Exalted 3E - Tale of a Falling Empire IC

[Rykon]

"Hey now, no need to be givin' up that easy Fel! Just be patient and she'll warm up to you before you know it. This trip is just gettin' started after all!" Manato declared with a mischievous smirk. "Besides, I'm sure with the right approach we can turn the situation here around."

"As for the other matter, it's a bit of a special 'recipe'. A secret not unlike what I set up for making wines." The fire aspect handed his pipe to Asuna while he took a moment to fish a spare one from his pocket. He'd get the spare pipe packed gently and lit with a mere sparking snap from his fingers. "Try it for yourself if you'd like. I knew we'd be arriving when a party was getting started, so I had my staff bring enough to last me a season or so. Just in case."

Manato turned to greet Harun with a wave, inviting her to join the discussion. "Glad you decided to join us cousin. This man here is our friend Ledaal Fel, esteemed pilot of the Viridian Raptor." He turned back to Fel to complete introductions. "And Fel, this is my cousin Cynis Harun. She's pretty well established in a lot of the typical house industries here."

 

[Sherwood]

Sokuma shrugs. "The former. You know how it is; you throw a gala, every Dynast in the area needs to be invited, regardless of whether you're on the Blessed Isle or in the Threshold." he answers. He sounds a bit disgruntled as he speaks, as if he's attending largely out of societal obligation.

The stocky Dynast then gestures to his companion. "This is High Archpriest Shaalesh. He is the head of the Serpentine Synod, the ruling body of Thueban."

"It is my great pleasure to meet you." Shaalesh says in a soft and whisper-like voice, bowing low to Larissa with his right hand on the middle of his chest.

Larissa shares the distaste for all of the 'social niceities' that are a requirement of Imperial life, and says, "I feel your pain. I've never liked all the needed social get-togethers. I much rather do some actual work of finding those responsible for committing crimes and holding them responsible." She then turns to Shaalesh and offers up her greeting to him. "Well met, sir."

She then says, "Speaking of finding those responsible for crimes, I should mention to my Circle that I have a lead on one of the troublemakers out here, spreading sedition against the Empire. I have a hunch that this will result in uncovering the presence of at least one Anathema, possibly more. If you gentlemen will pardon me, I must seek out the others."

 

[jaydude]

Harun steps forward upon being called over, offering friendly grins to Manato and Asuna, the two Dynasts she had met earlier.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fel." Harun says while clasping her hands and bowing to him.

She then looks at the Water Aspect. "Hello again, Asuna. I trust you've been enjoying yourself in this city? I haven't seen hide nor hair of you since you departed from my manor."

From that remark, it's probably safe to say that Harun did not recognize Asuna at the meeting.

The Wood Aspect than casts an admiring eye over the other woman's outfit. "I have to say that I'm loving the attire you have on there. Just how did you acquire such a piece, if I may ask?"

With Larissa...
Nearby, Sokuma and Slaalesh give Larissa accepting nods when she asks to be excused. "In that case, don't let us keep you." says the other Dynast, before he takes on a more paternal air with her. "Still, do try and relax every now and again, especially if it's at House Ragara's expense. As time goes on, we may all find ourselves with fewer chances to do so."

"It was my great pleasure to meet you." Shaalesh adds in that serpentine whisper. Once Larissa is a short distance away, she hears them start talking to each other.

"So there is trouble here as well?" the snakelike priest asks, sounding intrigued.

"You can hardly be surprised." Sokuma replies gruffly. "It's a similar story in most of the Threshold, what with the increased tribute demands that followed the Empress's disappearance, and word of what happened to Jiara spreading across the Southeast..."

 

[Random Word]

Asuna beams. "So kind of you to say so, Lady Harun," she replies, leaving it ambiguous whether in reply to the comment about the dress or having not seen her. "I had a pleasant afternoon, though I'm sure nothing in the city compares to your hospitality. As to the dress, Factor Medeji recommended to me a Fae in Nexus - the Tender of Blossoms Inchoate. It takes cherished childhood memories and weaves them into wonders. Apparently I was quite fond of rainstorms as a child." The best lies are technically true. She spins to show off her outfit, the sheets of dark rain forming her skirt planing around her before dissolving into dense fog. "I haven't worn it in years, and some things are just so lovely you have to wear them more than once."

Asuna steps up behind Harun and leans in close and whispers conspiratorially in her ear, "Would you like to commission something? I can put you in touch. Is it even really a price if you can't remember what you've paid?" Asuna glances up as she hears Larissa approach. "Standing offer - if you'll excuse me."

"Larissa!" Asuna calls with a wave and smile, "Have you succeeded at guiding the wayward flock back onto the ordained Path?"

 

[jaydude]

Harun raises both eyebrows upon hearing Asuna openly admit to getting her dress from one of the Fair Folk, but she makes no comment about it. She then smiles and nods when the Water Aspect excuses herself to greet Larissa, before turning to look at Manato.

"I think you'll be pleased to hear that Merina is likely to be occupied for the night." she assures him with a grin. "I saw her in the palace grounds a short while ago, talking with a member of the Albahr delegation. A handsome, rugged and muscled pirate, the exact kind of man Merina is more than happy to lie back and spread her legs for. Give them a few minutes, and she'll no doubt be out of your hair for the rest of this evening, at least."

 

[D. Rex]

"Hey now, no need to be givin' up that easy Fel! Just be patient and she'll warm up to you before you know it. This trip is just gettin' started after all!" Manato declared with a mischievous smirk. "Besides, I'm sure with the right approach we can turn the situation here around."

"As for the other matter, it's a bit of a special 'recipe'. A secret not unlike what I set up for making wines." The fire aspect handed his pipe to Asuna while he took a moment to fish a spare one from his pocket. He'd get the spare pipe packed gently and lit with a mere sparking snap from his fingers. "Try it for yourself if you'd like. I knew we'd be arriving when a party was getting started, so I had my staff bring enough to last me a season or so. Just in case."

Manato turned to greet Harun with a wave, inviting her to join the discussion. "Glad you decided to join us cousin. This man here is our friend Ledaal Fel, esteemed pilot of the Viridian Raptor." He turned back to Fel to complete introductions. "And Fel, this is my cousin Cynis Harun. She's pretty well established in a lot of the typical house industries here."

Fel took the pipe with a smile, giving it a few experimental pulls to really taste the flavor. "I'm not giving up my friend." He said, encouraged by Manatos words," After all, I think there is a lot of good we could do here. Though it certainly wouldn't hurt if I had your way with women."


"My goodness, Manato," Fel laughed, "I wish was half as prepared as you. And here my servants have to remind me what to bring." Taking another pull on the pipe, he savored the taste and smell of the smoke. He would not expect anything less from Manato. The man seemed to be good at everything he put his mind too.


At the introduction of Harun, Fel returned the greeting with a bow of his own, "Its a pleasure to make yours as well."

A brisk introduction from Harun, but not one he was unsurprised to receive. Those in the martial branches were much less fun at galas than socialites and networking business people.


Fel was about to excuse himself, to give Manato the full attentions of the women, until Harun mentioned the handsome pirate. It was a bit curious that a delegation would bring such a character to an event such as this.

Perhaps it was just a touch of curiosity, or perhaps anxiety, but Fel bid the two off, and wandered away. Taking the time to get himself a drink on his way. After the evidence of anathema, Fel found it hard not to feel like there was a fox in the henhouse. A good drink would most likely get him more in the mood. A drink and smoke cured most ails, and the pipe was already making him want to just relax on a balcony.

He would head to the palace ground do a quick walk, to get a glimpse of the pirate as well as the grounds itself. If nothing stood out, he would make his way back inside to see if Satori was still busy entertaining her guests.

 

[jaydude]

With Xandra...
"So, you're of House Cathak, are you?" Tahaki asks in a friendly manner. "I once took part in a Wyld Hunt alongside one of your members. Cathak Amaya was her name, and a finer shikari I have never ridden with. Do you know of her?"

Xandra does of course know of Cathak Amaya. A Dynast at least a century old, said to wield the legendary Eye of the Fire Dragon, and one of the most dedicated Realm-aligned members of the Wyld Hunt, even when compared with certain Mnemons and Ledaals. Spurning the inter-house turmoil on the Blessed Isle, she has continued to devote herself to the Wyld Hunt, with the last news and gossip placing her somewhere in the North.

With Fel...
Unless the Ledaal scion can get more detailed physical descriptions of either Mehina or the pirate she's apparently charming, he isn't going to have much luck finding either of the two.

 

[D. Rex]

With Xandra...
"So, you're of House Cathak, are you?" Tahaki asks in a friendly manner. "I once took part in a Wyld Hunt alongside one of your members. Cathak Amaya was her name, and a finer shikari I have never ridden with. Do you know of her?"

Xandra does of course know of Cathak Amaya. A Dynast at least a century old, said to wield the legendary Eye of the Fire Dragon, and one of the most dedicated Realm-aligned members of the Wyld Hunt, even when compared with certain Mnemons and Ledaals. Spurning the inter-house turmoil on the Blessed Isle, she has continued to devote herself to the Wyld Hunt, with the last news and gossip placing her somewhere in the North.

With Fel...
Unless the Ledaal scion can get more detailed physical descriptions of either Mehina or the pirate she's apparently charming, he isn't going to have much luck finding either of the two.

Fel is not going on a hunt for the pirate and Mahina per se. But rather simply seeing if anyone stands out. If the grounds are heavily populated with patrons, he would give it a quick look over. But if it is relatively empty, should most be inside, is just taking note of people about there business. As well as my stunting of an exit from being a third wheel.

 

[Sherwood]

"Larissa!" Asuna calls with a wave and smile, "Have you succeeded at guiding the wayward flock back onto the ordained Path?"

The Air Aspect shakes her head. "Not quite. Xandra and I ran into some difficulty out there. We ran into a large group of people listening to a speaker and his cronies, looking to rile them up into a near riot state. If it were not for Xandra, I am certain that there would have been blood drawn this morning. But, the good news is, I was able to get close to the speaker, and during the next two days, I can track him down to where he is. I fully expect that we will be running into Anathema, so I was hoping that we would have the whole Circle prepared to go after them."

 

[Psychie]

With Xandra...
"So, you're of House Cathak, are you?" Tahaki asks in a friendly manner. "I once took part in a Wyld Hunt alongside one of your members. Cathak Amaya was her name, and a finer shikari I have never ridden with. Do you know of her?"

Xandra does of course know of Cathak Amaya. A Dynast at least a century old, said to wield the legendary Eye of the Fire Dragon, and one of the most dedicated Realm-aligned members of the Wyld Hunt, even when compared with certain Mnemons and Ledaals. Spurning the inter-house turmoil on the Blessed Isle, she has continued to devote herself to the Wyld Hunt, with the last news and gossip placing her somewhere in the North.

Xandra nods. "I have had the good fortune to go on three Wyld Hunts, all of which were successful in ending the lives of the targets we were after. I myself was able to kill one of the Moon Mad on the day I took my Second Breath, and was able to avenge the deaths of several members of my family. It was not a good day." She bows her head in memory of the fight, her hand unconsciously going to one of her many scars that she acquired from the Lunar that day. "But lets not dwell on that. I have had the pleasure of meeting Amaya at a family function once. She was very kind to me, even as young as I was, since it was before my Exaltation, and have not had the opportunity to serve with her either in the Legions or on a Hunt."

 

[Rykon]

When informed of Merina's activity, Manato merely shrugs. "That sounds like her alright. Whatever keeps her minding her business and not mine." He did his best to discard whatever concern he had, sincerely welcoming Larissa with a smile on her approach.

"Really? Xandra stopped it from escalating? That's great news!" Manato's smile widened into a large white grin. "I knew you two were badasses, but still. Both of you have made some pretty impressive accomplishments for the first morning. Anything I can do to help you two, just name it. If we're to confront these insurgents at their root, I wouldn't dare miss it."

 

[jaydude]

Fel is not going on a hunt for the pirate and Mahina per se. But rather simply seeing if anyone stands out. If the grounds are heavily populated with patrons, he would give it a quick look over. But if it is relatively empty, should most be inside, is just taking note of people about there business. As well as my stunting of an exit from being a third wheel.

When Fel arrives, he sees that the amount of patrons is largely the same as in the hall, though one would expect them to be spread out a lot more here, due to the comparatively larger size of the grounds. At the moment though, most of the crowd is gathered around the stage in the grounds, watching with excitement as a pair of bare-chested martial artists duel one another upon it. One of the fighters is a serpent-nosed man much like Slaalesh, who is very clearly using Snake Style. The other is a bald man with facial scars and a face that seems perpetually set in a snarl, as he lunges and slashes at his opponent with the unmistakable movements of Tiger Style.

Within this nest of extravagance, it takes a truly special effort to stand out. That said, Fel's eyes are drawn to a couple stood a little way away from the crowd. One of them is a handsome and burly-looking man in a crimson turban and sleeveless kaftan, with the slightly wobbly gait of one used to spending a lot of time at sea. The other is unmistakably a Dynast; a fair-skinned woman with long brown hair, who wears a leaf-green robe with the V'neef mon embroidered on the shoulders. As Fel observes, the woman leans forward and whispers something into the man's ear, before both of them grin, and start approaching the palace together.

 

[jaydude]

Xandra nods. "I have had the good fortune to go on three Wyld Hunts, all of which were successful in ending the lives of the targets we were after. I myself was able to kill one of the Moon Mad on the day I took my Second Breath, and was able to avenge the deaths of several members of my family. It was not a good day." She bows her head in memory of the fight, her hand unconsciously going to one of her many scars that she acquired from the Lunar that day. "But lets not dwell on that. I have had the pleasure of meeting Amaya at a family function once. She was very kind to me, even as young as I was, since it was before my Exaltation, and have not had the opportunity to serve with her either in the Legions or on a Hunt."

Tahaki nods, and then looks around at the gathered Dragon-blooded partygoers with a grimace. "We could use more like her. Especially in these troubled times, with the apparent surge in Anathema numbers..."

 

[D. Rex]

When Fel arrives, he sees that the amount of patrons is largely the same as in the hall, though one would expect them to be spread out a lot more here, due to the comparatively larger size of the grounds. At the moment though, most of the crowd is gathered around the stage in the grounds, watching with excitement as a pair of bare-chested martial artists duel one another upon it. One of the fighters is a serpent-nosed man much like Slaalesh, who is very clearly using Snake Style. The other is a bald man with facial scars and a face that seems perpetually set in a snarl, as he lunges and slashes at his opponent with the unmistakable movements of Tiger Style.

Within this nest of extravagance, it takes a truly special effort to stand out. That said, Fel's eyes are drawn to a couple stood a little way away from the crowd. One of them is a handsome and burly-looking man in a crimson turban and sleeveless kaftan, with the slightly wobbly gait of one used to spending a lot of time at sea. The other is unmistakably a Dynast; a fair-skinned woman with long brown hair, who wears a leaf-green robe with the V'neef mon embroidered on the shoulders. As Fel observes, the woman leans forward and whispers something into the man's ear, before both of them grin, and start approaching the palace together.

As tempted as he was to head back inside, this, this did seem more his kind of entertainment. As his eyes scanned the grounds, they lingered briefly on the snuggly pair and he allowed himself a smile. All the more fun to them. Nothing seemed too out of place.

He figured he would at least watch to see who won this fight, after all it was always nice to see martial artists in their prime.

With a pipe in one hand, and a drink in his other, Fel approached the circle, squeezing his way towards the inner ring to get a view of the outcome of the duel.

 

[jaydude]

Both fighters are Dragon-blooded, and generally appear to be evenly matched in terms of skill, height and build. As Fel watches, they go through a series of exchanges with each other, throwing, parrying and dodging blows, but neither of the pair manage to gain the advantage, or even land any significant strikes upon the other.

The Snake Style user remains calm, while his opponent gets more and more frustrated with his failure to hurt his foe. This frustration proves to be the Tiger Style user's undoing; he soon throws a wild blow that leaves him very much open when it misses, and the Snake Style user capitalizes; moving forward and shooting a hand out in a blow to the side of the neck that sends the bald man staggering backwards. He just about manages to regain his footing, but after tottering about for a few seconds, he collapses onto the stage, the crowd cheering as they recognize the end of the fight.

The winner restricts his victory celebrations to a raised hand and a smile, followed by a bow. He then climbs down from the stage, leaving his opponent to slowly get back up and stumble away.

 

[Random Word]

Asuna nods along with Manato's praise, "How dreadful! Congratulations to you both all the same. I fear without an army I would be a liability against so fearsome a foe, but do let me know if there's anything I or my House can do to help. With such cunning prey do you not fear an ambush tracking it to its lair?"

 

[Rykon]

"Speaking of... I have made arrangements so that Asuna can make better use of her talent. It's not much, merely a mercenary company. I figured if we get too many it'll look like we had someone invade the place. That and there aren't many available to begin with." Manato said with a shrug. "I don't have a solid timeline on when the company will arrive. So, unless there's a dire need to rush a confrontation, perhaps we could focus on gathering intel. I'd rather not risk springing a trap for the little git to slip away."

Manato paused to retrieve his pipe and breathe in more of the fragrant smoke. "That's just my thoughts though. I'll leave the details to you experts."

 

[D. Rex]

(Cant post anything good right now, a bit busy. But to move things along..)

Fel would cheer for the winner, and when the bout was through, would go inside to visit with Satori.

 

[jaydude]

Upon returning to the hall, it doesn't take long for Fel to find Satori, the Satrap standing out like a peacock among pheasants. She is talking with a man in an emerald green robe when Fel approaches her, but she quickly turns around to greet the Ledaal once aware of his presence.

"Ah, Fel. I trust you have been enjoying the evening so far?" she asks while favouring him with a warm smile, causing the other man to narrow his eyes at Fel.

"This is Ragara Javald, my cousin, and my Head of Finance." Satori says. "Javald, this is Ledaal Fel, Amacer of the Wyld Hunt. He and some of his friends decided to visit Kandara during their travels, and the two of us bought down the hellboar being served tonight."

Up close with Javald, Fel can see that he's a handsome individual; tall, lightly muscled and with wavy blond hair going down to his neck, as well as a thin goatee on a pointed chin (Appearance 4). Upon hearing Satori's words, he smirks at Fel and raises his eyebrows.

"Hmm. I would have thought that the Wyld Hunt would have plenty to keep themselves busy, what with the number of reports about Anathema throughout the Threshold." he remarks.

"Play nice, Javald." Satori says in a mildly chastising tone. "I imagine that Fel here is more than entitled to a bit of rest and relaxation. And in any event, he has kindly offered his help to us in these troubled times, so I hardly imagine he will be entirely idle while he is here."

 

[Psychie]

Tahaki nods, and then looks around at the gathered Dragon-blooded partygoers with a grimace. "We could use more like her. Especially in these troubled times, with the apparent surge in Anathema numbers..."

Xandra lets out a sigh. "There was a run-in with a group of rabble outside the Immaculate Temple, where Larissa and I were able to stop a riot from starting. I have a feeling that Larissa has some plan to go after this troublemaker, and I strongly suspect that when we do, we'll be running into Anathema. I look forward to the encounter."

 

[D. Rex]

Upon returning to the hall, it doesn't take long for Fel to find Satori, the Satrap standing out like a peacock among pheasants. She is talking with a man in an emerald green robe when Fel approaches her, but she quickly turns around to greet the Ledaal once aware of his presence.

"Ah, Fel. I trust you have been enjoying the evening so far?" she asks while favouring him with a warm smile, causing the other man to narrow his eyes at Fel.

"This is Ragara Javald, my cousin, and my Head of Finance." Satori says. "Javald, this is Ledaal Fel, Amacer of the Wyld Hunt. He and some of his friends decided to visit Kandara during their travels, and the two of us bought down the hellboar being served tonight."

Up close with Javald, Fel can see that he's a handsome individual; tall, lightly muscled and with wavy blond hair going down to his neck, as well as a thin goatee on a pointed chin (Appearance 4). Upon hearing Satori's words, he smirks at Fel and raises his eyebrows.

"Hmm. I would have thought that the Wyld Hunt would have plenty to keep themselves busy, what with the number of reports about Anathema throughout the Threshold." he remarks.

"Play nice, Javald." Satori says in a mildly chastising tone. "I imagine that Fel here is more than entitled to a bit of rest and relaxation. And in any event, he has kindly offered his help to us in these troubled times, so I hardly imagine he will be entirely idle while he is here."

"It is a most delightful event. A luxury that I rarely have the chance to enjoy." Fel returned Satori's smile with one of his own, and as he was introduced to the handsome man, the amacer gave a respectful nod of his head.

Yet at the man's needling, Fel raised a hand as Satori made her defense of him. A gesture that wasn't lost on him. "It is okay, Lady Satori. For he is not wrong. And I would go so far as to agree. Even during my recess, I yearn to continue my duties. Yet rest is among such duties, regrettably so. With the tools of war that I implement, sometimes waiting is a necessary inconvenience."

He gestured at Satori as she mentioned him giving unofficial help. He would rather she not brag about that fact, as it would be more helpful for him for it to be low key. "But you know how we Ledaal are, they have to chain us down to get us to rest. Besides, I find being of help to be quite invigorating for the soul. Lady Satori has shown an interest in my occupation, and I figured I will give her some lessons in what it is that I do, so that she may be able to replicate her feats with the hellboar on a much grander scale."

Warstrider lessons. A simple insinuation and not quite a lie either. Pretending she was the one to be piloting the warstrider would save him many headaches should news of this get back to home.

 

[jaydude]

With Xandra...
"You believe there's an Anathema within the city?" Tahaki asks, sounding intrigued. "How so?"

With Manato, Asuna and Larissa...
As they talk with Harun, the three Dynasts become aware of a man who is stood close enough to listen in on their conversation and looking at them. He is unmistakably a Dynast, wearing a dark blue changshan with a pattern of rippling waves. He looks to be in his mid-thirties, with a smooth and clean-shaven face, and long, jet-black hair currently arranged in a top-knot (Appearance 3).

If talked to or openly noticed, he will bow in greeting. "My apologies. I could not help but overhear your discussion." he says with an amicable smile. "I am Ragara Voruna. And I handle certain...aspects of Kandara's security on behalf of Satori."

"He's our spymaster. That's what he's trying to allude to." Harun explains, looking a little mirthful.

"If you wish to be that blunt about it, yes." Voruna says, giving a little chuckle.

With Fel...
Satori raises a curious eyebrow at Fel's mention of "lessons", but doesn't object to it in any form. Javald's eyebrows meanwhile both lower - along with their eyelids - as if their owner is impersonating a cuckoo worried about being made a cuckold.

"Lessons, hmm? Perhaps I should join the two of you for them. I doubt it would hurt for me to learn new skills, wouldn't you agree?" he says while scratching his chin with finger and thumb, making a show of being thoughtful. Fel however can tell that Javald mainly doesn't want to leave Satori alone with the Air Aspect, and thinks he's found the perfect cover for being an unofficial chaperone.

The satrap lets out a quiet laugh - one intended to subtly display exasperation - but before she can reply further, the three Dynasts notice Mucao approaching them through the crowd, the major-domo looking panicked. Satori suddenly sports a look of concern, and with an apologetic look at both male Dynasts, walks a short distance away so that Mucao can whisper something into her ear.

 

[D. Rex]

With Xandra...
"You believe there's an Anathema within the city?" Tahaki asks, sounding intrigued. "How so?"

With Manato, Asuna and Larissa...
As they talk with Harun, the three Dynasts become aware of a man who is stood close enough to listen in on their conversation and looking at them. He is unmistakably a Dynast, wearing a dark blue changshan with a pattern of rippling waves. He looks to be in his mid-thirties, with a smooth and clean-shaven face, and long, jet-black hair currently arranged in a top-knot (Appearance 3).

If talked to or openly noticed, he will bow in greeting. "My apologies. I could not help but overhear your discussion." he says with an amicable smile. "I am Ragara Voruna. And I handle certain...aspects of Kandara's security on behalf of Satori."

"He's our spymaster. That's what he's trying to allude to." Harun explains, looking a little mirthful.

"If you wish to be that blunt about it, yes." Voruna says, giving a little chuckle.

With Fel...
Satori raises a curious eyebrow at Fel's mention of "lessons", but doesn't object to it in any form. Javald's eyebrows meanwhile both lower - along with their eyelids - as if their owner is impersonating a cuckoo worried about being made a cuckold.

"Lessons, hmm? Perhaps I should join the two of you for them. I doubt it would hurt for me to learn new skills, wouldn't you agree?" he says while scratching his chin with finger and thumb, making a show of being thoughtful. Fel however can tell that Javald mainly doesn't want to leave Satori alone with the Air Aspect, and thinks he's found the perfect cover for being an unofficial chaperone.

The satrap lets out a quiet laugh - one intended to subtly display exasperation - but before she can reply further, the three Dynasts notice Mucao approaching them through the crowd, the major-domo looking panicked. Satori suddenly sports a look of concern, and with an apologetic look at both male Dynasts, walks a short distance away so that Mucao can whisper something into her ear.

Fel could only chuckle at the man's comment. But he responded first by giving a bemused smirk. "Oh, it will hurt. If you really want to take part. As I will be working muscles you didn't even know you had. And unless you have an athletic prowess that is even somewhat comparable to Lady Satori, then you will find things broken inside you after every lesson until you are. And then we would get to the hard part. For these lessons are not solely of the mind. It requires ones body to be conditioned to withstand great duress, to be able to move mountains, and a discipline of technique to keep one's body from being broken with every step. It is only technicality that keeps such a skill set from being considered a martial art. And even then, it is not a skill that one can acquire without willpower and dedication, as well as blood and sweat and time to spare." He explained. "But if you have what it takes and are not too busy, you are invited. Though I would understand if your duties would get in the way. If they do, I'm not against coming again at a later time when you too are on a sabbatical. " he said, giving the man a chance to back out of his words without any blow to his pride. Which he hoped he did, cause holding a facade of training would be problematic.

Fel's eyes drifted to the newcomer with the worried expression that took Satori's attention. His mind immediately thout back to Wyld Hunt's when scouts returned with dire news that wasn't yet ready for soldiers ears. But that was just paranoia. An event like this, with all these Dynasts gathered, nobody would try anything. Surely this was something simple and unconcerning, and probably gala related.

"Is everything okay, Lady Satori?" He asked.

 

[Random Word]

What is life if you can't make fun of Ragara tradecraft? That Satori had replaced her perfectly competent distant cousin with someone who was now making a mess of it was simply icing on the cake. "My Lord Ragara, who are we to judge what loyal servants of the Empress do in her name if executed competently and in accordance with the noble precepts?" She continues innocently, "If you'd like I could ask around for a better assassin and put you in touch. I fear the one you sent was rather... out of his depth."

 

[jaydude]

With Fel...
Javald is saved from having to respond to Fel's "offer" by the appearance of Mucao, but Fel can feel the suspicious look burning down on his back as he follows Satori and the major-domo.

When Fel questions her, Satori appears to have regained a modicum of calm. "It is, Fel, but thank you for your concern." she says. "The major-domo has just informed me of a small issue that's come up elsewhere. I shouldn't be gone for too long, though. Enjoy the party in the meantime."

With that, she turns around and starts making her way towards the doors of the hall, offering greetings to the various guests that she passes. Mucao is also making his own exit.

Elsewhere...
Voruna keeps up his smile while raising an eyebrow. "Sesus Asuna, was it? I'm sure that I don't know what you're talking about." he replies, taking a moment to look Asuna up and down as he does so.

With a bit of keen-eyedness, Manato, Xandra, Larissa and Asuna will spot Satori moving through the party at an unhurried pace, heading in the direction of the hall doors. Voruna gives her a cursory glance, but otherwise thinks nothing of it.