|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 11:48 am
"I'm not sure which of those two options are better," Shun mumbled to himself, having little love for these gatherings himself. Unfortunately for himself, he'd likely have to deal with these things more often now than before.
Once inside, he frowned at how ornate and elaborate everything was inside. Artwork of of the nobles themselves seemed to be all over the place. People all around seemed to be overly dressed as well.
Somehow he had a feeling this was going to be a long night.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 5:57 pm
Lord Samvath looked down at Talon for a moment studying him, and sizing him up. Things where his daughter was involved even with associates needed to be scrutinised to maintain his daughter's safety. And what could be safer than with the general who could also become a great role model and help her grow.
"You are quite welcome" he spoke grasping Talon's hand firmly and giving it a shake, "The General is here as well are you not also accompanying her?" he had caught a glimpse of her with one of the three as they headed down the stairs. The man himself had the eyes of an eagle able to distinguish each family in the crowd with a slight glance, and he very much prided himself on it.
"Talon is here as a friend." Ranee interjected, Ciel gave a squawk rustling his feathers and tilting his head to stare at moe.
“Ah I see,” he studied his daughter then for a moment with the same ice lavender eyes as Ranee “I do hope this isn’t another scheme you’ve come up with the avoid Cole.” His voice changed to a sterner tone “You know I’ll have none of it you will marry him, but we will discuss this again Latter.”
“Of course.” Ranee smiled innocently(which to Talon might seem rather out of place), as a servant came up.
“Milord, the emperor is approaching.” The servant gave a bow.
“Ah yes, right on time as usual.” Lord Samvath “I had wished us both to greet him however I’m sure you need to find Cole.” And with that the Nobleman headed to the Entrance to greet the Emperor himself in a grand fashion and the servant followed.
The thoughts that ran through Ranee’s head whenever Cole was mentioned, where horrific, good thing no one could read minds they might not come back out unscathed. Ranee gave a slight smile when she saw Moe. How cute one of her servants had dressed him when she was talking to father. "One of the maids must have decided he needed to be spruced for the occasion, and he tried to find you on his own." Ranee explained. But now she had to find that distasteful man.
Damnit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ice_Dragon_Demon
Ice_Dragon_Demon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:31 pm
Rish only gave Shun a side glance in response. She was unsure herself which was the better option, it all boiled down to just hating being in such a predicament.
"I fully intend to hit a bar after this....." Rish sighed as she was promptly approached by a mob of brown nosed nobles. All of the like ignoring Shun as he was of no way a step to further their purpose. One of them, a porkly looking old chap, nearly wedged him self between the two, only stopping because of a rather threatening glare from the general. He backed away slowly, but kept close so he could get his words in.
Luckily before any of them could go into a deep discussion of their 'agendas' the trumpets went off signaling the entrance of the last guest, the Emperor. Everyone fell silent as attention was promptly turned to the door to see the Figurehead of the entire empire walk through. Rish, by the look on her face, was not impressed by the display or his decorative ceremonial robe. Truly there was no equal in the land, but unimpressive none the less. Personally Rish was still spiteful over this whole deathly 'organoid' chase. The emperor had sealed the death sentence with great enthusiasm. However, that would have to be kept to herself, especially in such a place.
The Emperor looked very pleased with the set up. He had come to expect only the best from the famous Kaul parties, and this one was certainly not a let down. Without any word to his audience he waited for his friend to greet him. The other less important guests went back to whatever it was they were doing to pass the time as the waited for the meal as soon as the music died down.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 7:56 pm
Shun didn't say anything to Pendragon's comment about hitting up a bar after this party. He didn't blame her, but he had little intention to do that himself. There was no need to make a complete and utter fool of himself after this overly grand party. Not to mention he'd rather not deal with tomorrow's training with a hangover.
As the nobles began to swarm them... or the General to be more specific, he had his own usual intense expression on his face. Not that any of them were paying any attention to him, which he was rather grateful of, but they were still crowding around which he really didn't care for. Most likely they all wanted something from Pendragon as well.
Turning his attention to the Emperor as he made his entrance, Shun frowned briefly as the guy was definitely overdressed for the occasion, or for any occasion really. Then again, this Private in particular didn't hold a great deal of respect for the man for a number of reasons, none which he would voice out any time soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:39 pm
Talon was insulted by the way he was spoken down to by the host. Though he did but nod and reply simply, "Normally, yes. However, I was not requested to appear in uniform tonight by her. I can assure you her safety as my colleague will no doubts be accompanying her this evening. "
The subject was turned away and Talon played a good part of innocent bystander caught in a nasty plot to thwart some head of household scheme. It was remarkably similar to the part of temple sidekick and polite and harmless companion. Moe, on the other hand gave off a small growl only to get distracted from the rude and up tight target to the flamboyant peacock. It chirped in hello, and that stumpy tail started waving like mad.
As the father left, he gave a polite nod of the head then scowled deeply, whispering to Ranee, "No wonder you joined the military... " He cleared his throat and held out his arm, "We do best be following your father's orders. And you said you would introduce me to this 'Cole'."
Moe chirped happily and patted at the bells around his neck to show his approval of the decoration. The color was deal-able, but he figured himself more of a red than light red kinda robot. And that Peacock was mighty fancy too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 10:09 pm
Samvath had made sure trumpets had been set by the entrance to announce the emperor and his entourage. The noble gave a deep bow to the Emperor "Welcome once again to my home," he rose "And might I be the first here to wish you a grand birthday as you continue to keep the Empire strong..." there were a few more typical words of flattery before Samvath finished "Please I do hope you will enjoy yourself." Thus was the formal greeting for the public around them, perhaps latter Samvath and the Emperor could talk privately once he tired of the grand party.
Everything had been prepared, he had made sure to have the best and highest class of everything, and everything was spotless enough to shine brilliantly. Every type of food was out for guests to enjoy, and he made sure to have the Emperor's Favourites as well.
Ranee would have grinned however she only allowed herself a light smile “Ah that was one of them.” She whispered back before giving a nod “Ah yes we must indeed.” Her tone became rather formal when she knew other’s where listening. Such was life. “Thanks for the escort, however,” She added “He’ll find us soon.” Ranee started counting down from ten quietly. She’d seen him among the crowd earlier and she was sure he’d seen her, so through the rush of people now that her father had left he’d be appearing. Ugh....
Ciel fluttered its feathers giving a curious look back at moe, chirping its own hello maybe or at least perhaps something equivalent.
“Three, two, one...” Ranee was pretending to look at her nails her aura got slightly darker the further down she counted. How she wished to just squish that man under her redler. God, here comes the embarrassing moron. Hopefully Talon would deter him from acting like a fool. Charlotte was standing near the outskirts of the ballroom; Ranee beckoned her to come...
Right on cue came a loud “Ranee!!” as through the swarm of people came a eccentrically clad man around the same age as Ranee, with dusty blond hair slightly spiked and hazel eyes holding a large bouquet of white desert lilies along with a box of some expensive jewellery. “These are for you; after all you are very much like these desert flower...” He went on for a good 10 minutes of eccentric cheesy lines giving the flower s and present to Ranee, who instantly passed them to Charlotte and quietly whispering ”destroy them”. Cole continued oblivious to what Ranee had just said “Why don’t you ever call me! I am your fiancée, my love expands universes!”
Ranee like Any noble enjoyed flattery but this was just pathetic. And it always got worse, “Cole,” she interjected forcefully “This is Talon Beaureguard, he’s one of my Team mates, he said he wanted to meet you.” Let’s steer the conversation away from her right... please. Ranee with a sweet Smile internally fumed, when this was over... something would be broken in the house, or she’d go to her private gym and destroy the punching bag and picture his face.
Cole paused and his eyes lit “Really, how interesting! I never get to hear about anything from Ranee you have to tell me everything!” he walked over to talon placing one of his arms on Talon’s shoulder being chummy. “She treats me so awful always trying to avoid me...” and he went off on a tangent once more. If she could Ranee would have just clocked him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ice_Dragon_Demon
Ice_Dragon_Demon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 11:08 pm
Once the formal introduction was complete and the conversations resumed Rish quietly excused herself from the presence of the nobles. No doubt the Emperor would be expecting her to come like a good dog, and she best not disappoint. She left it up to Shun whether or not he wanted to follow. That much was conveyed when she turned to look at him before walking off.
Once out of what they assumed to be earshot the nobles begun to mumble amongst themselves about how rude and distasteful she was. Not one of them taking notice of is Shun had stayed or not. It was expected of the sort.
The Emperor nodded to every word Samvath spoke. His smile seemed as though it would break through his face at any moment. "I am excited to see what is in store for this year." He started in his 'airy' voice. Turning 58 and he very well sounded above his age. "And I hope your daughter was pleased with her new honor today? I am sure she will do very well."
It was at that point Rish had silently approached to the two. The only hint to her presence was the soft clank and jingle of her metallic decorations, which fell silent the moment she ceased moving.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 11:23 pm
Before Shun went on to follow the General, he shot the group of nobles nearby a rather sharp look. How typical of them. Quickly turning away from them, he stepped away to keep close to Rish. It wasn't as if he had anything better to do while he was here, especially since he had extremely little desire to mingle with this crowd. Most likely the others around here didn't want to speak with him either, so that worked out rather well.
In any case, he figured he may as well take this seriously and stick close to the General, especially since the other two weren't within his line of sight.
Once in the presence of the Emperor, he gave a light bow. From there, he just stood nearby, idly looking about.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:05 am
He snickered as silently as he could. Though he couldn't help but notice a storm cloud forming around Ranee. Obviously this guy bothered her. But it wasn't his place to do anything other than pester. "Eh. You invited me. Its only fair. " He scanned the crowd and had observed the grand entrance of the Emperor, as well as the followings after. Shun was there, so he saw the man standing back and looking utterly miserable that looked like Shun. And there was the General too...also looking miserable in this setting.
Huh... Well at least misery keeps company, thought Talon. Then again, he was trying to ignore the loud hoots, squeaks, honks, purrs, and chirps ( along with the bells ringing in his ears) from Moe who was quite happy to meet this animal thing.
Ranee started to count down to something, leaving Talon ever confused. Just what was she counting down to...something ominus no doubt. He winced when he heard a loud flamboyant squee of her name followed by gifts that were quite rich. His eye twitched, not because the gifts were horrible--from the blatant reminder of his status in the world and how he'd never be able to afford even a jewel on that ....whatever it was in the jewelery box he managed to get a fleeting glimps at. Oh, and the guy was a gusher of love and happiness and utter ignorance.
Utter dislike turned into shock and that turned into great curiosity. Then again, Talon had the suspicion that if he uttered a word, he'd get twenty minutes of both sides of the argument followed by a summary, and that followed by an epilogue and limrick and some weird analogy about the sun and sea...
Attention was turned to Talon just before his eyes glazed over, thankfully. "Funny. I've heard next to nothing about you and just jumped at the opportunity to meet you. " He grinned at the man, then grimmaced when his personal space was violated via an arm to the shoulder. Moe huffed and tried to scoot this offending hand off of its perch. Psh...humans... "I.... Er.... Yes....But if you .... Oh for ...ugh... " Talon now understood why Ranee never spoke of Cole. Ever. He asked for this. Yes...He did. Aside to Ranee while her fiancée was on whatever topic he was on, he whispered through a sigh, "My, he's a doting chatterbox... "
He cleared his throat and interjected as politely as he could."Cole... Sir... Not to be rude and overstep my place, but has anyone ever told you you ramble too much? " Talon said with a wide grin on his face that hid--rather well considering the circumstance-- any will to give the boy a silencing gut check. "Anyways... What do you do for a living? Or rather, what is your family's relation with the Kaul's. I'm new to this politic came and would love some pointers. " Liiiiiess...But hey, a good way to learn about every person here with minimal effort. And to keep him talking so Talon to go through his wallet... Why not right?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 9:55 am
"I do promise it to be grand; we've hired fire spinners and acrobats this year for a joint performance along with two smaller performances by them earlier." Samvath said a wide smile crossed "She was indeed, promising her best, and she will not disappoint."
The Lord turned his head for a moment to glance back at his daughter, good she'd found Cole. The boy had good parents, however even Samvath thought his personality left much to be desired. Such was the tradition and thus it would be so. Samvath turned his attention to the approaching party.
"Ah General Pendragon, and the Empire's Hero." he said as he had seen her and Shun from the corner of his eye. Even he'd been surprised by the sudden change in decision. A shame really, but it didn't look like she was any less fit for the job. "Care to join us?"
Ranee gave a nod, "I did," she confirmed while Cole was going through poetry or something. "Because you wanted to meet him."
Ranee scanned the party and from what she could see Shun and The General had met up with both her father and The Emperor. However the two seemed to look rather gloomy... or at least something was hovering over their heads. An irritating voice dragged her back to the conversation with Cole. ugh... though at first it seemed as though Talon couldn't Stand the guy.
"And this is the main reason Why I joined the military." she whispered back, Cole was completely oblivious since he was midway into his speech. He had charisma you couldn't doubt that. Ranee chuckled as moe tried to get his shoulder back, Ciel even squawked irritably about some fool thing not shutting up. The bird ended up rubbing against Ranee.
"Yeah you are a pretty bird aren't you Ceil, don't worry He'll finish soon." she stroked the birds neck.
"Ah yes I get that all the time," Cole grinned widely back ignoring moe who was just trying to get his spot back. "Honestly though I can't understand why, there are so many words I can use to describe my love.." as he started to go on another tangent Talon's next comment brought him right back.
"Ah my Family," he took a step back and cleared his throat. "The Cross Family Are close to the emperor much like my lovely Ranee's Family..." he started at how great his family was and went through his entire lineage back to the first Emperor of Gulyos. Without actually saying what his family did. Then he proceeded to explain the connection to all of the major families around the Emperor and what each family did.
"And that my friends is the Cross family!"
"Except you neglected to say your family funds Zoid research." Ranee added with a sweet smile and a dry tone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ice_Dragon_Demon
Ice_Dragon_Demon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:35 pm
The Emperor clapped his hands in a very enthusiastic approval of the entertainment line up. "Oh, how my son would have enjoyed that! Unfortunately he is occupied with studies tonight. A shame, but I admire his determination." He waved a hand in the air as if dismissing the subject. It seemed to be a common reflex for the man. "Ah, I do not believe she will disappoint. Perhaps she should have been engaged to my son." He shook his head laughing. No, his son had been betrothed even before Ranee was conceived.
The sudden change in position phased him very little, in fact he acted as if he had expected it. The image of 'all knowing' was important to carry, or so he thought
"Ah, my General and champion, I am also pleased with this decision in your guard. Such a hero to my empire." He mused a moment in his own awkward welcome. .
Rish was aware of the games the nobles played. She knew every mask they wore and what they truly looked like underneath the glamor. It wasn't surprising in the least. All the more hurt for them as they would have no influence over her.
"Emperor-" She gave him a respectful bow, her eyes focused on the floor as was appropriate. She than turned her attention to Ranee's father as she returned to her normal posture. ."-Mr. Kaul. Thank you."
Like the nobles she had on her own mask, one without emotion. She had no desire to be false as seem happy, nor convey her disappointment over the situation. Amadeus had already left on his secret mission, promptly after the ceremony. It was difficult to stand next to the man who encouraged such chases...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:35 pm
There wasn't much of a reaction from Shun as the others addressed him. He was still very unused to being referred to as a 'hero' or 'champion' and he likely never will. It wasn't glory or fame he was after and all.
Looking around the room briefly, he spotted a pair that looked like they could be Talon and the Princess, but it was hard to see from his standing point. They seemed to be chatting with some other stranger. Not all too interested in their business, he faced forward again, still remaining silent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 7:55 pm
Moe chirped and hooted happily as that shoulder was returned to him. In fact, the little thing sprawled out and glared at this talking menace. Talon took no notice of this small territory war; all to glad he had his bubble back, he was. Besides, he had to nod and sigh as Ranee reminded him this was whom he wanted to meet.
Talon blinked as the talkative man went on and on and on about his family's relation to the Emperor and all the relatives related to the emerpor as well as their claim to fame and other boring pedigrees that meant squat to him. He counted, mentally, to five, then boredly picked the talking man's back pocket and started fingering through his wallet. Moe looked upset and shocked, though was curious to the contents. Seriously....
Five minutes after that, the wallet was returned with nothing stolen...save for a gum wrapper removed. Who really keeps gum wrappers anyways? Must have gotten mixed up with something else. OH well... Talon frowned and raised an eyebrow. "That's all nice and all, but you never mention--" Ranee interjected at this point answering his question at last.
"Oh! So that's what his family does... " Talon said with a scratch of the back of his own head. His tone was far from amused, but he figured Mr. Sunshine over there wouldn't pick up on it. "I'm not from this part of the woods, so I'm not sure if I'm supposed be interested in your Great Uncle's cat... Velvet was it? " Talon frowned and decided to counter Cole with his own boring story.
"But Zoid research? Fancy! You know, I used to repair Zoids back when the Battle Commission was still funded and running. Back then I .... " And so began a rather elaborate and glamorous tale of scrapping old Zoids for parts that rivaled Cole's rambling style. Moe appeared to roll his eyes and slap his paws over where his ears should be. Talon managed to say quite little of the actual process and more about the sunny days and clouds than his subject. It lasted a good seven minutes or so." . . . But I suppose guarding the General when I am on duty is a reasonable alternative, don't you agree Sir? "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 11:19 am
"A shame indeed he couldn't come but what a studious Son you have." the wave was the dismissal of the subject, "It honours me to hear you say such things about my daughter." he gave the emperor a light bow joining the emperor in his laughter before he turned once more to Rish and Shun.
"You're quite welcome." he smiled offing a welcome to them both, "Such a great Honour to have Such Heroes in my home, I trust you will enjoy yourselves while you're here." he prompted, it would be terrible if anyone left without fully enjoying themselves. Rish however was a very hard girl to read, it gave the noble a good challenge.
Yeah Cole was a pain, simple as that, and Ranee hated him. "You know Cole you're very trying I hope you know." she put her hand on her temple. She wasn't sure just how much more of this she could take before taking leave. Parties where great, as long as Cole wasn't around, he just sucked the fun out of them.
"I know I try very hard," he smiled seemingly missing the whole point of what she said, Ranee just folded her arms and shook her head, Ciel ruffled his feathers and glared at the man. Cole turned to Talon as he began his story "My isn't that interesting," he said "Maybe you were employed at one of my families facilities, you worked very hard, I’m Touched!!" his family generously funded research, repair and at times where brilliant enough themselves to head the projects, much like his parents, however he seemed not to have inherited his parents brains. Cole hadn’t even noticed his wallet had been pinched.
“I can’t wait to see what you’re father has planned, you family has always thrown the best parties!” Cole seemed to have turned his attention back to Ranee making her wince lightly before smiling. “Such amazing spectacle...” He almost started once more before Ranee interjected shutting him up.
“They’re fire dancers” she explained “best in the empire along with acrobats.” Maybe he could go off on a tangent about something and they could leave. Ranee Turned to Talon “You hungry?” maybe some food in Cole’s mouth would shut him up for a bit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ice_Dragon_Demon
Ice_Dragon_Demon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 2:24 pm
"With all do respect, Sir, I am no hero." Rish spoke flatly in response to Lord Samvath's comment. Unlike Blade she had no reason to be labeled as such. Her only reason for being promoted was Amadeus trusted her and had an agenda all of his own.
The Emperor showed no desire to rebuke what Rish had said. Instead his focus was on Blade. The boy fascinated him. If he had a daughter he would surely have shoved her at him by now.
"Very quiet and reserved..." The emperor nodded and spoke thoughtfully, mostly to himself, as he inspected Blade for the second time since meeting him. "Sign of the noble warrior." He looked back at Mr. Kaul with a smile. "I think I will go and meet with the rest of my friends." Of course he was intending on Lord Samvath following him. A natural assumption.
Before walking off with his bodyguards in trail he gave the General and Blade a nod, which was something he did not do often.
When the entourage of the Emperor left Rish turned to Blade. The crowd of nobles that had been with them dispersed to follow the emperor in hopes for a few words.
"Do you resent being called a hero?" The question was spoken out of curiosity and in no way hinted to her being disgusted or angered by his silence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
