Exalted 3E - Tale of a Falling Empire IC

[jaydude]

Sensing Asuna's intentions, Mucao grabs a passing servant and tasks her with showing the Water Aspect where she will be staying. The servant leads Asuna to an immaculate (pardon the pun) bedroom with a soft double-bed, two large wardrobes for clothes and a small but luxurious en-suite bathing area, among other comforts. The rest of you will have similar accommodations in the same area of the palace.

Once she has shown Asuna around, and assuming the Water Aspect has no further need of her, the servant bows and takes her leave, walking off at a quick pace to resume whatever job she was doing before being reassigned by Mucao.

---

Back with the rest of you, Mucao is answering Xandra's question. "I assure you that the satrap is fully aware of the situation outside of the Dragon District, Blessed One." he says, unable to keep a grim note out of his voice. "And no-one regrets the development of it more than her; she takes the following of the fourth Diligent Practice - that Dragon-blooded are to be respected and obeyed without hesitation no matter what they say or do - very seriously. I imagine there will almost certainly be reprisals carried out for the disrespect the five of you received earlier."

From his tone, and the reputation Satori is said to have, it wouldn't be far-fetched of you to assume that the reprisals will involve either torture, executions, or a combination of both.

 

[Rykon]

Manato takes a moment in thought while Xandra and Asuna speak with the major-domo. Manato adds his remarks once his focus snaps back to the moment at hand, "Ah... agreed. Just as soon as we have a chance to clean up. Even if we are hated here, we should present an image of dignity to those under the shelter of the Empire."

He gives his companions an apologetic shrug with an expression to the effect of, I suppose tonight would be the night to open the good bottle of wine then?

Mucao's remark gave an awful lot of implications to think over prior to their meeting as well. Was she not able to act on what was going on? Unwilling perhaps? What could be stirring up enough trouble to frustrate a Dragon-Blooded so?

 

[jaydude]

Mucao acknowledges Manato's words with a nod. "I am sure that the satrap will be able to handle whatever inquiries you may have about Kandara, and the current state of affairs in the satrapy."

"Now, would you like to be shown to your rooms? Or do you have other questions that you wish to ask of me?"

 

[Sherwood]

Heading to her room, Larissa directs the porter with her things to set them down and leave her to get cleaned up with her thanks for his service. She takes some time to get changed out of her robes, now dirty from the travels and the incident with the children throwing filth. Now clean and smelling much better, she goes through the changes of clothes to find something appropriate for the get-together later on in the evening. Larissa settles on another set of fine silk robes, embroidered in gold with the symbol for House Mnemon emblazoned on the left breast, just over her heart.

But, there is still the unrest to worry about. Under her robe, she makes sure to have her armor, and carries her jade chakram on her right hip.

Standing in front of the mirror, Larissa makes sure that her hair is done up just so. It would be unseemly of any member of House Mnemon to be seen in a social situation without looking their best, no matter how silly she personally considers the gathering to be. This is just a distraction from the real problems of this city. Instead of throwing parties for the gentry and fellow Dynasts, the Satrap should be focusing her attention on trying to calm tensions and keeping the Anathema out.

She lets out a sigh. Ever since the Empress has vanished, all of Creation has gone up in the flames of turmoil. If she does not return soon, the entirety of the Empire may be a smoking ruin, thanks to the infighting of the Great Houses as they scramble for more power. Don't they realize that the people are in need of stability and not a civil war?

Finding a pull rope, Larissa informs the servant that she is ready to be escorted to the gala room to meet their hostess.

 

[Psychie]

Xandra follows Larissa's lead and allows the servant to guide her to her room to get cleaned up. Even though she is more a bull-headed legionnaire and not some foppish socialite, she does take the time to make sure that she is ready to head out to meet the satrap as if she were preparing to face an inspection from a superior officer. Every tiny bit of dust and lint is painstakingly removed from her gown before she slips it on, a beautiful affair of bright red silk, off of her left shoulder. Hardly the clothes of choice for a soldier in the field, but this ballroom is just as much a battleground as any muddy plain that she's been on, and one must be ready.

Finally satisfied with her appearance, she looks at herself in the mirror and has to admit, even with her scarring, she will make a striking entrance. Xandra's final act is to hold out her arm for her pet and friend, Riku, to come flying over to her. "We look beautiful, don't we?"

The fire lizard lets out a little snort. "I certainly do; you, being a mere human, are simply adequate."

Xandra laughs and shakes her head. "The way you talk, one might think you were one of the five Great Elemental Dragons, not some tiny little fire lizard! Just keep your wits about you, and your mouth shut while we are at this party. I have a feeling that we are walking into the dragon's den."

 

[Rykon]

Manato savors a brief bath and changes into formal attire suited to business dealings among friends. After all, both he and Satori were both House of Bells graduates, whether or not she attended or remembered his parties from school were of no consequence in his mind. Though his suit was black with red accents to match his hair and aspect, he wore a pin on the coat pocket with the Cynis mon in green to match his house. Though the attendants stowed his luggage and effects, he still carried a satchel hefted over his shoulder. When asked, he would merely describe it as a gift for a friend.

 

[Random Word]

Asuna smiles warmly at the servant, making an almost imperceptible gesture to indicate to her servants should present small token of her appreciation after Asuna is out of earshot - it would be unseemly should it appear to come directly from her. The staff know almost everything worth knowing in a household and it always pays to be in their good graces.

Her handmaidens make animated small talk as they undress and wash her and a lifetime of drilling permits her to participate without sparing it so much as a stray thought. When the guest of a Dynast always assume your hostess can hear everything you say at all times. While engaging in light conversation as cover she discusses matters of substance with Guada, her chief handmaiden, using her family's dialect of sign language. "Make contact with our people in the city. Find the children before the Satrap's people. Ensure she fails to find them. Find out what criminal organization they work for, and bring me everything we know about them. 'Nothing' is not an acceptable answer."

Once undressed she slips into the warm and comforting embrace of the outdoor bath in a courtyard adjoining her chambers. She sinks beneath the surface, hair billowing out around her as she luxuriates in the feel of water against her skin, slowly undoing the knots in her muscles. Xandra is almost always right about these sorts of things - someone is probably going to try to assassinate them to score points in some two bit Threshold rebellion she doesn't give a fuck about. That's not happening. No one is interrupting her vacation with their petty political machinations. She lets her breath out in a slow stream of bubbles and feels all her stress melt away for the moment. She takes a deep breath to fill her lungs with water and sinks slowly to the bottom of the pool. She rests there for several minutes in blissful harmony before reluctantly emptying her lungs and pushing off to glide to the surface. Sadly she can't remain here forever, but she can sleep here tonight. No feather bed can compare to the comfort of floating weightless in the embrace of her element.

As they dress her it again strikes her how strange it feels to know every one of her household staff by name. She's never travelled with such a small number of servants before, and not being surrounded by a small army of her family's loyal retainers leaves her feeling naked and vulnerable. Still, even the best security can only ever delay a dedicated and sufficiently well supported assassin. Her family has trained her well. The only sure path to security is to find your enemies and neutralize or suborn them first. Then she can relax and enjoy herself in peace. She laughs bitterly at the thought - as if one lifetime could ever be enough to find all of her enemies. Well, no one lives forever.

She steps out of her quarters in a cascading black cloth-of-jade dress with mother of pearl highlights that flow like breakers crashing against the shore in the moonlight as she walks. Her black hair runs down her back in elaborate dragonscale braids held in place with White Jade beads inscribed with tributes to the greatest victories of the Sesus legions. Around her neck hangs a small Black Jade pendant with the mon of House Sesus filled with softly glowing liquid fire.

"Well, don't you all look dashing tonight?" she says with a bright smile. "I hope we don't overwhelm our hostess. Who knows how long it's been since she's seen proper Isle fashion out here?"

 

[jaydude]

Once all five of you are cleaned up and ready, Mucao leads you towards a great hall on the ground floor of the palace that is evidently going to be part of the evening's entertainment. White and gold banners, each one bearing the mon of House Ragara, have been hung up all around the walls. Long tables have been placed along the sides of the room, no doubt to provide refreshments for those not content to wait for servants to offer them food. And a wooden, theatre-like stage is being set up at one end of the room, for actors, musicians and other performers to provide entertainment for the assembled guests.

Right now, the only servants in the room are those working on the stage. Just out of their earshot stand two people in quiet conversation with each other. One is a handsome and athletically-built teal-eyed man (Appearance 3) around Larissa's age who she recognizes as Ledaal Sengon. He was a fellow Air Aspect and student at the Cloister of Wisdom, and now possesses the bald head and robes of an Immaculate Monk, with a belt of woven wool denoting his status as a monk of the Third Coil.

The other is a woman, also around Larissa's age. She however is more buxom, possessing grey eyes and golden hair that reaches down to her waist, and wearing an expensive-looking white and gold silk robe that seems to hug the fine curves of her body (Appearance 5). The only thing that could perhaps ruin the effect of her beauty is the arrogant smirk on her face as she speaks to Sengon.

"...really don't see why you're complaining, monk." she says haughtily. "After all, wasn't it your order that came up with the Immaculate Philosophy?"

"Yes, but it was the Scarlet Empress that came up with the principles of government." Sengon replies with a hint of warning. "And one of those principles was that one should never be hated, unless they intend to provoke their enemies into attacking them, in order to claim the moral high ground in any subsequent conflict."

"Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?" asks the woman, raising her voice just enough to frame the question as a demand and threat.

"I'm simply advising you that there is nothing to be gained from further antagonizing the people of Kandara." Sengon answers in a calm voice, clearly not wanting to provoke the woman further. "The measures that you've taken to try and keep them in line might have worked in another place, but here and now, all they do - especially when carried out against people innocent of any wrongdoing - is vindicate the words of the Illuminated heretics, and inspire further hatred towards us. At this rate, we could be facing full-blown civil war within a month."

---

The woman pauses for a few moments after hearing this, as if trying to think up a suitable response or rebuke, before both of them become aware of your presence and turn to face you, the woman managing to compose herself after making a visible effort to do so.

"My apologies for putting on that display." she says in greeting, giving you all a more friendly smile than the one she just gave Sengon. "I am Ragara Pelona Satori, Satrap and Regent of Kandara, and I welcome you to this city."

Sengon's eyes narrow in mild disapproval at the word 'Regent', and it's not hard to guess why. Satraps are typically expected to not directly rule their territories, simply ensure that the lands under their care pay tribute and follow the Immaculate Philosophy.

 

[D. Rex]

When Fel arrived, he came in a fresh silken kimono of blue and grey with the symbol of House Ledaal subtly woven into the embroidery on the hems. He smelled faintly of citrus. The only decoration he wore was his sword, but it had enough gold and silver and jewels on it to count for several ornamentation. It was not a work of jade, but it was a gift from his mother, that gave him more than enough personal reason to use it.

Fel gave Sengon a friendly smile. Ah yes, he recognized that face. It was good to see a Scion of Ledaal doing well.

But for the sake of not insulting their hostess, he would address the satrap first. "Lady Satori." He said cordially. "Worry not about apologies, these are stressful times."

"I am honored to receive your hospitality, and to be among guests such as Reverend Sengon. I am Ledaal Fel, Amacer of the Wyld Hunt and pilot to-be of the Viridian Raptor." He introduced with a respectful bow of his head.

 

[Rykon]

"Cynis Manato at your service." The Fire Aspect bowed with all the formal grace one would expect. "Thank you for graciously hosting us in spite of the recent unrest, Lady Satori." Manato responded with a warm smile of his own as he stood up. A sign he chose to proceed in a more friendly tone he'd take with any of his classmates. "I'd brought this gift for you straight from the best of my stock. Yet, after being gifted with such a smile as yours I'm afraid you still have me beat. " He teased with a chuckle.

He took the satchel from his shoulders and offered it to her. Opening it would reveal three full bottles of one his older vintages, yet only three years old given the timing of his business ventures. "No surprise there though! Look at you now! Such a historic and prestigious post and title to boot. How do you make the time to strike such an inspiring example for the rest of us?" Manato concluded with a congratulatory pat on the shoulder.

 

[jaydude]

"Lady Satori." He said cordially. "Worry not about apologies, these are stressful times."

"I am honored to receive your hospitality, and to be among guests such as Reverend Sengon. I am Ledaal Fel, Amacer of the Wyld Hunt and pilot to-be of the Viridian Raptor." He introduced with a respectful bow of his head.

Satori's smile becomes a bit wider and more genuine, clearly appreciating Fel's attitude.

"A warstrider pilot? How most intriguing. You must talk more with me later on." she says, putting a suggestive lint in her voice for that last sentence, while also leaning forward ever so slightly in order to emphasize the low neckline of her robe to the Ledaal. It's a subtle but clear attempt to seduce him, after which she gives him a little smile before turning to Manato.

Spoiler: OOC

From these interactions, Satori has gained a Minor Tie of Interest towards Viridian Raptor. She is also using Warm-Faced Seduction Style on Fel in a Persuade action, aimed at convincing him to talk privately with her later on. In accordance with the Red Rule, you can choose to not be affected by this, regardless of the roll's outcome, without having to roll dice or spend anything.

"Cynis Manato at your service." The Fire Aspect bowed with all the formal grace one would expect. "Thank you for graciously hosting us in spite of the recent unrest, Lady Satori." Manato responded with a warm smile of his own as he stood up. A sign he chose to proceed in a more friendly tone he'd take with any of his classmates. "I'd brought this gift for you straight from the best of my stock. Yet, after being gifted with such a smile as yours I'm afraid you still have me beat. " He teased with a chuckle.

He took the satchel from his shoulders and offered it to her. Opening it would reveal three full bottles of one his older vintages, yet only three years old given the timing of his business ventures. "No surprise there though! Look at you now! Such a historic and prestigious post and title to boot. How do you make the time to strike such an inspiring example for the rest of us?" Manato concluded with a congratulatory pat on the shoulder.

"Cynis Manato? I've certainly heard about you. From what I understand, you own at least a quarter of your house's vineyards and wineries on the Blessed Isle." she jokes.

She looks at the gifted bottles of wine with an approving nod. "My wine cellar is hardly short of stock - especially with regards to that of your house - but the gift is nevertheless appreciated." she says, walking over to a nearby table and gesturing for him to follow her, mainly so he can put the bottles down on it. "And I would not say I have you beat with regards to gifts. Whatever appeal my smile might have to you, your own is more than a match for it." she says, continuing to grin at him, though in a more friendly manner rather than a flirtatious one.

"As for how I make the time, I put it down to diligence, working hard for the good of the Realm. I am sure you can understand, given the kind of fortunes you are said to be in charge of." she says in a warm tone.

Fel gave Sengon a friendly smile. Ah yes, he recognized that face. It was good to see a Scion of Ledaal doing well.

"It is good to see you as well, Fel." Sengon says as Satori walks away, the monk looking slightly relieved. "With things as they are in this region, the presence of a Ledaal man is always a comfort, however brief it may be."

 

[Sherwood]

With a respectful bow, Larissa says, "Mnemon Larissa at your service, Lady Ragara Pelona Satori. I is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She rises up with a pleasant smile. Once her greeting to Satori is done, she turns her attention to Ledaal Sengon. "And Sengon. It has been some time since we've seen one another. You are looking well."

 

[D. Rex]

Satori's smile becomes a bit wider and more genuine, clearly appreciating Fel's attitude.

"A warstrider pilot? How most intriguing. You must talk more with me later on." she says, putting a suggestive lint in her voice for that last sentence, while also leaning forward ever so slightly in order to emphasize the low neckline of her robe to the Ledaal. It's a subtle but clear attempt to seduce him, after which she gives him a little smile before turning to Manato.

Spoiler: OOC

From these interactions, Satori has gained a Minor Tie of Interest towards Viridian Raptor. She is also using Warm-Faced Seduction Style on Fel in a Persuade action, aimed at convincing him to talk privately with her later on. In accordance with the Red Rule, you can choose to not be affected by this, regardless of the roll's outcome, without having to roll dice or spend anything.

"Cynis Manato? I've certainly heard about you. From what I understand, you own at least a quarter of your house's vineyards and wineries on the Blessed Isle." she jokes.

She looks at the gifted bottles of wine with an approving nod. "My wine cellar is hardly short of stock - especially with regards to that of your house - but the gift is nevertheless appreciated." she says, walking over to a nearby table and gesturing for him to follow her, mainly so he can put the bottles down on it. "And I would not say I have you beat with regards to gifts. Whatever appeal my smile might have to you, your own is more than a match for it." she says, continuing to grin at him, though in a more friendly manner rather than a flirtatious one.

"As for how I make the time, I put it down to diligence, working hard for the good of the Realm. I am sure you can understand, given the kind of fortunes you are said to be in charge of." she says in a warm tone.



"It is good to see you as well, Fel." Sengon says as Satori walks away, the monk looking slightly relieved. "With things as they are in this region, the presence of a Ledaal man is always a comfort, however brief it may be."

Subtle or obvious. Her attempts were no less successful. His eyes naturally following down to where she wanted him to look. And needless to say he could not stop himself from taking an eyeful the proffered display by the Satrap.

He could feel the slight tightening in his chest, as he returned his gaze to hers. "I would like that very much, Lady Sattori," he said with a smile, "It would be my pleasure."

As she turned to walk away, his eyes followed her. Trailing down her body to look at her rear as she left. He couldn't help it.

Fel gave his head a subtle shake. To try and get the lecherous thoughts from his head for the time being. But goodness, rumors of her really didn't do her justice. Sure she probably did this with any dynast that caught her fancy. But did it matter? With a body like that? He did seem to have her fancy after all.


Gathering his thoughts for a second time, he focused back in the group at hand as Satoro busied. Herself elsewhere.

"I have heard the disturbing rumors as well, cousin." He said, addressing him with the title as more of a fond title of kinship of one's house than actual relation. "Are you here to sort this out? I would feel much more comfortable about this sordid affair if you were."

 

[jaydude]

With a respectful bow, Larissa says, "Mnemon Larissa at your service, Lady Ragara Pelona Satori. I is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She rises up with a pleasant smile. Once her greeting to Satori is done, she turns her attention to Ledaal Sengon. "And Sengon. It has been some time since we've seen one another. You are looking well."

Satori returns the bow and smile with a nod and smile of her own, though you get the impression that her friendliness is a lot more forced with regards to you than it was for Fel and Manato. "Truth be told, I was a bit mindful about having you in my city. Our houses have always had a tumultuous history." she admits, a veiled reference to the hostility between Mnemon and the late Ragara, the effects of which are still felt by the former. "But you may rest assured that I will make no untoward actions against you while you are here, and I will trust you to do the same."

---

"Same to you, Larissa." Sengon replies, his smile a lot more genuine than Satori's. "I imagine at least one other person has already done so, but on behalf of all of us, I thank you for your support of the Immaculate Order, even if you're not a monk yourself."

"I have heard the disturbing rumors as well, cousin." He said, addressing him with the title as more of a fond title of kinship of one's house than actual relation. "Are you here to sort this out? I would feel much more comfortable about this sordid affair if you were."

Sengon shakes his head. "Not exactly." he says. "I was sent here a few years ago, before the disappearance of the Scarlet Empress, to become abbot of the city's Immaculate temple. Naturally though, that means I am obligated to do what I can to solve the issues here."

His smile disappears. "No doubt you are aware of the new attitudes the people here have towards the Realm. The increased tribute demands caused much unrest, even before the Cult of the Illuminated established a presence here, and the falls of both Jiara and Yangofu did not help matters..."

 

[Psychie]

Xandra comes into the room with the others, feeling somewhat out of sorts for not having her armor on. But it is simple enough for her to call forth her gear from the fires of her anima if needed. Besides, with Riku helping to watch her back, she is confident that there will be plenty of time to respond if things went bad.

Waiting her turn to introduce herself, she steps forward and bows. "Cathak Xandra, M'lady." Then she looks at the Immaculate Monk and gives him a bow, also. "Well met, sir."

 

[Rykon]

"Cynis Manato? I've certainly heard about you. From what I understand, you own at least a quarter of your house's vineyards and wineries on the Blessed Isle." she jokes.

She looks at the gifted bottles of wine with an approving nod. "My wine cellar is hardly short of stock - especially with regards to that of your house - but the gift is nevertheless appreciated." she says, walking over to a nearby table and gesturing for him to follow her, mainly so he can put the bottles down on it. "And I would not say I have you beat with regards to gifts. Whatever appeal my smile might have to you, your own is more than a match for it." she says, continuing to grin at him, though in a more friendly manner rather than a flirtatious one.

"As for how I make the time, I put it down to diligence, working hard for the good of the Realm. I am sure you can understand, given the kind of fortunes you are said to be in charge of." she says in a warm tone.

"Indeed I do. Yet, I would credit much of my success to the company I keep and the skill they command at their craft. Savvy partners are always a blessing. I just endeavor to help them grow like they already do for me." He said fondly. Casting a warm smile to his comrades.

Manato places the gift as shown and moves to rejoin the gathering amidst introductions. A shame that the Satrap would be so on guard with Larissa, but that's her loss. Luckily, in spite of the feud between houses Ragara and Mnemon, Fel managed to make an impression upon their host, however suspicious in nature. Truthfully, Manato was interested in cultivating a business relationship in the region and planting yet another vineyard here in Kandara, but such a distraction now may prove counterproductive. It was Fel's turn to sweep this lady off her feet, lest he become swept himself. Besides, there was still a game afoot in the more subtle arenas of politics. Given the events of the day, perhaps it was time he let the opposing party pursue his business rather than press a sale.

The fire aspect let the various threads of concern simmer in the back of his mind. For now, he returned his focus back to the moment as he took his place amidst stunning beauties and hardened warriors both. He took great pride in how they presented themselves, even those more restrained in their words and demeanor.

 

[jaydude]

Xandra comes into the room with the others, feeling somewhat out of sorts for not having her armor on. But it is simple enough for her to call forth her gear from the fires of her anima if needed. Besides, with Riku helping to watch her back, she is confident that there will be plenty of time to respond if things went bad.

Waiting her turn to introduce herself, she steps forward and bows. "Cathak Xandra, M'lady." Then she looks at the Immaculate Monk and gives him a bow, also. "Well met, sir."

"Good to meet you, Xandra. And welcome to Kandara." Satori replies politely, giving the other woman a nod of her head.

"Well met, Xandra" the monk replies while bowing in turn. "If you are a friend of Larissa and Fel's, you may call me Sengon."

---

With the introductions largely complete, Satori speaks to the five of you as a whole.

"So. Obviously you all know about the gala I'm holding this evening. But if you don't mind, what are each of your plans for the day?" she asks. "I myself plan to spend the afternoon hunting; House V'neef owns a game reserve within the grasslands and forests close to this city. Any of you are welcome to join me should you wish, but if not, the hospitality of this palace is open to you all. And if you seek other entertainment within this city, I have no doubt that my major-domo will be able to point you in the right direction. The Dragon District contains a number of different entertainment venues; whatever your tastes might be, there is sure to be something that will suit them."

 

[Random Word]

Asuna sweeps into the hall, the better part of two decades intensive training ensuring she doesn't even miss a beat when she lays eyes on Satori for the first time. When her conscious mind catches up with her she remembers she's on vacation - she should let herself live a little. She lets her eyes widen slightly and her eyebrows rise as she enjoys the novel and liberating feeling of actually expressing an honest emotional response in public. The Dragons were clearly generous when apportioning that figure. "The warnings did not do her justice. Hesiesh himself would have a hard time saying no to that," she whispers. "Calling it now: Deal with a Demon at conception. Oh Ragara."

She observes the introductions carefully and offers the monk a respectful but disinterested bow as she waits, "Venerable Sengon, an honour. Sesus Asuna, at your service."

She takes particular note of Satori's interest in Fel - it would certainly be a shame if none of us spent the night with her - her interest piqued - what does a Ragara Satrap want with a vacationing warstrider pilot without a warstrider? Perhaps I am uncharitable. Fel is handsome, she may want no more than his company.

She gives Fel a congratulatory wink and mouths, Well done.

She greets Satori with a warm smile as steps forward and bows slightly, "You have my gratitude for your generosity in opening your home to us. Allow me to offer a small token of my appreciation - and esteem - in return." One of Asuna's handmaidens steps forward to present a small but ornately decorated black lacquer box sitting on a cushion. Inside on a bed of red velvet rests two finely crafted steel razors of curious design, each bearing an inscription: "Suffering is an illusion," and "The Path will set you free."

"My grandmother used these blades to extract the location of the Anathema Necromancer Anjul Limb-Taker from her acolytes. I understand you may have use for them in the near future. May they serve you as well as they did her."

---

Asuna always enjoyed this part more than was strictly appropriate. She motioned her servant come forward again, this time presenting a perfumed letter bearing an elaborate enchanted jade seal. "On the subject of entertainment, Satrap-Regent, this is an unlimited letter of credit from Yusari & Daughters. I trust it will not be a problem?" she asks innocently. The relationship between House Sesus and House Ragara was... complex. Everyone knows Sesus is heavily indebted to Ragara, just the way they like it, and the eternal question is whether the debt will be repaid in jade or steel. In the meantime, Asuna has discovered it's delightfully entertaining watching individual Ragara squirm as they reckon with the size of her line of credit in the Imperial City while trying to avoid losing face by admitting they cannot afford to honour it while they wait for repayment from the Isle. The thought of exactly how much jade a newly graduated Dynast travelling for the first time may draw would put any seneschal ill at ease. If Satori accepts it without a second thought, Asuna will at the very least have learned the finances of her Satrapy and her personal finances are in excellent shape.

Asuna had no intention of spending her Ragara jade frivolously. Manato was the man to watch in this. Her siblings may gamble on repayment in steel, but she intended to learn from trusted teachers like Manato how to properly use her stipend to become self sufficient, so if the day comes when repayment is called for in jade she will not be left in rags. That, however, was a problem for another day.

"Are there any local festivals or events coming up? If not, I think I might hold one," she says nonchalantly. "The city looks like it could use it. Are there any local gods who have been especially dutiful in their observance of the Immaculate Hierarchy, and so deserving of honour?"

Spoiler: Mechanics

I'm going to attempt a read intentions for what Satori wants with Fel, and an Instill (Affection/Respect/etc whatever's appropriate) in Satori with the gift. It certainly can't hurt to be on the Satrap's good side going forward.

Buying 1 bonus success on the Read Intentions for 2m and the same on the Instill.
Perception 2 + Socialize 5 + Stunt 2 = 9; 3 successes

Manipulation 5 + Socialize 5 + Appearance Bonus 1 + Stunt 2 = 13; 11 successes - guess she liked the gift EDIT: and two extra successes for Appearance!

 

[jaydude]

The monk offers Asuna a bow of his own. If he's bothered by her lack of interest, he doesn't show it. Satori meanwhile gives the Water Aspect a mildly flirtatious smile when she notices the other woman checking her out; from the way her eyes rotate downwards very slightly, it's clear that Asuna's body has a similar effect on her. Moreso than Fel at any rate.

But that reaction is nothing compared to the one she displays when she sees the razors and learns what they were once used for. It's very subdued; her smile slowly widening and her eyes focusing entirely on the blades as she takes them from the box and examines them more closely, is as good as looking like a cat that caught a particularly meaty and delectable canary.

"You have my utmost thanks, Sesus Asuna. I have no doubt that I will not only find use for these gifts, but cherish them until the end of my days." she replies, before she places the razors back into the box, and then takes the box and places it on the table next to Manato's bottles of wine. She tries to sound cool about it, but she can't help but indicate from her tone that she genuinely means what she's saying.

Spoiler: OOC

With a Resolve of 4, Satori gains a Minor Tie of Affection towards Asuna.

---

From her subtle observations of Satori, Asuna deduces that the satrap wants to know more about Viridian Raptor, the warstrider Fel is intended to pilot.

---

Satori's eyes widen an infinitesimal amount as she looks at the unlimited letter of credit and takes in the implications of it, though it's hard to tell if she considers honoring it an impossible task, or just an inconvenient one. After a second, she smiles sweetly at the other Dynast.

"Not at all. I have little doubt that I will be able to honor your expenses whilst you are here, provided of course that you do not intend to deliberately try and bankrupt me. If so, we may very well have a problem." she says in a pleasant-sounding voice. "As for your other question, the local gods of this area all observe the Hierarchy well enough, though none of the important ones have a day on the prayer calendar within the next two weeks."

 

[Rykon]

Were he not a Fire Aspect, Manato might be sweating from the looks exchanged between Asuna and Satori. He'd been doing his best to keep his glances discreet, as all young gentlemen practice, but he began to worry his mask was beginning to slip. It's been a while since I've started to lose focus like this. He thought to himself. That gift though, she's really doing her homework on this one. What a winner.

Between Asuna's mention of another party and Satori's invitation, he paused to weigh options before he spoke. "I haven't made plans for the day actually. Fel, why not accompany our fine host today? I can bother the ladies here with plots of a grand festival of some sort. One with lots of music... I'd enjoy getting to perform for a big event again... Eh, whatever is decided, I'm sure everyone will at least enjoy the mess we end up making." He said with a flirtatious wink.

 

[Random Word]

"Satrap you wound me," replies Asuna with a smile, "I could never repay your generosity so."

As Manato offers to play Asuna smiles wider, "Am I so transparent?" She sighs dramatically, "Yes, it's true, it was all an elaborate ploy to hear you play again Manato."

Disappointed to hear of the absence of plausible excuses for festivity, she turns to the monk, "Venerable Sengon, surely we can just add another day to the Calendar. What harm would it do?"

 

[jaydude]

"We shouldn't give the gods more worship than they're due..." Sengon begins to protest, before being cut off by Satori.

"Come now, monk. If it is just a matter of that, surely we can persuade a local god to have their day of worship moved to a date of Asuna's choosing this year?" she asks, her earlier smugness starting to return as she turns her smile on him. "Besides, as far as I understand, Dragon-blooded are allowed to worship the gods freely. We are, after all, more enlightened and powerful than the mortals."

Sengon still looks uneasy about the proposal, but it's clear that he can't think of any further grounds on which he can object to it. With the monk cowed, Satori turns back to Asuna. "I hereby give you dispensation to organize and launch this festival of yours. Depending on events, I may even attend it myself." she says. "I have to say, I'm curious to see how the populace will react to it. In my experience, the majority of them no longer recognize the divinity of the Dragon-blooded."

With that being said, Satori turns to look at the Ledaal among you. "I will certainly not object to you joining me on the hunt, Fel." she says, putting on the charm again. "I should warn you though that the reserve is home to beasts like ox-dragons, hellboars and even tyrant lizards."

 

[Rykon]

A majority? The behavior of a single Dragon-Blooded doesn't invoke that kind of response... not in my experience. Manato ponders. He'd reach for Asuna's hand and take it at the mention of the status of the populace. Looks like we might have a challenge here if you're up for it.

Once they were given the blessing to conduct a festival, he voiced his response. While the contact was partly a mask for showing his intent to investigate, his voice rang with sincerity. "Ah you flatter me, fair Asuna. Thank you. I am here to please, after all."

Without too much pause he turned to Xandra and Larissa. "Ah, but don't let me speak for you two out of turn. You're more than welcome to join us for seeing the town to plan this party or joining our host for what will surely be a valiant conquest."

Spoiler

Adding a tie to Asuna for Manato to reflect the flattery and general winning impression.

 

[D. Rex]

With winks from Asuna and Manato, Fel gave a soft chuckle and shook his head slightly. He couldn't tell if they were being supportive, or setting him for schadenfreude.

Looking at Satori he gave a charming smile, "If you would have me, I would be honored to join you. I must say, if your expertise is as distinguished as your beauty, as I hear, then it will be a real treat to see all that you can do." He complimented. As well as giving her a reason to show off, as it seemed to be something she enjoyed to do.

Of course lust may have been a minor reason to continue this association. But politically. It would not hurt to win some points with her. After all, impressing on Satraps did offer advantages. So who knows where a good relationship with her may lead.

 

[Sherwood]

Larissa watches the back and forth of her fellow Dynasts with a slight smile. She finally says, "A festival does sound like it would be a fun thing to attend. Asuna, how long do you think it would take to set up such an event? I've never had much reason to plan festivals; I hardly even plan parties."

Turning back to the satrap, she says, "I am not interested in partaking in a hunt for wild animals; all of my hunting is for a different kind of game. But I don't wish to toss aside the opportunity to share in the pleasure of your company if you would have me."