NationStates Jolt Archive

Turns to face people in bar
"And by the way, that wine was about as strong as a coke"

OOC: I dont' recall being off in any corner - we're all just kicking it back here together.

IC: "Thank you, Rikanth." she smiled at him warmly. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support in this - Charon as well." she gave him a smile and a nod.

Turning her gaze back on Jaime she tilted her chin up in that imperious way she had, clearly looking to be stubborn on the issue. "I will do what I must to keep what is mine. Whether that is something you will agree with, I don't know. Time will tell." she said, though there was a touch of worry in her eyes.

He raised his eyebrows, and then looked down at his glass of water. "Hm." he said, and downed the whole glass in one throw-back. He slammed it down on the table and said "Bartender, more water."

He turned to Nathicana, "Don't want to be drunk if anythign happens..."

Watching Barret stalk off she reconsidered her initial impression. Not so charming after all ... her expression and disdainful sniff clearly showing what she thought of his behaviour. "Pity."

"Indeed - I usually favor water myself, keeping other draughts for the few private moments I manage to squirrel away." she chuckled softly. "Few and far between, I assure you."

Looking around, she asked "Where is Chris? I haven't seen him since before the competition."

Rikanth also orders up a glass of ice water, drinking it quite slowly.

Jaime looks up, "Chris? Well, he's ... busy." She could see the expression on his face, clearly broadcasting, Please don't ask me where! I don't want to have to tell you!

"He ... uh ... was called to an emergency NATO meeting..."

Her eyes immediately narrowed. "Why aren't you with him?" Her expression clearly stated that he had best come up with a reason other than the one she was afraid of.

She could see that at least right now he was telling the truth. "He didn't want me to be called away from what I was doing ..."

And he didn't want me to see the state he's in... his eyes said, which is why he turned them to look at the counter.

As she sat, watching him, her face carefully masking her emotions, Janus hurried up to her, clearly anxious and as always, followed by the silent Marik.

"My Lady, we need to talk." he said quietly.

Giving Jaime another long look, she nodded. "Please, excuse me for one moment." she said, and followed Janus off a small distance away, their heads together, speaking softly and rapidly.

He looked up, wiping one solitary tear from his eye and murmuring, "I wish I trusted myself enough..."

He rose and walked over to a small bench in the corner of the party area, where he sat down and kept reciting the prayer.

Rikanth looks puzzledly at Jaime. He quietly says "Poor guy, must be going through a lot of emotional turmoil."

"He what?" they heard hear exclaim loudly, an expression of outrage clear on her face.

Lowering her voice again, she began speaking quickly, fiercely, grabbing a notepad and pen from her minister, and furiously scribbling instructions.

Janus took off in a near run, Marik striding to keep up with him. She put a hand to her forehead for a moment, then stalked back to rejoin the others.

"Gentleman, it would seem that the trial has been called off." she stated, eyes still burning. "I thank you for your support, but it would seem that I will be making this trip myself."

Jaime ran up. "WHAT?" he asked in a loud voice. "Yourself? Where are you going?"

Rikanth looks surprised. "what is going on? Has dragonisia double-crossed you?"

OOC: I must sign off for the night...

"An ... agreement has been reached." she said simply, avoiding Jaime's gaze. "Apparently, the information and proof I've had my operatives working so hard to procure has impressed the Emperor. He holds our country responsible, and myself as the leader, but is willing to withdraw his claims that I plotted against him, & negotiate on the removal of his forces. He inists only that we find the perpetrator and bring him to justice."

Rikanth says "Well, agreements are good. why do you seem so unhappy about this?"

OOC:Good Night Haraki.

OOC: Sleep well! *waves*

IC: "There is no treachery." she said, though still looking rather angry. "I had hoped that diplomacy would win out, and it has." She signaled the bartender for a glass of red wine, nodding to him in thanks as she sipped it slowly.

"Until I depart for the negotiations, I finally have some time to relax."

"Don't trouble yourself about it, Rikanth ... all is well. I was just ... suprised at the sudden change in attitude." she worked to smooth away her anger, smiling at them reassuringly. "I have been somewhat ... testy, the past while. I appologize."

A figure in a grey and red cloak walks in and takes a seat at the far end of the bar.
"I'm just here to get out of the rain."
the bartender nods and walks off, the jester pulls out another bottle and takes a small sip

"No problem." Rikanth pulls out his cell phone, and calls somebody. "You can send the helicopter back now, i will not be needing it." He puts away his cell phone and says "Good night." to everyone, before going to his room, lying on his bed, and falling asleep.

OOC: good night everyone. i'll be on tomorrow mornin'

The Hound nudges the Evenstar, motioning to the crying man.

The Evenstar snickers, shaking his head and motioning the Hound to silence.

Caval, known as the WarHound is undaunted as he shifts his great iron broadsword,"Showing his tears? Someone should put the bastard out of his blubbering misery."

The Evenstar laughs, shaking his head,"Quiet, Hound. The last thing I need is drama with Zaek's guests."

OOC: G'night to you too! Gads, dropping like flies. ;)

She makes her goodbyes, and assures them all is well.

"I shall see you all on my return." and leaves with Janus & Marik.

Zaek's face straightened, looking very sincere at Dayne

"You listen to me. If you even think about dying in a war leaving Richenda behind on this earth, I will hunt you down in your Valhalla and drag you back to this earth by the collar of your cloak."

"Well, that sounds like ... an agreeable agreement." Jaime says to Rikanth. "If we can find out who attacked him, Nathicana gets her country back."

OOC: Only on for a bit, then I go to school, but it's a half-day, I'll be back in about 4 and a half hours, then I'm home for 12 hours...

The Jester suddenly wakes up, having slept at the bar through the night
"What the? Oh yes, here"
orders a mug of tea

Rikanth wakes up, heads down to the party, heads to the bar, orders a glass of watewr, and sits down, sipping at the ice water.

OOC:at school all day. and i have an algebra semester exam. bargh. goodbye.

OOC: Ah, school ... I remember it fondly. Well, execpt for the algebra. My sympathies on that one. *grins* See you two when you get back! *nods and waves to Barret of St. Mardis as well.

OOC: Back. Thank god for half days!

IC:

Jaime turns to Nathicana. "Are you going alone?" he asks.

OOC: *chuckles* Um ... since it has been overnight, and my vengence is swift (see latest news release) I think it's safe to assume perhaps, that I could have gone, taken care of business, and recently returned in the late hours of morning. Sound good?

And yes ... thanks indeed. :)

OOC: *chuckles* Um ... since it has been overnight, and my vengence is swift (see latest news release) I think it's safe to assume perhaps, that I could have gone, taken care of business, and recently returned in the late hours of morning. Sound good?

Oops... :oops: Did you get back the Dominion?

OOC: Was there ever any doubt? *wicked grin*

IC: Walking back briskly in after many hours of absence, Nathicana enters looking her very much radiant and in control self. Slight shadows under her eyes give testament to a sleepless night, though she seems to be handling it well.

Jaime leaps up from his early morning seat at the bar, having just finished a cup of coffee. "Nathicana, you're back!" he says. "How did it go?"

Zaek lifted his hand off Dayne's shoulder

"But we musnt let morbide thoughts take over, now" It is time for lunch, and now, for the first time since your arrival, you'll be able to see the Gothicum sun rise"

She smiled at Jaime, weariness clearly showing.

"It went as expected." she said simply, asking for a cofee herself, taking it black and sipping it thoughtfully.

"Good," he says, smiling at her. "I expect all you want now is to sleep?" he says inquiringly.

Zaek walks toward Nathanica and Jaime

"Care to watch the sunrise?"

She shook her head. "Time enough for that later. I plan on enjoying myself here, without the political turmoils."

She gave him a sidelong glance. "Any word from Chris? I've been ... concerned." she said, taking another long sip of coffee.

Shooting Zaek a dazzling smile, she nods. "I would most definitely like to see that. Lead the way."

He gave her a strange look, then looked down at the counter. "Chris is ... uh ... otherwise engaged. Political stuff. I don't even really know what."

Turning to Zaek, he says "By all means. Please."

She simply nodded, and decided to pursue the question of Chris later.

"Zaek, I have to say you have a simply beautiful country, from all I've seen so far. I am continually impressed, both with the land, and the people."

Zaek guided the couple to the surface and to a lake, the mountains in the distance setting the horizon. Rothana by his side, he clenched her hand into his.

"Another dawn in peace for Gothicum, anothe piece of me that fills completed. But never has it appeared more beautiful then now, as it caresses the face of my love*

He turned to Rothana

"You make every day look special

Jaime nods, and says, "Yes, Zaek. Your country is insanely beautiful. How do you manage it?"

"Let nature take its course, when we came here, it was all ashes, but fruitfull ashes, as the rains came, the trees grew, we have several druids living in the forest, maintining it, but otherwise, we just let it grow, it protects us, feeds us, offers us shadow on hot days... it is one with Gothicum."

Looking out across the land, she shivered slightly, soaking in the the view in silence, listening to Zaek speak.

"Beautiful." she breathed softly.

Jaime nods. "I often feel the land has a soul, at least in some places. Luckily, most of Haraki has that feeling to it, including all except the wastelands. It seems to do that for us, although not as much. It just seems to enjoy being there."

Softly, not wanting to take away from the mood, she said to Zaek "My offer still stands, if you care to take advantage of it. Our lands are vastly different, but I've always felt the Dominion had a beauty all its own as well. Perhaps there may be some compatibility."

She reached out to take hold of Jaime's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as she looked out at the view.

OOC: sorry lag.. sigh

Rothana and her sisters were finishing lunch.
"How are you feeling Richenda?"

"Sore but well, i had fun and a great workout, thank you for pressing me on the matter sis" Richenda stood and stretched...

Siren sighed," i'm going to have to get back to SilverCities soon... who knows what has been going on in our absence "

"I think its fine Siren, if anything major has gone on i think we would have been contacted by now" Rothana reached for her hair and began to plait it in a long braid.."besides the sun is due to come up soon, you shouldnt miss that.. "

Softly, with his head right beside her ear, still looking out over the view, Jaime whispered to Nathicana, "It is beautiful, but nowhere near as beautiful as you."

She tipped her head down for a moment, eyes closed, then looked back out at the horizon, awaiting the sunrise. She gave his hand a firm squeeze, acknowledging him, but didn't turn to meet his eyes.

He nodded, slowly, and gave her hand a slight squeeze, admiring the beauty of the Gothici sunrise.

Unexpectedly and without explanation, she leaned back against him, seeming to take comfort in his presence as she pulled his arm around her.

He gladly lets her, smiling.

"You know ... in my country, an old tradtion says that vows made at sunrise hold special meaning and strength." She paused, gathering her thoughts.

"I, Nathicana D'Aquisto of the Dominion, do pledge to those here - Zaek Invictus and his lady Rothana, and Jaime of Haraki and your nations - my service to you when need calls for it, and a bond betwen our contries of peace and cooperation. May our nations be never at odds with one another. You have my unending support, both in times of peace and of turmoil. I will do what is in my power to keep this pact. On my honor, I so swear." she finished formaly.

"I know my nation is yet small, but ..." she trailed off. "You have my gratitude, all of you. I hope I can repay you someday."

He smiles, "I pledge to you, Lady Nathicana, that whenever you need help, if you will accept it, I will be there for you, and all I can do to help you in times of need."

"Then let the vow be returned, any to seek refuge within the nighttime hills are welcome, any support I can give, I will, Dominion, Haraki and Silvercity people are now respected as if they were Gothicae, and may the dawn that is set upon us be one of many peaceful dawnings to come"

Jaime nods. "Aye." he says. "Let both vows be returned threefold, to each of you."

She smiled at each of them, nodding and looking very pleased.

"A new dawn. A new beginning." And at such an appropriate time ... she agreed.

Jaime took a deep breath, and swallowed hard. What am I thinking? he thought.

"To Peace." she finished simply.

"To peace," he said, and swallowed again."Now or never..." he murmured...

He dropped to one knee and asked, "Lady Nathicana ... Will you marry me?"

His heart was beating like a drum, and he was fervently hoping for a positive answer. Inside his head, he was repeating the same thought over and over, I hope she says yes, I hope she says yes, I hope...

OOC: Everyone together now.

One
Two
Three

AAaawwwwww
Isn't that sweet?

She looked at him and blinked, speechless. Then she tilted her head slightly, as if she doubted what she had just heard him say.

"I ... " she hesitated again, looking around at the others with an almost pleading expression in her eyes, though her face remained a cool mask.


OOC: SW - brat. *grin*

OOC: What :) ?

"I need ... time." she managed to stammer finally. "Considerations ... complications ..." She seemed to be grasping for something concrete as a reason.

He set his jaw to stop his emotions, stood up and said, "I ... understand." He turned and walked away, towards a small bench a ways away.

She bit her lower lip, watching him walk away. She was angry at herself for allowing anyone this close, after all the years of careful dealings ...

"He won't understand." she murmured, making a move to follow, then hesitating.

Jaime reached the bench, and sat down. He sat there, murmuring unintelligible things, and taking deep breaths.

"Curse il mio cuore traitorous e le circostanze che lo incitano ad esitare." she muttered to herself.

Steeling herself for whatever would come, she took a deep breath and walked over to Jaime, dropping to one knee in front of him and gently placing a hand on his knee.

He looked up, and said, in a weak voice, "Yes?"

She studied him closely for a moment before going on.

"I said time, boy ... I didn't say no."

Zaek looked at Rothana, and left her side to go sit with Jaime, not knowing what to say he laid his hand on Jaime's back, patting it.

She studied him closely for a moment before going on.

"I said time, boy ... I didn't say no."

"Yes ... I know ..." he said. "I know ... It's just that ..."

He looked up at Zaek's touch, and gave him a weak smile.

She looked up at Zaek gratefully, for a moment feeling the taint of jealousy at the relationship he and Rothana seemed to share, without guile, without the cynicism she'd lived with for so long.

"You ... suprised me. I didn't know what to say ... so sudden. So soon after ..." she trailed off.

Zaek held Jaime back as he wanted to stand up

"Not, now... Soon, just not now."

"The Dominion ... it's complicated." she began, wanting to explain, and not really knowing how.

"We have not achieved the peace that exists here in Gothicum. My visit here was like a breath of fresh air, finally being away from the threats, the intrigues, the constant vigilance ... you've seen firsthand how cutthroat our politics can become."

She looked to Zaek. "You understand how it can be, yes?"

Jaime nodded, "I understand at least, or I wouldn't have asked you..."

Rothana watched with sympathy at Nathi's predicament.. she knew how it felt to be so conflicted... a woman's heart with the demands of Leadership always ringing in your ears, she hoped and prayed that a positive resoution could be found...

"I do not wish to give my enemies another target for their hate." She forestalled his protests with an upraised hand.

"I know you can take care of yourself. I know you could protect me as well. But if something were to happen ... I'd never forgive myself."

Watching him closely, she continued. "And your obligations to Chris? Haraki? What of them?"

"Too often affairs of state leave little room for those of the heart."

"I understand...I am very lucky most of my people share my sentiments. Sometimes letting me believe it is that easy everywhere. This moment is a reminder to the fact that love is not bestowed on one just like that. Love is something for which you must endure pain and sacrifice first, some more then others.

I understand you both. Nathanica, if you let Jaime help, you will see most problems will be far lessened burdens as you share them. But Jaime, as you take the side of this lady, you must understand you will for some part become target of slander and backstabbing. And you must prepare to suffer the same fate as her, sometimes having to step back into the shadow and suporting her through difficult times, even though the choices you must make won't be the ones you like. And if you both understand this equation of sacrifice, you will feel that nothing can compare to the love for eachother."

Jaime looks at Nathicana, "Chris's a sweet guy, he'd understand. Haraki doesn't care so long as the PM doesn't die on me. And Zaek, I understand all of that. All of it. Seriously."

She looked at Zaek, not for the first time impressed with his insight, and graceful manner of speech, and nodded.

"All so soon ... so fast." she looked back to Jaime, and added gently "When I came here, it was for diplomatic reasons. I never thought I would find what I have. I'm still confused at the how and the why of it all ... but despite it, I've come to care for you deeply. And for the first time in my life that I can recall, I don't know what to do."

He smiled at her, "I advise you to just do what your heart and soul tell you to do."

"And here I thought I'd effectively taken care of them years ago to avoid such complications." she smiled back.

He looked at her, "No-one can do that forever."

"Amor vincit omnia. Love conquers all..."

Zaek got up and stepped back, moving to Rothana to leave the couple in peace...

She leaned in and kissed him gently then.

"Apparently not."

He grinned at her and kissed her, "So is that a yes?" he asked hopefully.

He could see the conflict in her eyes, even as she joked lightly.

"So you would be the man who tamed the Dread Lady, would you?"

"Oh, I never said tamed," he said, "Just married."

"Then yes ... I accept." Her eyes focused on his, and the fear and conflict never left them.

"Thank you." he said, smiling at her. He reached out and laid a hand on her cheek. "Why are you scared? What's wrong?"

She just shook her head, refusing to explain.

"So ... now what?" she asked, laying a hand atop the one he'd laid on her cheek.

He looked deep into her eyes, his eyes begging her to explain. "I don't know what comes next, I've never gotten married before." he said.

She chuckled softly. "And neither have I."

"Lets finish enjoying the sunrise, shall we?" she rose, holdig out a hand to him. "There's time enough for all that later."

He nodded, rising, placing his hands over hers on his hand, "I pledge, by the sunrise, my undying love to you, Nathicana."

She smiled, pressing fingertips to her lips, then to his. "And I, to you, Jaime." She said, her eyes brimmed with tears.

He smiled, and hugged her. "Shall we?" he asked, taking her hand and motioning with his head towards the sunrise.

OOC: Its just so beautiful.. so beautiful

*dabs at eyes with handkerchief*

OOC: Its just so beautiful.. so beautiful

*dabs at eyes with handkerchief*

OOC: Aint it the truth? :)

Nodding, she walked with him, biting her lower lip once more as she gave him a sidelong glance. What's done is done. Let it pass.

OOC: Its just so beautiful.. so beautiful

*dabs at eyes with handkerchief*

OOC: I say again ... brat. *grins*

He looked at her again, and again asked, "What is it?"

"Nothing you need be concerned with." she said, a note of finality in her voice.

He looked a little suspicious, but decided to let it drop.

He looked at Zaek. "Hey Zaek, what's the best ring store around here?"

Zaek and Rothana joined the couple again, as they finished watching the sunrise they went back to the palace, having lunch and preparing for the walk through nature that was scheduled for the afternoon.

he whispered back:"No store"

He scribbled something on a piece of paper

"Here, the adress of the best private jewelcrafter in Gothicum. Tell him i sent ya, and prepare a thourough description of the ring. He'll reach into your imagination and pluck your vision, forging it into silver."

"Okay, thanks." Jaime whispers back.

OOC: such attention ... I blush! :oops:

Leaving Rothana and Zaek to amuse Nathicana for a moment, he jumps into a bush and calls the jeweller on his cell phone, describing a ring that he thinks Nathicana will love, then climbs out again, straightens his rather mussed-ip clothes and walks back to Nathicana. "Sorry about that," he tells her, taking her hand.

OOC: *sniff*

I wish I could write romance.. ah well, back to blowing stuff up.

OOC: CURSE the lag! *much swearing ensues* In case this continues and all, here - im contact info: ICQ - 76996472 Yahoo Messenger ketri71
Bah. Other means available on request.

IC: Nathicana tries to stifle a laugh, reaching out to run a hand through his touseled hair. "You are so ... " she grins. "It's good to see the careless rogue in you back a bit."

Rikanth looks at the sunrise. "Such a beautiful nation...whereas mine is barren and lifeless..THe plant life in the land Darynia was founded upon, began mysteriously dying off after Darynia was founded there, making my nation barren." Rikanth remarks sadly.

OOC:edited for grammar-ing

"Ours is a rich land ... perhaps we could offer you sapplings? A team of biologists to examine the afflicted areas?" she remarked.

Jaime laughs at Nathicana's comment, saying, "Yeah, I was depressed for far too long..."

Rikanth nods. "Aye, both offers seem very appealing. thank you." He replies.

OOC:point me at the newest news release?

The jester sits on a window sill in the corner, quietly observing the events occuring. He sips on some water. ( :o )
As he watches, a song runs through his mind, an old song.

I wanna love you, and treat you right
I wanna love you, every day and every night
We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads
We'll share the shelter, of my single bed
We'll share the same room, JAH provide the bread

Is this love, is this love, is this love
Is this love that I am feeling (repeat)
I wanna know, wanna know, wanna know now
I got to know, got to know, got to know now

I'm willing and able
So I throw my cards on your table
I wanna love you and treat you right

I wanna love you, every day and every night
We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads
We'll share the shelter, of my single bed
We'll share the same room, JAH provide the bread

Is this love, is this love, is this love
Is this love that I am feeling (repeat)
Oh yes I know, yes I know, yes I know now (repeat)

I'm willing and able
So I throw my cards on your table
See I wanna love you, I wanna love and treat
You right, I wanna love you, every day and every night
We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads
We'll share the shelter, of my single bed
We'll share the same room, JAH provide the bread

He smiles to himself

OOC: news releases on pg 5, methinks.

IC:

"Consider it done then. I'll alert my minister over agriculture and forestry. She can send you a comprehensive list of possible candidates for transplant. See me when you're ready for the biologists."

To Jaime, she smiled and nodded. "Indeed you have."

Looks around the room again and spies Jaime and Nathicana
"He had better luck than i did"

He turns to Nathicana, smiling. "But then I found something to pull me out. Namely, you."

He reaches over and takes her hand.

He turns to Nathicana, smiling. "But then I found something to pull me out. Namely, you."

He reaches over and takes her hand.
Smiles

"I guess someone has to have a good existence"

The jester turns away from the crowd and pulls out a flask from his cloak

"This stuff always makes me feel temporarily better"

He takes a swig

She laughs, waving a hand dismissively. "My dear, you have no idea the trouble you've just gotten yourself into." she said with a sly grin. "If anything, you should be demanding an appology."

Noting Barret, she waves, shooting him a smile, hoping he's feeling somewhat better than the previous evening.

OOC: page 5 of which forum?

Rikanth nods to Nathicana "i'll meet with them later."

He looks at the lady, sunken eyes, pale face, and worn face

OOC: correction - page 1 of the NationStates forum. Bumped.

IC:
"If you gentlemen will excuse me for just a moment ... " she walks quietly over to Barret, brow arched inquisitively.

"I thank you for the ... appology." she said. "Is there something we could help you out with?"

Jaime walks over to the Jester. "Hey," he says, "You look kinda down."

"Can you help me? Yea, get me a strong drink, stronger than that wolvesblood, that's all you can do for me."

While waiting for Barret to reply, she asked Jaime quietly, "Are you up for a trip in the next few days? There is a conference that might be beneficial to attend personally. Though I have considered sending a representative on my behalf. You could ask Chris if he minds ... be his representative there as well. Just a thought."

After a brief pause, "And later, I want to hear what's going on with him."

Jaime looked down, at hearing Nathicana's second request. "Er ... I suppose so ..." he says.

"And if you're going to that meeting, what can I do but go along?"

He turns to the Jester. "Stronger than Wolvesblood? I wonder if they have any really old stuff."

"I don't mean to be rude but that just wasn't strong enough for me; good flavor, but that is not why I am drinking"

She snorted softly, and requested her usual water. "I hope that there will be no 'suppose' about it."

"As for the other ... thanks." she smiled warmly.

She arched a brow at Barret. "Then ... why? If you don't mind my asking, of course."

He gave a weak, nervous smile about it and turned to the bartender. "Hey, sir, do you have anything stronger than ordinary wolvesblood? Say, really old wolvesblood, so that it's stronger?"

"What on earth are you hiding that you need to steel yourself with something like that?" she wrinkled her nose, remembering her own experience with the stuff. "And here I thought the worst was behind you." she chuckled.

The jester manages a smile for the Lady
"I am going through some.........hard times, I need something to get my mind off of it"

"Nono, this is for the Jester." Jaime explains, receiving it and handing it to him. "Although I wouldn't miind a slight quantity of wolvesbloodd myself, just half a glass or so." he tells the barman.

"I hope I'm not scaring or offending any of you"

He recieves the glass
"Thank you kindly, I owe you"

She places a sympathetic hand on the mans shoulder.

"There are other ways to take ones mind off, you know ... drink is a temporary reprieve. It dulls the mind as well as the pain."

Looking concerned, she asked again. "Do you need help with anything?"

The jester takes a sip
"Now that's more like it."

She waved away his concerns. "Please ... after this week, I think nothing could possibly scare me." She gave Jaime a knowing look.

"Nathicana, I am grateful for your sympathy, really I am, but the problem is my own and drinking is better than other things......"

He grins at her with the side of his mouth, giving her a look that says I know what you mean... He looks at the Jester, saying, "You sure?"

She nodded, and withdrew slightly. "You'll find many a sympathetic ear, should you need one, I'm sure." she said. "I wish you well with whatever is troubling you."

"I'm sure"

Thinking it best to leave the man to his thoughts, she turned to Jaime. "Now. Out with it."

He looks around, "Er ... could we maybe go somewhere ... more private?"

"I won't listen."

Drinks more wine and sighs
"She has to come sometime, then maybe I can stop doing this."

"I won't listen."

"Well .. There's more people than just you around..." he says.

"I won't listen."

"Well .. There's more people than just you around..." he says.
Looks about room
"True....never talk about something you don't want people to hear in public when you think no one's there. I have made the mistake and regretted it."

She gives him a pat on the back. "Give it time ... a woman does few things so well as making a man wait." she smiled.

"As you wish." she nodded to Jaime. "My quarters have done nicely for the meetings with Janus and all. And I have all my communications devices there as well." This must be bad ... very very bad.

She tilted her head to the others, made her appologies for leaving, and held out her arm expectantly to Jaime.

He smiles
"This too is true"
He goes to a corner in the room and covers himself with his cloak
"Very true."

He gets up, take a deep breath, and takes her arm, going up to her room. He keeps taking deep breaths, as they move.

"Pull yourself together, boy. If it's that bad, he's going to need you." she said quietly as they walked.

"I know, but all he said when he left was "I don't want you to have to see me like this,"." Jaime says.

"No word since? Nothing?" she eyed him sharply. "What on earth ... after all the two of you have been through ... ?" Leaving the question hanging, she looked at him expectantly.

They reach the door of Nathicana's room. Jaime looks up at her, "Yes, after all we've been through. I only talked to him over the phone. I've never heard his voice sound like that before. He was very angry, and he said 'Don't follow me. I don't want you to have to see me like this,' and hung up. I don't get it, but he did tell me a bit of what's going on." He takes a deep breath and recites the Karaki prayer.

As he lays in the corner thinking, the Jester takes out a loch of blond hair tied with a black ribbon.
"I wonder if she still has the bell..."

"And?" she prompted, growing more concerned by the moment.

"Well," he said, stepping into her room, "First he left for a NATO meeting. It was routine, he didn't want me to be disturbed, there was no danger whatsoever. So, he issued an order to me not to go with him. Who am I to argue with the PM? So, the meeting goes fine, and then ... halfway through ..." He stops, clearly begging her with his eyes not to have to go on.

She felt guilty about pressing him so, when she herself hadn't been entirely forthcoming about things she wished to keep private. Even so, she pressed him.

"What has happened? No more pauses, no more excuses ... what is it?"

"He ... He got a phone call ... His wife Clair was in hospital, from the civil war, when she was shot in the back, and was making a fine recovery ... And then ... Someone entered the hospital room and ... and ..." He stops, choked by tears.

The Jester cocks his head, sensing something has happened very saddening to someone.
"My prayers are theirs"
He recites a small prayer to himself

OOC: *groans* talk about heavy reading... could someone TM me on what i missed? i've been pretty busy this week and it'll run for a few more days. the last parts i read was the second day of the tournament. just need the gist of the story. thanks in advance.

OOC: *groans* talk about heavy reading... could someone TM me on what i missed? i've been pretty busy this week and it'll run for a few more days. the last parts i read was the second day of the tournament. just need the gist of the story. thanks in advance.

Well, Jaime lost the tournament to Zaek ... He and Nathicana are engaged :D , and currently he and Nathicana are having a talk onn what happened to Chris...

Very short.

Her eyes went cold, lips compressing as she listened.

"I see." she said. "You understood only too well what I meant earlier, didn't you?" Rubbing her temples, she closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing the impact of the news.

"And here you sit, not knowing what to do about it all." she reached out to place a hand on his arm. "You're quite sure he didn't want you there?"

"No," he says, swallowing hard, "He was quite sure. He said, quite specifically that no matter what I was to not go to Haraki while he ... while ... While he talks to the woman that ..."

"Hello Alhana"

Well, Jaime lost the tournament to Zaek ... He and Nathicana are engaged :D , and currently he and Nathicana are having a talk onn what happened to Chris...

Very short.

err, what happened to chris? sorry... i don't think i can read the 20+ pages i've missed. my last involvement was about the katana and buying silver her diamond ring :P

Um ... All of what happened to Chris is on the last two pages. You can read that, if not all 40 pages in between.

She nodded in understanding. "I don't blame him. Given the circumstances, I believe I would wish a ... private meeting with them myself." Her expression made very clear that said meeting would be most unpleasant ... at least for the other party.

"I'm sorry for your loss." she said. "And I hope that Chris will be able to handle matters on his own."

Looking away to hide her own guilt, she said more quietly, "And I wish you would have told me sooner."

"I ... I'm sorry, but ... I was having a hard time facing it myself. She was ... a dear friend. I'm sorry for not telling you earlier, but ..."

He took a deep breath, which broke several times as he took it.

She put her arms around him, stroking his hair gently. "Nevermind all that ... if he won't let you help, there is nothing you can do. Mourn your loss ... let the wounds heal."

She was careful to keep the anger from her voice, furious that those who had shown her kindness so recently had to suffer. "I'm here for you." she finished simply.

He nodded, murmuring, "Thank you. For everything." and allowed a tear to make its way down his cheek.

OOC: And with that, I must away for the evening. Swordfighting and crossbow shooting await (well, if I can get that strapping fixed quick anyways.) Ciao, folks! *waves*

OOC: ooooh! have great fun!

"Are you still there Alhana?"

OOC: Oh, I will ... thanks! I tell you, it's quite the adrenaline rush to get out there and face off your opponent ... circling, feinting, striking til one of you goes down. *grin* Too, too fun. And those crossbows ... woof! Here - link for what I'm shooting with. http://www.chrysostom-family.com/hc/

OOC: Bye, have fun away for the evening! Ciao!

OOC: bye! Thou have much fun! man, i want swordfighting and archery lessons lessons. longbows..hehe..

OOC: okay, i've read several of the past few pages and it hasn't given me sufficient info. so i'll just let you know that the lady alhana catherine had to leave on the first day of the tournament (after giving that advice about jaime) for an emergency diplomatic trip in one of goth's neighbor countries. they're now returning to the palace.


the heavy doors swung open and a gorgous woman half hidden in a cloak stepped in, followed by a striking young man.

"oh finally, we are back in the festivities." the lady alhana catherine tilted her head to marcus. "who did you say won the tournament?"

"the high chancellor himself, sister." handing their bags to the servants, he looked about anxiously.

"your eyes are so easy to read!" she laughed. "now come, i'm sure siren is with her sisters in the courtyard. why don't you look for her there and present her with the tiara i bought her? we left in such haste i forgot to give it to her."

alhana catherine floated to the bar with her usual mischeivous grin as she watched marcus walk hurriedly out to the courtyard. she rolled her eyes and laughed.

"how love changes a person..."

The Jester watches Alhana enter from his corner.
"Speak of the devil."
he drinks some more wine

alhana catherine took the drink from the barman and was just about to join the others outside when she noticed a worn out looking man in a jester's outfit sitting on one of the bar stools. she looked at him curiously after noticing that the man was staring at her.

"...yes?"

Klihk wandered over. Alek had left to go somewhere, possibly to bed. He wandered out into the party area, seeing Alhana had returned. "Ah, Lady Catherine." he said, "A pleasure, as always."

the jester shakes his head and takes his drink to a corner in the room.

alhana catherine noticed the jester move to a corner of the room before turning to the man approaching her and smiled graciously.

"hello... how are you? did anything juicy happen while we were away?"

He moves a little closer, and says, behind his hand, "I don't know if they'll want me saying this, but Jaime and Lady Nathicana are engaged."

He removes the hand, and says in a louder voice, "You missed the last two fights. They were truly spectacular. Nathicana versus Jaime, and then Jaime vs. Zaek. The first match seemed no contest, but the second was completely evenly matched, until Jaime collapsed in the middle of the stadium. No-one knows why. Zaek pinned him, and forced him to submit at that point."

The jester looks around as if suspecting something to happen
"Oh well, guess it's saf-"
A shuriken flies through the air and he rolls out of the way
"DAMN!!!"
he gathers up his cloak and runs out firing his gun blindly behind him

upon hearing the good news, alhana catherine clapped her hands in joy.

"my - this peace festivity has certainly surpassed it's purpose! four engagements..." her laughter was stopped short when the rest of the words hit her. "jaime collapsed again? that certainly is disturbing. have they found out the cause of it? my brother has been most occupied by jaime's condition, and he refuses to tell me his reasons."

"I don't know w- Get down!" Klihk yells, seeing the Jester taking off firing a gun blindly behind him. Klihk pushes Alhana to the ground, just before a bullet would have hit her, and whips out his gun loaded with stun bullets. He fires two shots at the fleeing Jester. (OOC: One shot is enough to knock out a charging rhino, and he's the second best bodyguard in Haraki).

The jester runs to his faithful donkey, dodging the blades, but one finds its way into his back. He slides off the donkey.
"No....not this way.."

Klihk looks around to see if he can see who's throwing the blades.

the jester, black blood pouring from his mouth, reaches his hand out to the Harakian
"I'm sorry...the bullets....weren't for you two....someone is trying to...."

Klihk grabs him, hoists him over his shoulder, and sprints for the acolytes, where he dumps down the Jester. "Do what you can," he tells them.

tries to reload gun as acolytes hold him down
"they're still....out there"

alhana catherine, quite shaken, managed to walk towards the jester. she tried peering over the acolytes as they tried to quickly mend the harshest of the wounds.

"who are you? ...why do you look so familiar?" she whispered. she watched open mouthed as the acolytes carried the jester away.

The jester tries to smile but the pain is too great
"You might know me......stay away from me until they are dead"
throws off healers and staggers to door, spies person on roof and fires three shots, all hitting the assailant and killing him

BAM BAM BAM

"It is done"

the jester falls to the ground, unconsious

Rikanth quickly unsheaths his katana and wakizashi, looking around for the assailant.

You can all see many figures darting about outside

Rikanth yells out at the darting figures "who are you people?"

The figures do not reply, instead they run at the bar, kantanas drawn

"bring him to the infirmary immediately." alhana catherine ordered the acolytes.

she tried looking for whoever the jester shot, but was unable to see anything.

RIkanth yells at the figures "HALT RIGHT THERE!" before slashing at one with both of his swords

the jester starts to wake up and sees Alhana's face
"You do look awfully familiar...."

"The hell?" Klihk asked. "Alhana, get under cover!" He fires a stun bullet at one of the assailants, spinning and tagging another one that was about to attack Alhana. "Run!" he yells.

sees fighting in the distance and tries to get up but immediately falls back down, exhausted

"Alhana, keep him down!" Klihk yells, tagging another attacker. However, he takes a hit to the shoulder and staggers forward, taking down another with a punch. He fires several hots at other enemies, stopping to reload behind cover.

he reaches into his bloody shirt and takes out a small silver flute, he plays a little tune




A figure walks through the door, dressed in a mime's outfit with a black trenchcoat. He pulls a katana out of its sheath and joins in fighting the assailants, giving one a slash in the gut

"You have made a big mistake" he murmurs

Rikanth patiently waits for the assasilant to recognize the fact that he attacked it.

she ran to the staircase, ducking the bullets as best as she can. suddenly,she felt a jab on her left arm, quickly followed by a burning sensation. she ran to her room, slammed the doors closed, and looked down at her arm. the pool of blood was growing larger.

The mime, in a bloody spectacal, shears off the head of one of the attackers.

Klihk dives out from behind his cover, firing on several more assailants, "Some peace party THIS turned out to be..." he grumbles, pulling out his knife and slamming another to the ground. He fires on several others, "How many of these guys are there?" he yells.

"Alhana!" Klihk yells. He runs past the Acolyte's grabbing a First Aid kit, and dashes to the door. He takes a hit to the stomach, but he takes down the man that hits him. Taking cover behind the doorframe, he gritted his teeth. If this was his last stand ... Well, it had been a good life.

three attackers lie dead, two stunned

"my work here is done....almost"

the mime rushes up to alhana's room and opens the door

"Oh no....."

he gets out a small vial of white liquid and pours it on the wound

"That should neutralize the poison, now for the King"

runs to the door

"by the way, my name's Longo"

he runs off

OOC: whose rping hte assailants!? i need someone to recognize my attack!

the mime rushes to the king's side and whispers in his ear and then pours the liquid on his rooms

"farewell my king"

Klihk follows Longo. "That'll take care of the poison, eh?" he murmurs, throwing her the first aid kit. "This'll take care of the rest." Ignoring the two mjor hits he has taken, he sprints back outside, continuing to fight the enemies.

OOC: lol *wounds

10 more ninja figures rush in to replace the 8 or so that are dead

OOC: happy?

OOC: HELLO!? AM I TALKING TO A BRICK WALL! WHO IS RPING HTE ASSAILANTS!?!?!?!


if last post is addressed to me, i apologize, i posted this before i saw that.

OOC: no one seems to be RPIng the assailants. they're just basically fighting *shrugs* i guess tally your own fight? can we limit their number to 12? over that would be a tad too much...

the Jester's eyes start to glow with a black fire, he jumps off the hospital bed and runs to Alhana's room

"you ok?"

doesn't wait for answer

"good"

rushes back to fight and proceeds to shoot 4 of the ninjas, he glows with a dark purple light
growling through his teeth he says:
"Keep them out of this"

alhana catherine was in too much shock to reply to the two men who quickly went in and out of her room. she stood up and walked towards her bed, propping up her injured arm. she winces.

"this better not scar or i'll have the one who shot me skinned alive."

RIkanth continues attacking assailants. Slashing one's midsection open here, knocking another out with the hilts of his swords there, and whirling around between them to avoid stray bullets.

OOC: goth's gonna be pissed at you making the party all..violent.

Klihk dashes up to one of the assailants, taking him out with a spinning kick. "Wait ... poison?" he muses as he takes cover to avoid a volley, "And I've been hit twice?" he thinks as he downs another one. "That's not good." he murmurs, firing on another.

*hears Alhana and then looks at headless body* I think Longo took care of him

Klihk gets dropped to the ground by a kick to his head, and is about to get dropped permanently, when the man standing over him was taken down by a stun bullet to the back. Jane's bodyguard (Forgive me, can't remember his name) stood there, helping Klihk up.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

holsters gun and un-sheaths a short sword, engraved with odd-looking runes
"Time to finish this"
the jester whirls around the room, hitting the assailants in the mid-section or neck

alhana notices that the fighting sounds have stopped. she took to the door, and peered in cautiously.

"is everyone alright? are all those attackers gone?"

As Jane's bodyguard tags another Klihk downs one with a kick to the face. "I think that's the last of them!" he yells.

OOC: That's your cue to wrap it up. We really DO wnt this to be a peaceful party :wink: .

Rikanth is starting to take some hits, so he quickly sheats his swords, does a back flip over a table, lands on the other side, ducks behind it, reaches into his cloak and pulls out two pistols, coming up every now and then to fire them at the attackers.

alhana notices that the fighting sounds have stopped. she took to the door, and peered in cautiously.

"is everyone alright? are all those attackers gone?"

"Yeah, Alhana." comes a yelled reply. "I think we wrapped it up." says Klihk. He sits down, and starts looking after his wounds, surprised he was still fighting with them.

"sorry about that"
he sheathes his bloody sword, deciding to clean it later
"I hope you all are okay, if you are, congrats, you just survived one hell of an attack"
he sits down and has a drink

Klihk gives a weak smile. "So, you said those blades were poisoned?..."

"oh yes,"
hands everyone small vial of white liquid
"the antidote for the strongest poison ever concieved, too strong for me even and I am immune too most poison"

Jane's bodyguard looks smug. "I never found a poison that could hurt me, and I didn't get hit anyway, so it's a moot point."

Klihk gingerly applies the liquid to both his wounds.

"The wine I drink has poison in it, it is considered tasty in my culture"

alhana catherine ran downstairs and sees the bllody carnage. she instinctly held on to khlik and shuddered.

"so much bloodshed... what was the cause of this attack?"

Klihk grimaced, trying to bandage one of his wounds. "I have no idea. However, all I do know is that we did our jobs. We are here to protect the others, after all." He managed to finish bandaging his shoulder, and the bandage was instantly soaked in blood.

"Sh*t," he murmured, beginning to apply new bandages.

OOC: Lag...

OOC: gotta go

The jester finds a comfy spot on the floor and lays out his cloak

"g'night and thanks for the help"

"I'll explain on the morrow"

Rikanth looks at the few minor cuts he has and brushes them off. He conceals the pistols again, and draws his swords, cleaning the blood off with a rag.

she motioned for servants to enter the room.

"would you please have people take care of the room? we should allow the jester to explain all of this to the chancellor tomorrow, but for now clean the place up." she noticed the jester lying down in the middle of the room. she wrinkled her nose. "oh and let him have a room."

she saw khlik having trouble with the bandages. she walked up to him and took the bandages.

"here, let me do it for you."

Klihk nodded at Alhana, "Thanks." he said. "It's a bit hard with only one working arm."

Rikanth applies a bit of the antidote to his scratches, sheaths his swords and wipes his sweaty brow. "i'll have a shot of wolvesblood bartender."

Recieving the wolvesblood, RIkanth bangs it on the bar three times and downs it. After he downs it, he looks down, and notices a large bleeding wound in his left thigh, which was numb. He says "well..uh..oh." and passes out before he can apply the antidote.

alhana catherine noticed khlik's incredible physique and blushed.

"nice muscles -omg, i mean, clothing." she stammered. "the fabric is of a very fine quality."

To Alhana, he nodded, "Thanks." he said, "You have a very gentle touch."

Klihk reaches for antidote, pouring it onto Rikanth's thigh and then yelling "Wake up!"

The poison is neutralized, but theres still the problem of the copious quantities of blood flowing out of his broken thigh.