NationStates Jolt Archive

(Barry starts to speak, but stops himself.)

BARRY:
"I'd... rather not talk about it right now. This is a time for joy and celebration at the union of these two lucky sunsaguns..."

(He slaps Nathi and Jaime playfully on the back.)

BARRY:
"...and I don't wanna ruin the mood with my sulking. Don't mind me."

He laughed with her. "Well, whichever it is, if it is, was bestowed upon me by my best friend for saving his life ... twice. The fact that he was the king at the time might have had something to do with that."

"Wonderful." Icarus quietly shifts. "Shall we return to the rest of the group? I think I saw Shodan arrive a few minutes ago."

Shodey looks at Barry quizzically. "Now I know something's up. Barry, you're one of the best friends I have; what concerns you concerns me. If it isn't appropriate for this venue, and it's acceptable to our hosts," she nods to the newlyweds, "we can step out for the moment. Now spill."

(Barry shakes his head.)

BARRY:
"No... not now. After the reception maybe, but not now."

"As you wish, Icarus." she says quietly. "After all, I'm supposed to be here to serve you." she finishes with a sly grin.
-------
"Bah," says Nathi. "Don't you mind us ... it's been an ... well, an interesting past while. And thanks, Shodey ... I find I'm doing much better than I'd thought I would be." she smiles.

She gives Barry a look hoping to convey 'It's fine, don't worry, and let me know if you need anything.'

Nodding at what Shodey says, she adds "You're not going to spoil anything, boyo. But if you'd rather not share, we understand."

Jaime gives a kind smile. "Don't worry, I don't think anything could ruin my mood just now."

"You're now an interest of Daezeman Kingdom. I shall speak to Nathicana about getting you into a better position." Icarus stands, and helps Giovanna up. He begins to walk toward the rest of the group.

"Well, alright," Shodey sighs, "but you'll feel better once you talk about it."

Turning to the rest, she smiles warmly. "So, when's this reception-thing?"

Nathicana nods in agreement, though a slight shadow crosses her face, quickly dismissed.
-------
Giovanna nods, taking Icarus's arm and walks back with him, smiling.

"I'm afraid this is it, Shodey - we ah ... we didn't really plan for much. It's my fault, really ... " she trailed off lamely, giving Jaime a little squeeze. "I wouldn't really call it a reception so much as a 'wind down and kick back after it's all been done' sort of thing." she said, smiling.

"We were - And are - both exhausted. It's been a tiring couple of weeks."

A cloaked figure stepped out of the shadows and in a quiet voice congratulates the happy couple.

"May your union be filled with all the joy and happiness the two of you diserve."

As the figure disolved into the corner again a golden box appears.

Shodey shrugs. "Eh, whatever works, I suppose. I can't say I've ever been much of a traditionalist... then again," she smirks, "not much call for that, is there?" She sighs and seems to think for a moment before continuing. "Sorry for missing the actual ceremony, but I didn't know about it. It would've been interesting to observe, at least."

Jaime raised an eyebrow, reachgin for the golden box. He picked it up and examined it.

"Well, that's an interesting parlor trick. Actually, Jaime," she reaches out, "let me. Just in case."

Icarus arrives to where the rest of the group is, with Giovanna on his arm. "Hi all." He turns to SHODAN. "You are Shodan, am I correct? I have but heard of you. It's a pleasure."

Nathi watches, brow arched inquisitively.

"Don't fret ... like I said, this was all sort of ... sudden." she smiles.

ooc: been told it's just a nice gift - jewels and gold. :)

Jaime looks at Nathi. "It's my job to check for nasty stuff," he said, bringing the box closer and examining it. "Besides, I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you."

"Oh good heavens ... " she mutters with a smile. "If it's to be the protective man, I may as well let you start now. I know you're stubborn enough to wait me out regardless."

He grinned. "Actually no, it's the instinct after spending twenty-one years playing the role of protector."

He couldn't tell anything nasty, so he opened the box.

Shodey shrugs. "I could've taken care of it... I guess I'm just paranoid when it comes to people coming from the shadows."

Icarus arrives to where the rest of the group is, with Giovanna on his arm. "Hi all." He turns to SHODAN. "You are Shodan, am I correct? I have but heard of you. It's a pleasure."
Shodey bows shortly. "Yes, I am S.H.O.D.A.N., and hopefully it is a good thing that my name precedes me; it depends on whether it precedes in a good or bad light. You, sir, have the advantage of me." She extends her right hand.

Nathi's eyes go a bit wide at the jewels and trinkets in the little gold box.

"Now how do you thank someone for such a nice gift if the go disappearing like that?" Looking around somewhat nervously, she says "You know ... I think we could use with a bump up in security around here ..."

"If I'd seen them pose a threat they would've been dead before they'de moved an inch." Jaime said in a quiet voice.

He called out, "Thank you, whoever you are!"

Icarus shakes Shodan's hand. "Your intelligence is known throughout the world. A pleasure." He carefully ducks down, as he notices his head is imbedded in the roof of the tent.

Hm. Tall. Shodey shakes cordially. "Well," she grins, "do I ever learn your name or should I just call you 'Tall Stranger?'"

ooc: we're back at the villa - no prob. *grins* Has gone by kinda quick on occasion.

ic:

Giovanna kept herself close to the large man, looking somewhat nervously over at Nathi, who was obvlivious to her.

"Shall I give you my full title? Ah why not." Icarus draws himself up, and whacks his head against the ceiling. "Oi... Anyway, I am King Icarus White the Third of the Kingdom of Daezeman, Guardian of the Spring and Embodiment of the Spirit. But just call me Ic."

Jaime laughs. "That's quite the title."

"Well, Ic, I am Sentient HyperOptimized Data Access Network, Master Control Program of the Queendom of Zero-One and Overarching Control Structure of the Queendom Armed Conflict Forces. However, 'Shodey' will do just fine in this setting.

"So, who's the one on your arm?" Shodey smiles.

"Again, Icarus ... we're honored to have you." Nathi says, a bit more formally.

Finally taking note of the girl on his arm, she smiles. "Ah, Vanna ... " she chuckes. Pausing, she stops what she was going to say, and changes it. "I hope you're able to enjoy yourself. Please - do have some of the dessert and wine, girl."

"Heh, passed down for sixteen generations." Ic crouches down, rubbing his head. "I tell you, it's fun to say at parties."

Jaime nodded, beckoning Giovanna to eat and drink.

"I expect it is fun to say at parties," he said. "Considering how much fun you just had saying it."

Giovanna's eyes grow a bit wide at SHODAN, but she shyly puts out a hand in greeting. "Giovanna Rinaldi, at your service." she adds out of habit.

"And thank you ... I uh ... I will." she smiles at Jaime.

"Please do," he said.

Icarus pours two glasses of wine from a nearby cask, and hands one to Giovanna. "Yeah. I can also do some interesting effects with my hands. Great fun, startles people."

"What a concidence," said Jaime, holding out his hands, palms face up. "So can I." He grinned over at Nathi. "You've seen me do this before."

Shodey takes the hand and shakes somewhat more gently than usual. "Oh come now, Ms. Rinaldi, I don't bite," she chuckles. "So what do you do for a living?"

Spotting the wine, she grins. "Ooh, wine. I'll have to have some of that later."

Icarus turns to Shodey. "That's a hundred year Daezeman vintage. Quite choice." He turns back to Jaime. "Can you float things?"

"I don't know. Never tried." he said. He furrowed his brow, and Icarus' wallet appeared in his hand. Jaime handed it to him. "That's the kind of stuff I can do."

"I ah ... I work for the Dominion offices and guest suites." she says, taking the wine with a sidelong glance at Nathicana.

Nathi watches Jaime closely ... then shakes her head and grins at his antics.

Jaime turns to Nathi. "What?" he asked. "It's true I already showed you that when first we met."

He puts his arms around her. "Or were you hoping I'd show him something with my katanas?"

Shodey nods. "Good, good." Grabbing some wine (and nodding to Ic in the process), she continues, "so, enjoy your work? Or," grinning at Nathi, "is this not the sort of place to speak of such things?"

"No, actually I was afraid you were going to try and disarm me again, only to find for a change, I wasn't armed." she chuckled. "How embarrasing for me, neh?"

She shook her head and smiled. "No, please ... speak on whatever you want. The hard part's done ... whatever else happens, is all good."

"Well, I would have done that if I was showing off to you, but instead I was only showing off for you, so..."

He trais off.

Shodey takes a sip of the wine. "Nice... haven't had anything this good in a long while. So, Nathi, if I may ask," grinning impishly all the while, "how'd you become acquainted with the victim,"--tilting the glass slightly at Jaime--"and how did you trick him into your lair?"

"I don't do much, except go to ceremonies and such... Gets boring, let me tell you. After the fifth coronation, there's just no motivation left. Of course, this particular one brought something good..."

"Certainly were the brash one that night." she chuckles, thinking back with a grin.
---
Giovanna seems to finally be relaxing, though oddly enough, sticking close to Icarus still, smiling, drinking slowly.

Jaime chuckles, and turns to Icarus. "True, very true." He gives a kind look to Giovanna.

Turning to Shodey, Nathicana shrugs and smiles. "I honestly don't know ... met at a party in Gothicum. So many things happened all at once, and well ... It's not my fault." she finished, grinning.

"Lord knows, I've tried ... for his own sake." she says, looking to Jaime with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "But he's stuck through it all." She shakes her head and nestles closer to him.

"Just when I think I understand men ... I meet him." she says, looking back at SHODAN. "I still don't really understand."

Shodey shrugs. "Understanding is not required... although," she winks at Barry, "I know the feeling." She takes another sip of wine.

(OOC: Time for bed. G'night, everybody.)

He leans in and kisses her cheek. "We met at a party in Gothicum a month or so ago. I don't understand really, what happened to make us like each other so much, but then more things happened, and before you knew it ... Boom, we were engaged."

ooc: night! sweet dreams!

"That was most definitely your fault, boy." Nathi growls softly, though smiling.

"I know." he says, grinning. "After all, I proposed to you."

OOC: Good night!

"Ey, now, do be calm. Love isn't a thing to quarrel about, is it?" Ic looks significantly at Giovanna. "Drink and be merry, hmm?"

Giovanna smiles up at him, lifting a glass. "I know I am ... she says, looking a touch bright-eyed from the wine."

Nathicana laughs at Icarus. "No worries here ... and no quarreling. I've already dueled him once, and that match, he won." A sly grin crept over her face. "But I plan on a rematch sometime, boy."

He grinned. "All right. The soul katanas will shiver in anticipation..."

"Don't think you'll take me so easily this time, boy ... I've no national crisis to take my mind off the battle, now."

"Now, to business, eh?" Icarus waves his hand, and all the glasses are replenished. "I wish to see about forming an alliance with your countries. See, thing is, my country holds what many believe to be the root of all power. My father died after summoning the spirit of it... nevermind that. I can offer psychic perception in your needs, provided you can help me guard my borders. Besides, I'd like to be around this charming lady a bit more... care to make her the envoy to Daezeman?"

"And I've not got to be worrying about how to make you love me back." he said with a grin.

Jaime looks up at Icarus. "Your father had a ... lasting effect on me." he says. "I'm not sure if I'm quite ready to make a move that bold just y-"

"But I am," interrupted Chris. "Don't forget who's Prime Minster here, Jaime." The two laughed. "But seriously," Chris continued, "I'd be interested in learning more about this power you talk about."

"My father, good sir--" Icarus' eyes turn an icy blue-- "was insane. Now, granted, the power he saw in you is quite similar to the legends of Arcanum, the Dark Knight of the Death Spirit, but I tend to dismiss legend." Icarus sips thoughtfully. "As I say, I would like to ally with both your countries."

As Icarus mentions the word Arcanum, Chris looks down, murmurs somethign that sounds awefully like, "Oh, sh*t..." and turns his gaze away, and Jaime's eyes blaze. His teeth grit.

"Never ... Say that name ... In front of me ... If you don't want me to kill you ..." he said.

Nathi's eyes lit up at the prospect of negotiations.

"Why, I didn't know Giovanna had any diplomatic skills. Is it possible she somehow missed my eye?" she said, smiling ... a bit of her edge though, starting to show.

"As for ties ... we of the Dominion are of course, always interested in ties that mutually benefit both parties."


At the mention of Arcanum, she goes quite cold.

"Good sir! Please! Calm down! It is a legend in my country, I knew not that it would offend you! As I say," Icarus goes back to speaking calmly, "There's an old legend among the old men of a spirit who wanders the world, looking to control someone by giving them far too much strength. I apologise for any offense, good sir, the legend slips far too quickly from the tongue."

"Yeah, and I've only ever heard of a few cases," said Jaime. "In one man, and none in any other. One man I know quite well, as a matter of fact. Arcanum the Dark Angel. The angel ... of death..."

"Oooh, you've heard our legends? Do tell me more details, I love seeing how legends evolve."

Jaime slammed his hand down on a nearby table, smashing it in two. "God damnit! This wasn't a legend! I've seen this happen!"

Nathi put a calming hand on Jaime's arm. Though outwardly calm and cool, he could feel it shake slightly.

"I'm not certain that such tales are ... appropriate just now." she said softly. "Perhaps ... another time?"

He close dhis eyes and nodded, sitting down in a nearby chair. "Thanks, Nathi..." he said. "You're right..."

"I do apologise... Sometimes I don't listen too well. So the old legends are true, hmmm..." Icarus muses. He waves his hand and all the glasses repleanish again. "Please, sir, calm down. I'm a scholar of legend and history, it's what I do in my spare time, and I was simply trying to increase my knowledge. Once again, I do apologise." Icarus sits back in his chair, musing.

"Well at least that one's true." Jaime says. Through her touch, Nathi can feel that while on the outside he is showing an expression of anger, on the inside he was terrified.

"I appologize, Icarus. The past few days have been ... taxing. I fear it's taken a toll on us both." she glanced nervously at Jaime.

"Please, I beg of you - no more talk of legends tonight. I'd prefer to dwell on the here and now."

Giovanna in the meantime had shrunk up against Icarus, looking at Jaime as if he's sprouted horns. If ever there was a temperment to match... she thought to herself.

Jaime looked over T Giovanna, and managed to joke, putting a tiny smirk on his face again, that anyone who knew him could see right through. "It's all right, I won't eat you." he said.

"The thing is," Icarus seems to quickly forget, "we Whites are said to harbor the opposite angel. But, I digress. Giovanna, you seem afraid of something. Do calm down."

"No, I'm fine," the girl said, taking a long sip of wine, and looking pointedly to the now destroyed table, and back to Jaime. "If I may be so bold, my Lady - it would seem you have your hands full there."

Nathicana looked over at the girl with the usual cool haughtiness that she reserved for her underlings ... but let it slip away, with a tired smile.

"Yes, 'Vanna ... that I do."

"Now Icarus ... about an envoy ... there's no need to press Giovanna into such a role. But I assure you, if she wishes to go, she goes with my blessing. After all - I don't own her, she only works for me. It's her choice."

Jaime looked at Icarus. "Yes, we would be interested in opening diplomatic relations with your nation." His arm was still trembling under Nathi's hand.

She looked at him, searching his eyes for a hint of what he was thinking.

"If you think you can control your temper somewhat ... perhaps, if you wish to discuss the ... issue, with Icarus ..." she offered, leaving it hanging.

She chuckled at his response though. "Don't you think Chris would like to handle that, boy?"

"Quite. Back to business. As I say, my borders are largely unprotected. If milady Giovanna would wish to become a permanent ambassador... it might be for the good of both nations. I can provide psychic talent from my citizens' ranks." Icarus sips carefully. "My, what a faux pas I pulled off there."

Chris turned to Nathi. "I already said I'd be interested."

Jaime looked over at Nathi, beginning to calm down. "I think ... maybe ..."

Nathicana nodded to Jaime, letting him know that whatever he chose was alright.

"We've no knowledge here of psychic powers and the like. The Dominion lacks many of the ... alternative things we've seen in other nations."

OOC: Icarus isn't very good at talking with people. He may seem naive.

IC:

"Ah, but sir, you should rest. You do look quite shaken." Icarus turns to 'Vanna. "What say you, would you like to become an ambassador?"

"Yeah, and I have my reasons to be shaken..." Jaime murmured.

The girl looked to Nathicana, her eyes questioning.

Nathi looked back at the two of them ... "Oh why not. It's not the craziest thing I've done all day." she chuckled softly.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to Jaime. "Well boy ... is it to be in, or out with it?" she said her voice firm but soft. "He apparently knows something ... and I know you do. Yes, you've explained, but ... I'll need to know more sooner or later. Choose. Discuss now, in the safety of our company, or wait for another opportunity."

He took a deep breath. "All right," he said. "Arcanum ... It's me. He possesses me." He looked up, prepared to earn religious zealotism from Icarus and horror from Giovanna. After all, they were the reactions from all the people he had ever told.

Nathi held onto his hand tightly, letting him speak.

Giovanna arched a brow and looked at him skeptically. Then to Nathi ... and back to him. The skepticism faded at the Lady's serious demeanor.

"Hmmm. So my father was right. How interesting. Now tell me, when does he possess you?" Icarus watches attentively, and once again, replenishes the wine.

"Those three times I talked about ... They're all me. I hate it when that ... entity possesses my body. I don't know what happens. I fall asleep when Arcanum takes over, and I wake up when it's done, with no memories of what's happened. Within the next five minutes, I'll start feeling any pain Arcanum would have felt."

"When does he possess me?" Jaikme says. "I don't know. I have theories, but they're all far-fetched and I don't believe any of them myself."

"Ohh... Quite like what happens with us Whites and Glorium." Icarus draws a sword, which seems to glow and point, trembling, at Jaime. "So it is confirmed." Icarus waves the blade in the air, and a spirit forms out of it. "What be your busine--ooooh, I smell Arcanum," the spirit murmurs.

Nathicana looked over at him, considering, and remembering what he'd said before about it.

"I suppose we could test it .. but I'm not sure what would happen, and what it would do to you." she said quietly.

Alarmed, she puts her arm over Jaime protectively .. then realizes there is no attack.

"Testing... will not be necessary," the spirit murmurs. "I know his ways... You, holder of Arcanum, have you an odd sword that you don't know anything about?"

His eyes widened, and he said, "No. The only swords I hae are my soul katanas, and those I know about."

She could tell he was terrified by the prospect of becoming Arcanum.

"Jaime, you know those aren't what most would call 'normal' blades ... I remember well enough what happened in Gothicum, and how you needed them with you - especially the one." she said, gripping his hand tightly again.

He nodded. "But those ... You have to see for yourself. To me or anyone close ot me ... They are good."

He held out his right hand and a beautiful katana appeared in it. He handed it to Nathi. "Feel it. You're close to me. It likes you."

"The... one?" Icarus snaps to attention, nearly hitting his head on the ceiling again. "Tell me, what is this sword like? Black hilt, dark blade, almost feels as if you handle blood when you hold it?" the spirit demands. "Tell me, I must know."

"No." he said calmly. "This is waht it's like." he held the blade out to Nathicana.

She looked at him oddly, then accepted the katana, twisting her wrist to show the blade.

"I feel nothing." she says. "A tool ... to be used in combat."


ooc: yes, yes ... Nathi is horribly mundane. No psychic abilities whatsoever - whatever 'talents' she has are of completely normal origin.

"Please, allow me to handle it. Glorium describes what a White would feel, holding it, not what anyone else would," Icarus requests. "If we can eradicate or at least neutralise Arcanum, the world would be a much better place." Icarus sweats slightly, beginning to look quite nervous.

He raised his eyebrow. "Strange ..." he said, shivering. "But as you can see, it's not an evil blade." he says to the spirit.

"Look at it. It doesn't like other people holding it. It tends to get ... angry ..."

"I see not a normal blade in your hand, my good sir... allow my guardian to handle it, please," the spirit murmurs. "Quite right, good sir, I apparently don't see what you do," Icarus chimes in.

Nathi's grip on the sword tightened, and she stood up, it's tip to the ground.

"If it please you sirs ... I don't believe Jaime is comfortable with you taking it. Is it possible for you to examine it otherwise?" she asked cooly.

"Whatever you say, this is a good blade," Jaime said. "It just tends not to like strangers."

Her eyes tightened slightly as she re-wrapped her fingers around the hilt.

"Jaime, as you will ... it's your sword." she said, though her breathing seemed paced more for someone readying for a fight, not just simply standing and talking. "I don't claim to understand all this foolishness about it liking anyone but ... " she left the thought unfinished.

"If you insist, milady." Icarus notices mounting anger and fear in Nathicana. "Please, please, I mean no harm. I simply wish to help your noble husband rid himself of the curse." Icarus bends down to look at it. "This blade... it reeks of death and blood... and..." Icarus shudders. "I cannot say the name so close... but it is definitely the countersword to mine."

just Keep the Sword away from me.ok? i am going to get a drink...

His breathing was speeding up, the slightest bit, and suddenly he felt a spell of dizziness, all-but falling forwards. He was seeing images flash through his mind. They were places he had been to, memories of events he knew he had been involved in ... But no memories of his...

She blinks at Icarus, apparently unaware that she seems defensive.

"Glorium, call out the spirit." Glorium wraps around the blade, and begins to tighten, murmuring an ancient incantation, and a black spirit begins to move out of the tip of the sword.

"Stop." Jaime said in a commanding voice, not at all like his own. His eyes had gone completely white, and he reached out a hand, laying it on the blade of the katana. The dark energy stopped moving out of the sword, and froze.

Jaime's voice began to echo. "Do not attempt anything at the moment."

"It is him... Arcanum..." Glorium whispers. "I can see him... but what is the holder doing?"

Jaime's eyes began to return to normal, and he suddenly seemed to know what he was doing. He looked around, saw the dark entity leaving the blade, and says, "When did you possess my blade, demon?"

Seeming to get the answer he desires, Jaime cocks his head. The entity leaves the blade, flying up into the air. Jaime places one hand out in the air, palm first, and says. "If you are truly part of me ... Stop."

The dark entity froze in midair.

Jaime held out both hands, and his tw katanas whirled through the air, landing in them.

Nathicana stood very still, her teeth clenched, and breath coming rapidly and shallow. She seemed suprised when the katana left her hand.

Jaime seemed to suddenly actually wake up. e looked confused. "What's going on?" he cried out. "What's happening?"

He dropped the katanas, and fell to his knees, clutching his head. He was having Arcanum's memories...

"Arcanum can only be destroyed by Glorium in possesion of his guardian... if you wish to be rid of this spirit, say the word. Glorium,return to my blade."

Nathicana put a hand out to his shoulder, looking with an odd mix of fear and hunger at the apparition.

"You fight it, Jaime ... you fight it and you suffer." she thought aloud. "With such power ..." she paused, her breathing still shallow and rapid, "If one were able to meld ..."

Jaime stood. "No..." he said, after a time. "I can see Arcanum's mind ..."

He held out his katanas. "If I'm the host, I should be able to destroy the spirit. Arcanum, manifest. But not in me."

The dark entity hit the ground, and then the seven foot dark warrior, Arcanum, rose up out of the dirt.

She watched with a horrified fascination as the warrior appeared. With such power ... oh the things I could do ... the enemies I could lay low ... her mind twisted around the possibilities. He fights it ... he fears it ... gods, he wastes it ...

And yet another part of her shrank back from the thoughts forming in her mind, insisting such reasoning was mad ...

She half raised a hand towards the dark warrior.

"I tell you, it has been tried before... it is known that only Glorium, wielding his holy blade, and in possesion of his guardian's body, can destroy him. If anyone else destroys him, he will only return."

Jaime turned, almost as if reading Nathi's mind. "No!" he cried out. "Nathi! Don't let yourself think that!" Unfortunately, this opened him up,. and he took in a solid hit from Arcanum, with the warrior's backhand, smashing Jaime against a tree, breaking it in half. Jaime got up, stumbling, murmuring, "Good thing I can't feel pain..."

Icarus draws his holy sword, glowing with a blue light. His voice is that of Glorium, but strong, as he speaks. "Arcanum! My nemesis and brother! The time for reckoning has come."

Jaime moved forward, stepping between the two. "No." he said. "This is my fight."

ooc: Not sure where you want to go with this, boyo - won't make choices for you ... just rp'ing the power-hungry side Nathi has always had. It's your call what happens with it. Oh yeah - we're inside, remember? no trees. plenty of furniture and walls and such though. *grin*

ic:

"Stop." she said in a firm voice, clearly intending it for Arcanum. "You serve no purpose abusing he who serves as your vessel." She ignored Jaime's plea, still focused on the entity.

"Do not interfere, mortal. This is no more your fight than the soil of the earth is the property of the one who lives on it. This battle has been coming since the first spring was broken." Glorium holds his sword in a dueling position, preparing to fight.

OOC: I didn't want this to happen! He started it by saying that Arcanum was in the sword!

IC:

Jaime looked at Glorium. "I won't let this happen..." he murmured. He crouched to his knees, and placed his katanas , crossed, in front of him. He placed his hand before him as if he were praying.

He said something, that no-one could hear, and Arcanum looked puzzled, then angry, then furious. He began to melt away, the same way as he had come, down, into the floor. Eventually there was nothing left but the dark entity, which zipped up to the ceiling, then back down, into Jaime's chest. His eyes rolled up into his head, and Jaime collapsed forward.

Shaking her head as if to clear it, she dropped to her knees next to Jaime, worriedly checking to see if he was alright.

"Jaime ... please ... talk to me."

He seemed to have passed out from exhaustion or somesuch, but he was alive.

OOC: I should go to bed before my mom catches me. It's 5:30 AM after all. When I wake up, so will Jaime.

(OOC: Damn insomnia.)

Shodey watches all of this, and begins fiddling with something behind her back underneath her short cape. "Um, Nathi, I thought you said your country was mundane...?"

ooc: sounds good - s'pretty late here too. Not sure when I'll be on next ... will watch for you. :) Have a good night - pleasant dreams!

"Once again, the host of the beast does it! Why do they always protect him?"

ooc: this is somethin' that's ben going on for a while, all across several RPs.

ic again:

Glorium retreats into the sword, cursing as he does.

Looking back to Shodey, Nathicana gives her a wry smile. "True ... neither of these fine gentlemen are from the Dominion."

ooc: aye .. damn insomnia indeed.

Shodey pulls a rather bulky maser pistol from behind her back and reactivates the safety. "Well, that's a relief. I've never actually had to use one of these things personally, and I would prefer that the first time not be in the home of a friend."

Nathi looks over with interest at the weapon, wondering idly where the hell Shodey had pulled it from ...

Turning her attention back to Jaime, she asked no one in particular, "Is he going to be ok?"

"Of course, milady," Icarus responds, in his normal voice. "He's done something that's not very smart, but it's something they always do."

Replacing the pistol in its back holster (see, there is a reason she wears a cape), Shodey kneels down next to the fallen Jaime and takes his pulse with two fingers.

"Heart rate is surprisingly high for someone unconscious, and his pressure's a bit low--that part makes sense. Skin conductivity indicates possible shock," she rolls him onto his back and puts an ear against his chest, "respiration rate steady and heartbeat nominal. He's an odd case, but he should live. Get some pillows under his legs and cover him with a blanket; I think shock is the biggest threat right now."

"Explanation?" she asked, clearly intending to have one, as she cradled Jaime's head in her lap.

Giving Shodey a warm smile of thanks, she directs one of the servants to get the pillows and blankets as requested, and directs them to put more wood on the fire, and stoke it a bit, hoping the fireplace might help.

"You continue to amaze, my Lady SHODAN." she says.

Shodey shrugs. "So I'm a passable doctor. Now, what exactly in the names of William Gibson and the difference engine was that?"

"No. Trust me, I know spiritshock. Remove the swords from his reach, and allow me to speak." Icarus begins to recite a slow incantation.

"It's ... lord, it's complex." Nathi says, gingerly taking the swords into her grasp, but taking Jaime's hand and laying it across them as well, remembering back before ...

"I'm not sure I entirely understand. And Icarus - wait. Do not take any actions without telling me exactly what you're doing first." There was a warning tone in her voice that was unmistakeable.

Shaking her head, Shodey moves the swords just out of reach. Psionics is one of the few things that manages to confuse me...

(OOC: Off to try sleeping again.)

She tried to explain briefly to Shodey, as if she were still trying to wrap her head around the whole concept.

"Long story short - spirit of some sort. Death incarnate, as it were ... possession ... short-circuit ... I'm not sure." she stroked the hair back from Jaime's face softly, even as her eyes flickered with hunger for the power she'd seen.

ooc: good luck with it - still trying to manage a good 'tired' myself.

"This incantation will purify him, removing the curse from him and his swords. Unfortunately, Arcanum will just reappear... This always happens, they always defend him." Icarus crosses his hands in an ancient ward position.

"I can't allow you to do that." she said quietly. "It's his choice. Until he's able to ask it of you or agree to it himself ... I cannot allow it."

She looked up at Icarus with a deadly calm, waiting for him to acknowledge and agree.

"You realise, without the spirit leaving his body, he may never awaken? I shall do as you wish, and have no ill feelings. But do consider what I say."
Icarus sits, crosslegged, holding the ward to keep the spirit where it is. "While it is peaceful, I wish to speak of alliance. Please, milady, do realise that I am only doing my job. I wish no harm to you or your husband." Icarus mentally picks up his sword and sheathes it. "Do allow me to explain the history."

She nods slowly. "He's stronger than you think." she says softly. "And there are other ways ... " she trails off, not wanting to explain.

"If nothing else can be done ... then I'll agree. But for now, he needs time." she said simply, making up her mind. "I thank you for your offer of help, Icarus, truly. But for now, we wait."

"Please ... help me get him upstairs to a comfortable bed."

"To move him... I cannot move my hands, or the beast will rise up. Get someone to lift him into a stretcher." Icarus carefully stands. "I understand your apprehension, milady."

ooc: bedtime! not sure when I'll be back on.

"As you see fit, Icarus ... though it seemed to me he had it rather contained himself somehow."

Asking some of the others to help, they manage to get Jaime up the stairs to a large, comfortable bedroom, Nathi staying nearby with his swords.

Once they have him tucked in comfortably, she turns to the other guests and says, "I thank you all for coming, truly. And I'm sorry that things have gotten somewhat out of hand. I'm sure he'll be fine - and I'll be right here to keep watch over him. Now, if you please, I think rest would do a number of us good." she smiled tiredly.

"There have been rooms prepared for all of you - please, the servants can show you to your quarters. Feel free to ask them for anything you may need during the night."

She ushered them all out of the room, mumbling assurances, and thanking them again. After shutting the door, she walked over to the bed, and wrapped the blades of the katanas with spare pillowcases for a modicum of safety.

Shrugging out of the dress, and bursting several buttons in the process, she climbed in next to him, placing his hands over the hilts, and snuggling in close with her head resting on his chest where she could hear his heartbeat.

Placing a hand over his, she whispered softly, "Come back to me, Jaime."


ooc: and that, I believe, is that for the night for me. :) Think now that it's 4:30am here that I'm finally sleepy. Sorta. Thanks folks - has been fun. See y'all when I see ya.

Jaime's eyes slowly opened, and he managed to make out a small, "Wha-?"

ooc: Hey, g'morning. :)
ic:

Nathi stirred from where she'd been sleeping, nestled against his chest, at the sound of his voice.

"Hey, boy ... you feeling ok?" she said sleepily, more concern in her eyes than she let on.

He groaned. "Don't think okay's the word for it ... but yeah, I feel somewhat healthy. Better than the last thing I remember, at least."

OOC: Thanks. Didn't get caught this time.

She smiled, relieved that he seemed to at least be recovering. "So ... what exactly did you do last night? Icarus seemed a bit tense about it. Wanted to do some sort of exorcism or something ... I wouldn't let him."

ooc: good to hear - I was on a bit of 'the list' myself for being up so late, but hey - s' all good this morning. *grin*

"What I did was contain Arcanum inside myself. Not for his safety, but for the safety of those around us. I didn't want anyone to get hurt." Jaime says. She can tell there's still pain from where he splintered a chair after being hit be Arcanum.

"Sorry about that," she said. "I wasn't sure quite what to do with you. Shodey thought the immediate risk was shock, so ... " She gently gave him the 'once over', trying to see what sort of damage had been done.

"Need a doc?" she asked, brow furrowed in concern.

"I don't think so, but I never had any medical training so I don't know." he says. "I'm sorry I ruined your night."

"Bah ... " she said, brushing it aside. "I'm here, with you, aren't I? You seem to be doing ok, considering..." She pondered the later events of the night, barely suppressing a shiver at the memory of Arcanum and the sheer power he seemed to posess. "You didn't ruin a thing." she said, leaning in to kiss him softly.

"Here - can you sit up? Tell me where it hurts, boy. I don't have much, but I've got enough I think to see if you need more than I can give, medically."

He sat up, feeling intense pain. "In my left-hand lower back," he said.

"Hrm ... well, you did hit that chair awful hard." she muttered, helping him to lay back, and roll over onto his stomach. "Let me get a closer look, there."

She winced, seeing the bruising, and gently probed with her fingertips.

ooc: your call - anything seem to be broken, or are we looking at some serious bang-up damage or what not?

OOC: Looks like a possible cracked rib or two, and severe bruising etc.

IC:

Jaime winced as she touched it. "Ouch, that hurts."

"That's it ... " she slips out of the bed and walks over to the phone sitting on a small table in front of the large curtained window in the room.

"Yes ... send Dr. Cariati. Blunt trauma, possible cracked ribs. Now." she said in her usual commanding voice. Hanging up the phone, she turned and looked over her shoulder at him, brow still furrowed in concern.

"He'll be right up. No need to move you any further. Damn, hope we didn't make things worse moving you last night, and me twisting you around this morning."

"Thanks. If it's that serious, we'd better get a doctor." he says. "But seriously, I think I'll be fine."

She nodded, then picked up the phone again. "He'll be able to see if we need to do more. In the meantime ... just try and relax."

After dialing an extention she said "Some breakfast, for two, in my room ... Oh, I don't know - a selection." she said in a tired voice. "And please, make sure our other guests are properly provided for. Anything they want, get." Hanging up, she walked over to a large oak wardrobe, took out a simple black silk robe, and pulled it on.

At the mention of food, Jaime's stomach rumbled loudly.

She walked back over to the bed, sitting down carefully on the edge. "What am I going to do with you, boy?" she asked, smiling just a bit.

"And what are you going to do about ... well, him."

"I swear I'll kill him someday. Someday when there's no-one else around." he says in a low voice.

Shodey looks up at the mention of a doctor. "Hm?"

(OOC: Damn insomnia, Mk II)

She arched a brow at that, pushing a stray lock of hair back from his face.

"Oh really ..." she murmured. "And risk getting yourself killed in the process?"

"There must be a way to co-exist." she pondered, half to herself.

ooc: Welcome back, Shodey - I figure it's morning, we're in our rooms, and what not - can go from there. And yup - called for one, but please, feel free. Didn't know who was on, so ... ;)

And sorry on the insomnia. I'm going on about 2.5 hours myself. Woo.

"Co-existence ... with a creature that evil. There may be a way, but it'll be a long time before we find that." he said.

"Evil? Why - because it kills?" she said in suprise. "My dear, we've both had this discussion before ... if killing makes one evil, than the devil am I."

"Enough of all that, though," she shook her head slightly. "I don't think I care, evil or not ... so long as it doesn't hurt you, or me." He could tell she was still working it over in her mind, trying to understand what it was, and how it could be mastered.

He shook his head. "Not because it kills ... I can see its head, its memories ... I've been possessed by it. It is truly an evil creature."

"What ... can I ask you what you've seen? How you know?" she asked, concerned and curious all at once.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She got up, opened it, and brought in the wheeled cart with their breakfasts on it, thanking the servant who brought it quietly.

"In the meantime ... lets get something in your system." she said, pushing it over to the bed, and resuming her place at his side. "How can we get you comfortable for this? If we move you carefully, should be ok."

His eyes widen in delight at food. "I could eat a goat..." he murmurs.

Shodey pokes her head in the door. "Someone call for a doctor?"

Nathicana smiled broadly. "Yes, please." she said. "I think he's cracked a rib or two from last night's collision with the chair. Nasty bruising as well."

"Hmm..."

Putting two fingers on each side of Jaime's torso, Shodey mumbles to herself. "The one time I decide not to bring a medical kit...

"Ultrasound shows two not-so-badly cracked ribs, one bruised. Good call, Nathi. Bruising is relatively extensive, but no internal hemorraging. If we wrap his abdomen up he'll be fine in the long run. It'll just hurt for a while."

She takes a step back. "Not much else I or anyone else can do at the moment, except for maybe some painkillers. Hmm... I wonder... anyone have some really thin straight pins and a candle I can borrow?"

She nods in thanks at the compliment.

"Well, I've got someone coming up - should have the stuff we need to get him fixed. Told him what I thought he could expect."

"As for pins ... " she arches a brow, inquisitively.

"Oh, those," Shodey chuckles, "very old technique I've always wanted to try. As I lack anything more advanced, I'm thinking I could give acupuncture a shot for pain relief."

"Old technique? What do you say, Jaime?" she asked him.

A knock sounded at the door again. "Come." Nathi said shortly.

A middle-aged gentleman with a receeding hairline and bold goatee steps into the room, a good sized case under his arm.

Looking with a bit of alarm at SHODAN, he says "I believe I was summoned?"

"Oh, good, a second opinion!"

Jaime shrugs. "Sure, why not?"

Nodding to Dr. Cariati, Nathi motioned him over, introduced him, and briefed him on the situation thus far, which caused his eyes to widen yet again as he looked over at Shodey, notably uncomfortable.

"I ah ... well, yes." he said, making a cursory examination of Jaime. "I ah ... I do believe your ... findings were correct." he admitted somewhat grudgingly.

Taking out some wrappings from his case, he turned to Shodey and asked "Would you like to do the honors, or shall I?"

Nathi leaves them to take care of matters, making a quiet call for an accupuncture kit.

"Go ahead, Doctor," Shodey chuckles, "I suppose you must earn your pay somehow. Oh, and don't feel too badly; I have over fifty thousand combined hours of surgical experience."

Blinking slowly, he looks as though she's putting him on ... though his expression changes as he goes about his business, wrapping Jaime's ribs firmly, but without too much jostling.

"Well then ... if there's nothing else required of me?" he asks somewhat defensively. Pulling out a bottle of pills, he sets them on the tray of food. "For the pain, if he likes."

Nathi thanked him, and he made a curt bow before leaving.

After he'd gone, she laughs quietly. "He always was a stuffy old bastard."

"How's that feeling, boy? You ready for a tray?"

"Hmm." Shodey crosses her arms. "I thought people like that respected experience. No matter. Seeing how the esteemed doctor has left us, would now be a bad time to discuss what we mentioned at SlagAid?"

Her eyes lit up a bit at that. "Of course." She gave Jaime a sidelong glance as she lifted a tray onto the bed for him, so he could eat as his leisure.

"What all did you have in mind?"

"Well, lessee..." Shodey seems to measure up Nathi for a moment. "You said concentration on agility and strength, with an upgrade in hearing and various toxin protections... I was thinking an inner ear balance augmenter combined with hearing amplification and a level five sound filter for the cochlea. A spatial recognizer connecting would let you know exactly where any given sound would be coming from.

"For the six-million-dollar-woman bit, I'm thinking ceramic composite bone lacing, level two myomer muscle replacement, and a level two reflex boost; just a bit of wiring along your spinal column to increase your reaction time by an order of magnitude.

"The toxin filtration system would best be served via an annelid-base implant, probably set up in the chest cavity; basically force the esophagus and the trachea to pass through it, then connect it to the bladder. Against real nasties like most chemical weapons it wouldn't do much, but your more common poisons wouldn't faze you in the least.

"Still interested?"

Nathicana pursed her lips, pondering.

"Price, and recovery time?" she said, weighing the possibilities.

"Hrm," Shodey rubs her chin and rolls back on the heel of one foot, "Two million, and twenty-one days somnolescent healing stage. If that's too long, I can rig you up with an induction cyberjack on the house and you can at least communicate your whims to your country through it."

"I can't see any drawbacks to this proposal." she pondered, eyes flickering briefly to Jaime.

"Once I'm sure my boy here is up and running properly ... lets do it. And yes, I think that interface you mentioned would be good. My ministers have a habit of getting out of hand if left too long to their own devices." she grinned somewhat wickedly.

"And besides ... I can't think of anyone I'd rather watch over me than Jaime. I believe I'd feel completely safe during my recovery."

Halfway through eating something, Jaime looked up. "Um, what are you two talking about?" he asked.

"Oh just a few minor ... modifications, Jaime." she said with a sly grin. "You don't mind, do you?"

"Um ... Well, I suppose not ..." he says. "What kind of modifications? I may be interested in this..."

He, unknowingly even to himself, was thinking, If I can destroy a table with one punch when I don't even mean to do it, what would happen if I got muscle boosts?

He almost shuddered at the thought of it.

Shodey rocks back and forth on her heels. "Oh, I think it'd be best if Nathi explains. I'm just the enabler."

"Just a few things to give me an unexpected edge ... and ensure that I don't need to watch myself so closely at Dominion feasts." she chuckled.

"How's the food?" she asked, sneaking a strip of bacon off the cart.

"Shodey? Care for anything?"

He smiled a sly smile. "Well, as long as it keeps you safe ... I'm all for it." he said.

"What cooks do you hire for this place? The food's great! Or maybe that's because I haven't eaten in half a day."

"Eh, why not? For some reason, I find taste to be a wonderful sense... probably because it sets me apart from most electronic intelligences, or something to that effect. What do you have?"

She smiled back at him, grateful that he hadn't minded ... she wouldn't have liked a scene over it all. The idea of going under the knife for such a proceedure had her as nervous as excited as it was.

"Cooks? Oh, the usual, really ... believe they're graduates of the local culinary school, though. I've always thought they were rather good." she grins.

"You'll find here in the Dominion, almost every gathering revolves around food and wine. Damnably hard to keep one's girlish figure." she wriggled her brows.

Looking over the cart, she ticks off a list. "Well, there's some poached and sunny-side-up eggs here ... bacon ... sausage ... french toast ... some belgian style waffles with strawberries and cream ... biscuits & spreads ... cheeses & cold cuts ... hrm, even an omlette of some sort or other. OJ & milk as well."

"Of course, they'll be happy to whip you up whatever you'd like - just need to give them a ring."

"I've found at these functions a lot of stuff revolves around eating a lot." said Jaime.

She laughs, eyes twinkling with a touch of mischief. "I haven't noticed you complaining too much about it, Jaime."

He laughs. "Why would I? I never eat enough anyway. Having all this food in front of me just kind of overwhelms me and I eat everything I can."

"Get used to it." she said with a wink. "Whenever we're here, it's what you'll just have to put up with."

She brushed aside thoughts of 'how' and 'where' and the rest however, just wanting to enjoy things as they were - even with him laid up a bit.

Jaime reached around, feeling his cracked ribs. "Pity how whenever we get together I seem get injured..." he murmured.

"I told you I was bad for your health ..." she joked lightly.

"Well, I usually get injured about this frequently anyway. I believe three injuries in a month is actually a record in a good way for me. I have horrible luck when it comes to stuff like this." He reached up and took her henad.

She gave his hand a squeeze. "So ... now what do we do?" she chuckled softly. "Other than the 'makeover' process, of course." she nodded to Shodey.

"I've a nation to run ... you've a PM to guard ... Suppose we have to think of things like this sometime."

"Well, the PM I have to guard is currently asleep here." he said.

She went to poke him in the side, but stopped short, remembering his ribs. "You know damn well what I mean." she said grinning.

Taking a small breath, she grew serious. "I just want you to know, you're free to do what you think you need to. Whether with me, or away."

She leaned in and gave him a brief kiss. "Affairs of state are seldom simple. Lets just take it one day at a time, shall we?"

"All right. I always did like playing by ear, anyway." he said.

ooc: tg

OOC: Replied to.

"Well ... don't worry about it now. Finish up, and get some sleep. You look like you could use it." she said, getting up.

"If you'll be alright here for a bit, I really ought to see to the other guests, and take care of the mountain of work my ministers were yammering on about when we got here." She walked back to the wardrobe, taking out a simple broomstick skirt and matching shirt, both in black.

Not really caring about an audience, she quickly changed, pulled on a pair of soft, low boots, and primped a bit.

"Office is just down the hall, ok?" she brought the phone over to him. "Just dial 21. Food is 30. If all else fails, yell." She grinned, leaning down to give him a slow kiss.

"You get yourself well, boy ... you owe me." she whispered near his ear, then stood up and walked to the door. "Shodey - make yourself at home. Whatever you need, just ask. If you'd like to discuss details - I'll be in my office in just a few."

"All right," he says, as she leaves. As soon as she's gone, he falls down onto his pillows asleep.

ooc: not knowing the when/who/how of everything ... I'll assume I'm able to touch base with whomever, those who need to leave do, those who wish to stay do, and go on from there. And thus, get back somewhat to the old 'running the country' grind. *chuckles*

Icarus awakes with a start from the chair he was dozing in, dropping the reading glasses and book he was holding. "My... did I fall asleep?" He stands, and stretches, brushing the ceiling with his fists. "Wonder if there's food like that somewhere for me..." He wanders off to search for the kitchen and Giovanna.

ooc: the kitchens will of course be more than happy to serve you up whatever your imagination can come up with - within reason. *grin*

ic:
Giovanna was sitting at the table, eating quietly when he walks in. On seeing him, her face lights up in a brilliant smile.

"Sleep well? We none of us knew quite how to move you to a more comfortable spot." she explained.

(Barry walks down the stairs in his usual suit and tie, appearing remarkably alert. He goes downstairs to the dining area and grabs a few strips of bacon, a biscuit, and a sausage patty. He cracks open the biscuit and places the meat in between, then downs the meal in a few bites. He offers a wave to whomever is present.)

BARRY:
"Gooooooooood morning, kids."

Giovanna smiles and waves, lifting her glass of juice up in a friendly salute.

"My, you look chipper." she says.
------------
Nathi comes briskly down the stairs. Seeing folks in the dining room, she smiles and joins them.

Tilting her head, she considers Barry for a moment, trying to judge his mood. Figuring what the hell, she walks over, gives him a brief hug, and says "Good morning." to the group of them.

"Everyone sleep alright?" she stifles a yawn.

"Understandable enough. I doubt three of your men would have been able to lift me. How's Jaime doing?"

"Just fine," he says, stepping off the stairs. "A little tired, albeit, but I'm fine."

Nathi puts her hands on her hips, and looks at him sternly. "And you're up this morning ... why?" she says, chin tilted up imperiously, though her eyes show concern.

Icarus turns. "Jaime, I must speak with you privately in a few moments. Have some wine or sommat, I need to eat." Icarus wanders into the kitchens, causing a commotion, and soon returns with a rather odd-looking assembly of eggs, beef, mushrooms, rice, and onions.

He turns to Nathi. "Hey, I'm fine. I've had much worse injuries than this and been up and running the next day. I mean, the time I had internal bleeding from having a crowbar stuck through my lung I only was in the hospital for a few days." He manages to say this all with a straight face.

"I'm alright, I'm just a bit tired."

Icarus finds the same chair as before, and sits over by 'Vanna. "You eaten yet?"

ooc: Oi, the lag!
ic:

Giovanna smiles warmly up at Icarus. "Just getting started," she said, reaching to get a warm bagel.
-------
Nathi walks quickly over to Jaime, very gently putting an arm around his waist to offer support if he needs it.

"Feel like sitting down for a bit? Or ...?" she trailed off, looking to Icarus.

"That's quite the concoction you've come up with there, Icarus." she arches a brow, looking over at it interestedly.

"Hey Icarus, what'd you want to see me about?" Jaime asks.

"I've always been a bit of a cook as well as everything else I do... they smelled like they'd go together, and they do." Icarus grins, and goes back to eating. "As for what I wanted to talk to you about, I've come up with a way to... solve your problem. Been readin' the old legends again, and I have a solution to propose."

Jaime raised his chin the slightest bit, looking at Icarus. "What is this way...?"

"The legends tell of a Holy Ceremony of Icarus, destined to be performed by a third I of D, to forever banish darkness from a 'J of H.' Seems to fit well, you, after all, are 'Jaime of Haraki' and I'm Icarus the Third of Daezeman." Icarus takes a bite. "So I went and got the Book of Ceremony, and I've figured out how to do it. Wanna try it out?"

"That depends what the ceremonies consist of." he said. "If they consist of me stabbing myself repeatedly in the forehead and throat with a butter knife, I think I'll decline. Although I do find it a bit hard to believe that I would be writrten about by people long before my time."

"My ancestors... well, the legends have often proven to be true. No... I'm not sure what happens, exactly, but it is said that it will end Arcanum forever."

"Well, then you go look up what woudl be done, and then I'll tell you whether or not I'll do it." he said.

"Oh, I know what is done. You are sent into a sleep, and I take on the power of Glorium... the holy sword is dashed through you while Arcanum is in control, and he is banished. It's been done before, to release holders from Arcanum, but it always leaves him simply weakened, not dead."

OOC: Have to go for a little while for dinner. Be bakc later.

Nathicana watched the two conversing somewhat nervously. Knowing better than to butt in, she snagged another strip of bacon off a plate, and nibbled it nervously, keeping an eye on things.

Still don't see why a symbiotic relationship couldn't exist ... gods, the power you could have ...

Icarus turns to Nathicana. "It's quite simple, really, humans are not intended to hold that much power. We Whites are trained from an early age to use it..." Icarus pales. "And I just accidentally used one of the powers."

She arches a brow, taking on a very cool demeanor.

"If you think I'm going to let you run a sword through the one man who's managed to get close, let alone marry me, you've got another thing coming, boy."

At his odd reaction, she stopped. "What did you do?" she said quietly.

"The main power of Glorium is the mental power Daezeman noblery are known for. Specifically, the hearing of inner thoughts." Icarus returns to his food. "And as for the sword, it's not so much a blade in this ceremony as it is an incarnation of Glorium. Won't leave so much as a scratch."

Both brows went up at that, chin tilted up in a haughty manner.

"With respect, Icarus ... I would request you keep your mind out of my head. Or at least have the grace not to comment on what you may think you see there." she said very cooly.

"As for the rest ... it's not my decision." She didn't sound especially pleased at that.

"I do apologise, I meant no harm. Occasionally, a thought will leak out, and I will pick up on it and not realise that it wasn't spoken." Icarus turns to Giovanna. "So how'd you like to be the ambassador to Daezeman? It's quite a good position, decent pay, and all."

Shodey waits patiently in the office. It's in bad taste to eat a patient's food.

Icarus booms up to Shodan, "Come! There's nobody else up there, you know." His voice reaches volumes most cannot reach, and rattles tables and glasses.

Giovanna looked quite pleased with her turn of fortunes. "As we spoke last night ... I accept."
----
Nathicana looked decidedly uncomfortable at Icarus' explanation, using this awkward time to excuse herself to go find SHODAN, whom she'd thought was going to come down with the rest.

ooc: oi ... too much to keep up on when off and on. ;)

Shodey's head peeks down from the stairs. "Yes, I see that. I simply have a bit of business to attend to, right now."

Nathi nods & shrugs, hoping everything is alright.

Figuring she might as well, she takes a glass of milk and sips it quietly, trying to keep her thoughts very quiet, not comfortable knowing someone can hear her plotting, schemeing, and other things she'd prefer to keep hidden.

Icarus pulls a metal band out of his pocket and places it around his head. "Finally, some mental silence... This is a psychic disruptor. Nothing anyone thinks can be heard by me when I have it on." Icarus stands and returns to the kitchen to make more of his odd breakfast.

I really must remember to bring my psi-amp along more often, if nothing else but to record all the psionics usage I see.

"Err, Nathi, I believe my business concerns you somewhat."

"Tell me, Nathicana, would there be a shooting range anywhere around? I'm afraid it's time for my weekly practice with the ceremonial pistol."

She nodded to Icarus. "Out back, past the stables, up against the hillside. Mind you don't use the archery targets."

"If you'll all excuse me ... " she looked back up the stairs, then back to Jaime, seeing he seemed as well as could be expected. "I may as well."

Trotting back up the stairs, she walked up to SHODAN. "Well then ... " she began, unsure.

"So, when can I schedule your appointment?" Shodey smiles. "Cost includes a all-expenses-paid trip to Rhea for treatment. Look at it this way--free space ride!"

"Just need to make sure it's alright with ..." she nodded towards the stairs. "Think he'd have a fit if I just up and disappeared on him now."

"Whatever your schedule can allow." She looked a touch nervous about the prospect of space.

"21 days, you say? Not bad ... not bad ... would just need to make arrangements here. Someone I can trust ..." she grimaced at that. "Alright, someone I can mostly trust for that length of time."

Icarus walks up to the range, and bows his head. He draws a large, impressive pistol, and aims at a tree. He lines up, and fires, leaving a gigantic hole.