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 Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 7:44 pm
"Actually, that last was more for me. solar eclipses are considered...almost holy, good luck. As it's winter there, ther ewinter solstice..that woudl make midday nice, and it does give the blues and silvers of the outfit a more meaningful contrast and connotation."
A small smile.
"and I know how piper is in that respect. Which, and I do hope I'm not treading on seriously thin ice by proposing this question to her father, bring me to something I had not thought about until just now, when you mentioned the bazaar. are things related to..fertility, sold in this particular market?"
A small sigh.
"She agreed to try it. but honestly...what she can consume from here is limited. and I dare not try something and have it make her ill or potentially worse. And tell me more about this island chain. differences in climate..for a better idea of the best suited islands, and then we can see about transportation needs."
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Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:07 pm
"Really now?" File that one away. "Well...Andal has is particular workings you know. Can't really change that...well maybe you could if you were a rune mage, though I'm sure the Crest Brigade woudl throw a fit over induced thigns such as that." A chuckle at that one...they were considered a bit over protective of the plane sometimes.
And he tilted his head with a raise of his eyebrow. That was a brave brave question on Malik's part...not many men spoke to the fathers of those they intended to impregnant. Most were scared of a father's retribution. Though a chuckle as Malik had realized he might be treading on less than favorable ground. "I suppose...you can really find just about anything there..." He took on that thinking look. "Well...the sea elves may have that under thier belts...low fertility like surface elves but a bit more susceptable to danger...they like to be able to keep thier numbers up...though I'm not particularly sure what's in it."
That fatherly look as he had sighed and continued on the matter for a moment before switching subjects. "I see your point, Underdark things do tend to have that affect after all. But brave girl for even trying when she knows she could be thrown into bed for days or even weeks on end from some accidental posisoning or what not." Gee, nice thought Kieran.
"The Tidal Pendant." Walking over to the desk that was in the room he laid out the map that he had snatched up from the table, motioning Malik over and thien pointing out the island chain. It was indeed quite circular, the upper portions encasing one nation, and the other three falling to its outsides, and then the larget island at its southwestern end that made the 'pendant'.
He traced his finger along the chain as he went. "The islands change with the surrounding lands really, and some are a mix...for example the parts in the west are forested like Odaria, and the eastern are more mountains like Lucana...others are plains and mixed as corressponding with Loraste and Daimos." Pointing to each in turn and then to the pendant isle. "Mostly plains here, good enviroment for trades and what not." Then a point out to a marked spot to the south of that island in the water. "Selkor is here, sea elven 'nation'. The islands own climates tend to fall in with the lands around it and what not."
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:23 pm
"So for a forested area, the trees Piper so adores, then we need to be situated on the west. what types of trees are we talking about on the cloestest of the western islands...I mean, while Sequoia trees are impressive to look at, they aren't much for a wedding area. too large and obstructive. fruit trees might be nice, the blossoms from buds falling makes a good atmosphere. but in winter they probably aren't but bare. but if we want greenery, then evergreen trees and pine are a good choice. And how mild or severe are winters in this area? snow or just crispy, cool air?"
Taking a long look at the map.
"It's proximity to the sea elven nation in this area gives me another idea as well. I woudl imagine the sea elves have powerful magic in the manipulation of water. which means for winter, if it is cold enough, perhaps such skills can be employeed for an elegant ice sculpture centerpiece for the reception. which brings to mind..certain eating requirements in reguards to certain potential guests."
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Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:39 pm
"There are some trees that blossom in the winter, believe it or not...there's always something flowering in Andal, not mattere the season. But in general its a mix of trees really...along with some wood elven natural magic manipulation, they do cultivate a city in branches and what not. Winters aren't too bad...there's snow but being elves we don't really mind that its not like everything ices up horibbly...but a nice blanket of snow or a dusting. Snow is something that can be counted on every winter."
A look back to the map again."Indeed they could..." A little chuckle at that... "If Lady Talithia were to be cooperative...sometimes that woman, I swear..." A small shake of his head as he let that pass. "Though an elven wedding is a rare and glamourous affair in itself...and who could resist but to help." One of those 'oh yes' looks to Malik. "Of course you'll be meeting those that are your biggest concern at council if you attend."
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:02 pm
"Good to know. that means that precautions for the human attendees wouldn't need to be near as bad. and Cymarron won't be too..rambuncious."
filing that name away for future use, and giving Kieran a nod.
"I plan to attend. Not to mention, if we do attend, it allows Piper and myself, at least a small amount of time to adjust to the surface. mostly for myself. Piper will take to teh surface like a duck to water I imagine even after twenty years."
A grin.
"I wonder what the ladies are discussing righ tnow other than us. I'm sure thier going over countless wedding dresses and invitation ideas. I bet whatever slave is in that room taking notes is having a hell of a time keeping up."
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:44 am
Zahara remained where she was for a long time, scanning through books and taking notes, scribbling anything that came to mind. Her best ideas usually came to her when she wasn't really trying to think and she found a long time ago that writing things down allowed triggers for her memory. Not that it was a bad memory, she just didn't realize the significance of something until she went back and read it later. The table in the library was overrun with books, some propped, some resting open with pages marked randomly with whatever she could find. Violet eyes scanned over words, committing many things to memory and filing them away for later use. She'd need to collaborate with Kieran to get the full effect and know for sure what the surface offered. Not to mention a few ingredients would have to be surface grown just because of the fact Piper was a surface elf.
She would not enjoy feeding Piper something that ended up poisoning her though the risks for that very thing were extremely high. She shook her head, if anyone had told her she'd be reading about surface elven fertility a year ago, she'd have laughed and told them they were insane. But here she was, and shock of all shocks, Malik's library included it. Not a whole lot, a little blurb on each of the different subraces and their procreation patterns. Surface elves...almost none, but she knew that already. Interestingly enough, she might be able to manipulate an increased chance in either Moon or Wood and use that to her advantage. Piper had a bit of both after all. But first she needed to do more research and she had questions to ask.
Closing one of the books she tucked it under her arm and headed back for the dining room. One of the slaves informed her where her quarry was and Zahara headed for Malik and Piper's room. Knocking lightly on the open door, she paused when she realized that Fianna and Piper were both flushed with excitement looking over something or other on the bed. "Forgive me...I'll come back later." she said backing off. "It's really not important."
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Picking Up Stars Vice Captain
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:22 am
He chuckled lightly. "Hm, probably various Andal like women tradition things...Oh you know women...but you also know Piper. I'm frankly surprised you're actually able to talk her into having a wedding of this considerable standing. She'd be thrilled with one on the go, or just implyed. Not one for social functions last I knew." A little shrug of his shoulders. "But it's been about fifty two years since last I truly knew her now hasn't it?" And lots of thing changed in that time, especially Piper...though he was proud on how she was dealing with it all...her ear, the Underdark, the judgements...she had grown up quite a bit.
And Kieran was stuck with that nostalgic look for a moment before he realized it, shook his head and turned attention back to the subects at hand. "I suppose you're right...you are drow after all and not so much friends with the sun. It's a very admirable thing you do Malik...wanting to have it this way for her benefit when you know that if you wanted to do it down here, she wouldn't say two words in definance to it. She's just..." Scared wasn't the right word...there was little fear in Piper when it came down to it, "...reluctant about things thought forever left behind."
A grin. "But I still worry about you. You and your concern over going topside. There's going to be no need to guard yourself, you'll be perfectly fine. Or at least I'll try to make it that way for you with as little fuss as possible. I know you don't expect everyone to welcome you with open arms and smiles, but it won't be with swords and frowns either."
Both looked up at her, Piper getting up and walking over to the drow, pulling her into the room. "Oh nonsense, if it's important enough to knock on the forbidden room to others as this is, then it is truly important...we're just discussing wedding plans." A little shrug. "You may not like Malik but I'm sure you don't want me looking stupid either."
"And soothing her own misgivings about herself. You know, for all her boldness, apply the word princess or similar things and she seems to loose it. Silly little elf that she is." One of those comfortable smiles to Zahara...she'd admit it, not all drow were bad. Didn't meant she wan't still a little weary.
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:28 am
"Guarding myself is mostly a concern with this Andalian Crest Brigade. As you said, they adhere to no kingdom. and a gate directly into the underdark may...give a bad impression to them, on top of the fact that I am in essence, entering my hat into the game by marrying Piper. Other than that, I think my biggest problem will be simple adjustment to sunlight and the smells and skies of the surface."
A small grin at Kieran.
"I know, she'd do it down here without a word. In fact, the original plans were for down here, outside of hounorsfield. But twenty years here, and I'm sure you've felt it...she feels like she's slipping into darkness. What I convinced her to do with sevilin..and the slap Zahara gave her only made those thoughts worse. And like I said. It's her wedding day. everything I can do to make it th ebest day of her life I will do. if that means going topside in another plane so that her friends and relations can be there and it makes her feel wonderful. then that is exactly what I will do."
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Picking Up Stars Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:46 pm
"You could never look stupid Piper, I wouldn't allow it." Wedding plans. That was a novel and new concept to Zahara. In her world marriage itself was extremely rare but to have a wedding to signify it? Well, she supposed that the small ritual the couple went through counted but they certainly didn't prepare for it for a long time. Curious, she let Piper pull her over, and settled herself on the bed. A shy smile to Fianna and then leaning back. "Royalty and the responsibility thereof. You know us young elves and avoidance, it goes hand in hand." She glanced around the room but only saw a veil like thing folded up. What exactly has to be done for...a wedding?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:34 pm
"The gate has mine and Fianna's seals on it, it's our problem, not yours." Oh him and Fianna had indeed already been confronted on that issue, seeing as the Brigade more or less stationed in Torea where the gates were kept. It'd be an issue at council as well but he was preparing for that one and was sure Fianna was too. "Oh don't worry, I'm sure they won't jump to the conclusion that you just want a shiny circlet on your head. Fiercely protective, but a sensibile group." A little chuckle. "Is fresh air, sunshine, and blue skies really that displeasing?"
Though he knew Malik probably wasn't as against it as he seemed...or he was just wrong. A little inclination of his head toward the other in sign of his understanding of it though. "Yes, I have...even if she tries to hide it. She's a strong woman sometimes, projects that boldness as she pleases, though inside she's a tad more fragile." A moment of quiet before he chuckled, clasping his hands behind his back. "There will be many 'best days' in the life you two are going to share...believe me, I know."
He cleared his throat lightly. "Anymore concerns of yours then? Royal or otherwise."
"Exactly, I knew it." A little chuckle from her as she settled back to the bed. Three women sitting on the bed and talking of such things as marriage...what a scene, yes? "Oh you know...outfits, decorations, invitations, locations...though down to bare basics its nothing but good company, good food, and good feelings." A little tilt of her head at Zahara. "You'd come if I asked you to? Even though you hate Malik?" She had more or less just decided to accept it.
Fianna nodded lightly, taking a moment to tuck honey brown strands behind her ear and adjust her circlet a moment, still looking over that little notebook a moment and Piper's gloves. But her green eyes came to Zahara's. "Indeed, you young elves just cannot seem to stay in one place or stick with one thing for too long. Ah young impluses." A little chuckle from her, though a look between the two girls in her company...wedding on the surface...hm wonder if Zahara would even risk that. But her attention was back to other things."But yes, those are the basics." Running her hand over the symbol on the back of Piper's gloves. "Is this your House crest?"
A little blink from her at the question. "Perhaps in my head it is...though I don't know. Malik and I never really talked about anything like that...probably because we weren't engaged before, we've been too busy now, or he just doens't care. Though knowing Malik I think the latter isn't the answer."
"Beautiful symbol really.Could put it one a crown." Though a little laugh, actually joking on the subject, she knew how her daughter thougth the idea of royalty horrific. A look to Zahara. "Don't you think Zahara? And stand up Piper." Taking that folded garment and gently unfolding it, holding it out to the yound elf who put the more than floor length robe on. "And of this as well? A little bit of Andalian tradition."
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:09 pm
"I would think Kieran, you'd know that the surface has it's inherent dangers. sunshine can blind me, and fresh air carries scents and things that may make me ill."
A small grin.
"Best days are always in store. I can think of a few. But...my next concern is one for here. Whom, do you think, might be best to look after our affairs. Broog is loyal, but not the most intelligent. Piper will almost demand Zahara's presence. which leaves either another slave, one privy to more dangerous liasons. and Sevilin. as I am sure he won't want to go back to Andal. Suggestions?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:22 pm
"That's true...and probably a part of her fears with indeed bringing you topside. What darkness and Underdark conditions can do to her here, light and surface conditions can do to you up there." A little shrug. "I'm not as savvy on Tier'dal, but I do know that the surface oriented drow of Andal do quite well...and I'm not talking that they've adapted." Then onto thinking on wanted advice.
"Sevilin would sooner decapitate himself than go back there." Said in a rather dry tone but it was truthful none the less. Though he would never suggest putting anything in Sevilin's hands...but that was his opinion on the matter. "Hm...good question. Sevilin in his own right could merit the position...though I doubt you trust him any farther than you can throw him." Though they both knew that Sevilin would probably just hang around and eat.
"You could always do a combination...have someone with the intelligence that you need, and then another with the intimidating prescience that is required to keep face of those in line. Though with the way things are going around here, you may not even need to force the fear to keep things internally in order, it's those outside your grasp that are of worry. So that may be your best bet."
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:47 pm
"Sevilin for outward appearances, broog for internal and a third perhaps for the buisness aspect that Sevilin won't give a damn about and broog too dull witted to conduct. works out well. You are a verifiable fountain of infromation and ideas. But back to present matters. what will be the general needs or obligations to the andalian customor monarchies once we are married, provided she keeps the princess title and I gain princdom?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:07 pm
He chuckled. "Verifiable fountain of information...I guess that does sound about right." Kieran shook his head lightly, shifting his slung arm some, yeah he learned from that mistake. But again it was easy for him to switch subjects as ever.
"Well...nothing until the time comes that you need to truly involved...though you know, various social functions perhaps. You may need to 'preside' with the rest of us over something that is plane wide. May have to show up for a suddenly unscheduled meeting that may pop up."
Kieran looked off for a moment in that way he always did when going through information. "Probably have a lot of learning to do, make both of you planes savvy. Piper knows most but not all, and there are the others aspects such as the Nations trades and what not. The do's and do not's, how Surface and Underdark cohabitat there and what not."
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:45 pm
Now it was malik's turn to show how cold or cruel he could be.
"One death can solve that if someone is adaquately learned. I had plans to have someone taken from Domina for that purpose. However, since I would think that it might be for a bad impression to do such, I'll have to study and learn. and Piper can help with that...same as I help her learning drow. along with Zahara."
A small grin.
"Impromptu meetings, councils...keeping on the toes..that sounds like life before all this in Neriak. though I will of course take interest in the potential for the slave trade, and other trades as well. not to mention...if we can..I wouldn't mind finding Sevilin's teacher, for informative purpose."
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