Phoebos was a nation she wished to understand better, as she imagined there were reasons he held to tradition. At the same time, knowledge was only half of the battle. The other half was bringing one's knowledge forward and making it useful. She hoped that talking with the king would give her more to work with, perhaps to the mutual benefit of both nations. Ethe might have split from the empire, but it was still a neighboring nation.
However, she didn't have it in her agenda to convince Phoebos to break from the empire if they desired still to be a part of it. It was one thing to convince a nation to do it, but to try and persuade another nation where one had very limited influence?
Youkimi felt that she was a decent negotiator, but she doubted that she had so high a level of affluence and influence to persuade another nation.
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom Of a thousand years A world in fire and chains and fear
Xerseis hummed. Now there was a thought. Would the king wish to make this kind of break? Perhaps that was also something to look into.
He rubbed his chin and seemed to grow very thoughtful. He started to wonder if this line of thinking could be used to persuade other heads of nations to stand on their own... but then the nations would have to interact with eachother a bit more often. The kingdoms were barely peaceful neighbors even under the empire's reign. Is the empress afraid of losing them, or is she more afraid of the change? After that, is she more nervous of that change, or that there would be more wars?
Leads me to a place so far Deep down it lies my secret vision I better keep it safe
Cotton Shorts Kid
Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 5:29 pm
✺ Forgotten Son
EC: 100
"Furthermore," continued the count, taking this time to hash out all that had entered his mind recently--and taking their silence as his welcome to do so--"I fear that any Lionis involvement will come too slow and be dreadfully inaccurate--harmful, I'm sure--to any nation under its loving gaze. Phobos would do well to recognise this, as I'm sure our good duke has seen in play." He allowed his eyes to track over to the crystalline dragon, resting there with a certain sharpness. He wasn't referring to things he did not know...
"--So too, I fear, their treatment of whatever crisis may come of the oracle's words. If we are to see this matter through, it must be done with the neat speed that has kept my secret..." Something seemed to brake the count. His mouth continued to flap for a small moment, but there was definitely a struggle there to hurdle over something. He snapped his attention from the floor, embarrassed smile taking over from the cool smirk he displayed earlier.
"... Well. Suffice to say we all have our urgent matters." Dixon thought it best to come forth with it. "Recently myself and the lady Marigold have discovered a being masquerading as the late goddess. When this is seen through, I should think that would be next on my list." The light in his eyes was dulled to a small degree. Dixon had really grown to resent the supernatural...
Indeed, they had plenty of poof, Youkimi felt herself think as she reflected back on their experiences. She also hoped that the king would either reply to her letter or come to call so that their business could be taken care of, and hopefully they could move forward as nations.
Anything would help, and if what the crystalline dragon reported was true... they couldn't afford to be worrying about their neighbors or the aftermath if they wanted the nations to be at their best strength. Lionis and Bellris had suffered the most losses, as the reports came, from their last battle... Would they be prepared for what was to come?
And now Dixon mentioned another... Her shoulders sank and she closed her eyes. Was this really happening?
She opened her eyes again. "And... pray tell... what do you think should be done for that particular being? You mentioned meeting them. Do they strike you as dangerous? That they can be pacified or reasoned with?"
Would they even want to be a citizen of Ethe? Free to live instead of to dominate and to be separate?
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom Of a thousand years A world in fire and chains and fear
Xerseis couldn't agree more. He wished to have only the fastest response time available for the threat, and if he was to be believed, then only-
A knock on the door behind him turned his head. Led into the room was a phoenix, but who wore the colors of Phoebos. The creature decided to walk into the room and displayed his full plumage, which seemed shades of silvers and whites that shifted together like glass on snow.
The bird bowed and entered the room. Its eyes were almost as brilliant a gold as Xerseis, and though they made eye contact, they shared no words. Then the phoenix reached into a bag attached to his back, and he withdrew a small parcel. Xerseis took this and unwrapped it carefully. A small gemstone, cracked in the middle, and otherwise seeming to be flawed, yet his eyes saw more.
He offered a word of thanks and the phoenix bowed and excused himself.
The dragon pondered what he saw in the crystal, and seemed distracted for a time. When he returned to the present, his hand closed around the crystal.
We have less time than I thought.... He frowned. "And news of yet another. ... I won't pretend that I don't miss the days when all I needed to concern myself with was the matters of mortals, scandals, and business affairs."
He exhaled slowly and glanced to Dixon. "I might have to leave sooner than expected, good friend. I need to check on... the one I mentioned before, who is in a stone box."
Leads me to a place so far Deep down it lies my secret vision I better keep it safe
Cotton Shorts Kid
Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 12:07 pm
✺ Forgotten Son
EC: 100
Youkimi's concerns cut right through the facade that had kept him as an authoritative figure these past months. She was right and he knew it. He shook his head softly, saying, "Without a doubt." He hung his head for just a moment--yes, it was only meant to last until he found something else to say--and suddenly the count found himself doubled over, clutching his head. The pain that ran through his head was like a hot poker.
There was a vision that accompanied it; with the same aggression it stole on his mind with flashes of images, the sensations of crawling, writhing, searing pain too, and screams that could be called howling. There was a word, a name, a title... Seraph.
Dixon slowly came to. It was about the time that the duke had started speaking. He straightened himself out and faced the both of them, uneasiness in pallor where his face should have been. "... Youkimi." His eyes grazed the floor again. "Be safe."
"... And try not to worry too much." His eyes never again reached her as he spun slowly on his soles and left without ceremony out the front door. Bernard and the others were moving as though nothing had happened; Dixon seemed to be motionless, only gradually fading into the glaze of the horizon.
Once outside he glanced to his side, checking if the duke was near. A simple nod was all that was needed between the two. Dixon knew that to fly was a risk. Thankfully he had his horse. And it was fast. He pulled his Inox blade from the ground and whistled for his mount, finding it hard to tell except by sound when it was close.
And he rode off on invisibility toward uncertainty...
And then, the mood of the room changed. Dixon, after hearing her, seemed to double over. Also in that moment, a phoenix she didn't recognize in the slightest entered, and oddly was in full plume as he delivered something to the dragon. Nothing was audibly said, though Dixon was in enough agony to cause her to worry deeply. What was going on?
Then the silver phoenix left. Then the dragon stared at.... a crystal.
.... It was as though he didn't even notice what Dixon was going through or showed any concern!
Youkimi stood, feeling like the dragon probably wouldn't have been able to notice or care, and she reached for Dixon's shoulder. He came around again... but slowly. He said her name, but his face was pale and his expression unsettled.
..... After that, he told her not to worry too much? He was telling the pragmatist not to worry? What had happened?
But then, he excused himself, and she had nothing to say. The crystal dragon, likewise, seemed to excuse himself, just as abruptly, but with more words.
"Dixon, please call on Kaishin when you return." One could tell a person not to worry, but it was about as effective as telling an anxious person to calm down.
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom Of a thousand years A world in fire and chains and fear
Then it seemed that he was leaving with the count. He bade the regent a farewell and exited on Dixon's heels. He had little fear of flying, for the crystalline form was always difficult to make out in full flight. Almost as soon as he stepped outside, one of his knights took wing with him, sporting his sharp silvery plumage and ready to battle. He would be appraised of the situation on the way.
Strike hard. Strike fast. Be what the enemy does not expect.
[Exit]
Leads me to a place so far Deep down it lies my secret vision I better keep it safe
Cotton Shorts Kid
Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 10:09 pm
Cotton Shorts Kid
Rihenian
Black Athame
Location:: Company:: Clothing:: Dixon's Gifted Black Dress Feeling:: Condition:: Healthy Currency:: $0 EC Items:: Her Arcana cards and Twin Hidden Daggers Active Cards::
(For more info click her photo) 0 The Fool:✔✔✔ I The Magician:✔✔✔ II The High Priestess:✔✔✔ III The Empress:✔✔✔ IV The Emperor:✔✔✔ V The Hierophant:✔✔✔ VI The Lovers:✔✔✔ VII The Chariot:✔✔✔ VIII Justice:✔✔✔ IX The Hermit:✔✔✔ X Wheel of Fortune:✔✔✔ XI Strength:✔✔✔ XII The Hanged Man:✔[/green]✔✔ XIII Death:✔[/green]✔✔ XIV Temperance:✔✔✔ XV The Devil:✔✔✔ XVI The Tower:✔✔✔ XVII The Star:✔✔✔ XVIII The Moon:✔✔✔ XIX The Sun:✔✔✔ XX Judgement:✔✔✔ XXI The World:✔✔✔
OOC:: Ugh, I wish I would have posted sooner! >w<
Princess Esther Drosselmyer of Lionis
Yesterday was almost like a dream with Count Dixon and her heart still swoon over the magnificence that was revealed to her yesterday. All her life she was taught that Lionis was best and that nothing in the world could compare to that kingdom, but after being shown what hard work and real grit can create she was beginning to see that most of what she knew was false. Good thing her spies and soldiers were still real. After being sent a letter from her head spy in Lionis Esther had found out that everyone, staff and guards alike, were fired from the castle's service and sent packing out of the castle; So to speak. A clever move on her cousin's part, but it was of little consequence to the once princess of Lionis. All it meant was that her 10,000 hired untrained armymen will be marching onto Dixon's land soon...which would be something she needs to tell him, before the knights of Ethe run them down into the ground; Esther obviously knowing her untrained men were no match for a kingdom's trained killers.
Free as a bird and early to rise, Esther had woken very much earlier and had a maid follow her around the lands to pick fresh flowers to be made into oils. Esther also had the maid pick a few berries for them to snack on just before returning to the Count's home. She felt she made a slight connection with the maid but the past of her father's rule did shine through; In the form of a question which earned the maid a back handed slap to the face. Threatened to keep quite about what had happened, the maid was swift to rush off and make the oils as commanded while Esther began looking for Dixon. She was told by a manservant that the Count was busy in a very important meeting, and while Esther lazily tried demanding she be let in the manservant wouldn't allow it.
Esther hadn't pressed the issue, and for good reason. She knew she didn't need anyone's premission to do anything she wished, so long as she had the capability and wit to do so. And so, with that in heart, Esther nonchalantly walked away until she had turned a corner and was sure no eyes were around. From there she placed a hand between her breast, upon the magic symbol on her skin, and summoned her mother's ancient magic; A magic gifted to her family since many many life times ago. She combined the powers of two tarot cards for what she sought after; First the use of The Hanging Man would make her invisible to a certain degree but her ghostly image would then be made to look like nothing but floating dust specs with the power of illusion the card of Death granted her.
With ease the woman walked past the man who had denied her, childishly sticking her tongue out before flipping him off, and then she phased through the doors and walls until she was there by the side of her knight in shining armor; Dixon. She had just arrived in time to catch the tail end of it all and it silently frustrated her that she was so late. "Any Lionis involvement will come too slow and be dreadfully inaccurate.""The lady Marigold have discovered a being masquerading as the late goddess." What did all of this mean? What sort of secrets did the count truly hold and what sort of conspirators society was the queen regent a part of with her knight and his friend, the esteemed Ali of Phobos. They left almost as soon as she entered, again, to her frustration, but as soon as they were gone she soon found Bernard and let her magic slowly drop so she would suddenly appear in front of him like a witch or a goddess. "Ohhhh Bernard~! What do you know about the queen regent Youkimi and why she came to visit Dixon today?" Though she asked with a smile...there was a frightful sense of possessiveness as she waited and wanted an answer to her question.
That day had been very interesting indeed. A few silent cues from the count had the head butler running this way and that to keep the others busy in a way that kept them out of the path of the count. Really, it wasn't as complicated as one might believe at first. There was so much work to be done around there anyway, even with some kin of nigh clairvoyant perception there was just so much a body could focus on when so much of the budding (budding from the original body, not as a plant--plant in the ashy loam, mm?) nation's success and profitability rested on the strength of these suited and duded maids and butlers, ranchers and soldiers, artists and artisans' soldiers. Right.
So it was that the hive kept on buzzing. The princess was stirred into this recipe for intrigue by showing her up to the hillside after breakfast to see what was being willed to life by the deft hands of the master sculptor in that small cabin-studio. This was the pride of Titania, masked by its own unassuming countenance. Inside the capo maestro was hard at work; Bernard made the informed decision to come today, knowing that the master would not be drafting but indeed taking chisel and cudgel to stone and shedding away what was unnecessary from the living art beneath.
It was to be a representation of one of the queens of Bellris--at least some paragon of beauty in the neighboring country's history--modeled after the Baronet Basina Marigold. This was the type of battle the count preferred to wage, if the truth must be stated plainly.
A slight misstep...
Bernard was back, but Dixon had not left yet. Not good. He knew the count was going to have guests today, knew who they were, but the man could only do so much with that short notice. Esther would hear what she would hear and the head butler would scramble to find her, nearly slamming into her in the hall as she arrested his attention swiftly like an apparition, like a low bark in the night's silver fog. "M-M-My lady!" For the first time in so long the butler seemed to lose his eloquence. This was the man who had stood in the palace, for Pelib's sake! "I'm afraid I know little. The regent meets with the count regularly to discuss matters of importance in the realm..."
Lord Hedo
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 9:32 am
Cotton Shorts Kid
Rihenian
Black Athame
Location:: Company:: Clothing:: Dixon's Gifted Black Dress Feeling:: Condition:: Healthy Currency:: $0 EC Items:: Her Arcana cards and Twin Hidden Daggers Active Cards::
(For more info click her photo) 0 The Fool:✔✔✔ I The Magician:✔✔✔ II The High Priestess:✔✔✔ III The Empress:✔✔✔ IV The Emperor:✔✔✔ V The Hierophant:✔✔✔ VI The Lovers:✔✔✔ VII The Chariot:✔✔✔ VIII Justice:✔✔✔ IX The Hermit:✔✔✔ X Wheel of Fortune:✔✔✔ XI Strength:✔✔✔ XII The Hanged Man:✔[/green]✔✔ XIII Death:✔[/green]✔✔ XIV Temperance:✔✔✔ XV The Devil:✔✔✔ XVI The Tower:✔✔✔ XVII The Star:✔✔✔ XVIII The Moon:✔✔✔ XIX The Sun:✔✔✔ XX Judgement:✔✔✔ XXI The World:✔✔✔
OOC:: ^ ^
Princess Esther Drosselmyer of Lionis
Oh no! Now that answer won't do for the princess of the empire; The true noble of Lionis.
"Of course she does. After all, Dixon is actually doing something for this kingdom." She huffed lightly with he fake happy smile slowly dying into the true unhappy snarky expression she was actually feeling. "But you must have at least a fraction of an idea what goes on in those meeting. After all, it seems like you and your master are friendly with one another. Or at the very least, he doesn't beat you around like a ragdoll." It didn't sit well with Esther not being involved with things and information being passed through without her knowledge and it was something she felt she'd have to maybe correct, depending how the count behaves himself in later days to come. She didn't like not feeling as if she were the ruler but she had to come to terms with ha fact she wasn't calling the shots anymore.
Though, this wasn't going to stop her from agenda nor in creating a new life for herself with the people she would now chose to trust herself with.
(Ya know, I considered waiting for you to earlier, but c'est la vie ¯_(ツ)_/¯ )
"Yes, well..." Bernard didn't quite know what to say to all this. Her tone did seem to point to something, some goal of their talk, but the content didn't seem to match up with its innocuity. Bernard was beginning to feel uncomfortable as he was confused. He tried to relax and speak in a measured way.
"The master is very busy--for this reason, so am I--but no, I must admit I am treated well." There was a pause. Bernard angled his head down just enough to pull a glint from the upper edge of his glasses. "However, I also must admit that his lordship only informs me of his plans as they relate to me. Just so that I can be efficient..."
Lord Hedo
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 3:28 pm
Cotton Shorts Kid
Location:: Company:: Clothing:: Dixon's Gifted Black Dress Feeling:: Condition:: Healthy Currency:: $0 EC Items:: Her Arcana cards and Twin Hidden Daggers Active Cards::
(For more info click her photo) 0 The Fool:✔✔✔ I The Magician:✔✔✔ II The High Priestess:✔✔✔ III The Empress:✔✔✔ IV The Emperor:✔✔✔ V The Hierophant:✔✔✔ VI The Lovers:✔✔✔ VII The Chariot:✔✔✔ VIII Justice:✔✔✔ IX The Hermit:✔✔✔ X Wheel of Fortune:✔✔✔ XI Strength:✔✔✔ XII The Hanged Man:✔[/green]✔✔ XIII Death:✔[/green]✔✔ XIV Temperance:✔✔✔ XV The Devil:✔✔✔ XVI The Tower:✔✔✔ XVII The Star:✔✔✔ XVIII The Moon:✔✔✔ XIX The Sun:✔✔✔ XX Judgement:✔✔✔ XXI The World:✔✔✔
OOC:: Precisely! After all, the show must go on! xd
Princess Esther Drosselmyer of Lionis
"Of course! Why would I think you would know anything of what Dixon truly dose." He was just the help. But then again she was asking herself was he lying? Did he know more than he let on or did Bernard truly not know what was going on? For now she'd let him believe she was on a silent tirade, a storm off a island paradise, before continuing on her walk; Her sharp tone kindly asking for help from the head butler himself. "Since you couldn't help me with my curiosity maybe you can remind me where the messenger birds are. I have a few letters I wish to write, which reminds me that you'll need to find me parchment and quill, please." She was seeing now that she could not be idol in this house. There was always something happening here that was working for a future and she herself was not going to be a docile pet kitten for a charming man who kept her in the dark.
If Dixon was expecting a housemate that would just tease and please him while he managed the world around her then he was in store for a while lot more.
Minding his business, generally, came the knight into the estate. He knew his way around, for he was trusted with a number of things, but on this day, he found his thoughts distracted, and he wasn't certain why this was.
Perhaps he could clear his head with a drink or lighthearted conversation. He was going toward the kitchen when he saw the visiting princess and Bernard.
Oh? He heard that she had moved to Ethe, but what was the conversation about? ... The atmosphere had shifted somewhat, moving away from earlier tension that he could just barely make out... but he knew that it might surface again.
On passing, he stopped to offer a slight bow. They at least had to know he wasn't trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.
Lord Hedo
Cotton Shorts Kid
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 8:32 pm
Cotton Shorts Kid
Rihenian
Location:: Company:: Clothing:: Dixon's Gifted Black Dress Feeling:: Condition:: Healthy Currency:: $0 EC Items:: Her Arcana cards and Twin Hidden Daggers Active Cards::
(For more info click her photo) 0 The Fool:✔✔✔ I The Magician:✔✔✔ II The High Priestess:✔✔✔ III The Empress:✔✔✔ IV The Emperor:✔✔✔ V The Hierophant:✔✔✔ VI The Lovers:✔✔✔ VII The Chariot:✔✔✔ VIII Justice:✔✔✔ IX The Hermit:✔✔✔ X Wheel of Fortune:✔✔✔ XI Strength:✔✔✔ XII The Hanged Man:✔✔✔ XIII Death:✔✔✔ XIV Temperance:✔✔✔ XV The Devil:✔✔✔ XVI The Tower:✔✔✔ XVII The Star:✔✔✔ XVIII The Moon:✔✔✔ XIX The Sun:✔✔✔ XX Judgement:✔✔✔ XXI The World:✔✔✔
OOC::
Princess Esther Drosselmyer of Lionis
She was on her marching glide through the halls when an unexpected figure emerged on her path. Dressed in black with sword by his side, Esther was immediately put on guard as she drew closer to him and stopped in front of the bowing man with her regal blue eyes gazing down at him. "And just who might you be?" Her arms were placed on her hips like a scolding mother and she showed no signs of bowing back to the man as her unimpressed scowl sat upon her perfectly fine pink lips.
She may be a lady of pampering and lavish style but wasn't a pushover either. She didn't know this man and as such she would treat him like any stranger; Her hands were sly and ready to reach for one of her knives strapped to her thigh under her dress if needed.
The knight didn't seem the least but ruffled as he straightened. A lady never needed to bow to a knight of his standing, regardless of social class. He did so out of respect and because it was tradition to do so, especially in the house of an ally or employer.
"I am Hisoka Uro, knight of Kaishin entrusted to Count Titanus." His arms were relaxed at his sides, and his weapon was on his right side, blade turned upward, where it would be harder to draw. He was not in hostile territory, and as long as that was true, his weapon would not be on his left side. Naturally, situations could change. However, as Hisoka understood, any who were able to speak to the butler so familiarly and had no concern about the guards was likely someone who was welcome here.
"I am afraid I have not made your acquaintance, my lady."
Lord Hedo
Cotton Shorts Kid
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 7:30 pm
"Of course, milady..." And so the butler dipped his head and swirled off into the midday sun-shimmer as a curl of oil in a lethargically draining river or some whirling dervish spun away to the realms of the Peries and the minds of thousand-eyed gods. His gait was that of a man who thought not of his steps but of the destination; it was trained, solid, with just enough bounce.
Elsewhere, enjoying a momentary break in the storm, the capo maestro of the estate was striking up a nicely packed pipe. Stray drips from fresh blocks of marble and unfinished sculptures were as faires, owning, defining their world as something secret; they tucked it away and laughed to themselves, knowing what the master had yet to learn.
He watched as a line of ants made their way from the small barracks at the edge of the estate land--that is, the portion of Titania which the count himself would pay taxes on--drew themselves onto the horizon. Perfect designo! Now this was something the maestro could appreciate. Such a shame that it would soon become a struggle between apathy and soreness as the soldiers began their daily routine. If he were closer, he could of course admit, there would be a myriad of inspiring scenes in the men's faces and straining limbs, but as it was...
The group marched past by the knight and the princess as they spoke, some taking to the air to begin their drills, flipping and diving like mad bats above a flat plain that seemed to hold more like than the slopes around.
Location:: Company:: Clothing:: Dixon's Gifted Black Dress Feeling:: Condition:: Healthy Currency:: $0 EC Items:: Her Arcana cards and Twin Hidden Daggers Active Cards::
(For more info click her photo) 0 The Fool:✔✔✔ I The Magician:✔✔✔ II The High Priestess:✔✔✔ III The Empress:✔✔✔ IV The Emperor:✔✔✔ V The Hierophant:✔✔✔ VI The Lovers:✔✔✔ VII The Chariot:✔✔✔ VIII Justice:✔✔✔ IX The Hermit:✔✔✔ X Wheel of Fortune:✔✔✔ XI Strength:✔✔✔ XII The Hanged Man:✔✔✔ XIII Death:✔✔✔ XIV Temperance:✔✔✔ XV The Devil:✔✔✔ XVI The Tower:✔✔✔ XVII The Star:✔✔✔ XVIII The Moon:✔✔✔ XIX The Sun:✔✔✔ XX Judgement:✔✔✔ XXI The World:✔✔✔
OOC:: Sorry for the wait
Princess Esther Drosselmyer of Lionis
Nor shall you, Esther was tempted to snip at the man but seeing as he hadn't done a single thing to earn that yet she would instead act politely to another of Dixon's friends. After all, if she was to be kept here she would have to know her role and play nice. "Nor have I ever seen you. So I'll begin." With a small curtsy the once known princess let her name be known to the knight who'll be protecting her as much as Dixon; Hopefully. "I am Esther Drosselmyer, friend of Dixon and commander of the last ten thousand Drosselmyer soldiers." With her back straighten she smiles kindly but with pride about her new self appointed titles; especially that army part.
The group of Dixon's men came marching by and at the sight of them Esther couldn't hide her eyes from them. Such strapping fine and strong men was a nice bit of eye candy but their scents would make her think of Dixon and how he must have personally trained these men just as Roland had done with his own soldiers. It had Esther now thinking un-ladylike ideas about her with her Dixon and with a blush she adverted her eyes and looked back to the new knight, Hisoka Uro, then began walking once again. "Come with us Hisoka. Bernard was just about to show me to the messenger birds so I may write to a few people."
As they walk Esher then turned to both the men, Bernard & Hisoka, and asked a simple question. "Are you both phoenix? I know most of Ethe is but I'm curious if either of you come from another land." Though she highly doubt it.
