"It may be best, Master Amani," replied the old butler with a sort of dry, fixated half-smile. "Lord Titanus has given me a tight schedule to follow. Soon we will have lunch, and I should dread the master's face if all are not in their assigned seats." The loyal helper gestured and began leading off in the opposite direction to a group of tables with resplendent topaz and ivory and gold. He stopped himself a few paces from the table.
"Ah..." He fished around in his pockets for a moment, casting hand after hand in the little linen and cotton coves that fit his body like well-earned wisdom. "Almost forget this. Dixon wanted me to give this to you." In his hand, unfurling like a sleepy white butterfly, was a breast pin in the shape of a crimson to scarlet sun with the words "Tomorrow's Marquis" engraved on the back. "Says it was the least he could do for all your hard work for him--and for the country." A short bow: "I will return with menus."
Elsewhere the presence of Youkimi Kai had sent up a flare for the butler extraordinaire, and indeed he hurried there. "Lady Kai!" Pant pant. "Have you been waiting long? Oh, heavens, I'm sure you've been waiting much, much too long--my it is almost--ahem!" Wait for it... Control. Bernard showed a frazzled side of himself that wasn't presented since the queen would overhear him yelling at the younger help to get things ready, more, let's go, to set down tea and shut up--reverse the order, of course. Now, though, he was just a... --"Lord Titanus and his estate welcome you, Stewardess Kai. Please, this way; lunch will be served just as soon as we are all seated." Like a vacuum with butterflies, the old help wrangled them all in, everyone who would join them there on this day so auspicious it just had to be historic. The way they were going about everything made it seem as though the country was full of nobles...
This was not the case. Soon, Bernard found his way to a table fitted with diamonds, past an assortment of other gems that were already being filled by Titanus' staff. These were, as it was plain to see, mostly commoners, especially at the lower sections of ruby and sapphire. A hand swept out as a grand theatre curtain to present the seat. "For your enjoyment." And like that he was off again.
The menu today did in fact have meat on it. Dixon had pleaded for a few strips--that's what he called them, anyway--of Kaishin meat to serve here; he of course promised that they would be used with the utmost efficiency. As a result, the actual lunches were a bit scant in the flesh department, but wonderfully plated nonetheless, what with all the fine and exotic greens and fruits available to them now.
The knight followed the butler, knowing that it was wise to simply follow more often than not. Having been led to where he was intended to sit, he stopped and waited at the request of the butler. After a moment, the formed metal came to light. Hisoka reverently took the pin and overlooked it. A sun.
It wasn't an official insignia, but nevertheless, it suggested the confidence of the count in him. This was accepted with a bow and he let the butler disappear, off to take care of the work that was entrusted to him. For a while, Hisoka was in respectful silence as he pinned the medal to his chest and spent but a moment adjusting his coat. Then, after looking around, he decided he would remain standing by his chair unless called to do something else or he was asked to sit by the host.
He was honored to have earned the respect.
Baroness Youkimi Kai
The baroness came to a stop, and was mildly amused to see the frazzled butler appear in a rush. He needn't be so out of sorts, but she understood that it was his job and he took it very seriously. So, respecting his energy for the task at hand, she waited until he had said his peace and then she followed his lead to where she was to be seated.
However, she certainly hadn't been expecting the finery and the color. She was caught staring for a moment, not quite sure what to say. But, after leaving and greeting, the man was gone in almost a flash. A busy man, to be sure.
She glanced to her guard and excused him so that he could enjoy himself as he wished. The man bowed and then turned to leave her company. The baroness found herself hesitating, if but a moment, and looked around. Where was the count in question?
A lovely fanned basket of breads came flittering down on gloved hands on each table. Pitchers full of crisp, clean water with lavender and little crystals at the bottom tipped and whispered refreshment into each cup. Silverware and linen cloth soon followed, and menus too, and with that, lunch could finally be served. The unresting hands of the butlers held their towels steady and they fixed their eyes on some imaginary horizon, waiting for the esteemed guests to place an order. Soon enough, conversation would have to be had.
"Lady Kai?" Some poor merchant ventured wobbly. Poor old sot. He wasn't that old, but the malnourishment had turned him into a senescent spectator of life outside the certainty of his kiosk. He came, by way of lord Titanus, to sit with the royals just to prove a point; his stylings, don't be fooled, were clearly enough to impress him a great deal. "Aye-I-I don't know you'd b-be joining us today..." If there needed to be a reference image to how Dixon looked when first sighting the Goddess... This was it.
"Hail, good knight! Anything strike you?" One of Dixon's advisors, tall, ambitious, boisterous--not at all unlike the count--slung his coat over the back of his chair and sat, trading fingerprint for a cursory glance with his menu for just an instant before checking back with the young steward of Palude. "Your fancy, I mean. Anything excite you? Whet your appetite, trim your tree, steam your socks?" He said, chuckling inwardly and tapping the page in front of him. He soon leaned in. "Between you and me, mate: I think it should've been you at the head of the family. The old houses are so stale, innit?--rank!--We need a new way of doing things in old Ethey, hm? I'd give you the Twelve, but the guvna likes to keep that one under, yeah? Agree, won't you? These past months have been absolutely dynamic!
Chusi landed not to far from the festivities, her phoenix form melting away to show the tan skinned noble daughter of Chhatrapati dressed in a contrasting pale kimono. She had dropped by a merchants place for a simple but delicate looking box in order to hide the gift she had brought for the host.
She looked around with her lips pressed together, she was never really a fan of outings such as this. She had landed not to far from one of the advisors but had heard nothing that was said. She looked around for Dixon but did not find him so instead she walked off to the side in an attempt to stay out of the way as best she could, at least until she could find someone that she could hand the gift off to.
Rihenian
Cotton Shorts Kid
OOC: not sure if Chusi was invited, but shes showing up...If you don't want her here I'll delete the post and send her elsewhere, but shes supposed to attend with Susumu now apparently.
Knight Hisoka wasn't sure how to answer immediately. He did not often treat himself to great meals. He contented himself with rice and what he could eat to sate his hunger, and little else, feeling that it wasn't proper to take more than what he earned. Perhaps this was a habit he picked up in Kaishin and working under Susumu's careful direction, when funds were restricted for a time and food was considered currency while the people adjusted to living a vegetarian diet.
His eyes perused the menu, and before he could make a decision, the adviser continued. For the time being, Hisoka listened, as was his purvue to do. There had been a lot of work, ensuring that Palude was growing and that its people were being taken are of. He hoped that he could be as sound a judge and stable a leader as Susumu or Baron Kai, may he rest in peace. "It is not my place to say." He answered, at least concerning being a possible head of house. "But yes, we have seen many things come to pass as of late. May the goddess continue to bless our efforts."
Baroness Youkimi Kai
The baroness turned, being addressed by someone who knew of her. She greeted him politely, inclining her head at the greeting and hearing him out. He seemed shy, uncertain. Why was he anxious? She hoped it wasn't because of reputation, but she didn't know for certain.
She smiled gently, for a few moments feeling that this was somehow a familiar scene, if not for standing on this side of the conversation.
"Fortunately, we managed to arrange our affairs so that I could come and join the festivities." The answer was simple. It felt like such a long time since she could sit and enjoy a day like today. "If I might ask, how do you fare? What do you anticipate with the new year?"
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2017 12:27 pm
✺ Forgotten Son
EC: 100
"No?" At this self-denial the man seemed to rear up like the dragons of old--or something. "Friend, that is insulting. We have done everything we can--we have done all the work when it comes to rebuilding: your responsibility, your land; normally people hear it the other way 'round, innit?" He folded his arms and sat back. Soon a sharp-looking younger butler approached the two.
"Good day, masters," he greeted with a deep bow. "How may I serve you to-day?"
"Shredded pork, if you would," answered the man who was the epitome of confidence. His attention quickly returned to Hisoka. "Any of the sandwiches are a fair bet, mate."
"Seems to me like you've placed a lot of stock in the divine--you lot are just like Dixon said you would be. Not that I particularly mind it; what bothers me is the reluctance you people have to celebrate your own accomplishments."
"Me?" The old man seemed to shake at a slightly higher rate as he heard this. She was interested in what he thought? No, no... Couldn't be. Not him, this ant of a man whose skeleton had begun to revolt against the years of work hauling his wares around the countryside. "I-well--that is... --Ehm. I think things will go well once Bellris stops fuming at the border, your Eminence. Good trading to be done there; never starve trading to them; they don't ever seem to have anything nice, so they love us..."
"Madam Steward?" Asked a maid with a smile from the side. "How may I serve you today?"
Lady Chhatrapati's arrival did not, in fact, go unnoticed. With the bulk of the crowd being seated, she did stand out. It wasn't long before Bernard, the senior butler there, found her.
"M'lady..." And so she would be led to a table decorated with Opal as well as the usual gold and silver. All the pleasantries were her's as on this day all were regarded as dignitaries.
Just as people were getting used to their new seats, and hopefully before they became bored, an announcement came from the stage to the side of the tables. A small man with a big voice and a hand to his dirt-tanned face gave it to the people: "WE HAVE BEEN WORKING STRAIGHT THROUGH THE YEAR! TODAY... WE CELEBRATE; THE PEASANTS AND THE PEERAGE OF OUR FAIR NATION TOGETHER, IN THE COMPANY OF THE BRAVE, CLEVER, THE GOOD COUNT TITANUS!" The instant he said this the stage erupted (trigger warning) with dancers brightly feathered--all legs, scarlet silk and gold and silver feathers that shone in the midday light like newborn stars--and a hurricane gale of music rocked the whole place: a party of Titanic proportions. Butlers and maids now in costume came and placed all the orders on the table. Many, however, were not capable of resisting a good dance. Luckily, there were trays of snacks floating around.
Chusi looked at the butler and nodded her head as she was brought to a seat, however before she was seated she would turn to look at the butler and smile softly as she held the box out for him to take "Please give this to our host, Count Titanus" she said to him before taking her seat and looking up as an announcement was made and she looked up at the dancers.
Hisoka wasn't sure what to make of the man's obvious disapproval. Perhaps there was something to be proud of in the work, yes, but the knight was sure that there was sure there was more to do. Was it proper to speak such of his achievements when they seemed to be the work of the people he merely oversaw and worked alongside? Even speak for?
He gave his order, asking after a fairly simple meal that was uncomplicated and with a small side of fish. He would then find his way back to his seat.
Baroness Youkimi Kai
Better trade with Bellris, Youkimi considered as she listened to the nervous and humble man. Then he was a trader as part of his livelihood. A worker, and brave to move and to trade goods with others. A hard livlihood, but how very necessary.
Yes. Perhaps it was time to reach out to Bellris again. After all, the wall would one day fall.
"May the new year bring you prosperity, sir." She bowed her head to him, hoping that he wasn't too nervous of her.
The maid arrived with a cheery smile, and in the moment, Youkimi asked for a meal she hadn't enjoyed for a long time. "Yes, venison over rice, if you would be so kind."
To the merchant, if he had not left, her attention returned but to ask his name before Dixon was announced and all attention turned to the spectacle up front. It was a lot of activity.
Perhaps the best thing about spectacular events like this was that they kept on ticking without the help of any one person's participation. There would always be somepbody willing to jump in and join the dance, drink the drink, laugh a little too loud...
The lunch turned into a ball out there in the open. Soon the bulk of those invited were hoping from table to table, and a white wine was being bounced from corner to corner out there on the lawn, which, I'll relate with some interest, was no longer so cold as to be classified in the hibernal way as the rest of the realm. Whatever conversations were born there sprung up like embers from a bonfire and were snuffed out in the shimmering roof there above them on this fine winter's day.
"Pardon, good knight."
"Bless you, my lady:" the two both excused themselves one way or another, and left those who ordered food to theirs. It was a day of delicacies; Dixon clearly pulled out all the stops for today, which only begged the question of just how much of a strain it was on the regrowing economy: a question of illusion was always a necessary ingredient in every party. Indeed, the party is an art! And what is the artist's measure without a certain air of mystery? --How did he do it, is this possible? Dixon Titanus, after years in the gutter, was well-versed here.
By the time the wine had been brought to everyone who called for it, the dancers had been pulled off stage by the gravity of the crowd. Giggling ensued.
It was this way for a while: barons and earls chatting with barkeeps and inn workers, miners making sweet verse-honey in the ears of maids and dancers hired by the master from all parts of Ethe, and so on. The nobility was as diverse as the spread of people (and snacks) itself: the baronets left over from the ruination of the southern lands were seated among those who saw themselves as more or less feudal devotees than confidantes of the crown were elbow-to-elbow in the pit made for dancing near the stage with those from House Kaishin were sandwiched between the ridiculous getups of those from Titania and other places in the north where style seemed to reign unscathed by the calamities people were neglecting to mention.
Just as people were getting comfortable with looking at other places but the stage, a disembodied voice cut through the crowd:
"I'm so glad you all could make it tonight," It was strong enough to be heard, but it warranted a double-take from most. Dixon Titanus, resplendent in his white and gold and red studded coat, stood there before all the friends he had gathered with a glass of pale wine in hand and his heart bursting forth with the pride and love he felt in this moment. "While he still had their attention, he spoke up again.
"It isn't for me to say how Ethe will be reborn again--and I'm sure you know we must come from ashes, trite as it seems--but I can say this, when I look at all of you here, a microcosm of our fair country: the egg has begun to crack." He seemed to hold himself back from tears, looking down his sleeve for an instant. He raised his glass. "Welcome to Tomorrow's Ethe!" At this the crowd erupted into whistles, cheers applause, and Tommorrow's Count was swallowed by those nearest him and worked down down down until he was firmly situated in the pit of the bash. A large circle around him now, from which the count could be addressed.
Chusi listened to Titanus as he spoke before she rolled her eyes and looked back at the table, eating some grapes one by one, she really wasn't a party person
Youkimi took down a few notes, small written ideas that were easily tucked into her robes so she could properly take care of them later. She ate in silence while the activity kicked up, a lot of show, a lot of exciting activity, and charismatic activity. She wasn't much for parties herself, and she did have a lot to think about, and though she tried to relax, it wasn't easy to do.
When she did finish her meal, she stood and moved with the intent to speak with the count. Their last meeting had been a while, and she wanted to follow up with the plans he set in motion. She wondered about the funding, but... there were other ways of finding that out.
She moved through the crowd. She hoped to go largely unobserved, but she didn't expect this to be possible. Dixon was a popular count, after all. She wouldn't be surprised if he was fawned over by many in his land as the most eligible bachelor in the nation. Fortunately, she was sane and, what was more, she had much to do.
Cotton Shorts Kid
Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 9:23 pm
✺ Forgotten Son
EC: 100
At first it seemed like the crowd had eaten everyone important. Just a bunch of forgettable--lovely, but forgettable--nobles and commoners there to greet him and give him his due. He absorbed it all, but in a rather unorthodox way. Instead of simply stroking his ego, he answered each praise with an simple, proud thank you to Ethe (not to mention Her spirit). Redirecting in this way, he told himself earlier, would help him survive with his ego in tact.
Suddenly there was a bulge in the crowd. Could this be? Yes... Yes?? --Youkimi!
"Ahh, Youkimi!" The count bowed, pressing his hand gently to his chest. "So good of you to come." She was, of course, invited, but Dixon didn't actually think she would make it. It was cases such as this that were the primary evidence against his continued gambling.
After the gift had been taken away, after the speech and subsequent swarming of the count, a young man, possibly an esquire, maybe a barnet, came up, broad smile, and asked the Lady Chhatrapati:
"M'lady, would you do me the honor of dancing with a man like me? 'Tis the night, like the resonance of our soul, that sheds its palor in the majesty of song and dance."
Having had the fortunate gift of patience, she waited until she was noticed. When the time came and she was identified, she returned the bow to the count who was friend enough to her to call her by her first name, despite the prestige of the work she took on for Ethe.
"I'm grateful to have the chance to come." It had been work, she would admit, but to finally arrange her schedule so that a day could be deliberately left reserved was a miracle and a necessary day of rest. But, the day was still spent among the people, to see and hear from them personally, instead of just assuming that the only ones hurting were those who could reach the palace and could ask for an audience.
"You have an impressive celebration and turnout," she complimented with a pleasant of a smile. "And such a dream in color and movement for Ethe. I feel that many were impressed by the performance. I congratulate the organization and effort that went into this."
Cotton Shorts Kid
Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:05 pm
✺ Forgotten Son
EC: 100
Right... this was the time to speak in the noble tones. Dixon forgot; the only thin that reminded him was the way Youkimi addressed him. Funny thing, the theatrics that come with group speaking in high society. He clapped his hands together and returned her smile. "It took less of our accounts than one might expect, but I'm glad it is impressive. Should Ethe's success continue, such a state of gaiety should become the norm in Titania, our artist's capital."
Should the success continue, it seemed that Titania and Ethe looked forward to many good years to come. She hoped that this would be the case. Some might have worried that the extravagance was a sign of someone trying to hide how things really were. She didn't suspect that the count would be one to use deception in this way. Besides, what would he gain from this except to boost hope and morale for the people?
"It sounds as though you do expect it to continue, good Count." She borrowed only a moment to gesture at the finery and the many things that suggested wealth all about them.
