Empire 2: The Grand Ball of Jovana de Altan.

[Elemental]

The City of Azandria
Winter, 150

Elsewhere the season of Winter would bring with it cold winds and dark days, but the Isle of Anceris was blessed with a stability of climate that was the envy of the world and so the city before you appeared as it always did. The Sun shone down as brightly as it always did upon the gleaming towers and domes of Azandria and the wide avenue through which your palanquin hurried was as busy as ever. Jewelled buildings and ancient trees tower above the street, creating a shifting pattern of shadows and reflections on the silk hangings that shielded you from the curious eyes of onlookers.
In what felt like very little time at all given the scale of the metropolis that surrounded you you arrived at the great stairs of the Opalis. The bearers of your palanquin do not slow at all as the start up the zig-zagging stairs at a seemingly dangerous pace for those unused to the ascent. Upon reaching the summit you are helped from your palanquin by a helpful young official who escorts you through the gleaming gates of the palace, across the dimly lit and somewhat gloomy entrance hall, down a long marble corridor and into a vast shining hall. Huge arched windows filled with stained glass flooded the room with jewel like light and every wall was covered with delicate inlays of mother-of-pearl. At the far end of the hall was a dais of the finest red marble atop which stood the nigh legendary Pearl Throne, a gleaming creation of crystal, pearl and ivory, too grand and glorious for any being of flesh and blood to occupy.
Empress Jovana herself stood to greet you, for you were her guest and not her supplicant. She wore a gown of rich navy silk and a short cape of the finest sable from Hortis. At her waist was a sash of black velvet from which hung a jewelled chain bearing keys and a single platinum seal and around he neck was a long sapphire necklace and a star-shaped silver pendant bearing a single moonstone. Atop her long, flowing black hair she wore the golden crown of Anceris which glittered with amethysts and rubies. Behind her, the lords and ladies of her Court danced to the music of a small orchestra as servants in white distributed fine wine from Jovana's own estates and exotic delicacies from across the Pale Empyrium and beyond.

[lt_murgen]

Pontisep Estasiel loved the city of Azandria. It was second only to the great halls and libraries of her native land. Azandria was warm and welcoming. The vast city and its ancient history had attracted dozens of her fellow Truserchen in the past decades. Whenever she passed across the ocean to the west, it was from the famous Azandrian docks that she left. But this time, she had no tedious ocean voyage ahead of her. Instead, she spent a twenty-night enjoying the city, its history, and its shopping.

This evening, she wore her long dark hair unbraided, held aside by a headdress of silver and turquoise. The circular inset gracefully set off the jeweled stone embedded in her forehead. Along both sides of her face, thin silver strands cascaded down to her shoulders. She wore a dress of dark green velveteen, embossed with a wave-like pattern that shimmered as she walked. Laced insets at the sleeves, the sides, and along the skirt gave it a light, airy appearance despite the heavier fabric. She completed the ensemble with silver sculpted bracelets upon each arm. She had to admit she looked good for a woman just turning 40. Not that she was looking for a suitor, of course. The whole concept of, what was the word, marriage?... seemed strange to her.

Once she arrived at the Pearl Throne, she bowed deeply to the Empress. “Empress Jovana, my gratitude for the invitation. Your palace, the city of Azandria, and your people humble we Seerono from the far North. I have brought a gift of caviar from our lands.” She indicated four silver serving dishes carried by escorts. She made no mention of the fifth escort, who stood their quietly holding a jewel-inlayed walking staff. Upon which a singularly remarkable red and yellow bird rested.


Pontisep Estasiel
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/19/77/50/197750e243f35a3d6582211c0faaaf01.jpg

Pioro the Phoenix
http://game-birds.com/images/Red-Golden-Pheasant-Male.jpg

[PepperP.]

Ambrose

Baram and Giovanna traveled the long distance to Azandria upon what had been the flagship of his father's fleet, The Red Tide. Both had fond memories of the Jewel of the Ceril Sea, Baram had first come to Anceris as a young man to a different Grand Ball well before he had taken the Laurel Crown or a wife. Giovanna was herself Ancerin, pleased to once again visit the grand city of her childhood, she stood on the top deck and watched eagerly as the glistening city loomed closer at their approach. Thirty years had passed since she had left her homeland to marry the heir of Eroton, she had spent more years in Ambrose than she had in Anceris and yet she still felt the domes and spikes of the city dear and familiar to her. Some Ancerin customs had lingered and had often been a source of Baram's gentle teasing. Upon her bare left shoulder blade could be seen a custom of her new home, a black tattoo of a rose encircled within a laurel garland, marking her husband as Ambrosan and first amongst them. It was the only tattoo she had conceded to, and she often favored one shouldered gowns that left her mark of status revealed. Her dark hair, now trending towards salt and pepper was piled atop her head, her gown was a pale grey that matched her eyes and floated in airy panels as she walked. Her figure was rounded and soft, a remnant of the seven children she had born her husband. Their three daughters stood on the deck with her and she smiled to see their reaction as the sight of their mother's city came into view for the first time.

Baram's mind too was on his children. Specifically finding suitable matches for his four youngest. He snorted to himself, his youngest son, Weston, was in fact no youngster. A grown man of 27, he had not voiced his opinion on starting a family of his own even after his three elder brothers had been wed. Weston was a quiet and rather bookish man, much like Pearson had been. The Protos felt a familiar pang of loss as his thoughts turned to his dead son and heir. His grief had a habit of surprising him in odd places if something suddenly reminded him of his eldest son. His lips formed a grim line upon his worn, though still handsome face. He had begun to feel a telling weariness and he and Giovanna had spoken privately of his abdication. His thoughts turned to his heir and Pearson's twin, Anders. His son had lost all joviality after the incident under the dome. He might smile, though it lacked a certain light. He would conquer the endeavors and challenges that his father put before him, though he lacked zeal, and his accomplishments were undertaken without delight. It was as though a part of himself had perished with his twin, and Baram might not fault him that. He too, felt a small way diminished when the creation of his body had been carried away from him. He might not fault him, but for that esoteric mark that had left the dome with him. The very same mark that they had found upon his brother's corpse. Anders claimed its meaning or purpose mysterious to him, but Baram had seen him rubbing it with an indecipherable look in his eyes far too often.

The royal family of Ambrose walked into the Opalis Palace and greeted the Empress Javana warmly.

"Thank you for the invitation to visit your beautiful city once again. It is even more splendid than in my memories." Baram smiled graciously as his daughters squealed with delight at seeing the lovely ballroom and graceful dancers.

Protos Archigos Baram Asker
Archess Giovanna Asker
Weston Asker (27) Single
Bettina Asker (21) Unbetrothed
The twin girls (17) Unbetrothed
Adela and Bryony Asker

[lt_murgen]

Estasiel watched the new arrivals with interest. The Ambrose Ascendency was a land with which she greatly desired more interaction. The Pontisep Emeritus had bungled badly allowing harmonen researchers to run wild across Arandi. Still, they were polite enough to show them out, rather than issue 'kill on sight' edicts against them as others had. The Asker clan were tinkers and craftsmen. People, she felt, who were kindred spirits.

She doubted, however, that the Protoss or Achess were very approachable. Their younger son, however, was reportedly a studious sort. It didn't hurt that he was attractive, either.

[HalfTangible]

Phelnia had been to Azandria only once; It was during the Grand Celebration twelve years ago. She'd remembered a sparkling jewel of a city, a place that the bards would sing of through the ages. The kind of beauty that couldn't be invented; one had to see it for themselves.

She could now say definitively that it wasn't just her memories; Azandria was beautiful. She was happy she got to see it again.

Crudice stood next to her as the two disembarked from the Eagle's Dare. Ysry Brynjolf was on her other side, and Pronoe of the Queenlands followed behind them. Leonardo and Aeluta came up even further behind, the latter gasping at the sights around her.

The 12 (or so) year old girls' eyes (one green and one brown) darted around the jeweled city before whipping around to Leonardo. "You LIVED here, sire?!"

Phelnia was the first to approach the Empress as the others bowed. "Empress Jovana. It is a pleasure to be in Azandria again, and to see you so lively." She smiled.

[PepperP.]

Estasiel watched the new arrivals with interest. The Ambrose Ascendency was a land with which she greatly desired more interaction. The Pontisep Emeritus had bungled badly allowing harmonen researchers to run wild across Arandi. Still, they were polite enough to show them out, rather than issue 'kill on sight' edicts against them as others had. The Asker clan were tinkers and craftsmen. People, she felt, who were kindred spirits.

She doubted, however, that the Protoss or Achess were very approachable. Their younger son, however, was reportedly a studious sort. It didn't hurt that he was attractive, either.

Weston Asker looked up in mild surprise at the approach of the Truserchens, he had been certain that sticking his nose into his journal would dissuade any potential accostings and attempts at socialization, which he found himself to be invariably inept at. Hurriedly, he tucked his journal into an inner fold of his red cloak and straightened his posture to receive his visitors. His dark hair was tousled, and fell to the length of his square jaw. His grey eyes, a gift of his mother, stared back at the group with a keen curiosity.

"Greetings to Seerono, My Lady. I am Weston Asker, fourth son of the Protos Archigos of Ambrose. How might I be of assistance this day?" His attempt at feigned confidence rendered his tone overly formal, though it was with no small satisfaction that he had managed to discern the origin of his guests.

[Elemental]

Once she arrived at the Pearl Throne, she bowed deeply to the Empress. “Empress Jovana, my gratitude for the invitation. Your palace, the city of Azandria, and your people humble we Seerono from the far North. I have brought a gift of caviar from our lands.” She indicated four silver serving dishes carried by escorts. She made no mention of the fifth escort, who stood their quietly holding a jewel-inlayed walking staff. Upon which a singularly remarkable red and yellow bird rested.

Jovana returned the Pontisep's bow with practised grace.
"You are far too kind Pontisep. Those of us who live today can hardly claim the achievements of the city and our ancestors as our own, merely hope to one day emulate them. In truth, we of the South are often humbled by the scholarly achievements of the Seerono."

OOC: The Empress is turning forty as well. What a coincidence...



The royal family of Ambrose walked into the Opalis Palace and greeted the Empress Javana warmly.

"Thank you for the invitation to visit your beautiful city once again. It is even more splendid than in my memories." Baram smiled graciously as his daughters squealed with delight at seeing the lovely ballroom and graceful dancers.

"Dearest Uncle, it is a pleasure to welcome you here."
She bowed politely before her uncle, the Lord of Ambrose, but she gave her aunt a warm embrace instead.
And you Aunty, it has been entirely too long since you departed for Ambrose, Aunty Eloisa will be thrilled to see you."



Phelnia was the first to approach the Empress as the others bowed. "Empress Jovana. It is a pleasure to be in Azandria again, and to see you so lively." She smiled.

"Thank you most kindly. Indeed there is much to be lively about, though I cannot take all the credit of course. Countless people have worked long and hard to enable the current age of prosperity so enjoyed by the Empire.
"I suspect however, that it is not me you have come to see and that you are most eager to see your great niece and nephews."

[HalfTangible]

"Thank you most kindly. Indeed there is much to be lively about, though I cannot take all the credit of course. Countless people have worked long and hard to enable the current age of prosperity so enjoyed by the Empire.
"I suspect however, that it is not me you have come to see and that you are most eager to see your great niece and nephews."

I hadn't even thought of that but you're right, she would!

Phelnia smiled. "With respect, I am indeed. I haven't seen Vanara since she had them, either. It will be nice to see my niece." She patted Crudice's bald head, right between her horns. "You remember Crudice, naturally. Leonardo is here as well." She squeezed the hand of the man on her other side. "And this is Ysry Brynjolf, former Archduke of Nemeria and currently my man-sl-"

"Husband, mom. It's husband in this language."

"Oh. Then yes, husband. Where is Vanara? I know she and her husband have an estate, but I doubt she'd miss this party."

[BlazingAegis]

Thalia had not spent much time outside of Praetoria, and the sudden call for her to go Azandria to the Grand Ball as Praetoria's representative had added to the anxiety. One day she would have to lead the Empire, this was just a step towards taking the reins and handling all that came with it. Her mother had assured her that she would do fine, it was simply a dance after all. The sentiments were backed up by Galen, her husband. The couple had made the journey to Azandria on the ship Fabia, while the trip was somewhat lengthy it seemed to pass by fairly swiftly. After they disembarked from the Fabia with their small personal guard they were whisked away to the Opalis.

Thalia enters the hall in a simple floor length indigo dress, with black flowers embroidered on the front and a phoenix pendant hangs around her neck. To Thalia's right is Galen Darkthorne, wearing clothing more traditional to Avonlea then to Praetoria, the only thing that stands out as out of place on his finery is a small jinxyte phoenix pin that all members of the Praetorian delegation, aside from Thalia, wear on their person. The pair make their way across the hall to the Pearl Throne, both bow in respect before beginning to address Empress Jovana.

"Empress Jovana, we thank you for your invitation to your illustrious ball. It is with some regret that I must mention my father could not attend, he appears to have contracted some unknown illness while surveying the newest territories of our empire in the west. We have brought some interesting gems for you that were recently discovered, the people of the area they were found in have referred to them as Titan's Eyes."

Thalia holds a hand up and several servants bring forward three carts with large spherical gemstones. Each is similar in size but the coloration is entirely different, the first one has a light amber exterior, the second is a gold exterior, and the last is a very dark orange exterior. In the center of each stone is a smaller black sphere, which gives it the appearance of an eye.

"It is said if you gaze long enough into the eyes you may see glimpses of the past, or even the future."

[lt_murgen]

Weston Asker looked up in mild surprise at the approach of the Truserchens, he had been certain that sticking his nose into his journal would dissuade any potential accostings and attempts at socialization, which he found himself to be invariably inept at. Hurriedly, he tucked his journal into an inner fold of his red cloak and straightened his posture to receive his visitors. His dark hair was tousled, and fell to the length of his square jaw. His grey eyes, a gift of his mother, stared back at the group with a keen curiosity.

"Greetings to Seerono, My Lady. I am Weston Asker, fourth son of the Protos Archigos of Ambrose. How might I be of assistance this day?" His attempt at feigned confidence rendered his tone overly formal, though it was with no small satisfaction that he had managed to discern the origin of his guests.

"Pardon the intrusion, but I find scholarly pursuits at a social event both incongruous and intriguing. What were you reading? Waving a book about is as sure to attract a Truserchen as honey will attract a bear. Or perhaps a cougar." She smiled at the younger man.


Jovana returned the Pontisep's bow with practised grace.
"You are far too kind Pontisep. Those of us who live today can hardly claim the achievements of the city and our ancestors as our own, merely hope to one day emulate them. In truth, we of the South are often humbled by the scholarly achievements of the Seerono."


Estasiel nodded in agreement. "We stand upon the foundations of our ancestors even as we reach for the heavens. It is an advantage we Seerono have. So much of our Gran Gardenium is OLD. Building and bridges that have stood since before the time of our Seclusion."

"But I admire the clarity of purpose in your scholarly and civil pursuits. Would that I could organize my people with such perfection. Dealing with the elder Bestrewen scholars is often like trying to herd cats."

[PepperP.]

"PPardon the intrusion, but I find scholarly pursuits at a social event both incongruous and intriguing. What were you reading? Waving a book about is as sure to attract a Truserchen as honey will attract a bear. Or perhaps a cougar." She smiled at the younger man.

Weston regarded the women warily as though he feared he was being made fun of, others did not usually regard his bookishness as intriguing, and especially not beautiful women. He reached back into the fold of his cloak where he had hurriedly stashed his book.

"Well you see," He began as he opened to a worn bookmark.

"I have been making note of each delegation, along with house colors and crests, things they bring as gifts, who they choose to greet first after the Empress in my journal." He tilted the book towards the woman and colored as he realized he had turned the page to his sketch of Estasiel. Clearly adept at sketches, the drawing was flattering, though it accentuated the jewel set in her skull slightly. Along with their ruler, Weston had also included a sketch of the colorful bird they had brought along as well.

"My brothers assure me that I am quite fun at parties." He grinned at his self-depreciating words and offered the journal to Estasiel to browse through if she wished.

[lt_murgen]

"My brothers assure me that I am quite fun at parties." He grinned at his self-depreciating words and offered the journal to Estasiel to browse through if she wished.

“Remarkable.” Estasiel said, flipping through the pages. “You are quite the adept illustrator. Have you ever considered publishing your works?” She asked, quite earnestly. “A primer on Arandi nobility would be a huge success. OF course, those of us involved in politics recognize the major realms and noble houses. But the world is wide, and knowing the Baron of East WestFarthing from the Princep of Bumbledown could be invaluable.”

[Elemental]

Phelnia smiled. "With respect, I am indeed. I haven't seen Vanara since she had them, either. It will be nice to see my niece." She patted Crudice's bald head, right between her horns. "You remember Crudice, naturally. Leonardo is here as well." She squeezed the hand of the man on her other side. "And this is Ysry Brynjolf, former Archduke of Nemeria and currently my man-sl-"

"Husband, mom. It's husband in this language."

"Oh. Then yes, husband. Where is Vanara? I know she and her husband have an estate, but I doubt she'd miss this party."

The Empress's smile became a bit strained at Phelnia's near slip of the tongue*, but she managed to keep her distaste of that aspect of Primal society from ruining an otherwise pleasant meeting.
"Neither the Lady Vanara or my brother would have missed this occasion. They've been filling their children's heads with tales of Primus, though of course, not everything that happens over there."
Whether the emphasis on the plural was intentional or a quirk of the Ancerin accent was uncertain.
"I cannot say as to where they are at this moment, but they are certain to make an appearance later."

*Slavery, while not technically illegal in Anceris is frowned upon, especially with the rise of the Teachings of the Pale Lady which are considered to be diametrically opposed by Ancerins.



"Empress Jovana, we thank you for your invitation to your illustrious ball. It is with some regret that I must mention my father could not attend, he appears to have contracted some unknown illness while surveying the newest territories of our empire in the west. We have brought some interesting gems for you that were recently discovered, the people of the area they were found in have referred to them as Titan's Eyes."

Thalia holds a hand up and several servants bring forward three carts with large spherical gemstones. Each is similar in size but the coloration is entirely different, the first one has a light amber exterior, the second is a gold exterior, and the last is a very dark orange exterior. In the center of each stone is a smaller black sphere, which gives it the appearance of an eye.

"It is said if you gaze long enough into the eyes you may see glimpses of the past, or even the future."

"This is most unfortunate news your bring regarding your illustrious father. I pray that The Lady will restore him to health. Nevertheless, I welcome you to Azandria."
The look of concern on Jovana's face faded to one of curiosity as the gems were handed over to her.
"Most unusual. I have never seen gems such as these before and never ones of such scale. I fear however that despite how valuable such insight would be I doubt that I would have time to gaze long enough to see if the rumours are true or not."

OOC: I'm picturing a horse-drawn cart here, surely you don't mean the gems are that large?



Estasiel nodded in agreement. "We stand upon the foundations of our ancestors even as we reach for the heavens. It is an advantage we Seerono have. So much of our Gran Gardenium is OLD. Building and bridges that have stood since before the time of our Seclusion."

"But I admire the clarity of purpose in your scholarly and civil pursuits. Would that I could organize my people with such perfection. Dealing with the elder Bestrewen scholars is often like trying to herd cats."

"Regarding matters of scholarship, there are others to whom your admiration would be better expressed Noble Pontisep. While the University is funded by my coffers, it governs itself by a system dating from before the current age and I am content to allow it to do so should the quality of instruction available remain high.
"Of course, civil matters are my domain and I'd be happy to enlighten you as to the complete political and governmental system of the Empire. I very much doubt, however, that the way things are done in Anceris would be acceptable among your people."

[HalfTangible]

The Empress's smile became a bit strained at Phelnia's near slip of the tongue*, but she managed to keep her distaste of that aspect of Primal society from ruining an otherwise pleasant meeting.
"Neither the Lady Vanara or my brother would have missed this occasion. They've been filling their children's heads with tales of Primus, though of course, not everything that happens over there."
Whether the emphasis on the plural was intentional or a quirk of the Ancerin accent was uncertain.
"I cannot say as to where they are at this moment, but they are certain to make an appearance later."

*Slavery, while not technically illegal in Anceris is frowned upon, especially with the rise of the Teachings of the Pale Lady which are considered to be diametrically opposed by Ancerins.

Funnily enough, 'man-slave' and 'husband' get confused because they are the same word in the Primal tongue. Ysry isn't a slave.

"Very good then!" Phelnia said cheerfully. "Thank you Empress. I've also got a few new advances to trade, Empyrium to Imperium. But we can discuss such later, I wouldn't want to keep you."

[BlazingAegis]

"This is most unfortunate news your bring regarding your illustrious father. I pray that The Lady will restore him to health. Nevertheless, I welcome you to Azandria."
The look of concern on Jovana's face faded to one of curiosity as the gems were handed over to her.
"Most unusual. I have never seen gems such as these before and never ones of such scale. I fear however that despite how valuable such insight would be I doubt that I would have time to gaze long enough to see if the rumours are true or not."

OOC: I'm picturing a horse-drawn cart here, surely you don't mean the gems are that large?



Yes, while they are quite interesting just to look at, those with the patience, or for those who have little better to do seem to take a liking to them. My husband and I have found it works fairly well on our children if we need them to calm down, we just sit them in front of the spheres and after maybe half a hour or so and then get them back to their studies. But yes, for most people we simply do not have the time to partake of the gifts of the Eyes.

OOC: Nah just like a handcart, going to with QB's suggestion of basketball sized, but gotta prevent it from rolling around and/or breaking on transport. Somewhat like.
http://users.trytel.com/~tristan/towns/florilegium/images3/com17d.jpg

[PepperP.]

“Remarkable.” Estasiel said, flipping through the pages. “You are quite the adept illustrator. Have you ever considered publishing your works?” She asked, quite earnestly. “A primer on Arandi nobility would be a huge success. OF course, those of us involved in politics recognize the major realms and noble houses. But the world is wide, and knowing the Baron of East WestFarthing from the Princep of Bumbledown could be invaluable.”

"You flatter me, Your Grace." He said modestly, though his face came alight.

"Though I think if I combined my sketches with the beautiful illuminated manuscripts of Avonlea, then I would have something special. Have you seen the gilded Daen works?" His words came faster as his excitement grew and he pulled another, smaller book from his pocket. It was a book of Daen prayers and songs, but the pages had been meticulously illustrated and then set with silver and gold that jumped off the page as it sparkled in the light of the ball room. Never adept at soldiering, and not likely to rule, Weston was thrilled and grateful to have been shown his path by this exotic woman who shared his curious spirit, and his gratitude and esteem showed with the smile upon his face.