NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Those from Daezeman have increase psychic power and a bit of formshifting. White has silver hair, and is tall and muscular.

Icarus finds a seat far back in the room, pulling out a small electronic box and pressing buttons. He puts it away and pulls out the same instrument as before, softly strumming.

Addressed by the Lady Akad makes a deep bow...after he made sure Zaek was not standing behind him..."Mylady"
"With Ladys like yourself attending this festivity, how could it be otherwise? But i dont think i'll ever get used to the rest of this strange world"

Rikanth gets some food from the platters served on the table and begins eating.

Queen Siren noticed the silvered haired man in the corner with an instrument, she unconcously touched her own Silver tresses, she had never seen a male with the characteristic and it unnerved her a bit,'if there is one, ' she then shook her head slightly and returned her attenton to her Beloved....

Noticing again the striking gentleman, Nathi tries to catch his eye, motioning him to come join them.

She watched Akad with amusement. "That dear man ... he tries so hard to do the right thing. I truly should hold a formal diplomatic occasion in the old style sometime, for him and others of his bent." She chuckled, taking another sip from her glass.

Her head felt slightly fuzzy ... then she remembered just how many glasses she'd been sipping so far. Feeling slightly flushed, she set it aside, looking to the food hoping it would help take the edge off her tipsiness.

Icarus begins to get into what he is playing, and it increases in power and volume, evolving into a heartfelt tune of victory and championship. He begins to tap his feet and move with it, as his voice quietly joins the instrument.

alhana catherine let out a silvery laugh upon seeing raui's exagerated wink.

"has it m'lord? well, i'm happy that your stay is an enjoyable one." she motioned for a servant to fill their cup before continuing, "i saw those boxes you presented when they were being carried out, would you mind explaining to me their purpose?"

noticing akad has started bowing again, she placed a hand on his arm and shook her head, hardly containing another fit of laughter.

"oh duke, zaek may not be looking at you, but i also share his feelings. please, no more bowing, i insist." she motioned to the seat beside her. "won't you sit down? dayne and richenda have left me quite alone here, and now i insist you sit with me for dinner!"

~~~

marcus took siren's hands and kissed them. "you and i.... and perhaps little sirens and little marcuses?" he smiled mischievously.

"When a Lady insist, how could an old knight deny?" and he takes the seat next to Lady Catherine

Melran leads Regina to a table not to near to his fathers position and offers her a seat "Mylady" and bows slightly

Archduke Valerian suppresses annoyance at Raui's attentions on Lady Alhana and samples the fare before him. Baron Von Bresnvorts, who had just slipped back into the banquet, whispers into his ear. Valerian's face darkens; his eyes narrow, his nostrils flare. With a visible effort he composes himself and nods to von Bresnvorts.

Icarus' song slows into soft strains of love and mercy, tones that touch the heart of all present. He suddenly whips out a bow and begins to use it, changing the tone to one of sorrow... and the song slowly ends.

Queen Siren blushed, at the suggestion Marcus made, " well it would be a great place to... work on that... " she then blushed again and kissed him..

Rothana was enjoying the music as she was eating, then her eyes wandered to the minstrel.. she froze for a moment taking in his form and coloring and her skin went pale, her eyes went blank as her mind wondered with a feeling of something important was trying to be relayed to her.. then color flowed back into her cheeks as she noticed Zaek looking a bit worried...
"Its ok love just my mind wandering a bit..."

Icarus slowly stands, obviously exhausted by his performance, and bows. He carefully walks up to Rothana, and quietly whispers, "I appreciate your appreciation of music, but a minstrel I am not." He winks and walks back down to a seat, quietly sitting to rest.

marcus noticed the silver-haired and nodded towards him.

"why, he has your hair angel..." upon studying him further, he added, "is that man really a simple minstrel? he looks like he is one of our guests."

~~~

alhana catherine patted akad's hand as the archduke sat down beside her.

"that's more like it." she paused as she looked at him more closely, "you seem unhappy... is there anything wrong?"


OOC: just making it clear, this is a U shaped table right?

Raui takes a drink from his glass. "Nothing as spectacular as most brought by far, my lady. The smaller ones contain entrance cubes to our best resort that are good for two generations. It sits on the edge of a cloud so the views are spectacular. The other contained six daggers. Each equiped with and electric pulse capable of stunning a human." Raui scoops some food onto his plate. "Sadly, they are the result of our isolation. For if we had not hidden for so long, I would have come for amply prepared. I feel some comradry with the Duke inasmuch as I can tell they too have been isolated. Making a venture of this type is truly groundbreaking for both of our nations."
Raui cannot help but smile at Alhana. "And you, Lady Alhana, how is that you have come to this wonderous occasion?"

OOC: I'm a bit confused. Who is Alhana talking to, besides Raui?

Icarus quietly stands, and walks over to Marcus. "Sir, a minstrel I am not. Though I may seem simple, I am the First among Equals, king elect, of a sovereign country." He pats Marcus' shoulder and returns to his seat, quietly humming a tune.

"you do you gifts harm raui, and please, alhana will do."

in a passing glance, alhana catherine saw valerian seated at the opposite side of the table, seemingly upset. her eyes widened a little at the small outburst after a man whispered to him. turning back her attentions to raui, she slightly shook her head to clear her mind.

"those are fascinating gifts in themselves -the ability of teleportation. as for their destination, i am certain they're fabulous. my love of travelling will certainly urge me to visit your resort soon."

OOC: the Duke Akad and Raui are seated by Alhana.

Queen Siren nodded "I think he may be tho he does play divinely," She watched as he went to whisper to Rothana and her shocked look of surprise after was priceless, " It was a bit.... Surprising to see a man with my hair color... since it is a symbol of the Queen's right to rule here," she sighed im going to have to be sure the Staff doesnt start rumors..."

Rothana was startled, by the man's comment and showed it, again a flash of something spun through her mind but she couldnt quite grasp what it was.....

Nathicana, her usual habit of trying to keep an eye on everything, notices Valerian and his reactions.

Unable to be very sly about it, her senses somewhat addled by drink, she observes and ponders. "Wonder what he's up to?" she mutters aloud, then blushes at her faux pas.

"As the Grand Leaf Eater and wielder of te mystical weapon electricy said, experiencing this strange world is a groundbreaking occasion for our nation. But while he seems to be able to adjust to it with ease, i myself have not this desirable gift and am more horrified by most of it except the Ladys, of course..." He points to Regina with his glass "although this one is worrying me"

Raui contains his laughter. "Nay, Alhana. Not teleportation. The cubes are passed by sensor at the door and if verified, will open the doors and allow them in. Teleportation is still a dream among our scientists. Our greatest achievements have been in electricity, such as this." Raui pulls a necklace from his pocket. Small bolts of electricity are seen coursing back and forth inside it, emitting a small amount light with each." Raui tips his head staring at Alhana, ponderous.
"I have yet to see the effect of it on someone. Would you do me the kindness of putting it on?"

Icarus thinks, humming to himself. He pulls out the instrument and begins to play the soft, sweet tones of a tune of sorrow, which builds slowly to a song of homecoming and victory. He begins to raise his voice with the tune, slowly standing and dancing drawing attention. The lyrics begin to stand out, and in an ancient, unknown, yet strangely understandable language, he begins to sing...

"When you fall into the sea... it's a certain kind of way... something in the way it is... sorrow somehow finding me... when the dance of lions starts, can you ever come back? it's a certain way of feeling, can you find it in your heart?"

Raui turns to the Duke, "Don't be fooled, Akad. I came here still trying to overcome a fear of crowds. The largest group I'd ever been able to handle before this was 20 people. You have nearly that in your whole party. But I find a comfort, a peace...." He looks at Alhana with her eyes sparkling, "dare I say a home, among these people. It is only this that has allowed me to adjust. I can explain it no better than that."

alhana catherine looked to where regina was seated with the dukes son.

"the undersecretary? why is that?"

when she heard raui's correction, she blushed crimson.

"i'm sorry..." she laughed lightly, "i must have misunderstood and jumped to conclusions. so it is a key..." she studied the necklace he was holding up warily, but nevertheless agreed to put it on.

"if i get electrecuted, you are the only one to blame raui." she said lightly, in an attempt to hide her nervousness.

When Raui pulls out the necklace Akad trys to jump back, but falls over his seat

Nathi whips around at the disturbance, reaching with unusual sloppiness for the gun she keeps strapped to her leg .. but seeing the source, she stops and turns back to the scrumptious meal, blushing yet again.

"Lord, I've got to stop being so jumpy ..." she mutters.

Rothana noting Nathi's Nervousness tried to smile in reassurance but her mind was half focused elsewhere....

Regina was nervous to be sitting with the handsome young man and as a result didnt eat much...

Raui hands the necklace to Alhana. "Alhana, you will not be electrocuted. You may feel a slight tingle as the electricity moves but I'm told that is part of the experience. There really isn't enough electricity in there to light a lightbulb." He can do nothing but chuckle as the Duke gets back up.
"Perhaps, I should keep some of this to myself until Akad can acclimate a little more."

OOC: I need to learn to have my hands keep in sync with my brain.

While he struggels to stand up Akad shouts "If you hast to test your weapons on someone take me, oh mighty Grand Leaf Eater, instead of the fair Lady Catherine"

A bit worried about the missing appetite of Regina "Is something wrong with the meal, Mylady? May i get you anything else?"

"would you please put it on me?" she brushed her long fine hair to one side to reveal the back of her neck.

seeing the old duke fumble around in his surprise, she had to suppress a giggle.

Needing a distraction, Valerian rises and walks over to Nathicana. Inclining his head, he says quietly, "Lady, you do not look well. A breath of air, perhaps?"

Icarus continues with his song.

"But somebody touches you... touches deep within your heart... and you find a way to surface... that is when your life will start. And the finding of a lover... is complete inside your soul... that is when your youth is over... that is when your heart's a whole."

OOC: Akad, you're killing me...I'm having a hard time not laughing my head off.

Raui throws his head back and laughs, almost a lilting baritone song. "My dear Akad. I would never think of brandishing a weapon among such great company. Let alone using anything dangerous in the pressence of a Lady. Some protocols have not been so neglected."

Icarus' song finishes, and he sits, shaking and tired. He slumps in his chair and focuses, slowly regaining composure, and finally sits calmly in his chair once again.

Rothana was drawn by the song and the singer something was, tickling, at the back of her mind, but she put up light shields around her mind and tried to enjoy the rest of her meal....

Raui stands and quickly circles the table. He slides the necklace around Alhana's neck, securing the small latch in back. His hand touches the skin on her neck, and he suddenly does not feel like himself. He rushes somewhat back around the table to his seat, fearing all the while that his knees may buckle. How long has it been since a woman had such an affect....much too long for me to remember, I fear.
Raui looks at Alhana, the sparks lighting up her beautiful neck. Still no match for those eyes.

ooc: wasn't referring to you as wielder of the mysterious weapon electricy not enough of a warning what could happen?

"Then prove so and put this...this...electricity! away and not threaten the noble Lady Catherine with it any longer." Akad says, standing on his feet again and the hand on his sword but not daring to draw it

Icarus pulls a small leather pouch out of a pocket, drinking deeply and soon becoming fully reinvigorated. He sighs and cracks his knuckles, silently thinking.

alhana catherine stood up, put an arm around akad, and led him back to his seat.

"thank you for your protection, but as you can see, i am perfectly alright." she looked down at the necklace and marvelled at the small bolts moving inside. she looked at raui, who appeared dazed, "what does this necklace do?"

Seeing that Catherine is already wearing the necklace he steps back from her "Is it hurting you, Lady? Shall i try to get you rid of it?"

Icarus recieves a message from his home, that the king has died, and that his election is now in effect. He quietly presses a button, changing his clothing into the remarkable ceremonial King of Daezeman's uniform, and continues to sit, though he is drawing stares.

He lets himself guide by the Lady, still looking suspecting on the necklace "You are sure it hasn't put an foul spell upon you, Lady Catherine?"

Raui looks at the Duke, his sparkling blue eyes changing to a stone grey. His tone has lost some of the joviality, "Duke Akad, sit. Electricity is no more a weapon than metal. Are not your sword and your armor forged from it? How then can it be both a weapon and a protection? It is all in how it is used. Fear me not, nor continue to believe that everything new requires you to draw your sword." Raui eyes slowly fade back to their sparkling blue. "I guarantee that if anything happens that requires weapons, there are those here who could handle it much faster than you or I would need to."

she smiled at him, bidding him to come and take a closer look.

"i think it's perfectly harmless. and quite pretty too." she grinned at him mischievously, "would you care to try it on?"

Unable to take anymore Rothana, after excusing herself makes her way to the silver-haired gentleman, " i know this may seem a bit out of place, but i must introduce myself, I'm Rothana of SilverCities. I have to say that you have a most incredible talent.."

Nodding and smiling to Valerian, she rises unsteadily. "I think that would do the trick, your grace."

"If you'll excuse me, Rikanth, Jaime ... I'll be right back." she says, holding out her arm to Valerian.

ooc: sorry for the delay ... much troubles on my end. Just got news - we're most likely moving to Iowa. *le sigh*

Raui turns to Alhana, "Truly, it is mearly ornamental. It is supposed to make a Lady look more beautiful, however, I fear that is a tad impossible in your case." He smiles. "You are welcome to it, if you like. For I have no one else to give it to." Raui's eyes turn a deep shade of green and then back to their sparkling blue.

OOC: Having work issues(they expect me to work, silly people) so I apologize if there are lapses between posts.

OOC: wow Nathi when wil you have to move?

Sseing Rothana get up to talk to the silver haired man, Zaek takes the opportunity to go over to Lady Alhana and her company.

"Is there a problem gentlemen?"
Zaek's eyes almost pierced the hand that rested on the sword.

Icarus nods to Rothana. "All we of Daezeman's higher class have some talent... of course, only we of silver hair have the ability I have been told I have. It's a gift from the earth to the ruling class."

ooc: as soon as we're able. most likely flying out next weekend, which means I miss my first big war. *sniffles* no combat crossbow-ing or whapping folks about the head with big sticks for me.

Rothana smiled "We have similar belief, you see, once in a generation a girl child is born of the Royal line with Silver hair she is then destined to be Queen of SilverCities,our Bloodline is passed through women, so needless to say you have caused quite a stir..."

She then smiled, tossing her red hair over her shoulder.... " Nothing bad I assure you just...unexpected "


OOC: awww that sucks Nathi... i would hate to miss that too.. good luck tho!

"It has not harmed the fair Lady so i must believe your words, though i do not trust this electricity." he looks to the Lady "Would you forgive me for i do not have the courage to dare to try this necklace on" again to to Lord Raui he speaks while bowing "And to you i must beg for forgiveness as i have falsley assumed you to have wrong Intentions"
Hearing Zaeks voice behind him he stands straight at the moment, fearing to be strangled again

Valerian leads Lady Nathicana somewhere where there is fresh air, and says quietly, "I wanted to give you a chance to recover...and to ask you to give this little note to Queen Siren. Just to let you know--because if my personal admiration for you lady--there is something of a crisis at home. Thousands of mercenaries are operating against our forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am required to return immediately for a meeting of the War Council. It is my hope that we will meet again soon under happier circumstances. Perhaps the festivities for the Empress my mother's birthday." he swiftly kisses her hand, bowing as he does,saying, "Farewell, Lady."

The Note to Queen Siren of SilverCities:
Your Majesty

Your hospitality has overwhelmed me. Truly you are deserving of your renown as a hostess, even on this occasion which surely provides much reason for distraction and absorbtion in your own personal affairs. For your betrothal and your future wedded life, I wish you much good fortune.
A crisis involving our foreign and military policey requires me to return at once to Lavenrunz, but I did not wish to make a large production of it in front of the company and take a chance of spoiling your betrothal feast. Your betrothed is one of the most fortunate men on Earth, and I wish him, and you, the very best.

With Deepest Respect

Archduke Valerian von Sachshausen, Heir of Lavenrunz

OOC: NATHI!!! What the??? Get on RT so you can realtime tell me what's going on.

Raui grins at Alhana's mischievious suggestion. "Duke, all is forgiven if you can forgive me for perhaps being a little too comfortable and forgetting my company." Raui stands and bows to Akad.

"Of course, your grace ... please send my regards to your mother. Nothing would please me more than to be able to attend." she said, giving him another ravishing smile.

"It was a pleaure meeting you, Valerian. Best of luck with your conflict - may you crush your enemies swiftly."

Taking the note, she courtesies and makes her way back in to hand it to Siren.

"I'm afraid the Archduke was required to leave. He asked that I give you this." she said quietly to Siren. "By the way - wonderful party. Truly. Thank you again for inviting me."

With a small tilt to her head, and a smile, she made her way back to her seat.

OOC: gotta go in a few mins... my friends are here literally tapping their feet in impatience.

alhana catherine moved to raui.

"would you please explain what this enchanting necklace is for?"

Siren read the note and thought she must send a missive back as soon as she could, she then smiled at Nathi in thanks...

"Actually, milady, I'm the first of silver hair since my grandfather, the Archduke Milan Eighth. He was known for his songwriting, as am I." Icarus stands. "Oh err. Give me a moment." Icarus presses a button on his wrist, and his clothes change from the plain clothes of an ambassador to the fancy uniform of the King of Daezeman. "Apparently, my predeccesor has just died. Good day." Icarus returns to his seat.

"So i shall, though you have nothing to ask for to be forgiven as it seems only i am unconfortable with this thing and therefore assume it to be my fault" he tries again to bow but reminds himself fast enough of hearing Zaeks voice behind him

"Alhana, it is for you. If for no other reason than perhaps the start of an alliance between our nations. However, for your kindness and beauty, please accept it as a gift from me." Raui blushes slightly.

Looking a bit stunned, Rothana shook her head and went back to her seat, there she seemed lost in her thoughts, something bout him bothered her a great deal and it occupied her for a while..

Icarus, now King of Daezeman, stands and moves to a corner of the hall. He pulls out the same instrument and sits, beginning a tune of mourning, mounting into one of victory and triumph. As he plays, he once again begins to raise his voice with the instrument, as the song moves into strains of pomp and ceremony.

alhana catherine laughed in delight.

"you're a sly one raui... you made me believe that it had an effect on the wearer." she went to him and kissed both his cheeks in thanks. at his obvious surprise, she grinned.

"oh, i forgot myself. in our nation and in a few others, it is a gesture of greeting and thanks." she again looked down at the pendant, before continuing, "as for an alliance between our nations, you need not have asked for it, as i see all who are here and have caused no harm as allies and friends."

Zaek, seeing that the issue was as good as resolved and noticing Rothana going back to her seat, silently moved away.

"There you are, dear, i missed you"

Raui reaches across the table and takes the Duke's hand and shakes it. "Akad, we shall be friends despite it all." His smile is broad and genuine. "Come let us eat and drink...it is afterall a party!" Raui raises his glass. "To the happy couples both here and abroad."

Icarus waves his hands in the air, bringing out a wash of color and sound, nearly recognisable as the Daezeman crest.

Rothana smiled at her Chosen, " I just has a bit of curiosity to satisfy, but it seems now i have more questions then answers... not unusual for me tho.." she placed her hand in his... " I missed you too"

alhana catherine's tiny phone began to ring.

"my ministers again..." she sighed.

quickly she excused herself and moved to the library for some privacy.


OOC: time for me to have some RL fun :wink: later all!

Raui blushes and nearly faints at Alhana's kisses. He makes a quick attempt to recover, "Of course, my Lady. This continues to be a wonderful learning experience." His eyes flash again to the deep green as he peers deep into the golden sparkle of Alhana's. "I apologize for making you think it had some mystical effect. For in truth, you already possess such a power......but before I babble us all to death, let us eat."

"So it shall be then, Mylord"
he raises his glass and repeats after Raui "To the happy couples!" though he cannot surpress a disgusted glance to Regina and his son while hearing this sentence
Surprised by the cellphone he backs off a bit but manages to control himself and only looks fearfull to Lady Catherine "Is this now annother wonder of this world or are demons speakin?"

Raui sits with the Duke, and catching the glare says, "Is he your son?"

Regina noticed the Duke glaring at her and her appitite shrank to nothingness.. she looked miserably at her companion and whispered, " perhaps it would not be the best idea for me to accompany you home," she then lowered her eyes to the floor...

"Aye, and till today i never thought he'd dishonor me and our house"

Not noticing Akads glance, as his eyes were bound by Reginas face, Melran is irritated and asks guilty "Why not, my Angel? If i have done you any wrong, tell me so i may correct my fault"

Icarus pulls a water pouch out of his pocket, drinking deeply and sitting back.

"Ffft. Still ignored by most of these people. It's not easy being a small country..."

Raui puts his hand on the Duke's shoulder. "I know I am unfamiliar with your customs, but do you not also have a wife that you love? Is it so wrong for a young man to take a fancy to a pretty lady?" He gulps, "For if it is, I fear I am in big trouble." He cast a smiling glance in the direction of the library.

OOC: Gone for an hour or so for lunch. Be back later.

"I have and it is nothing wrong with it but...why has it to be an foreigner? And one whichs title is unknown to me, if she has one at all. And he received Knighthood not one year ago...he should stay home with things like this..."

"All right, if I can't draw attention the usual way..." Icarus places his hand on his forehead and releases a keening blast of psychic energy, surprising everyone.

ooc can they sense where it came from?

Standing, Nathicana raises her glass in a toast.

"To the lovely sisters of SilverCities, and to the charming men who've captured their hearts. Our thanks for your gracious hospitality, your friendship, and for allowing us to share in your joy."

"Look down you gods, and on these couples drop a blessed crown." she quoted from the immortal Shakespeare.

Tilting her glass, she drained it, then went to sit down looking slighty wobbly. Gah - that's done it. No more for me or they'll be carrying me up to bed. she thought. Though that does have its possibilities. She shot Jaime an impish grin.

At the unexpected blast, she stumbled, nearly missing her seat.

ooc: odd .. thought I had tried to be friendly, and was myself ignored. *shrugs*

ooc: yeh.
ic: Icarus sits back in his seat, awaiting the reaction.

OOC: I'm back. Since I have no idea what happened in the last 17 pages, act like my guys all fell asleep and are just waking up, so they have no idea what happened either :wink: .

IC:

Jaime blinked twice, lifting himself off the table he was leaning on. He looked around. "I fell asleep?" he murmurs, waking himself up.

Zaek looked in the direction of the silver-haired man and squinnted his eyes.

"Hmmm, that fellow...intrigrates me...i have a bad feeling bout him..."

Icarus silently sits, stock-still.

ooc: HEY good to have you back!

ic:

Nathi gives Jaime a somewhat tipsy hug. "Yes, you did, forcing me to flirt with the rest of the gentlemen here." she teased, rubbing her head slightly and wondering what the hell that blast had been.

Regina just shook her head... " I dont think you father likes me at all and i dont want to cause trouble"

Rothana's eyes glazed for a moment as her mind froze, Flashes of images and places she had never been skittered across her mind, it started to overwhelm her and she put her head in her hands and moaned lightly....

He chuckles. "Well, I was tired ... Two violent parties in a week ..."

He looks around, trying to find the source of the sudden hurting head of his. "What was that thing?" he asked, about the psychic blast.

OOC: Thanks!

After the first shock Virant, the second squire of the duke, points at Icarus shouting "This one was it! An ally of the devil and black magican he must be!"
three other servants join him as he rushes towards Icarus, drawing his dagger on the way

Akad drops his glass, irritated like he has been so many times this day

As he senses it Melran trys to throw himself in front of Regina, trying to protect her from whatever harm may come from this...which results practically in a hug "Is everything allright with you? Could it do you any harm?"

Icarus stands and wanders about the room, thinking.

Jaime leaps up, leaping in the way of the man with the dagger.

"Hey! Stop that!" he yelled, looking extremely intimidating even with a broken right arm.

Regina was startled to be so embraced but was enjoying it, " could what do what? " she was genuinely confused..

Queen Siren Suddenly got a massive migraine, she quickly downed a goblet of wine and hastily asked for another....

"Oh no you don't ..." she growls, fumbling in an attempt to get Jaime to sit back down.

"The party from Grimrunal is a bit ... testy as it is. Let our hosts handle it." she said, an odd pleading tone in her voice. "Please, no more fighting."

Zaek rushed to Jaime's side

"Put your weapons away gentlemen, all here are respected with they're individual abilities."

He turns to the silver-haired man

"I strongly suggest i keep your magic capabilities to yourself."

His eyes squinted, and the ever present smile on his face fainted.

Icarus stands in a rigid fighting position, pistol drawn. "Attack not a soverign king, lest you bring the wrath of the Daezeman down upon ye. I warn you, we have power unimaginable to ones like you."

Icarus holsters his weapon, and returns to a calm state.

He nodded, walking a few steps back, towards Nathicana. "Sorry," he said. "Twenty-one years of combat makes me have ... interesting ... reflexes."

Rothana was still seeing flashes of random images, places, people she knew, then something was coming into focus then slipped away again much to her frustration. She then looked for her Chosen her eyes glazed...

"Of magic ability, I have none. I apologise for the sudden blast, it was completely accidental. Daezeman nobles are gifted with immense psychic powers, to complement their songweaving ability."

Jaime looked around. His headache was different from all headaches he had had before. He could feel memories that he couldn't remember. Thoughts in his memory that he knew he had never thought. "I must be going crazy..." he murmured.

OOC: He's a psychic that doesn't know he's a psychic.

"Do not make threats you can't back up silver one, the force of the wind is to be reckoned with..."

Remembering the occasion was to be a joyous one, the smile appeared again on Zaek's lips

"But I'm sure this all is based on a misuncerstanding, no. The clashing of customs, maybe...please, take your seat and enjoy to meal our hosts prepared for us..."

"One would think," Nathicana said in the imperious tone she usually reserved for her ministers or anyone else she wished to intimidate, "That guests at another's party would have the sense and good manners to act appropriately, whatever their abilities or upbringing." Which clearly from her tone, she found to be in question.

She sniffed dismissively, and reached for another glass of wine, forgetting her earlier decision to abstain.

"That's ok, Jaime .. I've been doing the same thing myself."

Icarus begins to play a soothing tune, attempting to calm all those in the room. "As I say, the blast was purely accidental. Since the death of my uncle and my impromptu coronation, a lot has been building up and it suddenly let off. By the way, wind does not stand against mental power. Just a note."

Seeing Jaime struggling, Nathi puts a hand on his arm. "You alright?" she asks, concerned.

He nodded, trying to blot out the images in his head. "I think so," he said.

He breathed a deep breath. "I think I need something to drink," he said, reaching out to the bartender for something. "I wish people would behave at these parties, but at least we haven't been attacked." he said.

Zaek smiled

"Of course" and guide the man to his seat

OOC: Hello Waldo...
Pssst, Haraki, no bartenders, we're eating dinner here...

"This ...thing..." Melran knows that he could let go of her safely now but is only overcoming himself slowly to do so

Virant trys to evade Zaek but only manages to stumble over his leg, landing flat on the floor

The other three servants continue on theyr way, not recognizing Zaeks voice as one to obey and of course not feeling intimidated by this short metall club Icarus wields, untill they hear a loud, known voice from behind them "Stand there!" (someone who commands on a battlefield only by his voice should be rather loud) and continouing quiter though not much while the duke walks towards the now standing servants "The customs of this land are not ours and we are still guests! We might have made this mistake before but we shall not repeat it again. Let this man explain himself to Queen Siren first and then, if she judges so, you may take the punishment in your hands"

ooc: sorry, way to slow again

Regina looked deeply into Melran's eyes and found herself mesmerized by them, she then whispered, "Did something happen?"


Queen Siren after recovering looked for who was causing the commotion........

"May I adress the Queen? Madam, my life has been hectic. My uncle the King died three days ago, and my coronation by proxy has just come through. I have been king of Daezeman for only 15 minutes, and the pressure has built. I have an uncontrollable letoff function, and that blast was it. I apologise for any offense or pain caused by my inconsideration."

Icarus seats himself back in a corner, and plays his instrument in a calming fashion.

Queen Siren considered for a moment, " I understand the Pressure of being suddenly thrust into prominence, but perhaps if you feel such pressure building again taking it where it might not affect so many might be a wiser course, " with that she sat back down rubbing her forhead...

"You have heard it. Now go back to your dutys."
As he turns to Zaek he bows to him, considering it now more than appropriate "I must beg for pardon for my men. They are used to neither this strange worls and it inhabitants nor to obeying anyone else but me and the chancellors...and we speak to them in quite a different manner than you do"

Not aware of what happened around him, charmed by Reginas eyes as well, Melran is even unable to answer her or do anything else but stare into her eyes

Nathicana was still irritated, but considering the ammount of alcohol in her system, she contributed most of it to that.

Giving Icarus a grudging nod, she attempted a smile, raising her glass to him, and taking a deep drink.

"Jaime, remind me not to have another?" she slurred slightly.

"All right." he said, reaching over and taking the glass from her hand and draining it. "I'll do that."

"I would not worry, if not for me I doubt the Queen's guard would have let it happen" he smiled

"Let us forget this over a drink" He patted the duke on the back, though softer then the first time.

Confident that most of this crazyness is over now Akad goes with Zaek to forget this whole misery in the wine

Regina could feel herself being drawn closer, her lips almost touching Melran's but then she remembered herself and drew back hastily, cheeks flaming. "Why does your father look at me like he would like to have me drawn and quartered?" Her heart was pounding and she felt like she had to do something or she was going to disgrace herself in front of everyone.....

Rothana was still shaken, she thought she might slip out for a moment to collect herself.. she left the dining hall and retreated to the gardens, she breathed deeply of the cool night air....
The images still haunting she tried to put some of them together but couldnt seem to make much headway....

Icarus gets another headache, and dashes with incredible speed, so fast he blurs out into the courtyard. A scream of pain is heard as another blast is let off.

Had she not been drinking more heavily than she normally did, not a sound would have escaped her lips, but as Nathi sat back in her chair, she began humming softly, then singing in a quiet, low voice as she watched the revelers go on with the business at hand - namely, enjoying themselves.

"The Queen of Light took her bow
And then she turned to go
The Prince of Peace embraced the gloom
And walked the night alone

Oh, dance in the dark of night
Sing to the morning light

The dark Lord rides in force tonight
And time will tell us all, hoh

Oh, throw down your plow and hoe
Rest not to lock your homes

Side by side we wait the night
Of the darkest of them all

I hear the horses' thunder
Down in the valley below
I'm waiting for the angels of Avalon
Waiting for the eastern glow

The apples of the valley hold
The seas of happiness
The ground is rich from tender care
Repay, do not forget, no, no

Oh, dance in the dark of night
sing to the morning light

The apples turn to brown and black
The tyrant's face is red

Oh, war is the common cry
Pick up you swords and fly

The sky is filled with good and bad
That mortals never know

Oh, well, the night is long
The beads of time pass slow
Tired eyes on the sunrise
Waiting for the eastern glow

The pain of war cannot exceed
The woe of aftermath
The drums will shake the castle wall
The ring wraiths ride in black, ride on

Sing as you raise your bow
Shoot straighter than before

No comfort has the fire at night
That lights the face so cold

Oh, dance in the dark of night
Sing to the mornin' light

The magic runes are writ in gold
To bring the balance back
Bring it back

At last the sun is shining
The clouds of blue roll by
With flames from the dragon of darkness
The sunlight blinds his eyes."

She continued humming softly, not seeming to notice those around her as she lost herself in thought.

ooc: couldn't help it - enjoying the music atm, and somehow, it just seemed appropriate to all the stuff that's gone on wi' some of these characters. *grin*

Jaime feels a surge of pain flash through his head, and the images in his head get stronger. Memories that never happened, incidents he didn't know existed ... He shook his head, murmuring something, and then said, "That guy's going to be the detah of me."

Pain still flared in his skull.

"That's a beautiful song," he said.

Zaek saw Rothana leave and slowly paced after her. He caught up to her.

"What is wrong, love?"

OOC:"Battle of Evermore, nice..."

Icarus reenters, strumming a counterpoint to the tune, which rises up against it and swells into a tribute rendition of the Silver Cities anthem. He bows at the end of it, and returns to a seat, obvoiusly drained.

OOC: Can't I leave for an hour without something happening?!?!
ic:
Raui senses the blast but having drunk a little to much and being fairly taken with the Lady Alhana, he attributes it to all of that at first.
As the Duke returns to his seat, Raui smiles at him, "Akad, you continue to amaze and impress me." He winks at the Duke. "Only your son seems to have acclimated more easily. Besides, would it be so bad if your duchy was allied with a nation such as this?" He motions to everything around. "I dare say, your lovestruck son could have done much, much worse." He smiles and begins to eat.

Icarus feels a surging power coming from the ambassador from Haraki, and wanders over to him. "Sir, I feel power coming from you... would you care to come with me and explain what you are feeling? I can help."

Klihk returned from the doctor's, finally having gotten his wounds bandaged properly. He began to start towards Lady Alhana Catherine, when he noticed the man from Caterpillars sitting watching her. He slowly started towards her, shooting the man a not-very-nice look.

---

Jaime looks up at Icarus. "What do you mean?"

OOC: He is an extremely powerful psychic, but he really has no clue about it :wink: .

Rothana groaned as another blast of images hit her... she felt as if her skull was going to crack with the pressure of it..... she could only whisper " Make it stop... please i can't take this.." then her eyes glazed over while her mind was bombarded with things she couldnt understand... she fell on her knees trembling....

"I feel a power coming from you that I have only felt in nobles of my country. Please, come with me. Judging from the power also coming from Lady Rothana, she needs the help of a psychic of my ability as well."

Jaime looked suspiciously at Icarus, then looked over at Nathicana.

He, without knowing it, was feeling an immense trouble coming from Rothana, although he could not see (physically) where she was. Unconsciously, he was doing all he could to help her psychicly.

OOC: Alhana is currently on the phone in the library. Don't hate me yet. :)

Nathi looked suprised at Jaime's compliment, seemingly oblivious that she'd said anything at all out loud. Blushing, she murmured something under her breath in her native tongue.

At Icarus' approach, she laid a hand on Jaime's arm, almost protectively, but didn't say anything.

OOC: Alhana is currently on the phone in the library. Don't hate me yet. :)

OOC: He has been watching you...

IC:

Jaime looked over at Nathicana, with a questioning look in his eyes.

Zaek panicked
"Rothana..."
He got on his knees in front of her, feeling her fear and pain through their bond.
"Rothana, what's wrong..."
He looked anxiously around, but saw nobody in the empty garden.

"Jaime, your mind is acclamating to new power it's feeling. I need you to follow me, with noone else around. It's quite important."

"If Rothana needs help boy, you'll damn well help her." she said thickly. "And since when have you ever needed my permission?" she managed to tease.

He shrugged. He still didn't know why he was suddenly feeling tired in his mind (It's because he's using all his energy to help Rothana) and rose. "All right, then. But before we go anywhere, I need to know your name."

"Jaime, I cannot stress how imperative it is that you come with me. Without letting off the power that's boiling inside you, you will go crazy. I am Icarus White, soverign of Daezeman."

She looked up at Zaek, her eyes nearly blank," i dont know.. i cant stop it.... " she then put her hands to her head again and moaned as more raced through her mind, but this time she Saw something that made her smile, but before she could hold on to the image it slipped from her again leaving her feeling strangely empty......
She then lay her head on Zaek's chest, " What the hell is wrong with me? "

I...I don't know, i only know you scared the living daylights out of me...

Jaime gritted his teeth, not knowing why he was so tired. He put a hand to his forehead, then seemed to recover. "All right, then ... Icarus ... Let's go."

Icarus walks out into the courtyard. "Lady Rothana, I am the only one who can help you. Please, follow me."

Zaek moved in front of her

"You are taking her nowhere..."

Jaime placed a hand on Icarus' shoulder. "Icarus ... No." he stated firmly.

"Unless my mind is malfunctioning, she is seeing memories she doesn't have. Please, I am only here to help."

Jaime immediately seemed to turn defensive, "Why ... would that be happening ... to the both of us?"

"I cannot speak to you in presence of others, it is not the way. Please, just trust me."

Rothana said as strongly as she could," Please leave me be... i want nothing to do with you..." she then tried to stand her legs barely holding her... " I'm going to be fine, i dont know what happened but i can find out, please just.." she then dropped to her knees again...

Jaime looked at Zaek. "I have no idea what's going on here." he said. "But if he tries to hurt Rothana in either of our presence's I believe we will kill him on the spot."

He turned to Icarus. "She doesn't want to. Leave her."

Zaek stood firm, his eyes squinted, supporting Rothana.
"I repeat. NO."

Icarus rubs his head. "I cannot stress the need enough. Please, without the aid of a Daezeman psychic she will go insane with the images! I have been there myself. I mean no harm, good sir. Now, if you wish to allow her mind to melt as it will, go ahead, it is not my concern. I bid you... good day."

Leaning against Zaek she could almost hear the blood rushing through his veins and it calmed her, she could almost hear the sounds of the Gothicum forest and a strange whispering, a Calling someone was talking to her but she couldnt understand what they said.......

"Good day sir."
Zaek followed the silver haired man while he left, then turning to Rothana.

"It is allright dear, I'm here with you..."

Jaime's brow furrowed, and his eyesbegan to fade into white. He was seeing something ... A memory of something else. Something he knew had never happened to him ... But what? He couldn't see what it was. He could hear something ... An invocation ... What? He couldn't tell what the words were ... What they were invoking ...

Jaime shook his head. The images all-but remained.

"Rothana, you hear a voice." Icarus turns to Zaek. "Please, allow me to help." He turns back to Rothana. "Is it by any chance saying 'Thi'gul tu'ja thi'lu, gu'rik du'nul ju'rim'?"

Jaime's eyes were by now completely white. He began murmuring words, quite like the ones that Icarus had said, but not quite. They were words of power ...

He finished the sentence, and there was one word on the end: "...Arcanum..."

Insecure by her reaction Melran lets nearly go of her "We had a ...discussion before...i think it is more me he wants to see decipated than you." he softly pats (sorry, don't know correct translation) her head "What human could possibly want to do harm to an angel like you. He only fears that i might dishonor him by pledging my service to a common...or even more...but although his second fear might be right, without the first it should not have any longer existance." He turns his head araound to his father

"Thanks for the praise...but acclimated seems to be the wrong word, blind he is." He drowns his wine "But you are probably right, he could have done worse." his glass is refilled by Peres "At least she might be noble and seems to have some ties with the royal family...and he doesn't seem to have a bad taste either" he says throwing a last look towards Regina and Melran, but this time with small approval although mostly resigned before he drowns his wine once more and sits down to eat

catching exact this look Melran turns to Regina again "Besides, he seems to have calmed down" and holds her more closely again

"NO! Oh bi'rin, that's the--oof!" Icarus is thrown back by the word Jaime just spoke, falling to the ground. "The Evil Hold Spell..." Icarus is lacked to the ground, "Say these words: 'Ju'rim gu'rum ki'ran!' DO IT NOW!"

Jaime's eyes return to normal. "And you'll earn another dose of that if you don't leave her alone."

Inside, he shivered. What he had just done he had no idea, but it had made his body, his heart, his very soul, shudder.

But I dont understand," Rothana whispered, " I cant understand you.."
Her ears were filled with night sounds and she could feel the wind on her skin..... It was maddening... she then opened her mouth and in a different voice said, " Sedia ken dila manden ke ofle yemkia pelsdieo, saek mo dinen ja eranida Zaek, honen saia mahedi geistale" With the last word her eyes rolled to the back of her head in a dead faint.....

"That's, that's Gothici, its the spirits of the wind, the Ghost of Freedom, they are calling you Rothana, they want your blood to be infused with their power..."

Zaek's eyes widened as he spoke...

"Do you know you are the first Chancelor's wife to be offered the same powers as the Chancelor? Rothana, they chose to offer their power and wisdom to you..."

To the wife of the protector of Gothicum, Zaek, we offer our powers, our wisdom and our sanctuary untill the end of time

"I am not trying to -- unnngh!" Icarus is slammed into the ground again, "To hurt either of you! Your power is taking over! Please, cancel the spell now! For your good and for the good of all the world!"

Jaime could barely even see Rothana, much less move to help her. He could control his face, an expression of panic, but his body shuddered.

He murmured, "What the hell's happening to me..." and then fell onto his knees, both hands on either side of his head. He was taking short, sharp breaths, and shuddering, clutching his head. His eyes were fading between white and normal.

Looking nervously off in the direction Jaime and the rest had gone, she hoped Rothana was well. Not trusting herself to get up at that point, and knowing another body most likely wouldn't be appreciated (especially one in her condition) she reached for another helping of one of the delicious dishes, and asked for water ... a pitcher, if they could.

Why on earth didn't I keep track of the drinks? There you go, enjoying yourself, forgetting yourself ... going to get yourself killed that way. she berated herself.

Icarus shudders and stands. "You leave no choice! I must keep the Spring pure!" He focuses, jaw clenching, and a blast of power, stronger than any ever before, moves through the courtyard. He focuses again, using a disabler to turn any power he feels around him off. "NO MAN MAY SOIL THE SPRING!"

After the shock, Zaek turned to Jaime, the image of what happend at the top of Lacuna's Coil flashed through his mind, he grabbed Jaime by his shirt and slapped him open-palmed in the face.

Jaime stumbled to his feet, shuddering in what looked like extreme cold. All psychics could see several long black tendrils of psychic energy leaving the back of his head. He seemed to not know why he was there, and he stumbled to the door back into the hall. Blood was beginning to come from the left side of his mouth, leaking slowly down his cheek.

"What the hell's ... happening to me ...?" he muttered. He opened the door into the other room, leaning on and clutching the doorframe for support.

Icarus flings a bolt of psychic energy after Jaime, knocking him down. "THE SPRING WILL BE PURE! YOU WILL BE PURGED!" Icarus draws his pistol, shaking. "Please, please do not make me kill! Please, let me help you both!" He draws a bead on the back of Jaime's head. "No matter what, the Spring will be pure!"

Rothana's eyes fluttered after a few moments, her mind clear and sharper then ever..... she saw her Chosen watching her with an odd expression, "What is it? What happened? I felt funny..."



Regina relaxed at those words and let herself be held by Melran, " I just dont want ot be the cause of any family disturbances" she looked up at him again unable to resist this time and kissed him.....

"Nooooo, a dark blur is seen as Zaek spurts over to the Silver haired mann and tackles him

Jaime looked around. He saw the gun, and smiled. "Please ... Do it ..." he murmured, almost inaudibly.

The psychic black tendril left Jaime's head completely, and he collapsed to the ground. The tendril rose into the air, descending towards Icarus.

Icarus swings, slapping Zaek across the room. "Attack me not!" He turns and grasps the tendril, smashing it in his palm. "The spring WILL be pure!"

The tendril darts out of his hand as he slams at it.

Jaime starts to regain consciousness, and looks up, seeing the tendril coming towards him. He murmured, "Oh no ... Not for a fourth time ..." and reached out, trying to stop the tendril...

...Which froze in midair as Jaime held out his hand.

Raui smiled at the softening Duke. "If there is one thing I have learned in my short time in this world, it is that love is no respecter of titles or heritage. And I believe Nathicana said it well, that honor and nobility are no more bestowed than they are earned. Look at me, I am the son of a palace worker. I ran into the prince in the hall one day when I was young. And now there are none in my country that have the Almighty Pupa's ear like I do. Fate, luck, the Gods, whatever you want to call it, works in ways we cannot understand but that we are all subject to."

Icarus drops his pistol, and pulls a sword out of an unknown pocket. He cuts the tendril in half, and slices the halves to pieces.

Jaime sat up slowly, his face in his hands. "It will ... recuperate ..." he said. "It always does ..."

He looked up at Icarus, then rose and slammed him with his good left hand, against the wall. "That's for pointing a gun at my head." he said, letting go and seeming himself again.

He sat down, feeling his broken arm gingerly with his left arm.

Zaek felt his head, a slight headache bothering him now

Ok, that's twice, the third time...there won't be a third time

Rothana saw Zaek get hurled down and she felt it as well, " NOOOOOOO!"

Her eyes started to film over and a breeze began to blow lightly at first then stronger, the skies turned black as pitch and lightning zig-zagged across the sky. A ghostly figure stood behind Rothana its hands upon her shoulders as if guiding her... then with no warning a bolt of lightning streaked toward the silver-haired king.....

Jaime watched the lightning descending, thinking the instant before, I HATE religious zealots ...

Then he saw the descending lightning. He was torn. If he blocked it he could well die, but he coulnd't stand by and watch Icarus be struck dead. The man had believed he was doing the right thing...

Jaime hesitated for a moment, then spun, shouting, "Rothana, no! That is not the way to do this!"

Still unaware of the rest of the world Melran kisses her back, holding her so close as possible to him. When the psychic wave reaches him this time he does not think it is an attack, not even thet it came from somwhere else than her...

"Maybe it is so in this country, in our country love and luck must subordinate themself to titles, everything would break down without them..." He looks to the two again "I really hope she has one" Suddenly he drops and breaks the second glass thanks to the psychic waves. Rising in anger he begins loud "Who is that foo..." remebers himself and sits down again "Ah, the Queen shall deal with him. Peres get me a new glass, Virant clean up this mess"

ooc: how fast are you?? and how much to late am i this time...?

Icarus slams the sword into his body, engulfing the room in a flash of light. As the light dies, he is revealed to have transformed into a tall man with long white hair, white robes, and a huge mace. "You have attacked the priest of the Spring! I, the Spirit of the Spring of Daezeman, shall take vengeance!"

"Both of you, stop it!" Jaime roared. He looked at the two. "Stop. Rothana, I understand, the Chosen." e looked at the 'Spirit'. "But you. Whoever you are now, stop. There is no need for violence."

As unappropiate as it may seem a big smile grows on Akads face as he stands up "Now this is something i understand" and walks towards this new 'guest' "Peres! my shield!"

Zaek draws his rapier

"Well mr Spirit, did your spirit mother teach you not to kill people at engagement parties"

Zaek lifted his sword in front of his face, a gust of wind picked up leaves and covered Zaek, when they fell down , there were two images of Zaek, then four, then eight.

Raui feels the cackle in the air. He knows something bad could happen with that much charge. He looks in the direction of the courtyard. I just hope Rothana and Zaek don't have their knives on them. The surely have not charged fully and will attract any lightning. I just hope all is well. May the Castle watch over all of you.

Rothana hearing Jamie blinked and the Bolt diverted slighly hitting the courtyard.... she then watched with white filmed eyes as energy once again gathered itself at her command.... She then waited to see where to strike to disable the shapeshifter..

Raui grabs Akad. "No. Do not interfere. This is beyond anything you understand." He looked him in the eyes. "Trust me."

The sense of foreboding wouldn't go away, nor would the headache she was getting.

With a determined scowl on her face, she unsteadily got to her feet and strode (albeit a touch wobbly) in the direction Jaime and Icarus had gone.

Jaime looks at the people facing each other. "Zaek. Rothana. Whoever you-" He nods his head to the spirit "-are, please stop. There's no need to ruin this party. Calm down, all of you."

The spirit focuses, warping time and space as it is known. "The Spring will be pure! Don't you understand? If I cannot help these people, everything may be destroyed! Please, please allow me to help you! If unclean minds touch the Spring's power, the world will be plagued with evil!"

"Quiet." Jaime said. "If you're so desperate about this spring of yours, calm down, and stop fighting, and explain this to us calmly and rationally."

He almost said, Don't make me kill you.

The eight images of Zaek combined again into one, who walked over behind Rothana and held her in his eyes

"The spirits of Gothicum have chosen to lend their power to her, your help is not needed."

Jaime breathed a sigh of relief, seeing Zaek calm down, and turned back to the spirit. "Please, calm down."

"I am the guardian of the Spring of Life, essentially. All with any psychic power draw directly from it, and use it. If an evil power ever touches my spring... then it will be infected. If it is infected, many will die, many more will be horribly deformed. The King of Daezeman is the first priest of the Spring. He came to help the both of you wrest your minds from... it. The opposite, the Guardian of the Spring of Death. Please... allow me to purify you. If I cannot... then you must die for the good of the world."

Rothana's eyes began to take on their normal steely blue hue as the Shapeshifter talked.. and then she spoke in a hollow voice, " Stranger to this land, we have no contact with this Spring you are trying to defend.. this womans power does not nor has ever come from such a source, leave her to us the Spirits of the Forest, you have no power here... Now leave this land and do not return..."

"I have no such power, at least not stemming from this spring. Any powers I have are my own, and any problems I have with them are my own. You are not needed here." Jaime said, slowly and calmly.

"Watch. As I supply the forest..." the spirit glows green, "Her condition recuperates. As I drain it... I am sorry, this may be painful, milady..." the spirit darkens, "She is weakened. My power touches all, and is the power of all." The spirit seems to shimmer. "I wish... only to return home. It seems my priest's anguish unlocked the hidden taps in Jaime and Rothana's minds. Now their power will be purified, or destroyed. It is the only way."

Coming upon the scene, Nathicana stopped short. Clearly out of her realm of experience, and not knowing what to make of things.

"I ..." she paused, not knowing what to say. Her eyes shifted between the beings before her, wide with alarm. Looking to Jaime, she seemed to shrink back a bit.

By now Akad has had enough of the wine to be thrown back into his seat by Rauis grab
"But they are just fighting...with a nice background...but nonetheless they will just have a good battle!"
As he tries to stand up again the wine strikes again, accompanied and strengthened by the aftereffects of the psychic energies, and the duke falls back in his seat again "Maybe you are right...i had to much to understand a plain fight now"

Raui sits down with the Duke. "If a title is required, I believe the Lady Alhana said she was an undersecretary. I'm sure we can inquire of the queen and if it will truly upset the balance of your kingdom, I'm pretty sure she would grant her a title that you may present to people that will satisfy them and let the romance that is blossoming grow into the beautiful flower it can be." Raui sighs romantically. Damn his foolish heart.

Zaek's hands moved over Rothana's and both there eyes glowed a light pink. The moon shone in pure daylight and it's rays formed an aura around Rothana and Zaek, taking form, changing colour to the same pink of their eyes.

Inside their bodies, their breathing and heartbeat synchronised and their souls connected, tapping into their Love, which was nurtured by no spring, but only by their affection for eachother.

The glow intesified and the aura around them was now heart shaped, when the energy became more solid as it sped towards the Spirit, hitting it in the chest, slamming it into the wall and covering it in a bright pink lightt.

As the light dimmed, they could see a broken Icarus lying, exhausted and pulverised by the power of Zaek's and Rothana's Love.

OOC: THank you for ending that....it was getting WAY out of hand. Let us move on and return to our festivities...this was NOT supposed to be a thread of violence or horrible mishap....all those involved in such have left as they should.

Jaime turned, stumbling, and walked back towards Nathicana. "I have no idea what that was..." he murmured.

OOC: I never wanted it to be violent. That's why Jaime tried to resolve it peacefully :wink: .

ooc: Ah, folks with interesting threads do seem to attract somewhat ... though one would think, from the repeated requests of the hosts of this thread and party, that violence could have been avoided. Also - is in poor taste to impose your own 'rules of reality' onto other's worlds. Try to blend, try to play with - do not walk in and try to rule. Just my .02 - feel free to ignore as neccessary.

ic:

Nathi shrank further back against the wall, not wanting to interrupt more than she already had, and feeling quite wobbly in the knees - not entirely from the drink. She flinched somewhat at Jaime's approach, still shaken by what she'd seen.

"But still...a foreigner? I don't know...He is not only my heir but also the most promising of the new knights...was" Akad grows silent as more and more of resistance begins to fall

OOC: I said no three times, he should've gotten the hint, I'm not letting a day old leader with some fancy psychic tricks kick Zaek's ass....

Icarus stands. "By the Spirit. You... obstinate... You are minions of Death! It must be! Why else would you... but... no... I take now my leave. This country, and the countries of its allies... they will be the first to go. Don't you understand?" Icarus is now on his knees, pleading. "Don't you see? By weakening him, you weaken yourself! You do not see it, at present, but already Death overtakes you! This country... I cannot stand it." Icarus draws his pistol. "By using the only power not controlled by either spirit against Life, you have tainted yourselves and your love!" Icarus places the gun against his temple. "Soon, I shall be in the presence of the Spirit, and I will give myself over to him to purify him. But it will only slow the process. Goodbye." Icarus turns, and prepares for his last moment. "Daezeman will be lead by my son, Icarus the Third. Until your spirits reach the Gate... goodbye."

OOC: I noticed and appreciated the effort of all who attempted to end it peacefully. Sometimes you have to give in and resolve things quickly, instead of sticking so hard to what you have concieved in your mind. You are not GOD and therefore you have to work with what others give you on EVERY post. Stay in the spirit of the thread, especially if you are a guest on it.
*steps off his soapbox, grabs a drink and, rubbing his forehead, think about going home*

Rothana exausted leaned into her Betrothed's arms feeling at peace within herself.. she hoped that nothing else like that would disturb the rest of the evening....


OOC: someone just wouldnt let it be.... *sigh* well at least it is over now....

OOC: And there is NO way in h*ll that Jaime would be beaten in any way by a four-day old nation's leader.

IC:

Jaime moved towards Nathicana, placing a hand on her shoulder to help steady her. "Hey, it's okay." he said. "I'm as lost as you are when it comes to this."

"You ... " she said softly, eyes still a bit wide. "You all are so ... so different. So beyond me."

Her eyes flickered to Zaek and Rothana, and back to Jaime.

"I ... I don't understand. Perhaps I should ... go and sit down."

Raui relaxes as the cackle fades. A resolution at last. Hopefully a good one. "I have it on good authority, that having as many causes to fight for as possible, increases the ability and spirit of a knight." He looks over at the couple holding each other. "I believe he may turn out to be almost as good a man as his father."

"I don't understand either," he said, quietly, so only she could hear. "I was confused thorugh everything that happened. I was bluffing to make the fight stop, and then I just tried to talk Zaek out of killing somebody."

He looked at her with a pleading look, almost as if to say, This is the truth ... Please believe me...

"Ah, i'll take that as a compliment...maybe i should really judge her...and him...again." He drowns annother glass "But not today. The wedding is not on this day, is it?" after a short moment he realised what he has said "i mean the Queens and the Chancellors weddings of course. Should stop drinking if it is this evening..."

She gave him a searching look, the shock of the last few minute seeming to have pushed a few of the effects of the alcohol out of her system temporarily.

Still, unable to manage the usual emotionless facade she strove for in such situations, doubt clearly remained in her eyes.

"It's over. Forget about it. The dinner ... people will wonder." she said slowly. "And I ... I truly need to sit down. The wine ..." she said as an excuse.

He breathed a barely-audible sigh of relief. "All right," he said, holding out his arm in case she needed support.

What the h*ll just happened? I know that I have no idea... he thought.

OOC: ARGH! Huey Lewis and the News - The Power of Love keeps running through my head!!

Raui returns to his meal, glad that the tension has subsided and gleefully awaiting the return of Lady Alhana Catherine. Should a national representative be gleeful? There is much I had better work out before doing another one of these. It would not be good to put the nation at risk for my silly inproprieties.

Klihk looked around. Alhana was gone, but where? He had been to the doctor's so he didn't know.

She glanced at the offered arm, but shook her head slightly. "I'll be fine, thank you." she said, turning to walk back to the table.

"Perhaps this is a good time to explain those things you said you would? What I missed while you were in Gothicum?" she said quietly over her shoulder, unable to keep the hint of command from her voice.

He took a deep breath, walking beside her. "All right," he said in quiet voice. "The part you probably know is that a team of assassins attacked us, and chased us out of the place. We hid in a village in the forest, then came back and fought our way through them, defeating them."

She nodded curtly, keeping her eyes straight ahead, beginning to regain her composure with alarming speed. She wobbled only slighty on occasion as they walked, and put off any attempt to help steady her.

"The part you probably don't know is that a dark angel named Arcanum helped in the fight, by possessing my body..."

She stopped in her tracks. Still refusing to look at him.

"I ... see." she managed, clearly wanting more explanation.

"I ... know. I don't know why it happens, but it doesn't happen often. In over thirty years, it's happened three times total. The thing is huge, wears black armor and carries a six-foot sword, which it wields easily in one hand. It radiates fear around it, and those that approach it get scared, no matter who they are. The thing has no control, but for some reason I always get my body back right before it would do something I would never do in my life. This time it was..."

He stopped, unable to look at her.

OOC: bargh, i managed to go and get myself addicted to another MUD (multi-user dungeon...text based things.) so i'm stuck back on page 39...without the will to read through it all..curse my laziness....what all have i missed?

She waited, lips pursed, a slight strain around her eyes. She took a slow breath, letting it out slowly as well.

"What is it, boy?"

OOC:Nothing much, gifts exchange, a fight with a zealot which ended peacefully. and you just caugh me stepping into the bed

"Right before it would have lopped off Rothana's head ... As I said, it stops before something I would never do in my life ... Like kill or injure a friend. In any way."

OOC: It picks him because he's one of the only people that can handle it because of the immense unharnessed psychic powers he possesses.

OOC: You'll want to read it all...or you will be VERY lost. Shoot, I've been here for most of it and I'M lost. :)

ooc: heh - which mud? I play on one m'self - in fact, wiz there. :)

ic:

She looked at him with alarm then. "You did what?" she said softly, in a sharp tone. "And still, you're here ... " she shook her head, disbelieving.

For the first time he's able to see fear of him in her eyes, all too clearly. "I knew you were different ... knew there were things about you I just couldn't start to understand ... but this ..." she trailed off.

"This ... I don't know what to think."

OOC: I play SUDs ... Don't know if that's the term actually used, but my brother is obsessed with this one mud ... Called Medevia.

OOC: Nathi and I play the same mud...that's how I got roped in here. *sideways grin at her* Good thing MUD's know no geography.

the jester walks into the room silently and sits down in his usual chair

OOC: currently i'm playing in Deckeon, the Shadowrun MUD

Assuming that the wedding willnot be this evening, Akad rises slow "I think i should depart for now. Lord Raui!" he manages to make a short bow and goes to his room. After one step he turns around and leans back to Raui again "Sir...might i ask you for a personal favour?"

Raui smiles at the Duke. "And what can I do for you, Akad?"

OOC: Woot! Page 50!

OOC: ok kids .. smiles i doubt i'll be posting in this thread anymore tonight since Goth went to bed... but we will pick it up in the morning... :)

ooc: have a good sleep, & pleasant dreams. :)

ic:

Nathi waited for a reply, unconsciously holding her breath.

"Would you please have an eye on this two?" he points to Melnar and Regina

ooc: good night to you two

"Duke, I shall keep as good an eye as I can. I too was once young and foolish, I try and keep them from making MY mistakes." He smiles. "Good night, Duke Akad." Raui makes a small bow.

OOC: And although not to bed(where are you people??) I must hustle off. Work ends. I will try and chime in tomorrow but I don't look forward to all I'm gonna miss by Monday. TTFN

OOC: W00t, the Peace Festivities thread got to Page 119!

IC:

Jaime took a breath, "I think he only shows up when I'm afraid for someone else's life. When I open myself toallow myself to do anything to save them. As it happens, Rothana had just been stabbed. She's a friend. Arcanum took advantage."

***Telegram for Haraki!***

***Telegram received and replied to***

The duke bows again, though not as elegant as before "I thank thee. But now i really must leave" He turns around and goes off to his room followed and steadied by his Squires.

ooc: I will now follow the example of the duke. Good night. (here in europe it is about midnight)

"You think, but you do not know. You suspect you can stop this ... whatever it is, but again, cannot prove." She seemed to be closing herself off again, putting back up the walls she'd been letting slowly crumble.

"I cannot have someone at my side whom I'm afraid will soon have their knife through my back." she said coldly, though he could see in her eyes the pain this was causing her. "I have enough of all that with my ministers, my enemies, the spies from both - sometimes the very same ... I live with the fear of it every day." A single tear slid down her cheek, but she stubbornly ignored it.

"I cannot." she said simply. "This is why I've never before let myself ..." she couldn't finish the thought.

"You wouldn't have a knife in your back because that is something that I would never do. Thus, Arcanum can't. It doesn't work."

He looked at her. "Please, don't do this ... to both of us ..."

OOC: let's just assume that rikanth spontaneously fell asleep
Rikanth wakes up, looking groggy, and wondering what he missed.

She put a gentle hand to his face, drawing it down to hers, leaned in, and kissed him softly.

"It's all too strange ... to much for me to understand. We have no such ... abilities in the Dominion. Nothing like this exists."

"There is no room for a third here, Jaime ... whatever he or it is. I've enough to fear without fearing you as well, though I know you claim it false." she said in a soft voice.

Looking deeply into his eyes, she continued. "In my position, and because of the things I've done, and choices I've made, I am in danger of one sort or another every day. These brief respites away from it all, here, with friends, have been my only escape. Would you have that thing rising up at every instance you sought to protect me, risking me, yourself, and others?"

She paused, her mind obviously in as much turmoil as her emotions. "I don't have the convictions and faith of Zaek, or Marcus, or Dayne or the sisters ... it has pained me every time I've seen them together. You deserve better than what little I have to offer."

"I deserve better?" he said, with a tone of disbelief in his voice. "You're a national leader. I'm ... lower-middle class. Besides, this thing has risen up three times in over thirty years. It's a very rare occurence. f it keeps going like this there won't be another five-minute incident for another, oh, say ... thirteen years. Besides, I think I've ... found a way to contain it ..."

He was remembering the way he seemed to have held out a hand and stopped the dark, and hoped that his soul-katanas could destroy it once and for all.

OOC: Gah, lag!

"You think to class yourself as an excuse to put me above you? You think I'm so different?" she asked. "I came from a poor family with nothing to offer. I fought my way up the ranks and took what I wanted along the way. Do you know how I came to be a leader, boy? Lies, deceit, treachery and murder." There, I've said it. she thought.

"I've no noble or royal blood as some assume, unlike so many people here have. But I sure enough had blood on my hands when I siezed control of the Dominion. And in the five years since, they've not been clean." she forestalled his protests, having heard before his belief she was better than she thought.

"Everything I've done, I've done for power. Every action I've taken has been for gain. I came by the title Dread Lady by no accident. Until I met you ... and these gracious people ... " she stopped, forcing herself to be firm. "Truly, I don't deserve the kindness shown me, nor the love you offer so freely."

"Yes you do," he said. "Or people wouldn't invite you."

"And I know what it's like to fight my way through the ranks. I've done it too, many a time, whether it be in an Intelligence agency, the ranks of someone's bodyguards, a criminal organization I've infiltrated. Most of these times it will not have been clean. Do you have any idea how many people I've executed in back alleys si I can claim the cops found them, and then take their place?"

He lowered his voice, realizing he had raised it the slightest bit. "No, you probably don't. I know that I've lost count."

"Even the foulest demon can assume a pleasant face, they say." she said. "Where we differ Jaime, is in the intent. You did what you had to for your job, according to your orders. I did what I had to because I wanted to."

"You have a thirst for justice ... I hunger for power. It's as simple as that." she looked at him without blinking, needing him to understand.

"If you truly accept that, you deny a part of yourself I think. What happens come the day when an action I take goes so horribly against that code of justice you seem to hold dear? And think carefully before you answer."

"That would depend what the thing was." he said. "And no, at times I have fought, and killed, for fun. I needlessly killed 40 people when they were hunting me, when I could have just as easily avoided them. I've killed people just so that I could ascend through a criminal chain, when I could have just as easily accomplished my objectives ten links down. I'm still a high-ranking member in no less than three criminal syndicates. And I haven't been sent on missions to any one of them."

He looked at her. "I understand what you're saying. Many people I have killed not for my job. Not for either of my jobs, but for the pure feeling of killing them. Having power over their life for just that second. That second before you pull the trigger. I have fabricated reasons why I killed these people, lied to my friends as to why I killed them. I'm not proud of that, but I did it."

Oddly enough, she looked ... intrigued by this, even impressed. Her eyes lit up with a fire she usually reserved for more pleasant situations.

"Can you keep it reigned?" she asked softly, her eyes narrowing a bit.