainly for a moment, made shy by the force of her interest in the man. Clever Enyd whispered in her ear and she nodded, the maids casually made their way over to the man and Mariya, ignoring the handsome man on the armoured horse, placed her palms on the horse's neck and stroked him gently.

"Aren't you a beauty." She spoke true, she had never seen its like and was quite taken with the pair of them.

First Erik Wilheim was thoroughly lost. Oh, he could turn around, and get back on the ship, and be fine. He could find the ship, if he wanted. And to be fair, now that he was no longer under the scrutiny of the Lady Spring and her Aeldir, he felt more at ease. He could go anywhere within the Karnavali. He could do anything. The festival here seemed so... so freeing. It was so different from Cetate. There was so little in the ways of military uniformity.

Yet, Erik had seen enough in his travels to get here to know that this was more of the norm than he would like. The Legions had truly been good for Inorog. They brought discipline and order, and promoted honor and brotherhood. There was still honor here, he could see, and order too. Discipline? Perhaps not as much, judging from the number of people stumbling about. But then, this was supposed to be some grand type of party, and too much discipline at once of these affairs would be counterproductive. Still, Erik had seen enough to know that this 'beer' was not something he wanted in his Legion. It was tasty, but if it made a man wobbly at the knees and verbally uninhibited, it could alienate them from their brothers.

...much like the reason for Erik being lost. The tactical part of his brain analyzed the situation, assessed that it was just him and Strideheart, that they were outnumbered two to one, and that, in all realities, Strideheart would not be helpful here. It was four to one. The political part of being a member of the Senate could appreciate the beauty of the assault. They were, in their own way, uniform. They came with... weapons that Erik could never hope to have. Long blond hair, blue eyes that you could just fall in to. Clothes that had him speechless, and bell-like giggles, each ring a distraction to his ability to think.

Both the politician and tactician in his brain gazed upon the Avonlean women in front of him, and recommended to his stupefied, smiling face a course of action that would perhaps alarm First of Firsts Gramm Lider: complete and absolute surrender.

But First of Firsts Gramm wasn't here. The Senate couldn't see the absolute wonders before him. Whatever was happening here, even if it was some foreign type of mental assault, First Erik found that even if he had no defenses, he did not want them. He looked down into the eyes of his captors, and begged the Old Gods to just let him hear the sound of one of their voices; to remind him to make his heart beat, and to fill his lungs with air again.

As though they had heard him, or perhaps it was to happen either way, the lead of this assault knew precisely what to do, as she reached out and stroked Strideheart's neck, "Aren't you a beauty."

Welp. That was it. Strideheart was going to turn traitor. His neck was his unprotected weakspot. Already, Erik could see the beast was ready to lean down and nuzzle the women. With an internal sigh of defeat, Erik tried to find his own voice, and was having trouble. He swallowed the dryness in his mouth, and tried to smile as he reached out and removed the spiked helmet from Strideheart's head. The Unicorn would nuzzle and fall momentarily in love with anyone petting his neck, the betrayer. The spiked helmet would only have the potential to cause harm here. The Unicorn was aware of the single twisted bone horn in the middle of it's head, but the spikes that the armor gave were not natural to his steed; smart though he was, Strideheart was less careful about the sharp copper helm.

One more time, Erik tried to find his voice, and succeeding, said in a breathy whisper, "I could say the same to you, dear lady. Please. Spare me this pain: I burn with curiosity. Where do you and your companions hail from? Speak it's name, so that I might give thanks to have been born in Inorog, and given this opportunity to be here, in this moment."

Oh Old Gods. He was so lost.

With Colson well occupied by his intended bride, Ebele (http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q487/Brandi_42/fantasy-girl-2880x1800_zpsolj0b07l.jpg) had been free to cast her eyes at the intriguing violet garbed fellow once again. She giggled as he sputtered in his drink, blushing and playing coy as he waggled his eyebrows at her. Goodness did he think she a harlot? She thought with some alarm as she wrested her eyes away from him, feeling suddenly guilty for her flirtatious nature.

"What's wrong?" Nyle, astute as ever had noticed her discomfiture.

"He waggled his eyebrows at me, it was quite improper." She flushed at her admission and Nyle grinned the half grin of his father.

"Customs are different elsewhere, perhaps the women of his land are a forceful lot." She continued to studiously ignore the brazen man despite Nyle's words.

"Come, if you want him to treat you like a proper Lady he must know you for one." He took his cousin's hand and led her across the platform to where the bulk of the Spring delegation remained.

"My Lord, I would present to you my cousin, Lady Ebele Asker, our own Protos's niece." Nyle introduced her with an easy confidence. Ebele, still blushing, curtsied to the man in violet, her eyes slowly making their way up to his eyes until they finally met his own.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintaince, My Lord." Ebele spoke gently as if made shy by the Lord.

She was coming over. She was coming over, and he had no idea what to do. With Galwoset, it had been so simple. Bring her fruit from Touca, the upstart island that still erupts frequently. Before it's eruption, though, there are some small trees at the edge of the water that grew a hard to acquire fruit; one bite was all it took, and Galwoset and he had been so happy together after that. Of course, they had lived near each other for years prior, and she was the one who had told him to go get the fruit. Now though? Monpaket had none of this fruit.

"Here she comes!" He whispered, desperately to Bansuko of the Boar Tribe. His companion was getting ready... to leave? The man was leaving him! "Wait! What do I do?"

"I suggest, my Islander friend, that you keep smiling, try not to insult her, and whatever you do..."

"Yes...?"

"Don't start a war." With that, Bansuko laughed and walked away, just as the two people from Ambrose arrived. The man seemed to be leading. The girl was... well... breathtaking.

"My Lord, I would present to you my cousin, Lady Ebele Asker, our own Protos's niece." The lead man said. Monpaket didn't know what a Protos was, but it sounded important. Don't start a war, indeed.

And then Ebele Asker spoke and Monpaket found that he didn't have any trouble smiling, "A pleasure to make your acquaintaince, My Lord."

"Hello to both of you." Monpaket said, his eyes locked on Ebele. "I am Chief Councilor Melzini of the Monpaket Archipelago."

Something about that sounded wrong. Oh no. "Er, I mean, I'm Chief Councilor Monpaket of the Melzini Archipelago."

Touca’s Ill Luck Upon Me, I'm terrible at this. Where's a volcano to throw myself into, when I need one? Monpaket quickly took another sip of his beer, and tried to remember his manners. What had they said on the ship? Ah. Shake the man's hand, and k-k-k-kiss the back of the lady's. Shaking the man's hand was no problem. Monpaket had to summon all his courage to look back at Ebele Asker, as he leaned down to peck softly at her own hand. He was fairly certain he did so smoothly enough, though. Standing back up to gaze into Ebele's eyes, he said, "Are you both, then, from here?"

They came upon Archie Vallis as he was well occupied in grooming a simurgh's coat, brushing it firmly to loosen any shed hairs from his fur. The elder looked up and squinted as the girl rode her simurgh into his midst and asked for him.

"I'm the manager here." he said proudly,

"What might I do for you young miss?" He said as he rolled the simurgh unto his back so that he may continue his administrations on the beast's fluffy tummy.

The Simurghs here were adorable. Not as adorable as Doubledash or Swiftrain, but absolutely wonderful in their own way. Lady Honora smiled, as she watched Manager Vallis's ministrations. "I am Honora of the Spring Court, and I wish to enter my Simurgh Doubledash into the race. He is the grandson of Dewdrop, and the fastest racer in Glaw Novo. We asked our host where do we register, and Lord Derris Asker said to come see you."

Duke Sand took the paper with a tongue-in-cheek smile towards Lady Spring who had not spared him a glance. Feeling safe from her focus as she spoke to Cynel he rolled his eyes. He suspected her fawning Courtlands Boy might have seen him but he didn't care. He outranked him by several orders of magnitude and he would be unlikely to bother his lady with such a petty matter. Satisfied in his conclusions on the matter he concentrated on Lady Spring's detailing of the Truserchen request.

He looked towards Cynel instantly but her face was, as always, cooly diplomatic. She nodded at the appropriate places as Lady Spring spoke and the Duke was reminded why she was Lady Autumn. What made it so impressive was the conversation they'd had in their journey here regarding Truserchen rumors. While much of the Court seemed obsessed with matters in Avonlea, Fantastigoria and the Sea of Coin, and the irritable Pavos Republic both Cynel and Sand kept abridged of less publically gripping matters. They were well aware of rumors that the Truserchen lust for knowledge exceeded all currently accounted kingdoms. Such rumors had made Cynel shy of befriending them but now she listened to Lady Spring as if she held no prior opposition.

<"A research team looking into the Arandi Runes and the Xungla Crystals on Tir Xungla sounds perfectly within your realm, Lady Spring, and what's more an advantageous pursuit. I know the Arandi Runes have long vexed the Lady Spring and to see her curiosity relieved would be rewarding.">

Duke Sand was astounded at how quickly she was spinning a deal.

<"Of course, any researchers will need to be bound by a Contract with the Truserchen that defines their purpose specifically. They are to look into the Xungla Crystals and Arandi Runes, nothing more. If necessary we may need to examine their notes before they leave the Demesne and ensure the Truserchen quest for knowledge does not breach the propriety of the Demesne.">

<"I am happy you think so, Aunt Autumn. This is why I have come to you. The Truserchen expect an answer today, as I have delayed as long as possible in order to ascertain the facts and speak with all parities involved. Shall we call them here to discuss this further? I believe their...> Pontisep <is here, but if not, I know that> 7th Degree Phyloxgrew Gretchen Griefstep <is here. She appears to be able to discuss matters on the Truserchen's behalf."> Lady Spring glanced over at Duke Sand, taking him in for the first time. Aleuta could see why Kellianth had dislike the Boy. He was independent, a free-thinker, and according to reports from battles and appointments for construction leadership, quite capable. That made him... something that Kellianth couldn't understand. Boys weren't supposed to be able to do that, Alueta's Best Friend would have said. Aleuta, however, saw differently.

He was clever, he was important to Lady Autumn, and he could be useful. He just needed to be tested. <"You are... Duke Sand, yes? I have an idea then, Aunt Autumn. Shall we entrust this deal to him? As a Spring Boy, he will understand the curious nature of the Truserchen, but as he has been working closely with the Autumn Court, he should know by now your own desires in this matter. It makes him well suited to the creation of this Contract, and seeing it signed, would you not agree?">

HalfTangible

2016-03-25, 10:12 AM

"Humans. Always apologizing for things that need no apologies." Aleuta said this with a small smirk upon her child-like face. "I said that I would allow it. I am the Cutest of the Cute. Why not utilize this title to allow my friends some privileges?"

With a glance back at Eoghan, Aleuta nodded, "And yes. Egohan has made himself quite useful. Where my Best Friend liked to show off her power by flouncing around without a guard, I choose to do things differently. I can, and will, do what is needed for the Aeldir... but I would rather have an extra pair of eyes at my back. It helps to show that I am important, to those who have not yet met a Season."

Gazing around at Breydice's lack of guards, Aleuta said, "Though neither way is wrong."

"Do you happen to know if your friends from the Kingdom of Berrium are in attendance? It was my understanding that they might have a gift or two for your people. If they do not show, seek me out again; I shall have a gift for you to give to your people, in their stead. I am afraid, though, that I must be going to find Lady Autumn. She and I must discuss a matter of scientific and political importance."

"Oh." Aleuta paused, as though she had just had a thought, "The decision to ward Crudice and Phelnia within the Winter Court? Masterful. They may not be your favorite people right now, but Pavos is being given every opportunity to... allow the rest of the world to discern the truth for themselves. The Quont needs to see the truth of the matter, as well. The Spring Court will not be denied knowledge. Any day now, explorers from Avonlea or the Stormlands, or even someone else, will find a way around the Pavos blockade. We'll be able to speak with the Followers of Kan once more. We were told they were demons. We found followers of the Doctrine of Nine Candles."

The air around Aleuta seemed to grow still, and Breydice could see that even though her friend smiled, there was a disquieting discomfort to her eyes; they were not the eyes of the curious adviser whom had warded within Primus. They were the eyes of something that was like anger, but not quite. Like looking into pure curiosity, that had been denied, if such a thing were possible. They were the eyes not of Aeluta, but of Lady Spring. "We feel lied to."

And then, whatever the look meant, it was gone, as quickly as it had come. It was just all small smiles once more. "If you will excuse me for now, High Queen? I would invite you to come along, but I know that willingly placing you and Lady Cynel in the same tent would be amusing, but not productive."

Breydice shook her head. "The Custodia Alta are at the Karnavali with me. I outran them." Her expression did not change. "Martellus will be quite upset with me."

She cocked an eyebrow at Aleuta's mention of a gift. That was news to her. "I... am not sure if the Kingdom is here in an official capacity. Princess Oronara was to be wed, so Queen Tu- my Aunt knows that I am here. Perhaps she means to surprise me."

"We feel lied to."

A cold shiver ran down the High Queen's spine. That was new. Breydice resolved to write to Phelnia and ask her to slow down her destruction of Pavos. Falling into the Aeldir's hands after lying to them would do more to punish the Republic than anything the Satsujin could come up with.

"... I do not envy the Qount. Or... Quont, or... however it's pronounced. =Can't just name yourself from the trade tongue, no, have to sound so special...="

"The decision to ward Crudice and Phelnia was not mine." Breydice said quietly. The air seemed tense as the warrior's eyes hardened with suppressed rage. "You are right, of course. It was a good move. I am not happy about it, but it was a good move."

Her eyes softened a moment. "I know that Tir Amser and Primus did not start off on the best terms. I am glad that we're attempting to mend it."

Breydice shrugged as her friend took her leave. "Speaking of how relations started... As you will, Aeluta. I am not my mother, but I have nothing urgent to converse with Lady Autumn. Perhaps we shall speak again later."

Reggiejam

2016-03-25, 12:56 PM

Willa and The Fox

"Revenge?" she asked, not entirely disinterested,

"Of what sort do you mean? I would not seek to lower myself to his standards." Or hers, she thought sourly as she sipped her beer, watching her husband's back grow smaller as he faded into the distance.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Belinda listened as Lady Autumn shared her thoughts on her realm, somewhat alarmed to think the larger world might see Derris as a kinslayer, she had been so close to it, that she had not been able to see it from the outside's perspective until now and she was both gratified to Lady Autumn for making her aware of it, and yet also concerned. She could only hope that one traitor's execution would not mar their standing in the world's ever judging eyes.

Her inclusion within Lady Autumn's esteem was not lost on her, and Belinda smiled to show she understood her meaning. It had been hard when they had first married, her feelings for Maldarr had been stronger than she had thought, and she had struggled with the loss. Derris had come upon her sobbing one eve and bid her tell him what was the matter. She told him everything, and where he might have been hurt or have turned against her, he had been kind and patient instead. Derris had proved himself a good man and earned her love, she repaid him by earning his own and they loved each other dearly.

"It gratifies me to hear so, My Lady, your esteem is well spoken. You have friends in Ambrose no matter which way the wind is blowing on Tir Amser." her attention turned to the kennels in which they now stood, the simurghs were mostly napping though some stood and watched as the two women passed by.

"Ser Vallis?" Belinda called. Receiving no answer, Belinda shrugged and peered into a kennel with an awake simurgh in it. "Quickstep" was the name tag on the kennel.

"Quickstep!" Belinda spoke to the simugh who began to wag his feathery tail.

"I think this one likes me." She laughed as he rolled over onto his back with his paws in the air, a silly sight in the great wolf-like creature.

Willa and the Fox

"Well, what are standards really but imagined limitations? Not to say that what I propose might err on such breaching of imagined barriers, mind," he amended himself quickly to retain her interest and he took a sip of his beer.

"Now, I assume as Maldarr's wife you have some sort of relationship with his bastard-boy?"

He held up his finger to discourage an articulation for he knew she must.

"No doubt that blue eyed bastard son of the late High Queen irks you. No doubt his face is a cruel reminder of your husband's misdeeds against you. Your husband gazes upon him with wistful eyes as he is reminded of the boy's mother and treats him fairer than any child you might ever bear."

The Aeldir boy leaned in close now and spoke quietly in a conspiratorial whisper,

"Send him away. Let me take him back to Tir Amser. I promise on my own life he shall be safe and well cared for so you needn't worry of accusations of assassination. You will be relieved of a reminder of your husband's misdeeds and he shall be robbed of his only living reminder of the woman he loved despite you."

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Cynel let a great smile overwhelm her face as she watched Lady Belinda petting the happy simurgh pup. The Lady enjoyed animals. Not the pups and the rearing as the Spring Court did but the aged, apex survivors. It took stamina and perseverance to last long enough in the wild to be recognized by an Autumn Aeldir as a wild patron. These pups were young but they were clearly well bred for speed.

"I think he does," Cynel came over and knelt beside Belinda, joining her in petting the simurghs's belly.

"Perhaps it is the fate of Llymr this simurgh was awake when we arrived. There can be no strategy in a fair bid and I have heard too many times lately we must recognize the workings of the Gods in all things."

<"I am happy you think so, Aunt Autumn. This is why I have come to you. The Truserchen expect an answer today, as I have delayed as long as possible in order to ascertain the facts and speak with all parities involved. Shall we call them here to discuss this further? I believe their...> Pontisep <is here, but if not, I know that> 7th Degree Phyloxgrew Gretchen Griefstep <is here. She appears to be able to discuss matters on the Truserchen's behalf."> Lady Spring glanced over at Duke Sand, taking him in for the first time. Aleuta could see why Kellianth had dislike the Boy. He was independent, a free-thinker, and according to reports from battles and appointments for construction leadership, quite capable. That made him... something that Kellianth couldn't understand. Boys weren't supposed to be able to do that, Alueta's Best Friend would have said. Aleuta, however, saw differently.

He was clever, he was important to Lady Autumn, and he could be useful. He just needed to be tested. <"You are... Duke Sand, yes? I have an idea then, Aunt Autumn. Shall we entrust this deal to him? As a Spring Boy, he will understand the curious nature of the Truserchen, but as he has been working closely with the Autumn Court, he should know by now your own desires in this matter. It makes him well suited to the creation of this Contract, and seeing it signed, would you not agree?">

<"A perfect appointment Lady Spring. I could not have chosen a more apt candidate myself.">

Duke Sand was positively shocked, though he tried to restrain it from staying on his face. Lady Spring was talking to him. Talking to him like he was a representative of the Autumn Court. What's more she even recognized his curiosity befitting a member of the Spring Court even though he was a boy. The implications were... He hurried to respond,

<"I'll be happy to try and arrange a meeting with both of the Truserchen you named Lady Spring. You and I can see to it and leave Lady Autumn to the Karnival.">

He smiled, genuinely for once, and set off to find the Truserchen to speak with the Pontisep and 7th Degree Phyloxgrew Gretchen Griefstep alongside Lady Spring.

Breydice shrugged as her friend took her leave. "Speaking of how relations started... As you will, Aeluta. I am not my mother, but I have nothing urgent to converse with Lady Autumn. Perhaps we shall speak again later."

As Duke Sand and Lady Spring departed Lady Cynel had returned to the festival around her. A few handsome men half in their drink had paid for her next flagon of beer and she was contemplating approaching the cluster of Avonleans and horn playing fool she had heard first and seen second when she spotted the High Queen of Primus. She sipped at her beer and poised herself to approach.

"Lady Breydice of Primus," she smiled as she approached, "I don't believe I've seen you since your mother was still High Queen."

It was a macabre opening but she followed it quickly.

"Your mother was a pain in my ass. I imagine she'd be happy to hear that reply. It's one I...never got around to. 'No need for a reply' that's what it said."

She nodded slowly, affirming her own statement.

"Time outside the isle complicates things sometimes."

She smiled and her eyes brightened with the promise of a changing topic.

"I've heard of a tower in the desert that can drive men mad with obsession. No doubt your whole royal line is jealous?"

HalfTangible

2016-03-25, 01:27 PM

As Duke Sand and Lady Spring departed Lady Cynel had returned to the festival around her. A few handsome men half in their drink had paid for her next flagon of beer and she was contemplating approaching the cluster of Avonleans and horn playing fool she had heard first and seen second when she spotted the High Queen of Primus. She sipped at her beer and poised herself to approach.

"Lady Breydice of Primus," she smiled as she approached, "I don't believe I've seen you since your mother was still High Queen."

It was a macabre opening but she followed it quickly.

"Your mother was a pain in my ass. I imagine she'd be happy to hear that reply. It's one I...never got around to. 'No need for a reply' that's what it said."

She nodded slowly, affirming her own statement.

"Time outside the isle complicates things sometimes."

She smiled and her eyes brightened with the promise of a changing topic.

"I've heard of a tower in the desert that can drive men mad with obsession. No doubt your whole royal line is jealous?"

"Not since you sent us away at the Fantastic Masquerade, in fact." Breydice acknowledged in the stony, neutral tone she'd become well known for in Primus' court. "Unless... I don't believe I met you at the gates during the Grand Tournament?"

"She would indeed have been quite happy; she was never quite sure if she had managed to - what's the phrase in Luskan? 'Get under your skin'?." Breydice gave a slight smile. "I was amused to hear you hung a copy of my blood oath in your study."

Breydice blinked as she brought up the tower in the Silvaus desert. "Jealous of what, Lady Autumn? No one wants a partner who goes insane the instant he meets you. It sounds a terrible curse to bear." She raised an eyebrow. Maybe it was her imagination, but Cynel seemed... disheveled. Unfocused.

PepperP.

2016-03-25, 11:32 PM

"I enjoy the company more than the revel itself-"

"ORONARA! WOO! F#@$ HIM HARD!"

She didn't reply to her cousin. "-but occasionally, yes, I do enjoy a good party." She turned to look at her husband and smiled at his evident unease. "Why are you nervous, Colson? Am I so intimidating?"

Of course she was. As far as this man was concerned, a woman was to be meek, demure, a pushover meant to serve and lift up her skirt. In the span of a few minutes, Oronara had swaggered in, befriended his family and now had him literally in the palm of her hand. She was a Lady of the Kingdom of Berrium's court, but she was also a warrior of Primus, and pride was not something they threw away on the whim of House Navus. She'd keep Colson happy, of course; she had no desire for a miserable husband. In time perhaps she would even love him dearly. But she was not going to roll over for him.

... Well. Maybe~

"You can't have a good relationship with your bride if you're afraid to sit with her. Relax." She wrapped an arm around him, gazing into his eyes. "Ask me anything you like, tell me anything you like. I would know my husband's heart."[

Merciful Eikaria the creature talked a lot. As she sought to further ensnare him within her arms, he quite felt to be the trapped rabbit he was and his pulse started to thud in his temples. Sure he was on the verge of some sort of nervous attack, he caught Baram's eye and pleaded with him silently for help but his older brother only grinned the same foolishly tipsy grin he had held all day. Gathering together the entirely of his usual haughty composure, with no little effort, Colson managed to meet his betrothed eyes that she held mere inches away from his own face,

"It is your beauty that has unnerved me so, My Lady." Emboldened by his own success in making up an acceptable excuse for his lack of composure, he continued,

"Would you care for some more wine?" He asked hopefully, surely she would not be able to talk as much while drinking.

She was coming over. She was coming over, and he had no idea what to do. With Galwoset, it had been so simple. Bring her fruit from Touca, the upstart island that still erupts frequently. Before it's eruption, though, there are some small trees at the edge of the water that grew a hard to acquire fruit; one bite was all it took, and Galwoset and he had been so happy together after that. Of course, they had lived near each other for years prior, and she was the one who had told him to go get the fruit. Now though? Monpaket had none of this fruit.

"Here she comes!" He whispered, desperately to Bansuko of the Boar Tribe. His companion was getting ready... to leave? The man was leaving him! "Wait! What do I do?"

"I suggest, my Islander friend, that you keep smiling, try not to insult her, and whatever you do..."

"Yes...?"

"Don't start a war." With that, Bansuko laughed and walked away, just as the two people from Ambrose arrived. The man seemed to be leading. The girl was... well... breathtaking.

"My Lord, I would present to you my cousin, Lady Ebele Asker, our own Protos's niece." The lead man said. Monpaket didn't know what a Protos was, but it sounded important. Don't start a war, indeed.

And then Ebele Asker spoke and Monpaket found that he didn't have any trouble smiling, "A pleasure to make your acquaintaince, My Lord."

"Hello to both of you." Monpaket said, his eyes locked on Ebele. "I am Chief Councilor Melzini of the Monpaket Archipelago."

Something about that sounded wrong. Oh no. "Er, I mean, I'm Chief Councilor Monpaket of the Melzini Archipelago."

Touca’s Ill Luck Upon Me, I'm terrible at this. Where's a volcano to throw myself into, when I need one? Monpaket quickly took another sip of his beer, and tried to remember his manners. What had they said on the ship? Ah. Shake the man's hand, and k-k-k-kiss the back of the lady's. Shaking the man's hand was no problem. Monpaket had to summon all his courage to look back at Ebele Asker, as he leaned down to peck softly at her own hand. He was fairly certain he did so smoothly enough, though. Standing back up to gaze into Ebele's eyes, he said, "Are you both, then, from here?"

The Simurghs here were adorable. Not as adorable as Doubledash or Swiftrain, but absolutely wonderful in their own way. Lady Honora smiled, as she watched Manager Vallis's ministrations. "I am Honora of the Spring Court, and I wish to enter my Simurgh Doubledash into the race. He is the grandson of Dewdrop, and the fastest racer in Glaw Novo. We asked our host where do we register, and Lord Derris Asker said to come see you."

The girl and the island chief

Ebele stifled her laugh as the gentleman in violet misspoke though she could not stifle her smile as he gently kissed her hand. She found something endearing and sweet about him, perhaps it was his obvious displacement from the comfort of his own realm, perhaps it was only him. Ebele looked askance to Nyle who nodded at her, deferring the answer to Monpaket's question to his cousin.

"Yes, My Lord. Nyle and I hail from Ambrose, which is a short ways northwest from here. I am afraid I know not of the Melzini Archipelago, would you care to sit with me and speak of your realm?" Nyle hung back, giving them space to talk, though he would not abandon his cousin to him until he knew what manner of man he was.

The Raceway

"Oh did he now? My Protos sent you to me, that was a fine thing he did." He peered at the girl over his prone simurgh before sighing and barking an unintelligible one word command at which the simurgh he had been working on immediately rolled off of the table and went to lie down in her kennel.

"Alright alright let's see what you've got here." The old man knelt down in front of Doubledash and began to feel over the simurgh's fur and muscles, gently stretching each wing to their full length in turn. He stood with some effort and scratched his chin.

"That's a fine specimen you've got there, but I'll need to see him run before I can admit him into a race." He knocked on the portcullis of a heavy gate,

"Lajos! Open the gate will you." There was no motion at the gate and he knocked harder,

"Lajos if you're sleeping on the job again I swear," The old man was interrupted by a gruff voice that grew louder as he spoke,

"I wasn't sleeping, I was taking a pisser." He looked sheepish as he saw the girl,

"Pardon me missy, I didn't see you there." He suddenly discovered his manners and scurried to open the gate, within revealed the entrance to the large oval race track.

"Come on then, let's see what they can do." Archie gestured to the track.

Willa and the Fox

"Well, what are standards really but imagined limitations? Not to say that what I propose might err on such breaching of imagined barriers, mind," he amended himself quickly to retain her interest and he took a sip of his beer.

"Now, I assume as Maldarr's wife you have some sort of relationship with his bastard-boy?"

He held up his finger to discourage an articulation for he knew she must.

"No doubt that blue eyed bastard son of the late High Queen irks you. No doubt his face is a cruel reminder of your husband's misdeeds against you. Your husband gazes upon him with wistful eyes as he is reminded of the boy's mother and treats him fairer than any child you might ever bear."

The Aeldir boy leaned in close now and spoke quietly in a conspiratorial whisper,

"Send him away. Let me take him back to Tir Amser. I promise on my own life he shall be safe and well cared for so you needn't worry of accusations of assassination. You will be relieved of a reminder of your husband's misdeeds and he shall be robbed of his only living reminder of the woman he loved despite you."

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Cynel let a great smile overwhelm her face as she watched Lady Belinda petting the happy simurgh pup. The Lady enjoyed animals. Not the pups and the rearing as the Spring Court did but the aged, apex survivors. It took stamina and perseverance to last long enough in the wild to be recognized by an Autumn Aeldir as a wild patron. These pups were young but they were clearly well bred for speed.

"I think he does," Cynel came over and knelt beside Belinda, joining her in petting the simurghs's belly.

"Perhaps it is the fate of Llymr this simurgh was awake when we arrived. There can be no strategy in a fair bid and I have heard too many times lately we must recognize the workings of the Gods in all things."

Willa and The Fox

Willa glanced sideways as the little Lord spoke. How easily he spoke of revenge and casting people away from their homes both chilled her and disappointed her in her own lack of initiative. If she had meant to send Her children away, she would have had to do so when they had been actual children, she thought the her chance was quite past in that matter.

"Nyle is both a grown man and Maldarr's legitimate heir." She motioned to the quite grown, broad shouldered young man who sat several rows in front of the two.

"I'm afraid I have no power to send him anywhere. Where I to send anyone away, it would be myself, though I would fear that my husband would find only relief in my passing and find another Avonlean to replace me with forthwith." She snorted derisively at the thought. She had often considered leaving, it was true, though her father would never forgive her and she would not be welcome back in Kyanos if she were to abandon her marriage.

"If only he were the only living reminder of the wretch," she sighed, feeling quite put upon and wallowing in her misery,

"Indeed Maldarr had a daughter by her, she and her half sister live with us as well, so you know her memory is quite alive in our household." She raised her glass in mock toast to the queen that had unknowingly ruined her life by loving her husband before they had met.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Belinda smiled as she continued to rub the simurgh's soft fur,

"The ways and wishes of the gods have always eluded me", Belinda admitted.

"Though that seems a good a reason as any to place a bet." She grinned, let us tour the track.

"You spoke of changes in your court My Lady? I hope it is nothing too drastic." As she spoke, she stood and made her way farther into the kennels, wondering where the track manager had gone off to.

HalfTangible

2016-03-26, 12:05 AM

Merciful Eikaria the creature talked a lot. As she sought to further ensnare him within her arms, he quite felt to be the trapped rabbit he was and his pulse started to thud in his temples. Sure he was on the verge of some sort of nervous attack, he caught Baram's eye and pleaded with him silently for help but his older brother only grinned the same foolishly tipsy grin he had held all day. Gathering together the entirely of his usual haughty composure, with no little effort, Colson managed to meet his betrothed eyes that she held mere inches away from his own face,

"It is your beauty that has unnerved me so, My Lady." Emboldened by his own success in making up an acceptable excuse for his lack of composure, he continued,

"Would you care for some more wine?" He asked hopefully, surely she would not be able to talk as much while drinking.

"It is your beauty that has unnerved me so, My Lady."

"Perhaps, though I doubt it; You did not seem so ensnared when we first met." She placed her head on his shoulder, smiling. "Though I appreciate the flattery.

She raised an eyebrow as he offered wine. In Berrium's court, it was the polite way to tell the person you are speaking with to shut the hell up before your ears started bleeding. She had many wine bottles for a reason. (Note to self: Remember that before giving wine to your future husband, next time... or... well, someone important then). While she doubted he had done it on purpose, thinking back to how much she'd spoken since they'd set down, it probably served the same purpose.

She almost pointed out that Ebele had her bottle before a better idea occurred to her. An old joke she always made when someone directed this statement her way.

"Thank you, but I wish to remain sober today - I get exceedingly talkative when I drink." Oronara smirked to herself as she watched the parade. She would wait for him to speak, now. No need to let him know she was even more nervous about this affair than he was, nor that she tended to run her mouth when she felt uneasy. That would embolden him, and he was already far too bold.

Reggiejam

2016-03-26, 11:31 AM

"Not since you sent us away at the Fantastic Masquerade, in fact." Breydice acknowledged in the stony, neutral tone she'd become well known for in Primus' court. "Unless... I don't believe I met you at the gates during the Grand Tournament?"

"She would indeed have been quite happy; she was never quite sure if she had managed to - what's the phrase in Luskan? 'Get under your skin'?." Breydice gave a slight smile. "I was amused to hear you hung a copy of my blood oath in your study."

Breydice blinked as she brought up the tower in the Silvaus desert. "Jealous of what, Lady Autumn? No one wants a partner who goes insane the instant he meets you. It sounds a terrible curse to bear." She raised an eyebrow. Maybe it was her imagination, but Cynel seemed... disheveled. Unfocused.

"What is love but a form of insanity?" Cynel mused almost to herself as much as to Breydice.

"We have indeed both traveled to the lands of the other. A rare connection to retain so many years after the Fantastic Masquerade."

She smiled and for the first time since Breydice had seen her when she was younger the Aeldir's ancient eyes seemed tired.

"As to your blood oath, I am sure it shall be removed soon but I have enjoyed its unrestrained presence over its lifetime."

Willa and The Fox

Willa glanced sideways as the little Lord spoke. How easily he spoke of revenge and casting people away from their homes both chilled her and disappointed her in her own lack of initiative. If she had meant to send Her children away, she would have had to do so when they had been actual children, she thought the her chance was quite past in that matter.

"Nyle is both a grown man and Maldarr's legitimate heir." She motioned to the quite grown, broad shouldered young man who sat several rows in front of the two.

"I'm afraid I have no power to send him anywhere. Where I to send anyone away, it would be myself, though I would fear that my husband would find only relief in my passing and find another Avonlean to replace me with forthwith." She snorted derisively at the thought. She had often considered leaving, it was true, though her father would never forgive her and she would not be welcome back in Kyanos if she were to abandon her marriage.

"If only he were the only living reminder of the wretch," she sighed, feeling quite put upon and wallowing in her misery,

"Indeed Maldarr had a daughter by her, she and her half sister live with us as well, so you know her memory is quite alive in our household." She raised her glass in mock toast to the queen that had unknowingly ruined her life by loving her husband before they had met.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

Belinda smiled as she continued to rub the simurgh's soft fur,

"The ways and wishes of the gods have always eluded me", Belinda admitted.

"Though that seems a good a reason as any to place a bet." She grinned, let us tour the track.

"You spoke of changes in your court My Lady? I hope it is nothing too drastic." As she spoke, she stood and made her way farther into the kennels, wondering where the track manager had gone off to.

Willa and the Fox

How quickly humans changed and aged, Duke Sand thought to himself. Perhaps he would need to speak to Nyle if the boy was now granted the imperceptible designation of man by the mortals. He listened distractedly to Willa as she droned on and he imagined himself sympathetic to Maldarr's rejection of her. He laughed as she toasted, a full bellied laugh full of mirth.

"Your husband has sired another half-Darkthorne bastard and the daughter of his paramour, with whom he shares no blood, lives as a sister to your daughter? Oh Lady Willa, I fear what I had heard before we spoke had not betrayed the depths of your husband's obsession with the late Queen. That he would in turn ask to name your only trueborn daughter after her?"

Duke Sand scoffed, "Truly you are a unique specimen of misfortune, Lady Willa."

He raised his glass in late response to her toast and took a drink.

"Excuse me Lady Willa, for I take a great pity on you and must attempt to make amends."

Without waiting for her response the precious Duke slid from his seat and landed lightly on the ground. He made his way forward where he had seen the bastard-son Nyle when indicated by Lady Willa. Pushing past people's legs and occasionally stepping on the toes of those who were too slow in stepping aside he reached the so-called Prince of Avonlea.

"Hello Prince, do you mind if I join you?"

Belinda and Lady Autumn

"Nothing that hasn't happened before," Cynel answered as she helped Lady Belinda to her feet and joined her arm in arm as they began to walk through the kennel.

"This will be the first time since the Rose Contract though. Lady Autumn must represent the whole of the Court and now not only the Court but the whole of the Demesne."

She paused as she put the sentence together carefully.

"The Demesne has many more varied interests than the Court once had. The Lords and Ladies of Autumn still remain the deciders in what the Court desires but they live now across the Demesne. Their desires are more unique."

"Splitting the world into halves and calling it a solution may not work as easily anymore."

Gengy

2016-03-26, 11:52 AM

<"A perfect appointment Lady Spring. I could not have chosen a more apt candidate myself.">

Duke Sand was positively shocked, though he tried to restrain it from staying on his face. Lady Spring was talking to him. Talking to him like he was a representative of the Autumn Court. What's more she even recognized his curiosity befitting a member of the Spring Court even though he was a boy. The implications were... He hurried to respond,

<"I'll be happy to try and arrange a meeting with both of the Truserchen you named Lady Spring. You and I can see to it and leave Lady Autumn to the Karnival.">

He smiled, genuinely for once, and set off to find the Truserchen to speak with the Pontisep and 7th Degree Phyloxgrew Gretchen Griefstep alongside Lady Spring.

Lady Spring, with Eoghan behind her, and Duke Sand beside her, began to scan the crowd for Gretchen Griefstep. <”Tell me of Tir Gwydr, Duke Sand. Are you Boys happy there? How does your colony’s governance work, with no Girls around? Frankly, the idea of it still… is anathema to me. I do not know how to feel about it.”>

<”Advise me.”>

Feel free to 'find us' whenever you wish.

Ebele stifled her laugh as the gentleman in violet misspoke though she could not stifle her smile as he gently kissed her hand. She found something endearing and sweet about him, perhaps it was his obvious displacement from the comfort of his own realm, perhaps it was only him. Ebele looked askance to Nyle who nodded at her, deferring the answer to Monpaket's question to his cousin.

"Yes, My Lord. Nyle and I hail from Ambrose, which is a short ways northwest from here. I am afraid I know not of the Melzini Archipelago, would you care to sit with me and speak of your realm?" Nyle hung back, giving them space to talk, though he would not abandon his cousin to him until he knew what manner of man he was.

“I would, um… I would like that very much, Lady Ebele.” Monpaket looked around desperately for a place to sit. Something. Anything. A bench. Yes. A bench. That would do. It was close by, plenty of people around, completely proper. Right? Or would she not like a bench? Was there anything else? No. No, the bench would have to do. They’d sit there. Oh Melzini, how long had he not been speaking? “Over there, perhaps?”

The bench was of stone make, and only right across the main path, under a tree. As they walked, Monpaket continued – successfully - to make his mouth and brain work to form words. How, he did not know. Twin Islands, he was terrible at this. “Please, do not feel that you must call me Lord. Truly, I’m nothing so great as that. I’m just the lead Councilman for our islands. There are eight. Councilmembers. Not Islands. There are seven islands. I’m from Melzini, the largest island, and the place of governance. We have the most people, so we get two Councilmembers. Then there’s one for each of the other islands, though no one sane lives on Touca; it’s an active volcano that erupts once a decade or so, before it settles down again. The last time was back in 118, so we’re not expecting anything from it for another couple years.”

Reaching the bench, Monpaket dusted it off with his hand, before either he or Ebele sat. Warming up to his topic, Monpaket grinned far into the distance, and his hands suddenly became more expressive. “The Archipelago itself is to the northwest of Anceris proper, or so I’ve been told, and east of KrasnyOstrav and Fan’Tierri. We’re fairly simple folk, we Islanders, and just love to enjoy our lives. I’m afraid I feel pretty out of place in these fine clothes; I’m more used to simple weaves, and few men wear shirts on the islands, even in Autumn. We rarely have a cold season last longer than a week or two, and never so much as to see frost on the sea, though one of the streams in Melzini freezes over almost yearly at the time.”

“If it weren’t for taking care of our Bees and the honey they make, I’d say we’re all pretty boring compared to…” Monpaket waved his hand in a wide arch at the Karnavali. “But enough about me. Please, would you let me hear some of your lands? The Spring Lady told us much, and I’ve come to respect Aeldir views; it’s nothing compared, though, to a first hand account, and often, it’s skewed in a way that I have trouble understanding. Lady Honora tried to explain further, but I’m afraid that she started talking about Simurghs, and well… that was all she talked about after that point.”

"Oh did he now? My Protos sent you to me, that was a fine thing he did." He peered at the girl over his prone simurgh before sighing and barking an unintelligible one word command at which the simurgh he had been working on immediately rolled off of the table and went to lie down in her kennel.

"Alright alright let's see what you've got here." The old man knelt down in front of Doubledash and began to feel over the simurgh's fur and muscles, gently stretching each wing to their full length in turn. He stood with some effort and scratched his chin.

"That's a fine specimen you've got there, but I'll need to see him run before I can admit him into a race." He knocked on the portcullis of a heavy gate,

"Lajos! Open the gate will you." There was no motion at the gate and he knocked harder,

"Lajos if you're sleeping on the job again I swear," The old man was interrupted by a gruff voice that grew louder as he spoke,

"I wasn't sleeping, I was taking a pisser." He looked sheepish as he saw the girl,

"Pardon me missy, I didn't see you there." He suddenly discovered his manners and scurried to open the gate, within revealed the entrance to the large oval race track.

"Come on then, let's see what they can do." Archie gestured to the track.

If Honora was insulted, she did not show it. She was too concerned with the race way in front of her. It was glorious. She didn’t have anything like this at Glaw Novo. The track there was a forest path that had been marked out by silk and string. Doubledash, though, looked excited.

Honora hopped off of Swiftrain. The female Simurgh was Doubledash’s running partner for practices. Swiftrain wasn’t quite as fast as the male, but the two of them enjoyed racing together, and Swiftrain had the better stamina. After five or so practices, their paces were equal, and sometimes, Swiftrain would pull ahead.

With just one run round this track, though, Doubldash would be the clear victor. That wouldn’t stop Swiftrain from trying. Honora lined them up at the start, and with a look towards Manager Vallis, waited to be told to set them loose. “Do you wish to pit them against someone, or just themselves?”

HalfTangible

2016-03-26, 01:47 PM

"What is love but a form of insanity?" Cynel mused almost to herself as much as to Breydice.

"We have indeed both traveled to the lands of the other. A rare connection to retain so many years after the Fantastic Masquerade."

She smiled and for the first time since Breydice had seen her when she was younger the Aeldir's ancient eyes seemed tired.

"As to your blood oath, I am sure it shall be removed soon but I have enjoyed its unrestrained presence over its lifetime."

"Perhaps." Breydice mused. Her expression turned sour. "Look no further to prove that than Phelnia, oh-so in love with a Summer Aeldir who hates her guts, because why fall for someone that makes any sense at all. Ugh. Have you seen any wine? I could go for some red but there's not a drop anywhere that I can see. I mean Oronara brought a bottle, but she's giving it to her fiance."

At the mention of the connection the two shared, Breydice shrugged. "I was very young, and do not remember it vividly. I remember more of the trip home - Aleuta was a delight even when we couldn't understand her."

"I understand your time in my lands was not so pleasant."

At the mention of the blood oath's removal, Breydice stilled. She hadn't said it directly, but the implication there was that it would come down whether she wanted it to or not. "... I am glad it brought you joy for however long it stayed." She looked directly at Lady Autumn. "Spring takes her Naps. What does Autumn do when she grows weary?"

Mary_Sue

2016-03-26, 01:51 PM

First Erik Wilheim was thoroughly lost. Oh, he could turn around, and get back on the ship, and be fine. He could find the ship, if he wanted. And to be fair, now that he was no longer under the scrutiny of the Lady Spring and her Aeldir, he felt more at ease. He could go anywhere within the Karnavali. He could do anything. The festival here seemed so... so freeing. It was so different from Cetate. There was so little in the ways of military uniformity.

Yet, Erik had seen enough in his travels to get here to know that this was more of the norm than he would like. The Legions had truly been good for Inorog. They brought discipline and order, and promoted honor and brotherhood. There was still honor here, he could see, and order too. Discipline? Perhaps not as much, judging from the number of people stumbling about. But then, this was supposed to be some grand type of party, and too much discipline at once of these affairs would be counterproductive. Still, Erik had seen enough to know that this 'beer' was not something he wanted in his Legion. It was tasty, but if it made a man wobbly at the knees and verbally uninhibited, it could alienate them from their brothers.

...much like the reason for Erik being lost. The tactical part of his brain analyzed the situation, assessed that it was just him and Strideheart, that they were outnumbered two to one, and that, in all realities, Strideheart would not be helpful here. It was four to one. The political part of being a member of the Senate could appreciate the beauty of the assault. They were, in their own way, uniform. They came with... weapons that Erik could never hope to have. Long blond hair, blue eyes that you could just fall in to. Clothes that had him speechless, and bell-like giggles, each ring a distraction to his ability to think.

Both the politician and tactician in his brain gazed upon the Avonlean women in front of him, and recommended to his stupefied, smiling face a course of action that would perhaps alarm First of Firsts Gramm Lider: complete and absolute surrender.

But First of Firsts Gramm wasn't here. The Senate couldn't see the absolute wonders before him. Whatever was happening here, even if it was some foreign type of mental assault, First Erik found that even if he had no defenses, he did not want them. He looked down into the eyes of his captors, and begged the Old Gods to just let him hear the sound of one of their voices; to remind him to make his heart beat, and to fill his lungs with air again.

As though they had heard him, or perhaps it was to happen either way, the lead of this assault knew precisely what to do, as she reached out and stroked Strideheart's neck, "Aren't you a beauty."

Welp. That was it. Strideheart was going to turn traitor. His neck was his unprotected weakspot. Already, Erik could see the beast was ready to lean down and nuzzle the women. With an internal sigh of defeat, Erik tried to find his own voice, and was having trouble. He swallowed the dryness in his mouth, and tried to smile as he reached out and removed the spiked helmet from Strideheart's head. The Unicorn would nuzzle and fall momentarily in love with anyone petting his neck, the betrayer. The spiked helmet would only have the potential to cause harm here. The Unicorn was aware of the single twisted bone horn in the middle of it's head, but the spikes that the armor gave were not natural to his steed; smart though he was, Strideheart was less careful about the sharp copper helm.

One more time, Erik tried to find his voice, and succeeding, said in a breathy whisper, "I could say the same to you, dear lady. Please. Spare me this pain: I burn with curiosity. Where do you and your companions hail from? Speak it's name, so that I might give thanks to have been born in Inorog, and given this opportunity to be here, in this moment."

Oh Old Gods. He was so lost.

Mariya had been curious when the man had reached to remove the horse's helm and as he revealed the long spiral horn she had gasped in surprise. She blushed as he spoke of her beauty and even as the horned horse turned to nuzzle her, she turned her big aquamarine eyes up to meet his for the first time and blinked prettily.

"We hail from Avonlea, My Lord. I'm afraid I know not of Inorog." She confessed as she leaned her head to rest upon the strange but beautiful horse's as he still nuzzled the young woman.

"Perhaps if you would be so kind as to grant me a ride with you on your steed, we might speak of our lands." She still stroked the beast's neck calmly, enjoying the warmth of his nuzzling, though her eyes were only for the man who sat atop the grand equine, which held a smile for him as she spoke.

PepperP.

2016-03-26, 02:53 PM

"It is your beauty that has unnerved me so, My Lady."

"Perhaps, though I doubt it; You did not seem so ensnared when we first met." She placed her head on his shoulder, smiling. "Though I appreciate the flattery.

She raised an eyebrow as he offered wine. In Berrium's court, it was the polite way to tell the person you are speaking with to shut the hell up before your ears started bleeding. She had many wine bottles for a reason. (Note to self: Remember that before giving wine to your future husband, next time... or... well, someone important then). While she doubted he had done it on purpose, thinking back to how much she'd spoken since they'd set down, it probably served the same purpose.

She almost pointed out that Ebele had her bottle before a better idea occurred to her. An old joke she always made when someone directed this statement her way.

"Thank you, but I wish to remain sober today - I get exceedingly talkative when I drink." Oronara smirked to herself as she watched the parade. She would wait for him to speak, now. No need to let him know she was even more nervous about this affair than he was, nor that she tended to run her mouth when she felt uneasy. That would embolden him, and he was already far too bold.

His countenance darkened as she saw through his ruse, and his face held a boyish pout at his deception thwarted. He was somewhat mollified as she placed her head on his shoulder however, and endeavored to sit straighter, seeing if his brother had noticed his success in wooing his bride despite himself. Baram was well-occupied however, as Nyle's sister, their cousin Adelie, now fifteen and her sister Grisanna, a blue haired maid of fourteen had come to sit next to Baram and watch the revel.

Colson awkwardly placed his arm about her shoulders, as if trying it out to see how he liked it. He found it suited him well enough, though he had grown somewhat alarmed at her offhand comment upon the effects of alcohol on her loquacity, he vowed to endeavor to keep her away from spirits as much as possible, for his ears' sake if nothing else. His eyes went to her boisterous family who had so recently hooted vulgarities at them, in the typical Primal fashion, no doubt. At least Oronara, he thought he remembered her name correctly, seemed to posses an uncharacteristic grace for the Primals about her, if she lacked a certain pliability of the females he was used to. The silence had stretched and grown awkward between them and he sought to relieve it,

"Will you miss your family greatly, Lady?" It was the only thing he could think to ask as he sat watching the parade with her in his grip.

PepperP.

2016-03-26, 03:33 PM

“I would, um… I would like that very much, Lady Ebele.” Monpaket looked around desperately for a place to sit. Something. Anything. A bench. Yes. A bench. That would do. It was close by, plenty of people around, completely proper. Right? Or would she not like a bench? Was there anything else? No. No, the bench would have to do. They’d sit there. Oh Melzini, how long had he not been speaking? “Over there, perhaps?”

The bench was of stone make, and only right across the main path, under a tree. As they walked, Monpaket continued – successfully - to make his mouth and brain work to form words. How, he did not know. Twin Islands, he was terrible at this. “Please, do not feel that you must call me Lord. Truly, I’m nothing so great as that. I’m just the lead Councilman for our islands. There are eight. Councilmembers. Not Islands. There are seven islands. I’m from Melzini, the largest island, and the place of governance. We have the most people, so we get two Councilmembers. Then there’s one for each of the other islands, though no one sane lives on Touca; it’s an active volcano that erupts once a decade or so, before it settles down again. The last time was back in 118, so we’re not expecting anything from it for another couple years.”

Reaching the bench, Monpaket dusted it off with his hand, before either he or Ebele sat. Warming up to his topic, Monpaket grinned far into the distance, and his hands suddenly became more expressive. “The Archipelago itself is to the northwest of Anceris proper, or so I’ve been told, and east of KrasnyOstrav and Fan’Tierri. We’re fairly simple folk, we Islanders, and just love to enjoy our lives. I’m afraid I feel pretty out of place in these fine clothes; I’m more used to simple weaves, and few men wear shirts on the islands, even in Autumn. We rarely have a cold season last longer than a week or two, and never so much as to see frost on the sea, though one of the streams in Melzini freezes over almost yearly at the time.”

“If it weren’t for taking care of our Bees and the honey they make, I’d say we’re all pretty boring compared to…” Monpaket waved his hand in a wide arch at the Karnavali. “But enough about me. Please, would you let me hear some of your lands? The Spring Lady told us much, and I’ve come to respect Aeldir views; it’s nothing compared, though, to a first hand account, and often, it’s skewed in a way that I have trouble understanding. Lady Honora tried to explain further, but I’m afraid that she started talking about Simurghs, and well… that was all she talked about after that point.”

If Honora was insulted, she did not show it. She was too concerned with the race way in front of her. It was glorious. She didn’t have anything like this at Glaw Novo. The track there was a forest path that had been marked out by silk and string. Doubledash, though, looked excited.

Honora hopped off of Swiftrain. The female Simurgh was Doubledash’s running partner for practices. Swiftrain wasn’t quite as fast as the male, but the two of them enjoyed racing together, and Swiftrain had the better stamina. After five or so practices, their paces were equal, and sometimes, Swiftrain would pull ahead.

With just one run round this track, though, Doubldash would be the clear victor. That wouldn’t stop Swiftrain from trying. Honora lined them up at the start, and with a look towards Manager Vallis, waited to be told to set them loose. “Do you wish to pit them against someone, or just themselves?”

The girl and the island chief

Ebele listened politely as he spoke, smiling as he warmed to the subject, his affection for his lands was apparent even as he spoke of them as boring.

"The color is lovely on you." She complimented his garb as he spoke of being uncomfortable in the fancy dress,

"Does the volcano reach to your other islands upon its fury?" She knew little of volcanoes and they seemed dangerously exotic to her. As he asked of her lands, she glanced around and wondered where to start

"My father is the older brother of the Protos," She pointed at Derris who was standing and gesticulating at the parade while beer sloshed in his cup, laurel crown askew. Ebele stifled a giggle, the Karnavali was the only time she ever saw her normally composed Uncle in disarray and it endeared him to her and made him more approachable in her mind.

"Our realm is Ambrose and we are but one part of three along with the Nand and Krozna. Together we form the League of Allied Provinces and we hold much of this western continent."

"As you can see we are a quite serious lot." She said with a mischievous grin.

"I have been to Anceris once when I was a bit younger, it is quite a ways to travel My Lord, my cousin's wife hails from there." She paused, remembering he had bid her to not call him Lord,

"What shall I call you then, if not My Lord?" She smiled as she spoke, wondering if she might have cause to call him anything after today, his lands sounded distant and quite foreign to her.

The Raceway

"Go ahead and send them, little miss. Let us see what they've got." He squinted at her curiously, awaiting the exhibition.

HalfTangible

2016-03-26, 04:32 PM

His countenance darkened as she saw through his ruse, and his face held a boyish pout at his deception thwarted. He was somewhat mollified as she placed her head on his shoulder however, and endeavored to sit straighter, seeing if his brother had noticed his success in wooing his bride despite himself. Baram was well-occupied however, as Nyle's sister, their cousin Adelie, now fifteen and her sister Grisanna, a blue haired maid of fourteen had come to sit next to Baram and watch the revel.

Colson awkwardly placed his arm about her shoulders, as if trying it out to see how he liked it. He found it suited him well enough, though he had grown somewhat alarmed at her offhand comment upon the effects of alcohol on her loquacity, he vowed to endeavor to keep her away from spirits as much as possible, for his ears' sake if nothing else. His eyes went to her boisterous family who had so recently hooted vulgarities at them, in the typical Primal fashion, no doubt. At least Oronara, he thought he remembered her name correctly, seemed to posses an uncharacteristic grace for the Primals about her, if she lacked a certain pliability of the females he was used to. The silence had stretched and grown awkward between them and he sought to relieve it,

"Will you miss your family greatly, Lady?" It was the only thing he could think to ask as he sat watching the parade with her in his grip.He'd put his arm around her slowly and awkwardly. Perhaps he lacked experience in such matters. She decided she liked the feeling.

Krisnia was wooping the crowd into a fervor again. She enjoyed that perhaps a little too much. It was a silly, overly bombastic display. Oronara snorted. She may have been good with the crowd, but Krisnia was overwhelming in large doses. Hopefully the battle would start soon and she could calm down

And then Colson asked Oronara about her family.

For a time, she didn't answer, her eyes fixed on the parade. She honestly hadn't thought about it too hard. Father had seemed excited and pleased about how high his little fighter was marrying. Then she sighed. "Some of them, yes. And my friends. I will miss my brother Valerius most of all."

"Perhaps I will see them in diplomatic meetings in later years. Cousin Krisnia is here, if I'm desperate." She placed a hand on Colson's chest. Less hair and muscle than she'd like, but not bad. The metal stayed warm and smooth as she rubbed. "But I hope to make a new family here. Yours has been quite welcoming so far."

PepperP.

2016-03-26, 06:38 PM

Willa and the Fox

How quickly humans changed and aged, Duke Sand thought to himself. Perhaps he would need to speak to Nyle if the boy was now granted the imperceptible designation of man by the mortals. He listened distractedly to Willa as she droned on and he imagined himself sympathetic to Maldarr's rejection of her. He laughed as she toasted, a full bellied laugh full of mirth.

"Your husband has sired another half-Darkthorne bastard and the daughter of his paramour, with whom he shares no blood, lives as a sister to your daughter? Oh Lady Willa, I fear what I had heard before we spoke had not betrayed the depths of your husband's obsession with the late Queen. That he would in turn ask to name your only trueborn daughter after her?"

Duke Sand scoffed, "Truly you are a unique specimen of misfortune, Lady Willa."

He raised his glass in late response to her toast and took a drink.

"Excuse me Lady Willa, for I take a great pity on you and must attempt to make amends."

Without waiting for her response the precious Duke slid from his seat and landed lightly on the ground. He made his way forward where he had seen the bastard-son Nyle when indicated by Lady Willa. Pushing past people's legs and occasionally stepping on the toes of those who were too slow in stepping aside he reached the so-called Prince of Avonlea.

"Hello Prince, do you mind if I join you?"

Belinda and Lady Autumn

"Nothing that hasn't happened before," Cynel answered as she helped Lady Belinda to her feet and joined her arm in arm as they began to walk through the kennel.

"This will be the first time since the Rose Contract though. Lady Autumn must represent the whole of the Court and now not only the Court but the whole of the Demesne."

She paused as she put the sentence together carefully.

"The Demesne has many more varied interests than the Court once had. The Lords and Ladies of Autumn still remain the deciders in what the Court desires but they live now across the Demesne. Their desires are more unique."

"Splitting the world into halves and calling it a solution may not work as easily anymore."

Nyle and the Fox

What a curious sort of imp the little Duke was, Willa thought to herself as he abruptly left her to her own devices. Secretly, she had hoped he would seek to spirit her and her daughter away. Away from Maldarr, and the expectations of her father and home region, and far away from her misery. She sighed as she found herself quite alone on the platform, she signaled for another beer and sat staring off into the distance as the revel continued around her small bubble of loneliness.

Nyle had turned at the unfamiliar voice and raised an eyebrow at seeing a Spring Aeldir in his midst. Not seeing any real reason to refuse him, he consented,

"This one is free at your liesure." He spoke in his quiet sort of way as his bright eyes stayed upon his cousin and the man in violet as he watched the pair inconspicuously from a distance.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

As Lady Autumn spoke, Belinda thought she understood her meaning. Adaptations must not come so easily to some of the ancient Aeldir.

"Humans must change so frightfully quickly in your estimations, Lady. It must be sore tiresome to keep up with. I find it so myself, as I've grown older and the young rush about me frantically trying to make their mark upon the world." She patted Autumn's hand that had grasped her arm while they walked.

"You were the first Lady Autumn I knew, and I will always think of you when I hear the name, title really I suppose it is." She grinned mischievously,

"Of course I won't tell the new gal that." And she laughed as they came upon the open speedway gate. She stopped before it to see the Raceway manager engaged in conversation with a Spring Aeldir girl.

"It looks like one of yours beat us here." She hung back, unsure of whether to interrupt or not.

PepperP.

2016-03-26, 06:57 PM

He'd put his arm around her slowly and awkwardly. Perhaps he lacked experience in such matters. She decided she liked the feeling.

Krisnia was wooping the crowd into a fervor again. She enjoyed that perhaps a little too much. It was a silly, overly bombastic display. Oronara snorted. She may have been good with the crowd, but Krisnia was overwhelming in large doses. Hopefully the battle would start soon and she could calm down

And then Colson asked Oronara about her family.

For a time, she didn't answer, her eyes fixed on the parade. She honestly hadn't thought about it too hard. Father had seemed excited and pleased about how high his little fighter was marrying. Then she sighed. "Some of them, yes. And my friends. I will miss my brother Valerius most of all."

"Perhaps I will see them in diplomatic meetings in later years. Cousin Krisnia is here, if I'm desperate." She placed a hand on Colson's chest. Less hair and muscle than she'd like, but not bad. The metal stayed warm and smooth as she rubbed. "But I hope to make a new family here. Yours has been quite welcoming so far."

Colson fidgeted a bit beneath the feel of her gauntlets, he was beginning to suspect some sort of disfiguration and he frowned. Her words brought his attention back to the conversation,

"I'm sure you will find my family quite gregarious, my mother dotes upon her grandchildren. All six boys so far." He moved to pat her hand reassuringly and ran into the infernal gauntlet once again. He pulled his arm from around her and cautiously removed the first gauntlet from her right hand. He inspected it back and palm, to his relief it was a perfectly normal hand. He grinned with satisfaction and held out his hand for her left so that he may divest her of that gauntlet as well.

"I assume it is akin to going about naked for a Primal, to be without some sort of armor at all times." There was a teasing tone mixed in with his normally haughty demeanor, though he was smiling the first real smile he had held for her.

HalfTangible

2016-03-26, 07:50 PM

Colson fidgeted a bit beneath the feel of her gauntlets, he was beginning to suspect some sort of disfiguration and he frowned. Her words brought his attention back to the conversation,

"I'm sure you will find my family quite gregarious, my mother dotes upon her grandchildren. All six boys so far." He moved to pat her hand reassuringly and ran into the infernal gauntlet once again. He pulled his arm from around her and cautiously removed the first gauntlet from her right hand. He inspected it back and palm, to his relief it was a perfectly normal hand. He grinned with satisfaction and held out his hand for her left so that he may divest her of that gauntlet as well.

"I assume it is akin to going about naked for a Primal, to be without some sort of armor at all times." There was a teasing tone mixed in with his normally haughty demeanor, though he was smiling the first real smile he had held for her."I see."

Six boys.

She already had 8 cousins and 3 half-siblings. Several of the former had children of their own!

Well, at least she had many little nephews to dote upon now.

She let Colson take off her gaunlet with minimal resistance. Oronara fought the urge to punch him and take her gauntlet back as he looked her hand over. She was a little ticklish, but did her best to keep control. "The gauntlets are moonsilver. They're hard, comfortable and absorb impacts well. They also slowly shift color based on who wears them. I use them as both protection and as a weapon."

On comparing going unarmed to nudity, she chuckled. "I'm only half Primal, but no, it's worse. To go without armor and weapons would be to imply those around me are too weak, cowardly and stupid to harm me if they so desired. I would never insult you or your family so." She smirked. "Why? Did you want to get me improper? Perhaps feel more of my bare flesh?"

She made no move to give him the other gauntlet.

PepperP.

2016-03-26, 10:46 PM

"I see."

Six boys.

She already had 8 cousins and 3 half-siblings. Several of the former had children of their own!

Well, at least she had many little nephews to dote upon now.

She let Colson take off her gaunlet with minimal resistance. Oronara fought the urge to punch him and take her gauntlet back as he looked her hand over. She was a little ticklish, but did her best to keep control. "The gauntlets are moonsilver. They're hard, comfortable and absorb impacts well. They also slowly shift color based on who wears them. I use them as both protection and as a weapon."

On comparing going unarmed to nudity, she chuckled. "I'm only half Primal, but no, it's worse. To go without armor and weapons would be to imply those around me are too weak, cowardly and stupid to harm me if they so desired. I would never insult you or your family so." She smirked. "Why? Did you want to get me improper? Perhaps feel more of my bare flesh?"

She made no move to give him the other gauntlet.

At her description of them, he looked closer at the gauntlet he had divested her of.

"They're lovely but I much prefer your hand." Seeing the other hand was not forthcoming, he settled back and claimed the bare hand for his own.

"Which side are you Primal, your mother's or your father's?" There, he was getting better at this already. His thoughts were rather smug as he clasped her hand within his own.

"Why would we desire to harm you? You're to be my wife, I wouldn't stand for it." His customary hauteur had returned, though it was short lived as he looked at her with alarm as she spoke so openly of what were to be private matters between them. He looked at her sideways as a blush rose to his cheeks.

"I suppose after the wedding," He stammered and trailed off, deciding there was no real elegant way of finishing that sentence so he turned the conversation to the wedding itself.

"We will be wed at Castle Eroton in Ambrose." He was an Archon after all, and he was due a grand castle wedding.

HalfTangible

2016-03-26, 11:19 PM

At her description of them, he looked closer at the gauntlet he had divested her of.

"They're lovely but I much prefer your hand." Seeing the other hand was not forthcoming, he settled back and claimed the bare hand for his own.

"Which side are you Primal, your mother's or your father's?" There, he was getting better at this already. His thoughts were rather smug as he clasped her hand within his own.

"Why would we desire to harm you? You're to be my wife, I wouldn't stand for it." His customary hauteur had returned, though it was short lived as he looked at her with alarm as she spoke so openly of what were to be private matters between them. He looked at her sideways as a blush rose to his cheeks.

"I suppose after the wedding," He stammered and trailed off, deciding there was no real elegant way of finishing that sentence so he turned the conversation to the wedding itself.

"We will be wed at Castle Eroton in Ambrose." He was an Archon after all, and he was due a grand castle wedding.

"I suppose I'll be giving you my hand soon enough; I'm glad you like it."

"Mother is Tusameia, third daughter of Cochradice the Unifier, first High Queen of the Imperium." She said, finally starting to relax. It was good to talk about familiar things. "Father is Knight-Protector of the Kingdom of Berrium. I'm told they fell in love and decided to get married by the end of their first hour together, though I imagine that is exaggerated."

She smiled brightly at him. "I know. 'Tis not a matter of whether you would, my dear, only that you could. My earliest memory of mother is her grabbing her sword but forgetting her pa- crown."

Oronara blinked. It occurred to her she knew very little about how Ambrose conducted weddings. Primus' "wedding ceremony" was barely anything worth mentioning, unless Colson was into collars and had a lot of stamina. Berrium had an elaborate ceremony of sorts, but it was usually either in a courthouse or overseen by a chaplain of the local chapter. "You have your weddings in castles? Hm. Interesting. It shall be quite grand, I imagine."

She brought a thumb up to caress his cheek. "What is Castle Eroton like?" She ignored the urge to call it Castle Erotic.

Gengy

2016-03-27, 11:11 PM

Mariya had been curious when the man had reached to remove the horse's helm and as he revealed the long spiral horn she had gasped in surprise. She blushed as he spoke of her beauty and even as the horned horse turned to nuzzle her, she turned her big aquamarine eyes up to meet his for the first time and blinked prettily.

"We hail from Avonlea, My Lord. I'm afraid I know not of Inorog." She confessed as she leaned her head to rest upon the strange but beautiful horse's as he still nuzzled the young woman.

"Perhaps if you would be so kind as to grant me a ride with you on your steed, we might speak of our lands." She still stroked the beast's neck calmly, enjoying the warmth of his nuzzling, though her eyes were only for the man who sat atop the grand equine, which held a smile for him as she spoke.

First Erik was off of Strideheart and was helping Mariya into the saddle before he even felt his feet touching the ground. "I would find it extremely pleasing to give you a ride, my Lady."

"Strideheart is a war mount, but a gentle soul, so long as I am here. And I, Lady, am First Erik Wilheim. Inorog is actually... quite close to Avonlea, from what I have been told. We are just south of Fan'Xabla, and north of what I think was called Fan'Grove and Penrith? I must admit," Erik helped the lady move herself forward, so that he might swing himself up behind her, as he continued to speak, "Inorog kept to itself for decades, so I know little of the lands outside of our borders. They did not bother us, so we chose not to bother them."

"So now that we are both mounted and settled," Erik grinned to his new companion, "might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"

Ebele listened politely as he spoke, smiling as he warmed to the subject, his affection for his lands was apparent even as he spoke of them as boring.

"The color is lovely on you." She complimented his garb as he spoke of being uncomfortable in the fancy dress,

"Does the volcano reach to your other islands upon its fury?" She knew little of volcanoes and they seemed dangerously exotic to her. As he asked of her lands, she glanced around and wondered where to start

"My father is the older brother of the Protos," She pointed at Derris who was standing and gesticulating at the parade while beer sloshed in his cup, laurel crown askew. Ebele stifled a giggle, the Karnavali was the only time she ever saw her normally composed Uncle in disarray and it endeared him to her and made him more approachable in her mind.

"Our realm is Ambrose and we are but one part of three along with the Nand and Krozna. Together we form the League of Allied Provinces and we hold much of this western continent."

"As you can see we are a quite serious lot." She said with a mischievous grin.

"I have been to Anceris once when I was a bit younger, it is quite a ways to travel My Lord, my cousin's wife hails from there." She paused, remembering he had bid her to not call him Lord,

"What shall I call you then, if not My Lord?" She smiled as she spoke, wondering if she might have cause to call him anything after today, his lands sounded distant and quite foreign to her.

"Touca spits and fumes and bleeds, but not in a way that has ever bothered any of the other islands. Fisherman and ferryman must go the long way around, to avoid the ash, but in all of our histories, no knowledge of anyone with sense has gone close enough to the volcano during it's eruptions." Monpaket listened with a smile, as Ebele described the League and her family's part in it.

And then she smiled at him, and the Islander had trouble listening as she asked "What shall I call you then, if not My Lord?"

With effort, he made himself answer, "If you must be formal, Chief Councilman or Councilman. If you would wish to be friendly, just Monpaket is fine. All of this finery is still... new to us Islanders. We are getting so many new things, thanks to the trade routes that the Aeldir have opened up for us. And I'm honored you think the color suits me; it's just that parties like these are much smaller where I come from, and usually involve a beach, a bonfire, and the setting sun."

Even as he said it, he wondered if she might find him too plain, too boring. He searched what felt like his now empty head for something, anything, to make himself more interesting. Or just to keep the few moments that he might have with her going. And then he had it.

Patting himself down, he found what he was looking for, and pulled out a small stoppered vial, full of a rich, golden brown liquid. "Have you ever had honey from bees before? I understand it's rare in the west."

"Go ahead and send them, little miss. Let us see what they've got." He squinted at her curiously, awaiting the exhibition.

Lady Honora stuck a finger from each hand into her mouth, and blew; a clear whistle erupted from her, and both Simurghs were off, quicker than rabbits. Doubledash and Swiftrain were neck and neck for the first few hundred feet, but soon, Doubledash showed his name off. When it looked as though both he and Swiftrain were at their top speeds, the male Simurgh tucked in his tail feathers further, and doubled his pace. He was gone and running with wild abandon, just in complete joy of being able to break free after so many days and weeks upon a boat with little space to wander. Swiftrain struggled at first to try and keep up, but it was clear that she was just not in her element. She was used to the purple forests of Glaw Novo, not this unusual raceway.

Doubledash didn't seem to care. He had space to run, had been told to run, and so he would run. His beautiful feathers flew behind him, and if one did not know that he was more canine then bird, one could swear he was flying. He loped along the straightaways, and tuckered in on the curves, and sooner than even she would have expected, he was back with Honora, licking her face and wagging his tail. The Spring Girl could tell he was practically begging to go again.

Swiftrain came in eventually, breathing hard. Her behavior was downcast, but Honora scratched her head and whispered a few words in Aeldir, and soon, the female Simurgh was on the ground; exhausted, but happy to have her belly rubbed. Doubledash hardly looked out of breath, but he still sat down nearby as the Spring Girl gave attention to the Simurgh girl. The clear victor of the race looked up at the nearby human, a doggy grin on his face as he did so, as though wordlessly asking Manager Vallis, How'd I do?

Either that or Got any food?

He was a canine, after all.

Reggiejam

2016-03-27, 11:30 PM

Nyle and the Fox

What a curious sort of imp the little Duke was, Willa thought to herself as he abruptly left her to her own devices. Secretly, she had hoped he would seek to spirit her and her daughter away. Away from Maldarr, and the expectations of her father and home region, and far away from her misery. She sighed as she found herself quite alone on the platform, she signaled for another beer and sat staring off into the distance as the revel continued around her small bubble of loneliness.

Nyle had turned at the unfamiliar voice and raised an eyebrow at seeing a Spring Aeldir in his midst. Not seeing any real reason to refuse him, he consented,

"This one is free at your liesure." He spoke in his quiet sort of way as his bright eyes stayed upon his cousin and the man in violet as he watched the pair inconspicuously from a distance.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

As Lady Autumn spoke, Belinda thought she understood her meaning. Adaptations must not come so easily to some of the ancient Aeldir.

"Humans must change so frightfully quickly in your estimations, Lady. It must be sore tiresome to keep up with. I find it so myself, as I've grown older and the young rush about me frantically trying to make their mark upon the world." She patted Autumn's hand that had grasped her arm while they walked.

"You were the first Lady Autumn I knew, and I will always think of you when I hear the name, title really I suppose it is." She grinned mischievously,

"Of course I won't tell the new gal that." And she laughed as they came upon the open speedway gate. She stopped before it to see the Raceway manager engaged in conversation with a Spring Aeldir girl.

"It looks like one of yours beat us here." She hung back, unsure of whether to interrupt or not.

Nyle and the Fox

Duke Sand climbed up onto the open seat indicated by Nyle but rather than sitting, stood so that his head was just slightly above the seated crowd. He turned to look at the bright-eyed Nyle and followed his gaze out to the young woman and the man dressed in Spring Violet. His mind turned for a moment as he placed him and identified him as of the Melzini Archipelago. Councilman Monpaket, the name came to him. He had been brought to the Autumn Courtlands and stayed some time as an honored guest, a right reserved to well regarded non-Aeldir administrators of the Demesne.

"Who is she? Sister? Lover?"

Belinda and Lady Autumn and Lady Honora and Manager Vallis

"Hmph," Cynel chuckled softly at the sight of Lady Honora and smiled to Lady Belinda, nodding her head that they should go forward.

"Lady Honora, are you so keen on simurghs as to come see these racing specimens and how they might compare to your kennel?"

"Perhaps." Breydice mused. Her expression turned sour. "Look no further to prove that than Phelnia, oh-so in love with a Summer Aeldir who hates her guts, because why fall for someone that makes any sense at all. Ugh. Have you seen any wine? I could go for some red but there's not a drop anywhere that I can see. I mean Oronara brought a bottle, but she's giving it to her fiance."

At the mention of the connection the two shared, Breydice shrugged. "I was very young, and do not remember it vividly. I remember more of the trip home - Aleuta was a delight even when we couldn't understand her."

"I understand your time in my lands was not so pleasant."

At the mention of the blood oath's removal, Breydice stilled. She hadn't said it directly, but the implication there was that it would come down whether she wanted it to or not. "... I am glad it brought you joy for however long it stayed." She looked directly at Lady Autumn. "Spring takes her Naps. What does Autumn do when she grows weary?"

"Lady Autumn retires," Cynel's eyes were distant as she answered, "Many go north. I believe it is where Lord Summer got the idea. Some just disappear. There are those in histories and legends who have left Tir Amser but rarely do such tales end well."

Blinking and squinting, Lady Cynel's gaze turned to the Primal Queen. Her face wrinkled in mild distaste though whether for herself or for Breydice was unclear.

"I have burdened you enough with memories. Excuse me Lady Breydice," with a nod Cynel extracted herself from the conversation and moved away.

HalfTangible

2016-03-27, 11:38 PM

"Lady Autumn retires," Cynel's eyes were distant as she answered, "Many go north. I believe it is where Lord Summer got the idea. Some just disappear. There are those in histories and legends who have left Tir Amser but rarely do such tales end well."

Blinking and squinting, Lady Cynel's gaze turned to the Primal Queen. Her face wrinkled in mild distaste though whether for herself or for Breydice was unclear.

"I have burdened you enough with memories. Excuse me Lady Breydice," with a nod Cynel extracted herself from the conversation and moved away.

"... For what it is worth, I believe you've done a fine job with the Demense. Bring a few dozen men with you wherever you end up going, you deserve it." Breydice turned to leave as well. "And should you desire, my offer to read what you write to me remains open."

BootStrapTommy

2016-03-28, 09:24 AM

Aures Penddraig stared down at the area where the pugilists duked it out with a look of utter fascination and wonder. No matter how hard he tried, Ser Cadwy always found the strange, bastard princess' simple, innocent curiosity to be endearing. But she still managed to put gray in his mane, despite the fact that he was still young!

He glanced around, hoping that a Salvax might materialize to aid him. Lacking the grace of a traditional diplomat, the Ambassador to the Salvax had once again dragged him on one of her hairbrained adventures. A former Thaeog, he had spent many years earning his Nihonwyr caste; he was not going to fail his Exarch in his swore duty. So he stood ready and alert, weary of any danger to his charge.

"Why are they punching each other, Cadwy?" Aures inquired with a dumb look on her face.

"It's a competition, a test of the strength of the competitors in unarmed combat."

"COM-PET-I-TORS," Aures said as if the word were strange, "Who would want to be the best at punching people?" Her eyes suddenly lit up, "Ser Cadwy, you're really good at punching people! You should compete!"

"It is my duty to protect and serve milady. It would not be fit for me to neglect that duty to engage in such a frivolous activity."

Cadwy's stomach sank as a familiar, mischievous look crossed Aures' face."Ser Cadwy, I command you to join the punching competition."

A grimace crossed Ser Cadwy's face. Son of a bitch! Where is a Salvax when you need one?

Name of participant: Ser Cadwy
Realm: The Exarchate of Carraig Dún
Military Score: 9

Gengy

2016-03-28, 11:41 AM

The Boxing Competition

"Oh come now, Lady Aures," Lady Owena popped up from behind the two Nihoni, seemingly out of no where. "Surely it would be little competition if someone of the Nihoni joined."

::Curiosity. Competition. Eagerness:: Prowling up behind Owena was the white and black furred Tiger Salvax, Bas Pride. Pride had been attending enough of these events that the Salvax now felt comfortable at them. Warchod Prejudice was close behind, her truck holding an entire head of lettuce, which she was munching on agreeably.

"Ah. Well, perhaps it would be more fair that way. Ser Cadwy, Bas Pride will consent to join you in the competition. Perhaps you shall face each other?"

Name: Bas Pride, of the South Hunt
Realm: The Rose Demesne
Region: Tir Xungla
Race: Tiger Salvax
Military Score: 6

Pride will avoid using his claws during the match.

PepperP.

2016-03-28, 11:53 AM

"I suppose I'll be giving you my hand soon enough; I'm glad you like it."

"Mother is Tusameia, third daughter of Cochradice the Unifier, first High Queen of the Imperium." She said, finally starting to relax. It was good to talk about familiar things. "Father is Knight-Protector of the Kingdom of Berrium. I'm told they fell in love and decided to get married by the end of their first hour together, though I imagine that is exaggerated."

She smiled brightly at him. "I know. 'Tis not a matter of whether you would, my dear, only that you could. My earliest memory of mother is her grabbing her sword but forgetting her pa- crown."

Oronara blinked. It occurred to her she knew very little about how Ambrose conducted weddings. Primus' "wedding ceremony" was barely anything worth mentioning, unless Colson was into collars and had a lot of stamina. Berrium had an elaborate ceremony of sorts, but it was usually either in a courthouse or overseen by a chaplain of the local chapter. "You have your weddings in castles? Hm. Interesting. It shall be quite grand, I imagine."

She brought a thumb up to caress his cheek. "What is Castle Eroton like?" She ignored the urge to call it Castle Erotic.

His eyes took on a distant haze as he tried to think of how best to describe the castle he grew up in.

"Well, the castle is located in Askerville, my father's seat of power before we unified with the Nand and Krozna. Eroton is situated on a high hill that overlooks the Shining Straight. Tall towers peak from the stone fortress, I've always felt safe there since I was a child." He rubbed her back absently as he spoke, making some attempt to help her visualize the castle where she would be wed and live.

"The wedding ceremony itself will be held in the grand throne room. I'm afraid we aren't an overly religious lot." He looked at her as if to gauge disappointment at this notion.

"Touca spits and fumes and bleeds, but not in a way that has ever bothered any of the other islands. Fisherman and ferryman must go the long way around, to avoid the ash, but in all of our histories, no knowledge of anyone with sense has gone close enough to the volcano during it's eruptions." Monpaket listened with a smile, as Ebele described the League and her family's part in it.

And then she smiled at him, and the Islander had trouble listening as she asked "What shall I call you then, if not My Lord?"

With effort, he made himself answer, "If you must be formal, Chief Councilman or Councilman. If you would wish to be friendly, just Monpaket is fine. All of this finery is still... new to us Islanders. We are getting so many new things, thanks to the trade routes that the Aeldir have opened up for us. And I'm honored you think the color suits me; it's just that parties like these are much smaller where I come from, and usually involve a beach, a bonfire, and the setting sun."

Even as he said it, he wondered if she might find him too plain, too boring. He searched what felt like his now empty head for something, anything, to make himself more interesting. Or just to keep the few moments that he might have with her going. And then he had it.

Patting himself down, he found what he was looking for, and pulled out a small stoppered vial, full of a rich, golden brown liquid. "Have you ever had honey from bees before? I understand it's rare in the west."

Lady Honora stuck a finger from each hand into her mouth, and blew; a clear whistle erupted from her, and both Simurghs were off, quicker than rabbits. Doubledash and Swiftrain were neck and neck for the first few hundred feet, but soon, Doubledash showed his name off. When it looked as though both he and Swiftrain were at their top speeds, the male Simurgh tucked in his tail feathers further, and doubled his pace. He was gone and running with wild abandon, just in complete joy of being able to break free after so many days and weeks upon a boat with little space to wander. Swiftrain struggled at first to try and keep up, but it was clear that she was just not in her element. She was used to the purple forests of Glaw Novo, not this unusual raceway.

Doubledash didn't seem to care. He had space to run, had been told to run, and so he would run. His beautiful feathers flew behind him, and if one did not know that he was more canine then bird, one could swear he was flying. He loped along the straightaways, and tuckered in on the curves, and sooner than even she would have expected, he was back with Honora, licking her face and wagging his tail. The Spring Girl could tell he was practically begging to go again.

Swiftrain came in eventually, breathing hard. Her behavior was downcast, but Honora scratched her head and whispered a few words in Aeldir, and soon, the female Simurgh was on the ground; exhausted, but happy to have her belly rubbed. Doubledash hardly looked out of breath, but he still sat down nearby as the Spring Girl gave attention to the Simurgh girl. The clear victor of the race looked up at the nearby human, a doggy grin on his face as he did so, as though wordlessly asking Manager Vallis, How'd I do?

Either that or Got any food?

He was a canine, after all.

The girl and the island chief

Ebele listened to the Islander's description of his homeland and his assertions of it's rustic boredom. She thought sunsets spent on the beach sounded lovely, though kept the thought to herself lest he surmised she was ready to run off with him. She could see Nyle from a distance, thinking he was inconspicuously watching them, her ever-protective cousin and grinned in his direction to show all was well. At the mention of honey her full attention returned to Monpaket,

"No My Lo, ah Chief." She stumbled over his title before collecting herself,

"I have not had it, but I should like to try it." Ebele looked curiously at the amber liquid in the bottle he held.

The Raceway

Manager Vallis let loose a long low whistle,

"That is one fast race simurgh you got there missy!" He was so impressed he forgot his manners,

"Let us pit him against one of mine and see how he does. Cindermist is long odds, since your simurgh just ran, let's pit him against our slowest. Though slow is a relative term, yes indeed." He set a bowl of water down for Doubledash to refresh himself with and went to loose Cindermist from his kennel.

Nyle and the Fox

Duke Sand climbed up onto the open seat indicated by Nyle but rather than sitting, stood so that his head was just slightly above the seated crowd. He turned to look at the bright-eyed Nyle and followed his gaze out to the young woman and the man dressed in Spring Violet. His mind turned for a moment as he placed him and identified him as of the Melzini Archipelago. Councilman Monpaket, the name came to him. He had been brought to the Autumn Courtlands and stayed some time as an honored guest, a right reserved to well regarded non-Aeldir administrators of the Demesne.

"Who is she? Sister? Lover?"

Belinda and Lady Autumn and Lady Honora and Manager Vallis

"Hmph," Cynel chuckled softly at the sight of Lady Honora and smiled to Lady Belinda, nodding her head that they should go forward.

"Lady Honora, are you so keen on simurghs as to come see these racing specimens and how they might compare to your kennel?"

Nyle and The Fox

Nyle raised an eyebrow coolly at the impertinent newcomer,

"Family." He said succinctly, wondering what business he might have with him warily.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

"Manager Vallis, what do we have here?" Belinda asked curiously as the elderly man went to fetch Cindermist,

"An impromptu race is what we have, we shall pit one of ours against her finest and see how they wind up." Belinda chuckled at his excitement, nothing would up the old man like simurghs.

"It looks like we've come just in time for a private showing, how fortunate." She grinned at Lady Autumn and awaited the race.

Mary_Sue

2016-03-28, 12:05 PM

First Erik was off of Strideheart and was helping Mariya into the saddle before he even felt his feet touching the ground. "I would find it extremely pleasing to give you a ride, my Lady."

"Strideheart is a war mount, but a gentle soul, so long as I am here. And I, Lady, am First Erik Wilheim. Inorog is actually... quite close to Avonlea, from what I have been told. We are just south of Fan'Xabla, and north of what I think was called Fan'Grove and Penrith? I must admit," Erik helped the lady move herself forward, so that he might swing himself up behind her, as he continued to speak, "Inorog kept to itself for decades, so I know little of the lands outside of our borders. They did not bother us, so we chose not to bother them."

"So now that we are both mounted and settled," Erik grinned to his new companion, "might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"

"Thank you, My Lord." Mariya graciously allowed him to boost her into the tall saddle and blushed as she was keenly aware of his arms around her as he guided the grand beast through the streets. Erik Wilheim, what a wondrously masculine name, she sighed.

"I am akin to your beast, Lord Erik, for my name is Mariya Stoutheart." And her laugh was as high and tinkling as a clarion.

"What manner of horse is this? It is alike to a horse, though much more beautiful and I've never seen the like of its horn before." She asked curiously, though she was astonished to hear his realm was so close to her own,

"Why, we are close neighbors indeed! How fortunate!" She had spoken too quickly and was afeared that she he think her gladness at his proximity too bold, though her gladness was true and she dropped her coy pretense and settled her back against him as they rode.

Gengy

2016-03-28, 01:08 PM

Manager Vallis let loose a long low whistle,

"That is one fast race simurgh you got there missy!" He was so impressed he forgot his manners,

"Let us pit him against one of mine and see how he does. Cindermist is long odds, since your simurgh just ran, let's pit him against our slowest. Though slow is a relative term, yes indeed." He set a bowl of water down for Doubledash to refresh himself with and went to loose Cindermist from his kennel.

"Hmph," Cynel chuckled softly at the sight of Lady Honora and smiled to Lady Belinda, nodding her head that they should go forward.

"Lady Honora, are you so keen on simurghs as to come see these racing specimens and how they might compare to your kennel?"

"Manager Vallis, what do we have here?" Belinda asked curiously as the elderly man went to fetch Cindermist,

"An impromptu race is what we have, we shall pit one of ours against her finest and see how they wind up." Belinda chuckled at his excitement, nothing would up the old man like simurghs.

"It looks like we've come just in time for a private showing, how fortunate." She grinned at Lady Autumn and awaited the race.

Lady Honora grinned as the Manager walked away to go get one of his Simurghs, even if it was the slowest. Doubledash would race, and that was the important thing. He was busy lapping up the water from the bowl, but still seemed eager. The Spring Girl turned around, intent upon getting Swiftrain out of the way. That's when she both saw and heard Lady Autumn. She immediately bobbed her head in deference to the western Season, and answered, "Lady Autumn, you have the right of it. Though Simurghs were not natural within Tir Amser, they are a growing fancy within Glaw Novo. It is my honor to be assigned by Lady Spring to care for them. I am, indeed, curious to see how our finest measures up. I worry, though, that Doubledash was too eager, and though he doesn't show it, may be tired."

Indeed, the male Simurgh was finishing off the water in the bowl, and though he hadn't been breathing hard a moment ago, he plopped down on the ground, his tongue lolling out of his mouth, a canine grin of satisfaction on his face.

Vallis returned with Cindermist, and Doubledash perked up. Honora excused herself from Lady Autumn, instructing Swiftrain to stay where she was. Then she and Vallis lined up the two competitors. It was tricky getting Doubledash to stay still at first; he wanted to run. He wanted to be let loose, to fly around the track once more. Finally, both Vallis and Honora were ready, and Vallis gave the signal. Cindermist was off in a flash, but Doubledash was confused. Unfamiliar with the Ambrose signal for starting, Lady Honora realized he was still waiting for the Aeldir command. She gave it, and he was running with his laughing lope towards the now far in front Cindermist.

Around the first bend, the Ambrose Simurgh held a commanding lead, but Doubledash hit his stride, and tucked in his tail-feathers, seemingly doubling his speed again. The two Simurghs, in the second straight away, were close together, with Doubledash close enough that his nose was near Cindermist's heals.

It was clear to those who were watching, though, that the Aeldir raised Simurgh was no where near the speed of his first run. Whether he was tired, or if he just enjoyed being close to another thoroughly well-bred racer was hard to say. Around the final bend, Cindermist was tired; but not in the same way that Doubledash was. Doubledash was slowing because of the two back to back races. Cindermist was just tired of having this other Simurgh right next to him. The Ambrose raised racer put on a new burst of speed in the final stretch, and finished a whole length ahead of Doubledash.

Honora's face was a careful mask at first. On the one hand, Doubledash had lost. One could speculate that he was both tired and had had a poor start, but reviewing things, Honora could see that it was a matter of difference in styles. Doubledash was raised to take it easy for the first few lengths, and then pour on the speed, trusting in his commanding lead to put him in the finish. Cindermist, though, seemed to be raised to run apace with other racers, and only speed up when the finish was near. It was a strategy that seemed to work.

On the other hand, Doubledash didn't need to see Honora upset with him. He really had run well. And, best of all to the Spring Girl, she has learned something. Several somethings. She knew how to lay out a track now. She knew a rough approximation of what Master Vallis considered his 'slowest' runner. She knew of a new style of training that could be used for future Simurghs, if not Doubledash himself. She could even train to counter the style. With all of this in mind, she grinned as she went to rub her Simurgh down.

"An excellent race, Master Vallis. I can see that I still have much to learn."

Upon reviewing the racers, and receiving her coins, Lady Honora chooses to wager 30,000 coins and likes the look of Sunbolt.

Bansuko of the Boar Tribe, now a few drinks into the beer provided, wagers 50,000 on Noblesilver.

Lady Spring abstains, but curiously, her bodyguard Eoghan is seen placing a wager for 25,000 coins on Skylight.

OOC to Pepper: if only one person from a delegation may make a wager, then treat this as just Honora's wager.

Ebele listened to the Islander's description of his homeland and his assertions of it's rustic boredom. She thought sunsets spent on the beach sounded lovely, though kept the thought to herself lest he surmised she was ready to run off with him. She could see Nyle from a distance, thinking he was inconspicuously watching them, her ever-protective cousin and grinned in his direction to show all was well. At the mention of honey her full attention returned to Monpaket,

"No My Lo, ah Chief." She stumbled over his title before collecting herself,

"I have not had it, but I should like to try it." Ebele looked curiously at the amber liquid in the bottle he held.

"Perhaps, then, we could find some bread or a local fruit? On Melzini - the island, not the Archipelago as a whole - we drizzle honey over the melons that grow on the island once a year. It's a rare treat for us. However, when they are not in season, a little honey on some warm bread still tastes wonderful. The Twin Islands, Gini and Fini, have been growing and harvesting small plantations of wheat for years. It is enough to help us feed the islands, though we do guard it jealously; we've more bees then bread, as the saying goes on the Archipelago." He hoped that didn't sound too stupid. It was a local saying, usually meant for when a bee hive failed. It was meant to encourage a person to try again, because there was plenty to try with. Let the important things sort themselves out, and do what you can with the little things.

"Thank you, My Lord." Mariya graciously allowed him to boost her into the tall saddle and blushed as she was keenly aware of his arms around her as he guided the grand beast through the streets. Erik Wilheim, what a wondrously masculine name, she sighed.

"I am akin to your beast, Lord Erik, for my name is Mariya Stoutheart." And her laugh was as high and tinkling as a clarion.

"What manner of horse is this? It is alike to a horse, though much more beautiful and I've never seen the like of its horn before." She asked curiously, though she was astonished to hear his realm was so close to her own,

"Why, we are close neighbors indeed! How fortunate!" She had spoken too quickly and was afeared that she he think her gladness at his proximity too bold, though her gladness was true and she dropped her coy pretense and settled her back against him as they rode.

"Yes, very fortunate." Erik adjusted himself in the saddle, both his hands on the reigns, trying to be mindful of Mariya's closeness. In truth, he wanted to be closer, so found himself moving slightly forward as she was moving backward. He found it... pleasant. "And Strideheart is a Unicorn. Similar, in some ways, to what I have been told a horse is. However, we in Inorog have not seen horses for some time, if ever. Unicorns are cleaner, smarter, and more loyal. So long as he isn't being subverted by beautiful women finding his weak-point on his neck, Strideheart is normally fiercely protective of me."

"He is normally only so welcoming to those he considers friends. I must say, I rather like his judgement." Hearing his name so much, the Unicorn flicked his head to the side, his big blue eye staring up at the two riders. Erik grinned at him. The beast had his mannerisms, and the First of Inorog had been familiar with him for some time. He would have sworn the Unicorn was laughing.

The three of them cleared the Karnavali grounds, and were in sight of an open stretch. "Would your friends object if I stole you...

...for a quick run? I'm afraid Strideheart has been on a boat for days, and needs to stretch his legs."

HalfTangible

2016-03-28, 01:11 PM

His eyes took on a distant haze as he tried to think of how best to describe the castle he grew up in.

"Well, the castle is located in Askerville, my father's seat of power before we unified with the Nand and Krozna. Eroton is situated on a high hill that overlooks the Shining Straight. Tall towers peak from the stone fortress, I've always felt safe there since I was a child." He rubbed her back absently as he spoke, making some attempt to help her visualize the castle where she would be wed and live.

"The wedding ceremony itself will be held in the grand throne room. I'm afraid we aren't an overly religious lot." He looked at her as if to gauge disappointment at this notion.

Oronara was fit and well muscled, but her skin was smooth and warm to the touch. She shifted in her seat to pull him closer.

"Nor are we." She admitted. "Primal have marriages, but they don't really have weddings. And Berrium has no real unified faith that I know of; most of their marriages are in chapter houses."

".... Do you... look forward to our wedding, Colson? I understand that you have wanted to wed a Princess for some time."

Mary_Sue

2016-03-28, 06:00 PM

"Yes, very fortunate." Erik adjusted himself in the saddle, both his hands on the reigns, trying to be mindful of Mariya's closeness. In truth, he wanted to be closer, so found himself moving slightly forward as she was moving backward. He found it... pleasant. "And Strideheart is a Unicorn. Similar, in some ways, to what I have been told a horse is. However, we in Inorog have not seen horses for some time, if ever. Unicorns are cleaner, smarter, and more loyal. So long as he isn't being subverted by beautiful women finding his weak-point on his neck, Strideheart is normally fiercely protective of me."

"He is normally only so welcoming to those he considers friends. I must say, I rather like his judgement." Hearing his name so much, the Unicorn flicked his head to the side, his big blue eye staring up at the two riders. Erik grinned at him. The beast had his mannerisms, and the First of Inorog had been familiar with him for some time. He would have sworn the Unicorn was laughing.

The three of them cleared the Karnavali grounds, and were in sight of an open stretch. "Would your friends object if I stole you...

...for a quick run? I'm afraid Strideheart has been on a boat for days, and needs to stretch his legs."

Mariya giggled upon finding she had inadvertently found his steed's weak spot and leaned forward in the saddle reaching out to scratch the unicorn's neck before settling back against Erik. The man's remark that he found her beautiful was delivered offhandedly, but she could not keep a delighted smile from her face at the compliment and her heart was full and made happy for it.

"They might object, My Lord, until they learned I was a willing captive. Let your beast run, I say." Mariya was eager to prolong her time with the man, and so was quite amenable to his suggestion of a foray off the beaten path.

PepperP.

2016-03-28, 06:21 PM

Oronara was fit and well muscled, but her skin was smooth and warm to the touch. She shifted in her seat to pull him closer.

"Nor are we." She admitted. "Primal have marriages, but they don't really have weddings. And Berrium has no real unified faith that I know of; most of their marriages are in chapter houses."

".... Do you... look forward to our wedding, Colson? I understand that you have wanted to wed a Princess for some time."

Colson's face held a look at annoyance as he recalled his father's delay in finding him a suitable bride. To think he had been made to serve in the army like any commoner. Ridiculous.

"Yes, I am well satisfied to be given my due at long last. I have anticipated my wedding for some time, my father dallied about finding somebody suitable. He would not have chosen you of he did not think you a perfect match for me, no doubt." The thought gave him pause, she was not what he would have chosen for himself, what was it about her that his father approved of so? He turned to her as though seeking the answer in her face.

Lady Honora grinned as the Manager walked away to go get one of his Simurghs, even if it was the slowest. Doubledash would race, and that was the important thing. He was busy lapping up the water from the bowl, but still seemed eager. The Spring Girl turned around, intent upon getting Swiftrain out of the way. That's when she both saw and heard Lady Autumn. She immediately bobbed her head in deference to the western Season, and answered, "Lady Autumn, you have the right of it. Though Simurghs were not natural within Tir Amser, they are a growing fancy within Glaw Novo. It is my honor to be assigned by Lady Spring to care for them. I am, indeed, curious to see how our finest measures up. I worry, though, that Doubledash was too eager, and though he doesn't show it, may be tired."

Indeed, the male Simurgh was finishing off the water in the bowl, and though he hadn't been breathing hard a moment ago, he plopped down on the ground, his tongue lolling out of his mouth, a canine grin of satisfaction on his face.

Vallis returned with Cindermist, and Doubledash perked up. Honora excused herself from Lady Autumn, instructing Swiftrain to stay where she was. Then she and Vallis lined up the two competitors. It was tricky getting Doubledash to stay still at first; he wanted to run. He wanted to be let loose, to fly around the track once more. Finally, both Vallis and Honora were ready, and Vallis gave the signal. Cindermist was off in a flash, but Doubledash was confused. Unfamiliar with the Ambrose signal for starting, Lady Honora realized he was still waiting for the Aeldir command. She gave it, and he was running with his laughing lope towards the now far in front Cindermist.

Around the first bend, the Ambrose Simurgh held a commanding lead, but Doubledash hit his stride, and tucked in his tail-feathers, seemingly doubling his speed again. The two Simurghs, in the second straight away, were close together, with Doubledash close enough that his nose was near Cindermist's heals.

It was clear to those who were watching, though, that the Aeldir raised Simurgh was no where near the speed of his first run. Whether he was tired, or if he just enjoyed being close to another thoroughly well-bred racer was hard to say. Around the final bend, Cindermist was tired; but not in the same way that Doubledash was. Doubledash was slowing because of the two back to back races. Cindermist was just tired of having this other Simurgh right next to him. The Ambrose raised racer put on a new burst of speed in the final stretch, and finished a whole length ahead of Doubledash.

Honora's face was a careful mask at first. On the one hand, Doubledash had lost. One could speculate that he was both tired and had had a poor start, but reviewing things, Honora could see that it was a matter of difference in styles. Doubledash was raised to take it easy for the first few lengths, and then pour on the speed, trusting in his commanding lead to put him in the finish. Cindermist, though, seemed to be raised to run apace with other racers, and only speed up when the finish was near. It was a strategy that seemed to work.

On the other hand, Doubledash didn't need to see Honora upset with him. He really had run well. And, best of all to the Spring Girl, she has learned something. Several somethings. She knew how to lay out a track now. She knew a rough approximation of what Master Vallis considered his 'slowest' runner. She knew of a new style of training that could be used for future Simurghs, if not Doubledash himself. She could even train to counter the style. With all of this in mind, she grinned as she went to rub her Simurgh down.

"An excellent race, Master Vallis. I can see that I still have much to learn."

Upon reviewing the racers, and receiving her coins, Lady Honora chooses to wager 30,000 coins and likes the look of Sunbolt.

Bansuko of the Boar Tribe, now a few drinks into the beer provided, wagers 50,000 on Noblesilver.

Lady Spring abstains, but curiously, her bodyguard Eoghan is seen placing a wager for 25,000 coins on Skylight.

OOC to Pepper: if only one person from a delegation may make a wager, then treat this as just Honora's wager.

"Perhaps, then, we could find some bread or a local fruit? On Melzini - the island, not the Archipelago as a whole - we drizzle honey over the melons that grow on the island once a year. It's a rare treat for us. However, when they are not in season, a little honey on some warm bread still tastes wonderful. The Twin Islands, Gini and Fini, have been growing and harvesting small plantations of wheat for years. It is enough to help us feed the islands, though we do guard it jealously; we've more bees then bread, as the saying goes on the Archipelago." He hoped that didn't sound too stupid. It was a local saying, usually meant for when a bee hive failed. It was meant to encourage a person to try again, because there was plenty to try with. Let the important things sort themselves out, and do what you can with the little things.

The Raceway

"Your pup has much to be proud of little miss! A fine racer, with some experience on a real track he could easily become a real contender. You should be proud of both of your achievements in racing." He spoke as he rubbed down Cindermist who was docilely allowing his administrations.

"As for competing in a race this week, we can surely fit him in to a match or two if that is your wish. Not the big race mind you, those competitors are chosen over a month in advance and they are quite locked in. I wouldn't wish to deceive you upon the matter. Yet there are other races to be won, and much glory for a young simurgh to gain, if it is your wish." He finished his work on Cindermist and slowly arose from his knees, holding his back.

The girl and the island chief

Ebele stood and held out her hand to the man in violet,

"come let us see what we can find in the way of some sustenance, I find myself quite peckish fortunately." She smiled at him as they made to find their way onto the ever increasingly crowded platform to find a servant and see about getting some bread. They made their way to the rear of the platform where the view of the revel was not the best, though afforded a quiet place to continue their chatting. A servant soon appeared with a platter full of sliced bread, fruit and cheese along with two tankards of beer.

HalfTangible

2016-03-28, 07:01 PM

Colson's face held a look at annoyance as he recalled his father's delay in finding him a suitable bride. To think he had been made to serve in the army like any commoner. Ridiculous.

"Yes, I am well satisfied to be given my due at long last. I have anticipated my wedding for some time, my father dallied about finding somebody suitable. He would not have chosen you of he did not think you a perfect match for me, no doubt." The thought gave him pause, she was not what he would have chosen for himself, what was it about her that his father approved of so? He turned to her as though seeking the answer in her face.She had wondered that herself, before the two had met.

"... A perfect match." Oronara smiled at him, placing her open palm on his cheek.

Derris Asker was not a stupid man. Certainly, wedding his son to a Princess of both the Imperium and the Kingdom of Berrium would secure their friendship, but no one who ruled a nation would last long if they made decisions that straightforward. Every move a King, a Protos, a Chapter Master, a Lady, even a mayor made was multipurpose if they were any good. Surely, she was here because Derris wanted friendship with the Primal and the Knight-Protector.

But Oronara was certain he wanted his son straightened out, too. So he found a Primal woman - one who would not bow to the whims of this boy who thought himself as a king already. Colson didn't need a compliant f#@$toy, he needed someone who would push back.

"My dear, there is no such thing as a perfect match. I too wondered for a time why I would be wedded to you. But having met you, I wonder no longer. I am certain you shall have what you are due with me."

She said that last part with a playful, somewhat cryptic inflection before pressing her lips to his in a brief kiss. "And I expect much from you."

BootStrapTommy

2016-03-28, 10:43 PM

The Boxing Competition

"Oh come now, Lady Aures," Lady Owena popped up from behind the two Nihoni, seemingly out of no where. "Surely it would be little competition if someone of the Nihoni joined."

::Curiosity. Competition. Eagerness:: Prowling up behind Owena was the white and black furred Tiger Salvax, Bas Pride. Pride had been attending enough of these events that the Salvax now felt comfortable at them. Warchod Prejudice was close behind, her truck holding an entire head of lettuce, which she was munching on agreeably.

"Ah. Well, perhaps it would be more fair that way. Ser Cadwy, Bas Pride will consent to join you in the competition. Perhaps you shall face each other?"Relief crossed Cadwy's face at the sight of reinforcements. He looked down at his hands, retracting his own claws.

Aures bent down in front of Bas Pride, reaching out to scratch behind his ear. "How would you punch, Mister Pride? You don't have hands!"

Reggiejam

2016-03-29, 08:24 AM

Nyle and The Fox

Nyle raised an eyebrow coolly at the impertinent newcomer,

"Family." He said succinctly, wondering what business he might have with him warily.

Belinda and Lady Autumn

"Manager Vallis, what do we have here?" Belinda asked curiously as the elderly man went to fetch Cindermist,

"An impromptu race is what we have, we shall pit one of ours against her finest and see how they wind up." Belinda chuckled at his excitement, nothing would up the old man like simurghs.

"It looks like we've come just in time for a private showing, how fortunate." She grinned at Lady Autumn and awaited the race.

Nyle and the Fox

Duke Sand rolled his eyes and sighed as he turned his attention from the girl and Councilman Monpaket back to Nyle.

"Look, being all brief and vague is fine and well for a common warrior but you're a Prince!"

Duke Sand squinted at Nyle and then nodded in approval with his lips pursed.

"I see why I've heard about you, you do strike a princely posture. As I was saying, a prince must be amenable to those around him at worst and engaging and sweeping at best."

"Have you done much traveling Prince Darkthorne?"

The Raceway

"Your pup has much to be proud of little miss! A fine racer, with some experience on a real track he could easily become a real contender. You should be proud of both of your achievements in racing." He spoke as he rubbed down Cindermist who was docilely allowing his administrations.

"As for competing in a race this week, we can surely fit him in to a match or two if that is your wish. Not the big race mind you, those competitors are chosen over a month in advance and they are quite locked in. I wouldn't wish to deceive you upon the matter. Yet there are other races to be won, and much glory for a young simurgh to gain, if it is your wish." He finished his work on Cindermist and slowly arose from his knees, holding his back.

The Raceway

Lady Autumn watched with Lady Belinda still beside her and Lady Honora keenly watching ahead of them as Cindermist and Doubledash raced. Though Lady Autumn was not as invested in simurghs specifically as those in the Spring Court she still appreciated the natural agility of the creatures. They were natural to their world and as they raced she could not deny an excitement brought on by the race. Though it was relatively predictable in outcome following the late start she could understand the thrill of a potentially closer race.

"An excellent showing by yours, Lady Honora. Even in loss, it is clear that animal was born to run."

"Thank you Master Vallis for entertaining my compatriot and myself. This is an impressive track you have and maintain and if that was your worst I highly anticipate the official races. The compliments to you."

She turned to Lady Belinda and smiled, the first smile since her arrival that seemed to reach her eyes.

"I think I've seen enough to bet."

Upon reviewing the racers, and receiving her coins, Lady Cynel wishes to bet 50,000 coins on Quickstep.

Duke Sand, after imbibing enough beer and wandering to the racetrack catches the races just in time to make a bet on the final racer. After hearing of the results of Lady Autumn's bet Duke Sand bets 50,000 upon Cindermist.

Mary_Sue

2016-03-29, 10:30 AM

I almost forgot to bet!

Enyd will wager 10,000 on Sugarflash
Claviana will wager 10,000 Speckles
Landrie will wager 10,000 on Windmaker

HalfTangible

2016-03-29, 10:55 AM

I sent Pepper my bets via PM, but here they are again

Breydice
20,000 on Noblesilver

Krisnia
25,000 on Quickstep (borrowed from Breydice)

lt_murgen

2016-03-29, 01:02 PM

PepperP.

2016-03-29, 10:43 PM

Nyle and the Fox

Duke Sand rolled his eyes and sighed as he turned his attention from the girl and Councilman Monpaket back to Nyle.

"Look, being all brief and vague is fine and well for a common warrior but you're a Prince!"

Duke Sand squinted at Nyle and then nodded in approval with his lips pursed.

"I see why I've heard about you, you do strike a princely posture. As I was saying, a prince must be amenable to those around him at worst and engaging and sweeping at best."

"Have you done much traveling Prince Darkthorne?"

Nyle's cool gaze fell upon the little Duke once again, eyes slightly narrowed in annoyance. He had always felt uncomfortable with the title Prince, made ever more so after his mother's disappearance.

"My name is Nyle Darkthorne Drivas, and I am no Prince." His furrowed brow further betrayed his annoyance,

"I have traveled some, yes." His eyes moved to follow Ebele and Monpaket as they neared the platform.

The Simurgh races!

Our simurgh racer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20599666&postcount=654)s:
1.Quickstep Odds: 1 in 3 (1d3)[3]
2.Skylight Odds: 1 in 4 (1d4)[4]
3.Sunbolt Odds: 1 in 5 (1d5)[5]
4.Speckles Odds: 1 in 6 (1d6)[1]
5.Windmaker Odds: 1 in 7 (1d7)[3]
6.Noblesilver Odds: 1 in 8 (1d8)[7]
7.Sugarflash Odds: 1 in 9 (1d9)[2]
8.Cindermist Odds: 1 in 10 (1d10)[8]

Note: In the event of a tie roll, the win will be given to the racer with the highest odds. Ex: 1 in 10 always wins ties.

We had a surprise winner in Speckles! Congrats to Claviana of Avonlea who is the Karnavali Queen and has won a total of 60,000 coin!

Other bets went as follows:
Landrie of Avonlea lost 10,000 on Windmaker
Enyd of Avonlea lost 10,000 on Sugarflash
Breydice of Primus lost 20,000 on Noblesilver
Krisnia of Primus lost 25,000 borrowed coin on Quickstep
Huxley of the Truserchen lost 25,000 on Sunbolt
Gretchen of the Truserchen lost 25,000 on Windmaker
Lady Cynel of the Autumn Court lost 50,000 on Quickstep
Duke Sand of the Aeldir lost 50,000 on Cindermist
Bansuko of the Boar Tribe lost 50,000 on Noblesilver
Eoghan of the Spring Court lost 25,000 on Skylight
Lady Honora of the Spring Court lost 30,000 on Sunbolt

Reggiejam

2016-03-30, 09:10 AM

The Truserchen were not difficult to find. The Pontisep contented himself to sitting with the royalty at the main tent, listening to various greetings and introductions. He had made several attempts to understand the concept of gambling, but it seemed to be merely an exercise in probability and rate of return. It was the kind of thing they taught children to do- calculate the odds of a particular roll of a die, or multiple coin tosses. He couldn't grasp the 'fun' of it. Still, he sent a runner to place a bet.

Gretchen was discussing the finer points of Simurgh biology and husbandry with the crowd gathered at the stables. Quite a crowd were gathered about as she delved into feeding schedules and water supply, thinking she was onto some secret method for determining winners in the upcoming races. It was almost an after-thought that she placed a bet.

Huxley wagers 25,000 on Sunbolt
Gretchen wagers 25,000 on Windmaker

apoligies. I had expected to have Friday and Saturday to interact, but my son's robotics tournament had me tied up until after 11:00 each night. Then I got a post-tournament cold

Lady Spring, with Eoghan behind her, and Duke Sand beside her, began to scan the crowd for Gretchen Griefstep. <”Tell me of Tir Gwydr, Duke Sand. Are you Boys happy there? How does your colony’s governance work, with no Girls around? Frankly, the idea of it still… is anathema to me. I do not know how to feel about it.”>

<”Advise me.”>

<"It is like the Summer Court mixed with the Autumn Court in governance,"> the Duke explained as they walked, curious as to Lady Spring's interest, <"We all agree on the best Boy among us and if any Boy thinks they're a better Boy they have to prove it by outsmarting our current best Boy.">

Duke Sand smiled proudly, uncaring if it meant little to Lady Spring, <"I was the best Boy from the day we arrived on that island until the day Lady Autumn came to us and I returned to Tir Amser with her.">

He paused as he studied Lady Spring a moment and took the pause to ask a well-to-do passer-by if they could direct them to the Truserchen. Thanking the passer-by Duke Sand returned his attention to Lady Spring.

<"I know not how to advise you, Lady Spring. Nor on what. On being Lady Spring?" I fear I have no wisdom. On being Duke Sand? I fear I have too much wisdom from the one name.">

Duke Sand and Lady Spring were eventually pointed to the Pontisep's location in the main tent and found their way there. The Duke noted the gems the mortals had imbedded in their foreheads and he wondered what compelled them to have done so. It was not that they were ghastly or off-putting but so unnatural in its geometric symmetry mingled with the flesh. He turned to Lady Spring, making certain she had seen them.

<"Lady Spring, after you.">

Nyle's cool gaze fell upon the little Duke once again, eyes slightly narrowed in annoyance. He had always felt uncomfortable with the title Prince, made ever more so after his mother's disappearance.

"My name is Nyle Darkthorne Drivas, and I am no Prince." His furrowed brow further betrayed his annoyance,

"I have traveled some, yes." His eyes moved to follow Ebele and Monpaket as they neared the platform.

The Simurgh races!

Our simurgh racer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20599666&postcount=654)s:
1.Quickstep Odds: 1 in 3 (1d3)[3]
2.Skylight Odds: 1 in 4 (1d4)[4]
3.Sunbolt Odds: 1 in 5 (1d5)[5]
4.Speckles Odds: 1 in 6 (1d6)[1]
5.Windmaker Odds: 1 in 7 (1d7)[3]
6.Noblesilver Odds: 1 in 8 (1d8)[7]
7.Sugarflash Odds: 1 in 9 (1d9)[2]
8.Cindermist Odds: 1 in 10 (1d10)[8]

Note: In the event of a tie roll, the win will be given to the racer with the highest odds. Ex: 1 in 10 always wins ties.

We had a surprise winner in Speckles! Congrats to Claviana of Avonlea who is the Karnavali Queen and has won a total of 60,000 coin!

Other bets went as follows:
Landrie of Avonlea lost 10,000 on Windmaker
Enyd of Avonlea lost 10,000 on Sugarflash
Breydice of Primus lost 20,000 on Noblesilver
Krisnia of Primus lost 25,000 borrowed coin on Quickstep
Huxley of the Truserchen lost 25,000 on Sunbolt
Gretchen of the Truserchen lost 25,000 on Windmaker
Lady Cynel of the Autumn Court lost 50,000 on Quickstep
Duke Sand of the Aeldir lost 50,000 on Cindermist

"I know who you are, Prince of Avonlea. You're quite popular in bardic tales. I've even seen some Fantastigorian plays that center on you. Or, at least your origin."

Duke Sand smiled at the young man's annoyance and tilted his head to study him as he looked out towards the family girl and Monpaket.

"No heroic ballads about you earning the title of Prince though. Just being given it at the end of the story. An epilogue left unwritten. No doubt that's why you feel you do not warrant it."

"But you could learn. You could travel more. With me. I see you do not care for me, but you needn't care for me to learn what I might teach you. Your mother believed adamantly in the Rose Courts. She invested much to ingratiate herself with the Aeldir and we have not forgotten."

"There is more you can learn as Nyle Darkthorne Drivas, Prince of Avonlea within the Rose Demesne than you might ever know as Nyle Darkthorne Drivas, heir of Maldarr Drivas."

The small Duke awaited a response. His eyes were serious and their blue-grey gaze was focused fully on Nyle.

I shall have a fool post up later once things wrap with Nyle. It'll either be somewhat ironic or totally appropriate for Sand by then :smalltongue:

Aedilred

2016-03-30, 10:04 AM

The Lord of Chalk and Ash

Earlier in the day he had drifted through the festival like a spectre, unnoticed by many or otherwise put out of mind, for he was in no mood for revelry and it was easier to ignore him than it was to engage. That suited him well enough, though as the crowd had grown greater he had slipped back to the area for more distinguished guests, almost alone in that he took his place out of the shade, in the full glare of the sun, and appeared to feel no discomfort. He did not seriously believe himself in danger here, but it was a risk not worth the taking. It would be all too easy for someone to approach and slide a knife between his ribs in the press of people, and in all likelihood the culprit would never be found.

Before the festival Derris had attempted to energise him, had even offered him the hand of some nubile young Ambrosan - and he had been tempted, for though state as a widower might be fresh, it had been many years since he had known the true companionship of marriage - but his friend was now well into his cups and he had no intention either of joining him in that state or inflicting his despondency on him now.

The witch had made her move well, he had to admit. Baman, not yet thirty and with all the piss and vinegar of youth, had roared and thundered, wanting to call upon all their allies, the Ambrosan army, loyalists within the kingdom, and wade through blood to liberate his father and uncle. But his rage had gradually subsided as the realities of the situation became clear. For as long as Jangir and his children lived, Sheydah was insulated from sponsored reprisals, for he would not risk the life of his surviving child. Kavan and Nangir were more disposable, but she would still not play that card lightly. Nevertheless he had no doubts that, should murmurings of activism from Ambrose reach her, Baman would be receiving parts of his uncle in a box.

He knew his position was strong. He had made enemies in his time, no doubt, but no moreso than had Sheydah, who was over-reliant on her father's old supporters from Havanand - and over the last two decades he believed he had done enough to persuade at least the senior setrapa that stability within the League and under royal command was preferable to the disjointed anarchy that would result if they were given their heads. Derris and Shou were unquestionable in their support, and he had received word from Llurikesh, Entar and Puldine reaffirming they were on his side. Outside the League, he was confident in Avonlea, even should Linna be released from her virtual captivity. Sheydah would not tolerate Helaine, he knew, and so long as the girl lived, that avenue would be closed to the queen.

And yet, for all that his supporters looked to him for answers, their touching faith that his were the hands to repair the kingdom apparently unshaken, he found he had precious little to offer. There was no question over Yazdagir's legitimacy, and he could not countenance the idea of Sheydah eliminating her own son - two of her own sons, in fact - to make way for the bastard. He could take no action against the king, certainly, and nor did he wish to, only to offer his service and advice as he had done to so many of his predecessors. Nor could he threaten the queen regent directly while she held so many of his relatives hostage. The boy king was not far from coming of age, and waiting for that day was not out of the question, even if it meant kicking his heels in Ambrose for a few years. But that was not what they wanted from him.

So here he waited with increasing impatience, unable to take any joy in the celebrations around him, his mind roiling with possibilities, and not without anger. Soon there would be a reckoning, and she would pay for the insult she had offered his family.

Baman will represent Nand in the boxing as he has done previously. Mil score: 5.

PepperP.

2016-03-30, 10:48 AM

[COLOR="#DAA520"]"I know who you are, Prince of Avonlea. You're quite popular in bardic tales. I've even seen some Fantastigorian plays that center on you. Or, at least your origin."

Duke Sand smiled at the young man's annoyance and tilted his head to study him as he looked out towards the family girl and Monpaket.

"No heroic ballads about you earning the title of Prince though. Just being given it at the end of the story. An epilogue left unwritten. No doubt that's why you feel you do not warrant it."

"But you could learn. You could travel more. With me. I see you do not care for me, but you needn't care for me to learn what I might teach you. Your mother believed adamantly in the Rose Courts. She invested much to ingratiate herself with the Aeldir and we have not forgotten."

"There is more you can learn as Nyle Darkthorne Drivas, Prince of Avonlea within the Rose Demesne than you might ever know as Nyle Darkthorne Drivas, heir of Maldarr Drivas."

The small Duke awaited a response. His eyes were serious and their blue-grey gaze was focused fully on Nyle.

I shall have a fool post up later once things wrap with Nyle. It'll either be somewhat ironic or totally appropriate for Sand by then :smalltongue:

Nyle felt his lip twitch again with annoyance as the small Duke persisted in naming him Prince, a tell he knew he needed to gain control of.

"I know you not and so I can neither like you nor dislike you. Nor did I know my mother." He shifted in his seat so that he might follow his cousin and her suitor with his eyes.

"My father I know well and being his Polemarchos heir and the second of the future Protos," He gestured at Baram seated next to Derris,

"Is not a small thing." His gaze returned fully to the Duke, piercing gaze meeting piercing gaze.

"Where would you have me travel?" He asked mildly, though truthfully he was not wholly disinterested in the offer, Derris and his father were both hale and not likely to abdicate their positions soon, Colson, who was akin to his brother would soon be wed, as might his close cousin Ebele. There was little to keep him in Ambrose at the moment, though his father would be concerned. And rightly so, he thought to himself as he gazed upon the curious imp who pestered him so.

Reggiejam

2016-03-30, 11:10 AM

Nyle felt his lip twitch again with annoyance as the small Duke persisted in naming him Prince, a tell he knew he needed to gain control of.

"I know you not and so I can neither like you nor dislike you. Nor did I know my mother." He shifted in his seat so that he might follow his cousin and her suitor with his eyes.

"My father I know well and being his Polemarchos heir and the second of the future Protos," He gestured at Baram seated next to Derris,

"Is not a small thing." His gaze returned fully to the Duke, piercing gaze meeting piercing gaze.

"Where would you have me travel?" He asked mildly, though truthfully he was not wholly disinterested in the offer, Derris and his father were both hale and not likely to abdicate their positions soon, Colson, who was akin to his brother would soon be wed, as might his close cousin Ebele. There was little to keep him in Ambrose at the moment, though his father would be concerned. And rightly so, he thought to himself as he gazed upon the curious imp who pestered him so.

"Tir Amser, all four Courtlands easily enough. A rare privilege for a mortal. Each is an ancient trove of beauty and knowledge that you might spend your whole lifetime within but more still than that will come."

"Come with me and you shall see the great green rich fields of the Geshem. See the islands of the Neck: Luska, Rivo Alto, Rabbit's Foot each so small but packed with lives every bit as colorful as any tale you've heard before. I would take you to Fantastigoria where you might see theater's finest offerings and learn of grander politics. We shall spend a winter on the Melzini Archipelago and a summer in the Stormlands where you might learn more of the sword. If you have it in you we shall journey north into unknown lands and you shall earn the merit of a warrior."

Duke Sand paused as he let the locales settle into Nyle's thoughts.

"I suspect we shall travel Avonlea as well. The Demesne and the Queendom grow closer every Queen they have. I met your mother on more than one occasion."

The Duke let the name of the place and the knowledge of his familiarity with Thalia hang in the air. Nyle's motherland was relatively far from the Allied Provinces and while he might have the chance to visit on a trip of the Provinces to the Queendom it was always a might. This was a certainty.

PepperP.

2016-03-30, 11:26 AM

"Tir Amser, all four Courtlands easily enough. A rare privilege for a mortal. Each is an ancient trove of beauty and knowledge that you might spend your whole lifetime within but more still than that will come."

"Come with me and you shall see the great green rich fields of the Geshem. See the islands of the Neck: Luska, Rivo Alto, Rabbit's Foot each so small but packed with lives every bit as colorful as any tale you've heard before. I would take you to Fantastigoria where you might see theater's finest offerings and learn of grander politics. We shall spend a winter on the Melzini Archipelago and a summer in the Stormlands where you might learn more of the sword. If you have it in you we shall journey north into unknown lands and you shall earn the merit of a warrior."

Duke Sand paused as he let the locales settle into Nyle's thoughts.

"I suspect we shall travel Avonlea as well. The Demesne and the Queendom grow closer every Queen they have. I met your mother on more than one occasion."

The Duke let the name of the place and the knowledge of his familiarity with Thalia hang in the air. Nyle's motherland was relatively far from the Allied Provinces and while he might have the chance to visit on a trip of the Provinces to the Queendom it was always a might. This was a certainty.

Nyle's lip twitched again at the mention of his mother and he scowled, annoyed with himself this time,

"And what did you think of my mother, who you knew so well." His tone was offhand though his eyes were veiled as though he did not wish the Duke to perceive the depth of his interest in the Little Lord's answer.

Gengy

2016-03-30, 12:14 PM

Ebele stood and held out her hand to the man in violet,

"come let us see what we can find in the way of some sustenance, I find myself quite peckish fortunately." She smiled at him as they made to find their way onto the ever increasingly crowded platform to find a servant and see about getting some bread. They made their way to the rear of the platform where the view of the revel was not the best, though afforded a quiet place to continue their chatting. A servant soon appeared with a platter full of sliced bread, fruit and cheese along with two tankards of beer.

She held out her hand to him. Unless this was some kind of cultural dissonance, Monpaket felt that just the offer of her hand was promising. He grinned, and let her lead him through the crowd. As the servant brought out the vittles, the Island Chief once more pulled out his drab of honey. "I do not recommend it with the cheese. I had a chance to try the combination myself while traveling to the Karnavali, and well... I was unimpressed."

He drizzled a good amount upon two slices of bread, and some of the fruit, and let Lady Ebele see just how viscous and gooey the honey was. Melzinite Bees made honey that almost oozed out of the containers that it was put into, but in Monpaket's opinion - and many other Islanders agreed - the sweet sticky taste was simply wonderful. With another smile, he took his slice of bread, and bit into it, holding a hand underneath, so as to catch any of the honey that managed to drip it's way past the surface of the bread slice.

Monpaket was quite used to the taste of the honey, but the bread was quite warm and wonderful. It had a different crunch to it that he was unfamiliar with, and he found he quite liked it. "That's good bread."

Relief crossed Cadwy's face at the sight of reinforcements. He looked down at his hands, retracting his own claws.

Aures bent down in front of Bas Pride, reaching out to scratch behind his ear. "How would you punch, Mister Pride? You don't have hands!"

::Confidence. Mercy. Mirth for Pack of Packs.:: There was quite a bit conveyed in Pride's simple emotions, and Lady Owena struggled to translate; not for Aures, but for Cadwy. Owena had long since given up on needing to translate for Lady Aures.

"Bas Pride feels he has the skill to be able to fight with his front paws, without claws, in a manner that will appear to be close to boxing; or at least enough to cause amusement among those watching. He will still be endeavoring to win, but understands that giving the crowd a show is just as important."

Lady Autumn watched with Lady Belinda still beside her and Lady Honora keenly watching ahead of them as Cindermist and Doubledash raced. Though Lady Autumn was not as invested in simurghs specifically as those in the Spring Court she still appreciated the natural agility of the creatures. They were natural to their world and as they raced she could not deny an excitement brought on by the race. Though it was relatively predictable in outcome following the late start she could understand the thrill of a potentially closer race.

"An excellent showing by yours, Lady Honora. Even in loss, it is clear that animal was born to run."

"Thank you Master Vallis for entertaining my compatriot and myself. This is an impressive track you have and maintain and if that was your worst I highly anticipate the official races. The compliments to you."

She turned to Lady Belinda and smiled, the first smile since her arrival that seemed to reach her eyes.

"I think I've seen enough to bet."

"Your pup has much to be proud of little miss! A fine racer, with some experience on a real track he could easily become a real contender. You should be proud of both of your achievements in racing." He spoke as he rubbed down Cindermist who was docilely allowing his administrations.

"As for competing in a race this week, we can surely fit him in to a match or two if that is your wish. Not the big race mind you, those competitors are chosen over a month in advance and they are quite locked in. I wouldn't wish to deceive you upon the matter. Yet there are other races to be won, and much glory for a young simurgh to gain, if it is your wish." He finished his work on Cindermist and slowly arose from his knees, holding his back.

"Your praise is not unnoticed, Lady Autumn. You have my thanks. I will see to Doubledash, if you will excuse me?" Lady Honora bowed her head in respect, and raising it again, made her way to take care of her cute little runner, who'd done so well as to earn a kind word from Cynel Bres. And almost as surprising, seemed to have impressed Master Vallis.

Rubbing down the now exhausted Simurgh, she answered Master Vallis's suggestion to run in other races. "I believe that Doubledash will like that. Do you know if the Simurgh Whisperer is in attendance? Glaw Novo has heard of her, but I would dearly like to meet her. She surely has much she could teach us."

The Truserchen were not difficult to find. The Pontisep contented himself to sitting with the royalty at the main tent, listening to various greetings and introductions. He had made several attempts to understand the concept of gambling, but it seemed to be merely an exercise in probability and rate of return. It was the kind of thing they taught children to do- calculate the odds of a particular roll of a die, or multiple coin tosses. He couldn't grasp the 'fun' of it. Still, he sent a runner to place a bet.

Gretchen was discussing the finer points of Simurgh biology and husbandry with the crowd gathered at the stables. Quite a crowd were gathered about as she delved into feeding schedules and water supply, thinking she was onto some secret method for determining winners in the upcoming races. It was almost an after-thought that she placed a bet.

<"It is like the Summer Court mixed with the Autumn Court in governance,"> the Duke explained as they walked, curious as to Lady Spring's interest, <"We all agree on the best Boy among us and if any Boy thinks they're a better Boy they have to prove it by outsmarting our current best Boy.">

Duke Sand smiled proudly, uncaring if it meant little to Lady Spring, <"I was the best Boy from the day we arrived on that island until the day Lady Autumn came to us and I returned to Tir Amser with her.">

He paused as he studied Lady Spring a moment and took the pause to ask a well-to-do passer-by if they could direct them to the Truserchen. Thanking the passer-by Duke Sand returned his attention to Lady Spring.

<"I know not how to advise you, Lady Spring. Nor on what. On being Lady Spring?" I fear I have no wisdom. On being Duke Sand? I fear I have too much wisdom from the one name.">

Duke Sand and Lady Spring were eventually pointed to the Pontisep's location in the main tent and found their way there. The Duke noted the gems the mortals had imbedded in their foreheads and he wondered what compelled them to have done so. It was not that they were ghastly or off-putting but so unnatural in its geometric symmetry mingled with the flesh. He turned to Lady Spring, making certain she had seen them.

<"Lady Spring, after you.">

<"You have already advised me of the situation, which is what I required."> Aleuta mused upon what he had told her. Best Boy? Ridiculous to think about, but... glancing back at Eoghan, Lady Spring had to acknowledge that some Spring Boys were quite good at what they did, even without supervision. It was possible, she supposed, that Spring Boys were an underused resource. It's just that most Spring Boys within Glaw Novo were... content. They were happy. Were they just... not challenged enough? They made up most of the Spring Court's own contributions to the Rose Demesne defenses. Aleuta realized that she had been silent for some time, seeing Duke Sand asking for directions to several folks to eventually be pointed out towards the Pontisep's main tent.

As they walked towards it, Lady Spring said, <"Your very existence, Duke Sand, gives me much to think about. I find that I like pondering the implications. Do be so kind as to continue living, and you may very well impress me.">

Seeing Sand point out the gems, Lady Spring nodded in recognition, already familiar with the curiosity from her conversation with Phyloxgrew Gretchen Griefstep. She had found it strange, but was almost sure that it was a clever application of jewelry placement, and not, in fact, growing from their foreheads. She had not found a convenient time to ask. She was about to step forward into the main tent of the Truserchen, when Eoghan coughed and stepped forward.

<"Begging the Lady Spring's pardon, but we don't know what's in that tent. Should it not be myself or Duke Sand to enter first?">

<"Your job, Eoghan, is to worry about my safety. I appreciate that. It allows me to worry about other things."> Aleuta offered him a rare smile, and saw his cheeks redden. <"This time, however, I must make a show of faith. Faith in the League of Allied Provinces to keep the Karnavali safe, and faith in the Truserchen to have their own tent secure, and to continue to be friendly towards us. And all that requires is to step inside.">

Saying this, Aleuta did so, and tugging politely on the clothing of one of those found within, said, "Lady Spring to see the Pontisep, regarding matters of scientific inquiry, and perhaps, if he is in the mood, a discussion of and exchange of methodologies for improving one's regions."

Mariya giggled upon finding she had inadvertently found his steed's weak spot and leaned forward in the saddle reaching out to scratch the unicorn's neck before settling back against Erik. The man's remark that he found her beautiful was delivered offhandedly, but she could not keep a delighted smile from her face at the compliment and her heart was full and made happy for it.

"They might object, My Lord, until they learned I was a willing captive. Let your beast run, I say." Mariya was eager to prolong her time with the man, and so was quite amenable to his suggestion of a foray off the beaten path.

With no other need of encouragement, Erik grinned, and - purely to ensure the Lady's safety - grasped her tightly to him with one arm as the other held firmly to the reigns. With a nudge on his steed's sides, the First of Inorog sent Strideheart off into an already eager canter, developing into a full gallop as they left more and more of the Karnavali behind. The Unicorn was happy to have some freedom, and deftly navigated several bushes and trees; at one point even leaping over a small rock that he surely could have avoided if he wanted to.

Erik found himself laughing in joy with his mount, happy to see his four-legged friend happy.

Alas, he did have to slow down eventually, and turned Strideheart around. They could still see the Karnavali from where they were, but the outskirts were a good three-quarters of a mile away. Strideheart had covered the ground quickly, and while not breathing heavily, did seem to be a little tired from the exercise. Erik loosened his grip on his new riding companion, and whispered in Lady Mariya's ear as Strideheart began to plod back towards the Karnavali, "Well, what did you think?"

Mary_Sue

2016-03-30, 04:23 PM

With no other need of encouragement, Erik grinned, and - purely to ensure the Lady's safety - grasped her tightly to him with one arm as the other held firmly to the reigns. With a nudge on his steed's sides, the First of Inorog sent Strideheart off into an already eager canter, developing into a full gallop as they left more and more of the Karnavali behind. The Unicorn was happy to have some freedom, and deftly navigated several bushes and trees; at one point even leaping over a small rock that he surely could have avoided if he wanted to.

Erik found himself laughing in joy with his mount, happy to see his four-legged friend happy.

Alas, he did have to slow down eventually, and turned Strideheart around. They could still see the Karnavali from where they were, but the outskirts were a good three-quarters of a mile away. Strideheart had covered the ground quickly, and while not breathing heavily, did seem to be a little tired from the exercise. Erik loosened his grip on his new riding companion, and whispered in Lady Mariya's ear as Strideheart began to plod back towards the Karnavali, "Well, what did you think?"

Strideheart's galloping leap had left Mariya breathless with excitement, her pulse was still racing when the unicorn slowed and began his leisurely walk back to the festival grounds. Her pulse found no respite from her elation as Erik tickled her ear with his breath close behind her. She turned behind so that her face was ever so perilously close to his own and looked into his eyes with her own bright aquamarine ones,

"I've never felt anything like it." It might serve for an answer to the question he posed, though whether she meant it as such or another was unclear as she reclaimed the strong arm that he had divested her of and gently encouraged it back into place around her.

Reggiejam

2016-03-30, 07:46 PM

Nyle's lip twitched again at the mention of his mother and he scowled, annoyed with himself this time,

"And what did you think of my mother, who you knew so well." His tone was offhand though his eyes were veiled as though he did not wish the Duke to perceive the depth of his interest in the Little Lord's answer.

"She was beautiful, even an Aeldir would say so," the Duke's serious grey eyes grew distant with memory, "Building the Queendom took a great toll upon her. More than I think she even realized. Her disappearance was the best thing that could have happened to her."

He mused whether to share his personal theory about the fate of the Queen. A musing he had shared only with Cynel for he had believed only she was capable of believing him and not mentioning it to anyone else. Perhaps Nyle was worthy, for all his haughty disdain for showmanship and Duke Sand he possessed a keen look to him. No, it was too early to say. Perhaps in time he would share his theory or perhaps it would be borne right or wrong. Only time would tell. His eyes refocused on Nyle's own.

"I see her in you and I saw in her a friend. Flawed and doomed like any mortal, but one with an interesting tale to tell. Interesting enough to interest me."

<"You have already advised me of the situation, which is what I required."> Aleuta mused upon what he had told her. Best Boy? Ridiculous to think about, but... glancing back at Eoghan, Lady Spring had to acknowledge that some Spring Boys were quite good at what they did, even without supervision. It was possible, she supposed, that Spring Boys were an underused resource. It's just that most Spring Boys within Glaw Novo were... content. They were happy. Were they just... not challenged enough? They made up most of the Spring Court's own contributions to the Rose Demesne defenses. Aleuta realized that she had been silent for some time, seeing Duke Sand asking for directions to several folks to eventually be pointed out towards the Pontisep's main tent.

As they walked towards it, Lady Spring said, <"Your very existence, Duke Sand, gives me much to think about. I find that I like pondering the implications. Do be so kind as to continue living, and you may very well impress me.">

Seeing Sand point out the gems, Lady Spring nodded in recognition, already familiar with the curiosity from her conversation with Phyloxgrew Gretchen Griefstep. She had found it strange, but was almost sure that it was a clever application of jewelry placement, and not, in fact, growing from their foreheads. She had not found a convenient time to ask. She was about to step forward into the main tent of the Truserchen, when Eoghan coughed and stepped forward.

<"Begging the Lady Spring's pardon, but we don't know what's in that tent. Should it not be myself or Duke Sand to enter first?">

<"Your job, Eoghan, is to worry about my safety. I appreciate that. It allows me to worry about other things."> Aleuta offered him a rare smile, and saw his cheeks redden. <"This time, however, I must make a show of faith. Faith in the League of Allied Provinces to keep the Karnavali safe, and faith in the Truserchen to have their own tent secure, and to continue to be friendly towards us. And all that requires is to step inside.">

Saying this, Aleuta did so, and tugging politely on the clothing of one of those found within, said, "Lady Spring to see the Pontisep, regarding matters of scientific inquiry, and perhaps, if he is in the mood, a discussion of and exchange of methodologies for improving one's regions."

Duke Sand had answered the Lady Spring's request with a concerned but polite smile and nod. As they continued through the streets and Lady Spring seemed consumed in thought he finally felt free to examine their third compatriot. A Spring Boy guard, how usual. He wondered what the other Spring Boy was thinking about and tried hard to remember way back when he had still been in the Spring Court. He remembered enjoying hide and seek games. He won one once and that made the girl he'd beat very upset. That had been what got him sent on the trip that ended up marooned on Tir Gwydr ages back. It was funny how some things changed and others didn't.

As the other Boy stepped forward at the tent's entrance Sand turned towards him with a confused and exasperated look. Had this Boy only just been serving as a personal guard recently? In any Autumn envoy the leading lord or lady would take point, followed in descending order of rank behind her. Now it seemed Eoghan wished to leap onto a phantom sword in front of Lady Spring. As Lady Spring smiled and Eoghan's cheeks bloomed the Duke rolled his eyes in annoyance. Love. No wonder he was acting such a fool. It was practically mortal in its weakness. He followed in behind Lady Spring but not without giving the Spring guard an annoyed look.

BootStrapTommy

2016-03-31, 09:21 AM

::Confidence. Mercy. Mirth for Pack of Packs.:: There was quite a bit conveyed in Pride's simple emotions, and Lady Owena struggled to translate; not for Aures, but for Cadwy. Owena had long since given up on needing to translate for Lady Aures.

"Bas Pride feels he has the skill to be able to fight with his front paws, without claws, in a manner that will appear to be close to boxing; or at least enough to cause amusement among those watching. He will still be endeavoring to win, but understands that giving the crowd a show is just as important."Ser Cadwy consciously stifled a laugh at the thought. He turned and nodded toward Warchod Prejudice, before making his way down toward the arena to scout out his competition, comfortable that Aures was now under the viligiant Salvax's watchful eye.

Open to interaction with anyone.

PepperP.

2016-03-31, 11:12 AM

She held out her hand to him. Unless this was some kind of cultural dissonance, Monpaket felt that just the offer of her hand was promising. He grinned, and let her lead him through the crowd. As the servant brought out the vittles, the Island Chief once more pulled out his drab of honey. "I do not recommend it with the cheese. I had a chance to try the combination myself while traveling to the Karnavali, and well... I was unimpressed."

He drizzled a good amount upon two slices of bread, and some of the fruit, and let Lady Ebele see just how viscous and gooey the honey was. Melzinite Bees made honey that almost oozed out of the containers that it was put into, but in Monpaket's opinion - and many other Islanders agreed - the sweet sticky taste was simply wonderful. With another smile, he took his slice of bread, and bit into it, holding a hand underneath, so as to catch any of the honey that managed to drip it's way past the surface of the bread slice.

Monpaket was quite used to the taste of the honey, but the bread was quite warm and wonderful. It had a different crunch to it that he was unfamiliar with, and he found he quite liked it. "That's good bread."

"Your praise is not unnoticed, Lady Autumn. You have my thanks. I will see to Doubledash, if you will excuse me?" Lady Honora bowed her head in respect, and raising it again, made her way to take care of her cute little runner, who'd done so well as to earn a kind word from Cynel Bres. And almost as surprising, seemed to have impressed Master Vallis.

Rubbing down the now exhausted Simurgh, she answered Master Vallis's suggestion to run in other races. "I believe that Doubledash will like that. Do you know if the Simurgh Whisperer is in attendance? Glaw Novo has heard of her, but I would dearly like to meet her. She surely has much she could teach us."

The girl and the island chief

Ebele giggled as Monpaket dug into his honeyed bread with such pleasure. She put a slightly smaller amount on her bread and bit into it delicately, her eyes widening in surprise as the sweet floral taste of the honey hit her tongue for the first time.

"Mmmm" she mumbled in wordless appreciation as she went in for another bite, her eyes laughing into the Islander's own smiling ones.

The Raceway

Ajax Vallis pondered the girl for a moment before responding,

"Wherever there are simurghs you will find the simurgh whisperer, and there are an awful lot of simurghs here this week." He rubbed the gray stubble on his chin,

"However how to find her on purpose is another matter entire. Go and see the Brewmaster of the Stagger Inn in Port Byra, he will know if she's in town."

"She was beautiful, even an Aeldir would say so," the Duke's serious grey eyes grew distant with memory, "Building the Queendom took a great toll upon her. More than I think she even realized. Her disappearance was the best thing that could have happened to her."

He mused whether to share his personal theory about the fate of the Queen. A musing he had shared only with Cynel for he had believed only she was capable of believing him and not mentioning it to anyone else. Perhaps Nyle was worthy, for all his haughty disdain for showmanship and Duke Sand he possessed a keen look to him. No, it was too early to say. Perhaps in time he would share his theory or perhaps it would be borne right or wrong. Only time would tell. His eyes refocused on Nyle's own.

"I see her in you and I saw in her a friend. Flawed and doomed like any mortal, but one with an interesting tale to tell. Interesting enough to interest me."

Nyle's brow furrowed once again, this time in thought rather than annoyance. He had not before thought of flawed to describe his intrepid mother, it suggested a humanity apart from her motherhood and ruler that he had not before associated with the former Queen. His eyes moved again silently to the Little Duke, settling on him and taking him in at length.

"I will travel with you then, and learn what I may from our journeys. I will need to inform my father." He had almost said ask instead of inform, though had caught himself in time.

lt_murgen

2016-03-31, 11:19 AM

[<"You have already advised me of the situation, which is what I required."> Aleuta mused upon what he had told her. Best Boy? Ridiculous to think about, but... glancing back at Eoghan, Lady Spring had to acknowledge that some Spring Boys were quite good at what they did, even without supervision. It was possible, she supposed, that Spring Boys were an underused resource. It's just that most Spring Boys within Glaw Novo were... content. They were happy. Were they just... not challenged enough? They made up most of the Spring Court's own contributions to the Rose Demesne defenses. Aleuta realized that she had been silent for some time, seeing Duke Sand asking for directions to several folks to eventually be pointed out towards the Pontisep's main tent.

As they walked towards it, Lady Spring said, <"Your very existence, Duke Sand, gives me much to think about. I find that I like pondering the implications. Do be so kind as to continue living, and you may very well impress me.">

Seeing Sand point out the gems, Lady Spring nodded in recognition, already familiar with the curiosity from her conversation with Phyloxgrew Gretchen Griefstep. She had found it strange, but was almost sure that it was a clever application of jewelry placement, and not, in fact, growing from their foreheads. She had not found a convenient time to ask. She was about to step forward into the main tent of the Truserchen, when Eoghan coughed and stepped forward.

<"Begging the Lady Spring's pardon, but we don't know what's in that tent. Should it not be myself or Duke Sand to enter first?">

<"Your job, Eoghan, is to worry about my safety. I appreciate that. It allows me to worry about other things."> Aleuta offered him a rare smile, and saw his cheeks redden. <"This time, however, I must make a show of faith. Faith in the League of Allied Provinces to keep the Karnavali safe, and faith in the Truserchen to have their own tent secure, and to continue to be friendly towards us. And all that requires is to step inside.">

Saying this, Aleuta did so, and tugging politely on the clothing of one of those found within, said, "Lady Spring to see the Pontisep, regarding matters of scientific inquiry, and perhaps, if he is in the mood, a discussion of and exchange of methodologies for improving one's regions."

At the moment, the tent was occupied only with 2 people. Pontisep Huxley was there, sitting next to a small writing desk making notes. A man in his early 20s sat cross-legged on the floor, tuning an impossibly tall 12-stringed instrument of some kind. Beside him, a large pile of shaggy rugs was heaped, several empty tankards in front of it.

“Mwrrghr shruumpff rrrgg ahoo grukk.” Came a noise from the carpeting.

“No, the mugs are fine. Waroochek’s big hairy paws are too big.” The boy responded

“chrr aahgr whoon aahho.”

“And the Mother of Warrochek shaved her back.” The boy said, singing it to a children's tune.

A large hairy arm reached over and gently pushed the young man. Well, gently for a Mawyn. The singer went sprawling a half dozen paces from where he was sitting, toppling into the side of the tent just as the curtain opened.

"Enough! Warrochek and Ruslan! The Truserchen have guests!." Pontisep Huxley scolded them as he saw the Aeldir enter.

The Pontisep stood, setting aside his quill. The other two struggled to their feet as well, Waroochek's head brushing the sloping edge of the pavillion.
"Welcome, Lady of the Spring Court of the Aeldir. Welcome to the protectors and heralds of the Lady. May the accommodations herein be pleasing."

"The Pontisep thanks the Lady for using proper titles. The Truserchen are still grappling with the linguistic implications of the concept called the pronouns. However, please speak as is comfortable. The Truserch.... we must learn through practice." He smiled.

“Arwooch ngrewa chuffff.” The large Mawyn growled.

“Apologies for OUR lack of decrum, Lady Spring.” The young man spoke, showing off his command of the language. He touched his chest, "3rd degree Tawnegrew Ruslan Bridgefingers and Field Commander Waroochek have been extensively studying the nuances of the local brewing processes."

Huxley glared at them for a second, and they quieted. "Enthusiastic research is a Truserchen hazard. However, research is the very color of... our blood. Did the Spring Lady receive the illustrated copy of 'Xungla Crystals- Analysis, Theory, and Application?' and the formal request for a field expedition?"

HalfTangible

2016-03-31, 11:40 AM

Ser Cadwy consciously stifled a laugh at the thought. He turned and nodded toward Warchod Prejudice, before making his way down toward the arena to scout out his competition, comfortable that Aures was now under the viligiant Salvax's watchful eye.

Open to interaction with anyone.

"And here comes the new challenger."

Ser Cadwy was suddenly wrapped in a headlock as someone rubbed their fist into his hair. It was definitely uncomfortable, though it felt more sisterly than hostile.

"WHAT'S UP, FOTHER MUCKER?! Name's Krisnia."

Reggiejam

2016-03-31, 12:37 PM

Nyle's brow furrowed once again, this time in thought rather than annoyance. He had not before thought of flawed to describe his intrepid mother, it suggested a humanity apart from her motherhood and ruler that he had not before associated with the former Queen. His eyes moved again silently to the Little Duke, settling on him and taking him in at length.

"I will travel with you then, and learn what I may from our journeys. I will need to inform my father." He had almost said ask instead of inform, though had caught himself in time.

"Excellent!" the Duke beamed.

"I am Duke-" he paused for a moment, "Duke Fox."

He extended his small hand to Nyle. This would be interesting he thought to himself. As for the name, it was time for a change.

BootStrapTommy

2016-03-31, 08:46 PM

"And here comes the new challenger."

Ser Cadwy was suddenly wrapped in a headlock as someone rubbed their fist into his hair. It was definitely uncomfortable, though it felt more sisterly than hostile.

"WHAT'S UP, FOTHER MUCKER?! Name's Krisnia."Cadwy reached his hand up into Krisnia's face, bringing his leg underneath hers. In one swift movement he pulled his hand back and drove his leg forward, dropping Krisnia backwards into the ground.

He hopped back a few feet. "Cadwy."

HalfTangible

2016-03-31, 08:53 PM

Cadwy reached his hand up into Krisnia's face, bringing his leg underneath hers. In one swift movement he pulled his hand back and drove his leg forward, droping Krisnia backwards into the ground.

He hopped back a few feet. "Cadwy."

Krisnia's hands and left leg caught her as she fell, her right leg striking up towards Cadwy's face just as she was slammed into the ground. It stopped just short of Cadwy's face, and would have struck him hard had he not moved back. Somehow, she managed to do this while burdened by ceremonial moonsilver armor over a normal tunic.

Presumably the armor wouldn't be on for the actual fight.

She laughed, as if this was all a great game the two had begun to play. "Primus Imperium. You?" Her tone remained cheerful and boisterous.

PepperP.

2016-03-31, 09:23 PM

Boxing Tourney results!

Round 1:
Skada Lochbar of the Nifhel vs. Bas Pride of the Salvax. Skada Lochbar winner.
Ser Cadwy of the Carraig Dún vs. Baman of Sasanand. Ser Cadwy winner.

Quarterfinals:
Skada Lochbar of the Nifhel vs. Ser Cadwy of the Carraig Dún. Ser Cadwy winner.

Semifinals:
Krisnia Primus of Primus vs. Ser Cadwy of the Carraig Dún. TIE

Rematch:
Krisnia Primus of Primus vs. Ser Cadwy of the Carraig Dún. Krisnia Primus winner.

Championship Finals Match:
Maldarr Drivas of Ambrose vs. Krisnia Primus of Primus. Maldarr Drivas retains the Championship Title!

BootStrapTommy

2016-03-31, 09:27 PM

Krisnia's hands and left leg caught her as she fell, her right leg striking up towards Cadwy's face just as she was slammed into the ground. It stopped just short of Cadwy's face, and would have struck him hard had he not moved back. Somehow, she managed to do this while burdened by ceremonial moonsilver armor over a normal tunic.

Presumably the armor wouldn't be on for the actual fight.

She laughed, as if this was all a great game the two had begun to play. "Primus Imperium. You?" Her tone remained cheerful and boisterous."Nihonwyr of Carraig Dún." Cadwy responded curtly.

PepperP.

2016-03-31, 09:34 PM

"Excellent!" the Duke beamed.

"I am Duke-" he paused for a moment, "Duke Fox."

He extended his small hand to Nyle. This would be interesting he thought to himself. As for the name, it was time for a change.

Nyle took the small offered hand in his own as he pledged to journey with the little man.

"Duke Fox," Nyle said with his father's crooked smile,

"How fitting." The Lord was sly, no doubt. Though he was still somewhat wary, the excitement of anticipation was setting in and he looked forward to his impending travels.

Gengy

2016-04-01, 07:29 PM

Strideheart's galloping leap had left Mariya breathless with excitement, her pulse was still racing when the unicorn slowed and began his leisurely walk back to the festival grounds. Her pulse found no respite from her elation as Erik tickled her ear with his breath close behind her. She turned behind so that her face was ever so perilously close to his own and looked into his eyes with her own bright aquamarine ones,

"I've never felt anything like it." It might serve for an answer to the question he posed, though whether she meant it as such or another was unclear as she reclaimed the strong arm that he had divested her of and gently encouraged it back into place around her.

First Erik didn’t know what to make of this creature. She was both enchanting and forward – neither of which were bad things – and Strideheart liked her. He gladly allowed her to maneuver his arm back in place on her waist. “I should like to do this again, I think. With you. Somewhere closer to home? Perhaps you could invite your friends along, and they could see Inorog? I know many within the Firsts would be pleased to meet those of Avonlea.”

Ebele giggled as Monpaket dug into his honeyed bread with such pleasure. She put a slightly smaller amount on her bread and bit into it delicately, her eyes widening in surprise as the sweet floral taste of the honey hit her tongue for the first time.

"Mmmm" she mumbled in wordless appreciation as she went in for another bite, her eyes laughing into the Islander's own smiling ones.

She likes it, thank the Islands. Monpaket grinned back and laughed as well, as he tried the fruit next. It was juicy and crisp, and the honey only sharpened the contrast. He found himself… really enjoying himself. It had been a while. He had been young when he’d been married first, and his Galwoset dying in the Aenic Calander year of 117, he’d technically been made a young widower, though damned if he didn’t feel old at the time.

It was only his job on the Council that was giving him purpose right now, but… Ebele seemed to be bringing something out of him he hadn’t felt in a while. He didn’t know where it was coming from, and he also had no clue who it was that made his mouth move to form the words, “Would you think me overly forward, Lady, if I asked if I might write to you sometimes? Nothing of political importance. Just… personally.”

Ah. It had been him. Oh Touca, he was doomed.

Ajax Vallis pondered the girl for a moment before responding,

"Wherever there are simurghs you will find the simurgh whisperer, and there are an awful lot of simurghs here this week." He rubbed the gray stubble on his chin,

"However how to find her on purpose is another matter entire. Go and see the Brewmaster of the Stagger Inn in Port Byra, he will know if she's in town."

“Thank you kindly, Master Vallis. I shall ask around. Would you mind terribly if I corresponded with you occasionally, concerning Simurghs?” Lady Honora asked. The man clearly knew what he was doing with the animals.

Duke Sand had answered the Lady Spring's request with a concerned but polite smile and nod. As they continued through the streets and Lady Spring seemed consumed in thought he finally felt free to examine their third compatriot. A Spring Boy guard, how usual. He wondered what the other Spring Boy was thinking about and tried hard to remember way back when he had still been in the Spring Court. He remembered enjoying hide and seek games. He won one once and that made the girl he'd beat very upset. That had been what got him sent on the trip that ended up marooned on Tir Gwydr ages back. It was funny how some things changed and others didn't.

As the other Boy stepped forward at the tent's entrance Sand turned towards him with a confused and exasperated look. Had this Boy only just been serving as a personal guard recently? In any Autumn envoy the leading lord or lady would take point, followed in descending order of rank behind her. Now it seemed Eoghan wished to leap onto a phantom sword in front of Lady Spring. As Lady Spring smiled and Eoghan's cheeks bloomed the Duke rolled his eyes in annoyance. Love. No wonder he was acting such a fool. It was practically mortal in its weakness. He followed in behind Lady Spring but not without giving the Spring guard an annoyed look.

At the moment, the tent was occupied only with 2 people. Pontisep Huxley was there, sitting next to a small writing desk making notes. A man in his early 20s sat cross-legged on the floor, tuning an impossibly tall 12-stringed instrument of some kind. Beside him, a large pile of shaggy rugs was heaped, several empty tankards in front of it.

[COLOR="#B22222"]“Mwrrghr shruumpff rrrgg ahoo grukk.” Came a noise from the carpeting.

“No, the mugs are fine. Waroochek’s big hairy paws are too big.” The boy responded

“chrr aahgr whoon aahho.”

“And the Mother of Warrochek shaved her back.” The boy said, singing it to a children's tune.

A large hairy arm reached over and gently pushed the young man. Well, gently for a Mawyn. The singer went sprawling a half dozen paces from where he was sitting, toppling into the side of the tent just as the curtain opened.

"Enough! Warrochek and Ruslan! The Truserchen have guests!." Pontisep Huxley scolded them as he saw the Aeldir enter.

The Pontisep stood, setting aside his quill. The other two struggled to their feet as well, Waroochek's head brushing the sloping edge of the pavillion.
"Welcome, Lady of the Spring Court of the Aeldir. Welcome to the protectors and heralds of the Lady. May the accommodations herein be pleasing."

"The Pontisep thanks the Lady for using proper titles. The Truserchen are still grappling with the linguistic implications of the concept called the pronouns. However, please speak as is comfortable. The Truserch.... we must learn through practice." He smiled.

“Arwooch ngrewa chuffff.” The large Mawyn growled.

“Apologies for OUR lack of decrum, Lady Spring.” The young man spoke, showing off his command of the language. He touched his chest, "3rd degree Tawnegrew Ruslan Bridgefingers and Field Commander Waroochek have been extensively studying the nuances of the local brewing processes."

Huxley glared at them for a second, and they quieted. "Enthusiastic research is a Truserchen hazard. However, research is the very color of... our blood. Did the Spring Lady receive the illustrated copy of 'Xungla Crystals- Analysis, Theory, and Application?' and the formal request for a field expedition?"

If Eoghan saw Duke Sand's ill look, he responded to it with nothing in his own face. His eyes seemed intent on those within the tent.

As were Lady Spring's. "I fully understand language barriers, Pontisep. It was only a little while ago in Aeldir views that we started learning this Trade Tongue, and we find it to be improved upon by the Luskans. And yes, I did receive the copy of your peoples' report on the Xungla Crystals. It was quite educational. I come here today to introduce someone whom will work out the terms of our agreement for your field expedition."

Motioning for the Boy from Tir Gwydr, Lady Aleuta continued, "This is the Spring Boy, known as Duke Sand. He works directly with Lady Autumn. He will understand both the Aeldir need for precise agreements and the needs of those curious about matters they do not yet fully understand. I would also, personally, like to discuss the possible exchanges of methodologies and technologies, in the interest of increasing our combined knowledge."

Permission granted, but Reggie will wanna work out a deal. If you are interested in doing tech trades, the Spring Court is seeking to exchange something for a future technology that the Truserchen might develop; but we'd have to work out a deal on that too. PM me!