NationStates Jolt Archive

Turquine nodded and proceeded. "Allow me, first, to offer you my best wishes, and those of my daughter, to you on this night. The one chosen to take your hand will be lucky indeed." He glanced at Ariel and then nodded and looked back at the Princess. "I fear that my daughter handles these situations, she's our chosen representative for our region. I know she wanted to speak about opening a dialogue with your government for the possibility of future treaties and alliances. Beyond that I'm afraid I don't know her mind. She's an intellectual, My Lady, I'm a simple soldier."

"Near as I can tell, that's our man." Rafe dialed the tight-beam magnification a little higher, and the noble lines of King Turquines face assembled in front of him, the 3D holographic image reproducing his every move. Steele said that one of these Elf's was going to be their contact, leading them wherever their boss had been teleported to. Turquine had been with the Princess, so it made sense that he was probably the key to getting to Dragonsreach.

"How long should we wait?" Rafe asked Tanis, who was peering intently at her own screen. Berry, the ship AI, had not found information on Dragonsreach in any of its starmaps. There was no way they were going to find Steele alone. She turned towards him, decision already made.

"We don't wait at all: give me a narrow-wave sonic burst...for his ears only." Tanis waited as Rafe set the system parameters, temporarily modifying a bank of sensors into beam reflectors. He nodded at the half-Elf Tanis, indicating his readiness. Tanis cleared her throat, then began to speak into her throat-microphone, in the Common tongue of Elvenkind.

"You should ask for Aiwyn's hand yourself, Turquine...an alliance between your two Kingdoms would be beneficial for both. Speaking of your Kingdom...your daughter kidnapped my boss and took him there. I'm hoping I don't have to do the same to you...nod if you agree." Tanis waited to see how the King would react. She didn't really care that he was Royalty...all he was to her was a way to get to Darius Steele.

Turquine made no move and sat attentive to the Princess ignoring the nonsense he heard. If the fool who made the suggestion took one look at himself and the Princess they would have known that thier suggestion was foolhardy at best.

Ariel, too, made no move as her link to the King gave her all he heard and felt. In response as fast as only thought can achieve she located the threatening individual and her cohort. Searing pain crashed into thier minds, the power of the innately psionic race crushing through them. Thought carried the pain, nerves carried the thought through the body. 'Now', she said to them in thier minds, 'that I have your attention perhaps you would like to explain yourselves.' The pain eased but did not let up.

Unfortunetly, as the pain kareened through thier bodies an interloper appeared. The creature was dark as night and insubstantial. Red eyes glowed from the area that would be it's face. "I have come at the Mistress behest," it said in a hollow, deep voice that seemed to reverberate around the room.

Aiwyn nods a little. "I think you for your good wishes. As for treaties, you do understand none of that is in my power. You'd need to speak to my mother."

Rafe was reaching for Tanis, who had just grabbed her head and screamed as if she was being turned inside out. He realized why a moment later, when he joined her in her agony. All around him, the ship's crew were falling where they stood, some with blood gushing from their nose and ears. The pain was all encompassing, every nerve a lake of magma fire. He wanted to explain, as the thunderous voice had commanded, but his world was pain and the pain was all.

Beyond belief, Tanis weathered the blast well enough to reply, though no one heard her words. Her half-Elven heritage gave her mild psychic abilities, which she used now.

"We only seek what is ours, what has been promised and what has been taken from us."

"Yes of course, I understand fully. I felt it necessary to explain the absence of my daughter to you and of course our good wishes. I won't take any more of your time," he said standing up to bow deeply to her, "Thank you, most gracious Lady."

Dragonsreach:

Aiwyn nods, rising from her chair."I thank you again. Do accept my good wishes in this time of crisis."

Akaton:

Tatiana looks towards Lord Draconis. "My lord, Her Highness would see you now."

The party was noticeably more quiet than before, much more to his liking. Draconis smiled slightly as Lady Tatiana announced that the princess would see him.

Pausing a moment before stepping inside, Draconis made certain his appearance was as he wanted it to be. His raven black hair was carefully combed back to highlight the elegant pointed ears that were the distinguishing feature of his species. Draconis looked a quite sinister as usual, his flowing black shadow-coat sweeping around him despite the stillness of the air. Though he doubted Aiwyn would marry him, she was possibly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he had nothing to lose by asking her.

When King Turquine passed him, Draconis silently bowed out of respect.

As they left the Princess chamber Ariel asked, "Have you thought it about it?"

"Thought about what?" Turquine asked.

She said nothing, only looked at him. She had served as his advisor through his entire reign of over two centuries. There was little need for talk between them anymore. Subtle gestures and looks were often enough to convey thier messages.

"Don't be foolish", he told her. "I've lost the looks of my youth and I have far more years behind me than I have ahead. Besides, I have a wife."

"Had", she corrected him, "almost four decades ago. You waited a quarter of a century after your first wife died in child birth and twice that long after your second wife was killed by Orcus. How long will you wait this time?"

"Haven't I been responsible for the death of enough loved ones? Three wives dead and five out of six children.", he replied.

"YOU were not responsible. The position of a leader is always dangerous. They knew that. And so do you."

He stopped having been lost in the past and forgotten his bearings. Ariel took his arm and led him to a table. "Let me see what that message was all about", she said as she led him to a chair.

He nodded. "I want to know what they're talking about.

After a few moments outside, Draconis entered the side room in which princess Aiwyn was receiving guests. He was hardly his usual cold emotionless self, amazed that while he could face a 15 foot demon unflinching, this woman had such an effect on him. Beautiful hardly described her, she was absolutely radiant. Stopping about six feet from her, Draconis bowed to the princess before speaking.

"I believe we have already met this evening, it is a pleasure to see you again. I must admit that while I came here expecting a simple party, you made quite an impression on me."

Pausing a moment, he considered what exactly he would say next.

"It had come to my attention that you are hosting this gathering to search for a husband. I would seek your hand in marriage if you would so wish."

OOC: Exactly how old is the princess? Draconis is over four centuries old himself (though he looks about 35). He speaks English with an archaic style, as he learned the language about three hundred years ago.

Aiwyn blushes deeply. "I am...honored you find me so, noble lord. You cut a rather handsome figure yourself."

OOC: 18

R.L. stops outside the chamber, as he just saw someone walk in. He was unsure if there was a waiting line or something, so he went to grab a drink and find a waiter or servant to explain when he could see the princess. While on the way to the beverages he managed to find one and and stopped him.

R.L.: Excuse me, I don't mean to be any trouble, but when would be the most convienient time to see Princess Aiwyn?

Ariel looked up at Turquine after a moment and said, "We need to address this new situation directly."

Turquine nodded and stood up to follow Ariel out to the garden where, with a thought, she summoned the dimensional portal. They stepped through, seeming to stretch as they did and then the portal, along with the two of them, vanished.

Shortly after that, the cloaked ship that was hidden in orbit also vanished, though no one noticed. A star twinkled in the clear evening sky, a perfect night for a party, and the people made merry once again. The sound of violins serenaded the creatures of the night.

Draconis was relieved that his proposal was so well received by Aiwyn. Noticing her blush, he replied,

"I hope I do not seem to be overly direct, but there are a number of other guests who wish to speak with you and it would be inconsiderate of me to keep them waiting."

Ruthless Slaughter:

The servant shrugs. "You'll have to ask Lady Tatiana, sir."

Akaton:

Aiwyn lightly pouts her elegant lips. "But I was so hoping to get to know you better, Lord."

Ruthless Slaughter:

The servant shrugs. "You'll have to ask Lady Tatiana, sir."

Akaton:

Aiwyn lightly pouts her elegant lips. "But I was so hoping to get to know you better, Lord."
R.L. I see, and where could I find her? I really hope I'm not bothering you too much.

The servant points out Lady Tatiana. "Right over there, sir."

Noticing Aiwyn pout Draconis smiled, charmed by her playful personality. He decided to stay and talk a while, stepping away from the door and approaching the princess.
"Well, in that case, I will have to stay." he said, sitting down in a nearby chair facing her.
"However, as the story of my life is long and complex, I really don't know where to start. So what would you like to know about me?"

Aiwyn shrugs elegantly. "Why do you want to marry me?"

Pausing a moment, Draconis carefully considered his answer. Becoming conscious of the silence, he answered Aiwyn's question.

"Hmm. I want to marry you because after ruling for over two centuries, I have not found one person in my home country who will treat me as an equal."

After a moment, he continued "Though I met you only a few hours ago, you made a wonderful impression on me. In fact, I cannot remember ever meeting a more beautiful woman than yourself. However, I must admit that I still know little about you, and would I like to change that."

OOC: I won't be posting for about a day, so if Draconis doesn't respond for a while, its not because I'm ignoring you.

Aiwyn looks him over carefully. "I'd like to get to know you as well. It is somewhat hard to come up with simple questions to ask."

The servant points out Lady Tatiana. "Right over there, sir."

R.L.:Thank you. You have been a great help.

He flips the servant an emerald galleon (RS's currency: An emerald galleon is worth about 20 USD) and walks over to Lady Tatiana.

R.L.: Hello, I'm President R.L. of Ruthless Slaughter. I'm sorry if I seem a little too businesslike, but when could I see the princess?

Draconis replied a moment, hoping to learn a bit about Aiwyn's personality.

"Well, marriage is hardly a simple issue, and simple questions aren't always enough. Feel free to ask whatever you like. However, I now have a question for you M'lady. Though you know I want to marry an equal, I don't know what sort of person you are looking for."

Bump

Bump

To quote an old TV show, "Patience is a virtue, grasshopper. This sort of thing takes time."

Akaton:

Aiwyn pauses, considering her answer. She turns to look off for a long moment, eyes gazing at a spot outside space and time. Finally, a faint smirk touched her lips. "A man."

Ruthless Slaughter:

Lady Tatiana nods. "Soon, my good man, soon."

Draconis enjoyed the humor of Aiwyn's response. Though she had said little, her answer had revealed quite a lot of her personality.

"Well in that case, as long as your definition of a man includes Elves, that would include me," he replied in a humorous tone. "I suppose it's your turn to ask me a question then."

Aiwyn thinks, lightly raising a hand to her chin, touching one delicate finger. "Tell me about Akaton."

From outside the hall you can hear heavy footed steps getting closer.

A large roughly nine and half foot tall horned humanoid emerges from the hallway and seems to be sniffing the air. It looks swiftly around with sickly yellow eyes seeming to not look at anyone for any extended amount of time.

Its thick tan colored mane is neatly braided and runs almost to the center of its back.The horns atop its head seem to be grooved in a spiral design starting at the tip, then inlaid with gold.
It is wearing a pair of soft leather breeches,and a white billowing doublet that is tied partially shut with strips of black leather.On its chest you can barley see a branding of a metal guantlet clutching a pair of horns although the many scars it seems to have almost completely obscure it.
Across its back is a large two-handed sword that appears to have had an easy one foot broken off of it.

After a moment of sniffing the air, it seems to grunt to itself softly.
it seems to be standing there waiting for something.

Aiwyn folds her hands neatly in her lap. "I'm frightfully ignorant of foreign lands. I've heard little of Akaton."

To quote an old TV show, "Patience is a virtue, grasshopper. This sort of thing takes time."
OOC:I was just making it more convienient to find the thread by "bumping" it to the top of the list. But I was a little impatient, yes.

R.L.: (to Lady Tatiana) I see, thank you. By the way, this is a nice celebration. It's good to see that aside from the wars and weapons of mass destruction along with the concern for advancing technology that we can still find time for joyous events. That there is some bit of civilized living left in the world. But you wouldn't want to hear of the concerns of my nation. I'm sure you have a few troubles of your own.

Draconis smiled slightly, glad that Aiwyn had asked something of which he was an expert.
"Akaton is a truly unique nation, as different from this place as any imaginable. As far as landmass goes, Akaton is relatively small, only four hundred miles across. However, in all other respects, it is hardly a small nation. Akaton is essentially a single massive city, the only open spaces are found in the sky. My nation is more heavily developed than all but the largest interstellar ringworlds."

Pausing for a moment to catch his breath, he continued,
"However, the cost of this development is a complete lack of a natural environment. Pollution has contaminated many of the most heavily populated districts, leaving them rather undesirable place to be. I personally live in a hovering palace about three kilometers above the city below. There is a certain beauty to the city, at night the glow of lights is almost like the sun, truly a city that never sleeps."

Draconis stopped a look of deep sadness in his eyes. A few uncomfortable minutes later, he started again, but with a distinctly grim tone,
"Unfortunately, tragedy has struck. A day ago, there was a terrible accident during a research project. A portal was opened to the underworld, demons invaded, the city is in ruins. The true cost of our progress has become painfully clear to everyone."

"Perhaps a different topic is in order, this should be a happy evening." He said, trying to force the sadness from his voice.

Aiwyn nods. "Before we move on, there is something which concerns me. You are the ruler of your lands, are you not?"

Draconis was puzzled for a moment by Aiwyn's question, realizing that despite his lengthy description of his nation he had forgotten to tell her his role in Akaton.

"Oh, I forgot to mention that, didn't I. You assumed correctly that I am the leader of Akaton. My official title is Emperor, but I still use the title of Lord. A bad habit I suppose, but I never really liked the new title. People always seem overly concerned with formality and custom around an Emperor."

Aiwyn nods. "I know, trust me. Mother is an Emperess. I'm worried though, that if we were to wed, this might be a problem. The people of the Resurgent Dream might well be wary of having an Emperor who was also Emperor of a foreign nation. There is no protocol in our law for handling such a thing. It has never yet happened."

Draconis sighed audibly. He knew that politics was an inevitable part of marriage between the leaders of nations.

"I must admit that this problem had crossed my mind on several occasions. There is no custom for this situation in Akaton either, as I am the first emperor that has yet ruled."
After a moment's thought, he continued,
"I would remind you if we were to wed, you would Empress of Akaton just as certainly as I would be Emperor here. I can assure you that I would act in the best interest of your nation, and I assume you would do the same."

R.L., satisfied he was in line to see the princess, put the gifts on a table and sat wondering.
This world of magic is all new to me. I'm meeting leaders from nations none in my entire region knew existed. I intend to keep it that way. Who knows what kind of consequences technology can bring to this place. If I wish, I could unleash mass destruction upon any nation I chose as easily as unscrewing the cap of a soda bottle. All concerns aside, this place is quite intriguing...

He sits pondering for a while at a table, sipping a scotch thoughtfully.

Akaton:

Aiwyn smiles warmly. "Perhaps our nations might do well with such a union. However, I must give the other noblemen at least a hearing. Will you be our guest for the night?"

Draconis slowly got to his feet.
"I suppose you're right that we have kept the other nobles waiting long enough. I will accept your offer to be a guest tonight. Thank you for everything, you have been a most gracious host."

Walking towards the door, he spoke softly,
"I hope you consider my offer of marriage, it was offered in sincerity."

Pausing briefly, he looked back at Aiwyn, whispering, "I love you." He then made his exit, coat sweeping behind him as he passed through the doorway.

OOC:
Though I hate to BUMP, I must in this case. I'm about to start a thread about the rebuilding of Akaton's capital following the demonic invasion (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=350006). When Lord Draconis appears in this thread, I'll need to know whether he's married or not.

((OOC: Thanks for bumping, actually. I don't know if I had a server glitch or what but I thought was seeing no new posts on this thread.))

Akaton:

Aiwyn just nods, inclining her head faintly as he leaves and pretending not to hear his last words. However, as soon as the door closes, she grins like a schoolgirl. After a minute or two, she regains her composure and the servants open the door for the next guest.

Ruthless Slaughter:

When a servant whispers in her ear, Lady Tatiana turns to Ruthless Slaughter. "Princess Aiwyn will see you now." A satyr servant moves forward to show him back.

Draconis slowly made his way through the ballroom. He considered the events of the evening, silently walking outside into the gardens. While he had come here expecting a boring gathering of diplomats, he found himself falling in love with a princess he had never met before. Draconis wondered what it was about Aiwyn that had such a strong effect on him. He knew there was something special about her, a certain charming kindness he hadn't sensed in anyone for quite some time.

The ring of his personal audio-phone brought his thoughts back to the present, someone in Akaton was probably wondering where he was. For a moment, Draconis considered activating the etheric portal, returning to his homeland and forgetting his feelings for Aiwyn. Realizing he would regret that decision for years, he tossed the small transmitter into the bushes, and went back inside.

OOC: I'd been having a little trouble with the forums myself. It seems to be working really slowly.

Aiwyn folds her hands in her lap, awaiting Ruthless Slaughter.

((OOC: Thanks for bumping, actually. I don't know if I had a server glitch or what but I thought was seeing no new posts on this thread.))

Akaton:

Aiwyn just nods, inclining her head faintly as he leaves and pretending not to hear his last words. However, as soon as the door closes, she grins like a schoolgirl. After a minute or two, she regains her composure and the servants open the door for the next guest.

Ruthless Slaughter:

When a servant whispers in her ear, Lady Tatiana turns to Ruthless Slaughter. "Princess Aiwyn will see you now." A satyr servant moves forward to show him back.
OOC: Sorry I haven't been on for a few days, school's really packing on the homework.

IC: At this R.L. stands, gets the gifts, and heads towards the room where Aiwyn is recieving guests. Once he sits down, he is immediately taken aback by her beauty. R.L., standing at 6'4", with piercing gray eyes and a semi-muscular build, has surprisingly stayed a bachelor at 35.

R.L.: Hello, Princess Aiwyn. *kisses her hand* and may I say congradulations. Coming of age is a great event even in my nation. Please accept these gifts. *gives her the case containing the money and keys as well as the champaigne* The drink is customary in my country, the contents of the case, that's something I figured up-and-coming princess would enjoy. But please, enough of my ramblings, tell me about yourself, and this world of magic.

Ruthless Slaughter:

Aiwyn smiles as he sits, arching a brow ever so faintly at the kiss. "Well, I am a lady of House Gwydion, a House devoted to truth, honor, courage, and beauty. Traditionally, Gwydion nobles hold the Imperial Throne, though a number of component kingdoms make up most of Resurgent Dream. As to magic, I am not a seer. I take it as for granted as I do a door or a window, yet I am not the one to ask of its inner workings."

R.L.: I see, no matter. I'm sure you will find the world of technology as wonderous as I do magic. I tend to reflect on the bad points, but there is also shining modern achievement as well. We have just recently attained the ability to reach the stars. Our government consists of me, my line being in power since The Dominion's formation twenty generations ago. There is also a senate, but they are more like advisors than lawmakers. We strive for peace of course, but I'm afraid the way we go about it can sometimes be bloodily different than how we want it to be. But politics aside, what are you looking in a man? I should say, not insulting you, you are absolutely beautiful, but I will only marry you should you want me to do so. I am relatively certain you won't find a husband in me, but I do hope you find a friend and ally. Perhaps even a guide to the modern world.

Aiwyn nods a little. "We also have out pathways to...somewhere truly wonderous. Many among my people argue that technology itself might harm us. We are not merely a race which knows how to use magic, but a race fundamentally composed of it. My Aunt, the Grand Duchess Beatrice, has made a career of disagreeing. If only she were here this evening..."

R.L.'s expression shows concern.

R.L.: What's wrong? Has something happened to her?

He is reaching for his communicator, ready to summon any help as needed.

Aiwyn shakes her head. "No, she just isn't here at the moment."

After his brief trip outside, Draconis settled back into a comfortable armchair and looked over the crowd of guests. Though he remained motionless, the elf mentally examined the area. He was interested by the number of unusual species that had arrived after him. He didn't even bother to try to identify the cat-person or a large scaled creature from Eldyn.

He was slightly surprised that there wasn't anyone nearby to talk to. The party seemed to be quieting down, a rather nice change from the chaotic events of earlier that evening. Still, Draconis was slightly bored without either the green-skinned vampire or the human Steele around.

Grabbing a drink from the tray of a passing servant, he sipped it carefully. He didn't know what it was, but it tasted good enough. While he waited for someone to talk with, Draconis amused himself with a small sphere of psionic flame he made to dance around the glass.

Aiwyn regards Ruthless Slaughter for some time, thinking. "I do believe I will ask Her Grace to pay a state visit to your nation at some time. I believe you would like her." Meanwhile, Lady Tatiana looks to the other guests, seeing if any desire to see the Princess.

R.L.: *calming down* That's good. Quite frankly, this is the first happy event I've been to in a while. I don't want anything ruining it. Oh, before I forget, *taking a laminated document stamped with the presidential seal out of his pocket* along with the other gifts, a lifetime visa to visit my country anytime you wish.

Aiwyn takes it with a soft smile. "Why thank you, sir. I will have to visit at some time. What is your homeland like?"

It is a vast island that we've expanded the shores of so that it almost connects with the coast from one side with a channel separatring it. It's very industrial and the inner areas of First City, the capital, have been around since the country's founding. The environment is alright and we have many military installations. All in the Dominion are proud to serve their country. Pollution is a slight problem which is being corrected, but crime is even smaller. I'm proud to say it's totally unknown. I run a fine nation, and my family has kept it that way for hundreds of years.

Ruthless Slaughter:

Aiwyn nods. "It does sound like a rather lovely country. I must tell my Aunt about it. Thank you for dropping by to see me. You are welcome to our hospitality so long as you like though...I must go see about something." She rises, inclining her head before slipping out.

Akaton:

Aiwyn glides up next to Draconis, a soft smile on her face. She says only a simple word. "Yes."

Fin

With that, R.L. bids farewell and joins the rest of the party which was winding down, his Humvee being brought around. Well, this has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience he thought as he waited for his ride to pull around. It eventually does, and he returns to his respective homeland, with many nations and leaders that he made the acquaintance of. After all the enjoyment, he was ready to get back to his original love: being President.

OOC: Just tying up loose ends.

For a moment, Draconis didn't know what to say, surprised by Aiwyn's quick appearance. Gracefully rising to his feet, he was obviously very happy with her decision.

"I am honored that you have accepted my proposal."

Remembering an old Akatani custom, he turned to the small sphere of arcane flame that was still hovering next to him. It floated about an inch above his hand, quickly condensing into a faintly glowing blue crystalline ring.

"I have heard that it would be customary to give you a jewel at this sort of occasion. I'm afraid I didn't bring one with me, but this should do until I can get a proper wedding ring."

Taking her hand, Draconis gently slid the ring onto her finger.