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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 27, 2014 18:02:45 GMT
Bron froze when he saw her coming toward him. At first he wanted to slip back to his corner, but decided to stand his ground. Afterall he had come to socialize and this would be his chance to meet an elf.
Bronsyn was a fairly tell man, but still some inches shorter than Sayoko. He had the olive skin common to most of the Elonese, grey eyes and dark brown hair that fell to the top of his shoulders. His face bearded and, for once in his life, the beard was well trimmed. Doing his best to remember all the appropriate manners, Bron returned her bow. He'd heard you were supposed to kiss a noble woman's hand when you met her, but since she didn't offer it, he guessed this wasn't always the case. He mused that interacting with nobles, was't unlike his meetings and encounters with various tribes of orcs or wildmen in the Waists. You had to be observant and tread lightly, trying to navigate the social mores and unpredictable temperaments of strangers in a strange society.
"And good day to you, My Lady," he said. His mastery of the common Surveakom was a little rough and clearly not his usual tongue, but it was suitable and his voice was pleasant, "Forgive me for staring. I meant no offense. I am Sir Bronsyn Alastair, of Dorn... uh that's a here in Elon," he added, realizing that in a party of foreigners it was very unlikely that anyone besides the Elonese had ever heard of the little place like Dorn, "A small village on the wester frontier."
-------
Eloise blushed at the compliments and hesitantly extended her hand, when Cathasach turned to show her his wings. She clearly wanted to touch them, but restrained herself. "I think your wings are very beautiful," she said, "I wish Aed had given me wings and mommy and daddy too that way why could all fly like in the song."
Chello was smiling just as brightly. It was a true saying that the surest way to compliment a parent was to speak well of their children in front of them.
"You can fly right?" Eloise asked, "Will you fly in the tournament?"
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 27, 2014 18:58:21 GMT
Jarl Tholarg moved to greet king Aeron. The king was the principal trade partner of his own kingdom so he felt it was only right. "Your grace, it's good to finally meet you face to face."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 27, 2014 20:30:08 GMT
Bron froze when he saw her coming toward him. At first he wanted to slip back to his corner, but decided to stand his ground. Afterall he had come to socialize and this would be his chance to meet an elf. Bronsyn was a fairly tell man, but still some inches shorter than Sayoko. He had the olive skin common to most of the Elonese, grey eyes and dark brown hair that fell to the top of his shoulders. His face bearded and, for once in his life, the beard was well trimmed. Doing his best to remember all the appropriate manners, Bron returned her bow. He'd heard you were supposed to kiss a noble woman's hand when you met her, but since she didn't offer it, he guessed this wasn't always the case. He mused that interacting with nobles, was't unlike his meetings and encounters with various tribes of orcs or wildmen in the Waists. You had to be observant and tread lightly, trying to navigate the social mores and unpredictable temperaments of strangers in a strange society. "And good day to you, My Lady," he said. His mastery of the common Surveakom was a little rough and clearly not his usual tongue, but it was suitable and his voice was pleasant, "Forgive me for staring. I meant no offense. I am Sir Bronsyn Alastair, of Dorn... uh that's a here in Elon," he added, realizing that in a party of foreigners it was very unlikely that anyone besides the Elonese had ever heard of the little place like Dorn, "A small village on the wester frontier."
Sayoko nodded at his words, offering a small polite smile. She had not known of Dorn but the man had looked Elonese at the very least, though she sometimes could be forgiven for mistaking Survaekom humans for humans from elsewhere. She leaned back just a little to try and present a less intimidating figure as she had done to others in the past, but he'd introduced himself so she would reciprocate.
"I am Ikegami Sayoko, or Sayoko Ikegami in Survaekom custom, daughter and heir to the Ikegami, and no offense was taken simple curiosity on my part." her own Survaekom was similarly adequate but with a noticeable accent poking into her speech every few words as if she was trying to suppress it but not completely succeeding.
"Are you taking part in Tournament Sir Bronsyn?" she said cordially, hoping to spark some conversation, it would enlightening to hear of the styles of fighting of the Elonese
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 27, 2014 20:59:47 GMT
An elf, a princess and the heir to her father's kingdom, Bron couldn't think of anyone of higher birth, unless it was the Surveakom Emperor.
"Indeed I am," Bron answered, "I am entered into the both the single and grand melee competitions, as well as wrestling. I also took part in the archery tournament today. Your father held a bow admirably, as did your brother, they deserved the honor of their prizes and I wish Prince Ikegami Yukimura luck in the next round."
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Post by zurajai on Nov 27, 2014 23:26:37 GMT
"My thanks, young Princess. My wings are a gift from Aed that I frequently thank Him for."
As if to put emphasis on his words he flitted them again, cutting through the air with a quiet buzz before he leaned towards her.
"If you wish to feel them, you may, though be gentle. I fear you may be much stronger than you appear. And I will fly in the tournament if you wish it, Princess Eloise. It would be my honor to carry a token of yours into battle, if you would be so willing to grace me with one?"
Haakon Titanhand bent over as he practically crawled through the entrance into the all, grinning broadly behind his thick beard as he placed his hands on the door's frame to stable himself. Upon entering the chamber he stood erect, patting his heavy robes down before taking in the chamber. With a sour grin he noticed the Jotun off in the distance, conversing with some elf, and decided to give them a wide birth. Though standing a good head or two over the tallest of the bunch he still felt it was pointless to invite quarrel with them. He was not fond of his old kin and he believed they would not be so brighteyed to see him as well. Instead he trudged off motioning at his companion to follow him.
Following in his footsteps came the Master Tovenaar Abdur-Rashid, long dwarven beard braided and clasped with bronze symbols of the twin Books, hands repeatedly running across his attire to try to straighten it out. The two immediately moved towards an unoccupied corner, taking the time to look around and converse with each other quietly.
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Post by talis on Nov 28, 2014 0:38:43 GMT
Garlog Whiteshot had come to the feast clad in a cloak of fine buffalo fur and a tunic of good, southern linnen. He had of course put aside his weapons, but still carried a wheel lock pistol on one hip. He had taken advantage of the entertainment at the feast, listening to songs and cheering with his kinsmen. Polite etiquette never interested him.
The sight of the armless, wingless King Aeron, however, still caught his attention. He had not yet met the young king, but could tell that he had fought bravely. He had seen those wounds on many old warriors.
"King Aeron!" He called, inviting the young half-breed to a table where he and several other orcs were feasting on Elonese meat and wine. "Come join us. Me and my countrymen would like to hear how you received those honor-scars."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 28, 2014 0:42:55 GMT
((Zur, just to let you know the feast is being held outside, in the decorated courtyard overlooking the ocean. I described the scene in the first post.))
"Oh she's still too young to-" began Chello, but Eloise quickly pulled out a blue kerchief, with a wobbly E and a lopsided flower embroidered on it in red thread.
"Here!" the child said happily, "I sewed the flower and the E myself! E stands for Eloise. Nurse helped me. Please I want you to take it!" She handed the kerchief to Cathasach and then carefully reached over to touch his wings, petting then as gently as she's been told to pet the new born puppies her father had shown her last season.
Chello looked a little startled, but if she had an issue with her four-year-old handing out favors for the tournament, she would take it up with the nurse later.
---
When he saw Haakon and Rashid enter the courtyard, King Azlyn came over quickly to greet them, a smile on his face. "Haakon! Rashid! So glad you have come. I still can't express how grateful I am to you, Master Rashid, for help restoring the Tree of Oleo."
The king was dressed in Elonese blues, his face clean shaven and a silver broach holding a cloak in place.
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Post by cerdigon on Nov 28, 2014 3:42:37 GMT
When a servant offered the King a goblet of Elonese wine, he inspected it carefully. As the Jarl approached, Aeorn had dumped it on the ground and sent one of his party back to his camp to retrieve a bottle from his own stock. Obviously word of the Jotun's troubles had spread to the outside world and Aeron wasn't inclined to take any chances before his bout. The one armed King would have enough trouble keeping up with more able warriors, though Aeron would be the first to deny any handicap. '' Jarl Thorlag. '' He said with a nod of greeting, reaching out with his lone hand for a warriors grip. '' An honor to make your acquaintance. '' There was no reason for the King not to be sociable while he disliked their ambitions, they were not quite the threat...yet.
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 28, 2014 3:53:24 GMT
The Jarl took Aeron's offered hand, being mindful not to overpower the smaller man's grip. While he could most likely make his bones grind and flow it would be horrible manners. "It is good to see that rumors of poor health were completely unjustified. Which events are you entering?"
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Post by cerdigon on Nov 28, 2014 4:57:01 GMT
'' Single combat. '' The King said without batting an eyelash and woe to the man that would dare snigger in the face of King Aeron. He looked like an unlikely combatant but his months in isolation hadn't been wasted. He had been quietly drilling, coming to terms with his physical limitations and the advantages that it offered hi. '' Will you join me Jarl? '' He said, acknowleding Chief Garlog with a salute before he marched over to join the Orc's. '' It has been a long time since I have seen any of your kin Chief Garlog. I trust the border on the Wastes is quiet? '' Aeron asked with a raised eyebrow as he took a seat.
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Post by zurajai on Nov 28, 2014 7:32:24 GMT
"Thank you, Princess Eloise. My victories are for your honor." With that he turned his gaze up to Chello, offering an apologetic nod, perhaps realizing he may have overstepped in his desire to please the child. "Your Majesty, if there is anything I can do for you or your family you need only ask. Your hospitality has been more than adequate and I wish to return the favor."
"It was my humble pleasure, good King Azlyn. Despite the . . . difference of theology we experienced I must say that I respect you as a King and a person. It is only the natural duty of a Tovenaar of my skills to heal all the faithful: if the option of restoring a great Relic of Aedak is presented to me, I would be loathe to say no."
"Aye. And he did it with little sniffling and grumbling, I'd say," Haakon chimed in, grinning down at his diminutive companion, "Now the tree is as unblemished as it was the day it grew from the soil."
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 28, 2014 13:02:38 GMT
Tholarg followed Aaron over to where the orc chieftain sat. "A little quieter as my brother's expedition I hope. Chief Garlog, your reputation precedes you." He gave a nod of acknowledgement to the other leader. "I must thank you for the aid you gave my brother."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 28, 2014 18:28:34 GMT
An elf, a princess and the heir to her father's kingdom, Bron couldn't think of anyone of higher birth, unless it was the Surveakom Emperor. "Indeed I am," Bron answered, "I am entered into the both the single and grand melee competitions, as well as wrestling. I also took part in the archery tournament today. Your father held a bow admirably, as did your brother, they deserved the honor of their prizes and I wish Prince Ikegami Yukimura luck in the next round."
Sayoko nodded, she'd seen him in the archery event though she hadn't made the connection till he mentioned it. But the rest of the competitions he was entering caused her to give him another once-over.
"Indeed, I will be competing in all of those events myself, perhaps we will end up facing off against each other." It was an honest statement, she'd spent more than 80 years of her life training for battle but she'd only fought other samurai and so her style was incredibly narrow, it would be a pleasure to face other styles of combat first hand.
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Post by saoshyant on Nov 28, 2014 20:45:28 GMT
The Hessnyans, due to their proximity to Elon, had been some of the first to arrive. Though after they setup their camp close to the tournament grounds, the more prominent of their number sat a humbling distance from the front and center of the hall.
Alphred sat beside his cousin, who looked significantly less tired than the King despite the orange finery and dynastic colours that they wore with the precision of several servants.
"Alphred, you're slouching" Alphred heard his cousin tell him, immediately straightening his back as if he had just been woken up. The normally gregarious Casomir the second had been rather quiet during most of the feasting, they had sat through the King of Elon's speech and applauded when the rest applauded and toasted when the rest toasted. Alphred had seen Casomir talk with lowly retainers and even servants but no one of major influence or social rank.
Now though Alphred could feel his stomach was in knots with nervousness on the joust. It could be dangerous in the traditional sense, but Alphred was more concerned about accidentally killing a king or an heir or a beloved knight. The newly knighted Hessnyan was worried about the ramifications of what could go wrong, like he usually did.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 28, 2014 20:55:57 GMT
Bron considered for a moment. In Elon it wasn't unheard of for women to become melee fighters, especially on the frontier, but it was still unusual and, when it happened, it was out of necessity not sport. However, Sayoko was clearly not like the Elonese women. She was as tall as their tallest men and as an elf doubtlessly had many more years of experience. He found himself growing all the more curious about Sayoko and elven culture in general.
"I hope we do," he said, "I mean - It would be an honor to meet you again in the sport of combat. I know very little about the ways of the Ikegami and will admit to being curious. If you would like, I could get us some food and wine and you could tell me more about your country and people over a meal."
On the frontier, sharing a meal with someone was a general means of getting to known them and exchange a sign of trust and friendship. Violence was fairly common and there were plenty of dangerous bandits and desperate fugitives fleeing the law of the Empire or one of the vassal kingdoms, by escaping to the edge of civilization. However, it was an unspoken rule that once you have shared a meal with someone, you were bound by honor to respect their lives and property and even help protect them from their enemies, at least while you were is the same camp. Of course this was typically meals of beans and black bread, shared over a camp fire, not roast geese over a fancy feast.
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