Wedding Bells - IC Thread

[Psychie]

Moretta makes her way to the room where Melati an Kasumi are talking to try and give her own perspective to the conversation. With a gentle tap on the door, she pokes her head in the room. "Hey there. Do you mind if I have a seat and join you ladies? I want to try and help in any way that I can."

 

[jaydude]

Kasumi let out a sigh, and then gave Melati an apologetic smile, recalling how she'd personally been responsible for much of the bloodshed that now had the Wood Aspect so upset.

"I'm sorry. If I'd known that you were still...new to all of this, I would have had this conversation with you a lot sooner." she said gently, before looking up at the sound of Moretta knocking and speaking.

"I don't suppose it would hurt. Melati's...still processing some of the trauma from our battle with those pirates." she said to the older woman. She probably shouldn't have invited her in without Melati's consent, but on the other hand, she felt that if anyone could get through to the Wood Aspect right now, it was Moretta.

 

[Psychie]

Moretta slips her arm around Melati's shoulder and gives the younger woman a tight squeeze. After holding her for a moment, she eases off on the pressure and asks, "Was this your first time you have seen someone lose their life? I would like to say that it gets easier, but so long as you have a soul in you, it will leave a mark. The day that it doesn't bother you is when you will be in trouble. I will say that the . . . pain? Of seeing what you did will fade in time. But diving into a bottle will only dull the pain, not let you process it to be able to move on."

 

[Random Word]

Melati leans gratefully into her Aunt's embrace, trying to dry her eyes ineffectually with a green silk handkerchief when she pulls back. "Never before has dull sounded so delightful. And when would I...? I work for the Thousand Scales, Auntie! The worst injury anyone suffers is a paper cut, or a nasty bruise from a toppling 'in' box. And before that I went to the Spiral Academy, and Kasumi can attest we sharpened our tongues and reserved our grievous wounds for egos." She sniffles, "Well, okay, sometimes someone crossed a line and, um, 'lost their footing down the back stairs'. But no one ever... nothing like..." She abruptly stiffens, turning to Kasumi, stricken, "They didn't, did they? When Peleps Benin... when he... and you said you'd deal with him... when I didn't see him... the rumours said his family was simply so humiliated they called him home... I didn't want to think about it..."

[This was WlfSamurai's intervention, and he's gone for a bit - I don't want to let the scene drag and slow the plot, so feel free to move on whenever everyone's ready. We've established Melati has no stomach for violence on screen, and set it up for later.]

 

[jaydude]

Kasumi held her tongue when Moretta offered her thoughts on the taking of lives. Her swordsmanship teacher had always taught her to not be bothered about such things, since death was an inevitable part of mortals' existences, and but one little part of the journey towards that most perfect of fates, amalgamation with the Five Elemental Dragons.

She didn't think that the older Air Aspect would wish to hear such thoughts.

When Melati became worried about what had happened to Peleps Benin, Kasumi's smile returned to her face, this time becoming reassuring.

"Don't travel down that path, okay? All I did was pick up a bokken and give him several very painful bruises, after he accepted my offer to spar with him. By now though, the only hurt he feels will be within his memories." she said.

Spoiler: OOC

Just a bit of a character moment for Kasumi.

 

[Sherwood]

As the day goes by, soon enough you start to be able to catch glimpses of land shrouded in mists coming off the sea. You are almost at your destination! The three ships (yours, the captured pirate ship, and your escort) make their way along towards the coast and the harbor of Abalone in a nice, neat triangle, with your ship taking the lead as you sail into the harbor. A small launch comes out to meet you and guide you to your docking berth, where a growing crowd is starting to form up to greet you.

With practiced ease, the crew pulls the ship up to the dock and ties the ship off before lowering the gangplank down. A group of three harbor officials, two men and one woman, are there at the base of the gangplank, and the call up to Capt. Domon, "Permission to come aboard?"

Capt. Domon nods and waves them up. "Permission granted! Please, make yourselves welcome on my fine ship!"

The trio come up the ramp and offer up a respectful bow/curtsey to the Exalted passengers. "Lords and Ladies, welcome to Abalone! Word of your arrival has gone onto the palace, and an official party is on its way to pay you the proper amount of respect that you deserve due to your high station. I am Harbormaster Kault, and these are my associates, Joni and Ryan." Kault offers up a wide smile as he looks around until his gaze falls on Alissa. With another deep bow, he says, "And this lovely one must be the Lady V'neef Alissa, our future princess! The descriptions of your beauty do not do you justice."

As the Harbormaster talks, a commotion from the shoreline draws your attention as a group of four large carriages come rolling up, pulled by teams of fine horses, escorted by a dozen soldiers also on horseback. Of the four carriages, one bears the mark of House Mnemon boldly emblazoned upon the side with a flag of the Realm flying above it, marking the passenger as the current Ambassador to the island nation. The other three have the house symbol of the royal family here in Wavecrest, indicating that they are from the palace.

 

[Psychie]

Moretta smiles as she looks out over the rail to see the swiftly approaching shoreline of their destination. One hurdle down, with many more to go. Now we have a wedding to prepare for, and all the drama that comes with it. Finally, the Waverunner slides up to the dock, and Moretta looks out at Abalone for the first time. "We are already gathering a crowd. Everyone, let us be on our best behavior. Especially you, young Alissa. This is your future kingdom, so be sure you make a good impression."

When the Harbormaster and his two assistants come up onto the deck, Moretta can be found standing next to Alissa with her two Red Monks standing just behind her. She looks over the three with a polite smile on her face, saying, "Thank you, Harbormaster Kault. We are looking forward to seeing all the wonders of your beautiful homeland." Looking out on the pier, she sees the approaching carriages and their escorts on their horses. "I see that our official welcoming party is about to arrive. Look lively, everyone."

 

[jaydude]

A little earlier...
Random Word
"We're here, Melati. Are you feeling okay?" Kasumi asked the Wood Aspect in a soft voice, the two of them alone in Melati's cabin. With no-one else watching them, the swordswoman had no qualms about being the comforting presence her friend might need.

Present...
As Moretta instructed everyone to be on their best behaviour, Kasumi turned her head and gave her the tiniest of nods to indicate that she understood, as well as a little smile to indicate that in her case, the Air Aspect didn't need to ask. The Water Aspect might have spent less time as a Dynast than V'neef's daughter, but she had gotten the basics of Realm etiquette down very quickly after her adoption, and she had no qualms about keeping to them. Indeed, she was currently stood at dignified attention in her blue robe and black lamellar armour, hands clasped behind her back and Kirameku Namida sheathed on her hip.

She fought the urge to grimace as she looked at the mark of House Mnemon upon the ambassador's carriage. House V'neef had always feared Mnemon and her family the most out of all their Great House rivals, and she couldn't help tensing up a little at this sign that one of them had such a position of power upon this island. If anyone was likely to cause problems for the marriage and treaty, it was this ambassador.

Spoiler: Kasumi Stats

Essence: 2
Personal Essence: 13/13
Peripheral Essence: 23/33

Committed Essence: 5

Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 5 dice (5 successes for 5m through Breath and Essence Control)
Health Levels:
-0: [_]
-1: [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_]
-3: [_]
Incapacitated: [_]
Resolve 3, Guile 2

Attacks
Kirameku Namida (Withering Attack 13, Decisive Attack 10, Base Raw Damage 15, Overwhelming 5)

Actions
Rush: 7
Disengage: 7

Evasion 3, Parry 6
Soak/Hardness: 8/0 (Lamellar Armor, +5 Soak, -1 Mobility Penalty)

 

[Sherwood]

The various carriages come to a stop at the end of the pier with the gathered audience talking excitedly about the scene as it unfolds in front of them. Several of the soldiers dismount and move to one of the carriages of the Wavecrest royalty and open up the door to reveal several people inside that make their way out; one is an older man that is probably in his fifties dressed in fine clothes, the second person is a woman in a stunning dress that is in her late thirties or early forties, and the third person there is a young man in his early teens that is also wearing expensive clothes. While the older man is probably not the king due to his health issues, the woman is probably the queen, and the young man is most likely Prince Rupert, here to meet Arissa and see the woman he is about to marry.

From the carriage with the Realm flag above it comes an older man with skin that looks as grey as granite, marking him as most likely an old Earth Aspect Exalt. He has a single person with him, a young woman wearing the traditional colors of House Mnemon; probably a member of the staff of the embassy. The woman falls into position at the right shoulder of the old Exalt and follows him towards the pier.

Capt. Domon looks out and says to the Exalts on the deck with him, "It would appear that your welcoming committee has arrived. I wish to thank you all for the pleasure of your company, and for the role you all played in saving my ship and crew from the pirate attack. I owe you all a favor that I will not forget." He goes to take Arissa's hands in his and gives the young girl a kiss on her knuckle. "My dear, I wish you all the best in your upcoming nuptials. If you ever have need for a salty old sea dog, I am your man. Simply send me a message and I will be there. My best wishes for your wedding, and you should expect my gift to shine."

Arissa smiles up at the older man and says, "Thank you, Captain. Your hospitality has been excellent, and I will look forward to sailing with you in the future." She takes a deep breath and says to the rest of you, "Well, I suppose that this is my time to shine. Shall we go meet my future husband?" Arissa then puts on a very regal aura about her as she walks towards the gangplank down to the dock.

The waiting crowd start to push forward a bit, just to be held back by the line of soldiers keeping close watch on the people trying to catch their first glimpse of their new princess. As the group of Exalts make their way down the ramp to the dock, you are met by the waiting members of the royals and the Realm ambassador. First to speak is the older man from Wavecrest. "Ah, Noble Exalts, welcome to Abalone. I am Gaul, majordomo for the royal house. Please, allow me to introduce our Queen, the Lady Alma, and her son, Prince Rupert." The woman offers up a polite curtsey, befitting a mortal (even a ruler) meeting one of the great Dragon Blooded Exalted, and Rupert gives a bow, his eyes locked on Arissa the whole time.

Then Gaul motions towards the man from House Mnemon. "This is Mnemon Goren, the current Ambassador to Wavecrest from the Realm. He insisted on being here to greet you as you arrived."

Goren nods, saying, "Of course. It is my duty to present myself to my countrymen and make sure that their needs are taken care of. This wedding is important to both our nations." He takes the hand of each of the ladies in turn, giving a quick kiss to the back of your wrist with a wide smile as he does so. "So wonderful to meet you all."

What do you do now?

 

[jaydude]

As befitting her role as one of Arissa's chaperones, Kasumi followed her down the gangplank, taking notice of the way she and Prince Rupert looked at each other, and hoping that the pair wouldn't get off on the wrong foot here.

Once Goren had finished speaking, Kasumi clasped her hands and bowed her head to him.

"Your adherence to your duties is most admirable, ambassador. And yes, may this wedding strengthen both Wavecrest and the Realm in these times of tumult." she said, giving him a polite smile even while mentally resolving to keep an eye on him.

Spoiler: Kasumi Stats

Essence: 2
Personal Essence: 13/13
Peripheral Essence: 23/33

Committed Essence: 5

Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 5 dice (5 successes for 5m through Breath and Essence Control)
Health Levels:
-0: [_]
-1: [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_]
-3: [_]
Incapacitated: [_]
Resolve 3, Guile 2

Attacks
Kirameku Namida (Withering Attack 13, Decisive Attack 10, Base Raw Damage 15, Overwhelming 5)

Actions
Rush: 7
Disengage: 7

Evasion 3, Parry 6
Soak/Hardness: 8/0 (Lamellar Armor, +5 Soak, -1 Mobility Penalty)

 

[Psychie]

Moretta eyes this Mnemon Goren, searching her mind for whatever information about him that she knows. She then turns her attention to Gaul and the members of the royal family. The Air aspect gives the assembled dignitaries a smile and a slight bow. "I offer the greetings of House V'neef to you and your family. I am sure that when Mother arrives for the wedding that she will also join in her gratitude for the kind welcome you have given us today."

OOC should I try a Int + Lore roll for knowing some info on Goren? Or do I just know about the guy?

 

[Sherwood]

OOC should I try a Int + Lore roll for knowing some info on Goren? Or do I just know about the guy?

Go ahead.

 

[Psychie]

Rolling.

5 successes

 

[Sherwood]

Moretta would know that Goren is a lifelong politician, having spent his career working in the capitol working to advance the agenda of House Mnemon. He is now in what many consider to be a plum retirement assignment, given to him eight years ago by the Empress as a way to let him relax after a long life in the service of the crown. He's old, having over four hundred years under his belt, and as far as you know, he has never studied sorcery.

 

[Psychie]

Moretta eyes Goren for a moment, then says out to the group, "I am sure that there has been arrangements made for us to stay somewhere, but I don't know what those arrangements are, and we are burning daylight just standing here at the docks. Shall we make our way into the city and have our bags delivered to our rooms?"

 

[Sherwood]

Mnemon Goren nods at Moretta. "Yes, at the moment, you have rooms that are waiting for you in the Embassy. If in the future you decide to move out to other lodging, that is up to you. There is plenty of time for you to settle in before our formal dinner at the palace tonight as your Lady Arissa is given her formal introduction to the king and the various members of court, giving you several hours before the dinner."

As you are talking, the armed escort that accompanied you on the ship make their way down and take up positions on either side of the carriage, keeping a close watch on the crowd and the mounted soldiers from Wavecrest's military that escorted the royals.

Goren motions for you to walk with him as he heads for his own carriage, and you can see that it is large enough to fit all of you inside with ease. He says, "If you please, come this way and make yourselves comfortable."

The interior of the carriage is quite plush, with curtains that can be pulled shut over the windows to give you all some privacy. Once you are all inside and the doors are shut, it is remarkably quiet, with excellent sound proofing for the passengers. Arissa slides over to one side and looks out the window at her new home for the foreseeable future, not showing any of the signs of her being upset that she was before you all left Eagle's Launch all those days ago.

With a lurch, the carriage starts to move, this time a bit slower so that the escort soldiers can keep pace alongside you as the carriage makes its way through the city to the Embassy.

jaydude Psychie Random Word Please give me Per + Awareness rolls.

 

[Psychie]

Moretta is silently pleased to see Arissa showing such an interest on the city around them as opposed to hiding her head in the sand and pretending that this is not happening. With a matter of fact tone, she asks Goren, "Now that we can speak freely, can you tell us exactly what the situation is here? I hate walking into the lion's den with my eyes closed.

Per + Awareness 8 dice
5 successes

 

[jaydude]

As Moretta talked with Goren, Kasumi did her best to pay attention to the conversation, while also getting a good look through the window at the city outside.

(Perception + Awareness + One Point Stunt = 7 dice. Six successes.)

Spoiler: Kasumi Stats

Essence: 2
Personal Essence: 13/13
Peripheral Essence: 23/33

Committed Essence: 5

Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 5 dice (5 successes for 5m through Breath and Essence Control)
Health Levels:
-0: [_]
-1: [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_]
-3: [_]
Incapacitated: [_]
Resolve 3, Guile 2

Attacks
Kirameku Namida (Withering Attack 13, Decisive Attack 10, Base Raw Damage 15, Overwhelming 5)

Actions
Rush: 7
Disengage: 7

Evasion 3, Parry 6
Soak/Hardness: 8/0 (Lamellar Armor, +5 Soak, -1 Mobility Penalty)

 

[Random Word]

The shadowed quiet of the carriage is almost as much a relief as stepping off that accursed boat and setting foot on terra firma. Melati put on a brave front for the crowd, having put herself together as best she could, but she needs a long hot soak right now, and a day to recover before that all important first impression. You only get to present yourself to court once.

 

[Sherwood]

Goren looks at Moretta and says, "Now that I can speak freely, you have landed in quite the morass here. There are several different factions in the government and the populace right now; one is very much for the treaty, one faction wants nothing to do with the Realm at all, and the last big one is more along the lines of 'just leave us alone and we'll leave you alone'. There are also some that are more in favor of growing closer to Skullstone, since the shadowlands are just a short distance to the north of us instead of coming closer to the Realm and the Empress. It is a sticky mess of politics that you have stumbled into."

As he talks, looking out the windows of the carriage, you can see that word of the arrival of Arissa has spread quickly and people are trying to catch a glimpse of the young woman. Some are waving and cheering in welcome, while a few others are shouting "Realm go home!" while shaking angry fists in the air. You can see that the guards walking along with you are on high alert, watching the crowds intently.

The Ambassador continues with, "You may not know, but the King's health is not good, and it is unlikely that he will survive the year. With Rupert being so young, a Regent will most likely be appointed to run the kingdom until the boy comes of age, and that person is most likely to be the King's brother, Prince Duncan. In my opinion, he is an unmitigated ass and if he is in charge, it will be a stretch for him to release power back to Rupert once the boy is old enough. It is very likely that things will get ugly once the King dies."

Goren looks over at Arissa for a moment, then says, "When you add the fact that there was the discovery of the raw jade ore that has been discovered, the finances of the islands are about to take a turn for the better, and it has added to the level of interest of both the Realm and Skullstone. It is vital that not only we keep the jade from the hands of the Deathlord, but we do take the income into the Realm's coffers. This treaty is important to all of us."

 

[jaydude]

The anti-Realm sentiment was probably to be expected, given the harsh circumstances that had hit the Threshold following the Empress's disappearance. But people here looking to join up with the Bodhisattva, and a potentially unco-operative regent to look forward to...this was certainly quite the political morass, Kasumi thought.

"I think I might like to meet this Prince Duncan for myself, and find out whether or not he can be made to see reason." she said, the implication being that she wanted to look for dirt that could either be used to blackmail him into behaving, or used to have him removed from a position of power.

"At the same time, I'd also like to know what efforts have been made to investigate those pushing for closer ties with Skullstone." she then added. "We have a responsibility to nip this issue in the bud, before any can be led astray and onto a dark path, with nothing but regret and anguish to look forward to."

Spoiler: Kasumi Stats

Essence: 2
Personal Essence: 13/13
Peripheral Essence: 28/33

Committed Essence: 5 (Kirameku Namida)

Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 5 dice (5 successes for 5m through Breath and Essence Control)
Health Levels:
-0: [_]
-1: [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_]
-3: [_]
Incapacitated: [_]
Resolve 3, Guile 2

Attacks
Kirameku Namida (Withering Attack 13, Decisive Attack 10, Base Raw Damage 15, Overwhelming 5)

Actions
Rush: 7
Disengage: 7

Evasion 3, Parry 6
Soak/Hardness: 8/0 (Lamellar Armor, +5 Soak, -1 Mobility Penalty)

 

[Psychie]

Moretta asks, "What is the nature of the King's illness? Is it simply old age, or is there something that can be done to treat what ails him and extend his lifespan? It would most likely garner some bonus points for us if we were to do something to help him."

 

[Sherwood]

"I think I might like to meet this Prince Duncan for myself, and find out whether or not he can be made to see reason." she said, the implication being that she wanted to look for dirt that could either be used to blackmail him into behaving, or used to have him removed from a position of power.

Goren looks at Kasumi and says, "Depending on just how you wish to see him, that will make a big difference on how easy that will be to arrange. Speaking with him at one of the many social engagements will be fairly easy, but if you wish a more private interaction with him, that might take some work. It will not be impossible, just harder, since he has long had his sympathies bent over towards Skullstone and not the Realm." He looks over at the aide with him with a nod, obviously a non-verbal signal to make a note to reach out to the Prince to start the process.

Moretta asks, "What is the nature of the King's illness? Is it simply old age, or is there something that can be done to treat what ails him and extend his lifespan? It would most likely garner some bonus points for us if we were to do something to help him."

"The official party line is that he is simply getting old, but I suspect something more sinister is involved. King Roland has always been such a vibrant individual with such good health, his sudden descent into sickness was startling, but I am no physician to know. Supposedly, he is surrounded by doctors that are working to restore his health, but I have no real idea on how well their efforts have gone." He thinks for a moment, then says, "It may be simple old age, but I cannot say for certain."

As he speaks, the carriage takes a turn up a different road and makes its way up a slight hill until you reach a rather large and very opulent manor house flying the flag of the Realm from the top of the flagpole in the front of the building. A low wall circles the building, and at the gate there are a pair of guards waiting for you. When the carriage pulls up, they open the gates to allow you access to the long driveway up to the doors next to a neatly manicured lawn. You all can also feel the distinct flows of Essence indicating that you are on the grounds of a manse.

Several servants stand ready to receive you as the carriage comes to a stop, and they dart forward to open the doors and offer up a helping hand to ease your exit from the interior of the carriage. Once out, Goren turns to one older man and says, "This is our embassy majordomo, Mnemon Dennis. Dennis, these are our guests from House V'neef. Extend to them every courtesy that you do with me, and have them shown to their rooms so they can freshen up before we leave for our dinner at the palace at four."

Dennis offers up a respectful bow and says, "Of course, Mr. Ambassador. M'Ladies, if you will please come with me? I will escort you to your chambers."

 

[Random Word]

The jeering cries of the rabble amongst the crowd elicits disgust, but the inaction of the guard kindles anger. The moral failings of these Thresholders is to be expected, but laxity in defending the honour of their new crown princess amongst those sworn to protect and uphold her laws? How could Melati trust Arissa's safety in these hands? She bites her tongue. She's too tired for this, and she could spoil precious first impressions with an intemperate outburst.

A bath. In a pond. With lillies. In a garden. If they don't have one, how quickly could they build it? Such thoughts as they step out of the carriage and the overwhelming relief they bring nearly sweep aside thoughts of impugned honour and insolent peasants, but Grandmother entrusted her with Arissa's safety and it must come first. As they're ushered along to their rooms, Meltai grasps Moretta's arm gently, "Auntie. I did not see the royal guard arrest those impudent peasants. It would be one thing to allow Arissa to stay their executions as a display of mercy, but to fail to even punish them for straying so far from the Path? I fear the guard have sympathies for Arissa's enemies. Is she safe here?"

 

[Psychie]

As they're ushered along to their rooms, Meltai grasps Moretta's arm gently, "Auntie. I did not see the royal guard arrest those impudent peasants. It would be one thing to allow Arissa to stay their executions as a display of mercy, but to fail to even punish them for straying so far from the Path? I fear the guard have sympathies for Arissa's enemies. Is she safe here?"

In a quiet voice, she says, "We must remember that we are only guests here in Wavecrest, and the islands have their own rules of conduct that we must abide by. I agree that there is a potential security risk here, but that is one reason why there are so many Exalted traveling with Arissa; to keep her safe." She places a comforting hand on Melati's own that has taken her arm. "We will not fail in our duty to keep Arissa free from harm. Personally, the low level of protest from the locals is not concerning - yet. It is something to keep an eye on, but letting the peasants vent their displeasure in a peaceful manner is a good way to keep them from growing more violent. Even so, Arissa will not be left alone from us, my demons or our guards."

"Now, let us go clean up and prepare for our dinner with the royals. We have a big evening before us and I want to make sure we all present the best face for the Realm."