Wedding Bells - IC Thread

[WlfSamurai]

At Moretta's "redhead" comment, Enathia puts her hand on her hip and tosses her red hair over her shoulder. "Hey! What's that supposed—" She stop and sighs with a defeated expression. "...Yeah, okay." Shaking it off, She wrestles Arissa from Moretta's arms and pulls her into a formal dance position and, ignoring Moretta's attempt to be productive, starts leading Arissa in dance. "Wait! What if he's an amazing kisser!? What if he's sweet and kind and handsome and sweeps you off your feet!?" She twirls the girl and then let's her go. "How can you be scared!? You should be excited! He's a PRINCE for crying out loud! Maybe I should go instead. Yeah, no, I think that's what should happen. Don't worry, I got this! You just sit back and hang out here. I'll go marry the prince. Thanks!"

 

[Psychie]

Moretta gives Enathia an exasperated look, then says, "You're not helping with talk like that. She's just received a shocking bit of news, and is in need of some time to process. If you are going to crack jokes, you can at least help move her things from this room to the next one over. Then, once that is done, we can help Arissa feel better."

 

[Sherwood]

Arissa pulls out a tissue from one of her pockets and blows her nose, then manages to murmur, "Thank you. All of you. I am sorry I . . . did all of this." She looks around her room at the devastation that she caused, then manages to let out a sigh. "I am going to be in sooooo much trouble once mother sees this mess. Well, If it is going to happen, it will happen. I can't change anything about that now."

Now that the carnage appears to have been brought to a halt, a pair of servants quietly materialize in the room and begin the process of cleaning up. It will, of course, take a bit of work to put things back in order, but the process has at least been started.

 

[Rykon]

Guro observed the conversation and the carnage in silence for a while until the servants began to deal with the mess. He sighed in a low hum that sounded like a thoughtful pause coming from his expressionless visage. He extended a hand to Arissa and began to pull her into a hug. Though he wanted her to be comforted he couldn't hide the melancholy in his voice. After all, he never thought he'd be more than a mortal himself. If this was how his adopted sibling truly felt about others, Guro wondered if he too was subject to her scorn. "Nothing has actually happened yet Arissa. Whatever does happen you are still one of us. You are still V'Neef's daughter. If you have your heart set against this union, take advantage of your wits and your youth and find another way. All mother wants is Wavecrest, right?"

 

[jaydude]

Kasumi gave a little sigh of her own, hers being one of relief at how Moretta had managed to calm the unhappy teen down for the moment. Then Guro started speaking, and the Water Aspect couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at him. Taken the wrong way, his statement could serve as encouragement for Arissa to try and scheme her way out of the betrothal, regardless of how badly such a thing might affect House V'neef. She made a mental note to try and talk to him about it later on.

She then gave Arissa a smile of her own, while walking over and placing a hand on the younger Dynast's shoulder. "Whatever happens, we're all here for you." she said. "It's as Guro here says; you're one of us. You just let us know if there's anything we can do to help."

Having said that, she'd leave the room to look for some other servants who could be commandeered to help move Arissa's possessions into her new suite.

 

[Random Word]

Melati, having taken a leisurely pace up the stairs, arrives to a situation well in hand, with one glaring exception. She nods at Kasumi's assessment, laughs at Enathia's attempt to cheer the bride to be, but the crisis at hand demands her attention and will brook no delay.

"Why is no one discussing the real crisis here? Arissa has never kissed a boy! What is grandmother thinking?" She plants her hands on her hips, affronted, "Have you at least kissed a girl? You can ask your handmaidens - no, nevermind, that's not important right now. Arissa, you must request your mother give you tutors in the arts of love. Mela only knows what these provincials have taught this prince of the arts of silk and sigh. You'll likely have to teach him how to do everything if you want to be satisfied, and for that you'll need to know what to teach! I simply will not permit your happiness to become an afterthought in this union. Kasumi is right, he only has a few decades in him, and you need to make the most of it starting from night one!"

 

[Sherwood]

Arissa looks over at Melati and bursts out in laughter. "Of all the things to take in from my outburst, and you focus on the fact that I have not been with a boy?!? Oh, Great Dragons preserve us! I have not laughed so hard in a long time."

As the task of moving Arissa to a new room continues, she stops and looks at each of you in turn. "I was told that my betrothal is to be announced at the gala tomorrow, and that I will be leaving in less than two weeks to Wavecrest to begin the courtship between me and the prince. I get to have several escorts to travel with me, as an honor guard for the Blessed Isle and House V'neef, and also as chaperones. I would really appreciate it if you would be willing to take on the role as my escorts to Wavecrest. Having my close family and friends there to help me get through all of this . . . it would mean a lot to me, to know that you are there to keep me safe. After all, there are many out there that don't want to see this treaty ratified, and the simplest way to do so now is to keep the wedding from taking place."

She looks to each of you in turn with an apologetic expression on her face. "I never wanted to be a soldier leading troops into battle, or to dive into dusty books of hidden lore, seeking out some nugget of information. I always planned on going into the Imperial Senate, and work with my Exalted peers to keep our nation and my House hale and strong. If I need to depend on others to keep me safe, I can think of no one better suited to that role than you. Please consider it? For me?"

 

[WlfSamurai]

"Girl!" Enathia mock-punches Arissa in the shoulder. "I got you! I have nothing better to do. I'm coming for sure. You just worry about that boy business. Leave the protecting to...us?" Enathia looks to the others to see if they join in and agree.

Part of Enathia is happy to potentially have some kind of task to focus on. A distraction. Something to keep her centered. And perhaps she could convince Melati to come with. They could catch up on everything they didn't have the chance to write to each other about.

Enathia can't help but smile at Arissa. But, it wasn't for the girl. It was at the thought of spending more time with her old friend.

 

[Psychie]

Moretta is taken aback by the sudden request, along with the passion behind it. She has Exalted as one of the Children of Mela, but it is important to remember, she is still just sixteen and is only a little girl at heart. She must be terrified at the thought of leaving home for a strange land all by herself. Poor dear. "Of course I will go with you! I wouldn't dream of having you go without me being there!" She pulls Arissa into another hug, and gives her a little kiss on the top of her head. "We are your family, be it from the same bloodline or another, and we will always be there for you."

 

[jaydude]

Kasumi returned with a small group of maids just in time to hear Arissa's request, and she gave the girl a smile.

"It's funny you should ask such a thing. After all, I was recalled from the Merchant Fleet to do just that." she said, joining the hug going on between Moretta and Arissa. "Of course I will happily accompany you, and defend you from any who'd wish to bring you harm."

Inwardly, she felt a little joy at the fact that the people planning the marriage were at least allowing the couple to court one another for a bit. Hopefully it would be enough time for Arissa to get to know her groom-to-be, and also gain a little confidence with regards to the arts of love.

 

[Sherwood]

With the chaos of the past few minutes now over, several servants are now present to help move things over from the mess of Arissa's old room to a new one. For the rest of the afternoon, Arissa is doing her best to raise up her spirits and get past the embarrassment of tearing up her bedroom in an Essence fueled temper tantrum.

Those that have just arrived in Eagle's Launch take some time to put their bags away and start to get settled in before the gala the next day. Is there anything that you wish to do before we move onto the gala?

 

[Random Word]

"Oh, honey, you know I would love to go on an exciting journey into the West with you, and yes, protect you - all that salt will do simply awful things to your hair and skin if you don't take care of them - but that isn't how life works. I have duties to both House and Realm, and our time is not our own. Being Exalted comes with responsibilities. Grandmother would have to give permission, and call in favours to have the Thousand Scales assign me to a position in Wavecre-" Melati comes up short at Arissa's smug expression. Melati's eyes narrow and she crosses her arms, "Arissa. Darling. What did you do?"

[Pass - No need to follow up on this if you don't want to. The implication is Arissa has already named Melati's reassignment part of the price of her betrothal, and it has been accepted by V'Neef.]

 

[Rykon]

"I know my place in this house." Guro states stoically with a nod. It's not like a Pasiap's Stair exalt from the threshold was going to find anything anyone would consider an enviable career. Nor would he want it at this stage. "I'd be honored to be part of your guard or escort Arissa. Though to Melati's point, we should discuss this matter with mother. Somethings don't quite make sense to me."

 

[Sherwood]

As you all reassure Arissa that she will have her protectors with her, a new person makes her presence known; V'neef herself. She takes a moment to look at the group and asks of Arissa, "Well now. Are you done playing the part of the foolish child?" When Arissa nods, looking embarrassed, V'neef then says, "Finish putting your things away while I talk with the others here."

"Yes, mother." The teen girl hustles to follow the orders of her mother while V'neef motions for the rest of you to follow her. She leads the way to a comfortable library where she sits down on one of the couches. "Close the door. We have a few things to discuss in private, because there are a few things I wish to go over with all of you."

 

[jaydude]

Kasumi gave V'neef a polite bow of greeting when the older Dynast entered the room, then followed her and closed the door into the library once everyone else was inside. With privacy assured, she sat down on a couch opposite the one V'neef had taken, demurely crossing her ankles and resting her hands on her lap.

"May I assume this has something to do with the matter of Arissa's betrothal, mother?" the Water Aspect asked respectfully.

Spoiler: Kasumi Stats

Essence: 2
Personal Essence: 13/13
Peripheral Essence: 23/33

Committed Essence: 5

Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 5 dice (5 successes for 5m through Breath and Essence Control)
Health Levels:
-0: [_]
-1: [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_], [_]
-3: [_]
Incapacitated: [_]
Resolve 3, Guile 2

Attacks
Kirameku Namida (Withering Attack 13, Decisive Attack 10, Base Raw Damage 15, Overwhelming 5)

Actions
Rush: 7
Disengage: 7

Evasion 3, Parry 6
Soak/Hardness: 8/0 (Lamellar Armor, +5 Soak, -1 Mobility Penalty)

 

[Psychie]

Moretta finds a spot to sit and folds her hands in her lap, expectantly waiting for her mother to elaborate on what is going on. "For whatever it is, you know you can depend on us to be there for you, mother."

 

[Random Word]

Melatti nearly jumps out of her skin when grandmother sweeps in unannounced. You don't do that to people. Once she's recovered her wits she bows deeply, "Honoured grandmother."

She sits nervously on one of the plush divans in the library, legs crossed and fingers playing anxiously with her hair. Praise was a distant thing, delivered through missives and servants. Excellence was expected. Displeasure, on the other hand, was best delivered in person.

 

[WlfSamurai]

With the change in action and the appearance of V'neef, Enathia grows more serious and respectful. Like the others, Enathia finds her own spot to sit, though she does so with arms folded and legs crossed.

This just got more interesting.

 

[Sherwood]

V'neef looks at Melati with a warm smile. "Oh, my dear. Look at how you've grown! It seems like just yesterday you were a little girl in pigtails running around crazy through the house. But I am not here to try to embarrass you in front of everyone. And Enathia, you have turned out to be quite the image of a powerful warrior." She then looks over at the rest of you and says, "Thank you all for helping to calm Arissa before she did something that can't be fixed with a bit of paint and a replacement sheet of glass. I understand that she is upset, but this is an unprecedented time for our House, and for you in particular." She nods over at Enathia with that last comment, then continues.

"There are two things that make this treaty even more important, things that are not yet widely known but will be soon. First, there has been a discovery of a huge vein of jade that has been discovered on a parcel of land that was set aside for House V'neef. What was once thought to be a piece of useless land is now greatly important for us, and while it will take some effort to tap into this, we will have a huge return in a relatively short amount of time."

"The second thing that I have learned of is going to be of serious interest to not just to us in this House, but to our House Cathak ally. Several small trinkets made of orichalcum have been found, items that make me believe that there is a real potential of a cache of First Age items that are just waiting to be uncovered." V'neef looks over at Enathia and adds, "Haven't you been searching for the Lance of Kaman for many years? I've come across a scrap of a document that suggests to me that the Lance might actually be found in Wavecrest. If you travel along with Arissa as a part of her group of chaperones and bodyguards, you might actually be able to find the trail of the Lance and reclaim it for your own House and family."

She shifts about on the couch she's sitting on a bit, then says, "To be blunt, I - no, we all need this treaty to be signed and sealed. When the Empress first told me that a daughter of House V'neef would be the one to be married to the prince of Wavecrest, it was almost as if we were being given this as a joke, like 'poor House V'neef, needs to be thrown a bone!'. I was smart enough to get this House prominently featured in the treaty between Wavecrest and the Realm, and with the discovery of the jade and the possible cache of artifacts, it is about to repay us in spades. This wedding must take place in order for us to get the return that we are due."

"Once word gets out about the discoveries, there will be an increased amount of resistance to this treaty getting ratified, both from our enemies here in the Realm, but also from elements that are against the wedding in Wavecrest. Because of this, there is a real risk of something happening to Arissa or the prince. I ask of all of you to go with Arissa to be a part of her chaperone team, and also to be her bodyguards to keep her and the prince safe. And I will also owe you all a personal favor, and that can't be a bad thing. Can I count on you to do this? Not just for me, but for Arissa?"

 

[WlfSamurai]

As the elder woman speaks to Enathia, she sits up and pays closer attention. Each instant during every word, the Cathak girl overthinks and dissects. Why would V'neef direct her comments toward her? What could it all mean? The seconds seem like hours with the number of thoughts passing through her mind.

It is her nature. The very nature of her aspect, some might say. She has always charged into situations, relationships, danger; anything where she didn't have a full grasp of the circumstances. Patience is not Enathia's strong suit. It had served her well on the battlefield. But here, if she had only calmed her mind long enough, she would have her answer and save the wasted energy.

At the mention of the Lance, Enathia stands, fists clenched. Her mouth is open after sucking in the breath she still hasn't let go. She feels frozen in place, unable to take whatever the hell the next action should be. A feeling of anxious desire creeps into her mind and fills her gut.

When the elder woman is finished her request, Enathia does her best to roll with her stupefaction. She lets her body tip forward and catches herself on all fours. Placing her forehead to the floor, she speaks.

"Noble and honored V'neef," she begins as sincerely as she can muster. "I am but your humble servant. That you would pick me to do you this honor humbles me further. Arissa has my spear until she deems it is no longer necessary or I draw my last breath."

 

[Psychie]

Moretta raises up an eyebrow at the revelation of the jade and the potential cache of items to be found. "That is some significant news, mother, and it will most certainly be a fact to bring great wealth to our House, which will bring forth many enemies looking to derail effort, no matter how much benefit it will bring to the Realm." She looks at the others here, then back to V'neef. "Of course you can count on me. Arissa is a very special young lady, and I would go through Malfias itself to keep her safe."

 

[jaydude]

V'neef looks at Melati with a warm smile. "Oh, my dear. Look at how you've grown! It seems like just yesterday you were a little girl in pigtails running around crazy through the house. But I am not here to try to embarrass you in front of everyone. And Enathia, you have turned out to be quite the image of a powerful warrior." She then looks over at the rest of you and says, "Thank you all for helping to calm Arissa before she did something that can't be fixed with a bit of paint and a replacement sheet of glass. I understand that she is upset, but this is an unprecedented time for our House, and for you in particular." She nods over at Enathia with that last comment, then continues.

"There are two things that make this treaty even more important, things that are not yet widely known but will be soon. First, there has been a discovery of a huge vein of jade that has been discovered on a parcel of land that was set aside for House V'neef. What was once thought to be a piece of useless land is now greatly important for us, and while it will take some effort to tap into this, we will have a huge return in a relatively short amount of time."

"The second thing that I have learned of is going to be of serious interest to not just to us in this House, but to our House Cathak ally. Several small trinkets made of orichalcum have been found, items that make me believe that there is a real potential of a cache of First Age items that are just waiting to be uncovered." V'neef looks over at Enathia and adds, "Haven't you been searching for the Lance of Kaman for many years? I've come across a scrap of a document that suggests to me that the Lance might actually be found in Wavecrest. If you travel along with Arissa as a part of her group of chaperones and bodyguards, you might actually be able to find the trail of the Lance and reclaim it for your own House and family."

She shifts about on the couch she's sitting on a bit, then says, "To be blunt, I - no, we all need this treaty to be signed and sealed. When the Empress first told me that a daughter of House V'neef would be the one to be married to the prince of Wavecrest, it was almost as if we were being given this as a joke, like 'poor House V'neef, needs to be thrown a bone!'. I was smart enough to get this House prominently featured in the treaty between Wavecrest and the Realm, and with the discovery of the jade and the possible cache of artifacts, it is about to repay us in spades. This wedding must take place in order for us to get the return that we are due."

"Once word gets out about the discoveries, there will be an increased amount of resistance to this treaty getting ratified, both from our enemies here in the Realm, but also from elements that are against the wedding in Wavecrest. Because of this, there is a real risk of something happening to Arissa or the prince. I ask of all of you to go with Arissa to be a part of her chaperone team, and also to be her bodyguards to keep her and the prince safe. And I will also owe you all a personal favor, and that can't be a bad thing. Can I count on you to do this? Not just for me, but for Arissa?"

As Kasumi listened to what V'neef had to say, her eyebrows rose a little as it became clear that this was about more than just making sure a simple betrothal could go ahead. Then again, she thought, odds were that she wouldn't have been recalled from the Merchant Fleet without a very good reason.

"You need not ask." the Water Aspect assured V'neef. "I will happily carry out this duty, for the sake of both Arissa and our house."

 

[Sherwood]

V'neef gives off a relieved smile, and you can briefly sense the amount of stress that the woman is under to make sure that this treaty is ratified before she puts it aside and once more is the calm and serene lady that you are all used to seeing. She says, "Thank you all for your rapid answers. Just to let you know, tomorrow night at the gala, I will be making the formal announcement of Arissa's betrothal. I don't expect to have any trouble tomorrow, but be prepared. Some of the guests on the list are not friends, but it would be a social faux pas if they were not invited. I don't have to remind you that there are many in the Realm that would not shed a tear if our windfall treaty fell apart."

With a nod, V'neef rises from the couch she was on and smooths out a non existent wrinkle from her dress. Then, she says, "I will go speak with Arissa about her misbehavior, and let you go on with the rest of your day. I am sure that our new arrivals are ready to shed off their sea legs and unpack. Remember, the gala is set to start at four, so please don't be late." Then, she gives everyone another nod, then heads for the door and her talk with Arissa, leaving you all to yourselves.

What do you do now?

 

[Psychie]

In Moretta's mind, she is already coming up with a list of things to pack up in order to be ready for the trip to Wavecrest. The stakes of this treaty were now much higher since she has learned about the jade ore and the possible cache of items that can be searched for. These nuggets of information were going to be a real game changer for House V'neef, and she was about to be on the front lines of making this happen.

She looks at the others in the room and says, "Well now. That is certainly a bit of news to chew on. I for one am glad to have all of you with me as the work of keeping Arissa safe starts out at a run. I am sure that there will be many challenges ahead of us, but we will make it work. How about our newest arrivals go and get settled in, then we can get some dinner? The chefs here at the manor are all top notch, or we can go out into the city, depending on your preference."

 

[jaydude]

Kasumi smiled. "Thank you, Moretta. I think that I would prefer to take dinner here tonight." she said to the older Dynast.