Rise of the Silver Wyrm -- The (re-)Coronation and Nameday of Li Tianshi [442]

[Morph Bark]

~ Year 442 of the Common Calendar ~
Year 992 of the Salterri Calendar

The Imperial Palace in Xianzhi Urbe, Aus-Teire

The streets of Xianzhi Urbe had been filled with colourful pieces of cloth hanging from lines that spanned the gap between streets from roof to roof. Alcoves that were on every street where lanterns would hang during the evening had small pots with burning incense in them. The canals of the city were thriving with small boats of merchants going back and forth in preparation for the celebrations. The city hadn't felt so alive in a long time. Giant birds flew overhead, carrying messages between the palace, the temple and the gates and harbour of the city.

The guests are led from the gates and harbour--depending on whether they arrive by land or ship--by a pair of guards to the Imperial Palace. There, the captain of the guard, a bearded man in orichalcum plate armor, greets the guests and asks them to check their weapons before they are led inside to the Hall of Thrones where the Silver Throne stands at the end at the top of some stairs. A carpet lays on the floor leading from the entrance of the Hall to the stairs, the rest of the room having no chairs but plenty of pillows for the guests to sit on. The guests are told the dining hall and ballroom will be opened after the ceremony.

Spoiler: The Imperial Palace

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Spoiler: Information

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Rulers and their heirs are permitted to carry arms to their full extent, though use of them is of course prohibited. Others are allowed to carry a single weapon.

The coronation will take place first chronologically, after which the party is opened in a separate hall. Feel free to open up any time bubbles during the coronation, party, or before or after that!

--- --- --- --- ---

The war had lasted for long enough, in her opinion. My first act should be to end this fools' war and make peace, she thought to herself. This feast would provide a welcome change from the grim atmosphere that had hung in the palace for years, but it would be only the beginning of everything for her. She'd finally get rid of the Zuei lackeys and spies and punish those who had dragged the Imperium further into war after her father's death. There were enough people in high places still loyal to her father, all she needed to do was move quickly.

But first, there would be the coronation. Or re-coronation as her sisters called it, as she had been Qzarina for years now, but now that she came of age she would also take on the official responsibilities and capabilities that came with that title. She sucked in her breath as Marina roughly pulled the chords on her dress tighter. Tianshi hoped she would still be able to breathe well enough to take care of business. At least she'd look good doing it, in purple and white and silver, with just the right amount of frills. Which was to say, not enough according to some of her sisters.

"Honestly, you should've gone for pink and red instead of purple. You look much too old. A Qzarina needs a Qzare, you're never gonna get a man to turn into one at this rate. Really--" Yakked Huanle as she did her hair for her, putting it in a bun.

[DurkBlanston]

Lord Protector Cassius Caercia the Younger, still called as much despite his 38 years of age and the passing of Cassius Caercia the Elder two years prior, arrived at the Imperial Palace in Aus-Teire dressed in a fine linen shirt, pressed flat and dyed with Jarrland dyes the purple and blues of the Caercian heraldry. Beside him stood his son and heir, Markus Caercia the II, a thin young man of but 23 years who seemed intent to distance himself from his father in his Wyrmarian robes and unique hairstyle of the Wyrmar, shaved clean along his left head and grown long and braided upon the right. If it was not known better and his skin were of a different quality he might be mistaken to be the son of the man standing yet a step behind the young Emir. This man was dressed similar to Markus, in Wyrmarian robes and with a similar style to his hair, though his skin and pale blue eyes spoke of true Wyrmar heritage.

Markus' adopted son and Cassius' wife were absent from the retinue, the Lady Governess having stayed behind to care for the young child Ji as if he were true Caercian blood. The concept infuriated Cassius, but he made no mention of it to any but his brother Gaius who counseled patience and acceptance of his son's choices and "grandson's" legitimacy. Being forced to travel with the young man and his incessant Guru had nearly driven Cassius insane. They hadn't spoken a word the whole trip, continuing a six year stretch of silence barring the occasional forced social grace between the Lord Protector and his heir. The silence had been brought on by Markus' adoption of the whore-princess R'jas' child that had come about from her affair with the Guru Agni and subsequently making the bastard-child his own heir.

Cassius had admitted to himself being disappointed the war seemed likely to be at a close. It had kept him away from Palas Caercia, away from his disgrace of a son and lie of a grandson. He already missed the battlefield where men were forged into men. He had plans to pursue the land discovered in years past once this peace agreement had been settled and the rightful Qzarina restored, at least then he could avoid standing in the presence of his progeny he so despised. Perhaps Gaius might join him and they could live for battle once again and forge a stronger kingdom that might hold together through any leader it might have befall it...

Cassius looked briefly at his invitation.

"Speak privately."

He wondered what the Qzarina might have to say to him, he was not hoping for praise, he had heard the young woman despised the war and those who fought it but he knew well what he had done and was prepared to face the young woman in whatever capacity she attempted to approach him. She was his Qzare and he would respect her, but he would not see his name tarnished for fighting for her Imeprium either.

The small retinue entered the Palace after being checked for weapons. Cassius and Markus each bore a ceremonial, though still usable, sword and the Guru carried no weapons at all. As soon as they entered they split away, Cassius moving to find those he recognized from the field, Markus and Agni moving to socialize and talk with the more posh guests and the representatives of the Silver Lady.

[Aedilred]

In times past, Jarrland delegations to the Aus-Teire had arrived with a mien that bordered on the servile, painfully aware of their lowly status on the fringes of the Imperium, cowed by the Salterri nobles at home in the Imperial capital. The contrast with their entrance on this occasion would have been marked, for any old enough to remember occasions past. Alfmark was in his forties, still moving with some of the vigour and the sharpness of youth, an impression reinforced by his beardlessness, but with the effortless confidence of successful middle age. As he and his entourage walked through the Salterri nobles and officials present, it became apparent that he was actually quite a bit taller than most of them.

He wore the robes of a senior Imperial noble in carmine and gold, surmounted with a black, ruddy furred-lined cloak, the only purple in the ensemble the quartzes set in his jewellery. There was no crown, not even a circlet, to display his royal status, but the sword at his side was enough to mark him out. He was here as the victor of Salteire, a proconsul of the Imperium, the Qzarina's cousin, and he knew those who did not know him by sight would find out soon enough without any input from him. In any case, it was clear their days of bowing and scraping to the lowliest of Senators were done: they were here for the Qzarina alone.

Flanking Alfmark, one on each side, were the Qzarina's uncles, Atheldynn and Elwyr, Atheldynn wearing a purple and gold sash in concession to his official position as atheling, and, behind him, the king's eldest son, Eldred, standing out even among the rest of the dark-skinned attendees with his near-obsidian complexion and sharp elfin eyes and ears. With them were the Qzarina's grandmother, Queen Tempest, who had been dividing her time between Aus-Teire and Jarrland recently, but arrived on this occasion with her sons, and another, paler faeblood woman in her late twenties, wearing Vennland colours. Behind them, a handful of more minor nobles: ireiarchons of Tempestia, lords of the Akuul and Kornandon, the usual hangers-on.

The king strode straight towards the throne and the Qzarina, acknowledging nobody else for the moment, and halted before her. He bowed deeply, along with his more immediate family.

"My lady," he said, simply.

Spoiler: Delegation

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King Alfmark (46)
Prince Atheldynn, his heir (49)
Prince Elwyr (41)
Prince Eldred, the king's son (15)
Tempest Grant, the dowager Queen (76)
Valéria Nisakovich, mother of the titular Duke of Vennland (29)
Jonas Grant, Tempest's twin brother (76)
Others to be determined as appropriate.

[WaylanderX]

A large object darkened the skies above Xianzhi Urbe. A giant Gunungese zeppelin flying the Huroshan collors flew over, stopping a respectable distance from the Imperial Palace. Around 50 mantid riders and 50 dragonfly riders accompanied the large vessel. A hatch on the belly opened, after which a few silhouettes left the zeppelin, aflight on gossamer wings. A lift was also being let down, containing a familiar giant light-blue figure, glimmering in the Salterii sun. When the figures reached the ground, it was clear who they were. Wayve was the first to touch down on the ground, being clad in his signature fullplate, the Phoenix star shining on his chest, his relic axe strewn on his back. Kenwyn, still in the prime of his life, touched down second, immediately approaching the guards to announce their arrival and arrange their entry. A unfamiliar young man, around 20 years of age, was right on behind him, slightly weary of his surroundings.

His name was Marevain Earthguard, and he was betrothed to Cornelia Caercia, a deal forged by his uncle several years ago. Being trained on speed rather than brute strength, he was tall and slender, a slender épee at his belt, moving with a grace of someone who was born with weapon in hand. He seemed rather nervous though, never having met his bride-to-be. He just hoped she was as nice as his uncle told him....despite not having met her either. His uncle was rather carefree at times, despite being an Emperor of one of the larger nations on Telluris.
He graduated of the Academy of Culture and Prowess just two years ago, his marks in the fighting arts only slightly above average. His achievements on a intelectual level were remarkable though, having worked together with the goblins on the Gouyuu Engine.

High above him, Nyllana hovered to see if the boy would keep his wits about him. He seemed to do alright, she saw with satisfaction. She smiled, her tail curling in delight. He would make a good husband. She flew down to ground level, hovering near Wayve. Nyllana was dressed in a graceful silken-cotton gown, a sash accentuating her figure. Despite being over 100 years old, she looked as if she was 25, one of the many virtues of being the Avatar of Balance. She looked at her son, smiling deviously. Wayve might be the Shïnguard, but Nyllana couldn't get enough from teasing him anyway. Once a mother, always a mother.

"So, Wayve, my dear liege, shall I announce our arrival? I might make a good herald you know?"

An irritated look on his face, Wayve looked at his mother.

"My Avatar, I would like you not to do that. Might I request you act to your station, lest you want to disgrace Hurosha."
Nyllana pursed her lips, feigning indignation and disappointment.

"Ttss, you're no fun, Wayve."

"Just....don't. Please mother."

"Fine fine."

"Good. Marevain, with me. Let's make our entrance. Kenwyn should've arranged it by now. Grïend is almost here aswell."

With a loud crash, the Menhîrin jumped the last few meters, causing the ground nearby to quake. The lift arrived a few seconds later, carrying two young Cloudiz, both around 17 years of age, one a boy, one a girl. Wayve sighed again. Despite being some of the best diplomats Hurosha had to offer, sometimes he thought that he should take some other people with him. At least Rin and Myella had some brains, he noted, as they walked out of the lift, cheerfully and politely greeting nearby guards. With a bit of luck, he would find suitable, non-crazy spouses for them at this event.

"Show-off." He muttered. At his signal, the small group made its way inside towards the guards to have their weapons checked. Above them, part of their escort made their way into the zeppelin, leaving two dozen to guard the outside.

Spoiler: Huroshan Delegation

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Wayve Earthguard, Emperor of Hurosha, Shïnguard of Kasumor (89 years old (looks like 35), married)
Rin Fireguard, Heir of the Fireguard family (17 years old, unmarried)
Myella Moonshatter, Niece to the Earthguard family (17 years old, unmarried, Fullblood Cloudiz)
Nyllana Earthguard, Avatar of Balance, Headpriestess of Ashmar (Ageless (looks like 25), Widow (you're welcome to try though xD))
Kenwyn Jak-son, Ambassador of Zargrim (45 years old (looks like 25), married)
Grïend, Ambassador of Grwîstin (He is a Menhîrin, deal with it)

[lt_murgen]

AQUA arrived in a flotilla of a half dozen of their latest designed ships. The harbor tenders and rowboat-tugs were amazed as they moved quickly and surely through the water in perfect precision. They needed no assistance because the winds themselves shifted and swirled to bring them into perfect docking position. Two huge creatures followed along, easily as large as the ships themselves. Each time they surfaced, they blew a towering spray of water into the air. The creatures settled themselves in the space between the docks, attempting to smile at the frightened dockworkers.

From each boat came a small group of people and the whole entourage walked with casual ease towards the palace. To those unused to AQUA, it was an odd delegation. Dour Quill and half-naked Islanders walked side by side with people who appeared to be Bordusii, Celerese, and Shengi. Next to them came a knot of young adults who looked to be from Tzalteclan or similar regions to the southeast. A large Komola and a knot of Beregenians provided security. The group moved slowly through the streets to the Palace, shopping, sampling the food and drink and so on. It was all carefully orchestrated to reinforce the idea that AQUA was unified and at peace with itself once again.

Spoiler: AQUA delegation

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Andus Fitzrion (31) – Skipper General of the AQUA. Bastard son of King Rion of Celero. Raised by Opus Petrichor and confidant of Fern Cascade, Queen of Celero. :Handsome enough to turn a woman’s head and incite envy in men.
His wife Ginger Grant-Tremblor(28) Short, but with flawless bronze skin and sparkling emerald eyes. Her long black hair is artificially streaked with red and purple. Along the right side of her face is her family’s tattoo, and her chest and arms are marked with the traditional paints of the Quill. She is clearly from Tzalteclan or thereabouts.
Her brothers are Maximillian Grant-Tremblor (Max) (23). Similar to sister in appearance, though stockier and more heavily muscled. Gilligan Grant-Tremblor (18). A near twin to his brother.
With them come their adoptive parents, Martin Grant-Tremblor and his Guilderene wife.
The Senior Council:
John laFitte: (68). The child of a Solusii native and a Bordusii trader. Short- 22 chain but with a stocky, muscular build pushing close to 2 chain. His olive skin is accented by close-cropped black hair with long, pointy sideburns. He has a thin mustache that trails to points past his chin, braided with precious gems.
Pierre Mason (64): Similar in appearance to LaFittte, but thinner. No mustache, and has some appearance of the mane of the Cassian / Shengdi mixed with Bordusii stock. Triumvarite Governor for the Emerald City Region.

Hawkeye Grumby: (64). Captain Administrator of Emerald City; deformed Quill. Wife is Doris Robson. Three children 18, 14, 10. Not related to Tumnerink
Tumberink Grumby (64) Son of Jonas Grumby and an unnnamed woman. Married to Salterri pirate Huang Pei-Mei (54). Three children 15,13,10.

Salix Caprea Denali “Sadie the Goat”. (38) Typical female Quill. Ears are more prominent than most. Wears her hair in two long braids coiled around them, almost like horns. [Slight beard] Selected from amongst Quill Elder Council to serve.

A group of Quill and Beregenians provide an honor guard, captained by both :
Shale Vug (42) a Quill, and Teycoumsay(31) a Komola from Penoccident.

[SamBurke]

The Guilderene delegation enters, as overwhelmingly ostentatious as all the others. The gilded dancers are there, yes. The showy armor is there, sure. The technological prowess and advancements of Guilder are on display at every turn, borne proudly on the backs of the monstrous Trihorns and Lacertals of its far-flung empires. There are merchants galore, hawking goods or bearing enough trade agreement treaties to bury an empire.

But there is one notable, painful, absence. For the second time in the decade, Inigo is not present, and does not represent Guilder. This time, again, it is for war: but this time, it isn't his choice. In the stead of the captured Doge comes his son, the Doge-elect, Vizini.

Surrounding him tightly are the Princes of the Commerce Council, advising him constantly, non-stop, about how to act. "You must seek reparations with the Jarrs! Your father so wanted peace with them--" "Watch out for courtesans! We've got high plans for your hand in marriage, prince Vizini!" "Don't you dare make eye contact with the Salterri, dear prince! We may be seeking peace, but don't get too peaceful with any of their temptresses.""Trade opportunities galore! Look here at our roster, and just initial here... here... here... and our schedule is good!"

Vizini tried to stop the mass of overlapping voices, but was unable to be heard above the mass; that is, of course, until he made contact with one of his Unmarked, and nodded. The man vaulted over top of a Prince without concern, drawing a sword and fire bomb while in air, and landing in front of the Doge-elect with flourish. "Thank you, Q," Vizini said. "I do not wish to be ungrateful for all of your work, Councilors, but it seems to me that this I don't have time to myself, or much free will at all.

"Well, sir..." one of the men began, "You do have your own free time, here!" another finished, pointing to an hour around midnight where there was no meeting or prospectus inked in."Besides, you have duties! You must learn how to be Doge, in the sad, sad case that your father does not return!" one of them said, clearly not too sad at all.

Vizini said nothing, preferring the silence, like Q. Sometimes, he wished that he could trade places with the man, for even a day: at least he traded off with the others, and had a few hours to himself.

The procession continued on, and Vizini made eye contact with his Unmarked again. It was time to escape...

[ImperatorV]

Irvest smiled to himself as the guards led his delegation through the city. He was used, by now, to the funny looks his shining Hai Vyuma armor was getting. To those who did not know of the metal, he would appear to be wearing burnished silver. Even more confusing would be his greatsword, which was fused to the back of his armor rather than strapped on.

Absentmindedly, he turned to quiz his youngest son, the only one who had been interested in coming with the delegation. A more traditional leader might be worried about their eldest's disinterest in foreign affairs, but the Lord Chancellor's succession would go to the heir that could best prove himself - and there was no doubt at all in Irvest's mind that Dissator could defeat any of his siblings in both combat and politics. Thus, why he chose not to pursue further education for his other children.

Dissator.

Our position is strictly neutral unless one of the sides offers a suitable price for services - and even if they do full involvement is discouraged. This is a diplomatic event with a host we trust, so the infiltrators are not armed. They will have to warn of us any problems so we can deal with it. And I should start considering possible candidates for a diplomatic marriage - but you want me to pick someone I'm actually in love with.

He turned to his father, looking hopeful.

Did I get it all right?

Irvest shook his head, his pleasant lack of focus thoroughly disrupted.

I worry that you will be too ready for the Chancellorship.

Dissator inclined his head curiously.

Too ready? What does that mean?

Nothing. Just me being an old man.

How could he tell his son that he was scared of his precociousness? That he worried his adult-like behavior was a sign that he didn't have a real childhood? That was a good thing for a leader of the Triumvirate, he was sure. Was it a good thing for his son? That, he didn't know.

Still, there would be time to think about it later. They were approaching the palace.

Spoiler: Triumvirate Delegation

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Lord Chancellor Irvest Ethmorl - 54, Married.
Assistant Chief of Staff Dissator Ethmorl - 13, Unmarried.
General Vladmir Drakksen - 46 and tired of being dragged to every diplomatic event ever because he had one successful joint operation with a foreign power. Unmarried.
Various staff and guards.

[Logic]

Despite the generous offer of AQUA, the Celero delegation had insisted on bringing their own ship. However, they did choose to accept the protection of the AQUA Flotilla, and while the Harsh Mistress was definitely of Celerese design, she was not so extravagant as to stand out as a ship of Royalty in the fleet of AQUA vessels.

King Rion, despite the urging of both of his sons, had demanded to attend the coronation personally. His sons had managed to convince them to allow one of them to join him, and so it was decided that the Heir Prince Grant Hazael would remain in Celero with his infant daughter Vedra Amalia, while Prince Fastion Andust would accompany his father to the Salterri Imperial palace in Xianzhi Urbe, Aus-Teire.

The only person none of the royals wanted along was Ophiuchus Balido, a weaselly little man that was the nephew of the current head of the House of Lords. He had managed to come along as an interpreter, as he was the only person in the government that knew both sign language and Salterri customs.

While King Rion could not hear, he still spoke his mind. Rather loudly at times; some had even described the King's volume as a shout. He was dressed in the blue and gold silk of his second finest garments, in case he spilled on himself, and had backup attire in a case attended to by Ophiuchus. To those from the north, Rion would be described as slightly pale. But to those of the south, the King looked almost ill. His stance and demeanor gave no appearance of illness, so neither the hosts and or the other guests had not made mention of it. His blue-grey eyes had more that a twinkle of mischievousness, though few outside of his family knew of his joking nature. The King was adorned in a modest amount of jewelery, and only two weapons: a polished, but plain silver-hued dagger and his son's Knightsword. Rion was a novice fencer, but his younger son had earned his Knighthood. Fastion had encouraged his his father carry more than the dagger, and after much persuasion, Rion decided he no longer wanted to look at his son's exasperated face, and had agreed.

Fastion wore a Prince's silk doublet to his chagrin. His father had coyly destroyed his desired attire on the ship's journey over on the final day of the voyage. He had wanted to wear tunic more fitting a knight than a prince, but all of those were now ashes as the bottom of the Afric Sea. He adorned himself only with a single ring on each hand, gold on the left, platinum on the right, and he carried a golden hilted-Dragoonsword, indicating his status among Celero's Griffon riders, the Dragoons.

He was taller than his Salterri hosts, and much fairer of skin, though his complexion was dark compared to the pale skin of his father. He was not a particularly handsome man, but he was not unappealing to look at either. He often wore stoic expressions, but the were usually given away as lies by the same mischievous blue-grey eyes of his father.

"Fastion!" The King called to his son, much louder than the Princely Knight was expecting.

Fastion was startled, his father had nearly shouted in his ear. He turned to his father, and replied with his hands, saying nothing, nor mouthing the words.

< Yes, Father? >

"Damnit son! You know I can read some lips better than I can the damn hand signals. Talk to me!"

Fastion sighed a moment, then spoke as well as signed "All right, my King, but you should try to lower your volume. We are guests, and don't want to appear rude."

Rion paused a moment, "I supposed I should. You know I can't tell how loud I am being until someone tells me." The King's response was still loud, but quieter than his initial comments.

Fastion sighed again, thinking to himself. It would be easier if you didn't insist on speaking. You know how to sign as just as well as you read it.

"Father, I am going to see our hosts. Ophiuchus will see to your translations with the other guests. Pray excuse me."

As the Knight departed, the short Celerii interpreter stepped up to the king. He had grey-white hair and orange eyes. He was dressed in black and gold, with far more gaudy jewelery than was appropriate for a Doge, let alone to a nephew of a nobleman. The King noticed this man's signing was less than stellar: all those rings impeded some of the finer movements required for more complicated words.

< Ophchus, at your service, Lord King. >

Ha! Thought the King. He can't even spell his own damn name. He will make a terrible interpreter for the evening. I do wish I had someone worth their salt to translate for me, not this boot-licker. I can't expect Fastion to translate for me all evening. I do want more grandchildren, and I can't expect Grant to be the only one to have them. This damn keeps boy trying to live the life of a soldier for the rest of his days. He needs a good wife, and preferably one outside of Celero.

The King thought a moment about all of his dalliances before his marriage. At last count, he had over 3 dozen confirmed bastard children, with many more suspected. It had taken a Quill woman to settle the King down, though she was almost more than he could handle at times. He wished she was here now, but on the advice of his doctors, he had left her at home, as she had been too ill to make a sea journey.

For now, King Rion was looking to find a good stiff drink; rumor had it the Coronation Ceremony was going to be long and boring.




Prince Rion strolled up to the AQUA delegation, happy to see familiar faces. He had hoped to meet some more warriors on his trip, but AQUA had provided few.

"Skipper Andus, it is good to see you." The Knight looked up to his elder half-brother with nearly as much awe as he had for his full brother. "I would ask to spar, if it were not rather rude to our hosts." Fastion gripped his weapon's hilt out of habit.

"I am here to babysit may father more than anything, however I think the King only permitted me to attend him so he could pair me off with the first eligible wife he could find."

Spoiler: For Murgen

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The Skipper-General should probably be closer to 30, considering when Rion and Fera married.

Spoiler: The Celero Delegation

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King Rion Hazael Noth - 62, married to Fern Cascade of AQUA
Prince Fastion Andust Noth - 25, unmarried (prefers to be addressed as "Knight" or "Sir Fastion" rather than "Prince." Will not correct anyone of this in front of his father.)
Ophiuchus Balido - 30, unmarried

[lt_murgen]

Prince Rion strolled up to the AQUA delegation, happy to see familiar faces. He had hoped to meet some more warriors on his trip, but AQUA had provided few.

"Skipper Andus, it is good to see you." The Knight looked up to his elder half-brother with nearly as much awe as he had for his full brother. "I would ask to spar, if it were not rather rude to our hosts." Fastion gripped his weapon's hilt out of habit.

Spoiler: For Murgen

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The Skipper-General should probably be closer to 30, considering when Rion and Fera married.

[OOC: Fixed, made him 30.]
Andus smiled back. He knew the Prince well from his many visits to Celero, and while AQUA eschewed formal titles for obscure cultural reasons, the pair got along well.

"Sadly, this is not the Tellurian Games. I did so enjoy the sparring there." He gave the Prince a rueful smile. "My wife insisted I leave all my arms on the ship, but I would not go to any international event unarmed any longer." He wore a breastplate, greaves and bracers of his own design, a light but hardy combination of adamantium and leviathan leather suitable for shipboard fighting. A pair of Kukri are sheathed at his side. "Still, on our return trip, I will loan you Tecoumsay here. He makes an excellent sparring partner."

The Komola's nose twitched and his long ears rotated backwards when he heard his name. He turned and bowed to the prince, removing the carrot-leaf cigar from his mouth, "What is arising, Skipper?"

"Remind me to loan your sparring services to Prince Rion on our return trip." The rabbit-man bowed. "But your larger concern is all to true, Rion. Your father, my wife, and a dozen others will be parading their children around like prizewinning cattle at auction. It's shameful, I tell you. I recommend getting your king so drunk he sleeps through the entire event." He says with a laugh.

[Logic]

[OOC: Fixed, made him 30.]
Andus smiled back. He knew the Prince well from his many visits to Celero, and while AQUA eschewed formal titles for obscure cultural reasons, the pair got along well.

"Sadly, this is not the Tellurian Games. I did so enjoy the sparring there." He gave the Prince a rueful smile. "My wife insisted I leave all my arms on the ship, but I would not go to any international event unarmed any longer." He wore a breastplate, greaves and bracers of his own design, a light but hardy combination of adamantium and leviathan leather suitable for shipboard fighting. A pair of Kukri are sheathed at his side. "Still, on our return trip, I will loan you Tecoumsay here. He makes an excellent sparring partner."

The Komola's nose twitched and his long ears rotated backwards when he heard his name. He turned and bowed to the prince, removing the carrot-leaf cigar from his mouth, "What is arising, Skipper?"

"Remind me to loan your sparring services to Prince Rion on our return trip." The rabbit-man bowed. "But your larger concern is all to true, Rion. Your father, my wife, and a dozen others will be parading their children around like prizewinning cattle at auction. It's shameful, I tell you. I recommend getting your king so drunk he sleeps through the entire event." He says with a laugh.

OOC: You mean Fastion. The King is Rion, this prince is Fastion.

[SamBurke]

Things are thrown for a loop again as the figure in black robes shimmers across the open square in front of the gates. A clear, feminine voice calls out from the depths of the hood.

"Vizini! What a pleasure to see you! Oh, get out of the way." That last is addressed to a pair of Commerce Princes as the robed figure wedges its way between them. As it draws up beside Vizini he catches a glimpse of the face under its hood. It is the face of a woman in her early twenties, with ivory skin, jet-black hair, and eyes as green as emeralds.

"I'm Lady Lucrezia," she says with what might be a curtsey. "I've heard so much about you. Pleasure to finally make your acquaintance in person." She gives him a blinding white smile.

Vizini grins, motioning for the others to follow behind him, and he walks along with her. "And where do you hail from, conveniently interrupting Lady Lucrezia?" he asks.

ELSEWHERE:

A mysterious hooded woman slips through the streets, dodging in and out of the various processions and using their ceremony as cover. She had only one reason to be here, and no one else needed to know what it was. [SIDE THREAD, SECRET. INVITE ONLY.]

[lt_murgen]

OOC: You mean Fastion. The King is Rion, this prince is Fastion.

ooc: Derp. Andus would know who is who. Consider it the same- Andus suggests to Fastion to get Rion drunk.

"Husband, dear. It is not politic to suggest getting a regent drunk." Ginger joked, "If you wish to save the dear boy, you should challenge Rion to ritual Raaneki combat- the Duel of 100 Shots!." To Fastion she added, "There are worse things than being married."

[Morph Bark]

The party makes its way up through the streets to the palace, where Duke Clovis addresses the guard captain.

"Duke Clovis of Pavonia, my Duchess Emryn, Duke Charles, and assorted nobles and attendants. I believe we had an invitation?"

"I wouldna know, do you?" The captain assesses the Duke. The man tries hard to keep his face neutral, but the way his nose and lips twitch it looks a little like he's holding back a laugh. The man looks over his shoulder at a woman standing by a wooden pedestal with a book on it and a loose sheet of paper in her hand. She checks the sheet. "Correct. Duke Clovis Wulfendyne, son of Grand Duke William Adolph Adam Wulfendyne, and retinue. The Duchess Emryn is the Qzarina's cousin."

"Huh, well how about that." The guard captain salutes the couple. "The Qzarina will surely be honoured to see you, as will her sisters." He motioned for the guards to check them for weapons. "We've been told only heads of state and their immediate heirs are allowed to carry more than one weapon--others will have to make do with one. We Salterri understand the need for good steel by your side, but if you draw it you should be aware that there's no unguarded room in the palace and its garrison is a full legion. Duels of honour may be declared, but take it to the gardens if you must have one. That's the short of the rules you'll need to know and eh... don't disrespect the Qzarina." He added with a questioning stare, which was joined by a smirk several long seconds later. "And have a great time at the party."

He wore the robes of a senior Imperial noble in carmine and gold, surmounted with a black, ruddy furred-lined cloak, the only purple in the ensemble the quartzes set in his jewellery. There was no crown, not even a circlet, to display his royal status, but the sword at his side was enough to mark him out. He was here as the victor of Salteire, a proconsul of the Imperium, the Qzarina's cousin, and he knew those who did not know him by sight would find out soon enough without any input from him. In any case, it was clear their days of bowing and scraping to the lowliest of Senators were done: they were here for the Qzarina alone.

Flanking Alfmark, one on each side, were the Qzarina's uncles, Atheldynn and Elwyr, Atheldynn wearing a purple and gold sash in concession to his official position as atheling, and, behind him, the king's eldest son, Eldred, standing out even among the rest of the dark-skinned attendees with his near-obsidian complexion and sharp elfin eyes and ears. With them were the Qzarina's grandmother, Queen Tempest, who had been dividing her time between Aus-Teire and Jarrland recently, but arrived on this occasion with her sons, and another, paler faeblood woman in her late twenties, wearing Vennland colours. Behind them, a handful of more minor nobles: ireiarchons of Tempestia, lords of the Akuul and Kornandon, the usual hangers-on.

The king strode straight towards the throne and the Qzarina, acknowledging nobody else for the moment, and halted before her. He bowed deeply, along with his more immediate family.

"My lady," he said, simply.

Spoiler: Delegation

Show

King Alfmark (46)
Prince Atheldynn, his heir (49)
Prince Elwyr (41)
Prince Eldred, the king's son (15)
Tempest Grant, the dowager Queen (76)
Valéria Nisakovich, mother of the titular Duke of Vennland (29)
Jonas Grant, Tempest's twin brother (76)
Others to be determined as appropriate.

The girl king Alfmark addressed blushed when the large Jarrow delegation halted before her as she stood at the base of the stairs of the throne. "You make me feel all grown-up if you call me that, lord Alfmark." Her face looked a lot like Tianshi's, but she was a little shorter and her hair was covered by a red and orange shawl that draped over her shoulders. Her dress was elegant, but simple enough that she stood out a little from the crowd of nobles. Like Tianshi, Yinhuo was humble, but even moreso, and not as reserved. Upon seeing her uncle Elwyr she walked up to him and gave him a spontaneous hug. He had always been her favourite. "It's so good to see you all! Will you and Atheldynn take part in the ceremony? Tianshi mentioned something about that."

A few moments later, an even greater distraction is afforded as the Pavonian delegation espies that of the Huroshans. Several Pavonians start, and two or three brandish weapons, but one young guard goes further. In a single swift motion his bow is drawn, and before Duke Clovis can do more than shout "NO!!", an arrow is loosed into the Huroshan crowd.

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Waylander, I'll let you decide who, if anyone, that arrow hits.

"Oi!" The guard captain shouts. "Men, contain!" A dozen of the guards standing at the palace gate take their spears and run forward to surround the Pavonians.

The clamor draws the attention of a woman standing in the entrance hall conversing with a shapely, hairy woman with long, rabbit-like ears. While her conversation partner wears the garb of a maid servant, the woman herself is dressed in what looks like a cross of a shortened ballroom dress and a navy officer's uniform, in stylish dark blue, white and golden. Her face contorts at the unruliness right outside the gate, and she comes walking up beside the captain of the guard.

"What is the meaning of this? Another bunch of nobles intending to incite a petty war?" She asks in a voice used to commanding others. "I won't be having that on my own nameday, y'know!" She glares at the Pavonians and the Huroshans behind them, all of them pale in comparison to her dark skin and purple-black hair. "If you want to fight, go grab some bricks and finish the Colosseum first." She points at a large building several hundred tai* away that looks to be under construction. "A'ight? Last man to put his sword away I'll feed to the crocodines!"


*1 tai = 6 feet = 1.8 meters

[DurkBlanston]

Spoiler: Time Bubble for the Qzarina

Show

After the recoronation ceremony had concluded and the Salterri nobles had again pledged themselves ten times over again to the new Qzarina and the palace had begun to return to a partied atmosphere Cassius approached the Qzarina quietly.

"You wished to speak with me privately your majesty?" he queried, his tone respectful but clearly already defensive.

[RandoMan]

Konhagen and Kaitlind, High King and Queen of Mularuhm arrived accompanied by Reichtin Cedrik, the Queen's brother, and a small accompaniment of four guards. The royal couple each bore a weapon each, Konhagen the sword Kingsblade and Kaitlind its counterpart, Queensbalde wrought from mithril in ancient days. They wore light expensive fabrics and light shirts of mithril chain underneath, invisible to the untrained eye. Cedrik wore a black tunic, indicative of the military caste, accented by sea green accents his own adopted color for Clan Mithredge. Cedrik bore his own sword, neither as ancient nor as flashy as the royals' own but every inch if not more deadly. He had trained daily since seeing the fighting styles of the world at the Tellurian Games and being soundly defeated* and he now prided himself on his swordsmanship.

After being searched by the guards and having their own guards stay outside the royal couple and the Reichtin entered the Palace properly, milling about through the crowds and preparing themselves for the surfacer Qzare's coronation.

*OOC: I missed playing much there, and to be honest not sure how much I'll be able to role play here either but I'll try to do better

[Aedilred]

The girl king Alfmark addressed blushed when the large Jarrow delegation halted before her as she stood at the base of the stairs of the throne. "You make me feel all grown-up if you call me that, lord Alfmark." Her face looked a lot like Tianshi's, but she was a little shorter and her hair was covered by a red and orange shawl that draped over her shoulders. Her dress was elegant, but simple enough that she stood out a little from the crowd of nobles. Like Tianshi, Yinhuo was humble, but even moreso, and not as reserved.

The king gave a slight smile. "Ah, it always was difficult to tell you young ladies apart," he said, recovering about as quickly as possible. "It was bad enough with your mother and your aunt. I often wondered how your late father coped. I hope after the ceremony your sister will wear something to mark her out, otherwise the potential for embarrassment could be enormous." He waved at the room full of dignitaries both native and foreign.

Upon seeing her uncle Elwyr she walked up to him and gave him a spontaneous hug. He had always been her favourite. "It's so good to see you all! Will you and Atheldynn take part in the ceremony? Tianshi mentioned something about that."

Elwyr smiled at his niece. "We have been asked to participate in the ceremony, yes, although I don't know what our role will be. Have you any idea?"

[SamBurke]

"From Castle Sturmgrad, originally, though my more recent habitation has been in the Starlight Citadel. Both of those are in Pavonia, in case you didn't see which delegation I arrived with.

And are these (she guestures at the Commerce Princes) annoying you?"

Vizini turns back to them with a malicious smile. "Oh, I tolerate this rabble... but they can follow behind for our conversation..." He stops short, watching the unfolding combat, and steps back.

Q and the other Unmarked slide quietly towards the battle, drawing out their weapons. Plural.

Vizini ignores them, knowing full well that they can handle any threat, and looks more intently at this Pavonian Lady.

[WaylanderX]

A few moments later, an even greater distraction is afforded as the Pavonian delegation espies that of the Huroshans. Several Pavonians start, and two or three brandish weapons, but one young guard goes further. In a single swift motion his bow is drawn, and before Duke Clovis can do more than shout "NO!!", an arrow is loosed into the Huroshan crowd.

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Waylander, I'll let you decide who, if anyone, that arrow hits.

The commotion the Pavonians made picked the interest of the delegation, but thinking nothing of it else then getting ready for a duel or something. Although this was a weird place for a duel....
The arrow whizzed through the air, dead on its mark.... after which it deflected harmlessly against Grïend's crystaline head with a small *ping*(OOC: I rolled for this btw), after which it flew in an small arc through the air, landing on Wayve's helmet. Grïend brought a giant hand to his head, staring at the Pavonian delegation, placing himself in between the rest of the Huroshans and the Pavonians. Wayve brought down the visor of his helmet, picked up the arrow and approached the Pavonian delegation, his axe not brandished, arrow in hand. He adressed the archer first, offering him the damaged arrow.

"I think this is yours, guard. You better not lose it again. It could have dire diplomatic concequences to lose an arrow that way."

He turned to the Pavonian leadership.

"May I ask what is the meaning of this, Pavonian-jins?"

A hint of amusement crept through his voice, but it did not reach his eyes, barely visible behind the visor.

"I know Grïend is big and scary, but that is not a reason to try and put an arrow in him. That said though, why do me and my people deserve this....peculiar welcome?"

OOC: He doesn't quite yet understand the issues the Pavonians have with Cloudiz blood. He only got bits and pieces from Rove's report a few events back.

"Oi!" The guard captain shouts. "Men, contain!" A dozen of the guards standing at the palace gate take their spears and run forward to surround the Pavonians.

The clamor draws the attention of a woman standing in the entrance hall conversing with a shapely, hairy woman with long, rabbit-like ears. While her conversation partner wears the garb of a maid servant, the woman herself is dressed in what looks like a cross of a shortened ballroom dress and a navy officer's uniform, in stylish dark blue, white and golden. Her face contorts at the unruliness right outside the gate, and she comes walking up beside the captain of the guard.

"What is the meaning of this? Another bunch of nobles intending to incite a petty war?" She asks in a voice used to commanding others. "I won't be having that on my own nameday, y'know!" She glares at the Pavonians and the Huroshans behind them, all of them pale in comparison to her dark skin and purple-black hair. "If you want to fight, go grab some bricks and finish the Colosseum first." She points at a large building several hundred tai* away that looks to be under construction. "A'ight? Last man to put his sword away I'll feed to the crocodines!"

Well, at least they respond quickly. And what by Ashmar are crocodines? Wayve thought.

"It was only a mistake, commander. This guard here lost his arrow, and Grïend happened to find it." Wayve said, his voice full of sarcasm.

"Also, my men did not brandish anything. We were making our way to the Qzarina to pay our respects when this....incident happened."

A little while later after the Pavonian matter.....

After some asking around, the group made their way to the throne, searching for their young host. Marevain, getting a bit impatient, whispered something to his uncle. A sudden hint of a smile appeared on the Emperor's face and he patted Marevain on the shoulder, whispering something back. After that, Marevain disappeared in the crowd.

Actually, Marevain was seeking out the Palas Caercian delegation, for he was betrothed to Claudia Caercia. After half an hour of searching around, he found them. Anxiously he approached them, bowing deeply and saluting the group.

"Good afternoon sirs. I am Marevain Earthguard of Kasumor, betrothed to lady Claudia Caercia. Nice to make your acquaintance."

Oh by Ashmar, I hope I didn't offend them. What if I did screw up my introduction..... He thought nervously while he awaited the respondse of his family-in-law to be.

[Logic]

"I wouldna know, do you?" The captain assesses the Duke. The man tries hard to keep his face neutral, but the way his nose and lips twitch it looks a little like he's holding back a laugh. The man looks over his shoulder at a woman standing by a wooden pedestal with a book on it and a loose sheet of paper in her hand. She checks the sheet. "Correct. Duke Clovis Wulfendyne, son of Grand Duke William Adolph Adam Wulfendyne, and retinue. The Duchess Emryn is the Qzarina's cousin."

"Huh, well how about that." The guard captain salutes the couple. "The Qzarina will surely be honoured to see you, as will her sisters." He motioned for the guards to check them for weapons. "We've been told only heads of state and their immediate heirs are allowed to carry more than one weapon--others will have to make do with one. We Salterri understand the need for good steel by your side, but if you draw it you should be aware that there's no unguarded room in the palace and its garrison is a full legion. Duels of honour may be declared, but take it to the gardens if you must have one. That's the short of the rules you'll need to know and eh... don't disrespect the Qzarina." He added with a questioning stare, which was joined by a smirk several long seconds later. "And have a great time at the party."



The girl king Alfmark addressed blushed when the large Jarrow delegation halted before her as she stood at the base of the stairs of the throne. "You make me feel all grown-up if you call me that, lord Alfmark." Her face looked a lot like Tianshi's, but she was a little shorter and her hair was covered by a red and orange shawl that draped over her shoulders. Her dress was elegant, but simple enough that she stood out a little from the crowd of nobles. Like Tianshi, Yinhuo was humble, but even moreso, and not as reserved. Upon seeing her uncle Elwyr she walked up to him and gave him a spontaneous hug. He had always been her favourite. "It's so good to see you all! Will you and Atheldynn take part in the ceremony? Tianshi mentioned something about that."



"Oi!" The guard captain shouts. "Men, contain!" A dozen of the guards standing at the palace gate take their spears and run forward to surround the Pavonians.

The clamor draws the attention of a woman standing in the entrance hall conversing with a shapely, hairy woman with long, rabbit-like ears. While her conversation partner wears the garb of a maid servant, the woman herself is dressed in what looks like a cross of a shortened ballroom dress and a navy officer's uniform, in stylish dark blue, white and golden. Her face contorts at the unruliness right outside the gate, and she comes walking up beside the captain of the guard.

"What is the meaning of this? Another bunch of nobles intending to incite a petty war?" She asks in a voice used to commanding others. "I won't be having that on my own nameday, y'know!" She glares at the Pavonians and the Huroshans behind them, all of them pale in comparison to her dark skin and purple-black hair. "If you want to fight, go grab some bricks and finish the Colosseum first." She points at a large building several hundred tai* away that looks to be under construction. "A'ight? Last man to put his sword away I'll feed to the crocodines!"


*1 tai = 6 feet = 1.8 meters

The commotion outside drew Fastion's attention from his half brother, and he witnessed the woman he was there to honor.

"Leave it to a Huroshan to incite someone else to violence." Fastion said dryly. "At least our host has enough sense to put a stop to it personally."

Fastion looked at her more closely and was confused.

"Andus, I thought the Salterri were human. What causes that woman to be furry, and possess decidedly non-human ears?"

[DurkBlanston]

After some asking around, the group made their way to the throne, searching for their young host. Marevain, getting a bit impatient, whispered something to his uncle. A sudden hint of a smile appeared on the Emperor's face and he patted Marevain on the shoulder, whispering something back. After that, Marevain disappeared in the crowd.

Actually, Marevain was seeking out the Palas Caercian delegation, for he was betrothed to Claudia Caercia. After half an hour of searching around, he found them. Anxiously he approached them, bowing deeply and saluting the group.

"Good afternoon sirs. I am Marevain Earthguard of Kasumor, betrothed to lady Claudia Caercia. Nice to make your acquaintance."

Oh by Ashmar, I hope I didn't offend them. What if I did screw up my introduction..... He thought nervously while he awaited the respondse of his family-in-law to be.

Markus and Agni turned to face the Huroshan young man. Cassius was off somewhere else, both sets of the Caercian delegation trying to avoid one another.

The two men smiled, clasping their hands together and bowing lightly to the young man.

"Blessings and good tidings upon you young Marevain Earthguard of Kasumor," Markus said, his voice serene and friendly.

He smiled, "I remember hearing again of your betrothal from my uncle not two months ago. My cousin is a fine girl, I'm sure you'll get along well. I should be happy to travel with you and introduce you if you were planning to return with us after the Coronation?"

[ImperatorV]

The Triumvirate delegation arrives at the palace to find the Huroshan and Pavonian delegations engaged in some sort of stand-off, surrounded by guards with an angry Salterri woman yelling at them. Irvest smiles, giving an aside to no one in particular.

Ah, Tellurian politics at it's finest.

Most of his retinue shrinks back, but the Lord Chancellor and his son keep walking, passing between the groups on the way to the door.

Excuse us, sirs, majesties, avatar, and whoever else may be here.

The rest of the delegation mills around lost for a few seconds and then start taking the long way around the other nation's delegations towards the door. General Drakksen stands near the Huroshans, casting his eyes around to see if he recognizes anyone.

[Morph Bark]

Spoiler: Time Bubble for the Qzarina

Show

After the recoronation ceremony had concluded and the Salterri nobles had again pledged themselves ten times over again to the new Qzarina and the palace had begun to return to a partied atmosphere Cassius approached the Qzarina quietly.

"You wished to speak with me privately your majesty?" he queried, his tone respectful but clearly already defensive.

Spoiler: For Durk

Show

Tianshi had entered a side room to the Hall of Thrones, where she stood before an old wooden chair covered with small decorations of tarnished silver. "I did." She replied to Cassius without turning around. She touched her hand to the carving of a lily in the wood of the chair, where the silver leaf was starting to come loose. "No need to be so tense. Unless you feel you've done wrong?"

She turned around and looked at the man with an emotionless expression. Tianshi had only known Cassius as vassal to her father, a Praetor quickly on the rise, to the point that some of the older and wealthier aristocratic families in Aus-Teire regarded them with suspicion. The House of Li was very much aware of that fact. The House of Li very much cared little for the petty squabbling aristocrats. They were important to keep in mind and to retain support of, but the Caercians and the Jarrows and the Ringmakers were loyal vassals with lands under their rule of immense size. And not to forget, it was the Caercians who got Nan Hai Nian into the Imperium.

"I can see you are a man with a strong sense of loyalty, a loyalty that has bound itself to the House of Li. But," she let the word linger for just long enough as she stepped around the man, and closer, her eyes trailing over his chest and arms--clearly the arms of a man who had trained himself for battle, "a loyalty that would falter if the one it is paid to should betray your own ideals." She lifted her eyes to penetrate his.

"You performed quite well in this war. It has been a fool's war that has cost the Imperium dearly, it had its purpose and it has served its purpose. Salteire shall be returned to the people of the Priory. It will be a sign of good will to them and the world. The region is not of great strategic or economic importance either and the aristocratic families have already lost all their major holdings there anyway. Campestrus Pratum or Minotron or what its name might be next shall remain part of the Caercian dominion and bridge the gap between Imperial holdings on the west and east coasts of the continent. It will be a region of key strategic and economic importance."


OOC: Leaving an opening for you to respond. The intent was for her to let the words hang for a bit anyway to provoke a response before she'd continue.

The king gave a slight smile. "Ah, it always was difficult to tell you young ladies apart," he said, recovering about as quickly as possible. "It was bad enough with your mother and your aunt. I often wondered how your late father coped. I hope after the ceremony your sister will wear something to mark her out, otherwise the potential for embarrassment could be enormous." He waved at the room full of dignitaries both native and foreign.

Elwyr smiled at his niece. "We have been asked to participate in the ceremony, yes, although I don't know what our role will be. Have you any idea?"

"And it always will be, most likely," Yinhuo replied with a smile. "Tianshi at least is recognizeable easily due to her silver hair, and none of us have found any silver dye yet suitable for hair. Father had a lot of trouble too, but he seemed to have a trick for it..." She trailed off a bit at the thought of her father.

Her smile returned a bit when Elwyr spoke. "I think it's just mainly the Proconsuls, Praetors, Gouvernors and their heirs. To pledge their allegiance and services and to recognize the Qzarina as their only leader. Aside from the Lord, that is... Lady! Aside from the... Lady." She looked embarrassed at her mix-up, but not very regretful. At least the devised ceremony did not include any religious vows to gods or spirits the ones who vowed didn't recognize. A vow to a god one didn't worship was as useless as a wooden helmet.

Well, at least they respond quickly. And what by Ashmar are crocodines? Wayve thought.

"It was only a mistake, commander. This guard here lost his arrow, and Grïend happened to find it." Wayve said, his voice full of sarcasm.

"Also, my men did not brandish anything. We were making our way to the Qzarina to pay our respects when this....incident happened."

"EVERYONE, STAND DOWN!"

The guards slowly sheathe their swords.

"Listen to me. We are guests here, and so are the Huroshans. If anyone pulls a stunt like that again, I'll tie him up and give him to Aunt Lucrezia for a snack."

The guards shuffle embarrassedly. Clovis turns to Wayve.

"I am sorry for that. My guards get a tad overprotective from time to time. I think Fred thought you were invading Xianzhi Urbe."

[...]

Duke Clovis turns to address the woman. "Qzarina Tianshi, I presume? My apologies for the over-eagerness of my guards. We've heard tell of multiple assassinations at gatherings similar to this, including, if I understand correctly, the one that catapulted you into this position, so my men are a bit jumpy."

"Heh," The young woman let out amusedly, walking further outside to the midst of the Pavonians. At least the Huroshans took it well enough. But what if someone other than Griënd had been hit? She wondered... "Well it's not like you need to brandish anything with your mountain of a friend around. You must be Wayve. I've heard a lot about you."

She shook her head at Duke Clovis. "Close, but nae. I'm Li Fengbao Jarrow." She extended a hand at the Duke. "Princess." The captain of the guard added with a cough into his hand. Fengbao rolled her eyes.

The commotion outside drew Fastion's attention from his half brother, and he witnessed the woman he was there to honor.

"Leave it to a Huroshan to incite someone else to violence." Fastion said dryly. "At least our host has enough sense to put a stop to it personally."

Fastion looked at her more closely and was confused.

"Andus, I thought the Salterri were human. What causes that woman to be furry, and possess decidedly non-human ears?"

The woman's large ears twitched and she turned her head around. She seemed to get a little startled with Fastion staring in her direction and grabbed tighter hold of a silver tray she had with her, before hurrying past him muttering something about food.

The Triumvirate delegation arrives at the palace to find the Huroshan and Pavonian delegations engaged in some sort of stand-off, surrounded by guards with an angry Salterri woman yelling at them. Irvest smiles, giving an aside to no one in particular.

Ah, Tellurian politics at it's finest.

Most of his retinue shrinks back, but the Lord Chancellor and his son keep walking, passing between the groups on the way to the door.

Excuse us, sirs, majesties, avatar, and whoever else may be here.

The rest of the delegation mills around lost for a few seconds and then start taking the long way around the other nation's delegations towards the door. General Drakksen stands near the Huroshans, casting his eyes around to see if he recognizes anyone.

Fengbao put herself in Irvest's way and put a hand out on his chest. She looked him up and down, sizing him up. "Hm." She turned towards the guard captain. "Hrathanesse. Double-check 'em."

[ImperatorV]

Fengbao put herself in Irvest's way and put a hand out on his chest. She looked him up and down, sizing him up. "Hm." She turned towards the guard captain. "Hrathanesse. Double-check 'em."

Dissator appeared visibly outraged.

You would suspect the Lord Chancellor of the Triumvirate itself?

Irvest smiled, winking at his son to show that had been the correct response. Having the right hand be offended by a minor slight which the leader himself waved off was standard operating procedure, and one of the many techniques Dis had mastered.

Oh, I can see the reason for the searches. I will submit to your regulations.

With a perhaps overly dramatic flourish, the Lord Chancellor willed his armor to shift into a liquid, pulling away from him to form a statue of the Triumviral crest in solid shining silver behind his back.

Would that make the search easier, perhaps?

[lt_murgen]

The commotion outside drew Fastion's attention from his half brother, and he witnessed the woman he was there to honor.

"Leave it to a Huroshan to incite someone else to violence." Fastion said dryly. "At least our host has enough sense to put a stop to it personally."

Fastion looked at her more closely and was confused.

"Andus, I thought the Salterri were human. What causes that woman to be furry, and possess decidedly non-human ears?"

The woman's large ears twitched and she turned her head around. She seemed to get a little startled with Fastion staring in her direction and grabbed tighter hold of a silver tray she had with her, before hurrying past him muttering something about food.

"WOuld you care to explain, Tecoumsay?" Andus said neutrally.

"Komola come in a wide variety. Some are distinctly rabbit, like me. Others are nearly human, with some rabbity features. We are able to interbreed with humans, so she could be half-komola. I'll check."

Tecoumsay whistled, "Hey Girlie! You got some Komola in ya? " When he saw he had her attention, he smiled and said , "Want some?"

[DurkBlanston]

Spoiler: For Durk

Show

Tianshi had entered a side room to the Hall of Thrones, where she stood before an old wooden chair covered with small decorations of tarnished silver. "I did." She replied to Cassius without turning around. She touched her hand to the carving of a lily in the wood of the chair, where the silver leaf was starting to come loose. "No need to be so tense. Unless you feel you've done wrong?"

She turned around and looked at the man with an emotionless expression. Tianshi had only known Cassius as vassal to her father, a Praetor quickly on the rise, to the point that some of the older and wealthier aristocratic families in Aus-Teire regarded them with suspicion. The House of Li was very much aware of that fact. The House of Li very much cared little for the petty squabbling aristocrats. They were important to keep in mind and to retain support of, but the Caercians and the Jarrows and the Ringmakers were loyal vassals with lands under their rule of immense size. And not to forget, it was the Caercians who got Nan Hai Nian into the Imperium.

"I can see you are a man with a strong sense of loyalty, a loyalty that has bound itself to the House of Li. But," she let the word linger for just long enough as she stepped around the man, and closer, her eyes trailing over his chest and arms--clearly the arms of a man who had trained himself for battle, "a loyalty that would falter if the one it is paid to should betray your own ideals." She lifted her eyes to penetrate his.

"You performed quite well in this war. It has been a fool's war that has cost the Imperium dearly, it had its purpose and it has served its purpose. Salteire shall be returned to the people of the Priory. It will be a sign of good will to them and the world. The region is not of great strategic or economic importance either and the aristocratic families have already lost all their major holdings there anyway. Campestrus Pratum or Minotron or what its name might be next shall remain part of the Caercian dominion and bridge the gap between Imperial holdings on the west and east coasts of the continent. It will be a region of key strategic and economic importance."

OOC: Leaving an opening for you to respond. The intent was for her to let the words hang for a bit anyway to provoke a response before she'd continue.

Spoiler: For Morph

Show

"No, I do not feel I've done wrong Qzarina, but many do not share my sensibilities I've found," Cassius stood at attention as though he were standing as a lieutenant being inspected by his commander, "You're aware of politics my lady, and you know politicians can't stand the sight of a bloodied sword. Love a soldier, hate a war, that's the way of things around here and I don't know if you're a soldier or a politician my lady."

As the Qzarina moved around closer and behind him he felt himself take a deep breath. The Qzarina was young, beautiful, and dangerous, not least of which for her position as his liege. He met her eyes, struggling to keep his thoughts calm and shielded, a position he was not well versed in. Rare indeed was it for him to defend, he had trained himself to attack and it had left his ability to repel an attacker atrophied. He felt her overpower him, seeing through his false veneer.

"You read a man well for someone so young," he said simply.

He slowly let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding as she spoke again and moved away from him.

"I thank you for your trust in administering the land my lady, I shall ensure it is well stewarded," he answered, seemingly holding back on responding to the rest of her statement.

OOC: I hope I hit the right gaps. Also, totally unexpected sexual tension for the win, right? :P Tianshi's 17 here right? Cassius is 38 and married at this time. Zoinks.

[Rain Dragon]

"You know, I would not have expected an invitation to a Salterri party. Considering... What happened... Coupled with... How we must look to... Those of the Imperium are unlike the others, perhaps?"
"The extraction plan is as near to perfect as it can be." Ainiveous examined a claw coolly. Though he was never intending to attend the event proper, an eternity experiencing little simply did not appeal to him. "At least, in the humble opinion of a lowly farmer."
"I do not worry for my life; you do. Besides, any who would believe you to be none other than a lowly farmer has not visited the Bat Caves in recent years. Though, I suppose I am one of the few souls not native to the place to have visited."
"It is as it should be."
Aipiskaupus placed his eyepatch over his right eye.
"I cannot claim not to understand, though I'm sure the vast majority who knew the truth would remain puzzled."
"That is good to hear."

"Luftus Nochenwaurm ready, sir! Lower the sails!"
"Aye!"
Ensuring his eyepatch was properly placed, Aipiskaupus gestures with a claw toward the Orthyknin Prince. "The final 'obscure island' was many fjarlmikils ago."
Ainiveous bowed slightly, smiling at the Kaiser. "Perhaps without you here bothering me, I could rest in peace..."
Raising his antennae, Aipiskaupus made his way above deck. The sky was bright and though he had closed his eye against it, the daylight nonetheless caused great discomfort until finally Aipiskaupus could open his eye a crack without becoming instantly blinded. Of course, his Great Uncle Fauratan Thuidans had not surfaced yet and as such the airship was covered by scurrying Masked Ones as they rushed to prepare the Airship for its final landing for the day.
Fauratan, expert on ocean faring technique and yet not currently present. Aipiskaupus raised one antenna slightly at the thought.

The Luftus Nochenwaurm silently slithered through the sky, the light tailwind urging them forth swiftly toward the steadily growing break in colour between the sea and sky. The Salterri Imperium, one of the largest known Empires since the time of the Cataclysm. The centre of turmoil for decades, or so certain historians would lead one to believe. Yet today, though there certainly were ships of war present, was a time of peace. A celebration. As the Kaiser's airship decelerated, he only hoped it would remain as such.

--OOC--
I was bored and sketched Aipiskaupus. Unfortunately, the scythe head is waaay too big for some reason without me noticing. /Way/ too big. The pincers are slightly smaller than intended again. I guess the Kaiser just has small pincers. >.>

The other one's the airship the Kaiser arrived in. It's less lazy, but still pretty lazy.

Spoiler: Sketchy sketchy sketch

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EDIT - Typo

[Kitsanth]

An airship flying the colours of the Sovereign Principality of Niskovia had arrived with the Ferans and was in the process of setting down passengers via a basket lift.

Grand Prince Vanya Nisakovich was only just starting to show his age. His hair noticeably darker than it had been 10 years ago. A sling cradling his left arm was the only sign that he had been injured 6 years ago. Aside from that, Vanya had dressed impeccably - a gown tailored for the southern climate paired with a silken over-robe.

Beside him stood his granddaughter, Zhenya, heir to the Niskovian crown. Standing just 5'3" tall, her hair was a much more vibrant red than her grandfathers. She also wore traditional Niskan dress, the heir ring prominently displayed on her right hand.

Also travelling with them were Galina and Teodor, two of Zhenya's cousins. They had expressed an interest in seeing the Imperium's capital.

"I will be fine vnuchka. I'm not even in any pain at the moment." Vanya said quietly.

"You havn't been able to feel anything below your elbow for days now, dedushka. I still feel that taking this long journey was reckless. These people are barely finished with a war! And you cannot wield a sword." Zhenya said, the worry obvious in her voice.

"That will not be an issue on this day," stated Vanya, "These people are celebrating, the paths they followed would have been uncertain these last years. Now a new day is dawning for them and their way has become clear."

Zhenya exchanged confused glances with her cousins before asking, "But, they do not follow our ways."

"And you think they become less relevant when discussing people who are not our own?" Vanya asked.

It was clear to this grandchildren that Vanya was being rhetorical with that question and so they remained in thoughtful silence as the lift reached the ground.

"Come, the palace is not far."

Spoiler: Niskovian Delegation

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Grand Prince Vanya Nisakovich (80)
Crown Princess Zhenya Nisakovich (31, married)
Princess Galina Nisakovich (23, unmarried)
Prince Teodor Nisakovich (23, unmarried)
A handful of guards, both Niskan and Karranan, led by Captain Dhauneld

[Rain Dragon]

The six mismatched Feran airships approached the Salterri Harbour of Xianzhi Urbe, Aus-Teire gently. The large flighted bone serpents rattled a little in the seabreeze as they gently tugged the airships toward the harbour where the other ships were docked. Only the Kaiser's personal airship and the airship flying the Niskovian colours came low enough to throw a rope down to the dockworkers. No sooner had the first rope been secured than a rope ladder was thrown down and the silhouette of Aipiskaupus Thuidans Kaiser could be seen climbing down. A few more ropes secured and a couple rope ladders later and a group of two scythe-wielding male Haljans, two Haljan females and one Griuhna Haljan female stood before the dockworkers.

"Where can I unload the barrels of Lothra Dragk Absinthe?" Aipiskaupus tried to catch the attention of a nearby Salterri with the question.

The five Feran airships drifted away toward the nearby river.

Spoiler: Ferans for Fun

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Aipiskaupus Thuidans Talzjands Leikeis Kaiser - 5'6 - 99
Fauratan Thuidans Farsjomas - 5'4 - 97
Spark - 6'0 - 71
Gear - 5'10 - 136
Hat - 5'7 - 84
Mendev - 9'11 - ??
Elyx - 10'1 - ??

[lt_murgen]

A group of Islanders lay about on the pier, watching the Pono frolic in the harbor. As the airships came into sight, they watched them with interest.

“Lumbering things.” Said one.

“Little better than rememberance balloons.” Another commented.

A third took up a spyglass and studied them more intently. “No, they have some minor sails, to allow them to sail with the wind.”

“Give me that.” The man snatched up the spyglass and studied them. “Brother, you know the Ways of the Winds better than that. They can barely tack against a cross wind with sails that small. Put them in irons and they would be all but useless.”


“Yes, but imagine what we could do with one! We could take it anywhere, in any direction.”

“Hush fool!” An older man finally spoke. “No one should know what is coming.”

The other three bowed to the senior monk. “Yes, magister.”

The old man sighed. “Ignore them. At least,” he spoke quietly, “until their regents and entourages have disembarked. After that, I’m certain casual and unobtrusive test of their ability to handle strange and contrary winds would go largely unremarked.” The other three grinned at the old man’s words.


************************************************** ********************************

Unaware of the malicious 'investigations' his aeromancers were planning, Andus led his party to the main event. He surrendered his spear, kukri and shield as requested, assuring the guards that he trusted in their ability to keep them safe.

As he entered the throne room, he admired the craftsmanship and decor. He was heartened to see the cushions and low tables. Islanders followed similar decorating practices, and he found them far more comfortable and practical than the ovverstuffed chairs and couches of the east, or the hard tables and benches of the north..

His party bowed low to the Qzarina, and made their introductions when the young lady had a moment. "We are honored that our small realm was invited to attend the event of such a sprawling and powerful Empire." He said without pretense.

[Morph Bark]

Before Clovis can react, Charlie slips past him and takes Fengbao's outstretched hand, bending over to plant a kiss on the back.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Princess. I am Duke Charles, and I've heard a great deal about you from Em."

Having his face so close to Fengbao's own highlights an anomaly that anyone looking at Charlie would probably notice. Where nearly all Pavonians leave the head unmarked by sigla, along with the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, Charlie has intricate gold-and-black designs traced all across his face, surrounding the eyes and ornamenting the temples and forehead.

Fengbao raised an eyebrow at the young man. "Well, someone's certainly got his manners all lined up. Hope ya haven't told 'm all bad stuff, Em. How're ya cousin?" She smiled at Emryn, walking over to her to hug her, casting aside the formalities.

"Ya sure brought an interesting bunch of trouble along. My apologies, Duke, the Pavonians and Wulfendynes especially are greatly welcomed. Best to have good neighbours, eh?" She grinned and motioned for them to go past the guards--of course not without a check--and gave another curious look at Charles. The tattoos on his face were of a kind she hadn't seen before, but they reminded her of the Islander facial tattoos and the godana of the Raaneki that her father had also born. When she'd catch him looking her way, she winked at the young duke. She could always ask him about those markings at the feast.

Spoiler: OOC

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How old is Charlie here, by the by? Tianshi/Fengbao/Huanle are turning 17, obviously.

Dissator appeared visibly outraged.

You would suspect the Lord Chancellor of the Triumvirate itself?

Irvest smiled, winking at his son to show that had been the correct response. Having the right hand be offended by a minor slight which the leader himself waved off was standard operating procedure, and one of the many techniques Dis had mastered.

Oh, I can see the reason for the searches. I will submit to your regulations.

With a perhaps overly dramatic flourish, the Lord Chancellor willed his armor to shift into a liquid, pulling away from him to form a statue of the Triumviral crest in solid shining silver behind his back.

Would that make the search easier, perhaps?

Fengbao and the guards stood speechless. They had never seen anything like that. Fengbao was almost struggling not to feel outraged that he hadn't used a trick like that at the Tellurian Games so she could've seen it in full combat action. "Um, yes. Though considering the nature of it, I think I should ask you to leave it in our care until you leave again. Policy for tonight is to allow rulers to carry any weapons they wish other than explosives, but this might startle a lot of the other guests. Or at least allow me to have you be accompanied by one of our guards, as to inform others of it without causing a panic. You there!" She yelled at a guard who was rather short and thin as other guards began to search the other members of the Triumviral delegation. The guard gave a scared yelp from behind the face-guard and hurried stood at attention. "Take care of it." She told him and turned to Irvest again. "He can accompany you or take your armor. We know it may be a matter of honour, so I'll leave it to your discretion--a trait I'm sure is a virtue among the Hrathanesse. If you leave it in our care, it will be taken good care of."

Spoiler: OOC

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The guard will come along if Irvest decides to not leave his armor behind and I'll do so RP bits for him with Irvest and Dissator, if you're up for that.

Tecoumsay whistled, "Hey Girlie! You got some Komola in ya? " When he saw he had her attention, he smiled and said , "Want some?"

The Komola woman looked visibly shocked at him over her shoulder and gripped the tray tightly. She huffed at Tecoumsay. "Why, I never!" She cried out indignantly in a posh-sounding voice. She looked torn between wanting to walk away and tend to her serving duties and smashing the tray into Tecoumsay's head. Eventually, she seemed to decide against the latter and walked away towards the kitchens.

Spoiler: OOC

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On a note: Komola can't interbreed with humans actually (the maid is just one of the ones that look more human because I wanted to have more variety in looks among the race), though I've been thinking about them perhaps being able to do so with catfolk and the beast races of Drugaud--perhaps even werewolves. Of course, it's not for lack of trying on part of the rabbitfolk or their Salterri and Islander neighbours.

...and now I'm thinking what would happen if someone later on were to introduce magic that would make it possible.

Spoiler: For Morph

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"No, I do not feel I've done wrong Qzarina, but many do not share my sensibilities I've found," Cassius stood at attention as though he were standing as a lieutenant being inspected by his commander, "You're aware of politics my lady, and you know politicians can't stand the sight of a bloodied sword. Love a soldier, hate a war, that's the way of things around here and I don't know if you're a soldier or a politician my lady."

As the Qzarina moved around closer and behind him he felt himself take a deep breath. The Qzarina was young, beautiful, and dangerous, not least of which for her position as his liege. He met her eyes, struggling to keep his thoughts calm and shielded, a position he was not well versed in. Rare indeed was it for him to defend, he had trained himself to attack and it had left his ability to repel an attacker atrophied. He felt her overpower him, seeing through his false veneer.

"You read a man well for someone so young," he said simply.

He slowly let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding as she spoke again and moved away from him.

"I thank you for your trust in administering the land my lady, I shall ensure it is well stewarded," he answered, seemingly holding back on responding to the rest of her statement.

OOC: I hope I hit the right gaps. Also, totally unexpected sexual tension for the win, right? :P Tianshi's 17 here right? Cassius is 38 and married at this time. Zoinks.

Spoiler: For Durk

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"That you shall," Tianshi nodded, saying it as if it were fact rather than a confirmation of trust. She stopped before him and put her hands on her back.

"People have called you a dog of war. If they meant it as an insult, they were wrong to do so, because a dog can learn many tricks and their loyalty is unquestionable. It is only when the dog attacks someone--an innocent, a guest, an enemy who hasn't yet outlived their usefulness--that the master teaches them how the sharp end of a spear feels." Again, a cold pause.

"You're both loyal and useful," Tianshi continued slowly, as she played with something in one of her hands that churned out disconcerting musical tones--two tiny spheres made of discordian rock painted with religious symbols of harmony, but the tones they were supposed to make were twisted, as if she held them too hard. "But if you ever disprove that loyalty, your usefulness shall not outlive it long. Do I make myself clear?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Yay, symbolism!

Heh, sorry about that. When I wrote the earlier piece I thought the penetrating gaze might come across as sexual in nature, so I downplayed things the rest of the post, but when you mentioned it it stayed with me a bit. Then I wrote this piece and I thought of her moving two balls around in her hands that is supposed to be a Chinese relaxation technique that also helps the wrists and... well, here's the result. :P

Tianshi is indeed 17 now, as this takes place on her birthday. And you hit all the right pauses. (Saying that makes it sound like a Quick-Time Event.)

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ Later ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

At the strike of six, a man in blue robes bound with ropes made with silver thread stepped forward next to the throne and banged a large wooden staff on the stone floor three times. "All stand before the Lady and the Lord and the Lady!" He called out to the assembled guests in the Hall of Thrones. Some were already standing, others sitting around on the pillows. Next to the man stood Yinhuo, who had put on a red and orange sleeveless coat over her dress that blended well with the rest of her and made her look like a priestess of the Lord of Fire, but instead of all the golden accents and jewelry that one of those often wore, hers were all silver, showing faithfulness towards her own heritage and to her family. On Yinhuo's other side stood her mother Ambryn, who wore a mixture of Li purple and Carmine red.

Five musicians began to play, striking and caressing sheets and blocks of discordian rock, some smooth, some rough. The musicians were covered by similar robes, only their scaly hands and the tips of serpentine faces visible as they sat on the floor near the front.

Tianshi strode forth with long, elegant steps that were quick and decisive, as if she was on her way to an important meeting rather than her own coronation, but perhaps that was better than looking like a bride without a husband. In her hands she held a silvered sword. The Qzarina was followed by several of her sisters. Huanle, ever dressed in pinks and reds, carried in her hands a white lotus in a large silver bowl with some water, causing her to walk a little slower than Tianshi. Behind her walked Fengbao in her dress-cross-uniform and Shuxian, who wore a blue dress that left one leg open and who carried a sword by her side. When they arrived at the end, in front of the throne, the staff struck the floor again three times to signal that the guest could sit down again.

The three sisters stood behind Tianshi as the priest stepped forward. "Li Tianshi. A new age dawns. Shall you ride the rays of the sun and lead your people to glory and happiness?" "I shall." "Shall you be an example to all and reflect radiantly upon those who would lose hope, and shroud those who need a strong shield, as silver Heng'e is to Wu Jingshen?" "I shall." "If a child comes to you, hungry, naked and afraid, what shall you do?" "I shall clothe him in silk and steel, I shall feed him grain and honour, I shall guide him with truth and power so he shall not fear another man." The priest bowed, turned to Yinhuo, who held up a basket from which he took a necklace made up of silverbell flowers that he put around Tianshi's neck. Then he took the basket and Yinhuo stepped up. "Li Tianshi. The fire of each day shall be followed by the dark of each night. Shall you guide your people with the fire in your heart and the silver in your soul?" "I shall." Yinhuo bowed, took a necklace made up of fire lilies from the basket, and put it around Tianshi's neck. Next, Huanle stepped forward with the large bowl of water in which the white lotus floated. She held it up and Tianshi handed the silver sword to Fengbao, before washing her hands and face in the bowl.

Tianshi turned to face the crowd of people that had been assembled as a Komola maid came forward with a purple pillow that had a jewel-encrusted hairpin on it that she gave to Ambryn. "Loyal men of the Imperium, stand before me." She called out to the gouvernors of Pontensulae, Penoccident, Shengdi, Discordia and Nan Hai Nian, and the Praetors and Proconsuls that ruled the vassal states. "Stand with me and your blood and pledge it to mine once more." This part had been communicated to them, though the exact words of their vows had been left open.

The music rose in intensity, but remained rather typically serene for Salterri music even as it did, whilst Tianshi ascended the steps to the Silver Throne with her mother. As they stood before it, she knelt before Ambryn and had the hairpin put into her hair. The tiny stones in it gleamed in the light in a rainbow of opal, ruby, amber, turqouise, sapphire, diamond and pearl. When she rose, Yinhuo took the staff from the priest and banged it on the floor. "All hail to the new Qzarina of the Imperium!"

Thank gods they didn't make it all long and tiresome, Fengbao thought to herself as she raised the silver sword to hail her sister.

Spoiler: Aedilred, Durk, RandoMan (and Murgen)

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In case you want to do something with the vow thing, go right ahead.

Murgen, since you don't have Martin present I don't think you'll include him just for this, but should you want it, you're free to do something with this as well.