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 Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 1:21 am
The summons Imryn found on her door had sent the young women into a bit of a panic, leaving her feeling flustered while trying to find something appropriate to wear. It wasn't every day that someone got a summons to the palace and making a good first impression was important for any situation. Not that she enjoyed drawing attention to herself but at times it was a evil that needed to be dealt with. After more than a few checks in the mirror, Imryn just gave up and headed out. Her outfit was fairly simple, the main body of it being black and blue, with a bit of gold accents that had taken a good bit to afford. Her hair had eventually cooperated with her and stayed up in a simple yet stylish up-do, a few strands of her black hair escaping here to there, quite a contrast to her pale skin and bright blue eyes.
What she hadn't been expecting was the sea of people that greeted her upon arrival, the usual feelings of anxiety starting to over-whelm her a bit while being stuck in the middle of the crowd. Imryn's usual place was along a wall somewhere, hoping to stay out of sight and just listen to the chatter. However all her focus was on the Emperor now, a small shiver going down her spine as they all listened to the announcement. A battle wasn't something she had ever thought to see in her lifetime and she certainly wan't prepared for anything physical as being a scribe didn't leave time for such things. Well.. maybe not just a regular scribe, as she tended to do a bit of nosing about on her own.. but nothing on this level of importance. What in the world could she even offer...?
Glancing nervously about the crowd, Imryn just watched for a while as others went up to the Emperor and offered him their services, whatever they may be. Seeing others more qualified at.. well just anything, than she was certainly made her hesitate a little. But there had never been any reason for her to have doubts about the leadership of the kingdom she lived in, so the least she could do was make an offer. Imryn took a deep breath and made her way over to the Emperor, bowing before him. "My lord, I am Imryn. A simple scribe and gatherer of information for various people in your kingdom. I have little to offer but my skills in these matters, though they are yours if you have need of them. I shall do whatever is within my power to provide aid in these troubled times."
She wasn't quite sure where all that came from, and hoped that her hands weren't shaking too badly, sneaking a peek down at them only to notice that she'd been unable to get all of the ink stains off her fingers from earlier. Well damn... lets hope that not to many people noticed while she tried to hide them in the folds of her skirt.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 1:31 am
"War strategies." Senga replied carefully. "And not just those with outright combat as the initiative and driving force. I - " He pondered the words to use, his brow furrowing just slightly before smoothing back out. "I am not so keen on using blunt force at the cost of lives when there are other ways around the issue at hand." His lip curled slightly, but he remained calm, and Jay's presence stayed him as if she were his grounding, his shelter from the storm. "I may not have been alive in times of true and outright war, that is easily said. But I have been brought up under the guidance of masters of it. And I have given my assistance in many ways to keep this city free of criminals." He tilted his head respectfully. "I hope that pleases you for an answer, Emperor."
He gave Jay's hand a gentle squeeze, leaning just so into the woman's presence. Not enough for it to be rude or inappropriate for the courts gathering, but just enough that he could feel her warmth, and vice versa. "Hello, Jay." He murmured quietly.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 1:42 am
She hadn't ever seen so much gold before.
Well no, that wasn't fair. She lived in the kingdom, she was technically surrounded by gold. But Stormy had never really gotten to see so much gold fabric up close in her young life. In her particular niche of Edric it was mostly the darker spectrum of colors with the occasional green and blue, maybe red if someone had been lucky. Gold to her was only really in the colors of the walls surrounding and looming over her - a passing dream to one of her stature who watched those more fortunate move about like so many glittering stars. She had something of her mother's that was gold, but the youngling kept it hidden from prying eyes; few things were more precious to her after her passing.
Today it saw the light. A simple clip to keep her hair back, but the proudest thing she could wear of her otherwise humble outfit.
The little one was easily swallowed up in the throng, and she was grateful for it: her clothes, being warm tones of brown with thin gold filigree, stuck out like a dark spot on the yellow and gold skin that was the banana peel the crowd made up. And a glorious banana it was, for then the banana peeled open and spoke with the voice of the emperor. Reckoning. Our light. United. Tributes. Powerful words that made her feel smaller still.
Everyone was required to attend, however, and she did live in the greatest kingdom in the land. There was pride in that, just as there was pride in the fact that beneath her ragged robes were her work clothes. Stormy cleaned for a living - hell, she even had a broom with her when she came to the meeting, very sure that as soon as the emperor finished his address she'd have to go back to work again. Someone had to polish the golden walls of the kingdom after all, they did not gleam on their own - and a dirtied Edric was unfathomable.
And yet . . . there was a chance to be something more important. Hmm. Stormy weaved through the crowd like a ghost, barely ruffling a sleeve in her passing as she pressed her broom against her. In light, small movements she found herself at the front, calm as could be on the outside even as inwardly she shook and trembled like a dead leaf barely hanging on a branch against the wind.
Right there. Right in front of the emperor and everyone else who had stepped forth. Little ol' her. She swallowed hard and repeated to herself a simple mantra to calm her down: Banana. Banana. Banana. And then she set her broom out like a walking staff, standing as straight as she could to look up at His Majesty. Height difference aside, she bowed deeply anyway.
"I-If His Majesty pleases," she began softly, then cleared her throat and continued in a stronger voice. "I'm not rich in very much've anything, m'lord. I'm just one of many who help keep your kingdom glowing until the very sun grows jealous. I sweep, I polish, I dust - and I'm proud of it." She lightly thunked the broom against the ground which . . . would have made more an impact if the straw head was something more solid. "There's nothing like the feeling you get when you've cleaned something up . . . when the kingdom glows in the sun, I feel happiest. But I wish to do more,Your Majesty. I might not be terribly intelligent or very strong, but I'm small and quick and want to clean the world of filth, scrub away the dirt, and polish everything until it gleams gold again."
. . . That last part sounded better in her head.
"I-If it pleases His Majesty," she added mildly with another bow where she remained lowered, wondering what she was doing up there again.
Oh right. Bananas.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 3:13 am
"I would ponder the request, though only for a short time. Enough time for me to make myself a bit more knowledgeable about the situation I was going into. I would not be useful to you just blindly stumbling about." A light smile came to her lips as she looked up at him. "Once I exhausted that...then I would go. Without hesitation."Truthfully, while she loved her kingdom. The thought of going to another kingdom was exciting, yet the prospect of it wasn't lost on her with what would be required of her in this task if her Emperor decided to choose her. But it also made her nervous deep down inside. There was always that tiny fraction of risk that she might get caught. And then what would happen to her? She wouldn't be able to fulfill the task and who knew what repercussions that would have. Of course, it wouldn't necessarily be all about sight seeing. No. Technically anyway.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 10:45 am
The one called Shaheen drew his attention, Mengyao slowing his steps to give his attention to her, the jewels on his clothing tinkling softly. He lifted his chin, tilting his head a little to the side and gave her a scrutinizing look, brows drawing together just slightly before the realization came to him.
"Ah, yes," he said, with a small nod. "I did know your father, that is true. However, despite the fact that you carry yourself well, and you have a good understanding of the way war works, you are not your father. What can you offer me that is different than he did?"
It was not an accusation, nor was it an insult, merely a curious question, the Emperor giving Shaheen another thoughtful look before moving onto the next candidate to speak.
Mjoll would receive a slight smirk. "Good answer," replied Mengyao. "Succinct, yet empowering. Two very admirable traits, I must admit."
A pale haired young woman was next. Madison's swift summons of her servant was executed well, and she was the first to actually give a demonstration of her abilities without being asked. Mengyao lifted his brows, his eyes flicking over towards the summoned being as it bowed to him respectfully.
"Very impressive," said the Emperor, noting the proud smile and the confidence she clearly exuded. "You seem to have a good grasp on how things work. A clever ruse, rumors. How would you go about laying the seeds of dissension?"
Jason was next, kneeling on the ground, and Mengyao merely watched him quietly, hands tucked into his sleeves, waiting for him to speak. After a moment, he did so, and Mengyao listened calmly, without the faintest flicker of any other emotion on his face, completely and irrefutably neutral in his dealings.
"Medicine?" he repeated when Jason was done. "So you are to be more of a defensive soldier, which is always needed. But have you any skills in the offensive areas?"
Bastion would receive another inscrutable look, but the Emperor said nothing more, and swept on.
"Well said, Kiwi," said Mengyao, giving the younger one a serene sort of smile, pausing momentarily to give an observational glance at him. Young, perhaps, but he seemed wiser than his years let on. Still, the Emperor made no other gesture, and moved on.
Lifen's presence made things slightly more convoluted than he wished them to, and every time he saw her his throat felt dryer, his chest constricting. Every word she spoke was soft, yet firm, and she held herself high, yet without the pretense of wanting something more.
Personal desires. Mengyao wished it were so easy. He held her gaze for a long moment before giving a silent nod and stepping away, onto the next in line.
He scrutinized the next - a pale haired one by the name of Kashiyoru - for a minute or so, and then said, "Interesting. But would avoiding the fight be the actions of a coward, or merely one who is cleverly slipping away from unnecessary warfare?"
Lan and Jay, both standing side by side, would get a mildly amused look from the Emperor, tilting his head so that the jewels in his hair dangled forward, catching the light and glinting gold and red. Lan's words made him nod, but just as he was about to pass by, he stopped, turning to face Jay as she performed her little trick.
"What a very unusual gift," he said to her. "I have not heard of something like this before...it is most interesting."
He moved on to a darker skinned one who hesitated only a brief moment before she spoke, bowing low in respect.
"A scribe?" repeated the Emperor. "A proper scribe is one thing, Imryn, but do you suppose that you are capable of more? How are you at the gathering of information as opposed to the mere writing of it?"
Senga's answer was carefully crafted, yet simply honest. Mengyao eyed him with the look of someone trying to decipher a puzzle before he at last gave a small nod and continued onward, as though he had found the answer he had been looking for.
The next to offer her services was quite a bit smaller than he had expected, but all were welcome to speak and Mengyao did not pass her by. Her little speech was simultaneously entertaining and curious, and he found himself rather amused by it all.
"Interesting," he said to Stormy. "You are not the first to offer services to clean, though you are the first to offer them in times of war. Pride in ones work - in any form of work - is quite admirable."
Meixiang's quick answer brought another nod from the Emperor, and then he moved on.
[ /POSTING ON BREAK FROM WORK HECK YES
Guys, feel feel free to mingle/chat it up with others in the meantime! This is a chance for everyone to get to meet everyone else before the next part starts! <33 ]
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 11:17 am
This was quite the gathering, quite the set up. A casual, if not carefree, grin rested on the womans face as her white eyes toured the grand interior of the majesty's kingdom. It was always a flashy sort of place, and even impressive when given the opportunity to enter upon the royal grounds. Occasionally she would glance to the others that had drawn to the meeting spot, eyeing their reactions to the emperor's words, and his mere presence. So a battle was upon them, huh? she could get behind that. After all, it's what she'd been training for all her life; To be a strong capable fighter on the field, should the time arise. And now here was her chance...
The woman was dressed in mostly a rich red, with a few gold accents here and there, paired with white as a secondary colour. Her top was... somewhat revealing, in the fact that she wasn't too shameful in allowing some of her upper body to breathe, just a single shoulder unsheathed, and a low cut that produced a touch of eyecandy for wandering gazes. Her wild hair was half up and half down, heavy bangs cascading along the side of her face, with an untamed, short ponytail on the back. A single thin, gold rectangle served to be the accessory of choice for earrings, and a small amulet for a necklace. Further down she wore intricately designed tights, with metal boots that stretched up to her thighs, elegantly created, but strong enough for protection. At her hip, a sword was fixated, something she never left without. Underneath long sleeves were gauntlets, of a sort, or at least a more lighter version, with only a few pieces of metal on the back of her forearms and hands. It was clear to anyone who saw her that she was made for combat, especially if they saw the creature she could concoct from her mana stone.
There was a confidence in her expression, that was nothing near cockiness. A general... that's what she was made for. Verusha wasn't one for fancy speeches, or fancy words, and preferred to simply lay her cards out on the table in clear view. And so, she approached the emperor, giving a respectful bow to him, before introducing herself with her tone at ease, and controlled, "It is an honor to stand before you, emperor. I thank you for your considering me. My name is Verusha, and I'm a skilled hand in the art of battle. I've trained all my life to make my body useful as a weapon in and of itself to protecting and defending our kingdom, and those who inhabit it." her gaze lifted to meet his, the corner of her lush lips lifting ever so faintly with mild amusement, "I have no problem proving myself worthy enough to be someone you can count on to fight to my very death in the name of our home, and land. I offer my life, and strength protect what we've worked so hard to create."
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 2:19 pm
Mjoll couldn't help but beam as the Emperor complemented her. The fact he thought it was a good answer had her bubbling, "I can give you a demonstration later if you so require." She said before his attention left her completely, it wasn't like she could craft any armor her, much too dangerous.
Bastion's actions with the shirt that she'd just gifted him had Mjoll's face in the palm of her hand and a long sigh drawn out as well. She should've handed the shirt to him first. She rubbed her temples before walking off shaking her head. He was so dumb, and now wearing a snotty shirt to boot. "He Probably didn't even appreciate that shirt." She muttered finding a new place in the crowd to stand.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 4:03 pm
"A coward?" Kashiyoru's smirk wavered slightly, but never truly faded. "I hardly see how avoiding fights is on the same level as running from them."
"Though, I'll admit, I do find the thought of being physically violent to be... barbaric and uncouth." His smirk widened to a, somewhat unsettling grin. "I do prefer to put my wits to use, rather than my fists. But make no mistake, I'll fight for what I love, should it come down to it."
"I'll be the first to tell you, I lack in physical strength, but I more than make up for it with intelligence." He stood tall, proud and confident.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 4:04 pm
Scarlett's fingers curled nervously into the top layer of her skirts, a rich, deep red befitting her name. It was the only color to speak of, thin and gauzy over layers of black and gray. It was one of the few richer fabrics she could afford and it was precious to her, having worked so hard to buy it. She'd worn it today, for the Emperor, for hope.
The summons had both excited Scarlett and filled her with an anxiety that was threatening to bubble out of her. As person after person stepped up before him and announced their skills and strengths, she silently willed herself to hold fast to her courage. Who was she next to some of these people? Her doubt began to overwhelm her, gnawing away at her heart, until her eyes landed on the Emperor.
He needed them.
She ground the heal of her boot into the ground and steeled her spine, stopping her own retreat. She brought her chin up and drew in a deep breath, willing herself to take that first step towards the expectant man. I can do, she said inwardly. With one slippered foot stepping carefully in front of the other, she finally brought herself before him. On the outside she appeared calm, sure, serene - inside she was still seconds from crumbling.
"Your majesty," she began, dipping her head and bending at the waist for a full curtsy, "I am Scarlett, a local merchant and the head of a rather modest family business." She crossed her arms behind her back, lacing her fingers together so as to keep them from digging nervously into her skirts once more. "I am not as strong or skilled in battle as some of these people, but I have studied magic for years through books I've collected and traded. I am confident that I can use it well enough to assist you, and this kingdom." She paused but refused to look away or back down now that she had started, despite the fact that it felt like her organs might tie themselves into knots. "I'm also sure that I could lend my skills with strategy and people towards our cause, should it be so required."
She bowed her head again and took a small step backward, letting someone else step ahead of her if they chose. She had said her piece, and done so without fainting from nervousness. That was at least one small accomplishment.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:10 pm
Madison bowed before the Emperor, please by his words; behind her, Kouki bowed as well, though lower than she did. "We do not have months to set a truly elegant trap, alas - perhaps an infiltration, a usage of the populace to our advantage. It would have to be swift. Rumors against the Crown of whichever Kingdom is targeted... perhaps that their King seeks only to save him or herself, and will spill the people's blood like water to get what he or she wants. It is an old tale, yet one people are all too willing to believe in times like this. A monarch's trust is great coin... but the people's trust is moreso, and more fragile."
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:40 pm
To Lifen, she merely gave a small shrug, her eyes glittering mischievously, but no further teasing was given, for the moment. Shaheen pursed her lips as she pondered the response she had gotten and the question that was posed to her from the Emperor. It was true, she was not her father. But did that mean that she could not live up to his name? That just because she had not yet been given the chance to prove herself, she should just give up? This was an opportunity that she needed, a chance to move up and relive the life that her role model had led, only she would do it better. "Well, I am a woman." The words slipped out of her mouth before she even knew what she was saying, and her eyes might have widened just a hair before she recomposed herself and continued. "And it is true that men and women think and see things very differently. I offer a fresh perspective on the lessons that he taught me. I would never profess to be exactly like him, or to agree with all of his methods. No, I would hope to improve upon them." She paused for a moment, then ventured on once more as her hands unclasped from in front of her. With a small bit of concentration, a dagger with an ornate hilt of red and gold was summoned and held, an index finger moving to the tip of the blade and pressing against it until blood welled up from the small wound. "I offer you my blood, as he once did." Her voice was becoming something stronger, more firm now, her eyes staring into his as she held up her hand and allowed the blood to trail down her palm. "But I also possess the skill to live, as he did not." Her final words almost sounded angry, and passionate as her firm control over her emotions began to slip.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:37 pm
Imryn knew that being just a scribe wasn't something that could provide a decent service to the kindgom, but she'd needed to offer it just the same as it was part of what she did for a living. "Gathering information can be a challenge at times but is something that I strive to complete with as much secrecy as possible. Having it get out and about that there is someone nosing for information would put the kingdom at greater risk if bad information were to be passed on." She paused for a moment, not liking the thought of getting her hands dirty, but she would do what needed to be done to produce results. "However... there are times were being quiet and handing things delicately won't work. In which case, I would do whatever is deemed necessary to produce the results that are needed for the greater good of the people." Ok, so that sounded a little corny to her and if there wasn't someone in the area who had sounded like they were crying, she would have been very nervous about making herself look like a idiot.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:03 pm
It was difficult not to be somewhat awed, even, perhaps, a little bit intimidated by the emperor's unflappable manner, and his organized thoughts. Shifting slightly and making an attempt at clearing his thoughts, he responded to his question, although he wondered if the emperor had been doing nothing more than idly musing. "I can't say that I'm keen on dying, your majesty--but if that was required..." He shrugged, looking slightly awkward for the first time. While he knew, logically, that it was unlikely, he felt oddly exposed before quite literally the entire kingdom.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:20 pm
Her attention fell upon two others that had volunteered nearby. One was... well to put it in the nicest term, a mess. The other was a lady of confidence and spirit, and Infinity found her lips quirking up in amusement at watching the spektical with the shirt. However the overly excited woman was of far more interest. It was curious how she was able to do that with her voice! A rather useful skill, she had to admit.
When she herself was addressed by the King, there may have been a small bit of glowing pride that lit up even more along Infinity's features when their Emperor smiled like that. She let her lips twitch up into a returning smile, though eye contact was only very brief and respectful. And hearing him actually speak to her? Say her name? Oh yes, there was a confidence in her decision at offering herself willingly to protect their kingdom.
"My Emperor." Infinity murmured in response. "I would give all that I can to our kingdom and you. I have the utmost faith in whatever you might ask of me. I will do so willingly and with great pride. Ask of me anything in the name of our great Golden Kingdom, highness." Fist resting above her heart as she gave a warriors bow, Infinifty stepped back once again, though she did not melt as easily into the crowd, wishing to remain close and hear what everyone else had to say.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:35 pm
Jason had not expected to be addressed by the emperor himself, but he managed not to pass out from the shock in itself. His answered the question with a small nod. "Yes sire, I do possess some degree of offense. If you would allow it, I can demonstrate for you." He felt it prudent that he needed to prove he was up to the task, and so took out his sacred mana stone. Standing up but keeping as formal as he could, he held the stone in his palm and whispered a few words. The stone itself began to glow even brighter as the magic began it's work. The spell was rather simple one, a mere materialization of his whim, and he soon held a glowing sword in his right hand. The weapon appeared rather fragile and simple, but it was still solid and more to the point, very sharp. But Jason was still not done. Again he began to whisper the words of a incarnation, but this time he whispered for long, his words becoming louder until there was a flash of light from his stone. When the light cleared there was another figure, also clothed in black and white. He knelt on the ground as well in respect to the emperor before standing up. "So, we gonna have a party today?" Zanthvos replied to his summoner with a sly grin, holding up a similarly made sword to Jason's. Both then charged at each other, their swords clashing with a metallic clang. This was how Jason had practiced his sword skills, using his humanoid companion as a partner. Though it seemed Zanthvos was the better sword master in this case. Jason's thrusts and parries were decent, but he was able to block most of the incoming attacks. Just because they were in front of the emperor didn't mean he was going to cut Jason any slack.
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