The Duality Wars: The Alien Wars 6

Session 35

<DeathStar> 6.3.5990 CE
<DeathStar> <Narrator> And having reclaimed the Spire from the mysterious ancient magi for a time, the group began to get supplies in and slowly the Academy allowed the Magi they were aligned with inside, as was their right. The Spire being filled with young and old Magi. Of course, one could always wonder if Ancient Rogue Magi were mixed in, as some wondered in the group. However, the deed was down and price paid, so to speak. However, another crisis was coming
<DeathStar> 6* Qui looks at all the Magi curiously moving about, when the communication orb begins to glow, signally someone wants to talk
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *moves toward the orb and presses the button to talk*
<AquaKoala> *Commodus listens quietly
<Seraphna> * Alita peers up from teaching Talia her Stat Ailment Lv. 1 spell, along with some new ettiquitte and tact for being around the mages, she ends the spell and sighs a bit, patting her.
<DeathStar> <Lu> Hello?
<DeathStar> 6* Talia chews on a sandwich
<Sara> * Liana sits nearby, listening
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We are here."
* Mykel leans against the wall near Alita, watching and listening for now.
<DeathStar> <Lu> Ah, good. Tonight is the ball the Empress is planning. From what I can tell it's fancier than a normal one. She is expecting you. I figure this is as good as time as any for you all to come - or as many of you that you can round up to give your next mission orders tonight. If you want to leave one or two behind that is fine. (referring to missing players)
<Seraphna> * Alita muses, looking at Mykel.
<Sara> * Liana looks up, looking nervous
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "How long do we have to prepare?"
<DeathStar> <Lu> Ah, a few hours I guess? I don't know much about Hapian balls. IT's still light here for a bit
<DeathStar> 6* Qui tilts her head
<Seraphna> Alita> "We're going to need to get clothes from there... we lost a lot of our stuff in the past."
<Sara> <Liana> Yeah, and I don't have anything fancy enough really...
<DeathStar> 6* Kito moves calmly to get Sasha's gowns - and lingere - ready
<Sara> <Liana> Not really, anyway.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Yes, some of my companions require appropriate dress."
<Seraphna> Alita> "Inappropriate works too."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *gives Alita a look*
<Sara> * Liana looks at Qui, pondering things
<Seraphna> * Alita grins a bit.
<AquaKoala> *Commodus rises to grabs his things
<DeathStar> <Lu> I'll find soemthing for oyu then
<DeathStar> <Qui> Pretty ball
<DeathStar> 6* Qui spins
<Sara> * Liana moves over to Qui. "Hey, Qui, um..."
<DeathStar> <Qui> Yes?
<Sara> <Liana> Well, it's just, Gwen was supposed to be my escort to the ball, but...
* Mykel smiles a bit at Alita, wondering about this ball and what is expected.
<DeathStar> <Qui> He stood you up?
<Seraphna> Alita> "We'll have to dress you up nice Mykel." *she grins*
<DeathStar> <Qui> That's mean
<DeathStar> 6* Kito fluffs out Sasha's dresses
<DeathStar> 6* And selects some nice lingere thanks to Celes
<Sara> <Liana> Um, I don't think he could exactly have done it on purpose, Qui. But I was wondering if you'd stand in for him since, well... *she makes a face*
<Seraphna> Alita> "Talia, come, let's get dressed up." *she rises to get ready*
<DeathStar> <Qui> Sure! *she smiles* Anything for you
<DeathStar> 6* Talia blinks, eyeingh her armor dress, then rises
<Sara> * Liana blinks, slightly blushing at the wording, but puts her hand on her pendant
<DeathStar> <Qui> Do you want some dance lessons?
<Mykel> "Perhaps, but what is actually done at one of these events?"
<Sara> <Liana> Cel taught me a little.
<DeathStar> 6* Qui nods, smiling. "It is fun. I didn't get to dance too much but it was nice."
<Seraphna> Alita> "Dressing, socializing, mingling, acts of espianoge, coersion and sometimes assassination. You know, Hapian things."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *nods* "Then Qui shall escort Liana."
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<DeathStar> 6* Kito gets certain lotions and scents ready, and jewelry
<Mykel> "Sounds like it could be an interesting affair..." <will move to head up and collect his things, not like he has anything suitable for a ball...>
<Seraphna> Alita> "Someone dress Commodus too." *she smirks as she heads to hers and Ceilia's room with Talia to get dressed up*
<SuperKoala> *Commodus returns, wearing a nice white military style suit
<DeathStar> 6* Qui takes Liana's hands and puts another hand on her hip, moving to dance simple dances
<DeathStar> 6* Talia trots along, oblivious
<Sara> * Liana blinks and lets Qui lead her like this
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Prepare yourselves. I have preparations of my own to attend." *turns on her heel and heads for her quarters*
<Seraphna> * Alita gets on a nice dress, even nice by Hapian standards, give or take a few prudish rules being broken. Skin showing of course, she also fixes Talia's hair, letting her keep the armor dress but accenting it for a formal event.
<DeathStar> <Qui> *muses as she dances, doing a few dances with her before stopping* That is all I remember. *she puts a finger to her lip, recalling something*
<DeathStar> 6* Talia blinks a few times
<DeathStar> 6* Kito pounces, not literally, Sasha and helps her dress up
<Seraphna> Alita> "While we are at the ball Talia, you will refer to me as Mistress and if anyone asks you who you are, you are Mistress Alita's Handmaiden."
<DeathStar> <Talia> *she pouts but nods*
<SuperKoala> *Commodus sits and waits
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *lets Kito help with dressing*
<Seraphna> * Alita smiles. "Good girl. You will stay close to me during the ball, unless I tell you to wait somewhere. There will be treats if you be good."
<DeathStar> -Time Hopscotch-
<DeathStar> 6* Later, with time to spare, they are on the timeplacer with Ceilia, lets say, operating it and sending them through to Hapian. While mid-dayish there, it is eveningish there. Lu stands there, suits there, in case Gwen came or Nez or Mykel, and dresses for those who do not have them in Hapian style. Lu stands there, a white haired girl with reddish eyes, bordering on blue wiht the hair. She looks 12ish
<SuperKoala> Commodus> Hello Lu
<Seraphna> * Alita smiles, having Mykel as her date. "There's a suit for you."
<DeathStar> <Lu> Hey, Commodus.
<DeathStar> *She smiles*
<Sara> <Liana> Hello. It's good to see you.
<DeathStar> 6* Qui looks around curiously. They seem to be in an old part of the castle complex, which is like a fortress, behind a hidden wall - the area has been cleared of the storage except for the transplacer
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *steps forward, already dressed for the ball because she had the kitos to carry her luggage*
<DeathStar> 6* A few Academy guards are there with beyond that a few Hapian guards
<DeathStar> 6* The two groan as they walk in
* Mykel nods as he accepts the formal wear and will change into it, obliging Alita and acting as her escort with a friendly smile on his face.
<DeathStar> 6* Kito and Neekito as they carry it, keep an eye out nervously
<DeathStar> 6* Qui keeps an arm around Liana
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Kito. Neekito. You did not have to come."
<DeathStar> 6* Lu guides them along, leading them to quarters assigned them, a large room
<DeathStar> <Kito> You without handmaidens would be a travesty
<Seraphna> * Alita walks, patting Talia's hea gently as they go.
<SuperKoala> *Commodus moves inside
<DeathStar> 6* Inside the large room are mini apartments
<DeathStar> 6* The size of giant rooms themselves
<DeathStar> 6* The Kitos move inside one with the luggage
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Still, I know that with Malfoy here, it could be uncomfortable for you."
<DeathStar> <Kito> We are fine, mistress. *they assure her*
<Sara> * Liana glances at Sasha, then the Kitos as they head inside, her face one of concern as well
<DeathStar> 6* They remain inside the room though unless called for
<DeathStar> 6* They lay out the extra suits in the main area before staying in
<DeathStar> <Qui> So big
<DeathStar> 6* Qui claims one of the rooms just for fun
<Seraphna> * Alita smiles and looks for Lu if she's still with them.
<Sara> * Liana heads into one of the rooms, holding the dress that looked closest to her size, even if it's not quite as special as having a dress all her own
<DeathStar> 6* Lu is there, waiting on them
<DeathStar> 6* Qui dresses up out of sight
<Seraphna> * Alita walks over to Lu and says quietly, "I'm not sure I've introduced you to Talia yet, Ms. Lu."
<SuperKoala> *Commodus waits with Lu
<Sara> * Liana looks around the room for a moment, in thought, then changes clothes as well
<DeathStar> 6* Talia curtseys
<DeathStar> 6* The room has a large bed, fancy curtains, and lots of decorations, and a bath run by steam-punk technology. There's lighting run by it too
<DeathStar> <Lu> Um, hello Talia. Did you find her in your travels?
<Seraphna> * Alita peers around and whispers to her, knowing the castle walls sometimes have ears. "She's my Familiar. I made her inside the Spire."
<DeathStar> 6* Qui comes out in a black dress and exotic jewlery along her ears, her hair done up.
<DeathStar> 6* Lu blinks, confused a little, likely not sure what that is
<DeathStar> <Lu> I see.
<Seraphna> * Alita smiles a little. "I'll need to talk to someone from my Tamae, later."
<DeathStar> 6* Lu nods.
* Mykel will of course have changed in one of the extra rooms and returned to stand in the center room
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Regardless, once everyone is here, we may begin."
<SuperKoala> *Commodus is still just waiting patiently
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<Sara> * Liana eventually comes out in her dress, whatever color/style it may have been, her own hair held up with a pretty hairband, though no jewelry except her pendant, which she never seems to remove anymore
<DeathStar> 6* Liana's dress seems to be a beautiful, handpicked outfit that is white with sparkles and looks veryt expensive, a top line Hapian outfit. It fluffs out along the top
<DeathStar> <Qui> Liana's is better than Qui's
<Sara> <Liana> I wonder why? *she muses on that as she looks down at herself*
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<Seraphna> Alita> "You look quite lovely yourself Qui."
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<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Miss Lu, what cna you tell us about the situation in the palace?"
<DeathStar> <Lu> Lets go. 6* She motions, moving down the hallway. "Lets see... This ball dance is very important. I forget the name of it, but the Hapians are very excited for it. Apparantly it's one of a kind. Otherwise, it seems business as usual."
<Sara> * Liana follows along, listening
<SuperKoala> Commodus> Like a holiday?
<Seraphna> Alita> "Hmmm? Important?"
<DeathStar> <Lu> I don't think so. It seems more important than that. Like an announcement type ball
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *takes a few steps and then stops* "...the wedding announcement."
<DeathStar> <Lu> You know us non-Hapians are never in the loop, even when they're allied with us. *She gives Sasha an apolegetic look*
* Mykel will fall into step along side of Alita, offering her his arm while he also feels a fair bit nervous.
<DeathStar> 6* Lu glances at Sasha
<Seraphna> * Alita takes his arm, squeezing reassuringly.
<DeathStar> 6* Qui blinks, arm around Liana, then pats her arm
<DeathStar> <Lu> That might make sense. But who is the groom? There's been no word on anyone and the princesses have been seen with no one lately
<Sara> <Liana> Wedding... *her gaze falls a bit*
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "When we left, the arrangement was between Malfoy and Celes."
<Sara> * Liana bites her lip, already having known Sasha meant that
* Stage approaches the group behind in Legion appropriate dress, checking his cuff links one last time
<DeathStar> <Qui> I am sure we can do something. Let us tie this Malfoy up
<Sara> <Liana> Tie him up? Are you sure he won't like that?
<DeathStar> 6* Lu squints up at Qui, due to her small size
* Stage is now known as Nezikim
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "That would not be proper."
<Seraphna> Alita> "He was nice to us when we met him... is he nice?"
<DeathStar> <Lu> I have not seen him often but when we do deal with him he is fine enough I suppose. *that is all she will comment, in her position as a Council for the Academy* Lets move on
<DeathStar> 6* She walks along. "But as I said, I have not seen either princess with anyone lately."
<DeathStar> <Lu> And due to the transplacer I've been in the palace a lot lately
<Sara> <Liana> Have you, um... seen them at all, though?
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Have my cousins not be seen publicly at all?"
<DeathStar> <Lu> I've seen Eve a lot lately. She is not like her paintings, I confess.
<DeathStar> <Lu> And Celes has been seen a few times
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Anything of note about either of them?"
<DeathStar> 6* As they reach one of the higher floors, music can be faintly heard. While they move up the stairs, a beautiful blonde hair woman steps around the corner in a white dress that looks fluffy and furry. As she turns her eyes upon them, the red pupils like the Empress and Celes peers at them. Lu pauses. "Princess Eve, good evening."
<DeathStar> <Eve> Counselor Lu. Hello, Cousin Sasha. Come for the ball?
<Seraphna> * Alita blinks and waves.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Of course..."
<DeathStar> 6* Eve's eyes turn to look at Liana, peering her over, as if looking through her, then she nods to Alita. Her presence seems a bit different than before, more so than one key thing.
<DeathStar> <Eve> Hello, Alita. Where is your sister?
<DeathStar> 6* Qui pauses, moving her lips as she tries to recall something and begins to question her memory once more
<Sara> * Liana blinks several times, looking at Eve.
<Seraphna> Alita> "Ceilia is holding down the fort for us. She would have loved to come but one of us was needed to stay behind tonight." *she says apologetically*
<DeathStar> 6* Eve sighs. "That is too bad. Maybe you and I can catch up later?" 6* She curtseys, making her goodbyes for now and moves on toward the ball
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Let us not dally. We have a ball to attend."
<Seraphna> * Alita nods and bows.
<DeathStar> <Lu> As you can see, different. 6* She motions a painting of Eve with blue eyes as they walk on
<Sara> <Liana> She had red eyes...
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *still waits until Eve is not within earshot and then lowers her voice* "Something wrong is happening here."
<Sara> <Liana> I don't know her, but I know Cel said she had blue eyes...
<Sara> * She notes, Celes having told her of the meaning of the eyes before
<DeathStar> <Qui> Red eyes bad?
<Seraphna> Alita> "Mmm, different, sure, bad... I don't know."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I have red eyes. Celes has red eyes. My aunt has red eyes. Eve should not."
<Seraphna> Alita> "Perhaps she's wearing similar to what you did to hide your eyes in Naturalist territory?"
<Sara> <Liana> I remember that it's a sign of the royal family's connection to Aska, but...
<Seraphna> Alita> "Perhaps she got connected then."
<DeathStar> 6* They reach large doors - on the other side music is heard and movement. The ball
<DeathStar> <Talia> Connected!
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "It worries me."
<DeathStar> <Lu> Well, shall we?
<Sara> <Liana> Me, too... *she notes to Sasha before she nods to Lu. she looks nervous*
<Seraphna> * Alita puts a hand on Talia's shoulder, leaning a bit more to Mykel and nods.
<DeathStar> 6* She opens the door, adjusting her little blue dress and steps inside. On the other side is a large ballroom filled with tables of food from all over Geyze for onvce, instead of just Hapian food
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Just be wary." *then steps through the door into the ballroom*
<Sara> * Liana follows her through, staying close to the others
<SuperKoala> *Commodus follows Sasha through, looking around quietly
<DeathStar> 6* There is tons of recipes, bowls of fruits, alcohol, champaign. Faunas walk around in formal waitress wear, nothing skimpy like in some areas, there is a proper affair with everything down. They have trays of samplers, and everthing is organized by region to try. The largest tables of food being the Hapian. And all this is just to sample. Because later there will be set down meals
<DeathStar> *Sit
<DeathStar> 6* It seems the people are allowed an hour to mingle and taste foods - one is not expected to gourge on the samplers, in order to dine at the meal, then dance later
<DeathStar> 6* Some of the younger Hapians are on the ballroom, dancing ahead of time, breaking some traditions
<Seraphna> * Alita smiles. "Well it's been a long time since I had any Daemon delicacies."
<Sara> * Liana looks about, her eyes wide in wonderment at everything, despite the worries weighing on her
* Nezikim makes his way over to find some fine spirits and military types for which to speak to
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *slips back into her proper, court form*
* Mykel will walk beside Alita, watching what he can and simply trying not to stand out horribly.
<DeathStar> <Qui> So much bigger. *she keeps her arm around Liana.* 6* Up on the second floor, two stair flights going up to her, is a throne with the Empress on it. Eve and Celes sit on either side of her. There is no sign of Malfoy. There is a special seat by Celes though, left empty on purpose and a special table has been set up for the royal family, counting Sasha, The Empress, Eve, and Celes, another seat is there
<Seraphna> * Alita leads Mykel over to the daemon foods table to show him the neat and very meaty food.
<DeathStar> 6* Qui walks with Liana to a table of food, getting a plate. The Faunas offer Nez various drinks in crystal glasses
<Sara> * Liana looks up toward them, her eyes lingering
<DeathStar> 6* Celes scans the crowd, spotting Liana. She looks worried a little
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *approaches the royal throne and cives a cutsey* "My empress."
<Sara> * Liana's gaze meets Celes', and she tries to smile
<DeathStar> <Empress> Sasha, my favored niece. I am glad you could make it. 6* Celes smiles back, then looks at Sasha* How goes your journey?
<DeathStar> <Empress> Sasha, my favored niece. I am glad you could make it. 6* Celes smiles back, then looks at Sasha* How goes your journey?
<DeathStar> 6* Qui grabs some alcohol from the Daemon region and sips it, looking tipsy right away
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "If I might speak with candor, it has been mixed."
<DeathStar> 6* She then gets a plate of some Daemon sweet fruit and chews, swaying happily
<Seraphna> Alita> "Careful Qui, that's strong stuff."
<Seraphna> * Alita smiles, sharing some fruit with Mykel.
<DeathStar> <Empress> Is that so? You have found a legendary spire and brought it back to life. I imagine you are loved by the mages
<Sara> * Liana tries a bit of the fruit, too.
<DeathStar> 6* It has a strong fruity taste that melts in your mouth but definitely has some alcoholic properties
<Sara> * Liana decides not to eat more, though she enjoys the fact that she at least tried it
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "There would be more to celebrate had we not been assaulted by ancient magi renegades."
<DeathStar> <Empress> I heard a little. To learn that an ancient magi order is alive today is disturbing
<DeathStar> 6* Qui peers at the dancing longingly
<DeathStar> 6* Then looks at Nez with his crystal challice of various drinks. "Pretty."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Though order is a term I would use loosely... their leader has no issue with sacrificing his followers."
* Nezikim makes his way along a while to some other men dressed in a military style
<Sara> <Liana> This whole place is pretty, really.
<DeathStar> 6* The Hapian Military Royals peer at Nez, among them is Gerald, though he really wears it since what else would he wear - despite not being in the army long
<DeathStar> <Empress> Sometimes one uses their men to gain victory. Though if their deaths are pointless, then that makes you a bad ruler
<DeathStar> 6* She nods at Sasha being alive
<DeathStar> 6* Qui walks with Liana past a fountain of ice with water spirits shooting out water from the mouths.
<DeathStar> 6* The Empress peers at the time, and motions Sasha to stand with her as she rises to make an announcement
<DeathStar> 6* Eve rises automatically and Celes seems to have to drag herself up, wondering what is going on. So far Malfoy is not seen in the crowd
<Seraphna> * Alita sips some wine, looking up at the Empress rises.
<Sara> * Liana's eyes go a bit wide as she looks at the water spirits, but then her gaze moves toward the throne
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *moves to take her place by the Empress' side*
* Nezikim attempts to make meaningless small talk while keeping an eye on Sasha as nonchallantly as possible
<DeathStar> <Gerald> You are one of-- 6* He begins to Nez, pausing to look at Sasha too, fondly
<Nezikim> You are familar with the Lady of whom I serve as vassal to?
<SuperKoala> *Commodus looks over to the Empress, getting ready to listen
<DeathStar> <Empress> It is almost dining time, my children. And fellow guests. 6* Her eyes lock onto Liana like lasers. "As many of you know, this is the Ball of Ceremony, and we have not had one in many years." 6* She doesn't name who the last one was, since it was likely Sasha's mother. "It has come to my attention that during my eldest daughter's travels of certain things...." 6* She pauses a long time, to let Liana know exactly that she knows. "OF the heart." 6* She ends with.
<Sara> * Liana blinks, her gaze still
<DeathStar> <Empress> I welcome you into the family, Liana Windrunner. May it be a long lasting relationship. 6* She smiles, though it doesn't seem kind. 6* She walks down the steps to the table. Celes looks confused, and at the same time ill at the last line, following. A few people look around, a bit scandalized at the female name, and others trying to pick her out
<DeathStar> 6* Lu's eyebrows raise up from near a table with food, holding it in her hands and nearly dropping it on the floor and she jerks her heard toward Liana
<Seraphna> * Alita blinks. "Well... that went better than I was expecting?"
<DeathStar> <Gerald> Yes...you could say I met her last time she was in the castle.
<Sara> * Liana's eyes go wide again, her gaze jerking around a bit as if gauging what's going on. She swallows, her nervousness at an all-time high, though she looks toward the Empress after a moment and starts to curtsey.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *upper lip twitches, being the only reaction that she has given to this change in news*
<DeathStar> 6* He responds slowly to Nez, perhaps stunned a bit at the announcement, turning from Sasha to Nez, then back at Sasha
<DeathStar> 6* A guard moves up to Liana, gesturing to the family table
<DeathStar> 6* The Empress sits at the head of the table and other Hapians move to sit where-ever they want, outside the Royal tabler. Celes takes a seat, Eve across from her
<SuperKoala> *Commodus' mouth is agape, and then he starts to clap
<Seraphna> * Alita moves to take a seat with Mykel and Talia.
<DeathStar> 6* Talia sits, completely lost
<Sara> * Liana moves toward the table, feeling like her stomach is full of butterflies as she looks at the Empress and Celes
<Seraphna> Alita> "Don't worry about it Talia, enjoy the food." *she smiles and pats her reassuringly*
<DeathStar> 6* The Empress sits perfectly still, sipping at the wine that is poured in her cup. Celes downs her's quickly, peering at her mother, then at Liana. A seat next to her open for Liana. There seems to be one for Sasha too
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *moves over and takes her seat at the royal table*
<DeathStar> 6* The Academy people have their own table if they want, or they can sit with others. Gerald takes a seat with a few of his friends in the Hapian table, peering over at Sasha's table
<Sara> * Liana sits slowly at her seat, her mind still working out what's going on
<DeathStar> 6* Eve glances at Sasha as she sits. "You okay, cousin?"
<DeathStar> (Hapian military)
<DeathStar> 6* Lu sits with Alita
<SuperKoala> *Commodus slowly stops clapping as he realises he's the only one then sits at their table
<DeathStar> <Lu> Someone mind bringing me up to speed
<DeathStar> 6* Commodus would see some of the younger people clapping
<Seraphna> Alita> "Well... as far as I know Liana and Celes got together while Celes was at the academy."
<DeathStar> 6* Most of the elder Hapians are still surprised at the announcement and wondering at the logisitics of an heir
<SuperKoala> Commodus> Liana and Celes got along rather well together
<Seraphna> * Alita keeps her volume for Lu and Mykel.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I confess that I am taken aback. Whatever became of Malfoy?"
<Seraphna> Alita> "It seems that the Queen has caught on and... accepted their relationship?"
<DeathStar> <Empress> Malfoy was given a rather large sum and more power to make up for his loss. Last I heard he was searching for his missing fauna
<DeathStar> <Empress> Now tell me, daughter-to-be. *she looks at Liana* I know most often people are eager to begin the courting phase, but with your duties, I imagine you will be eager to get back out in the field to work.
<DeathStar> <Lu> I suppose
<Seraphna> Alita> "Sasha seems a bit wary about the Queen." *she says softly*
* Mykel is simply trying to learn everything as it comes up, the same as Lu...14"Councilor Lu, if you have time later, and we aren't tasked with anything tonight; I would love a chance to speak with you privately."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes peers at her mother, red eyes sharp, and touches Liana's hand. Qui hops down to eat - the tables are served a lavish meal of large meats, fine Hapian wine, aged, and soups
<DeathStar> 6* With a side of salad
<DeathStar> <Lu> Very well. You are tasked with something but I can't see you all leaving right away
<Sara> * Liana gives a small nod to the Empress, as polite as she can. "It's nice to meet you." she notes politely as well. She smiles at Celes.
<DeathStar> <Empress> *she inclines her head as she drinks, not touching her food yet* Then we will hold off the wedding until your actual duties are done and you can take your place beside Celes. I am sure you can both wait that long.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *starts eatting, turning things over in her mind*
<Seraphna> Alita> "Maybe Liana's grandfather is why the Queen is receptive to her." *she says thoughtfully*
<DeathStar> 6* Qui chews her meat, peering at the table, then at the eyes on the royal table from most quarters. Except Gerald, who is glancing at Sasha
<Sara> * Liana looks at Celes, pondering this, more overwhelmed than she may appear. She spent so long mentally preparing herself, after all.
<DeathStar> 6* Celes squeezes her hand, eating her soup politely, waiting to get away from the table
<DeathStar> -TIME HOP-
<DeathStar> 6* After dinner, the dancing opens up. Celes takes the moment to get away from the table, since her mother made it public, taking Liana's hand and pulls her away to a corner. Qui looks around at all the dancing in the ball area - people doing safe dancing to begin with after the big announcement
<DeathStar> 6* A few of the older Hapians sit and drink, talking
<DeathStar> 6* Eve sits with her mother, talking quietly
<Sara> * Liana looks at Celes, her face unreadable from the mix of feelings
<Seraphna> * Alita leads Mykel out to dance, keeping Talia within sight.
<SuperKoala> *Commodus watches people quietly
<DeathStar> 6* Talia curtseys multiple times, getting tired
<DeathStar> <Celes> It's been so long. You look lovely in that dress.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *remains seated, holding a crystal glass of wine in one hand and a detached expression upon her face*
<DeathStar> 6* She notes softly, brushing her face, leaning against a wall with her, peering out at the dancing
<DeathStar> 6* Gerald sits with Sasha
<DeathStar> <Gerald> Hapian copper for your thought?
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Ah, Lord Gerald."
<Sara> <Liana> You look lovely, too, Cel... I've missed you. I, um... I don't know what to say. *she admits*
<DeathStar> <Gerald> Are you okay? You look like are depressed
<DeathStar> <Celes> It's okay. *she holds her hand* Promise me you'll watch your back out there, Li.
<Seraphna> * Alita manuvers back to Talia and whispers. "You don't need to curtsey so much. Just sit and relax for now sweetie."
<DeathStar> 6* Talia pauses and sits. Qui rubs her head with a headache and moves off
<Sara> <Liana> Of course I will, Cel. I... we're engaged now? *she looks at her, clearly still a bit in shock herself*
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<Jackieness> <Sasha> "The night has been unexpected."
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<Seraphna> * Alita pats her cheek and moves to dance with Mykel again, staying close.
<DeathStar> <Celes> Yes. But I think in it's own way it's a trap. *She sighs, pulling her close* She can look like she's supporting us, and count on you dying out there. She knows you will not quit your job, hence her questions. So if you fall in your line of duty, she can act like she supported me. Plus she knows we're connected a little, so she has to put on the show. I do not tihnk she will get desperate enough to tip the odds, but the closer the date gets when the Academy is no longer needed in 2 years or 3 years, just becareful
<DeathStar> <Gerald> I say so. The Empress seemed to be very for Malfoy
<DeathStar> <Gerald> Now she seems to be focused on Eve.
<DeathStar> 6* The music turns into slow dancing
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Mmmm-hmmm..."
<Sara> <Liana> I got goosebumps at the announcement... I could tell. Plus, the fact she almost seemed eager about the fact I'll be going back to work... But Celes. My Celes. I'm so happy to see you again, at least...
<DeathStar> 6* Celes smiles and takes her hand, leading her out onto the dance floor
<DeathStar> <Gerald> *he pulls Sasha up by the hand* Come, lets dance. Brooding does not become you, Lady Sasha
<Sara> * Liana smiles at that, deciding to at least enjoy the moment, her mind deciding that the Empress can't exactly try anything right this instant if it's like this
<DeathStar> <Celes> As am I
<DeathStar> 6* Celes pulls Liana close to slow dance, resting her head on Liana's shoulder
<Seraphna> * Alita enjoys a slow dance with Mykel.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Of course not..." *glances about* "Pity my mother is unwelcome at the palace... she always liked a ball."
<DeathStar> 6 *Gerald gives a sad soft smile and leads Sasha into a dance
<DeathStar> -TIME HOP-
<DeathStar> 6* Afterward, in the Academy building the next morning, Lu sits there, wearing her counselor clothing
<DeathStar> <Lu> Alright, before you go back to your base as it is
<DeathStar> <Lu> Your mission will be to investigate Geyze's two forests, starting with the Great Forest to the south of the spire. We've been sending parts to rebuild a flying carriage. Gwen knows how to do it. *Gwen nods, wearing a suit*
<AquaKoala> *Commodus is seated, looking a little under the weather
<DeathStar> <Lu> We want you to investigate what looks to be the forest getting ill. Find out the source of it - both forests have been losing ground lately. See if the Ents can give you hints, or Gnone, then do the same in the Dark Forest with the Nymphs there and Shade
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Do we know anything else about this apparent illness?"
* Mykel will be standing against the wall by the door, listening while nursing the few aches he has from the previous night
<DeathStar> <Lu> Being so far out, not a lot, no. It just seems to be wildlife and trees dying and the forests becoming less
<Seraphna> Alita> "Could be connected with Kumen somehow."
<DeathStar> <Lu> We might have gotten a jump on it, but that also means not knowing anything
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "And what of the Dark Forest?"
<DeathStar> <Lu> The symptons from what we got match. If you can find what is harboring one, you should find the same there.
<DeathStar> <Lu> I hope
<DeathStar> 6* She frowns at the idea it's two different things
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Pity Vyvy chose to part ways with us. She has a certain connection with the Dark spirits."
<AquaKoala> Commodus> It would have to be it the air... maybe?
<DeathStar> <Gwen> The two forests are on opposite sides of the map
<DeathStar> <Gwen> If it's in the ground, we are in big trouble
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We'll determine the cause. No conclusions until then."
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen nods
<DeathStar> <Lu> Good luck. You have time to talk to your Tamae later before you go back if you want
<DeathStar> -END-

Session Time: Sun Jul 26 00:00:00 2015