2019-06-14: Never Don't Have Cake
- Log: Never Don't Have Cake
- Cast: Kaguya Alathfar, Elvis, Amaterasu, Ambrosius, Ivan, White Knight Leo, Pearl, Skylr Paer, Seraph Liath
- Where: Kilika - Town Center
- Date: June 14, 2019
- Summary: The Veruni and the Guard have a more-formal meeting. The Guard state their plans and the Veruni pledge their support. There is also cake. The mechanics of choking an elephant is discussed.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
The tropical sun shines high overhead, beating down on the raised platforms over the sea that make up this part of Kilika town. It is relatively quiet, mostly because when it wasn't relatively quiet things got tense, what with the town being literally occupied by a foreign force. But it's fine! It's totally fine. It's for their Own Good.
...Well, maybe maybe not, but it's not all bad.
Just this instant there's a space cleared, some shade over at the edge of a square, some curious looks--and tables. The Duchess has invited a few people to meet people from her far-off original homeland who are here to help! And...
And just now, Kaguya Alathfar herself is walking over with a maid and chatting amiably as the woman--about half a foot taller than she is--carries a platter, covered.
"This was a good idea on your part," she says to the maid pleasantly. "Soldiers or dignitaries, I think it's sound policy..." They reach the area and the maid sets the plate down, while Kaguya turns--there are chairs arranged as well as tables, suitably appointed for Appointed People, "Never don't have cake."
"Good day, everyone. If you're wondering why I invited you here... Obviously, it's to show off my dear sister and colleagues from before I came to Hyland to the good warriors of our Goddess. And to let you try out Annette's recipe."
In fact as the cover is removed, it is... a large, frosted cake! Expertly handmade, ornate but restrained, suitable to the dignity of holy warriors. ...Probably.
"It'd be super embarrassing if you didn't like it, so make sure to say nice things unless you want to make her sad!"
...Annette, behind and to the side, only doesn't sweatdrop because anime isn't real.
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
"My WORD the smell of this is almost as bad as that creature was cantakerous!"
There is only one man who has a voice that loud when it wants to be without some kind of magic. It comes from near the edge of Kilika, by the forest. A very tall man walks past the guard, toting some kind of leaf or frond about as big as he is. A purple-ish green affair, some of the guards reel from it as he walks past.
BGM: Slayer's Theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AATZMR3LgIw
Elvis currently wears an auburn suit with a twill style to it, a jacket sized for him. Very thick stiching hems edges and pockets with yellow-gold threading. Bright purple ruffled blouse cuffs bloom from the sleeve ends, capping massive hands with fingerless white gloves, though the ycurrently seem stained with green, as though one were gardening or messing with plants. A turquoise ascot plumes around the neck, kept in check by the three large buttons on the massive coat.
Elvis wears a white gold rimmed monocle with a light blue crystal lens. A chain trails tapers from it to a front pocket.
Seeing others gather nearby, he heads that direction, though not before discarding that giant leaf a ways back under some shade. He plans to pick it back up earlier. "Hoo... interesting wildlife in this place!" he states matter-of-factly.
He knows a meeting here was intended to learn about the allies they plan to work with. The Althena's Guard, if he recalls. He has run into them before. Not typically in a negative manner. An alliance therefore made sense. THey were a religious source which garnered skepticism, at least until Azado. Evidence is difficult to refute it it appears right in front of you! Or rather, in the sky near you.
"Greetings!" he states to his fellow Veruni, and a nod toward the current occupants fo the island. Leo gets special recognition immediately. "Ah! I remember you! From Pendrago, was it?"
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
These days, where there is Kaguya... it can be a nearly certain thing that Amaterasu isn't far off.
It should be noted for the record that while undoubtedly the two women are sisters -- the shape of the face, the sharp sharp teeth, the pointed ears, the shade of blonde to their hair (Amaterasu's long to Kaguya's short), to the exact shade of their eyes...
The thing that most people will definitely note is that where Kaguya is under five feet in height, Amaterasu looks as if she is roughtly six and a half.
She's still shorter than Elvis.
And unlike Elvis, she wears armor -- peculiar armor, to those from Meribus or Glenwood. It only covers parts of her body -- stomach, shins, forearms -- and a small part of her head. There's no doubting she's a warrior, and indeed, a few of them may have seen her in action already, particularly at the doomed Operation Mi'ihen.
Right now she is advancing (that is the right word) on White Knight Leo, possibly at about the same moment that Elvis does.
"I am told that you are Leo," she states. "I understand that you have been taking care of my sister." She extends a hand.
Her grip is positively crushing, if he takes it.
"The cake looks lovely, though I will not partake."
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius had received an interesting invitation from Kaguya - a request to visit Kilika, to be introduced to the members of Althena's Guard that she was working with.
He accepted, of course, otherwise he would not be here.
He arrives in his usual fashion, dressed in a red poncho that covers most of his body with a protective suit underneath.
"It is...a pleeeasure...to meet all of you..." Ambrosius greets, offering everyone a polite bow of his head as he moves to take a seat.
He does not have much else to add, but then, he usually was the quiet source unless there was a subject he was particularly interested in talking about.
He will, however, eventually claim a slice of cake out of politeness.
<Pose Tracker> Ivan has posed.
Ivan has recently learned there is an assassin hiding in the Guard (another one aside from himself, that is), and since that OTHER assassin is trying to kill his sister's girlfriend, he is strongly motivated to find them. This makes the prospect of a diplomatic mixer sort of thing even more daunting than it otherwise might've been, because he can't just hide at the edges of things or make up an excuse to be elsewhere, as it's probably a good opportunity to, like, listen for clues as people talk about themselves, and such. Except: Ivan is bad at mingling, having neither an affinity for small talk nor an abundance of tact.
Actually, he's never been to a real party where he wasn't there to do something like serve drinks and then corner someone in a side room and kill them at the end. Is this a party? Well, there's cake. That makes it party-ish enough. And Kaguya's sister is here, maybe? Does having a sister take Kaguya off the suspect list...? Probably yes, in addition to being a well-recognized noble from a faraway land...
Anyway, Ivan's relative fish-out-of-waterness when it comes to conversation is why the only thing he can think of to say is: "You guys are extremely tall!"
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
The breeze carries the stench of Elvis's prize across the town. Beneath the awning, Leo wrinkles his nose, and scrunches up his face. "Goddess," he says. "Did something die?" He glances at Kaguya and her aide as they approach; Leo squints at the object under the cover, uncertain if it's the source of the smell.
Oh, Leo realizes. It's just a cake. The stench begins to die down, preventing what could've been an unfortunate (if funny) accident.
For now.
"Lady Kaguya," Leo says, rising, and inclining his head in her direction. "It's an honor to meet more of your fellows." One of them is walking towards him right now! Two. Two of them. "Yes," Leo says, to both of them. His hand grips Amaterasu's for a firm handshake. Leo immediately regrets this decision. He puts on his most charming smile, trying his best to ignore the pained protests from every single bone in his hand. "I am he. And who might you be?" He glances at Elvis, too, apparently including him in the question.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
Annette, at least, appreciates Elvis's finery. As a young woman in a fancy, frilly dress, she appreciates nice clothes when she sees them, though she is too polite to stare even considering that Elvis is big enough that his suit probably could make like four regular sized suits. It's fine. ...
Everyone appreciates not smelling the leaf probably.
"Oh yeah," Kaguya agrees, "Though I'm not sure I'd call most of them 'wildlife.' I can show you the samples I've gathered of the flora, though."
In point of fact, when Ambrosius takes a slice of cake, it is delicious. .......It's mostly tuned for human and beastmen bodies, sure, so it's no apple wine, but Annette does not have reason to cry in shame later. At least, not about her cake. The party's still young so time may tell.
...Kaguya, on the other hand, finds herself slightly mortified at how Amaterasu introduces herself, and she glances to the side with just a hint of actual impatient awkwardness. One can imagine her muttering, 'Maaa-aaaat...' except that she doesn't actually do it. Instead--
"Uh, yeah," she starts at first, and then clears her throat. "That is--"
"Yes. This is the White Knight," Kaguya explains, and grins for a moment rather than immediately moving to introductions before--
'You guys are extremely tall!'
...Kaguya frowns.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
Guardswoman Pearl is two things: Tired, and not sure she wants to be here today. This is downtime that in her mind could be better spent training or hunting fiends. To be fair, almost all time could be better spent training or hunting fiends, so these are not unusual thoughts for her. What is unusual is being invited to a meet and greet for warriors from a distant land. This felt dangerously close to diplomacy for Pearl's liking. She was not good at diplomacy.
But even she concedes that it might be difficult to do what she is here to do if she keeps avoiding such situations. So, with rings under her eyes and a clean outfit- currently the closest she does to 'well dressed'- Pearl is amongst those of Althena's Guard who are here to meet the strangers from another land. Her eyes narrow slightly as Kaguya's maid brings out a platter, and then... cake.
Pearl is unsure if she's ever been at an event that's had cake before. This is uncharted territory.
Still, she takes note of the arriving party, giving a respectful, if slightly shallow, bow to the new delegates. "It is an honor to meet allies and family of Duchess Alathfar." That feels a little practiced. "I look forward to fighting alongside you." That's what they're here for, right?
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
The scent still carries over here a bit. Mayhap he should have dropped it even further out. It is a sickly sweet smell that has the hint of a rotting corpse. Thankfully a wind is dispersing it now. At least somewhat.
Indeed, Elvis is a little over eight feet tall and is nothing but muscle, starkly contrasted by his worn finery. Though the other Veruni are all at least six feet and well built. Kaguya not so much but she has her reasons and is just as amazing as everyone else!
Elvis will fight people over that.
The cake though does look lovely! He will partake shortly for certain! Amaterasu gets a nod as she greets Leo, and he can almost hear the pain from that handshake. "Why yes, young man! We are a tall kind of people! Granted to us by..." Uh. Aren't they kinda doing an undercover thing? Or at least misinformation. "...Generations of self-improvement!"
Elvis flexes an arm audibly. Nailed it.
A look back to Leo. "I am Elvis of the Four Sentinels! I lead research and development in our fine nation." Also one of the five governing voices of the Veruni, but Kaguya is supposed to be the leader here. He thinks? He glances to her to see if he is doing this right.
When Amaterasu is done shaking Leo's hand, Elvis will extend his own to him, as wel las the others. His hand is GIANT. Imagine the crushing power it may have...!
Of course he just does a standard firm handshake, though his hand mostly consumes the others to the wrist. A harrowing moment until realization dawns. "Kaguya, Ambrosius. Amaterasu. How have you been?" he asks of course. His people are already few and far between, even moreso on this foreign land. They are extremely valuable and appreciated.
"Ah, fighting, yes!" he replies to Pearl with. "Always ready to hone the arte of fisticuffs!" he says toward her. "What, pray tell, do you specialize in?" She seems the scrappy type!
<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.
Guardswoman Skylr is hiding behind Leo.
This is for multiple reasons.
She's nearer to Kaguya's height, after all, so some of the other Veruni are like ... a little overwhelming for her. She does twiddle her fingers and mutters something under her breath in Leo's general direction as he exchanges handshakes with some of the STRONGEST. She eyes the cake. Soon... soooon....
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
Her nose wrinkles as a bit of the scent wafts her way, if only fleetingly. A muscle close to an eye twitches, but otherwise the soldier remains deadpan. "Have you found another, Sentinel? Perhaps that should go to Kaguya's laboratory."
Instead of here, at least.
"Indeed," Amaterasu says, when Ivan remarks aloud that they're all quite tall. Elvis is a little more helpful about it, by comparison. Just once and only once does her gaze turn Kaguya's way, as if to read whatever face her sister may make at that.
Her expression becomes a little more stony afterwards.
Amaterasu just shakes Leo's hand, ignorant of any odd popping or cracking sounds, as if she always does it like this.
...Just what sort of childhood did Kaguya have?
"Amaterasu," she answers, inclining her head in a short clipped nod when he asks after her name. "Kaguya's older sister," she adds. "I, too, am a soldier. For the endeavor in Spira, I have pledged to lend my blade and skills to you and the rest of the Guard."
'Blade' may be an interesting way of putting the laser-bladed spear she wields...
She looks over at Pearl. "Indeed. Unlike my comrades, my skill rests in the battlefield alone. May our fighting together be glorious."
Her gaze then moves behind him. "It appears you have a little shadow," she says, shifting as if to see the person lingering behind Leo. "Come on out, little shadow. I promise I don't bite."
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
"The cake...is quite good, thank you..." Ambrosius comments with a nod, as he gives it a taste. He may just be being polite, but even so the quality can't be doubted.
Introductions are being done, so he looks upon the others. His attention briefly falls upon the young man who comments on their height - Ivan.
Ambrosius's expression is difficult to read.
He looks toward Pearl, next, offering her a polite incline of the head in acknowledgment. She may or may not recognize him as one of the ones who went after the Shadow Dragons in the Meribian Sewers to retrieve Riesenlied's kidnapped children.
And then, his attention turns toward White Knight Leo, he gets a polite nod as well.
"I...am Ambrosius... My speeecialty lies in...reeesearch and eeengineering... Though I still possess...some combat skill..." He introduces himself, for his sake as well as for the rest of his Guard.
He looks toward Elvis, then, as he asks how he has been.
"I have been well... Thank you..." He replies. "I have had much work...to keep me occupiiied..."
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Leo reclaims his hand from Amaterasu's bone-crushing grip. He lowers the arm to his side momentarily, discreetly flexing to see if anything's broken--but no, it just hurts like the dickens. Leo's seen Kaguya pull off feats of strength that should be impossible for a woman of her size and build. And this is her elder sister...?
Leo returns Elvis's handshake. Thankfully, his poor, hurting hand doesn't suffer further insult. "Hyland appointed a dedicated researcher?" He sounds a little surprised, and also impressed. "Perhaps you should speak with the Black Wizard later." Leo pauses, and glances over at the cake. Now that the awful smell isn't wafting this way, it seems much more appetizing. He accepts a slice of cake. As Amaterasu points out his 'shadow', Leo glances over his shoulder. "This is Guardswoman Paer," he says, introducing her. "One of our most dedicated healers."
<Pose Tracker> Ivan has posed.
"...are you saying there are exercises that make you taller?" Ivan isn't personally interested in that kind of thing, given that he spent a lot of time learning acrobatics and every growth spurt meant hoping he could relearn how to pull off a backflip with longer legs. But he finds himself imagining it anyway. "Does it involve hanging upside-down or something?"
A couple of people are giving him looks--including a frowning Kaguya--where he realizes he is being awkward. Well, that's to be expected, anyway!! Of course he's being awkward? What are other people who aren't being awkward saying, anyway? Just trading names and occupations and things. And complimenting one another. Is that what he was supposed to be doing...?
Ivan looks askance from Kaguya in particular and slouches, partially contrite but more predominantly disgruntled.
Calling them tall could be construed as complimentary... but he supposes that it can't be a compliment without being an insult to Kaguya.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
Not only cake--cake that you don't have to stab anyone to get! In fact please don't stab anyone right now it would be a lot of trouble for the maids, though, working for Kaguya, they're actually quite good at getting bloodstains out of thnigs. Just, fun fact.
Kaguya doesn't seem to notice the scent. There is no obvious explanation of this.
"Yeah," Kaguya adds, and Amaterasu can sure see the sour look on Kaguya's face about the height thing, "We tend to be pretty tall..." But she is not, no. She does not dwell on this fact apparently. (No she totally does.)
Kaguya considers correcting the official backstory she's concocted for everything, but decides that if people assume they're all from Hyland there are worse things, and if ti comes out later she can pretend she was being polite not to correct a great hero in public. It's fine. It's super fine. Better not to make it more complicated and invite scrutiny anyway.
"I mean," she says to Ivan, "It's less exercises and more selective breeding. Over generations if you favor height then you get taller kids! Nobility is like that."
She seems much more cheerful all of a sudden, mostly because while she was annoyed at Ivan, his obvious discomfort makes it all better because Kaguya is not actually a very nice person. "Guardswoman Pearl here," she continues to Elvis, "Is a great combatant. I've had a chance to see her in action, and I intend to bring her on more missions if I can sneak her away from her current assignment. Very interesting techniques." A beat, "...And I can assure you you will definitely have the chance for glorious."
Kaguya grins toothily at Skylr too. ...They have probably spent some time together because Kaguya's health as a rule is terrible, but, this instant--
"The Professor," she gestures to Elvis, "Was one of my teachers when I was younger, and I still draw on some of his research to build on later though I went into a different field than his focus. Similarly, Mister Ambrosius and I have some common interests there."
Pause.
"Also I'm pretty sure my sister could choke an elephant to death with her bare hands. So, y'know."
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
The very large man introduces himself as a combatant, and that is something Pearl understands. Pearl is a relatively tall woman, but she has to look up at all of their visitors. It is an uneasy feeling. "I am Pearl. I was trained by the wolfmen of Horam. in their Wolf Style." Pearl is emphatically not a Wolfman. But that might explain the claws on her boots. She's not wearing her matching gloves, but a silver fang still protrudes from under her top lip.
Amaterasu again earns a respectful nod. "The battlefield is where we find ourselves. A skilled warrior like yourself will be an asset." There's also a thought that pops into her head. It would be rude to just ask for a sparring match, but perhaps the chance to train with these strange warriors will emerge. ...Yes, she has a bit of a one track mind at the moment.
Ivan earns a minor stare from Pearl, but not commentary. Not yet, at least. Skylr's hiding, on the other hand, does. "It is rude to hide from our allies, Skylr Paer." Is that chiding? Is Pearl allowed to chide?
Ambrosius is familiar. Unpleasantly familiar. Her memory turns back to a man being bifurcated by pressurised water. Not a particular loss, if he died there, but it is enough to make her wary of the red poncho'd man. Her grey eyes hover on him a little too much, and she realises that. She quickly turns away to...
Grab a piece of cake. That is a convenient excuse to break eye contact. She just sort of stands there holding it for a few moments, before she realises how odd that looks, and she takes a bite. Her eyes widen, and it takes her some time to comment. "....This is... very sweet."
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
"Aaaaaabsolutely!" Elvis states toward Ivan. Young man seems a bit of a serious type. Kaguya contradicts him. Uh. IMPROVISE TIME. "I mean, yes! That too! But the stretches and pull-ups are how get get strong too! Must keep fit lest the genes decide you do not require it!" It is increasingly sounding like he is just promoting healthy exercise.
This is of course fales but is a great way to keep in shape and build muscle! The Professor sees a person behind Leo. They look familiar somehow. But he will give her the space she needs, she will come out when she feels like it to join the soiree!
"We are quite far from home, so I can understand that sentiment," Elvis comments toward Ambrosius. "I have been performing some horticultural research in my spare time." A look to that leaf. It is too heavy to blow away. What could it have come from?
"Yes, such is my station! I generally work in the areas of medicine as of late but am known for researching advancements in science, constructs, weapons, magic, most anything I find is in need of improvement." A pause. "A wizard, you say? Most interesting! Perhaps I will get to see them in the coming days." He rubs his hands together once. Another true intellectual!
He listens to Kaguya as he looks back to Pearl. Pearl speaks on her own behalf as well. "A style, you say? I take it that is a form of hand-to-hand combat? I would enjoy seeing this sometime!" he says, seeming rather enthused. In his spare time, lookin in to these forms of martial arts always piqued his fancy. Many of them require more fluid movement than he is capable of however, due to his size.
"Perhaps one day I will be able to get back to my real research, I do hate leaving personal projects unfinished. But for now, I am working on types of medicine for our people."
Did she say Amaterasu could choke out an elephant? A look toward Kaguya's warrior-sister. A blink.
He could see it.
<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.
"I- I'm not hiding! I'm just standing where I should be!" Behind Leo, like a good healer does.
Kaguya smiles at her, and Skylr sweats a little. "It's -- It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I am glad that we can all work together. Please trust me with your health! I will take good care of you." Sky is firm about this, as she should be.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Leo takes a few bites of the cake, and nods to Kaguya, appreciatively. "My compliments to the baker," he says. "I've never had something so rich on campaign before." He sets down his fork.
'Also I'm pretty sure my sister could choke an elephant to death with her bare hands.'
Leo nods, gravely serious. His hand still smarts.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Leo takes a few bites of the cake, and nods to Kaguya, appreciatively. "My compliments to the baker," he says. "I've never had something so rich on campaign before." He sets down his fork.
'Also I'm pretty sure my sister could choke an elephant to death with her bare hands.'
Leo nods, gravely serious. His hand still smarts.
"Then you'll find no end of work in this place, Sentinel," Leo says, to Elvis. "There is no end of... strangeness to study, even setting aside our task."
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
It's okay, Ivan, Ambrosius isn't judging you - much. Instead, he looks at Pearl. He notes the way her gaze fixates on him for a moment longer than ordinary...but he does not think too much of it. Her cover is safe, it seems - to him, she may just be assessing her current allies.
Instead, he looks toward Elvis with a nod.
"I noticed... I hope...it is of some use..." He replies.
Skylr, meanwhile, gets a polite nod of acknowledgment as she greets them all.
"Iiindeed... I will trust your taaalents..." He replies. Healing was a very important task - he had some capability himself, but given the choice he would prefer to leave it to someone dedicated to the field.
His gaze tracks toward Leo, next, as he mentions the 'strangess'.
"Iiindeed..." He agrees. "My current area of study...is the naaature of the 'Fiiiends' that roam these lands... 'Straaangeness'...perhaaaps...is an accurate descriiiption..."
<Pose Tracker> Ivan has posed.
Kaguya explains that the height of her peers has something to do with marriage selections.
"What happens to the short ki--...?" Ivan actually kind of hears himself this time, and lets the sentence die off regretfully, but the damage is done. "I'm really not doing a good job at talking!" he admits.
At this rate, Kaguya is going to revoke that offer she made earlier of wanting to sponsor treasure-hunting ventures for him and Lydia...
Other people are having... more normal and appropriate conversations, and once again, he tries to tune into that wavelength. Pearl discusses her combat style, which has something to do with wolves...? Elvis speaks about his research, and Skylr about her healing. All right -- well, he could try to talk about what he can do in a battle, or even just introduce himself like a normal person, but he can't imagine why anyone here would care who he is if they don't know already. So perhaps he is doomed to keep saying only weird and inappropriate things, even if he were to introduce himself, since introducing himself seems wrong, too.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
Perhaps it was a test, of a sort for Leo.
Or perhaps it was nothing. It is difficult to tell -- Amaterasu doesn't bat an eye. She just continues to regard him, as if to silently evaluate the man who stands before her now...
And the man who had taken the field at Mi'ihen. She had been watching then, too.
"None for me," she speaks, stepping aside when the cake has begun to be handed out. "You have done wonderful work. But I cannot partake." There is some leniency for grains, in Amaterasu's diet. There is none for sugars. Between her own unique metabolic needs -- different again from her sister's own -- and what is best for her lifestyle...
Suffice to say, Kaguya probably saw to it that there is meat on the menu for those who cannot or must not eat sweets.
"Paer... I see," she says, stepping about Leo as if to see Skylr more clearly. "The role of a healer is an important one. You are one who keeps those such as myself alive and well on the battlefield! For the sake of my colleagues in arms, I give you my thanks." Her lips twist, as if in some silent amusement of her own. "There is no need to hide, little Paer."
Her attention, in fact, only departs from Skylr once -- when Ivan asks after exercises that might make one taller.
That earns a small and mostly silent chuff of a laugh from the tall warrior, as if there was something funny -- or maybe familiar? -- about that question.
"Yes. May together our resolve bring us to victory," she says, to Pearl's statement. Pearl, perhaps, is a woman after -- or similar enough to -- her own heart.
There is a purity to be found in battle. Where thought doesn't matter, only the transcendant moment of focus as one strikes true.
Something like Sin only defiles the sentiment. Amaterasu's even gaze darkens a moment, her thoughts unwillingly dragging her back before she can shake them loose and return to this moment.
She could definitely choke out an elephant.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
"You even sound like her," Kaguya says of? to? Pearl, and it's with a bit of a sigh. She 'hmms' though. The wwolfmen of Horam... Well, not that Kaguya is entirely sure what a wolf is. It hasn't come up that much.
She just offers a short sharp laugh at the matter of Skylr hiding.
Elvis... Elvis is really committing to the bit, huh? Well, "Obviously I missed the memo about whatever those were..." Horticultural research! Naturally Kaguya's a fond person of those, but as Elvis mentions his field, "Oh, yeah, Borgan's pretty cool. I'm still kind of annoyed nobody told me we could bring hovering platforms. I would totally have built a hovering platform if someone had told me."
Kaguya holds grudges. She super does. But, "I think we can rrange the sight though."
Kaguya grins at Skylr. "See? Besides hiding is an important skill for a good healer. We wouldn't want the enemy targetting her or anything, we kinda need her."
Annette, meanwhile, smiles brightly at Pearl's clear surprise and delight, and stands up quite straighter as Leo offers compliments to--well, it's her. She inclines her head with dignity, "Thank you, milord, I only do as I am able." Then a beat to Pearl, "Some of it's just a matter of the right ingredients--the freshness afforded us now that we're off the ships makes quite the difference!"
She knows someone hooked when she sees it.
"Oh yeah this place is super weird. Ambrosius is already making progress just on a little study, though--it's going to be really useful for our future operations."
Ivan of course has asked about the short kids. Kaguya turns to him. She tilts her head, and smiles, widely. What big teeth she has, little red riding ivan.
"It's fine!" she says. Is it, though? But she waits a beat, "Obviously the bit about the short kids is why I only date girls."
There are definitely alternate meal arrangements planned for those who don't eat sweets, of course. Kaguya doesn't feel the need generally to step in on Amaterasu's behalf, since frankly hr sister always had a certain... presence that Kaguya lacked until recently. Even now it's different. "...And in turn," she offers, "The Guard have some very interesting techniques of their own--I've picked up a few new tricks, myself."
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Liath has posed.
The mild creak of wood boards against metal boot heels and the glint of sunlight against polished armor herald the arrival of someone new. She approaches against the temperate backdrop of natural beauty that Kilika affords, even in its current state; one, gloved hand resting on the pommel of a ceremonial longsword, the other held comfortably at her side, she'd likely be a new sight even for some of the Guard here. One that might have been seen wandering, here and there, but in large part has kept to herself -- acclimating, slowly but surely, to new and unexpected surroundings.
Recent in more ways than one, the Seraph known as Liath keeps the confident stride of a knight's bearing nonetheless as she approaches the meeting of Althena's chosen protectors and their newfound allies as if, the white-tipped bangs of her otherwise bound gold hair spilling just slightly towards the left with the curious -- and apologetic -- cant of her head.
"My apologies for my late arrival," her voice, accented in a way hard to place, rings clear as crystal as she grows closer, not loud, but projected with a confident clarity that complements the warmth of it well. A smile matches her words as she lifts her armored hand to her chest, dipping just slightly in a bow equal parts respectful and contrite. "There were matters that I had little choice but attend to."
Bright gold eyes shut for a moment, as the Seraph of Light bows her head just so.
"You may call me Liath," she greets, the warmth of her all but infectious. "It is a true honor to finally have the opportunity to meet our new allies."
A second passes.
"... What is this about choking elephants?"
Is she going to judge--
"I must admit, it is a difficult task to manage when they have been fully Hellionized. The trunk, you see, is very..."
Her brows scrunch, searching for the right words.
"... unwieldy."
And so enters Liath, discussing the nuance of elephant choking in combat.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
Pearl seems somewhat absorbed in the act of eating cake, for the moment. She is not using a fork, such terrible table manners. Still, she remembers herself, perhaps a bit too late. "Your words do me honor, Duchess Alathfar." And then she looks to Skylr, who claims not to be hiding. "...Very well. I misunderstood." That seems... an earnest enough statement.
Next is a nod to Elvis. "Indeed. It is a martial art. Horam is home to many such schools." This is perhaps as complete a spiel on her 'hometown' as she is going to give. "What of your own fighting style?" Fisticuffs was probably a giveaway, but it's a fair question.
Pearl is, perhaps, similar enough to Amaterasu. Maybe she just really likes fighting. "As you say. I am eager to see your techniques in battle." Perhaps there is a kindred spirit there.
Annette goes into detail on the cake, and Pearl nods, if perhaps not taking it all in. "I have not had such a thing before. Thank you." She can manage politeness. She doesn't yet go for another piece. Seconds were not a part of her life growing up, and asking for more tended to end in pain.
Pearl seems utterly bemused by Kaguya's statement about her preferences. She almost asks why, but that is perhaps a thing best asked another time. Or never. Or just wait until Ivan does it. That could work.
As Liath makes her entrance, Pearl turns to the Seraph. She had not had the opportunity to meet the Shepherd's Companion. Or the Shepard herself, for that matter. Still, she is a commanding presence. The talk of killing hellionized elephants, however, catches her interest. "Have you had many opportunities to fight these beasts?" She asks, out of genuine curiousity. It would be a new opponent, and perhaps of suitable danger for her purposes.
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
It seems the young chirurgeon deigns to make herself known! "Hello there, young one. A mendicant, eh? There is always call for your kind on the battlefield!" he says, crossing his large arms. A look to that cake that is quickly disappearing. mayhap he should get some as well. A few strides to the table, and he begins to gain himself a piece, using utensils and plates handily despite their size.
"This land is very strange," Elvis comments toward Leo, his head turning slightly to the side to face in his direction. "Especially with such a massive creature at its heart. Seems like it shapes this land moreso than its denizens. Creatuse made of similar substance, Civilizations in ruins... it makes the calls here. Most backward."
"It surely will be!" the man says toward Ambrosius. "The last batch of findings Kaguya procured has already helped so much. More wait to be found!"
There is a sharp inhalation as Ivan speaks, though he has no problems. he awaits Kaguya's reaction.
"...He has havering platforms?" Elvis asks Kaguya. He is gauging the Wizard's capabilities, even before meeting him. "Each time I go places I find myself woefully unprepared..."
Towards Pearl, "Interesting! Most interesting. I sadly have not come across this style, though it must be effective if it earns you rank in your organization." A pause to consider. What was it called? "Fisticuffs is about all the old ledgers and ancient books I have call it. An old boxing style I have honed to an artisan's craft! My abilities only make it that much stronger." He seems rather proud to talk about it! And while Elvis would like to swing a weapon one day like most, until he can find or make an artifact that wont snap on him, showing this tried and trie fighting style feels right to him.
Another arrival shows up. A woman of some kind. confiednt, to be sure. This talk of elephants make Elvis want to engage one in combat! Sadly, the biggest thing on this island are those plant things. Dismantling them is simple but smelly. Carrying the parts around was difficult as well. "Greetings, Liath," Elvis offers with a small nod, his hands with a plate of cake and a fork far too small for his hands.
"So, what exactly is the next course of action, out of curiosity? You'll have to forgive me, I am in the field so often I lose track during my research incursions." He knew the Guard is occupying this island, and that a possible second assault was on the wind against Sin. But as far as cocnrete plans there was nothing. Yet, anyway.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
'Strangeness' is about the politest term Leo can apply to the situation, and he feels less given to decorum with each passing day. He finishes his cake, and then sets the plate down where the servants can take care of it. The conversation shifts to Hellions.
Someone approaches. Leo's ears twitch, angling in Liath's direction. The White Knight turns to face her a moment later, and a smile dawns on his face for the first time in what feels like an eternity. "Lady Seraph," Leo says. He returns Liath's bow, clasping a hand to his chest and dipping forwards. "A privilege to finally meet you in person."
'So, what exactly is the next course of action, out of curiosity?'
The smile doesn't so much fade as turn into a confident--if grim--baring of teeth. "We liberate the people of this land from their vile oppressors," Leo says, "and deliver them to the light of the Goddess. We search out a means to slay Sin once and for all. That, Sentinel, is the next step."
<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.
"That's why being smaller helps too, ma'am." Skylr says to Kaguya. "We can strike from the most unexpected places."
Amaterasu and Skylr share a bit of a look at each other, even as she nods. "Yes, ma'am, that's what I'm here for. I'll do my best to help you all, but you have to help me when I'm stuck with broken bones or anything. Don't be my good White Knight; as much as I respect him, sometimes, sometimes he has this annoyingly stubborn habit of *going*."
Skylr exhales, opens her mouth, and then Leo addresses the newcomer as 'Lady Seraph', and her mouth snaps shut.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius looks toward Kaguya as she mentions Borgan and his hovering platform.
"If you wish for...a leeevitating platform...then perhaaaps...we should work on one..." He states, then looks toward Elvis.
"Eeexcellent... If you requiiire my assiiistance...do not heeesitate to ask..." He says, bowing his head.
A newcomer arrives soon after this, however and Ambrosius looks toward her - it appears that she was busy with something. Even so, Ambrosius inclines his head in polite acknowledgment.
"Greetings...I am Ambrosius." He replies. Leo refers to her as a Seraph - interesting. He would not have known, if Leo hadn't mentioned it himself.
Elvis asks what the next course of action is, and Leo answers. Ambrosius consider this.
'Liberating the people of this land from their vile oppressors'... There's probably some humor to be found in involving the Veruni in that matter, but Ambrosius doesn't see it.
"I see... As an ally of Kaaaguya...you are alliiies of mine... You will...have my assiiistance...if you desiiire it..." He says, with a bow of his head.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
"Hmm." What's that, is Amaterasu actually taking her sister's observation into consideration. She folds her arms over her chest. "A fair point. Still, there is no need to hide now, Kaguya."
Then Skylr speaks.
The Veruni warrior cannot, in the end, keep an entirely straight face. "Hmm, hmm. You have a spirited one here, White Knight. Perhaps you might pay her complaints heed?"
The teeth -- as Ivan may have noted -- are definitely a family trait. Amaterasu may be less prone to baring them as readily but they are there and they are... sharp.
She regards Pearl then, coupling the look with a brief glance her sister's way. A few interesting techniques? Indeed, Amaterasu has seen evidence of some, herself. "Perhaps an arrangement might be made." She might show her -- or any of them -- a few tricks, herself.
Though there are things that humans can't really learn -- or use -- just because their bodies can't handle it.
This is when a new presence enters the room. Amaterasu regards the woman for a long moment.
Only to incline her head. "Are they? Hmm, I see. Yes, that would be true. I have had little encounter with 'Hellions' but I understand from my sister's observations the breadth of their powers." There is a pause as this state of discussion... deepens, perhaps. "Then it is a most fitting challenge to destroy one in that state..."
Hopefully there aren't any Hellionized elephants out here. Or this might become, itself, a competition.
<Pose Tracker> Ivan has posed.
Ivan assumes Kaguya is joking, but that response also seems plausible somehow? Noble houses are sort of notorious for doing incredibly intrusive things to control family lines...
Since she is probably joking about being forced to date girls to avoid passing on her shortness (rather than just because she prefers to), he's at a loss for how to respond to it.
Is he supposed to... joke back?? Nope, nope, nope. That is far too advanced a maneuver for someone who has already drawn incredulous stares like two or three times during a single event.
He gives up and says, "Really?" like a sucker.
Somehow, with the arrival of the newcomer, the conversation shifts to the real-life logistics of choking an elephant. In theory this is more promising conversational territory for Ivan than a the round of polite introductions, but before he can think of how he might potentially contribute an opinion on how to defeat an elephant, things once again pivot to WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PLAN TO STRAIGHT UP TAKE OVER THE COUNTRY AND THEN DO ANOTHER DOOMED CAMPAIGN AGAINST SIN.
Ivan gapes at Leo quietly before trying to disguise his look of dismay as something more like the general expression of socially awkward discomfort he's held for most of the gathering. Lord Leo!! You were supposed to be the sane boss!!
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
Then Leo says the thing that -- perhaps -- the Veruni warrior has been waiting to hear.
If that small and slowly spreading smile is any judge, at least.
"Yes. For too long, Yevon has mismanaged this land and allowed a thing such as Sin to roam unchecked. This shall end."
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
It's fine. Annette is a patient maid. She doesn't call out lack of manners; instead, she simply casually, unrelated, when Pearl is focused elsewhere, ensures that the stack of linen napkins is appropriately tidy and prepared.
Kaguya, however, is silent for a moment as she notes the arrival of the new, armored figure ahead. She turns with some interest towards her, considering her accent and not quite able to place it at all, no. She thus instead studies her for the moment; her motions, the cut of her armor, the styling of her blade. The small Veruni's scrutiny is that of a scientist and she has to find the details.
...But she bows her head back. And--
And then the spell of total dignity is a little broken because Kaguya grins abrubtly. "See?? Someone who actually has experience in the matter!! I was just explaining that my sister Amaterasu could, if she were so inclined, totally choke out an elephant."
With her bare hands, naturally. Kaguya beams a little about Elvi's praise naturally. Buuut, "Oh yeah, he's got one he rides around on. I think it's magic." Pause. "I mean obviously it's magic." She winks. It's... almost subtle.
As others come for cake, Annette is ready to both proffer plates and forks and also to take them unobtrusively whenever someone is done with them. She's good at this.
As for Kaguya herself, "And I only mention what I see," she announces about Pearl's honors, while Annette herself smiles at Pearl pleasantly.
"But it's certainly an honor to have the Lady Seraph at our gathering," Kaguya addresses Liath with a little more seriousness than the elephant thing. And--considers. Hmm.
"You know," she says to Ambrosius about the platform, "Maybe we should. It would definitely make some of my work easier..."
The talk of the 'next step' though gets Kaguya listening isntead of speaking for a moment. Her attention, naturally, dwells with Liath... But she answers that soon enough, "Leave the matter of the Sin strategy to me, White Knight. My calculations continue apace. I'm most looking forward to the results of some of my experiments in progress."
But to Skylr, "That's true," Kaguya admits, immediately deciding that Skylr is now her co-conspirator in the matter of being... not tall. "I like the way you think, Paer." A beat, "Though, my sister has a good point. You don't need to hide in this crowd--actually if people came after you instead of somebody bigger that would put them in a pretty vulnerable position..."
Kaguya seems to appreciate the same spirit Amaterasu does for the moment--and then inclines her head. "Oh, yeah, Hellions are nuts. Pretty much all the rules you'd expect to apply just throw up their hands and give up; I haven't been able to identify any kind of hard patterns in their abilities." She pauses.
"...You want me to find you a Hellionephant, don't you?" she realizes with a sigh. Luckily however--
She cracks up a little, having to display visible effort not to laugh harder at Ivan's answer. "Never change," she tells the Guardsman. ...She doesn't actually answer his question though.
"...Obviously we shouldn't take them lightly--But I don't think they've faced a serious challenge to their rule in a long time, if at all. And they definitely won't let us go about our mission unhindered even if we did avoid them, at this point. They see the threat we represent just being here."
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Liath has posed.
"Ambrosius."
The way the thusly-revealed Seraph repeats the Veruni's name makes it feel as if it is a wonder to learn; like she was committing it to some indelible memory, sealed with a smile. For all of her allies.
"Well met, all of you. It is good to see so many dependable allies."
If she requires any acknowledgment or respectful address for her station, though, Liath doesn't seem to see fit to take note of it; she does not even so much as mention it. It might go completely unspoken until Leo addresses her, gilded eyes turning his way within the breadth of his bow.
Her answer is to place a gloved hand on his shoulder.
"Please, there is no need for such address," she says, sincerely. Her head tilts, white teeth exposed in the split of her smile.
"The privilege is mine."
It is a warm and wordless look she offers Skylr after the fact, before her attentions return to the matter at hand -- and the questions posed to her. Questions of dire importance. Questions, such as:
Can Amaterasu choke out an Hellephant?
Liath stares at Amaterasu for a quiet, assessing moment. Her gloved hand taps at her chin.
"Perhaps so, if she came in from the right angle. The element of surprise is one's friend when engaging such a creature. You are quite tall, my lady, and your arm span might... hm."
Is she imagining Amaterasu hugging an elephant to death--?? The world may never know, because next comes:
Have you had many opportunities to fight these beasts?
"On occasion, when no other option was readily available," is her immediate answer, like a direct statement of fact, neither exalting in it nor steeping her words in modesty. "They are a rarer breed than some, less so than others. They dwell mostly in the deserts of western Glenwood. Slow, but very large. And they grow ever-larger the more Malevolence they imbibe. Very formidable." She frowns, faintly. "... and very tragic. There was a time, long ago, when I was forced to take one by the tusk and redirect it into--"
But Liath is tragically distracted from what is sure to be a riveting and frank discussion about the inventive application of elephant-anatomy-on-elephant violence by more serious (??) matters. Leo makes their intentions known; and Liath simply falls silent, hand resting comfortably on her sword hilt once more as those gold eyes quietly observe the reactions of those present -- and, as importantly, listens.
Bright eyes fall, for a moment, on Ivan's gaping expression of disbelief. Her head tilts fractionally.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
A martial art learned from books alone? That is no mean feat. And Elvis seems strong enough that he is not talking out of his hat. "I shall be interested to see this for myself." Skylr makes a fair point about people not listening to healers, that Pearl will continue to ignore. She also gives a nod at the idea of 'an arrangement' being made, but doesn't speak on it for the moment.
Instead, the topic turns to the Crusade, and that takes Pearl's attention. Leo speaks strongly on the topic, and her lips upturn, ever so slightly. This will be such an opportunity. A chance to finally let herself unwind. Still, the question hovers on her lips, that Leo might not deign to answer. "And what will we do with those who refuse the goddess' light, even once the falsehoods of Yevon are stripped from them?"
There's an answer she's hoping for, though her face doesn't say it.
It is not a pleasant one.
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
A look toward the White Knight from Elvis' plate of cake. "Ah! Yes, I had heard something of that like before. Should we begin drafting some kind of plan to execute the step, however?" he asks. A hand rubs his moustache, well-maintained and immaculate. "As much as I would like to snap my fingers and make it so, careful planning is the making between thought and invention." Wait, was it? Eh, maybe. "We would see you through this, however."
"I-I can make one!" he says suddenly to Ambrosius. Who says he couldn't?! Oh, he kinda did. "I just don't have the supplies..." The man visibly sulks. Kaguya's wink helps a little.
"I can assist in drafting up plans if needed, though I am not the one with the driving forces here." The Professor considers for a moment. "I tried to gleam information from Summoners not too long ago, though I found out relatively little. I am not sure it would help much, but I did find out the main path they take on their journey."
Elvis hasn't led major forces in decades. In unfamiliar territory, being relegated to his current mission, he actually feels a little out of place in this situation. "Well, whever you require me for your plan, let me know, Knight Commander. I'll make sure to be present."
"There aren't many flashy moves to confound your opponents or anything, it is all fundamentals on self-defense," he offers Pearl.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
"Iiindeed... I feel much the same... Kaguya has chosen her allies well...though I never not doubt it..." Ambrosius says, in response to Liath's own comment.
There's a good-natured chuckle from Ambrosius as Kaguya considers his offer.
"Then let us...get togeeether sometime...to diiiscuss the logiiistics... Between the two of us...I am ceeertain... will we have no diiifficulty..." He replies...and then offers Elvis a knowing smile. "It is alright..."
"I have some...eeeexperience with Hellions as well... Iiindeed...they are diiifficult to manage..." He agrees. Notably, he'd sent some back for study.
But, there is the matter of the mission ahead of them. He considers the logistics briefly - it might be wise to involve Minerva in this.
Well, he would consider his options when the time came.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
"Iiindeed... I feel much the same... Kaguya has chosen her allies well...though I never doubted it..." Ambrosius says, in response to Liath's own comment.
There's a good-natured chuckle from Ambrosius as Kaguya considers his offer.
"Then let us...get togeeether sometime...to diiiscuss the logiiistics... Between the two of us...I am ceeertain... will we have no diiifficulty..." He replies...and then offers Elvis a knowing smile. "It is alright..."
"I have some...eeeexperience with Hellions as well... Iiindeed...they are diiifficult to manage..." He agrees. Notably, he'd sent some back for study.
But, there is the matter of the mission ahead of them. He considers the logistics briefly - it might be wise to involve Minerva in this.
Well, he would consider his options when the time came.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
"Indeed. It is not necessarily a matter of a grip with one's hands alone that determine a deadly maneuver," Amaterasu opines, as the topic continues to hover about the subject of... choking elephants. Malevolent elephants.
She glances her sister's way. "It might be a worthwhile challenge, Kaguya. Consider it a test of skill."
Though she pauses. "It does not seem that Hellions appear naturally here. I had encountered a few in Elru, but none since arrival in Spira."
There have been a few other oddities reported as well... but those, unless she comes across some worthwhile evidence, are things she'll leave to the scholars in their group of Veruni to theorize and wonder over.
Her only concern is how best to put the things down should they arise. It occurs to her that she would, if she were back in Filgaia, make a recommendation for her squadron to learn and practice anti-Hellion techniques if they were spreading as they seemed to be in parts of Ignas (or so reports had indicated)... but here and now, that's a concern neither here nor there.
A regret, if only a passing one.
Is Amaterasu listening intently as Liath starts to explain some rather innovative combat maneuvers?
Yes. Of course she is.
It's almost a shame when they're interrupted, but one can't have everything they want in life, and there will always be another time.
Right now, Pearl asks a very important question: what are they to do with the resistors?
"Let them cool their heels in prison," the soldier replies. "And should they continue to cause a disturbance, then they will meet with their final judgement."
Can there be any doubt what is meant there, when she bears so determinedly grim a face?
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
"Oh don't get me started on supplies," Kaguya tells Elvis, though she is pleased at least to make the arrangement with Ambrosius. It seems that the idea of Elvis being obsolete doesn't even occur to her, though.
"If you'd rather go informal," Kaguya says to Liath, "Then you can just call me Kaguya, too. It sounds to me like you have quite a few stories."
She doesn't get to do more than look distant at the matter of tragedy, though--because the topic shifts. The topic of the crusade... and Pearl's pointed question about same.
Kaguya considers the martial artist thoughtfully then. An important question...
"Well, our work together is going to be quite fruitful," she says, "But..."
She waves a hand, as if dismissive of something. "There's too many variables to plan all that out yet. Besides, once we defeat Sin, that changes the calculus for a lot of these people--they hang onto their beliefs because they're scared to do otherwise."
"But I, for one," Kaguya says, "Think..." She almost says 'humans', maybe someone can see her forming the first part of the sound before she shakes her head again. "Well, people can be more resilient than we think--I believe that there's a hidden potential here... Something greater that they can be than they realize themselves."
"...They just need the right stimulus to make it rise to the surface. That's all."