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 Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 7:25 pm
 "The river end in Bellris, that's what is true...Bellris the land of water, that's what is said... Some say the Ecruos is the second god of Bellris, that's what some believe...and that Bellris is the most favored land of Epsilon...that's what some say.
Long ago Ecruos travelled all over Epsilon playing with his invisible friend when he was but simply a child god. It is said by all that the river follows the footsteps of Ecruos as he ran across the land, and since many rivers dance across the land of Bellris before disappearing over the edge it is said that Ecruos enjoyed this place the most....
Dubbed the Thousand River Delta all the water in Epsilon ends here, and as the river runs though all the rest of Epsilon it causes the lands of Bellris to be the most fertile lands in all of Epsilon.
The Thousand River Delta is very beautiful and Romantic with rivers both big and small, it may be a beautiful place to bring a lover...or do something more devious."
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:40 pm
✺Forgotten Son OutfitSure was hot out here. Dixon didn't seem to mind, though. It felt just as hot as yesterday, and slightly less uncomfortable--with one's clothes on, that is. Yes, it was a sticky situation. Tempers were high as the temperature. Dixon, of course, refused most deals, eventually bringing up what he thought, planned, hoped, were the solutions to his problem.
That had come and gone. Roland had requested time to think about it. Sure. Dixon didn't like it, seeing the former prince's urgency to seal the deal vanish so suddenly, but he realised the chase was going to require more finesse than that. Shortly after the meeting, Dixon called it a night, pushing back his talk with Youkimi until the next day. He took a day out of his schedule and asked Youkimi to meet him here at this river for a cool chat by the water. Time for Phase two.
"Over here!" He called upon spotting the former Baroness. "This place is really great. Do you come here often?" He seemed much more bright than yesterday. Maybe it was just a fluke...
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 6:43 pm
 Baroness Youkimi Kai
Living today without a way
To understand the weight of the world
Yes... today was rather hot. She walked carefully across the delta out to meet Dixon where he stood. He invited her out this far, she imagined that it was to talk, but as for why he had chosen this location...? Nah. She felt that it was his love of nature and the beauty of the outdoors that brought them out this far. After the tension of the day before, anything to help soothe concerns was easily followed. She hoped not to have reason to worry terribly much.
She hoped.... but she was not a fortune teller. She would have to try and discern the situation by what clues she could discern from their conversation. She found partway into the journey that she wasn't equipped for an extended day out in nature. Nevertheless, despite her lack of an extensive wardrobe, she had chosen a lighter outfit that still allowed freedom of movement. Still, it was a bit more formal than most would wear on a day like this and so close to water.
Youkimi learned a while ago that if she was mindful, then anything she wore could be simply washed. The nature and earth here was forgiving on clothes. She joined Dixon, whose tone was happier and lighter than it had been when they parted. Or, perhaps it seemed that way by the smile? Was she trying to project how she hoped he would be? She swallowed her nerves and stopped at his side. Nervous as she was, she tried to remain calm. She didn't have reason to disbelieve his happy feelings. Not yet....
"Not often enough," she admitted as she turned her gaze to the beautiful delta. There was life here, and the water's presence was very soothing. The way it rushed and moved along. Everything about this stretch moved and shifted, and yet, it was hearty and well. It was beautiful and lively. "Do you like it?"
OoC:
Once my heart beat to the
Rhythm of the falling snow
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 7:17 pm
✺Forgotten SonOutfit
"That's a shame, said the count as he looked into the rushing depths with Youkimi. She was exactly like she was when they met, and while that was endearing it needed to change if he was going to succeed. ... That's how he saw it, anyway. "It's very pretty."
"I know what you're thinking: Why did he bring me here? Why is he, some dumb bloke with lucky blood who can't swim--" at this point Dixon, standing side-by-side Youkimi, but her hand on the center of her back--"standing at the edge of this rushing river..." He gave her a moment to think about it, holding his hand steady, poised to push her in at any moment.
"That's about the size of it, innut?" Dixon took his hand back and gave a cheeky look to the girl he owed so much to. "Notice, eh? Those things all revolve around me, not you." He turned to face the baroness square-on. "I'm going to get right to it; we've got a job to do, and believe it or not, this one'd be put at ease to see people like you get a little selfish." His face was calm, but stern. Looked more like he was simply stating facts.
"... You're too soft, Youkimi." He sighed a little and took a couple paces inland. "You may not like to hear it, but that's what I see."
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 7:34 pm
Baroness Youkimi Kai
Living today without a way
To understand the weight of the world
Was that what she was thinking?
She initially rolled her eyes, hoping it was outside of his notice as he began to tell her his thoughts on what she was thinking. There was contact, she noticed, but it was gentle and only lasted a moment. She turned her eyes back to him as he withdrew.
.... Wait a second. Had he been thinking about throwing her in? Her eyebrow lifted slightly, masking her initial suspicion. It was a hot day, but she wasn't excited about any possibility of getting wet today.
She wasn't going to mention the observation on his words, but.... he had something of a point. She was worried about a lot of things, and they weren't about her. He was right, there was a job to do... but she didn't expect the turn that he had taken. A little selfish? How would that help the situation?
..... And he wasn't joking about that in the slightest. He was serious. ...What did he mean by too soft?
"Soft?" She said aloud, pondering the word on her tongue. She found herself looking at him while he stepped away. "You have me at a disadvantage. What do you mean?"
OoC:
Once my heart beat to the
Rhythm of the falling snow
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 7:52 pm
✺Forgotten SonOutfitIt was easy for Dixon to say such things. Back in the day, his day, when he was his own man, it was every man for himself; alliances formed out of respect for each man's strength in supporting himself and his loved ones (if there were any) and the fervor with which he defended what was rightfully his. There was no animosity, and if there was, it was free from the petty subterfuge in the "higher" politics--people hated and beefed honestly at the bottom. Dixon knew in his heart that the latter sprung from the former. If only he could make Youkimi see that.
"I mean exactly what I said." He gave a shrug and sat down on the bank. "For some reason you're not treating this like it matters to you. You let that fiddle-soothin' p***k walk all over you--for what!" He flicked a hand out to the river, not taking his eyes off the baroness. "That deal will ruin our country and you know it. I don't care who made it." Sadly, the cool temper had lasted only a moment. "You're from Ethe. That means something. Whatever you think is best for you is best for the country. That's just how it works when you represent the people." Dixon pulled his eyes away, shaking his head.
"... That's what you taught me, isn't it? When you were giving me lessons you told me that I was the people I was representing. You said that's how a real noble should govern." He looked back up to her, begging for an answer.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 8:30 pm
Baroness Youkimi Kai
Living today without a way
To understand the weight of the world
Not treating it like it matters? The matter with the country? Her Ethe?
Her eyes narrowed slightly as his emotions made themselves known and as she steeled herself for the explanation as it came. She had not said as much in the recent conversation as the gentlemen had, this was true. She wished to hear both sides and to find the best solution. This was not done in any kind of haste if it was to be done well. Had she been walked all over, or had she simply not retaliated or spoken?
What is best for you is best for the country.
Her expression did relax as it returned again to memories of a country before a mountain spat fire. When she was comfortable and when daily matters were seen to efficiently, quickly, and with no danger to anyone. Her people were fed and content. They were thriving. Now.... They were stable. But they needed more.
She could not speak for an entire kingdom. She was a baroness. The words of the queen, secondhand, were terrifying to her. That the road idea was approved? Youkimi herself had not personally agreed in the moment because when it was first brought to her attention, she wished to know more concerning the details. Roads already existed between their great nations. Restoring old roads, or altering ones to account for the change in landscape would have been much simpler, cost efficient, and might have encouraged flow enough for the local people to properly establish themselves independently. This new plan, she agreed, was more extensive than she wished. She wanted to settle the matter with proper discussion.
She wanted to see Ethe whole again but if the royalty itself was undermining these efforts, what was the voice of a baroness? Would the effort, if they found the success they desired, be claimed by others and the nobility return as though nothing had happened? Would arrogance rule instead of the hard work? Was that really what was best for the kingdom? Her anger disquieted her heart, it stifled her hopes, and it dared to pull away confidence and instead give way to despair. She hoped to hear ANYTHING from the surviving nobles of Ethe. Why had they not found her? Why had she heard no word from any among them? So many nobles had vanished, some to death, others to flee to other countries, to abandon their responsibilities and to live on whatever fortune they managed to save away. Why was the court, who were so strong to discuss rumors and gather in council, suddenly absent when the country was in this distress?
Were they the only few who tried, who wished, who sought to restore their beautiful nation to its true glory? How long would this effort take? Would this generation see Ethe's beauty again? If they were successful, would their reward be stolen from the people?
These were her worries. These were her fears. There was too much to voice without losing composure, and perhaps losing her ability to speak.
She nodded.
Then finally, she spoke. "A real noble should. There are few to be found from Ethe... We are few."
She took a breath and her volume lifted. "I am listening, but I will not be taken advantage of. Nor will I sacrifice the land and home that gave me life and that continues to sustain those that survive among my people. Do not mistake my temporary silence for surrender."
OoC:
Once my heart beat to the
Rhythm of the falling snow
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 8:55 pm
✺Forgotten SonOutfitThat was what he wanted to hear. That tone Youkimi got when she had just about enough of Dixon's foolishness, it was something that really shook him, chilled his soul. In the middle of the lady's rebuttal a smile began to dissolve into the count's face. He remembered that day, so far down the river of time, when he had first decided to take matters into his own hands regarding his lessons. For a moment he thought he knew what was best; only through many trials had he realised that it was always Youkimi's conviction that was right. That was what Roland had heard yesterday, only from a student's lips.
"There," said the count pointing, practically beaming. "That's the Youkimi I remember! I had my doubts earlier, but she's definitely here now." His smile softened to a kind of smirk. "Good. We need this Youkimi in negotiations."
"Forgive me, Youkimi. When I heard you went ahead and joined the council, I thought you had given up, joined them, the side that apparently includes the queen."
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 9:13 pm
Baroness Youkimi Kai
Living today without a way
To understand the weight of the world
She was prepared for another counter. She was worried that a verbal debate or argument would erupt. It was to her relief that it hadn't, but it was also to her surprise that instead he smiled in a manner that seemed quite proud. Had he been baiting her? She couldn't tell right now.
She took a few breaths to center herself, her mind, and her nerves again. Everything was alright again. She cleared her throat. There was a reason she preferred to study up and to figure things out before hand. She had more to say, and words were easier to manipulate when she was better informed.
Though, to hear Dixon cede and to ask forgiveness was a turn that did help soothe some of the jagged feelings that came up from before. "I was offered a position as a member of the council. It came as a surprise to me because I am not a citizen of Bellris, but yet, here is the prince. From such a position, I had hoped to be a voice of influence to rally whatever support Ethe might need. .... You heard the queen's decision the same moment I did."
She still struggled to remain calm around that collection of feelings. So desperate for news.... had she been too emotionally vested in those she hoped to hear from? Perhaps she had wrongly assumed that they would have cared as deeply, or perhaps that they would be as resourceful as the lower nobles were...? Counter-intuitive, perhaps.... but in another view, it would make sense that those who more closely worked with the people better understood how the systems worked. Was the queen too removed to know there was hope?
She folded her arms and her eyes looked out over the water. "That was the last thing I expected to hear.... The last thing I wanted to hear."
OoC:
Once my heart beat to the
Rhythm of the falling snow
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 9:31 pm
✺Forgotten SonOutfit
"Well, I'm glad you feel that way." Dixon joined her for a spell in watching the water. For a moment it seemed as though they were watching the same hope float on by, looking to catch it with one swift cast; but would their lines become crossed?
"... Although," he said facing her again, "I have to wonder. What is their real motivation for bringing you in?" Dixon heard it from the outside, and from the outside looking in, the deal was most certainly a plan to swallow up Ethe in one gulp. "Did you ever stop to think that maybe they wanted to have you there for appearances' sake? The taxes on the roads are enormous, and if the queen's going along with them..." He stopped himself. In hindsight it was easy to see the deal was rotten. He chuckled weakly to himself once.
"We're really in it now, huh?" He stood up and came to tower over Youkimi. "I'm sorry to put you through this, Youkimi." His voice seemed a little bit hollow as he wrung out an apology. "It was my idea to split up in the first place. If I had just brought you home to help me rebuild the land--who knows; we might have had a land bursting green by now..." He looked away, narrowed his eyes at the realisation that that would only last so long, and that knowing was ultimately better than not knowing, no matter how grim the news was. He looked back at his former mentor and with one sweep gathered her in a soft embrace. There was the feeling of tears, but Dixon's eyes were dry.
"I'm going to make this right. You don't deserve to be caught up like this. You don't know what I've learned. I can deal. I really can!" His voice broke a little as he gave the baroness a squeeze. The air was full of a deep blue aura. This was much cooler than the flames he normally was overflowing with. There was a calmness in it that betrayed its initial loneliness, something that couldn't yet be explained.
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 10:15 pm
Baroness Youkimi Kai
Living today without a way
To understand the weight of the world
Youkimi knew too well how in the dark she was, especially with these political patterns she was not familiar with. She didn't know why she had been invited. She wasn't sure if it was only for appearance's sake, or if it was for her opinion and thoughts concerning Ethe. She wasn't sure if her words would mean much in the long run. She didn't know what her opinion was worth or if they were being honestly considered. The uncertainty of it was what bothered her alongside this newest shock. She didn't even know what was going on with her own nobility, kinsfolk, or the royalty that she was sworn to uphold! If she couldn't know her own country, what hope did she have of understanding foreign politics?
Ethe... if unclaimed, would become a war ground. The kingdoms would try to claim it, if the queen relinquished it by economic means.... These were not happy thoughts.
She shook her head and exhaled a sigh. So much to consider... so much to figure out.
Her eyes returned to Dixon as he spoke. There was no need to apologize. At the time, the decision made perfect sense. The situation was desperate within Ethe. If she found a way to establish short-term help, then the country would be able to recover faster. Dixon was able to speak and relate to the common folk and the gentry in a way that she was unable to. He was more easily able to rally those who were still in the country. They would listen to him. What he accomplished was evident in the loyalty of those he so powerfully defended. She knew so little of the land, of how it was to be worked, how to develop mines or to find them again. Her work was with people and those who considered themselves noble.
She hadn't expected the count to wrap his arms around her. She was still as he poured his heart out. He was hurting... it was evident in his voice. She could hear it. When they first met, he was so brave and bold, he would keep that wild confidence at the forefront of his demeanor, never allowing others to suspect weakness from him. His knuckles were callused from the fights he waged. Now... circumstances were such that he would apologize with this depth of feeling?
.... He was holding her.
She closed her eyes and touched her forehead to his chest. Her nose tingled and she trembled. How did this happen? Why all at once? How was he going to make this right? Did he have a plan? Was it possible? Would it be fixed? It still could...
Don't cry. She thought it was her mother's voice. A noblewoman does not allow herself to be seen crying by another.
She hated this uncertainty. She despised the dread and worry. She was so tired and anxious. She felt she hadn't done enough. She didn't know if it was doing any good. Her country deserved better than to be divided by the other nations. Its people deserved a stable home.
"You've grown to be very strong, Dixon."
OoC: Sorry about the tower of words. Youkimi clearly has a lot on her mind. sweatdrop
Once my heart beat to the
Rhythm of the falling snow
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:52 pm
✺Forgotten SonOutfit(Oh, no, not even. I enjoy reading your posts. Most well-written of anyone I post with. 3nodding ) Vulnerable, yes; out of the fight, no way. Dixon remembered the last time he showed anything akin to a sensitive side to Youkimi. It was after his last scuffle with the Duke of Whist. The Duke had been beaten, and, being petty and bitter to the end, spewed venom everywhere in his final throes--social death, that is.
It came in the form of a series of forged letters, written much too beautifully to possibly be Dixon's, between himself and a number of high-ranking nobles' and rich merchants' wives, that were as scandalous as they could have been. It was a real catch-22 for Dixon, and for a moment it looked like the end of the line for the count's run as a rising noble from a resurrected house. Everything worked out in the end--somehow--Dixon even being praised as quite the epistler when it was all said and done, but there was a time when Youkimi got to see a sliver of that hard, lacquered exterior the count wore peel away to reveal a soft inside that absorb all that pain regardless of appearances. This, as Dixon stoked Youkimi's back gently and took on her worry, was what it looked like when he was completely naked of that finish.
"Nonsense," whispered the count as he loosened his grip on Youkimi and held her by the elbows at arm's length. "I'm just a brawler from the old country. You're the one who has this whole act down pat."
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From there it was smiles again. Dixon, deciding it better to walk to stir up new ideas, lead Youkimi down the bank of the huge delta. Every once in a while a fish would jump at either of them; they jumped too, and when the initial shock was over they would laugh at how skittish this whole ordeal had made them.
Rather than avoid the subject, though, the count pressed on confidently. It seemed as though the time for worrying was at an end, or at least paused by the supernatural bending of time performed here at the water's edge. It wasn't long before both were able to speak confidently about their ideas and plans going forward. Dixon, of course, was a bit louder and excited-sounding, but that was to be expected.
His plan was simple: make them build the nation up one county at a time; taking credit for the leadership all the way to show the crown that it was the Ethe nobility that still held strength; that under those faithful to the land and its people the nation would bloom again. He had explained that he was aware that nobles didn't like to be given ultimatums, so...
"So," he said clapping his hands together in summation, "that's why I wanted to talk to you today. No matter what, they listen to you. They see you as one of their own. I saw the way the prince looked at you," said the count with something of a chuckle; "he thinks you're his. If they see you as outranking me--which they do--then they must listen to your counter-proposals with straining ears." He gave her that confident smirk again, coming to a stop. The sun caught in Dixon's hair was like diamonds in the ocean. "That's why I'll go high and you go 'low.'"
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 2:57 pm
Baroness Youkimi Kai
Living today without a way
To understand the weight of the world
She had the act. That was fair, she supposed, as she was raised to live and breathe everything that was classified as 'high society'. She wanted to believe that she still had influence. Though... now that Dixon brought it again to mind, there was a point made. She was being heard. She might have had some concern with his phrasing, but yes... the prince was attentive to what she had to say. If this continued to be the case, then perhaps he could be reasoned with. However, from the sound of things, the republic was not designed to be handled like a monarchy was. It was similar to handling an entire court. To effect proper change, one needed to convince multiple people.
She looked to his eyes. The confidence in his smile was reassuring. As though nothing could stop him. Familiar. Comforting.
They could do this.
It was a simple matter to continue discussion and conversation in this calmer and less-official setting. The open world seemed to have its own kind of private atmosphere that encouraged open ideas. (Yes, she was startled by a fish... Though she would be loath to admit that her nerves were so out of sorts to be caught off guard by something so natural.)
The plan sounded simple. It was definitely bold, though. It seemed like mutiny in a way, to work like this. On the other hand, if it did get the queen's attention and she came to their aid, the kingdom might be better able to rally together. Ah, but it was so bold. Building a kingdom and then announcing it. It wasn't how Youkimi normally handled these things.
Though, given the situation, perhaps this was the time when boldness was necessary.
"Why do you laugh?" She seemed to frown and turn away. It was embarrassing enough that she remembered so clearly how soon the two of them responded to her expression. Fortunately, there was more to his point then his own amusement. She was able to look back to her trusted friend. Confident and strong. "I'll see what I can do. I don't predict that any of this will be easy, however. Words are the weapons of those who profess to work in concert with others."
OoC: Thank you. :] That makes me feel much better! I'll try not to worry so much. ^^
Once my heart beat to the
Rhythm of the falling snow
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 6:06 pm
✺Forgotten SonOutfit
"That's alright." Dixon crossed his arms after an assured thumb of his nose. "Whatever they dish out, we'll just keep coming. If--" Something caught his eye. It was just a shadow on the edge of his vision, but he turned when he heard the beating of small wings. A distant cousin? Well, maybe, but it was a carrier pigeon for sure, and it was headed straight for Youkimi.
"Someone's popular..." The bird landed on an old post near the bank. In its foot was a small wooden tube. It dropped it and took off again after a glance of eye contact--or so it seemed--with the baroness. "I'm not keeping you from anything, am I?" asked the count. It hadn't quite occurred to him that Youkimi was busier than she let on, but he didn't really want to make too many compromises. This talk had to happen. He allowed her time to gather the message, brush-kicking the coarse sand with his bare foot.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 6:23 pm
Baroness Youkimi Kai
Living today without a way
To understand the weight of the world
Youkimi wasn't aware of any plans. Nothing that couldn't be done on her own schedule, anyway. She shook her head as she took the tube and carefully removed the letter. The bird did deliberately direct her attention to the case before its departure, but this was the case with carrier pidgeons. Remarkable little birds. Animals, yes, but there was a magical means they possessed that allowed them to identify a person by means of their name.
Or, that was the going understanding of the creature.
"Nothing that I was aware of," she answered quietly. She removed the letter, carefully shut without a crest on the wax seal. Normally it was a matter of pride for someone to use a seal. Anyone could just shut the letter with wax and let it cool. She would read into the contents of the letter soon enough. She made no attempt to hide the letter from Dixon, should he choose to read over her shoulder. Correspondence to her was never something she had reason to hide. The paper was clean, suggesting that it was in reserve and in good condition. Likely someone from means was able to send this letter. The hand that penned the letter was careful and deliberate, but there was a heaviness to it that suggested weighty emotion.
Addressed to the Faux Councilwoman from Ethe known as Lady Kai. At your earliest convenience please report to Castle Bellris, as it would be to the Head Councilwoman's pleasure to see to whom Sir Roland Bellris has suggested to fill a chair on the Council of Bellris.
~ X
Pressure... and heavy on the ink. The words were clear, yes, but Youkimi did not exactly feel any manner of pleasure from the words. Perhaps it was how she was referred to as faux. False. A reference to this not being official? How it was phrased seemed to be a stab, an aggressive use of words. How the letter was signed very simply without a signature was a layer of obscurity that might either be caution, pride, or defense. If it was the Head Councilwoman's pleasure to meet her, why not sign her name? Was this to give said individual the chance to deny having sent the letter if something went wrong? A layer of caution or forgery?
A forgery seemed a bit unlikely, given the context of the letter. How many might have actually known about the discussion she had with the prince? Odds were such an individual would only have heard from the prince himself. Higher chance of them being a member of the council, if this was true.
"I do not like this." She said quietly to herself. She didn't like the tone that came from the letter.
OoC: Letter Received. The intrigue continues!
Once my heart beat to the
Rhythm of the falling snow
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