NationStates Jolt Archive

From: Her Divinity, the Lady of Fate, Supreme Ruler of the Island Dominion of Kageshima
To: All nations allied to or friendly with the Island Dominion of Kageshima

It is our great pleasure to inform you that this year's Solstice Celebration, a traditional holiday within the territories of the Kraken Islands, will be held within the borders of Kageshima. The Solstice Celebration is an opportunity for the mixing of cultures, the making of friends, and the forging of alliances which stand us all in good stead throughout the year. Any and all visitors are welcome, so long as they bring with them NO HOSTILITIES toward any other nations whilst they are within our borders. Visitors are encouraged to bring samples of their native food and drink, and to dress in whatever clothing is most comfortable to them, as this is an informal event that is open to the general public.

Dancing and drum circles will be held as normal, along with a grand feast that will last from the dawn of the first day of the festival to sundown on the last day. For those unfamiliar with our customs, the Festival begins two days before the Solstice and ends the day after. Any event, such as storytelling, duels (strictly unarmed), or races are optional and allowed, as it is up to our guests to enjoy themselves as much as they would like.

Violence is permitted to a point, as drunkeness is common at such festivals, but it is the decree of the Lady that all such fights be kept strictly unarmed. It is the responsibility of each guest to handle him or herself in a manner appropriate to his or her honor.

This year's celebrations will be held on a group of islands often used by the Dylani for this purpose, collectively named the Isle d'Celebre. Festivities will begin at dawn two days before Solstice Day.

Any merchants who desire space for a shop must send word to Althea SummerStorm, Chairman of the Solstice Festival Committee, Kageshima.

To: Althea SummerStorm, Chairman of the Solstice Festival Committee, Kageshima

From: President Maxwell Griffin of The Principality of Fayne

I, Maxwell Griffin, Leader and President of the Principality of Fayne would like to ask to come to this event. It would be wonderful to the people of Kageshima, and Fayne, to see two powerful and mighty nations such as ourselves having a good time together. I would like to ask my lady, The Lady of Fate, Supreme Ruler of the Island Dominion of Kageshima to please allow this bond. We also have merchants that will accompany me; selling clothes, food, and other assorted items of sale.

But I would like to also warn you of my people. They are not dangrous, but wild. In Fayne, there is an abstience of recreational drug laws to anyone above the age of 16, and as such I would like to ask you about your thoughts regarding the use of drugs in your territory, and if any, laws against it. I assure you, if you do not permit it, there will not be one drug allowed to cross the borders into your Dominion. Thank you, And I hope you will reply.

To: The Lady Of Fate, Island Dominion of Kageshima
CC: Althea SummerStorm, Chairman of Solstice Festival Committee, Kageshima
From: Ministry of External Affairs, UIKM
Subject: Solstice Festival

Your Divinity,

His Imperial Majesty's Most Excellent Ambassador to Kageshima, His Lordship Count Marcus Aldira, will, with certain of our Embassy staff, be delighted to attend such festivals as you have organised to celebrate this occasion.

You may rest assured that we shall bring no hostilities to this festival; we are most neutral, and have no enemies.

- Baron Mordecai Alscarna, Junior Minister for External Affairs

But I would like to also warn you of my people. They are not dangrous, but wild. In Fayne, there is an abstience of recreational drug laws to anyone above the age of 16, and as such I would like to ask you about your thoughts regarding the use of drugs in your territory, and if any, laws against it. I assure you, if you do not permit it, there will not be one drug allowed to cross the borders into your Dominion. Thank you, And I hope you will reply.

To: President Maxwell Griffin of The Principality of Fayne
From: Althea SummerStorm, Chairman of the Solstice Festival Committee

Dear sir,

Please be assured that Kageshima has no anti-drug laws, as such things are not a problem within our borders. We would be delighted if you would attend with your merchants. If you will send me a note describing each merchant and what sort of merchandise they wish to sell, I will see to it that they have their pick of the availiable stalls. As yours is the first request, your merchants will receive first choice of location. I'm sure they will be pleased!

Her Ladyship receives your regards with thanks. Of course, as the President of your nation, you have the privilige of a personal meeting with Her Ladyship should you desire. She will be attending the festival in person, as She does every year.

Will your party desire to travel to Kageshima by air or by sea? If you will let me know, I will make arrangements right away.

Sincerely yours,
Althea SummerStorm

To: The Lady Of Fate, Island Dominion of Kageshima
CC: Althea SummerStorm, Chairman of Solstice Festival Committee, Kageshima
From: Ministry of External Affairs, UIKM
Subject: Solstice Festival

Your Divinity,

His Imperial Majesty's Most Excellent Ambassador to Kageshima, His Lordship Count Marcus Aldira, will, with certain of our Embassy staff, be delighted to attend such festivals as you have organised to celebrate this occasion.

You may rest assured that we shall bring no hostilities to this festival; we are most neutral, and have no enemies.

- Baron Mordecai Alscarna, Junior Minister for External Affairs

To: Baron Mordecai Alscarna, Junior Minister for External Affairs
From: Althea SummerStorm, Chairman of the Solstice Festival Committee

Dear Sir,

We will be delighted to entertain your Ambassador and his staff, as well as any other visitors who would like to attend from your esteemed nation. Our borders are open for the length of the festival, and we will make travel arrangements by air or by sea depending on what would best suit your needs. Thank you for your courteous response, and we greatly look forward to seeing you at the party!

Sincerely yours,
Althea SummerStorm

To : Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations for Kageshima
From :Kaigan Miromuta, UN Ambassador from the Empire of Kirisubo

This e-mail is to confirm that Samurai-Captain Midori Kasigi-Nero, the Deputy Ambassador to the UN will be representing the Empire at the Solstice celebrations.

She will arrive early on the 21st by an small Imperial Airforce passenger jet and plans to stay until the end of the festival.

:: From The Desk Of The Lady Niala Rosiv ::

To Whom It May Concern,

It is the wish of the kingdom of Darein Riey to send officals to attend this event. They will be: Myself- the lady Niala Rosiv-, and the emisarry to Kageshima from Darein Riey- the lady Soraya. It has been also expressed by His Royal Highness, Lord Afriel Ardos, that he would like to come personally, accompanied by the Ladies Chance and Shade. It has been asked of me to stress that none of the latter three mentioned will be visiting in their official capacities, and it will be my duty to stand in for the king should the need arise.

Darein Riey is also interested in sending merchants to the celebration as well, if this would be acceptable. The wares sold would be: various magical artifacts (a complete list of these can be provided upon request), clothing, and Crystal jewelry of a non-magical nature.

I thank you for your time.

May your 'morrows be ever better,
Luna Niala Rosiv, Proxy For His Royal Highness, Afriel Ardos, and head of the Royal Council

-- By the hand of lady Niala Rosiv

:: From The Desk Of The Lady Niala Rosiv ::

To Whom It May Concern,

Darein Riey is also interested in sending merchants to the celebration as well, if this would be acceptable. The wares sold would be: various magical artifacts (a complete list of these can be provided upon request), clothing, and Crystal jewelry of a non-magical nature.

I thank you for your time.

May your 'morrows be ever better,
Luna Niala Rosiv, Proxy For His Royal Highness, Afriel Ardos, and head of the Royal Council

-- By the hand of lady Niala Rosiv

To: Lady Niala Rosiv
From: Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations for Kageshima

We are honored that you and Lady Soraya will be attending the festival, and yes, I had already heard of His Majesty's attendence plans. Please find enclosed the list of stalls and the information which should be distributed to your merchants so that they are able to set up in time and without any problems.

Cordially yours,
Anatole Solei

As a cyborg nation, I severely doubt your people can eat electricity, or for that matter drink hydrochloric acid. Maybe we should bring something pre-cyborg era. We had some delicious chocolates, of which our chocolateers were some of the finest. For drink, I could recommend a little tipple called Xextarm. It's warm on your tongue, before it makes you feel comfortably ice cold, and then makes a few unlucky ones who get bits hyperactive. The bits are unliquidised computerchips. they're perfectly edible, but Memory of the night will be crystal clear, and side affects include speaking the whole computer set-up of a XP computer.
If anything is unappropiate please contact us.
Thank you for your hospitality, love the dress.
Optischer

As a cyborg nation, I severely doubt your people can eat electricity, or for that matter drink hydrochloric acid. Maybe we should bring something pre-cyborg era. We had some delicious chocolates, of which our chocolateers were some of the finest. For drink, I could recommend a little tipple called Xextarm. It's warm on your tongue, before it makes you feel comfortably ice cold, and then makes a few unlucky ones who get bits hyperactive. The bits are unliquidised computerchips. they're perfectly edible, but Memory of the night will be crystal clear, and side affects include speaking the whole computer set-up of a XP computer.
If anything is unappropiate please contact us.
Thank you for your hospitality, love the dress.
Optischer

To: Optischer
From: Althea SummerStorm, Head of Festival Planning Committee

As long as it's not toxic, please feel free to bring anything you like. No one here will mind hosting cyborgs, as we will already have vampires, demons, and of course Dylani in attendence, along with a few Lyssani who may decide to attend. This Solstice Festival is an opportunity to strengthen relations between races, so your cyborgs are more than welcome to attend and sample anything that takes their fancy. We hope you enjoy yourselves!

Sincerely,
Althea SummerStorm

My Dear Lady of Fate,

The leaders of Jamminberry would be honoured to attend your celebration. We will, of course, bring an abundance of food and drink, so that other nations may taste the delicate Jammin cuisine.

As a gift to your ladyship, we would like to present you with a small gift, a Gold-Skinned Hamster, the rarest animal in our nation. We hope that we may become and remain allies for a while to come.

Yours Sincerely,

Jam Zeber
Head of State/

the Imperial Kirisuban Airforce jet banks towards the airport following the radioed instructions to her plane. the red and black roundels on her wings and sides standing out against the dark green colour and white underside of the rest of the plane. a small Kirisuban flag flutters from a small pole above the cockpit, the red sun on the black field proudly fluttering in the breeze.

Lt. Jun Osuki of the Imperial Airforce regarded her passenger with respect. She had changed from her Airforce unform into a dark green kimono and Samurai-Captain Midori Kasigi-Nero had even managed to tie her own obi up.

Being more used to helicopters herself Midori watches her pilot carefully trying to refresh her memory of the jet fighters she had trained on before specialising in helicopters.

The passenger jet sucessfully lands at 6am local time on the 21st December as planned and while the small plane taxi's into its parking space Midori looks out for her reception committee..

My Dear Lady of Fate,

The leaders of Jamminberry would be honoured to attend your celebration. We will, of course, bring an abundance of food and drink, so that other nations may taste the delicate Jammin cuisine.

As a gift to your ladyship, we would like to present you with a small gift, a Gold-Skinned Hamster, the rarest animal in our nation. We hope that we may become and remain allies for a while to come.

Yours Sincerely,

Jam Zeber
Head of State/

To: Jam Zeber, Head of State
From: Althea SummerStorm, Head of Festival Planning Committee

Her Ladyship accepts your gift with thanks. Please find enclosed a numbered map of the merchant stalls, as well as the necessary information packet for your merchants to set up in their locations. The Solstice Festival is entirely informal, so please wear whatever you will be most comfortable in. We look forward to seeing you there, tomorrow, on opening night!

Sincerely,
Althea SummerStorm

Actually, your Ladyship, public nudity is compulsory in Jamminberry, but if you would feel uncomfortable in those circumstances, I'm sure we can find something to wear.

The passenger jet sucessfully lands at 6am local time on the 21st December as planned and while the small plane taxi's into its parking space Midori looks out for her reception committee..

There was no need to look hard. Standing next to the single small building that acted as both passenger lobby and control tower were two figures, both small, dark-skinned, and black-haired. One was male, five feet tall, dressed in a tunic and pants of dark gray, his hip-length hair tied back in a simple tail. His features were severely handsome, almost elven, slanted gray eyes dominating. He bore a satchel that hung from his shoulder. The other was a slightly taller young man with almost angelic features and short-cropped hair. He wore only a loincloth on his slimly muscled body. He carried nothing. Both waited for the ramp to lower and Midori to disembark.

Actually, your Ladyship, public nudity is compulsory in Jamminberry, but if you would feel uncomfortable in those circumstances, I'm sure we can find something to wear.

If that is how you are most comfortable, feel free.

Midori notices her reception commitee and opens the door and lowers the ramp herself once the jet has stopped.

She leaves and in the early daylight she gets her small case out of the luggage hold followed by the female pilot still in her dark green airforce uniform (tunic, blouse and knee length skirt).

(Midori is 5 foot tall and of slim build. She has dark eyes and long black hair which reaches her back. She's wearing a dark green silk kimono tied with a bright red broad obi (belt sash) and looks a little nervous)

after being joined by her pilot who takes both cases Midori approaches the welcoming commitee and bows in Kirisuban fashion introducing herself and her pilot.

"good morning" she says in perfect unaccented english "my name is Samurai-Captain Midori Kasigi-Nero and my companion is Lt. Jun Osuki of the Imperial Airforce.

I bring the greetings of the Empire of Kirisubo to the Solstice festival and hope that will be the beginning of a long relationship between our two countries"

The pilot also bows which reveals that neither of them are carrying any weapons. Midori has a parcel for her hosts although..

"good morning" she says in perfect unaccented english "my name is Samurai-Captain Midori Kasigi-Nero and my companion is Lt. Jun Osuki of the Imperial Airforce.

I bring the greetings of the Empire of Kirisubo to the Solstice festival and hope that will be the beginning of a long relationship between our two countries"

The pilot also bows which reveals that neither of them are carrying any weapons. Midori has a parcel for her hosts although..

Anatole bowed in return, executing it with surprising grace. "Anatole Solei. This is Thiere SummerStorm. He'll be your guide for the festivities." Thiere nodded sharply. "We have porters ready to bring any luggage you may have brought. Please accompany us to the ferry."

After leaving the two small but heavy cases with the porters, Midori waits until they are on the ferry before presenting Anatole Solei with the box containing a Kirisuban tea set and a supply of green tea.

"Mr Solei, it would please me if you could pass this gift onto your honoured leader. I'm sure she would appreciate some of our green tea"

Jun takes the chance to look round, her own long black hair free now she's taken of her peaked cap.

After leaving the two small but heavy cases with the porters, Midori waits until they are on the ferry before presenting Anatole Solei with the box containing a Kirisuban tea set and a supply of green tea.

"Mr Solei, it would please me if you could pass this gift onto your honoured leader. I'm sure she would appreciate some of our green tea"

Jun takes the chance to look round, her own long black hair free now she's taken of her peaked cap.

He smiled. "Please just call me Anatole. Our people have no form of formal address," he said simply, accepting the gift. "And Her Ladyship is actually quite a tea drinker. I'm certain She will be delighted. I have something for you also... less a gift and more of a legality." He rummaged breifly in his satchel and pulled out a pair of bracelets. Each of them bore large square peices that looked like bone stained violet, with dual leather straps binding them together. Anatole wore an identical one, but Theire wore none. "These are the closest things we have to marks of rank. Violet is the color of Her Ladyship's protectorates. You must wear this for the length of the festival. I'll have new ones once you're established in your embassy that will mark you as diplomats, but for now, this will do to ensure that your stay with us goes smoothly. I cannot personally guide you, as there are half a dozen other diplomats and leaders of our allied nations arriving within the course of the next day, but Thiere is a good man and well respected. You'll be in good hands with him."

Kageshima,

I hope this hasn't arrived too late. Our foreign minister Mikel Aritza would like to come to your festival. As for native food, we can bring...burritos from the taqueria across the street from the capital building. All our good native food has to sit for a day or two.

Ryouta Nagaraku, President of the PRH-TT and Chairman of the Tejano Worker's Party

Kageshima,

I hope this hasn't arrived too late. Our foreign minister Mikel Aritza would like to come to your festival. As for native food, we can bring...burritos from the taqueria across the street from the capital building. All our good native food has to sit for a day or two.

Ryouta Nagaraku, President of the PRH-TT and Chairman of the Tejano Worker's Party


H-Town Tejas

Don't worry about it, just come as you are. There will be plenty of food for everybody.

Midori returns the smile and wonders what she was worried about before.

both Jun and herself put on their bracelets and she says "Anatole since you have given me leave to use your name you may call me Midori from now on. I'm sure Thierre will stop us getting into any trouble and I thank him in advance for the help he will bring us.

Do you know where we will be staying?"

Midori returns the smile and wonders what she was worried about before.

both Jun and herself put on their bracelets and she says "Anatole since you have given me leave to use your name you may call me Midori from now on. I'm sure Thierre will stop us getting into any trouble and I thank him in advance for the help he will bring us.

Do you know where we will be staying?"

Thiere chuckled quietly. His voice was deep, nearly penetrating. "It is customary for revelers to fall where they stand during the festival," he said quietly. "But I'm sure we've got somewhere better for you to stay, not that there's anything wrong with camping out on the beach between the waves and a roaring bonfire."

"Her Ladyship has arranged special quarters to be shared by our international guests," Anatole explained. "The Shingiri is docked just off the Isle d'Celebre. It's a brig with sufficient quarters for all of you, though I certainly hope you don't get seasick." Black, canvas sails were unrolled and the ferry left dock, swaying gently as its captain turned it toward the Isle of Shadow.

Midori smiles sweetly and replies "Thiere, I'm sure Jun and myself won't. I served on an aircraft carrier for a while before I flew land based helicopters and we can get some really rough seas in Kirisubo"

Jun finds a place to sit down and makes herself comfortable while Midori continues chatting to Anatole about life in Kageshima and asking about his daughter who'll be traveling to Kirisubo soon.

Midori smiles sweetly and replies "Thiere, I'm sure Jun and myself won't. I served on an aircraft carrier for a while before I flew land based helicopters and we can get some really rough seas in Kirisubo"

Jun finds a place to sit down and makes herself comfortable while Midori continues chatting to Anatole about life in Kageshima and asking about his daughter who'll be traveling to Kirisubo soon.

Anatole was a polite, soft-spoken man, and spoke in wryly affectionate tones of his daughter, Caresse, who was the oldest of his two daughters and the second-oldest of his four children. The scents of fish, salt-water, sun-warmed wood, and baking bread carried across the water to reach them. They arrived shortly in Kyoika Bay, a large and bustling port city where thousands of Dylani, sailors, merchants, and children, scampered to and fro, carrying heavy loads or baskets of produce.

Midori smiles when she sees the children and says to Anatole "Caresse will have nothing to worry about in Kirisubo. If she's any questions i'll try and answer them for her before she leaves.

I've just got engaged and I'd like a daughter like Caresse if its my fate"

Jun looks out at the scene from the ferry thinking of how much this scene reminded her of her home village of Nimazu.

Midori smiles when she sees the children and says to Anatole "Caresse will have nothing to worry about in Kirisubo. If she's any questions i'll try and answer them for her before she leaves.

I've just got engaged and I'd like a daughter like Caresse if its my fate"

Jun looks out at the scene from the ferry thinking of how much this scene reminded her of her home village of Nimazu.

"She is quite an accomplished linguist," Anatole told her, "as well as a cunning strategist. An asset to any kingdom." He led them off the ship and onto the sun-baked wood of the pier. "Her brother Severin will rule well with her at his side." He paused to allow a group of laughing children chasing a wooden hoop to cross his path, then continued.

Midori and Jun follow taking in the sights and sounds around them.

Noting how warm it is Jun plans on changing into something more appropriate for the weather.

Midori listens intently to Anatole as she walks with him noting that she'll need a sunshade later on if she wants to avoid heatstroke.

Midori and Jun follow taking in the sights and sounds around them.

Noting how warm it is Jun plans on changing into something more appropriate for the weather.

Midori listens intently to Anatole as she walks with him noting that she'll need a sunshade later on if she wants to avoid heatstroke.

Anatole led them through the city, always in the direction of the towering volcano that dominated the island. At present, its sides were green with vegetation and nothing emerged from its cracked rim. Eventually, their feet hit upon a paved road that wound upward and buildings began to grow sparser and further-between. Shimmering in the side of the mountain was something white, and when they were close enough for it to be definable, Anatole pointed to it. "The Cloister of the Goddess," he said. "Center of Kageshima's government and home of Lady Fate." They walked a little further, and he indicated a smaller paved road that stretched away to their left. "The path to your Embassy, which is currently undergoing renovation. We anticipate it will be completed by the end of the festival."

The PRH-TT diplomatic plane, a small, old turboprop, touched down on the Kageshiman airstrip.
Mikel Aritza got out of the plane. He was wearing a big black Matrix-esque trench coat, jeans, and a white t-shirt.
"We got here earlier than I thought," he remarked, "Especially since we were flying in the G-Plane."
"Why do you always make fun of the diplomatic plane, sir?" his pilot asked.
"Why did my suitcase fall into the sea two weeks ago?" Aritza replied.

OOC:
Can my Emperor Fat Monkey 13 the former great archmage, the master strategist, the great general, the brilliant, the genius, the demon monkey, the reincarnated from hell, and the future galactic warlord, and Benevolent Dictatorship from the future attend?
Along with a few of his concubines and some guards (The guards are to carry stuff)?
If so would you prefer him to attend as a ‘normal’ human or as a shape-changing monkey-demon?

Midori asks Anatole "could we see it before the end of the festival if its no trouble?"

she goes into her small handbag and produces a few photos of the Emperess Miyu building, the ten floor building overlooking the river that runs through Edo. Less than 50 yards from the river the modern office block towered above anything in the area.

She gives them to Anatole adding "I hope you can find these useful. Theres also 5 levels of basements in the building some which make up the underground car park.

The riverside part of the city is a busy place when the sun sets. Theres restaurants, a pleasure border and quite a few bars and clubs and there'll be a small shopping mall completed as well very soon.

your ambassadorial team should have all they need in the area"

OOC:
Can my Emperor Fat Monkey 13 the former great archmage, the master strategist, the great general, the brilliant, the genius, the demon monkey, the reincarnated from hell, and the future galactic warlord, and Benevolent Dictatorship from the future attend?
Along with a few of his concubines and some guards (The guards are to carry stuff)?
If so would you prefer him to attend as a ‘normal’ human or as a shape-changing monkey-demon?

OOC: He can attend. Normal human is preferred, but there are really no restrictions. However, within the islands, the power of the Lady of Fate is absolute, and if he misbehaves, he will find a smack-down promptly and thoroughly laid on his red monkey ass.

And I hope he doesn't mind sharing the concubines.

Midori asks Anatole "could we see it before the end of the festival if its no trouble?"

she goes into her small handbag and produces a few photos of the Emperess Miyu building, the ten floor building overlooking the river that runs through Edo. Less than 50 yards from the river the modern office block towered above anything in the area.

She gives them to Anatole adding "I hope you can find these useful. Theres also 5 levels of basements in the building some which make up the underground car park.

The riverside part of the city is a busy place when the sun sets. Theres restaurants, a pleasure border and quite a few bars and clubs and there'll be a small shopping mall completed as well very soon.

your ambassadorial team should have all they need in the area"


Anatole politely looked over the photos, then slid them into his satchel to go over later. "We can stop by if you'd like," he allowed. "The renovations aren't finished yet, but you should be able to get an idea."

OOC: I'm just going to post the embassy description if that's all right with you, rather than RP every single detail, since I wrote this up beforehand.

This building is located part-way up the Isle of Shadow’s dormant volcano, and is built in a square fashion, two wings enclosing a central courtyard. Currently, this courtyard houses a rock garden, which you may cultivate or change at your leisure. The west wing will be the Official Wing. The first floor contains the dining hall, which opens onto the courtyard on one side and a lovely ravine on the other. We have outfitted it with low tables in the fashion of a tea room at present. The first floor also contains a steam room, with a paved path that gives access to a freshwater spring which lies with the boundaries of your property, but outside the wall. This steam room currently contains benches and massage tables which can be removed at your request. The top floor has comfortable accommodations in the form of twelve one-bedroom and twelve two-bedroom suites for your officials and their guards. If you do not plan to bring you staff, we will staff your cleaning and cooking services for you. The extension of the west wing contains office space for your officials.

The larger east wing is where any visitors and tourists from your nation will be hosted in comfort and contains a private dining room and kitchen, a steam room/massage parlor, and an entertainment hall. The top floor has twenty one-bedroom and twenty two-bedroom suites.

The Embassy itself, and most of the grounds with the exception of the spring, are enclosed within a plain stone wall twelve feet in height. If you desire more security, you may add defenses to this wall at your leisure. There is a large front gate and a small rear gate which can both be barred from the inside.

Midori after seeing whats been built so far and after listening to Anatole's description of the finished building is happy with what she sees and hears.

"I don't think we'll need to change anything in the building" she replies "and i'm sure our ambasador and their team will feel at home here. Theres a good chance of some children coming over as well and living here will certainly teach them a thing or two"

Their detour now finished they head back to the main path and back to where they were supposed to be going.

Midori after seeing whats been built so far and after listening to Anatole's description of the finished building is happy with what she sees and hears.

"I don't think we'll need to change anything in the building" she replies "and i'm sure our ambasador and their team will feel at home here. Theres a good chance of some children coming over as well and living here will certainly teach them a thing or two"

Their detour now finished they head back to the main path and back to where they were supposed to be going.

Anatole bowed formally to her and they continued up along the path. The Cloister wasn't too far up, a building built of white marble, with several resplendant fountains and beautifully cultivated gardens. The arched, wrought-iron gates opened onto a round courtyard in which stood a marble statue of a woman with massive feathered wings. She wore a sleeveless robe, belted, with the triple-moon symbol on the belt clasp. In one hand she held a sword, in the other a human heart, and at her feet stood a large cauldron.

"Our rendition of The Lady of Fate in Her true form," Anatole explained. "She holds the powers of life and death, with the world-cauldron at her feet. If you look there, you'll see the Tree of Petition," he told them, pointing one slender finger toward a blossoming Japanese Rose Tree with tiny strips of paper tied to nearly every twig and branch, turning it white. "It's the closest any Dylani gets to prayer."

Midori recognises some common religious ground when she's told about The Lady Of Fate and also recognises the rose tree.

While Midori asks Anatole further questions about The Lady Of Fate, Jun feels the heat starting to affect her.

She removes her jacket but feeling dehydrated faints anyway.

Midori spots this and runs over to her colleague, using Juns own jacket as a pillow and tries to remember her first aid training..

Midori recognises some common religious ground when she's told about The Lady Of Fate and also recognises the rose tree.

While Midori asks Anatole further questions about The Lady Of Fate, Jun feels the heat starting to affect her.

She removes her jacket but feeling dehydrated faints anyway.

Midori spots this and runs over to her colleague, using Juns own jacket as a pillow and tries to remember her first aid training..

Anatole didn't look the least bit surprised upon seeing Jun faint. "Thiere, go get some water for Miss Jun. Miss Midori, please allow me. I am a Spellsinger." He knelt carefully next to the woman's fallen body as Thiere took off running. He was remarkably fast, and was gone in a flash up the steps and through the arched doorway, as Anatole passed a hand over Miss Jun's forehead, cool gray eyes assessing her. "Simple dehydration. Perhaps you would like some more climate-appropriate clothes? I can engage a tanner, or a tailor if you would rather not wear leather, to create something of which you approve." He hummed under his breath, a single low note that seemed to make the air around them vibrate. The temperature dropped by several degrees, the sweat on Jun's body evaporated, and her skin cooled to a safe level.

Jun opens her eyes, sees Midori and Anatole looking at her with concern and instinctively asks in Kirisuban "what happened Midori san?"

Midori manages a smile for her old friend and replies in english "Jun you fainted from the heat. Once you've got a drink, a rest and get changed into summer clothes you'll be fine. Theres nothing to feel embaressed about".

Jun manages to return the smile despite her loss of face and tries to get up unsucessfully.

Midori turns to Anatole and says softly "thank you for what you did. I'm sure Jun will be fine soon. She brought appropriate clothes in her case but unlike myself didn't change before leaving the plane."

She gives her friend a meaningful look and Jun lies back down again resting.

Official Letter from Emperor Potty 5, Imperial City, Monkey 13 City, Potty 5

"Dear Kageshima the Lady of Fate

I, on hearing about the present status of your nation would like to visit for Solstice Celebration. Having heard about your nation and its great liberties, it reminded me very much of my own nation. I will be attending with two of my wives Xi Shi and Wang Zhaojun, they are not the famous beauties of China but took those names on becoming my wives. I hope that our relations as two nations with absolute rulers that strive to provide our peoples with great liberties. I will bring 46 Imperial Guards to carry food, and drink. I am planning to arrive via my own supersonic aircraft. The aircraft is quite large (about 300 tons, it is the size of a jumbo jet such as the 747) so if there are insufficient runway facilities I will in stead arrive by a smaller plane with multiple trailing planes to carry the food, and drink.

Emperor Fat Monkey 13 of Potty 5"

To: Her Divinity, the Lady of Fate, Supreme Ruler of the Island Dominion of Kageshima
From: The Supreme Soviet Unifyed Jason Mikoyan,Leader of the Uniion of Usean Soviet States(Usea-Jason)

We hope that he are not too late to partake in your Celebration of the Solstice,We would like to ,As you say,Join in.I Myself will be going,to help forge a bond between us.I will be bringing My countries Finest food and drink.We also present you with a Swartz Chocobo,One of the rarest in my country.I hope that we can still be alowed to celebrate with you.

Singed Jason Mikoyan

OOC: Yes, everyone come and have fun, it's wide open, and I'm starting festivities tomorrow since I'm not doing this in real time.

Jun opens her eyes, sees Midori and Anatole looking at her with concern and instinctively asks in Kirisuban "what happened Midori san?"

Midori manages a smile for her old friend and replies in english "Jun you fainted from the heat. Once you've got a drink, a rest and get changed into summer clothes you'll be fine. Theres nothing to feel embaressed about".

Jun manages to return the smile despite her loss of face and tries to get up unsucessfully.

Midori turns to Anatole and says softly "thank you for what you did. I'm sure Jun will be fine soon. She brought appropriate clothes in her case but unlike myself didn't change before leaving the plane."

She gives her friend a meaningful look and Jun lies back down again resting.


Thiere returned then and Anatole gave the cup of water he'd brought back to Miss Jun. "Drink this," he said quietly, smiling at Jun and Midori. "I'll show you to a place where you can change, if you like. I've got another couple of planes to meet, but Thiere will show you down to the opening ceremony, and make certain you enjoy yourselves."

Midori smiles and says "Anatole thank you for all you've done so far. Thiere can take us the rest of the way and i'm sure we'll be talking more later on"

Jun sits up and drinks the water and Midori helps her to her feet. Still feeling a little unsteady Jun holds onto her friend and Midori follows Thiere to the place that Jun can get changed.

Midori glances back as they leave Anatole wondering what Kaigan will have to face when Caresse Solei arrives in Kirisubo.

The Darein aircraft was a small, sleek thing. Quick and light, as the standards of the Evendarian people demanded. It approached the airstrip at a steady speed, flown surprisingly well, all things considered. Niala herself had taken the controls, which made the king more than a little uneasy.

Afriel was mindful not to look anywhere that might be moving- he didn't much like flying-, but Natalya watched the approach through one of the plane's small windows, joined by the lady Chance. She was just about giddy, despite her attempts to regain her compsure. It was a break from the castle, and she sorely needed it. They all did. Soraya herself had thanked the Lady (though, thankfully, she hadn't specified which one) for the timely-placed event.

A few yards away,a UUSS J09 "Box Wing"Plane landed,In it was the Usea-Jason main group,Including the SSu.Soon after,more Usea-jason Aircraft landed and more people came.At least 300 Useans came for the celebration.Usea ovious wanted Peace,expecally after the Civil war.

Midori smiles and says "Anatole thank you for all you've done so far. Thiere can take us the rest of the way and i'm sure we'll be talking more later on"

Jun sits up and drinks the water and Midori helps her to her feet. Still feeling a little unsteady Jun holds onto her friend and Midori follows Thiere to the place that Jun can get changed.

Midori glances back as they leave Anatole wondering what Kaigan will have to face when Caresse Solei arrives in Kirisubo.

Anatole bowed and then was gone, swift and silent as the wind. Thiere nodded to the two women. "Please follow me," he invited them, leading them up the shallow, wide steps of the Cloister itself. "The opening ceremony will begin in about an hour, and I wouldn't want you to miss that."

The halls of the Cloister were paved in cool marble and featured massive paintings depicting what must have been the history of Kageshima. Thiere opened the door of a small room that looked like a sitting room or parlor. There was a comfortable-looking couch, a few bookshelves, and a wardrobe.

"Please feel free to freshen up from your trip," he said solomnly. "I'll be waiting when you are ready."

Anatole barely made it back to the airstrip in time to greet these most recent arrivals. He'd met another group as they'd departed the ferry and pointed them toward the appropriate ship that would be leaving for the Isle d'Celebre very shortly. He had a team of assistants working with him, but he wanted to be there to meet the Darein plane. He had a feeling that both Afriel and Natalya would have words with him if he wasn't.

OOC: Hope it's not too late. I'll only be intermittently posting (this is Christmas after all)
IC:
"This is Imperial Diplomatic Air Flight 839 to Kageshima Air Traffic Control. We have on board Ambassador Aldira and his party, and are requesting permission to approach and an approach vector."

On board the plane Count Aldira stared out the window. Like many older Macisikani nobles he had taken on a somewhat hawkish appearence, a moderately tall and gaunt frame. He was, frankly, bored with flying, and was looking forward to getting off the plane.

His wife, the countess, was reading a rather thick book, a historical novel set in the middle ages. In other seats the other members of the mission, including Deacon Saniril (who was stalking the plane challenging crew members, guards and staffers to card games) were all restless, intensely bored, and looking forward to getting off the plane.

From his window, Count Aldira could see the islands of Kageshima spread out below.

They seemed quite beautiful from the air.

"We've never had this much traffic," Braeden Hz'Narrin told Anatole when the smaller man arrived back at the airstrip. "I've got Macisikan and Darein Riey circling while we bring in Usea-Jason. This tiny airstrip might not be able to handle international traffic..."

"It's just for the festival," Anatole assured him, tucking a stray lock of hair behind his slightly pointed ear. "Let's get Usea-Jason off the runway and down to the ferry so we can bring Darein Riey in... I'll catch it if I make them wait," he said with a sigh as he headed out to the strip, and Braeden hiked an eyebrow.

"And here I was going to suggest just leaving His Royal Highness in the air until they run out of fuel and drop into the sea," he said dryly, when Anatole was out of earshot, then got on the mic with Usea-Jason. "No offense, folks, but let's try to make this quick... we've got a line of flights waiting for entry and only one airstrip."

On hearing of the limitations of the islands airstrip, the party from Potty 5 decided that it might be better to use flying boats. The only problems with the flying boats were that most of the large advanced designs had been canceled decades ago due to the increase in the size of airports. Potty 5 did have some old designs from the 40s through the 60s that would have been excellent if ever produced but their come and gone before the aircraft reached production. Smaller flying boats had continued development though, and this is what was decided on (4 local copies of the Russian Beriev Be-200 if it matters). The only problem was getting from the flying boat to the shore. Not knowing if there would be available transport at the festival due to it being open to the public the novel idea of air-dropping amphibious tractors from military cargo aircraft was decided upon, with a tanker aircraft so that the large military cargo aircraft need not congest the already congested airstrip.

While a lot could have gone wrong, none did. The amphibious tractors were highly modified versions of the Type 101 APC that mounted a large open flat passenger 'compartment' on top of the vehicle. The vehicles were painted black with many monkeys on them in white, silver, and gray.

Air dropped with there two men crews four of the strangely modified tractors made there way to where the seaplanes had landed.

The first flying boat to be unloaded was the one on which the Emperor and two of his wives were carried. When a side exit door was opened and a wooden ramp like those people often use to get from a dock to a boat was used. The Emperor half hunched over, in his elaborately embroidered silk robe, was the first to make it across the unstable bridge to the float like top put on the amphibious tractor. Following him was Xi Shi and Wang Zhaojun is similarly styled woman's kimonos. Then came 2 Imperial Guards, in white wool suits, some rope, and then two crates were pulled along the ramp, then came two more imperial guards. The ramp was retracted back into the aircraft by more unseen guards, and the Emperor's Floating Float on a tractor headed for the beach.

The same novel approach was used to unload all four aircraft, requiring quit a number of trips, but the amphibious tractors were well suited for the strange mission, and did well on the sand and in the water, even if the sight of the emperor in black 5’7” and his two concubines who were even shorter, standing next to the 6’3” guards in white suits did look rather strange.

The same novel approach was used to unload all four aircraft, requiring quit a number of trips, but the amphibious tractors were well suited for the strange mission, and did well on the sand and in the water, even if the sight of the emperor in black 5’7” and his two concubines who were even shorter, standing next to the 6’3” guards in white suits did look rather strange.

As the vehicles pulled up and began to unload, one of the sailors on the nearby ferry leaned over the railing.

"AHOY THERE!" he called. "If you're for the festival, you needn't waste time here! Do you need directions to the Isle d'Celebre? It's easy to find!"

Midori and Jun freshen up in the guest room and then Midori helps Jun into her pale blue summer kimono. Being silk it naturally keep the wearer cool.

After tying of the obi the way she was taught to by her grandmother, they help each other with their hair and makeup and relax with a fruit juice each.

with their cases now on the way to their accomodations and their small handbags tucked into the wide belt sashes they both look like perfect Kirisuban ladies.

As Jun rests on the couch Midori trys to absorb all she's seen and heard about Kageshima. She was expecting other important visitors but since she didn't know who she would be meeting she banishes her anxiety to the back of her mind and chats with Thiere about life on the island while they wait for the opening ceremony to begin.

As the First J09 Boxwing laft the runway,the second Civil J09 was circling ,Waiting for clearance.THe First UUSS plane unloaded,and the Leader himself came out."Hmmm...A really nice land,and hopefully a good allie."

Mikel got on the ferry that was supposed to take him to the festival while the G-Plane flew off.
"Don't crash!" he shouted at the plane.
He walked over to the little welcome committee.
"I'm here for the festival," he said, "Could you point me in the direction of the boat over there?"

Midori and Jun freshen up in the guest room and then Midori helps Jun into her pale blue summer kimono. Being silk it naturally keep the wearer cool.

After tying of the obi the way she was taught to by her grandmother, they help each other with their hair and makeup and relax with a fruit juice each.

with their cases now on the way to their accomodations and their small handbags tucked into the wide belt sashes they both look like perfect Kirisuban ladies.

As Jun rests on the couch Midori trys to absorb all she's seen and heard about Kageshima. She was expecting other important visitors but since she didn't know who she would be meeting she banishes her anxiety to the back of her mind and chats with Thiere about life on the island while they wait for the opening ceremony to begin.


Thiere was a soft-spoken and composed young man, much like Anatole, though he smiled far more often than the Head of the Foreign Affairs Office did. He was quite content to talk quietly with Midori while Jun collected herself. He was extremely respectful, and happy to answer any questions she had about their society, history, or culture until Jun was ready to go to the opening ceremony.

Mikel got on the ferry that was supposed to take him to the festival while the G-Plane flew off.
"Don't crash!" he shouted at the plane.
He walked over to the little welcome committee.
"I'm here for the festival," he said, "Could you point me in the direction of the boat over there?"

One young man with a riot of glossy black curls waved Mikel down. "We're gathering here," he said in answer to the question. "We're taking my mother's ship over, as it's the biggest one in the islands. We'll need space for all these people. I'm Blaise SummerStorm, by the way," he said by way of introduction, offering one fine-boned hand. "You must be the delegate from H-Town Tejas. We've been expecting you, but this day's been crazy.... I'm glad you made it safely."

As the First J09 Boxwing laft the runway,the second Civil J09 was circling ,Waiting for clearance.THe First UUSS plane unloaded,and the Leader himself came out."Hmmm...A really nice land,and hopefully a good allie."

Anatole was waiting as the plane unloaded. Standing only five feet tall, dressed in a dark gray tunic and pants that matched his large, slanted eyes, he approached the Leader with his hands clasped loosely behind him. Glossy, straight black hair to his hips blew in the stiff, pleasant ocean breeze.

"Delegate from Usea-Jason!" he called over the noise of the plane engines. "I am Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations. Welcome to the Isles!"

Thiere was a soft-spoken and composed young man, much like Anatole, though he smiled far more often than the Head of the Foreign Affairs Office did. He was quite content to talk quietly with Midori while Jun collected herself. He was extremely respectful, and happy to answer any questions she had about their society, history, or culture until Jun was ready to go to the opening ceremony.

Jun wakes up and after fixing her hair joins Midori and Thiere outside. A cool sea breeze makes it easier for her to cope with the heat.

"good morning sleepyhead" Midori jokes and Jun laughs before asking Thiere "Thiere san when will the opening ceremony begin?"

Jun wakes up and after fixing her hair joins Midori and Thiere outside. A cool sea breeze makes it easier for her to cope with the heat.

"good morning sleepyhead" Midori jokes and Jun laughs before asking Thiere "Thiere san when will the opening ceremony begin?"

"We still have forty minutes," Thiere assured her after checking the direction of the sunlight slanting in through the large window. "If you ladies are ready, we can head down to the bay now. My mother's ship, the Shingiri, should be waiting there to take all the delegates and foreign guests to the Isle."

Midori smiles and replies "we're ready to go", both ladies following Thiere down to the bay.

Midori smiles and replies "we're ready to go", both ladies following Thiere down to the bay.

Thiere led them down through the bustling marketplace to the massive brig with full, black sails that rested in the bay. Dignitaries of several nations loitered near the gangplank, talking in their own languages.

"My mother's ship," Thiere pointed out. The ship itself was also painted black, and the figurehead was that of a Dylani woman of fierce countenance, bearing two long knives and frozen in the act of mid-leap. "The Shingiri. She's the power in these waters, second only to the GhostSong. She'll bear us to the Isle d'Celebre as soon as the rest of the guests arrive."

"thank you Thiere san" Midori says softly and while the Kirisubans wait patiently Midori tries to work out from the chatter the languages being spoken.

The brig impressed her with its size and beauty and she thinks of the warjunk she seen one time in Yedo harbour.

OOC: As Daein Ray seems slightly absent, I'll just land my guys; assume the plane takes off as soon as it can, and feel free to send them off to the ship to take them to the Isle. Don't worry about clearing runway space; I've taken care of that....
IC:
Attention ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking; we have received clearance to begin our approach to Kageshima airport (?). Would you please fasten your seat-belts and place your tray tables in the upright and locket position.

"Finally." Countess Aldira muttered as she stowed her book beneath her chair. The flight from Macisikan to Kageshima had not been a short one.
"Dear, remind me when we have a line to MinExAff in AM [Ministry of External Affairs in Arn-Maciska] to tell them to update their movie collection."
The Count nodded, staring fixedly out of the window.

The sleek plane glided down, losing speed as fast as it lost altitude; from the point of view of those on the ground, it was loosing speed far too quickly and was going to crash, horribly.
But as it came in the engines' drone changed tone; and angle.
As anyone paying attention on the ground watched, the plane landed vertically, coming to a gentle halt a few dozen metres above the ground, then gently descending the remaining distance.
Those on board would have barely felt the wheels touch the ground.

The Imperials emerged, blinking into the sunlight. In deference to the climate they had shirked the usual 1900's suits and dresses, and instead wore clothes reminiscent of Rome; togas and tunics for the men, stolas and tunics for the women, woven from light cotton, and dyed light colours. At this time of year, their superiors in Arn-Maciska would have been wearing much the same.
The Ambassador would have been readily identifiable among the group; alone, he was wearing white (though his toga had a broad yellow border), and there was a certain bearing in his posture and carriage.
The guards were wearing practical, loose clothing, which left their hands free, and their blades easily accessible; their posture was relaxed, but watchful.
As they wait patiently, the Romanesque effect was slightly spoiled by their putting on sunglasses.

OOC - I fully blame my mother for making me miss my posting turn. I really do.

Niala watched the airstrip below with a critical eye... She'd never actually landed a plane before... She spared half a second to glance through to the cabin behind her, and the slightly ill-looking Feral in her range of sight. Oh, well. She tapped the shoulder of the Evendarian man in the co-pilot's seat beside her, pleased when he roused at the first touch. He blinked at her, and she gestured to the landing strip below. "I'm afraid I don't know how to do this part. But you do! It's your job, after all. So, come on, do your... thing." The grin the Wolcarn flashed him was bright and no little bit disconcerting. He obeyed, moving to radio the control tower.

"This is the flight from Darein Riey, requesting permission to land."

Niala couldn't supress her laughter at the relief that washed over Afriel when he heard the pilot's voice, and it chased the man's words over the trasmission.

One young man with a riot of glossy black curls waved Mikel down. "We're gathering here," he said in answer to the question. "We're taking my mother's ship over, as it's the biggest one in the islands. We'll need space for all these people. I'm Blaise SummerStorm, by the way," he said by way of introduction, offering one fine-boned hand. "You must be the delegate from H-Town Tejas. We've been expecting you, but this day's been crazy.... I'm glad you made it safely."

Mikel shook his hand, "Mikel Aritza. I'm guessing you're the Lady of Fate's kid."
"It's been a crazy day for me too," he continued, "I flew on the G-Plane for six hours. I'd tell you what was wrong with it, but I'd be a skeleton by the time we'd get past the cargo bay."

OOC - I fully blame my mother for making me miss my posting turn. I really do.

Niala watched the airstrip below with a critical eye... She'd never actually landed a plane before... She spared half a second to glance through to the cabin behind her, and the slightly ill-looking Feral in her range of sight. Oh, well. She tapped the shoulder of the Evendarian man in the co-pilot's seat beside her, pleased when he roused at the first touch. He blinked at her, and she gestured to the landing strip below. "I'm afraid I don't know how to do this part. But you do! It's your job, after all. So, come on, do your... thing." The grin the Wolcarn flashed him was bright and no little bit disconcerting. He obeyed, moving to radio the control tower.

"This is the flight from Darein Riey, requesting permission to land."

Niala couldn't supress her laughter at the relief that washed over Afriel when he heard the pilot's voice, and it chased the man's words over the trasmission.


"Darein Riey, you're cleared for south-west approach," came the reply. The airstrip was clear for them.

Mikel shook his hand, "Mikel Aritza. I'm guessing you're the Lady of Fate's kid."
"It's been a crazy day for me too," he continued, "I flew on the G-Plane for six hours. I'd tell you what was wrong with it, but I'd be a skeleton by the time we'd get past the cargo bay."

"Her Ladyship?" Blaise echoed, laughing. "Hell no, I'm Her grandson. Sorry about your flight then, but you DID take your own transportation," he reminded Mikel, folding slimly muscled arms over a cleanly defined chest. Most of the Dylani present were wearing loinclothes or loinclothes and halter tops, going barefoot. It made most of the diplomats look ridiculously overdressed.

"Her Ladyship?" Blaise echoed, laughing. "Hell no, I'm Her grandson. Sorry about your flight then, but you DID take your own transportation," he reminded Mikel, folding slimly muscled arms over a cleanly defined chest. Most of the Dylani present were wearing loinclothes or loinclothes and halter tops, going barefoot. It made most of the diplomats look ridiculously overdressed.

"So, where am I going to be staying, assuming I don't drink myself into a stupor and pass out in the middle of a busy road?" Mikel asked, "And is doing that particularly uncommon?"

As the vehicles pulled up and began to unload, one of the sailors on the nearby ferry leaned over the railing.

"AHOY THERE!" he called. "If you're for the festival, you needn't waste time here! Do you need directions to the Isle d'Celebre? It's easy to find!"

That would be most helpfull, Said one of the men in white suits. Also would there happen to be a gas station with a about 4,000 L of diesel near by, we could use a refil of our drop tanks."

"Darein Riey, you're cleared for south-west approach," came the reply. The airstrip was clear for them.

As the pilot steered the plane in for landing, Luna trotted back into the cabin, grinning broadly down at Afriel. The Feral was not amused.

When the plane landed, it was Natalya who was first off, followed by Afriel, who found himself squinting in the light. It was entirely too sunny for his tastes. The goddesses were next off, and Chance's squeal of delight and exclamation of "Oh! It's so -pretty-!" Were heard even over the plane's engines. Soraya shot the girl a distasteful look when she took the steps.

Most of them were dressed for the warmer climate of the islands- Evin in blue jeans jeans and a white t-shirt; Natalya in (oh glory of glories) a rather pretty yellow sundress that went remarkably well with her complexion and soft, brown hair; Chance in a loose orange-yellow skirt and shirt; and Shade dressed in much the same manner as Afriel-, with the sole exception of Soraya, who would never forgo the traditional robes, even if she found herself dying of heat exhaustion. The robes alone were bad enough, but that particular shade of fuschia did NOT go well with the woman's cobalt skin, or emerald-shaded hair. She was pretty without being too pretty, but it was mostly ruined by the cold steel in her eyes, and the stiffness to her posture.

And then, there was Niala (or Luna, as she would soon introduce herself), who neatly topped out even Evin for weirdness. At that particular moment in time, she was trying, with no small amount of difficulty, to navigate her way back down the steps. Getting -in- the plane had been easy enough, but getting back -out- was proving troublesome. Her skin was pale, enough so that even being out in the sun the few moments she had been was making it burn in a rather unpleasent manner, and her hair long and glossy black, most of its curl pulled out by its own weight. It fell to her hips, denoting her rank as a noble in the court, but not yet long enough to say she was the proxy from the king- which she was. Until one got to her waist, she seemed fairly normal. Human-looking, almost, with a rather pretty face and spectacular figure.

And then, they'd notice the tail. It wasn't a cat's tail, like Evin's, but more along the lines of a horse's. At the moment, she was trying very hard to keep from both tripping on it, and slipping on the hard surface of the steps beneath her.

Had she not been wearing jeans, it would have been very obvious that, from the knee down, her legs were most certainly -not- human, but, instead, very much equine. As it were, her hooves could be plainly seen slipping on the last step, and sending her flat on her ass with a rather loud shriek. Indignant would be the only way to describe her expression at that particular moment.

"So, where am I going to be staying, assuming I don't drink myself into a stupor and pass out in the middle of a busy road?" Mikel asked, "And is doing that particularly uncommon?"

"First," Blaise said with an amused grin, "The Isle d'Celebre doesn't have roads, and none of Kageshima's roads are really what you'd call 'busy'. We don't have cars, only foot traffic, and I'm pretty sure people would step over you instead of on you.... as for getting drunk and passing out on the beach, during the Solstice Festival, it's very common. So no one will think less of you," he assured him.

That would be most helpfull, Said one of the men in white suits. Also would there happen to be a gas station with a about 4,000 L of diesel near by, we could use a refil of our drop tanks."

"No gas stations," the helpful sailor told them. "Kageshima doesn't have motor vehicles. Your best bet is the airstrip. They ship fuel in for the planes from the surrounding nations. Otherwise, I'd head over to the Rogue Nation of the Dragon's Order and see if you can buy some fuel from them." He pointed a finger. "As for directions, you can either ride along with the other delegates, or you can use your own steam... the Isle d'Celebre is about seven miles west by southwest. No mountains, a bunch of sand spits with palm trees connected by floating bridges, you can't miss if, if you just bear south around the tip of the Isle of Shadow and sail past Hebishima, which is the other island with the volcano."

As the pilot steered the plane in for landing, Luna trotted back into the cabin, grinning broadly down at Afriel. The Feral was not amused.

When the plane landed, it was Natalya who was first off, followed by Afriel, who found himself squinting in the light. It was entirely too sunny for his tastes. The goddesses were next off, and Chance's squeal of delight and exclamation of "Oh! It's so -pretty-!" Were heard even over the plane's engines. Soraya shot the girl a distasteful look when she took the steps.



Anatole was waiting when they disembarked. "Welcome to Kageshima," he said politely. "The ferry's waiting. We have porters to carry your luggage down."

Anatole was waiting when they disembarked. "Welcome to Kageshima," he said politely. "The ferry's waiting. We have porters to carry your luggage down."

Luna scrambled to her feet with no small amount of effort, before hurrying to join the others. Evin couldn't bite back the snicker that her fall had prompted, and earned a glare of pure venom for it.

As Afriel, technically, wasn't there, it was Luna who answered Anatole. "Of course. Thank you very much. On the behalf of Darein Riey, I greet you." Her smile was bright and cheerful, and her voice light and sweet- the sort of voice that soothed the ear and caught the attention; sure to sound spectacular in song. She offered him a hand. "Luna Niala Rosiv, proxy for the king. I sure he could have told you that, but he's busy being lazy." She shot a glare over her shoulder, while Evin pretended not to hear her.

OOC - Feeling randomly helpful: It's Luna! (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/midnightofthefallen/lunafull.jpg) Only, without the horsey-bits, as I do not have those. And then, a close-up of miss Luna. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/midnightofthefallen/lunafront.jpg) Hope that helps with the visualization business.

Luna scrambled to her feet with no small amount of effort, before hurrying to join the others. Evin couldn't bite back the snicker that her fall had prompted, and earned a glare of pure venom for it.

As Afriel, technically, wasn't there, it was Luna who answered Anatole. "Of course. Thank you very much. On the behalf of Darein Riey, I greet you." Her smile was bright and cheerful, and her voice light and sweet- the sort of voice that soothed the ear and caught the attention; sure to sound spectacular in song. She offered him a hand. "Luna Niala Rosiv, proxy for the king. I sure he could have told you that, but he's busy being lazy." She shot a glare over her shoulder, while Evin pretended not to hear her.

OOC - Feeling randomly helpful: It's Luna! (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/midnightofthefallen/lunafull.jpg) Only, without the horsey-bits, as I do not have those. And then, a close-up of miss Luna. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/midnightofthefallen/lunafront.jpg) Hope that helps with the visualization business.

Anatole didn't acknowledge the joke, merely nodding to her. "Please follow me to the ferry," he told the group, motioning to the seashore where a black-sailed schooner bobbed gently on the waves.

Anatole didn't acknowledge the joke, merely nodding to her. "Please follow me to the ferry," he told the group, motioning to the seashore where a black-sailed schooner bobbed gently on the waves.

Luna let her hand fall, tail flicking behind her. She nodded and obediently followed, trusting the others would come as well. They did, Evin and Natalya closest behind Luna.

:Long day?: Came the question, in Natalya's soft voice, even as the girl very nearly tripped over Luna's tail. The act was accompanied by a small selection of swear words she only could have learned from Evin, and the Feral found himself grinning as a result.

Luna let her hand fall, tail flicking behind her. She nodded and obediently followed, trusting the others would come as well. They did, Evin and Natalya closest behind Luna.

:Long day?: Came the question, in Natalya's soft voice, even as the girl very nearly tripped over Luna's tail. The act was accompanied by a small selection of swear words she only could have learned from Evin, and the Feral found himself grinning as a result.

~Quite,~ Anatole agreed simply, walking them briskly down to the ferry as the resident pilot taxied their plane off the runway so others could land.

~Quite,~ Anatole agreed simply, walking them briskly down to the ferry as the resident pilot taxied their plane off the runway so others could land.

Natalya nodded and poked the Feral walking beside her in the shoulder. The look she gifted him with was one that said, very cleary, "I told you so." Evin's response was to make a reluctant sort of noise and move out of Natalya's reach. She chuckled.

:Hope it ends soon.: He contributed, which transformed Natalya's expression from one of triumph to one of amusement. Whatever she said to Evin earned her a glare and another step away.

Anatole didn't respond to either of them. It was possible that he didn't have time. They reached the pier and Bastien trotted toward them, glistening slightly with sweat.

"They've finished loading the Shingiri over at the bay, Papa," he told Anatole. "They're getting ready to make the first crossing. You should hurry if you want to make it. Hi, Natayla," he said merrily, then to Afriel, "Hello, father."

"We are only waiting on the porters," Anatole told him. "Once they board, you can go, but I have to stay. There are others waiting to land and I have to make certain they all find their way to the right island."

Anatole didn't respond to either of them. It was possible that he didn't have time. They reached the pier and Bastien trotted toward them, glistening slightly with sweat.

"They've finished loading the Shingiri over at the bay, Papa," he told Anatole. "They're getting ready to make the first crossing. You should hurry if you want to make it. Hi, Natayla," he said merrily, then to Afriel, "Hello, father."

"We are only waiting on the porters," Anatole told him. "Once they board, you can go, but I have to stay. There are others waiting to land and I have to make certain they all find their way to the right island."

Natalya's response was a bright grin and the barely-supressed urge to curtsey. "Hello."

Afriel didn't answer at all, too busy watching the water with what could only be distrust. And Luna shoving him from behind? That didn't help much. The Feral rounded on her with a snarl, but she danced neatly out of the way, laughter ringing like bells.

"Oooh, I had a -feeling-," She sang, watching Evin with amusement glittering darkly in cerulean eyes. It was only a half a second before her attention transferred itself to Bastien. She paused, one eyebrow lifted so elegantly it could only be unconcious. "Soo... You're one of Afriel's children? -Interesting-."

"-Luna-," Evin ground out, ears swept back, and his irritation very much evident. "I thought it was agreed to that you would -behave-."

Luna turned to blink at him before she threw her heard back and laughed. Behind her, Soraya sighed and shook her head, trying so hard to pretend she didn't know who these people were.

Seeing more visitors arrive Midori Kasigi-Nero knows that they'll be leaving soon.

She introduces herself and Jun.

"Good morning, I'm Midori Kasigi-Nero, The Empire of Kirisubo's deputy ambassador to the UN and my colleague is Lt Jun Osuki from the Imperial Kirisuban Airforce"

Both ladies bow and look every inch a lady in their silk kimonos.

Bastien offered his father a ready grin which died quickly when his greeting was not returned. He coughed, eyeing Luna. "Aye," he said, a bit more subdued. There was a moment of awkward silence, then he waved them on. "Come on, let's get going, or we'll miss the ferry to the Isle d'Celebre. Hurry," he urged, motioning them up the gangplank.

Midori and Jun board the ship and Jun fans herself down while she looks for some shade.

Bastien offered his father a ready grin which died quickly when his greeting was not returned. He coughed, eyeing Luna. "Aye," he said, a bit more subdued. There was a moment of awkward silence, then he waved them on. "Come on, let's get going, or we'll miss the ferry to the Isle d'Celebre. Hurry," he urged, motioning them up the gangplank.

It wasn't until he was walking past Bastien that Evin seemed to properly notice he was there, shoving Luna and her antics out of his mind long enough for a friendly smile and a quick, "Oh, hey, Bastien." His foul mood returned with a vengance when Luna poked him in the back to hurry him along, black ears re-plastering themselves to his skull. The Wolcarn seemed quite oblivious, and made her way up the gangplank behind him, the last of the lot in line, further laughter working up her throat.

"Silly Feral. Defending him without knowing he was there. I'll have to put this in my book! 'In Feral nature, the desire to protect offspring is completely unconcious, not even requiring the recognition of the threat before acting agianst it.' I can see it now. I'll devote an entire chapter to it, I think." Luna smirked at Evin's back, well aware he'd already begun to tune her out.

Ahead of them, Shade stopped and ground her teeth. "That's it. I cannot take another -moment- of this. I really can't. I'll starting pulling out my hair. Luna, come here."

"And wouldn't -that- be unattractive," Chance chimed, watching Luna obediently trot to her Goddess's side. There was a moment of silence, a Word, and when Luna opened her mouth agian, there was a very distinct lack of sound. A visible sense of relaxation washed over the entire party.

Bastien managed a return smile, but it was fleeting, and he quickly hurried ahead to the forecastle to alert the captain that they were ready to cast off. Anatole waited at the bottom of the gangplank, and Bastien settled on the bench that ran along the railing of the forcastle deck, making himself small.

Luna proceeded to glare at both goddesses, and would, no doubt, fall flat on her ass once the ferry got moving, if only due to lack of traction. Shade awaited the moment with something akin to glee. Soraya stood by, watching the entire procession with marked disapproval.

Evin, meanwhile, found something solid and settled agianst it. He was on worse terms with boats than he was with planes, and that was definitely saying something.

Finally, Natalya sat down next to Bastien, brown eyes warm and friendly. "Well," she observed, "That certainly was a very sudden change in demeanor."

Bastien looked wearily mutinous. "I don't know why we even try," he muttered under his breath, then shook his head. "Ignore me, Natalya. I wish Severin was here."

"Well, THis plase is certanly into it."Usea-Jason leader Jason Mikoyan said.Looking through the major market,he noticed that people were as happy as in his home.:I think i'll have a talk with some people from the leadership.Everyone else,have a good time."

"I can't ignore you, Bastien. It's not something I do," Natalya half-chided, letting her head cant to the side. "I even listen to that bonehead posing as your father. Now, what is it you don't know why you even try? I'm curious now."

Unfortunately for Natalya, Bastien had decided to clam up, and merely shook his head noncomittally and stared at the water. The ship lurched as they pushed away from the peir, sails snapping out and catching the wind as the captain turned the boat around.

The moment the ship began to move, Luna gave a shriek as her hooves slipped out from under her, exactly as predicted. Right on cue, Shade let loose with a speil of laughter, joined by Chance's much quiter snicker. Natalya turned to face in that direction, letting it distract her, lest her curiosity eat away at her. :Alright, Bastien,; she conceeded, :You can have -this- one. I won't ask agian.:

Soraya sighed and shook her head, arms crossed. "I can only pray to the Lady that this entire trip doesn't follow along these same lines. I might very well lose my sanity before the end of it. "

Bastien Solei was as stubborn as the day was long, and if he didn't want to speak, no power on earth was going to make him. He pulled down mental shields as well, and settled for saying to Soraya, "The Isle d'Celebre is a big place. If you want, you can lose all of these folks and never see them again until the closing ceremony. Of course, then you'll be at the mercy of all MY kin, and they're likely to pepper you with alcohol and flirtation."

"Are they sane?" Soraya inquired, "Because, honestly, so long as they're easier to stand than this lot, I'll put up with nigh anything."

Luna, from where she was sitting, opened her mouth to protest agianst the claim of insanity, but found that words still escaped her. Shade couldn't help but smirk. "I don't suppose you might have a place where we might be able to lock this one," She paused a moment to prod at Luna with one booted foot, "Away from civilization? It's in the best interest of all involved, really." She grinned, uncaring of the scatching glare the wolcarn set on her.

"No gas stations," the helpful sailor told them. "Kageshima doesn't have motor vehicles. Your best bet is the airstrip. They ship fuel in for the planes from the surrounding nations. Otherwise, I'd head over to the Rogue Nation of the Dragon's Order and see if you can buy some fuel from them." He pointed a finger. "As for directions, you can either ride along with the other delegates, or you can use your own steam... the Isle d'Celebre is about seven miles west by southwest. No mountains, a bunch of sand spits with palm trees connected by floating bridges, you can't miss if, if you just bear south around the tip of the Isle of Shadow and sail past Hebishima, which is the other island with the volcano."

"Thanks, I dont think the airport would have any diesel gas, aviation gas for prop motors, and jet fuel are all very different. I gess we will have to be carefull and send for supplies by air, they should get here in about 24 hours. We will be able to make it with the directions you gave. Thank you very much"

The guard turned pressed a finger to one of his ears, where a tiny communications device was located, and started to speak to the driver in Monkyen.

Just before it look as though the Potty 5 Amphibious Assault [not actualy an assault] was about to move under way the white wool suited guard asked

"What about a harbor for boats? Most boats use diesel. Are there any on the islands? If not we our way we will be, sorry to question you so much."

The 4 tractors sat instead of taking off, as the two men talked and the guard not on the Emperor's tracked amfibious float, took to stacking and tieing down the crates.

Mikel had barely got on the boat. Now, as it was swaying, he was starting to feel sick. The burrito from the taqueria near the capitol building, which was about the greasiest thing in the history of the world, and his 6-hour flight on the G-Plane weren't helping.
'I knew this whole 'paradise' thing had to have some kind of catch,' he thought.

Midori notices Mikel looking very pale and seasick even although they were barely moving.

Concerned she goes over to him and asks softly "are you alright. you don't look too well"

Midori notices Mikel looking very pale and seasick even although they were barely moving.

Concerned she goes over to him and asks softly "are you alright. you don't look too well"

"I'll be fine," Mikel replied, "I was just stupid enough to eat a greasy breakfast burrito, fly for 6 hours on the ghetto diplomatic plane, and now get on this boat, which keeps swaying. It's nothing compared to when I ate at that place with the golden arches and that clown with the red afro."

Midori looks unconvinced.

"my friend if you need to be sick then be sick over the side of the ship. No-one here will think any less of you for doing whats necessary.

I'm Midori, the Kirisuban UN Deputy Ambassador and you would be?"

Midori looks unconvinced.

"my friend if you need to be sick then be sick over the side of the ship. No-one here will think any less of you for doing whats necessary.

I'm Midori, the Kirisuban UN Deputy Ambassador and you would be?"

"I'm Mikel Aritza. I'm the foreign minister from the People's Republic of H-Town Tejas," Mikel said, "Although all of the nations who don't like us call us the Polluted Swamp. That's not really far from the truth in the province the capital's in."

"Mikel san i'm saddened to hear about the lack of respect your nations enemies have for you. Perhaps they should remember that people who live in glass houses shoudn't throw stones.

We flew in as well using an airforce Learjet. My pilots over there in the pale blue kimono trying to find some shade.

Is your great nation part of the UN yet?"

"What about a harbor for boats? Most boats use diesel. Are there any on the islands? If not we our way we will be, sorry to question you so much."

The 4 tractors sat instead of taking off, as the two men talked and the guard not on the Emperor's tracked amfibious float, took to stacking and tieing down the crates.

"There is," The sailor assured him. "You'll see the crafts from the other nations in the Islands there already. It's a deep-harbor with piers and sand... just look for the masts."

Thiere sat with Jun to keep her company as the rest of the delegates boarded the Shingiri.

Bastien eyed Soraya. "Sanity is a relative thing," he told her. "I like to think my relatives are sane."

Jun appreciated Thierres company as Midori did her diplomatic duties.

As she fanned herself down on a day that even hotter than a summers day in Kirisubo she thought even a silk kimono was going to be too hot to wear.

"Thierre san" she asks "is it always this warm in Kageshima?"

"No. We never bothered," Mikel said, "The chairman says, 'I've got enough bureaucracy to worry about. Why should I worry about everyone else's?' He also has a little grudge against the UN eveer since their peacekeeping troops almost thwarted our revolution."

Midori nods and says "I suppose thats two good reasons not to join up.

We're fairly anti-UN ourselves but our purpose is to try and push national sovereignty proposals through, to stop the federalistic ones passing and to repeal as many laws as we can. As part of Gatesville we have a lot of friends to help us"

Jun appreciated Thierres company as Midori did her diplomatic duties.

As she fanned herself down on a day that even hotter than a summers day in Kirisubo she thought even a silk kimono was going to be too hot to wear.

"Thierre san" she asks "is it always this warm in Kageshima?"

Thiere smiled wryly at her. "Yes ma'am," he replied. "It always is. We anticipated that your kimono might be a little warm, so we can get something a little cooler if you like. I don't know whether our native dress would be comfortable for you, but it's certainly much less warm."

Thiere smiled wryly at her. "Yes ma'am," he replied. "It always is. We anticipated that your kimono might be a little warm, so we can get something a little cooler if you like. I don't know whether our native dress would be comfortable for you, but it's certainly much less warm."

Jun replies happily "I packed enough summer clothes in my case. If I can get to it I'll get changed in our cabin. A tankini top and a pair of shorts should do the trick.

This heat simply dosen't bother Midori sama. Before she became an ambassador she flew rescue helicopters on our east coast and in summer the coastal areas are as warm as this"

He smiled wryly. "Sounds like she's had an exciting life," he said simply. The crew began to retract the gangplank and he settled in. "We'll disembark soon."

Jun asks Thiere "have our cases arrived on board yet? If they have could you get them for me and I can get changed into something more comfortable"

Theire rose and bowed. "I will, certainly," he told her, and turned to head down into the hold.

A few minutes later, he returned with her cases and another Dylani with curly hair and a bouncy step. "This is Blaise. He's the captain's son. He'll show you to a berth you can use to get changed."

Jun stands up and says "thank you Thiere san for all your assistance" and bows. she then follows Blaise as he leads her to their berth.

Blaise directed her to a small berth where she could change and lit the lantern for her, as there wasn't a window to let in the sun. He waited outside the door so he could take her back abovedecks.

going through her case Jun picks out a pale green tankini top, matching cotton shorts and a white cotton cap to keep the sun of her head.

She changes out of her kimono and packs it away in her case.

Soon she's dressed for the weather and after applying some sun tan lotion she's ready to head back to the deck.

Closing the door behind her she looks a lot happier as she adjusts the strap on her handbag so it hangs comfortable across her chest.

smiling she thanks Blaise for his help and follows him back to the main deck.

"Not a problem, miss," Blaise assured her, delivering her back to Thiere, where he waited quietly near the railing. They'd disembarked while she was busy, and were now sailing across remarkably clean, clear water teaming with colorful life forms, past lush, green islands.

Soraya brightened a little, standing straighter (a feat previously thought impossible). "Well, I suppose I'll have to take your word for it. You've made a brilliant suggestion, and I thank you for it."

Soraya brightened a little, standing straighter (a feat previously thought impossible). "Well, I suppose I'll have to take your word for it. You've made a brilliant suggestion, and I thank you for it."

Bastien smiled. "Sure, anytime. You might want to get out of those robes sometime, though. It's going to be way too hot around here to wear that much cloth, and if you die of heatstroke, somebody's probably going to start a diplomatic incident over it."

Bastien smiled. "Sure, anytime. You might want to get out of those robes sometime, though. It's going to be way too hot around here to wear that much cloth, and if you die of heatstroke, somebody's probably going to start a diplomatic incident over it."

For a moment or two, Soraya fixed him with a look better suited to someone who's just sprouted two heads and a tail. "Out of my robes? But...," It was at that point that his reasoning sank in, and she nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Right agian, young sir. That's two good ideas that I hadn't thought of myself. Your fathers ought to be proud to have such a brilliant son."

Jun rejoins Thiere and looks out at the sea as they sail on, the coast becoming a speck on the landscape.

"Thiere san, whats those fish in the water called?" she asks full of curiosity..

For a moment or two, Soraya fixed him with a look better suited to someone who's just sprouted two heads and a tail. "Out of my robes? But...," It was at that point that his reasoning sank in, and she nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Right agian, young sir. That's two good ideas that I hadn't thought of myself. Your fathers ought to be proud to have such a brilliant son."

Bastien snorted. "No, Severin's the brilliant one. I'm the clown. But I guess it's impossible to be Papa's son and not inherit a little common sense."

Jun rejoins Thiere and looks out at the sea as they sail on, the coast becoming a speck on the landscape.

"Thiere san, whats those fish in the water called?" she asks full of curiosity..

"Those are flounder, ma'am," Thiere told her. "Those over there, with the red bellies, are herring, and that spotted one down there is a leopard shark."

Bastien snorted. "No, Severin's the brilliant one. I'm the clown. But I guess it's impossible to be Papa's son and not inherit a little common sense."

Soraya cast a glance over at Evin, who was currently pretending that none of them existed, and that he most certainly was NOT on a boat. She lifted a brow. "I really don't think it's impossible at all, given who else you're related to."

Soraya cast a glance over at Evin, who was currently pretending that none of them existed, and that he most certainly was NOT on a boat. She lifted a brow. "I really don't think it's impossible at all, given who else you're related to."

Bastien's tone was light, though his words were pointed. "Well, maybe if he'd actually taken a bigger part in raising us while we were growing up, we would have inherited something from him. Though I'm told I'm a smart-ass just like he is."

Jun listens intently taking all this in and glad to have Thiere as their guide. she also notes how quiet the ship is compared to the vessels she's been on in Kirisubo. Apart from the occasional flapping of the sails there was no sounds from the ship.

she watches her superior speak with another diplomat and wonders if she could transfer to the diplomatic service herself.

"I've seen sharks in Kirisubo before. We occasionally catch them and their meat is prized along with Tuna fish. our herring are a lot less colourfull although" she replies gently

Bastien's tone was light, though his words were pointed. "Well, maybe if he'd actually taken a bigger part in raising us while we were growing up, we would have inherited something from him. Though I'm told I'm a smart-ass just like he is."

Evin's ears twitched, and the Feral glanced his way. Always listening in when people thought he couldn't hear them. Soraya didn't seem to notice. "I do believe that part would be in the genetics. I knew Karick, and he was much the same way."

Count Aldira and his wife were staring out to sea, absently ignoring the rest of the passengers, fingers intertwined as they stared at the waves; judging by the distant expressions on their faces (and frequent glances they were shooting at each other) they were lost in fond memories of times past.

Deacon Saniril on the other hand was strolling up and down the ship, with a hint of caged animal in his stride, disdaining to notice the swaying of the ship; though his path seemed random, a patient observer would soon notice that, for reasons only he knew, he was taking pains to stay away from Bastien, Evin and Soraya.

None of the Imperials seemed bothered in the slightest by the heat; even the pacing Deacon wasn't so much as sweating.

Midori nods and says "I suppose thats two good reasons not to join up.

We're fairly anti-UN ourselves but our purpose is to try and push national sovereignty proposals through, to stop the federalistic ones passing and to repeal as many laws as we can. As part of Gatesville we have a lot of friends to help us"

"That's good," Mikel said. He took off the big black trench coat.
"I don't know what gave me the bright idea to go all Matrix," he said, "It was cold, at least by my defnition of 'cold,' in Tejas, and now I'm here, and it's hot. Even during the winter, it's hot here. I honestly don't see how you can stand wearing that kimono."

Midori Kasigi-Nero smiles and replies "It's winter in Kirisubo as well. I was ski-ing there not so long ago and silk keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. We get very hot summers and bitterly cold winters.

without it Kirisuban summers would be unbearable but I notice that my pilot has already gone into summer clothes.

At least our embassy staff will know what to wear when they arrive here"

"Tejas' summers are ridiculously hot and are winters are, well, at least according to the geography book, 'temperate.' I'm used to the summer, though. During the rebellion we would hide near the swamps and wait for the enemies to come. It was so hot my squad tried to cook bacon on a bald guy's head once," Mikel said, "I yelled at them for quit wasting food. Those times are why I'm used to the heat. I never got used to the cold though. This whole tropical weather thing is a relief."

"There is," The sailor assured him. "You'll see the crafts from the other nations in the Islands there already. It's a deep-harbor with piers and sand... just look for the masts."

"Thanks your help is greatly appreciated."

The guard turned pressed a finger to one of his ears agian, where a tiny communications device was still located, and started to speak to the driver agian in Monkyen.

The 4 APCs, 3 with a great number of crates tied down on thier tops and one with the emperor, anti-climaticly started rather quietly and smoothly and headed off to the festival. They would have sufficient fuel to get there and then to the harbor. After most of the festival, they would get the emerpor, his wives, and gaurds back to the seaplanes, then go to the airport and await cargo aircraft to carry the APCs and crew back home.

The craft despite thier load and size left very shallow tracks that were rather wide, and made litle as the tracks construction and engins location cut it down to a level that would be more associated with a car then a locomotive.

Many of the guards looked out through what where normaly firing ports as they sat in the airconditioned compartments in the back of the vehicles. While most men would talk or do something the men sat still, each man looking out his own window. Though most Potty 5iens are rather loose Potty 5 millitary men are a big exception, not only do they act so different but they look much different. The average infantry man is at least 5" taller then the average civilian man, tend to be darker skined, and have far heavier builds.

"Tejas' summers are ridiculously hot and are winters are, well, at least according to the geography book, 'temperate.' I'm used to the summer, though. During the rebellion we would hide near the swamps and wait for the enemies to come. It was so hot my squad tried to cook bacon on a bald guy's head once," Mikel said, "I yelled at them for quit wasting food. Those times are why I'm used to the heat. I never got used to the cold though. This whole tropical weather thing is a relief."

her interest piqued Midori replies softly "I would assume that your rebellion was successful since you're here representing your great nation. There must be a story of a great battle or two that you could tell me so we could pass the time pleasantly. I'm a warrior myself but our Empire has been at peace for four centuries"

"It was successful, but it was also a pain," Mikel said, "All the rebel groups teamed up to overthrow the old regime, but we soon realized that our ideologies were too different. The whole country went feudalistic, and our group didn't come out on top until over a year. That's why the UN sent in peacekeepers."
"But most of our battles involved as I said, hiding and ambushing enemy soldiers. There were no real feats of heroism, no rolling under tanks with grenades tied to your body, nothing like that. The greatest battle I can think of is the fight for the capital. I commanded a little squad of 12 guerillas. What we did was attack the city while our stolen tactical bombers dropped bombs on the city. We took almost our entire force, surrounded the city and sent in soldiers in waves. My squad was in the first wave, but we went through the ghetto, which had no defense at all. Our force actually grew when we went through the ghetto. Then we ran through a rich neighborhood and started to get blown up. A company of special forces was there. All in all, the battle sucked. It lasted for about a day and a half. If the defenses hadn't been so uneven, we never would have won."

Midori nods and says "you're still here to tell the tale and your nation is now stable. Thats got to be worth something.

Our Empire was founded after a 10 year civil war and in the year 1603 in the plains of Kagemusha the two surving Samurai Generals and 60,000 troops met in combat.

The Warlord Miromuta Katsushiro was the one left standing and all the factions unified after that into what we now know as the Empire. Nobody knows how many warriors gave their lives over the period of the civil war but 30,000 died in that last battle alone.

It may be ancient history to us but we know whats its like to wage war"

Evin's ears twitched, and the Feral glanced his way. Always listening in when people thought he couldn't hear them. Soraya didn't seem to notice. "I do believe that part would be in the genetics. I knew Karick, and he was much the same way."

Bastien shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just because I'm the younger son and I'm not really expected to do much, I don't know."

Jun listens intently taking all this in and glad to have Thiere as their guide. she also notes how quiet the ship is compared to the vessels she's been on in Kirisubo. Apart from the occasional flapping of the sails there was no sounds from the ship.

she watches her superior speak with another diplomat and wonders if she could transfer to the diplomatic service herself.

"I've seen sharks in Kirisubo before. We occasionally catch them and their meat is prized along with Tuna fish. our herring are a lot less colourfull although" she replies gently

"We don't eat shark very often," Thiere told her. "For one thing, the tiger shark is our national animal. For another, we don't want to remove a predator from our ecosystem."

Jun replies "most sharks in Kirisubo have the sense not to get caught but any which do usually end up being tangled up on drift nets. It happens very rarely although.

Usually its only smaller fish we catch and without our fishing fleets the Empire would be in a bad way. I grew up in a little fishing village so I know what its like"

Thiere smiled wryly. "All of Kageshima's cities are really little fishing villages," he told her. "Some are just less 'little' than others, but it's still the main staple of our diet and the primary occupation. That and agriculture, but a lot of that also revolves around the sea, particularly the seaweed we harvest."

"we've got so much in common" Jun replies "we eat seaweed and kelp buds ourselves. With a lot of Kirisuban's being vegetarians for religious reasons fish is very important to us.

If one event in our history hadn't happened Kirisubo would have been even more like Kageshima. Prior to 1864 we didn't have telegraphs, wheels or any modern technology.

One ship changed all that"

"What happened?" Thiere inquired politely, as it seemed like the thing to do at the moment.

Jun continues the story.

"a foreign Admiral from the United States of Amorica sailed into Edo harbour on his ship of steel ending our isolation. With the weapons they had our navy were unable to stop them and in their wisdom the Emperor and The Shogun made a treaty that granted the right to trade.

That was what started our westernisation and to be able to defend our way off life we had to embrace new technology, get a modern navy with big cannon and create an army which used firearms. The modernisation nearly wiped out the samuarai class as well.

If theres a lesson to this story its don't let membership of the UN change Kageshima beyond recognition. You've got something special here so hang onto it"

Thiere nodded. "We have trade agreements with the surrounding nations in the Kraken Islands," he told Jun, "But we do not buy weapons or technology from them. Motor vehicles are outlawed in Kageshima and the airspace over us is a no-fly zone. We don't use computers or firearms, though you'll see an old flintlock pistol here and there, mostly in the hands of pirates. No, we Dylani are fiercely protective of our water, our air, and our way of life. Any pollution will kill us first, so we guard against it, and rely on our allies to help us if anyone should attack us. Though I don't see why anyone would - we have very few valuable arms commodities, very little farmable land, and very little mineral wealth. And every Dylani in Kageshima can use a spear, knife, and sword. They would find these islands defended by guerilla-pirates who know them like they know their own hands, and all their efforts sabotaged by people utterly unwilling to ever declare surrender. Dylani are proud," he told her quietly. "And stubborn, and every one of us bears the mark of Hell. That is worth remembering to those who would think to take our islands from us."

Jun nods back and says "Then it would be a foolish action to attack you. A nation that would rather die than surrender will never be defeated.

We have the same ideals in Kirisubo. Practically every adult has done some kind of military training or is active in their local militia units. Our motto is 'death before dishonour' which sums us up very well"

Thiere chuckled. "As a nation that quietly condones piracy," he explained, "you'll find our code of honor, and our morals, are bruised around the edges." He turned his head, gazing out at the sparkling water and the sandspit islands that were coming up fast to port. "But we hold loyalty to the important things."

"is piracy still common then?" Jun asks

Bastien shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just because I'm the younger son and I'm not really expected to do much, I don't know."

"Perhaps...," Soraya replied, hands on her hips, "But why wouldn't you be expected to do much?" One emerald eyebrow arched upward, plum eyes clouded with confusion. "Our cultures differ, I know, but do all children not aspire for importance?"

"is piracy still common then?" Jun asks

Thiere nodded quietly. "Quite. It's the most lucrative occupation in Kageshima. Of course, our pirates have some respect for both their own people and our nation's allies. No nation in the Kraken Islands need ever fear Dylani piracy. They strike at those beyond the reaches of our home, because they know if they cause an international incident, Her Ladyship will be extremely displeased with them."

"Perhaps...," Soraya replied, hands on her hips, "But why wouldn't you be expected to do much?" One emerald eyebrow arched upward, plum eyes clouded with confusion. "Our cultures differ, I know, but do all children not aspire for importance?"

Bastien shrugged. "Severin's going to take the throne and Caresse's going to help him until one or both of them finds a mate. Me, I'm going to stick around here and keep helping Papa out in the Foreign Affairs office. I enjoy it and I'm usually pretty good at it. But in terms of real power or authority, I say fuck that," he said frankly. "I'm not interested. I don't want to be responsible for anyone but myself. Well, except maybe Aceline, but she's my little sister, so that's not the same."

Jun smiled and replies "then I'll be able to tell Midori that Kirisuban ships will have nothing to worry about.

Bearing in mind how Kagashima views modern ships I'll recommend to Midori that only sailing ships are sent here. We still have a few of them back home"

Thiere nodded to Jun. "Kageshima's pirates are also her best sailors and most powerful defenders. And so, we find a harmony. Kirisubo is very like Kageshima from what I've heard. Our sailors should respect yours without the need for government interference - most of them are fully capable of working such things out for themselves. For instance, Her Ladyship had nothing to do with the Code of the Brethren laid down by famous pirate captains from Innish Cadwaladyr and Kageshima, but nearly all of them stick close to that code, which makes things much more civil."

Juns smiles broadly and says "Our embassy staff certainly will find life interesting in Kageshima. I wouldn't mind staying here myself but my duty will call me back home. Thats just the way it is.

However I'll try and spend some time here every year. Its heaven on earth here"

Bastien shrugged. "Severin's going to take the throne and Caresse's going to help him until one or both of them finds a mate. Me, I'm going to stick around here and keep helping Papa out in the Foreign Affairs office. I enjoy it and I'm usually pretty good at it. But in terms of real power or authority, I say fuck that," he said frankly. "I'm not interested. I don't want to be responsible for anyone but myself. Well, except maybe Aceline, but she's my little sister, so that's not the same."

Soraya blinked, hands falling to her side. "It will be one of you that takes the throne? Severin, you say?" She cast a sideways glance in Evin's direction, both eyebrows currently residing someplace near her hairline. "I wasn't aware of this." There was a certain sort of venom in her voice, and Evin's fixed her with a level stare, both ears swept back.

"Lady Soraya, I really don't think it's your place to say," Luna's voice, restored by Shade at the first sign of an oncoming argument, cut through the silence. "As proxy for His Highness Afriel, and here in my offical capacity..." Luna stood, albeit a little unsteadily, "I ask that you drop the subject, before something happens that we're all sure to regret." The wolcarn's smile was far from sweet, arms crossed in front of her chest. Evin hadn't been completely insane in giving her her position, apparently.

Soraya blinked, hands falling to her side. "It will be one of you that takes the throne? Severin, you say?" She cast a sideways glance in Evin's direction, both eyebrows currently residing someplace near her hairline. "I wasn't aware of this." There was a certain sort of venom in her voice, and Evin's fixed her with a level stare, both ears swept back.

"Lady Soraya, I really don't think it's your place to say," Luna's voice, restored by Shade at the first sign of an oncoming argument, cut through the silence. "As proxy for His Highness Afriel, and here in my offical capacity..." Luna stood, albeit a little unsteadily, "I ask that you drop the subject, before something happens that we're all sure to regret." The wolcarn's smile was far from sweet, arms crossed in front of her chest. Evin hadn't been completely insane in giving her her position, apparently.

Bastien smirked at her. "Oh, Aye," he agreed. "Royal bloodline and all that. Didn't you realize? Papa's been preparing him for it all his life. It's why he's serving as an Ambassador now... necessary experience and such. I'm rather surprised Father hasn't said anything about it," he said innocently, then added under his breath, "Oh, wait, no I'm not."

Juns smiles broadly and says "Our embassy staff certainly will find life interesting in Kageshima. I wouldn't mind staying here myself but my duty will call me back home. Thats just the way it is.

However I'll try and spend some time here every year. Its heaven on earth here"

"I hope you always find our shores friendly," Thiere said with grave sincerity. "I know that Kirisubo is high on our list of Diplomatic Priorities, though I don't work for the Foreign Affairs office."

Bastien smirked at her. "Oh, Aye," he agreed. "Royal bloodline and all that. Didn't you realize? Papa's been preparing him for it all his life. It's why he's serving as an Ambassador now... necessary experience and such. I'm rather surprised Father hasn't said anything about it," he said innocently, then added under his breath, "Oh, wait, no I'm not."

Luna's eyes slid away from Soraya to fall on Bastien, and the look she gave him was the same cool and annoyed one she'd given the Evendarian woman. Evin had risen to his feet, the need to defend himself almost choking, but lost his opportunity to speak when Luna neatly cut him off. "Bastien, is it? Please, I ask, in utmost humilty, that you, too, refrain from escalating the situation. I understand that you may not be on best terms with your father, but, please, not here and now. Tempers run high enough with just us alone. Outside assistance is most certainly not needed. So, please. Just... don't. You can make all the snide comments about him you like once there's a little space, hm?" There was another smile on her lips, but it was free of the sharp edge that Soraya had recieved.

"Neither do I" Jun replies happily "I'm an Imperial Airforce officer and I fly diplomats around the world. Midori sama knows that Kageshima is high priority as well. I don't think anything will go wrong on this trip"

Luna's eyes slid away from Soraya to fall on Bastien, and the look she gave him was the same cool and annoyed one she'd given the Evendarian woman. Evin had risen to his feet, the need to defend himself almost choking, but lost his opportunity to speak when Luna neatly cut him off. "Bastien, is it? Please, I ask, in utmost humilty, that you, too, refrain from escalating the situation. I understand that you may not be on best terms with your father, but, please, not here and now. Tempers run high enough with just us alone. Outside assistance is most certainly not needed. So, please. Just... don't. You can make all the snide comments about him you like once there's a little space, hm?" There was another smile on her lips, but it was free of the sharp edge that Soraya had recieved.

"Miss Luna, with all due respect, you're the proxy for the King of Darein Riey," Bastien pointed out, lilac-colored eyes flashing. "And we are, at this moment, in Kageshima. I've got no problem with you personally, but please don't give me orders in my own home. As for my father, I'm not even concerned with insulting him. Truth is truth. It's Lady Soraya I'm having this ... conversation... with, and as she seems to have some problem with Severin eventually taking the throne, I have to say, I feel obligated to at least point out that not only is he very intelligent and well-suited for the job, but also that he's perfectly qualified in all arenas to have it, and whether she likes it or not isn't going to make a great deal of difference. Father can take care of himself, but no one implies an insult to my brother without being answered in kind." He smirked darkly, folding his arms across his chest and hiking an eyebrow as if to say 'so, now what?'

"Neither do I" Jun replies happily "I'm an Imperial Airforce officer and I fly diplomats around the world. Midori sama knows that Kageshima is high priority as well. I don't anything will go wrong on this trip"

Theire glanced across the bow where the Darein Riey delegate was currently experiencing some tension, and said dryly, "Not between us, at least. I was instructed to treat you ladies with perfect respect, and I intend to do so."

Jun shrugs her shoulders and says quietly "that diplomats for you. Midori sama's been the first one I've flown that I can really relate to. She kind, caring and if something needs said or done she'll do it.

I like her a lot"

Jun shrugs her shoulders and says quietly "that diplomats for you. Midori sama's been the first one I've flown that I can really relate to. She kind, caring and if something needs said or done she'll do it.

I like her a lot"

"I don't know her very well," Thiere said, "but she seems like quite a trustworthy person. I'm certain you will find your relations with us to be very smooth... Dylani are willing to be accomodating so long as we're accomodated in return."

"Miss Luna, with all due respect, you're the proxy for the King of Darein Riey," Bastien pointed out, lilac-colored eyes flashing. "And we are, at this moment, in Kageshima. I've got no problem with you personally, but please don't give me orders in my own home. As for my father, I'm not even concerned with insulting him. Truth is truth. It's Lady Soraya I'm having this ... conversation... with, and as she seems to have some problem with Severin eventually taking the throne, I have to say, I feel obligated to at least point out that not only is he very intelligent and well-suited for the job, but also that he's perfectly qualified in all arenas to have it, and whether she likes it or not isn't going to make a great deal of difference. Father can take care of himself, but no one implies an insult to my brother without being answered in kind." He smirked darkly, folding his arms across his chest and hiking an eyebrow as if to say 'so, now what?'

"But he's not even Evendarian!" Soraya cried, composure quite forgotten. "Qualified or not, I'm not the only one who won't stand for a forigener on the throne! And furthermore, how can he rule if he doesn't bear the Name?!"

Not three seconds after having spoken, Soraya found a hand clamped over her mouth, and an extremely irritated Wolcarn towering over her.

"-Firstly-," Luna snapped, over her shoulder to Bastien, "To you, young sir Bastien, the name is Lady Niala. -Secondly-...," She returned her attention to Soraya, eyes dark, "I HAVE the authority to remove you from your position, Lady Soraya, and, please, do not think I will not use it. If you cannot set aside your prejudices, I will not hesitate to find someone else who CAN. For the best interest of all involved, of course."

"Lady Niala," Bastien said blandly. "My apologies. And Miss Soraya, he IS Evandarian. Did you forget? He also has a parent from your kingdom. He was born there. His citizenship is there, by international law. As for the Name, all I can say to you is, NEVER underestimate a Solei. We have a great tendency to start at the bottom and end up at the top, and Sev already has one hell of a head start. Besides which," he said more severely, getting in Soraya's face, "He actually cares about the people of Evandar. Deeply. He wants to do the right thing by them and maintain peace and harmony in your nation. It's a rare man who can love those who very vocally hate him, and if you actually stop to think, maybe you'll realize how valuable it is."

Jun smiles and asks "how long should the journey to the Island take? She looks like a fairly fast ship for her size"

"We're coming up on the Isle d'Celebre now," Theire told her, pointing. "Look there and you'll see them... the sand topped with green, flat and long. If you cast your eyes to the sou'west, you'll see the masts of those already arrived from our neighbor nations."

"Lady Niala," Bastien said blandly. "My apologies. And Miss Soraya, he IS Evandarian. Did you forget? He also has a parent from your kingdom. He was born there. His citizenship is there, by international law. As for the Name, all I can say to you is, NEVER underestimate a Solei. We have a great tendency to start at the bottom and end up at the top, and Sev already has one hell of a head start."

Soraya looked very much like there was more she wanted to say, but Luna wasn't moving. "I am certain your brother will make a fantastic king, Bastien," Natalya chimed, smiling sweetly. Soraya's look was mutinious, but Luna grinned.
"I wondered when you'd say your piece, miss Natalya."

"With Anatole parenting him, it would be impossible for it to be any other way," She continued, folding her hands in her lap, expression never faltering.

Bastien frowned. "Thanks, Natalya, but it's not just that," he insisted. "Severin's worked hard since he was a little kid for this. He's giving up a lot in order to do what he thinks is the right thing. Yeah, Papa was a big help, but he tried to give me the same training and I balked. Severin's worth is in Severin himself, not anywhere else, and with Caresse helping him, they'll do all of Evandar justice."

Bastien frowned. "Thanks, Natalya, but it's not just that," he insisted. "Severin's worked hard since he was a little kid for this. He's giving up a lot in order to do what he thinks is the right thing. Yeah, Papa was a big help, but he tried to give me the same training and I balked. Severin's worth is in Severin himself, not anywhere else, and with Caresse helping him, they'll do all of Evandar justice."

Natalya's response was a slow nod, as she thought for a moment. "I didn't mean to imply that it was just because of Anatole... Just that he was a help." The girl shrugged, flexing her fingers. "It was an attempt to lighten the conversation, as I detected the distinct possibility of homicide in the air. Forgive me if the attempt was misplaced."

Bastien smirked. "Are you kidding? Half the reason I'm enjoying this so much is because Soraya can't do anything to me here - it'd cause a diplomatic incident and she'd lose her position. I'm patient - I can happily trade insults back and forth until the sun sets without having to get physical. She, it seems, isn't as centered." He shot Soraya a wide grin.

Bastien smirked. "Are you kidding? Half the reason I'm enjoying this so much is because Soraya can't do anything to me here - it'd cause a diplomatic incident and she'd lose her position. I'm patient - I can happily trade insults back and forth until the sun sets without having to get physical. She, it seems, isn't as centered." He shot Soraya a wide grin.

Natalya's attempt to choke back a laugh resulted in a sort of smothered chuckle, even as Soraya growled and tugged Luna's hand away. She hadn't even taken an entire step forward before she shrieked, fingers tangled in her hair and holding her back. Luna was rapidly running out of patience.

"-Soraya-," she growled, tail lashing behind her, "I'm not certain if you've gone deaf in the last few minutes, but if you do NOT behave yourself, there will be appropriate conseqences!"

Soraya, true to form, struggled to free her hair from thw wolcarn's fingers for a few moments before finally giving up in defeat.

Bastien continued to grin merrily and stretched back on the bench, lounging insolently to show Soraya exactly how concerned she DIDN'T make him.

Bastien continued to grin merrily and stretched back on the bench, lounging insolently to show Soraya exactly how concerned she DIDN'T make him.

The Evendarian woman shot him a venomous glare, and stalked to the other side of the boat, near where Evin was sitting. The feral gifted her with a look that said, very clearly, that she was not welcome within twenty feet of his person, but she ignored it. Evin moved.

Natalya's lips twitched, and she raised an eyebrow at Bastien. "At the risk of inducing a sulking and/or annoyed sort of mood... You're more like your father than you might think, from what -I've- seen."

"Sure I am," Bastien admitted readily, "but there are certain very evident differences that I feel make ME redeemable."

"He has redeeming traits..." Natalya began, sounding hesitant, "I just can't think of any right at this moment."

Bastien snorted. "I'm sure he does. Everyone does. But I've made a long and respectable career out of making fun of father, and I'm not about to stop now."

Natalya's lips twitched, and she chuckled. "Ah, so -that's- what it is. Well, alright then, I will refrain from enlightening you to any of the good things about your father. Which is just as well, really, as I can't seem to recall any of them." There appeared to be a moment of silent conversation, as Natalya cast a grin over at an annoyed looking Afriel.

While the others had socialised, squabbled, and discussed their cultures and homelands, the Imperial Ambassador and his wife had drawn further into themselves; their bodies were on the ship, but their minds were even further away then before.

The Deacon on the other hand, had stopped his relentless pacing. He had clearly, despite his best efforts, overheard the conversation between the Darein Ray delegates and Bastien, particularly Soraya's outburst; he felt like someone who'd intruded on a family feud and was heartily wishing that he was back in Arn-Maciska. He'd already concluded that there wouldn't be any help from the Count and his wife until they'd come back from wherever, or whenever, they were.

So he'd contented himself with staring out to sea, shoulders hunched, hands gripping the rail hard enough to turn the knuckles white.

The clear sound of a conch shell winded from the sandspits they were approaching broke the relative silence, and the ship sailed around the southern tip of a chain of sand islands to where the reef dropped away and they could approach the deep-dock. The sails were taken in and the anchor dropped as they were pulled tight against a long wooden pier by men throwing ropes to crewmembers. They put down the gangplank and began to usher delegates off the ship. Bastien, sensing he should make himself scarce ASAP, jumped from the railing to land easily on the peir twenty feet below and scampered off.


Thiere stood and offered Jun his hand. "I'll show you to the effigy," he offered, even as his brother, Blaise, was helping guide some of the others off the ship.

Mikel stood up.
"It's nice to actually get to this festival after six hours plus this little boat ride," he said.

The entirety of the group from Darein Riey was pleased to finally get off the ship, but Evin moreso than the others. Ferals were not -made- for water travel, and Evin wasn't one to go agianst his nature if he could help it. The moment his feet touched solid ground, the words "Oh, thank the Goddess," slipped past his lips without provocation. Shade and Chance chuckled.

"You ought to specify who you're talking about, Afriel," Shade mused, brushing past him.

Luna, meanwhile, set to apologizing to the other delegates for her's and the rest of her party's behavior. Soraya's job, really, but the Evendarian woman didn't look like she'd be doing anything of the sort any time soon.

Jun accepts Thieres hand and disembarks followed soon after by Midori who leaves with Mikel.

Midori says to him "It looks like we can start the celebration soon"

"Aye, presently," Thiere assured Midori and Jun. They walked along the pier and Thiere led them on a narrow path through the trees until they came to a bowl-shaped basin. It was the site of a great deal of activity already - there was a stage erected, and nearly a hundred people of various skin colors and dress styles already milling around it.

Jun looks over to Midori and says "who says work can't be fun?" smiling happily. Both women take in the sights and sounds around them and join the mass of people.

"I suppose your boss isn't taking your vacation time for this?" Mikel said.

Thiere glanced at Mikel, dark eyes appraising him quietly. "If you think the opening ceremony is a lengthy, boring affair full of speeches, cautions, and a list of honored guests," he said simply, "you are wrong. But you will find that out for yourself." He guided Midori and Jun down into the bowl. "Do you ladies enjoy dancing or would you prefer to remain sober for the time being?"

Midori replies to Mikel and smiling "Kaigan sama knows this is an offical visit. i'll be getting my holiday time next year"

"we also like to dance" she says to Thiere "maybe you can show us how its done"

Midori replies to Mikel and smiling "Kaigan sama knows this is an offical visit. i'll be getting my holiday time next year"

"we also like to dance" she says to Thiere "maybe you can show us how its done"

The corner of Theire's mouth quirked upward in amusement. "How it's done?" he repeated gently. "There is no such thing here. Certainly, the Dylani have developed certain ways of moving that could be considered traditional, but what is most important is that you let the music move you however it feels natural to move. Dancing is not a thing which should be pent up in the cage of definition and rote. At least, that is our belief."

Midori smiles and says "then we'll find out how the music moves us. I like surprises"

The Leader of Usea-Jason wandered the streets of this new land.He loved the celebration.He knowes that a country that can do this is a good country,expecally to allie.

"Then we will move closer, if it pleases you," Thiere offered, showing them toward the stage. As they approached, they could see that in front of the stage, a half-moon of large drums sat facing the crowd. They were colorful instruments, made of hollowed tree trunks with stretched hide over the tops, painted in bright colors and adorned with feathers, bones, and flowers. Lovely, curvy, dark women with delicate features dressed in leather loincloths and halters laughed as they moved through the crowd. Thiere accepted a set of garlands from them and offered one to each Midori and Jun. Tiny, sweet-scented white flowers were woven skillfully into a thick chain so that none of the stems could be seen. Delicate veins of softest violet tinted the petals.

"Flowers from the honeyberry bush," he explained. "This is a tradition. The fruit of these bushes is the main ingredient in our sweet wine, which is drunk only on special occassions - you'll be offered plenty of that while you're here."

As Thiere explained this, the women moved among the other delegates, flashing eyes of gray, green, and brown and sly smiles as they passed out garlands.

As Jun and Midori wore the garlands of flowers they followed Thiere, the drums vaguely reminding both women of the ceremonial keg like drums that were played in Kirisubo.

Mikel followed them, as they were the only people he actually knew, other than the Tejano diplomat to Kageshima, and knowing her, she was probably sitting in the embassy wondering where everyone else is.

"Her Ladyship will begin the ceremony in about twenty minutes, when everyone has had time to gather. You'll see the drummers in about ten minutes, I think," Thiere said quietly. "It's too bad Caresse is visiting your nation," he joked mildly with Midori and Jun. "Otherwise, you might have gotten to see her spear-dance."

"I'm sure she's enjoying herself in Kirisubo" Midori replies "knowing Kaigan he'll be pulling out all the stops for her. He was glad to be looking after her.

When the Embassy opens you'll probally find him here and you can meet him in person"

"I'm sure anyone would be glad to be looking after her," Thiere said with a wry smile. "Miss Caresse Solei is a fine woman in more ways than one. She possesses all the qualities that made her grandfather a legend here, with the addition of compassion and kindness. Of course, Severin is the same way, but Bastien and Aceline are cut from an entirely different cloth," he said ruefully, spying Bastien where he was hanging around the end of the drum line, chattering happily with several other Dylani. "Miss Aceline is as sweet as refined sugar, and Bastien something of a clown, though his tongue is sharp."

Midori takes a mental note of this and replies "I'm sure Kaigan's already found that out about her"

"I'm sure he has," Thiere agreed evenly. "It is somewhat hard to miss. She has a great number of admirers here."

Midori then asks "what usually happens during the festival?"

"Just imagine a massive party that goes on for four days," Thiere said simply, "And you have Winter Solstice in a nutshell. Drinking, dancing, storytelling, some fighting and dueling, though weapons are forbidden, temporary romance and any sort of contest you can think of, feasting and entertainment. Anyone with something to offer is free to offer it."

Midori smiles and says "then its just as well Kaigan's not here. He's a workaholic and certainly dosen't dance. He'd spend the four days trying to make diplomatic contacts.

He is beginning to loosen up a bit since he came to the UN. I knew him from his days in the general staff of the 3rd defence army.

He was very strict and only really felt relaxed in the officers tea house. I was his helicopter pilot on and off for a few years and the soldiers hated and respected him at the same time. The Tank soldiers loved him although. He was one of them."

At the lack of other direction, the ground from Darein Riey proceeded in the same direction that everyone else seemed to be heading. It was only a few, short moments before Luna returned to her usual self, and had to be magicked into silence once more.

Midori smiles and says "then its just as well Kaigan's not here. He's a workaholic and certainly dosen't dance. He'd spend the four days trying to make diplomatic contacts.

He is beginning to loosen up a bit since he came to the UN. I knew him from his days in the general staff of the 3rd defence army.

He was very strict and only really felt relaxed in the officers tea house. I was his helicopter pilot on and off for a few years and the soldiers hated and respected him at the same time. The Tank soldiers loved him although. He was one of them."

Thiere nodded. "He sounds like some people I know. But this is a poor place to make diplomatic contacts, really... friends are more common, after you've spent four days getting drunk, getting in fights, falling down, and doing it all over again, together."

Midori chuckles and replies "I can see that already. Diplomatic business is the last thing you would want to do here especially if you've spent the rest of the year doing it.

However I'm sure I could make more than a few friends here"

Midori smiles broadly.

"It's a good place to do that," Thiere agreed. "As I understand, it's one of the reasons fights are allowed so long as no weapons are involved."

"Just imagine a massive party that goes on for four days," Thiere said simply, "And you have Winter Solstice in a nutshell. Drinking, dancing, storytelling, some fighting and dueling, though weapons are forbidden, temporary romance and any sort of contest you can think of, feasting and entertainment. Anyone with something to offer is free to offer it."

"That's awesome. I knew there had to be some perks to taking this job," Mikel said.

"theres always perks in diplomatic missions, even if they are holidays dressed up as work" Midori says to Mikel.

"I don't usually get to do stuff like this," Mikel said, "Usually, when stuff like this happens, someone else goes, while I sit in my office."

"poor man" Midori says giving Mikel a hug "you got going this time and someone else is in the office.

This is my first diplomatic mission on my own. Normally my boss goes but he had other business back home to deal with"

"Oh, I have plenty of stuff to do at home," Mikel said, "And someone else is going to have to do it. I hope it's not the Security Minister, or Agent Gonzales will knock on my door and go, 'Mr. Aritza...'"

As they were gathering, a group of Dylani filtered out of the rest and began to take their places in front of their drums. There were a few minutes while they made sure they were tuned and made last-minute adjustments. The drums had deep, rich tones that reverberated when they were struck. After about ten minutes of this, when everyone had quieted down and turned their attention toward the stage, the drums fell silent. Then a woman phased out of the air to step onto the stage. That was the only way to describe it, really... she just appeared several feet above it, like a bird landing lightly, and stepped nonchalantly up to the front as if she did this every day. In reality, she saved it for special occassions, but the loud cheering indicated that the crowd was, if not impressed, than at least amused.

She wasn't necessarily beautiful, though she was definately pretty - childlike features and large, dark eyes, white skin, and long black hair. She was dressed like a traditional Dylani, in a leather halter-top and a split leather skirt, with sandals, but her clothes were deepest violet, almost black. She smiled at those assembled and waved a hand, and despite the lack of a microphone, her voice was clearly audible throughout the clearing.

"Welcome to the Solstice Festival," she began, then had to pause for the cheering. When it died, she continued. "I'll keep this short and sweet so we can kick off festivities, because I know nobody's here to hear me talk. First, a quick rules overview - no weapons on the islands. If you have a weapon, check it at the Shingiri with Captain SummerStorm. No destruction of property, including merchant's stalls or anything belonging to another person. No dumping your trash in the ocean. Don't force your company on anyone who doesn't want it. Fighting's all right, but if I hear anything about rape or serious injuries, I'll personally come and kick your ass, and you DON'T want that."

The Dylani collectively laughed at this.

"I'm free for the course of the festival, so if you want to come talk to me, please don't be shy. Otherwise, have fun at the festival and go away friends. Now, the very few announcements..." She was going through things rather quickly. "We've set up a money-changing station. It's the one with the black flag with a gold circle on it. They should have coin of the realm for everyone. All the merchants have coinage exchange rates, so buy whatever you like. If you need to store something, the hold of the Shingiri has been cleared out for just that purpose. Put your name on your belongings and check them with the crew. Be careful what alcohol you drink - some of it is too strong for human consumption before being diluted. CHECK THE LABELS. We're not liable for anything... AT ALL... that happens to you while you're here, so show some common sense. Don't wade in the ocean too far. There are poisonous creatures and predators in the reef. Finally, there's no limit on how much you can eat at the feasting pavilion, so don't feel like you need to abstain. That's it," she said simply. "Commence the festival!"

There was a whoop, and cheering, and the drums started in almost immedietly with a powerful, primal beat. The woman threw herself into the crowd. That seemed to be a cue, because those closest to the drums immedietly formed a kind of congenial mosh pit and began dancing wildly, laughing and circling around each other. Someone was passing out polished wooden cups full of a sweet, fruity red wine.

There was a whoop, and cheering, and the drums started in almost immedietly with a powerful, primal beat. The woman threw herself into the crowd. That seemed to be a cue, because those closest to the drums immedietly formed a kind of congenial mosh pit and began dancing wildly, laughing and circling around each other. Someone was passing out polished wooden cups full of a sweet, fruity red wine.

OOC: I'm back in the land of constant and reliable internet, so I should be able to participate now.
IC:
Count and Countess Aldira seemed to snap out of whatever trance they'd spent the voyage between the isles in, staring intently at the woman on the stage. When she hurled herself into the crowd, the two of them had grinned at each other. There was some unspoken communication in there.

In one smooth motion the Countess seized her husband's hands and the two of them proceeded to do some sort of improvised tango in the direction of the other dancers. The Count had somehow acquired a rose and held it in his teeth.
"Wait, where are you two going?" Makor Saniril asked, looking slightly disconcerted.
Countess Aldira looked over her husband's shoulder and winked.
"Why, we'll dance the day, and the night, away my dear... have fun!" her silvery laughter lingered in the air.

The Deacon looked around... he seemed a little adrift...

At the very first opportunity (well, nearly. She stole some of Luna's clothes, and changed into them, first), Soraya neatly cut herself off from the rest of of the visiting Darein. The lack of the heavy robes seemed to make her considerably more sociable, and she put every effort into -not- thinking about how much skin she was showing. By normal standards, it was nothing- her legs from just above the knee down, her arms, and a strip of skin on her stomach-, but it unsettled her, who had never worn anything BUT robes a day in her life. Tragic, really.

Natalya stayed with Luna and the goddesses, and the four of them, together, set out to make the best of the festivities.

Evin, however, chose a different course of action entirely. Feeling just a little sick, and no small amount crowded and generally extremely edgy, he did his best to flee from the crowd, and find a more manageable number of people. Not to say he -succeeded-, but he did make his best game attempt. So much for being able to deal with it.

The Deacon noted the dispersal of the Darein Riey delegates, smiling wryly at Evin's departure.
Seems someone's have a worse time then I am... he thought, looking around. But then, why am I not having a good time?
With that he turned to one of the other revellers*.
"Excuse me," he said "What's your name?"
He mulled over the answer for a moment, then nodded.
"Ah. I am Deacon Makor Saniril, from Macisikan. And I'd like to get you a drink."


OOC: *feel free to make this either a miscellaneous native, or one of the other characters.

The Deacon noted the dispersal of the Darein Riey delegates, smiling wryly at Evin's departure.
Seems someone's have a worse time then I am... he thought, looking around. But then, why am I not having a good time?
With that he turned to one of the other revellers*.
"Excuse me," he said "What's your name?"
He mulled over the answer for a moment, then nodded.
"Ah. I am Deacon Makor Saniril, from Macisikan. And I'd like to get you a drink."


OOC: *feel free to make this either a miscellaneous native, or one of the other characters.
OOC: Oh, I'll feel free, all right. *smirk* Thanks for leaving it in my hands, though, I appreciate that kind of respect.

"I'm Drusille," she told him, offering him a mischevous grin. She had hourglass curves, a heart-shaped face, and thick, glossy black curls swept back from her face to cascade down her back. She offered him a fine-boned hand. "Nice to meet you, Deacon. This is your first time, isn't it?"

Evin, however, chose a different course of action entirely. Feeling just a little sick, and no small amount crowded and generally extremely edgy, he did his best to flee from the crowd, and find a more manageable number of people. Not to say he -succeeded-, but he did make his best game attempt. So much for being able to deal with it.

If Soraya was trying to avoid attention, that proved to be rather difficult. There were people nearly everywhere, and they all brushed up against her or trailed a hand along her exposed skin as she passed.

Meanwhile, back at the airstrip, Althea finally came down and shooed Anatole away. "Go have fun at the party," she told him, strong-arming him down to the pier, as she was taller than he was, and could accomplish this. "For the Lady's sake, you're entirely too dour. Besides, your kids are down there."

Anatole, reluctant but outranked, went.

OOC: Oh, I'll feel free, all right. *smirk* Thanks for leaving it in my hands, though, I appreciate that kind of respect.

"I'm Drusille," she told him, offering him a mischevous grin. She had hourglass curves, a heart-shaped face, and thick, glossy black curls swept back from her face to cascade down her back. She offered him a fine-boned hand. "Nice to meet you, Deacon. This is your first time, isn't it?"

"Indeed, madam," unsure of the local custom, the Deacon simply went with what he knew, taking the hand and brushing his lips to the back of it, while he bowed from the waist.
"This is the first time I've had the pleasure of visiting your homeland," he added with a smile, "or attending this festival."

OOC: uh-oh, should I be worried? *grins*

"Indeed, madam," unsure of the local custom, the Deacon simply went with what he knew, taking the hand and brushing his lips to the back of it, while he bowed from the waist.
"This is the first time I've had the pleasure of visiting your homeland," he added with a smile, "or attending this festival."

OOC: uh-oh, should I be worried? *grins*

She laughed musically. "Oh dear, you're terrible formal," she said in a mildly chiding way. "You obviously haven't drunk enough. And wearing FAR too many clothes. It simply won't do." She plucked a carved wooden cup of sweet wine from somewhere and handed it to him. "Drink," she urged, swaying slightly to the pounding drums. "This is a celebration."

Jun and Midori accept the wooden cups of wine and Midori samples hers gingerly before smiling and drinking it steadily.

Jun reassured starts enjoying her drink and starts feeling the rhythm of the drums.

Now slightly swaying she grins, takes Mikels hand and asks "do you want to start enjoying yourself?"

If Soraya was trying to avoid attention, that proved to be rather difficult. There were people nearly everywhere, and they all brushed up against her or trailed a hand along her exposed skin as she passed.

Meanwhile, back at the airstrip, Althea finally came down and shooed Anatole away. "Go have fun at the party," she told him, strong-arming him down to the pier, as she was taller than he was, and could accomplish this. "For the Lady's sake, you're entirely too dour. Besides, your kids are down there."

Anatole, reluctant but outranked, went.

It wasn't long before Soraya's skintone had taken a turn from cobalt to violet, and she'd let her hair fall in her face to cover it. Mentally, she cursed both the weather, and Luna's lack of clothing that covered more than half the body at a time. With her hair obstructing her vision, however, it made seeing a little difficult, and she managed to trip several times. She prayed she didn't bump into anyone.

Evin wasn't faring much better, and eventually settled for a some-what out-of-the-way corner, where he felt he at least had a little room to breathe.

Jun and Midori accept the wooden cups of wine and Midori samples hers gingerly before smiling and drinking it steadily.

Jun reassured starts enjoying her drink and starts feeling the rhythm of the drums.

Now slightly swaying she grins, takes Mikels hand and asks "do you want to start enjoying yourself?"

"Yeah, definetely," Mikel said, putting down his trench coat and about three of the wine glasses.

She laughed musically. "Oh dear, you're terrible formal," she said in a mildly chiding way. "You obviously haven't drunk enough. And wearing FAR too many clothes. It simply won't do." She plucked a carved wooden cup of sweet wine from somewhere and handed it to him. "Drink," she urged, swaying slightly to the pounding drums. "This is a celebration."

Accepting the cup and nodding in thanks, the Deacon dryly chuckled.
"Yes, we do tend to be formal..." he took a drink, "There is precious little time to relax in His Majesty's Government. I say, this is quite good," he took another drink.
"Some people say that alcohol is a vice, and a snare for the spirit. My superiors in the Church, career alcoholics every one of them, say that's rubbish. This is very good indeed, do you mind me asking what's it made from?"

In the crowd the Count and Countess were doing an impression of a human killer galleon, cutting back and forth, turning in a flurry of limbs that anyone watching would swear was impossible for a human.

Anatole went and changed, because he knew he'd enjoy the festival almost despite himself once he got there. It was impossible not to have fun surrounded by his own people and their laughter and unashamed flirtatiousness. He got rid of the tunic and pants and dug out his silverscale loincloth, which he hadn't worn in ages, put on his old jewelry, and tied his hair back in the tail he'd used to wear it in. The mirror startled him - he looked fifty years younger, like the ghost of his own past.

He portaled to the Isle d'Celebre instead of taking a ship.

When he appeared in the middle of the opening ceremony, he was immedietly drawn in by the others, and secure in the joyful press of bodies, danced.

Jun leads Mikel a little closer to the drummers and holding onto his waist starts to sway again hoping he'll figure out what she trying to do.

Trying to remember her very limited dance training she keeps a slow dance tune in her head while she leads Mikel slowly from one step to the next.

The Emperor Fat Monkey 13 and his entourage had set up a covered aria to set up and finish preparing the food that they had brought. The items on the menu shown a strong East Asian influence and each was selected by the emperor. The items included:

Fried nine items (Eel, Pork chops, Sparerib, Shrimp, Squid, Scallops, Clams, Lobster, Crab) with spicy salt
Barbeque Eel
Stir fried Shredded Eel
Steamed Eel with Ginger on rice
Shark Fin with Crab meat soup
Fish Maw and Shredded Duck soup

OOC: Sorry that I have not posted sooner but I was away, then I got sick, then I came back. I meant to include more items (especially ones that did not include expensive items, and/or feature rice, bamboo, tofu, or potato) but I figure that it is better to get this in. If I keep at it I may never finish it in timely manner. Sorry.

Jun leads Mikel a little closer to the drummers and holding onto his waist starts to sway again hoping he'll figure out what she trying to do.

Trying to remember her very limited dance training she keeps a slow dance tune in her head while she leads Mikel slowly from one step to the next.

Mikel figured out what he was supposed to do. He was glad Jun was doing something simple; there were annoying chihuahuas in Tejas with more dance training than him.

The presence of Anatole within a hundred feet of Evin was like a breath of fresh air. He sighed and leaned agianst the structure at his back, detaching himself just a little from the realm of the physical. Mentally, he reached out for that one, familiar voice amongst the chaos, and brushed agianst it, conveying the message of "Hello. There you are. Bloody fantastic to see you." without a word.

Mikel figured out what he was supposed to do. He was glad Jun was doing something simple; there were annoying chihuahuas in Tejas with more dance training than him.

by now Jun could really feel the rhythm and was glad that Mikel knew what she was trying to do.

it may not have fitted in with what everyone was doing but this was their space..

The Emperor... Fish Maw and Shredded Duck soup... Sorry.

as well as a number of less exotic dishes that featured rice, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a verity of potato related items. One thing that was not left out were the drinks. The staples of Potty 5 alcahol were rice and potato based drinks. Five types were brought three were rather strong and in order of increasing streangth were the potato wine, the thrice frozen rice wine, and the demon killer rice wine. The other two were not so strong but would have been a surprise for someone if they did not expect a hard drink these were a rice wine, and a sweet rice wine.


as well as a number of less exotic dishes that featured rice, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a verity of potato related items. One thing that was not left out was the drinks. The staples of Potty 5 alcohol were rice and potato based drinks. Five types were brought three were rather strong and in order of increasing strength were the potato wine, the thrice frozen rice wine, and the demon killer rice wine. The other two were not so strong but would have been a surprise for someone if they did not expect a hard drink these were a rice wine, and a sweet rice wine. Also there was a verity of teas served boiling hot.

The emperor sat just outside of the shade looking on at the party. He was eating a cold dish of jellyfish and shredded duck [it is really very tasty if you are open to it (or as some of my friends of Chinese decent said didn’t know what it was… oh the poor rabbit)] but was content to sit and watch for the present time.

OOC: The stronger wines are in proof of the stronger are all over 160 or 80%, Potty 5 uses the same size serving for all of its wines so expect this to be about the same of downing 4 or more 12 oz cans of beer in one gulp. While certainly doable it is not something that most [sane] would knowingly do… also remember that drinking in large amounts over short periods has a greater effect then drinking the same amount over a longer period.
Also I just remembered that eel is out of season… this means that the eel will not be as good as in 6 months but it still will hold its own against any other fish… in the kitchen.

Potty5's culinary treats went over very well, of course, and there was a wide variety of other quisines as well. The Dylani drank a lot of alcohol and seemed none the worse for wear... their constitutions, at least in this regard, seemed herculean.

Jun could tell that her dance partner was the same standard as her as she whispers in his ear "I'm not good at dancing either. I only ever had four lessons before I found I liked flying planes better than dancing.

You're doing great"