Kel'Al Raganella
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 530
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Academy
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Post by Kel'Al Raganella on Feb 15, 2021 20:52:02 GMT -8
A transmission from the Core arrived in the Fountain Palace's central communications hub, and was routed to the health ministry.
=Dr. Temil Djo=
A holo of a perfectly ordinary Hapan man in scrubs blinked into existence, and his message was recorded for the Palace record. Greetings Minister, this is Dr. Temil Djo of the FIve Worlds Medical Center. As a proud member of the Hapan Royal Medical Service, I wish to request an audience with her majesty the Queen Mother, to discuss a proposal for expanding the role of the HRMS here on Selonia. He paused, bowing reverently. He knew he was not of the favored gender. That was one reason he had left home. But his family had a special connection to the royal one, and Emilie Ka would not have forgotten her Lord Protector. Years ago, my grandfather Willis served the Queen Mother, and Her Mother, in one of their darkest hours. Please allow me to serve you likewise, and in a much more hopeful hour. Thank you.
=Health Minister's Assistant=
Acknowledged, Doctor. I will bring your request to the attention of the Health Minister. The woman said simply, but respectfully.
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Kel'Al Raganella
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 530
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Academy
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Post by Kel'Al Raganella on Mar 8, 2021 21:03:10 GMT -8
A number of minutes passed, and Temil began to assume that he would not get an immediate response today. However, just as he was losing hope, the gentle, bubbly haze that passed for hold noise formed into a holo of the Health Minister herself. It seemed that his royal connections still held their value after all.
=Health Minister=
Hello Doctor Djo. The middle-aged woman with long, flowing golden hair said simply, a disapproving look on her face. She wasn't entirely happy to have favors called in, but she'd double-checked and this doctor was indeed the grandson of the famed Lord Protector of the Queen Mother's youth. She could spare five minutes for such a man, and then she would decide. I am Minister Renner. What is this proposal you wish to make, and why is it worth the Queen Mother's time?
=Dr. Djo=
Thank you for your time, Your Excellency. He bowed slightly, but not too much. The Hapan Royal Medical Service and the Five Worlds Medical Center have been partners for decades, and once upon a time, the Queen Mother sponsored entire medical fleets. I wish to request that She fund a similar project, to help ensure the medical security of the coalition. We propose to build a new fleet of ships to transport bacta from Thyferra and kolto from Manaan to the Hapan Cluster, the Five Worlds, and anywhere else within the Coalition, or her allies, that might need assistance. With your blessing, I would like an audience to pitch the idea to the Queen Mother herself.
=Minister Renner=
The woman's disapproving look had slowly melted away as Temil put forward a surprisingly serious proposal. You have my attention. What's in it for the Queen Mother?
=Dr. Djo=
Temil smiled. He had left that detail for last on purpose. An excellent question, ma'am. First of all, we would cut the cost and improve the reliability of shipments to Hapes. Second, we would like to name the flagship after Her Majesty, in honor of her lifetime of friendship with the Corellian people.
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Master Adara Adasca
Inner Rim Imperium
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Affiliation: Inner Rim Imperium
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Post by Master Adara Adasca on May 23, 2022 4:11:52 GMT -8
 
Concepts and ideas were well and good, but politics ran on details, and the new alliance had to draft laws, a bill of rights, as well as codify laws across more than a dozen legal systems. Running up against local sovereignty now and again was the toughest, worlds did not like to give up their independence.
The terms negotiated by the representatives of the Hapes Consortium had been the most generous, though not unjustly so, in Adara's opinion. Hapes' voice was representative of many more planets than any of the other IRI members, and thus should not be treated the same as other member worlds. In exchange for the same concessions to a common authority, Hapes was named as the new Capital of the IRI, and would host the IRI government and administration. Likewise, heads of state were now considered members of the IRI's High Council, a clause added because Hapes would not brook the Queen Mother being excluded from any authority.
Now that all the details had been agreed upon, it was finally time for the official treaty signing, the ceremony to be held in the Fountain Palace. Master Adara Adasca was there as the chief of state of the Imperium. As Hapes was in an interregnum period, there was no Queen Mother. A council of noblewomen signed for Hapes. Each IRI world's head of state signed. Several different Royal families had been invited to send witnesses to the ceremony, and after the IRI's member worlds had all signed, they had the opportunity to witness the document. There were handshakes and wide smiles for the holocams. Then the chief of state addressed the gathering.
"For many years all of us here have priced our good relations with the Hapes Consortium. You have shown through your example that strength comes from a multitude of voices brought together for a common cause.
In that spirit we have voted to join together and create a new alliance, based on mutual co-operation and respect. An alliance, born in the diverse voices of many worlds, joined by their desire to build a better future and their decision to voluntarily recognize a common authority.
This new alliance will help less-advanced worlds improve their conditions. It will encourage better relations between our races and promote free trade. Above all, it will work to create peace. Today, we signal a new age of peace and prosperity for the Inner Rim. I look forward to working to build that future, together."
One of the senior Hapan nobles stepped to the podium as Adara stepped back. The ceremony was scheduled to go on for some time, but the important part was now done. The IRI was real, and tangible, and it had a home. The future began now. |
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Post by Queen Marit Australis on May 24, 2022 22:20:38 GMT -8
Hapes was a beautiful world, and as a female monarch, she had been afforded only the greatest courtesy and deference, even by the heads of the Hapan noble families, all older and more distinguished than herself. Many of them ruled over worlds of their own within the Hapes Cluster, however, Hapans were highly sensitive to status, and as an independent monarch, Marit outranked all of them, without a Queen Mother to outshine her. As Commenor was located outside the Inner Rim, they were not eligible for IRI membership, but they would stand witness to the moment in history as an independent world also dedicated to peace and cooperation.
After the treaty document had been signed by all the Inner Rim heads of state or their representatives, as well as the interim chief of state, Adara Adasca, Marit moved to sign her name on behalf of Commenor among the witnesses. It was an important symbol of support for the fledgling alliance, and well worth the time and effort for her to attend. Following the signing, the dignitaries moved to a banquet hall adjacent, where selected media would have a chance to conduct interviews.
Her own security forces were notably relaxed considering the extremely heavy security presence around the gathering. Unlike the Hapans, the Commenori contingent were well aware of the presence of the Night Witches, and knew any threat would be taken out well before it could become active. Hapan Security was on edge, as to be expected as the hosts, and they didn't know about their invisible helpers. Marit moved with the crowd of VIPs into the banquet hall for the reception. Deftly avoiding the media, she moved to engage the representative from Onderon in conversation. Music wafted through the hall, as the gentle lightning made for a pleasant occasion. |
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jun 13, 2023 0:57:52 GMT -8
The interregnum period on Hapes ends when the council of noblewomen, acting on information discovered by the executor of the deceased Queen Mother, Emelie Ka's will, learn that Emelie had a daughter that was, until the information and documents contained in Emelie's will proved otherwise, believed to have died at birth. Fearful of the assassination plots and other threats that her eldest daughter, Nalea Ka Chume Ta' Djo, would face as her heir, Emelie had placed Nalea under the care of a trusted distant relative sworn to secrecy, with the instructions that Nalea be raised as their daughter and was not be informed of her true heritage until the time of her death. Verification of the claims in Emelie's will, and of the documents it contained to back them up, took some time, but once all had been verified and Nalea's parentage was further validated with medical tests, the council of noblewomen, some more than willingly and others less enthusiastically, stepped aside so that Nalea could take up the throne.
At the age of 33, her life having been spent in the Hapan Royal Navy, which she had joined as soon as she was able, and in the Chume'doro, or Hapan Royal Guard, which her distinguished service record in the Navy had garnered her an appointment to, Nalea was no stranger to politics or the various alliances the former Ereneda had forged throughout her reign, having witnessed much of Emelie's reign from the close proximity her role as one of the personal bodyguards tasked with defending the Ereneda's family provided her with. Her time with the Chume'doro also made Nalea well aware of the likely existence of plots to end her life before her own reign could begin, and also provided her with the trusted comrades appointed to be her personal bodyguards who, along with her own not inconsiderable skills and training, enabled her to survive the no less than eight such attempts that were made before her coronation.
After the celebratory period following her coronation ended, Nalea had gone almost immediately to work, reforging the bonds between Hapes and the other member worlds of the recently formed Inner Rim Imperium, as well as with those of her mother's allies that still considered themselves as such after the vagaries of time or war had reshaped their goals or led to their untimely demise. Nalea also made sure that Hapes' defense forces were inspected thoroughly by her Naval and Chume'doro commanders, providing them with the funds and other resources they needed to ensure that Hapes was well defended.
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jun 22, 2023 12:41:56 GMT -8
Keeping her arm linked in Eryneth's as they disembark from the shuttle and, accompanied by the still silent Deianeira Kanu - who's name Eryneth will now know as it was one of the things that Nalea, while chattering away to her guest almost non-stop during their brief journey to the castle, had shared, along with the fact that Deianeira was one of her Favored, which would have made more sense had Nalea explained it beyond that simple fact - Nalea leads her guest into the castle and towards the guest wing.
Nalea pauses to greet and occasionally speak with nearly all of the women - many in silver and gold armor much like hers and Deianeira's, while others appear to be castle staff members of many varieties - and the men they pass as well, Eryneth will observe that, as it was in the city, the number of women is greater than the number of men, with those few men that are present appear to be among the lower ranking members of the staff; Eryneth may also note that Nalea's demeanor is slightly different when speaking with the men - her lyrical voice becoming even more song-like, with something in it reminiscent of how one would speak to a pet - though no less cordial and warm overall than it is with the women she stops to talk with.
When at last they reach the castle's guest wing, Nalea motions for one of the armored women stationed at intervals along the hall and, after saying something to the red haired Chume'doro in their musical native tongue, claps in delight and tells Eryneth as she motions to the red head, "This is Valasca Okyale, one of my Chume'doro. After Valasca, who appears to be in her late 20's, bows to Eryneth, Nalea says, Valasca is one of my few Chume'doro, and indeed of my citizens, that speaks your tongue. She will show you to your rooms, and answer any questions you might have after you've had your shower and a chance to rest. Tonight we will dine together, you and I, and speak more of the undoubtedly strange and exciting adventure that has led you here to us. Releasing Eryneth's arm at last, Nalea bows and cheerfully says, Until tonight, madellé!"
As Nalea is walking away with Deianeira, she can be heard smacking her forehead and exclaiming, "Oh bother! In the excitement I seem to have forgotten all about suitor 18! I suppose, she laughs lyrically, someone really ought to go and fetch him, hadn't they?"
Valasca, motioning towards one of the doors in the hallway, tells Eryneth, "The Ereneda has asked me to show you around your rooms and to answer any questions you might have. I am, she says with a smile and a mildly amused tone, at your disposal while you are Her guest. Leading Eryneth into the rooms that are hers for the duration of her stay, Valasca - armed, Eryneth will note, with an ornate polearm, a short sword and a blaster pistol - shows her through a large, lavishly appointed living area, a study, a bedroom, a luxurious bathroom complete with both a shower and a bathtub, and featuring a deck with a scenic view over-looking the city she had materialized in. Once the tour has been completed, Valasca asks, Is there anything else I can do for you at this time, or shall I leave you to your shower?"
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Post by Faradrim on Jun 26, 2023 18:43:19 GMT -8
With their arms linked once more, and Eryn once more fighting to remain cool, calm, and collected, they had disembarked the ship and headed into the Place. She had seen such places once or twice growing up, and the rare few times she had been inside them were extremely brief. Faradrim were not particularly socially acceptable to at Court. But Drau had once said with a confidence he rarely displayed that she had been born and raised in such places when she was a baby. But that had been so long ago that she barely remembered it at all. So she definitely felt well out of her depth as Nalea lead the way to the guest wing.
Despite the overwhelming feeling, she did manage to sporadically make note of different matters. From the primarily Female population, to the lesser role Men seemed to hold. The native tongue of the people was somewhat hard for her discern, since she didn't have much reference at all for it. Finally things seemed to calm down somewhat as they arrived to the guest wing and one of the guards was called over and introduced. Eryn gave a bow of her head
Uhhh, a pleasure to meet you...
She tried to keep up with everything that Nalea said then. Chume'doro, speaking her tongue, answers. And then dinner, with Nalea. She tried her best not to let any blush show, but she was certain some amount coloured her cheeks, especially as Nalea finally unlinked their arms and took off. She stood staring after her host for a moment before shaking her head as Valasca motioned toward a door
Oh, sorry of course, lead the way...
She followed along, her gaze darting about making note indeed of the rooms architecture and Valasca herself. It was a lot to take in and process, compounded more so as the tour seemed to end
You don't have to... leave...
The words seemed to escape her lips before she managed to catch herself and cough
Sorry, that was... I didn't mean... uhhh, I'll just go take that shower...
She hid her face as she quickly turned around and made for the room where the shower had been in. She shut the door and pressed herself back up against it, taking several deep hard breaths to calm herself
Idiot...
She reprimanded herself a couple more times before finally undressing, piling her clothes and weapons in a corner, and stepping into the shower. Given her run away comments, she'd not had a chance to consult how the controls worked and so resorted to trial and error. It also had not occurred to her to think about a change of clothes, since hers would be in need of a clean. For now, she indulged in the heat of the water as she finally got it set right
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Posts: 51
Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jun 26, 2023 21:56:15 GMT -8
Valasca arches an eyebrow in commingled amusement and puzzlement when Eryneth tells her that she need not leave and, rather than explaining the singularly odd statement, coughs before apologizing for making the remark and then hurries away into the bathroom as though embarrassed by something. Having noted that the Ereneda's guest had been blushing almost throughout the entire time Eryneth had been in the Queen Mother's presence, Valasca supposes that it is possible that the girl's self-consciousness is understandable given the fact she has, as Valasca understands it from what the Ereneda told her, found herself on a strange world and in the company of its beloved ruler.
As Eryneth showers, a male servant sent by Nalea delivers clothes and fresh, warmed towels to the room, which Valasca takes from him and, after dismissing him, raps on the bathroom door to tell the Ereneda's guest, "I'm setting some clean clothes and warm towels on the counter for you, then crinkles her nose as she sees the clothing Eryneth has left in a corner along with her weapons, adding, I will see that your things are mended and cleaned," before setting the clothes and towels on the counter, gathering up Eryneth's things and then closing the door behind her as she leaves to go and find a servant to look after washing and mending the soiled clothes and to see that the weapons are cleaned and, if needed, sharpened.
Nalea, in light of not knowing her guest's preferences in attire, has sent two options; the first a pale blue gown in a formal yet reserved style, while the second is something as near to what Eryneth had been wearing as she could find on short notice: a three-piece casual suit also of a pale blue color. In addition to the gown and casual suit, underclothes in, as one would guess by now, a pale blue, have also been provided.
Valasca, stationing herself beside the door outside Eryneth's rooms, will remain there until she is either needed, or the appointed time for the dinner arrives and she escorts the Ereneda's guest to the Queen Mother's small personal dining room.
Shortly before the time for dinner arrives, Nalea, with Deianeira stationed nearby as always, is speaking with Lysippe Yajaira, a dark haired Chume'doro from the Purity sub-division of the Royal Guard's Investigative Branch, as she pushes a plumed helmet - a gift from her latest suitor, number 20 - back on her head as she crinkles her nose and opines in Hapan, entirely unrelated to what Lysippe has just told her, "We're not sure it's really Us, looking over her shoulder to ask Deianeira, What do you think, cor'tur?"
Deianeira shrugs non-commitally, offering no verbal reply to further expand on the opinion expressed by the shrug.
"We don't think she thinks it's really Us either, Nalea tells Lysippe in Hapan, picking up the ornate spear that accompanied the helmet and saying with a smile, This We like though."
Lysippe, managing to summon a smile despite her irritation with the Ereneda's apparent decision to ignore the issue she has brought to the Queen Mother's attention, tells Nalea in Hapan, "Very good, Ereneda. If we can get back to the matter of Major Wan . . ."
Nalea continues to smile as brightly as ever even though she had hoped Lysippe would have taken the gentle hint her lack of attention had been meant to convey and let the issue of Major Wan rest where it lay, tries something more direct and tells Lysippe in a light and airy tone, "Oh, We see no need to disturb whatever peace or happiness Major Wan has found for herself on Umgul. Let her, and the matter . . ."
Lysippe, sitting up straighter, her tone betraying her anger at the idea of a fellow Chume'doro breaking their oath and going unpunished, says, "But her oath, Ereneda is . . ."
Arching an eyebrow, Nalea says just as cheerfully as ever, "We know her oath, cor'tur, and as it is to Us see no reason that We cannot choose to release her from her from it if We wish."
Her almond shaped dark eyes reveal her confusion as Lysippe says, "That would set a dangerous precedent, Ereneda. There is concern in the Purity division that you are allowing your past . . . relationship with Major Wan cloud your thoughts on the matter."
"Is there indeed? Nalea asks in an amused tone, and then sighs as she accepts that she may have no choice but to pursue a course of action she would much rather not pursue. Trying one last tactic, Nalea asks, And what of the possible diplomatic repercussions? Major Wan is now a citizen of Umgul, is she not?"
Nodding, Lysippe says, "Yes, but that does not change the fact her oath still binds her, for life . . ."
Lifting a hand to silence Lysippe, Nalea smiles as she removes the helmet and sets it on the table in front of her, languidly drumming her fingers on the top of the helmet as she says, accepting the inevitable but determined to avoid any unnecessary diplomatic repercussions, "Very well. We will send Major Wan a message requesting . . ."
"Ordering," Lysippe corrects the Ereneda, emboldened by the knowledge that she and Purity will be allowed to proceed with the matter as they had hoped.
Her smile becoming just a bit less bright in a way that lets Lysippe know she is treading now on shaky ground so far as her patience is concerned, Nalea says, "We will send Major Wan a message letting her know she is to return to Us. You will deliver Our message to Major Wan, but take no other action while on Umgul without first getting Our leave. Are We clear, Lieutenant Yajaira?"
Standing and bowing, Lysippe says, "Yes, Ereneda. I will leave at once for Umgul."
Smiling as Lysippe turns to go, Nalea asks with an amused smile, "Hadn't you ought to first wait for Us write out Our message for Major Wan so that you can deliver it to her?"
Blushing, Lysippe corrects her earlier statement, "I will prepare to set out for Umgul as I await your message, Ereneda."
After Lysippe has gone, Nalea rubs her left temple, hoping that Delaana, who was once her dearest friend and, for a time, more than that, will understand how her hand had been forced, and then smiles as she turns to ask Deianeira, "Has Purity always been such a royal pain in the . . ."
Deianeira, nodding towards the entrance of the dining room as Eryneth is escorted in by Valasca, proves that she does occasionally speak when she tells the Queen Mother in Hapan, "Your guest has arrived, Ereneda."
Nalea, standing and motioning for Eryneth to come to the table, pulls a chair out for her guest as she asks in Basic, "I trust you are quite relaxed and refreshed, madellé? Sit, sit! Taking the helmet suitor 20 had gifted her with from the table and tossing it to Deianeira, Nalea resumes her seat after Eryneth has been seated, asking excitedly and animatedly, And now you simply must tell me all of your adventure that has brought you here to Hapes, for I have been positively giddy with anticipation to hear of it!"
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Post by Faradrim on Jun 28, 2023 4:48:09 GMT -8
Eryn almost missed the knocking on the door, but caught Valasca announcing she was coming in to deliver something. On instinct she pulled back to the corner of the shower and covered herself with her hands, though the panels around the shower did prevent onlookers from seeing inside
Uhhh, thank you...
She was a little surprised by the gift, but was grateful for it. She just hoped they would be careful with her old clothes. They were all that remained of her world and held not just protective value but also sentimental value. Her weapons she was less concerned about, for they had been enchanted to always hold an edge, and would be impossible to draw from their sheaths for anyone that was not her. Such an enchantment was helpful in protecting the owner from their weapons being turned against them, but also prevented such powerful tools being used by the wrong hands. Once Valasca left, Eryn let herself be lost in the flow of the water for a little longer, feeling the dirt and grime and blood wash away.
She lost track of the time, but it was roughly an hour and a bit later when she finally extracted herself and dried off. It was then she found the piles of clothes and examined them curiously. Rarely in her life before had she ever been offered more than one choice of clothing, and those choices had never included a dress save for one or two occasions. She slipped the underwear on before pulling the dress up and examining it over herself in the mirror. She could vaguely remember the last time she'd worn a dress, and it had certainly not looked like this at all, and that had been a struggle to move in.
She eyed herself up again, pressing the dress close, weighing it up
Oh hells, I'll at least try it on.
She held it at arms length then to examine it. There were no obvious cords or ties she was used to, but she did notice the metallic strip that ran down the spine. After a bit of fumbling and trying different things, she managed to work the zipper and stepped into the dress, pulling it up and on. It was... a lot. She still hadn't gotten the back closed up, and honestly she was too afraid to ask for help, out of fear of seeming incompetent since presumably you were meant to do it without aide.
She quickly extracted herself from the dress and piled it back away before deciding on the suit, something she was much more able to slip into. It definitely felt similar to her usual attire, though it did not cling as tightly to her form as her usual clothing did. Which was not a bad thing, it just felt different. She checked herself out in the mirror, straightening out a few creases before leaving the bathroom and out into the apartment where she took some time to examine the place once more. She took in the view of the city from the balcony for a while, growing comfortable with it as she passed the time away until Valasca collected her for dinner.
She arrived with her escort just as Nalea appeared to be finishing up a conversation with someone. Although she could not make out what was being said since they were conversing in, what she assumed, was their native tongue, she could make out the body language of those involved. Nalea did not seem particularly happy by the end of it, whilst her guest seemed to walk away smiling. What ever they were discussing, she would be sure to ask her host about later. For now, she made her way over when motioned and takes the seat offered by Nalea. Her hand absently brushing some hairs behind her ear as she sat down
Thank you. Yes, I am much more refreshed now. It has been a very new experience...
She smiled, perhaps a little awkwardly and with the slightest hint of blush creeping in, at just how excited Nalea seemed to be to hear her tale
Oh, well... I'm not sure it's necessarily all that exciting... But where would I even start such a story? I guess not too far back would be fine... It properly started a couple of weeks ago, when me and My Mentor managed to escape our dying home world... Rather... A close friend managed to save the two of us from the destruction that would befall our world. Where I come from, technology is a rare commodity. We don't have ships and... vehicles that float. Well, not available to everyone that is. Witches and Wizards were some of the most powerful and influential people where I come from, they controlled every piece of technology. They disseminated it out after studying it and discerning how it works. But some things, they kept to themselves, to... maintain their power and influence. Ships that could travel to the stars and back most certainly counted within that category. But my mother... rather, my adoptive mother, the Witch Runya of Murivel, she kept one, hidden away...
The smile that had previously graced her features had faded as she had started into her story, the loss and longing for her Mentor being easily seen when she mentioned it. But it paled in comparison to the pain she felt when speaking of Runya. The Witch had been in her life for as long as she could remember, raising her, teaching her about the real history of their people and the powers she possessed. She choked back some tears, trying to not let them overwhelm her as she brought her hand up to try and hide it
Sorry... uhm... Just... Gods... She made us go, to survive our world, but... She said there wasn't enough space and... She stayed behind to... to hold the others off. I know she could have fit, that we could have all left together, but she knew...
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Eryn, what are you doing? You're making a mess" she thought to herself. She grabbed a napkin, or what she assured was one, and hurriedly wiped the tears away
She knew the others didn't have any fuel for the ships they had hidden away and that they'd drag us down and fight over who should take it until we were all dead... She bore that sacrifice, that burden, knowing she chose us over everyone else. She sent us out across the stars, where we travelled for days until a much larger ship rescued us...
She wiped away some more tears, before reaching for a glass with what looked like - and she very much hoped was - water and took a mouthful of it. Hoping the drink would provide her a brief break and a moment to steel her resolve
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jun 28, 2023 9:57:23 GMT -8
Nalea's delight upon hearing that Eryneth - having arrived on Hapes in a way that made it evident she had escaped from a perilous situation bound to have left her not only exhausted but also possibly distressed by whatever she had endured or faced whilst making her escape - has been afforded an opportunity to relax and begin to soothe any frazzled nerves that may have quite understandably been left lingering in the aftermath of her adventure, is evident in her pleased and joyful smile that at the very least hints at the caring and compassionate nature laying beneath her merry and carefree demeanor.
A playfully doubtful smile appears on Nalea's face when Eryneth begins her tale by suggesting she is uncertain that is a particularly rousing one, which seems really rather unlikely to Nalea given the ending to the tale she had witnessed when her white haired guest had arrived in a quite singular way in no way resembled an ending to a tale that would not be a compelling one. Nalea's smile soon fades, however, when Eryneth goes on from her humble claim to reveal that her adventure began on her home world that was nearing its death; that revelation alone enough to make Nalea regret her eagerly excited efforts to prompt her guest to share her story. Though there are some details amidst the tale of Eryneth's escape from her doomed home world that invite further examination by virtue of their peculiarity, Nalea is focused more on what Eryneth had experienced and pays the tangential details little mind, especially when learning of the loss of Eryneth's adoptive mother.
Reaching over to place her hand over Eryneth's to console her when her emotions understandably begin to nearly overwhelm her, Nalea frowns in sympathy and places her free hand over her heart to silently convey that she understands the magnitude of her guest's loss and is saddened to know that Eryneth bears the grief and guilt any would feel when their survival had come at the cost of one they held so dear. As a former Chume'doro and, before that, member of the Hapan Royal Navy, Nalea is no stranger to losing companions to violent deaths, and knows too what it is to lose a mother as she had lost the birth mother she never knew was hers given that it was not known until the will of the previous Ereneda revealed Nalea's true parentage. Knowing that words seldom prove to be a salve to the pain of loss, especially one so fresh, Nalea does not interrupt Eryneth as she concludes her account of what had led her to Hapes, instead keeping her hand atop her guest's and hoping the small supportive gesture conveys her hopes to give Eryneth whatever comfort it is in her power to give whether it be in simply listening to her express her feelings or by giving her whatever time and space here in the safety of the Fountain Palace she needs to begin dealing with her loss.
After Eryneth has taken a drink of what proves to be the water Eryneth hopes it to be, Nalea pats her hand and says soothingly, "I am sorry for your loss, madellé. Your mother clearly loved you dearly, and was obviously quite strong and brave to have made such a sacrifice. It wounds me to have made you revisit such a painful memory so soon after your loss, and I do so hope you can forgive me for my really rather unforgivable ignorance in pressing you to share your story with me when I should have suspected by the manner of your arrival it was not likely to be a happy one. Lifting a finger to keep Eryneth from interjecting before she has finished her apology, Nalea instructs her guest, Now, you mustn't say you forgive me just yet, or say that I could not have known, for while I could not, I should have, and so you will give yourself time to decide if my foolishness warrants forgiveness. Nodding as though that matter has been decided, Nalea gives her guest's hand a gentle squeeze and says, If you wish to speak of your mother, or what you are going through, at any time, I will listen, madellé, and want you to know that you are welcome here for however long you need or wish to stay."
Eryneth is given even longer to steel her nerves when, after Nalea finishes speaking, their dinner arrives and - only after being inspected by Deianeira for any hints of poisoning - is served; a prettily plated serving of baked Bliz seasoned with a sweet and tart paste accompanied by a sunny side up Bliz egg. Nalea, demonstrating her intent to hold true to her promise of allowing Erynth to choose when and if she speaks of anything she needs to speak of, does not immediately leap in to fill the silence as she might otherwise, and instead allows it to linger as she begins eating her dinner despite the fact she has lost most of her appetite in light of what she has learned Eryneth had been through.
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 2, 2023 17:23:56 GMT -8
A part of her had hoped the drink she grabbed had been alcoholic in nature, but she also knew better than to try and drink her sorrows away. She had tried to do so in the past and it had never really ended well. So she remained grateful overall for the cool touch of the water. Her hand fumbling the glass a little as Nalea's hand reached out and came to rest atop her own. There was something calming and reassuring about the pressure of the other woman's hand upon her own which Eryn tried to focus upon to calm herself. She set the glass down as Nalea launched into an apology and condolences for the loss Eryn had suffered. But it was the gentle squeeze that had given her some strength, which seemed to start slipping away the moment Nalea's hand retreated away
I...
She stopped herself, not really sure what the regular social conventions were in this kind of situation, let alone what they would be at the moment. As the plate was set down, she looked at the food and seemed to push it around her plate a little. She felt no appetite to eat and feared she would be more likely to throw it up than keep it down if she did force herself through it. She lifted her focus and gaze back up and over to Nalea. Her one hand still resting on the table
I thought I was stronger, that I could handle the story... but it seems I overestimated my own regrets about what happened... I am sorry as well Ms Djo. For not having considered my tale carefully enough, and also for my waste of this food...
She pushed the plate away from herself a little and took another drink of water and set the glass down once more
I've already recounted much of my story so far, I may as well finish it... The ship that found us? While we thought it friendly, it turns out that they were in fact foes. They were tall and insect looking... or maybe reptilian They had a pair of little... chin tentacles. I don't recall learning about them before... Well... what happened. But they imprisoned me and my Master. They seemed to want to sell us as slaves, which they would have done had we not managed to escape. At least... I'm pretty sure we both managed to escape. The last I saw of him was aboard a small ship of some kind... The front kind of looked like an... an eagle. I tried to get to him, but our captors were closing in and the ship had to leave. That was about when I... When the portal opened up leading to here.
Her still untamed powers had activated in the past, creating such portals to different places. But they'd always been upon her homeworld. Never across space, not until now anyway. But she wasn't ready to reveal that information just yet. Her index finger idly tapped the surface of the table then, as she thought about it all
You were right before... My mother was the bravest woman I ever knew. She was smart, funny, probably the most powerful Witch... But she risked so much over the years. When the Council of Fate met to make a decision about me years ago, Runya stood up to them all. Drau... My Mentor, he said he'd never seen her so fierce as that day, swearing vengeance upon them all should any one of hem bring harm against me...
A small smile crept across her lips again, remembering some of it. Runya had looked particularly hurt as Drauchir had told the story, her mother seemingly resenting her portrayal as some vengeful witch. She felt a shiver of loneliness run down her back, wondering what had happened to Drauchir and whether he was safe
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 4, 2023 0:33:10 GMT -8
Having lived the majority of her life in either the Hapan Royal Navy or the Chume'doro, Nalea, when not in the role of Queen Mother, eats like the soldier she is at heart, which is to say as though she does not know when her next meal will be or whether or not her current meal will be interrupted; finishing her Bliz by the time Eryneth apologizes for not having the appetite to finish her own, and after smiling in delight at being called Ms. Djo once again, and then gesturing towards the untouched plate to silently ask permission to ensure it does not go to waste as her guest fears and getting an affirmative answer of one kind or another, quickly dispatches the second Bliz along with any concerns about it being wasted.
Nalea does not interrupt Eryneth as she, after her unnecessary apologies have been made, continues the tale that had elicited so strong an emotional response that she felt the need to apologize for it even though there was no need in Nalea's opinion. Some of the details in Eryneth's tale are utterly foreign to Nalea - such as the Council of Fate and the portal through which her guest arrived - while others are, if one mentally squints just a tiny bit, almost familiar - such as a chin tentacled alien that sounds very much like one would describe a Quarren if they did not know what a Quarren was, or a powerful Witch which sounds like how one might describe another gifted with the ability to use for'ta, or the force, were one not to know what the force was - the sum total of which is that Nalea - while she is aware of the fact that Hapes keeps itself, by and large, isolated and insulated from the vast majority of the affairs of other worlds and that she therefore may not possess the information required to identify the world from which her guest hails - is left with the distinct impression that Eryneth is more likely than not from a very distant and equally foreign land so distant and foreign that there would seem little to gain from pressing her guest for further details about it when doing so would only serve as a painful reminder of the world she has so recently lost in addition to her adopted mother.
Nalea believes that Eryneth's description of the aliens slavers that captured her guest and her guest's Mentor so closely resembling Quarrens makes it safe to assume that they were separated somewhere in the known universe rather than nearer to the world they had left in some distant and foreign land. There are not enough details about the slavers to narrow down where Eryneth and her mentor had been held captive, meaning an effort to find her guest's mentor would likely prove to be a difficult, if not impossible task, but Nalea makes a mental note to task one of her Chume'doro in the Investigative Branch with attempting to contact their counterparts in allied intelligence or law enforcement services to learn of any arrivals of distressed or crash landed ships and determine if any of those instances include accounts of tales similar to Eryneth's. As Nalea does feel much hope that anything will come of the search, she does not mention the idea to Eryneth to avoid the disappointment failure would naturally give rise to given her belief that her guest has suffered so much already that adding to it, even out of good intentions, would be almost cruel.
Reaching out to pat Eryneth's hand soothingly once her guest has concluded their tale with a fond memory of her adoptive mother that showcases the Witch's bravery while also revealing she was possessed of a good sense of humor as well, Nalea smiles as she says, "You see? You are stronger than you believe, madellé. You handled your story as well as any one could, both the end you've finished and its beginning. Giving Eryneth's hand a gentle squeeze, Nalea says, And besides, it is best to let one's pain out rather than let it fester, no? There will be more pain too, madellé, as time goes on, so you must promise me you will let it out in the way you deem best; talk to me or to someone, cry, hit something, she crinkles her nose playfully, but preferably neither me nor any unfortunate someone, scream, write, paint, she releases Eryneth's hand to lift her own palm upwards as she concludes, or whatever you find allows you to vent your feelings. Vent them, she lifts a finger and points to Eryneth with a theatrically stern expression, rather than let them fester, if not for you, then for me, as I would not wish to see you robbed of your own strength and bravery by courting what allowing your feelings to fester could invite. Lifting her own glass of water and taking a deep drink to quench the thirst her rather longer than intended supportive speech gave rise to, Nalea sets the glass down as she smiles and says, I would apologize for going on so, but believe we've done quite enough apologizing for the time being, and so will not, proposing instead that we impose a immediate and indefinite moratorium on apologies."
Gauging from Eryneth's lack of appetite that there is no need to have dessert brought in, Nalea settles herself comfortably in her chair as she bids her guest to, "Tell me of your Mentor, madellé. What is it he was instructing you in, or was it to be?" Though Eryneth had expressed some degree of uncertainty about her Mentor's escape from their captivity, Nalea had seen the longing in her guest's expression when she spoke of him earlier, and therefore believes Eryneth may be afforded some comfort by speaking of him, doing so a way to perhaps feel less distant from him. There is also the possibility that Eryneth might share details that could aid the Chume'doro in the search for her missing mentor.
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 4, 2023 18:19:17 GMT -8
Eryneth had provided no dissuasion when Nalea had gestured to the plate and taken it. At the very least the meal had not gone to waste. Had she the heart and appetite, she would have devoured the food herself. But she needed time to process through her own hurt and pain before she could recover enough to tend to her own care.
She immediately felt blush rising in her cheeks as Nalea's hand reached out and patted her own. Her cheeks taking on a pink hue before she was able to stop such emotions reaching that far. Instead of trying to fight it, she did her best instead to calm herself and take heart in the touch and squeeze, reminding her that this was all real, despite how surreal it all seemed. She felt herself blush harder as Nalea pointed at her and asked that if Eryn didn't let her feelings be known and vent as needed for herself, than to do it for her. She took a quick drink of water of her own, to try and cool off a little
Uhhh... sure... I mean... I can do that... for you...
She whispered that last comment as her gaze fell away from Nalea for a moment, before slowly returning when her host asked about her Drauchir and what it had been he had been teaching her. Her free hand came up to grip her chin as she wondered just how much she would technically be allowed to say given the secretive nature that the Faradrim had generally held. Drauchir and her were the last of the Order, so its not like she could get into too much trouble if she accidentally let anything slip. Her hand fell from her chin then
As I've said, our home world was very cut off, technology was scarce, meaning that life was a lot more... rural and comparatively primitive compared to... the city...
She had honestly forgotten the name that Nalea had rattled off with fluid grace earlier, and so hoped she would not be quizzed on it again soon
Out there. As such, our equipment was also not up to the same level. So our people had to make do with the tools available to us... There were nations and Kingdoms, of course, and they had their own armies with which to defend their borders and Marshalls with which to enforce the rule of Law... But they weren't prepared to deal with the monsters that inhabited our world... Some were natural beasts, creatures evolved by nature. But others... Witches and Wizards were prone to going rogue and using Darker Magicks. They took what nature provided and made abominations and summoned evil forces from the Aether... It was those forces that the Faradrim were created, trained, and paid to hunt down. We were protectors of the innocent... paid to risk our lives and kill monsters... Well, that is what we were meant to do. Some amongst the Faradrim certainly used their skills as paid killers and other more nefarious purposes...
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 7, 2023 4:52:02 GMT -8
Nalea, who can be mildly obtuse where some things are concerned, smiles with a hint of concern in her eyes when Eryneth says that she can at least try not to keep her feelings bottled up, noting the flush in her guest's cheeks and misinterpreting it as a possible sign of illness rather than anything having to do with her, but says nothing for the moment as she instead listens to Eyrneth explain what it is that she had been training with her missing mentor to be.
The Faradrim, Naela thinks the more Eyrneth goes into detail about what her apprenticeship was for, sound rather like bounty hunters - only hunters of creatures summoned by rogue Witches and Wizards and the beasts they summon from what her guest calls the Aether, which sounds really rather like individuals capable of using for'ta doing just that to create the beasts Eryneth was training to hunt to Naela even though it is entirely possible the Aether is in no way related to what she knows of for'ta - only with a more refined focus and certainly a more noble intent than most bounty hunters she has heard of. Having observed how strange everything here on Hapes seems to Eryneth, Nalea sees little point in pointing out the similarities between their worlds to her guest, as it would likely only add to her confusion, and so she sets those thoughts aside for the time being.
Frowning in sympathy when Eryneth finishes by revealing that not all Faradrim kept to their noble calling, Nalea says, "It is a sad truth that, no matter how lofty an organization's ideals may be, there are always those within it that allow greed or perhaps their own inherent wickedness to pervert their calling. Looking somewhat pensive, Nalea sighs and says, I wish I could tell you that there are no wicked Wizards, Witches or Monsters here where you have found yourself, but, as you have already met some in the guise of rescuers, I suppose you know all too well that evil forces like those you were training to hunt down are prevalent no matter where one goes. Sighing, her smile returning as it is probably evident by now to Eryneth that it is often wont to, Nalea says, But, here, for now, you will find yourself quite sheltered from such things I am happy to say. Lifting the ornate spear leaning against her chair, Nalea winks as she says playfully, And, at any rate, I would protect you from any fell creatures that would dare to come here to Hapes, so you needn't worry about needing to risk your life so long as you are my guest and therefore under my protection."
Leaning the spear back against her chair, Nalea leans forward and rests the back of her hand against Eryneth's forehead as she smiles and says, "Speaking of that, are you feeling quite well, madellé? I could not help but notice you appeared a tiny bit flushed earlier, she explains, making a soft humming noise as, detecting no hint of fever on her guest's forehead, she moves the back of her hand down to Eryneth's cheek to feel if it exhibits any trace of fever, then sits back and waves her hand as though dismissing her foolish suggestion, saying with a smile, No, no sign of fever, I must have been mistaken. Resting her hand beneath her chin, Nalea lifts her index finger to tap her cheek as she thinks of what conversational avenue her guest might find most entertaining or at least diverting after having been subjected to so many less than happy memories by Nalea's questions to her, smiling as an idea occurs to her and she asks cheerfully, which is increasingly clear the longer one interacts with Nalea is her default mood, Since I have pestered you with so many questions when you must have so very many of your own, what would you like to know about where it is that rather fortuitous portal led you to? I feel I have been terribly remiss in my duties as host, so you simply must allow me to make amends, madellé! Ask me whatever questions you have, as many or as few as you like."
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 10, 2023 19:09:01 GMT -8
It is an unfortunate universal truth it seems...
The truth of the matter is that there was also an equally good chance that Eryn had been romanticising the Faradrim and what they stood for based on her experience with Drauchir. Despite some of his faults and short comings, he was a good person. He had agreed to take her in and raise her after all, so just how bad could he have been?
But Nalea was correct hat Eryn had certainly met such wicked people even beyond her home world. It still stung to think that there were other people and creatures out there deceiving stranded travellers into thinking they were being rescued. At the very least, her captors were no longer to be counted amongst such detestable company. The escape her and Drau had staged had been far from covert and had seemed to damage the craft quite severely. After the portal had closed, she was quite certain the ship had blown up or crashed and given her captors a taste of their own medicine.
She tried to offer a smile then, her cheeks still a little flushed from the contact between Nalea's hand and her own, as her host stated that she would protect Eryn during her stay here. She would have voiced her disagreement, however her blonde haired host was soon leaning over the table and pressing the back of her hand against Eryn's forehead. The action come with little warning and so Eryn had no time to try and prepare herself, the red in her cheeks quickly rising and turning a deeper red. It didn't help any further as Nalea's hand then slid down to her cheek, causing her heart rate to increase exponentially
Oh... no, no... I-I'm fine... just... just perfectly fine...
She pushed her hands down into her lap, balling her fists to try and regain some calm and control. Hr gaze falling away from Nalea's and staring at the glass of water. Thankfully she could tame her thoughts and turn them toward thinking about questions she could ask. She took a couple deep breaths, the red shade in her face stating to recede a little finally as she lifted her gaze to Nalea. There was a whole host of questions she had and a lot to learn about this world and its people. But there was one thing she wanted to know about
Before I got here, you were speaking with someone. What was that all about, if you don't mind me asking? I'm sure there is a lot for me to learn about your people, but that seemed... important.
Although they had known each other only a short time, Eryn felt a connection to Nalea. Her host could have simply pawned her off to someone else or shown no interest what so ever. But she had shown interest and hosted Eryn in her own home. It was more than most had ever done for her in her life save for Drau and Runya. Beyond them, only a handful of names came to mind: Bragi, Cûara, Morfinë. Each had held a special place in her heart for their own reasons, but were all gone now. But Nalea was fast forming her own place in Eryn's heart
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Posts: 51
Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 10, 2023 21:38:42 GMT -8
Nalea, looking mildly concerned about Eryneth as she sees her guest continue to look flushed for a moment despite stating she is just perfectly fine, smiles when asked if she minds being asked about what she had been speaking with one of her Chume'doro about when Eryneth had first arrived, telling her guest in an amused tone, "As I did say you could ask anything you'd like, madellé, I could hardly mind you asking anything you'd like, could I? Taking a sip of water as she considers how best to describe the encounter her guest had witnessed the tail end of in a way that will make sense to her given she knows little of Hapes or its customs, Nalea crinkles her nose after a moment and warns Eryneth, It is not the most thrilling of tales I fear, being really more of an annoying internal matter than anything.
Running the tip of her index finger around the rim of her water goblet, Nalea begins her account of the encounter by explaining, "It involves one of the Chume'doro, she motions towards Deianeira - possibly quite forgotten by Eryneth as she stands guard, silent and motionless a few feet behind the table where Nalea and Eryneth are seated - as a reminder that is what her guards are called, that went gallivanting off sometime between the former Queen Mother's reign and my own. The Chume'doro, you see, are oathbound for life to defend the Queen Mother and her family. Waving a hand around absently, Nalea says, That is a bit of a simplification, but for the purposes of answering your question I believe it should suffice. Now then, Nalea resumes her tale in an amused and light, airy tone that does not quite match the mild moue of distaste evident in her somewhat strained smile suggesting she is more perturbed than she would like to admit by the situation she describes, since our naughty little Chume'doro came to our attention when she was searching absolutely everywhere high and low for someone dear to her that had gone missing, I find myself in the rather bothersome position of having to recall her to Hapes to remind her of her oath."
Pausing and staring at her water goblet as though the object might offer her some solution to the problem that would allow her to satisfy the Chume'doro's Purity Division as well as her own personal desire to allow Major Wan to enjoy her freedom and the happiness she is likely to have found given what her daring search for the missing architect from Umgul suggests, Nalea sighs and says softly, "Were it up to me, I would release our wayward Chume'doro from her oath and simply let her go on with her life, momentarily letting her guard down enough that the affection and regard she has for Major Wan is evident in her wistful expression and tone of voice, but, she smiles brightly as her buoyantly cheerful nature reasserts itself, there are other considerations, as the Chume'doro you saw me speaking with was oh so quick and ever so happy to remind me of. Crinkling her nose, Nalea explains simply, The oath and concern for the precedent releasing one from it willy-nilly would set, naturally, are really rather more important than my own feelings on the matter," her tone suggesting it is only with great reluctance that she has accepted that is in fact the case.
Smiling brightly with a casual shrug of her shoulders that is clearly forced, Nalea says, "You see, madellé? Not a very thrilling tale at all, really. Lacing her fingers together and resting her chin atop them, Nalea asks cheerfully, Have you any other questions? Or, she crinkles her nose and quips, have I bored you so terribly and completely with my last answer that you fear now to ask any others?"
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 12, 2023 14:49:19 GMT -8
Eryn had met plenty of people who had made a similar offer to be asked anything, but there was almost always something or some topic that was off limits. Past experience had taught her to treat such offers with some reservations. So it was somewhat refreshing to find Nalea was actually fine with her question being asked. She cradled her own goblet of water, taking sips from it as she sat and attentively listened to her hosts answer. Despite the still disappearing blush in her cheeks, she held onto each word and kept her gaze focused on Nalea, picking up tidbits of information along the way.
She was still trying her best to wrap her brain around the proper pronunciation of Chume'doro, which was getting easier the more Nalea said it, when her host perhaps unintentionally let slip what her role, or rather title, was. The title of Queen Mother was not foreign to her, since a position named that had existed on Acron. However, she suspected a great deal that the position from her home world was different to that which Nalea held. It seemed more likely that Nalea's use of the title Queen Mother was in the same way a regularly titled Queen was positioned. She filed away the title for later questioning as Nalea continued on with her story.
As more of the tale was recounted, this time it was Eryn's turn to reach out a hand to let it come to rest atop Nalea's. Despite the resurgence of her hosts smile, Eryn does not move her hand. Her mind already well in motion and processing everything she had heard. A life oath was not something she was unfamiliar with, a few nations had guards whom had sworn similar such servitudes. She had not been a big fan of them then, and she as even less of a fan of this one, judging by the sadness and pain it seemed to be causing Nalea. She gave the Queen Mother's hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance
Bored? hardly. Nothing about any of this is boring. Until recently, I'd never set foot on another world, and now... I'm here, with an amazing woman who leads... things on a scale I'm barely able to understand. My Mother always said other inhabited worlds existed, but I could never have imagined anything like this...
There was something akin to a child like sense of amazement shining in her eyes
Do I have any other questions? so many... These... Chume... Cume... Sorry...
She took a moment to silently recite the name before trying again, butchering the pronunciation a little for sure
The chume'doro... could you tell me more about them? Surely there is some method by which the releasing of her vow could be done hat is not considered so... what was the term you used?
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 15, 2023 6:14:07 GMT -8
Nalea smiles appreciatively as Eryneth gives her hand a gentle squeeze and says that she is intrigued rather than bored by all that had been shared with her about the situation with Major Wan. Placing her free hand atop Eryneth's after her guest has spoken, Nalea smiles as she says in as light, airy and cheerful a tone as ever, "Ah, madellé, you are very kind to flatter me so, but, she leans forward and confides humbly in a playfully conspiratorial tone, it is not I that am amazing, but those who advise and support me who are. Crinkling her nose, Nalea downplays her role in guiding the Consortium as she claims, All I do, really, is listen for the wisest courses of action from all that are suggested and then do what is needed to see that it is taken," which, while a simplification, is an apt description of Nalea's leadership style; her time spent serving in the Hapan Royal Navy and Chume'doro both having taught her that while there are times leaders must act unilaterally, it is often the case that adopting a more collaborative attitude and allowing opportunities for those being led to be included in decisions can make for a more unified and determined unit - be it a fighting unit, a gaggle of politicians or a people.
Patting Eryneth's hand with a warm smile and then reaching for the pitcher of water to refill both of their goblets when her guest says that she has other questions, Nalea leans back in her seat and takes a drink of her water as she listens to the questions that follow. Tapping her index fingers on the sides of her goblet, Nalea explains more about the Chume'doro than she had before as that was the first of Eryneth's questions, saying, "The Chume'doro are, I think, more like your Marshalls, choosing an example from her guest's homeworld she hopes may help clarify what the Hapan Royal Guard do, rather than being like an army that defends the Consortium's borders. The Chume'doro's primary duty is to defend the Queen Mother and her extended family, which includes acting as bodyguards and Palace Guards, naturally. Those Chume'doro who perform those duties are in what is called the Royal Division, Nalea explains, and then says, The Chume'doro you saw me speaking with earlier, on the other hand, is in the Investigative Division, which, as the name suggests, deals with looking into plots against the Queen or the Consortium and also acts as an internal affairs branch for the Chume'doro, which is known as the Purity sub-division."
Taking another drink of her water, hoping that she has made the matter more clear for Eryneth even though she could go into even greater detail should the need arise, Nalea frowns and bites her lower lip as she considers how best to answer the question about ways a Chume'doro might be released from their oath, first saying somewhat distractedly to remind her guest of the term she had used, "Precedent setting, and then lifts a hand to massage her right temple as she explains, There are options, certainly, though none that are very appealing to me or that I believe our naughty little Chume'doro truly deserves. Closing her eyes with a heavy sigh, Nalea explains, Having flitted off without leave, our prodigal Royal Guard is facing a dishonorable discharge for desertion, which could result in imprisonment. Shaking her head without opening her eyes yet, her index and second finger continuing to massage her temple with increasing fervor as though doing so will make her thoughts less troubled, Nalea says with rare vehemence in her tone, I do not wish for that to happen though, and so must find another way. "
Silent for a moment as she tries to think of alternatives, Nalea opens her eyes after the suggestion of an idea occurs to her, lips pursed in thought as she thinks aloud, "If there were a way to show that our dear prodigal were no longer able to perform her duties, or to meet the required standards of conduct and performance of her rank, I might be able to convince Purity that a General Discharge, which is not punitive, was warranted. Smiling as she believes she may be on the right track, Nalea reaches for both of Eryneth's hands and clasps them excitedly with her own as she tells her guest cheerfully, I am in your debt it seems, cor'tur, for I believe your question has brought me closer to a far happier resolution of the situation than I had thought would be possible at first."
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 16, 2023 19:56:20 GMT -8
Eryn did her best to control the blush that was triggered by the hand that came to rest atop her own. Thankfully barely a noticeable change occurred, though her cheeks and face were already still a little shaded from earlier. She smiled as Nalea tried to humbly suggest she deserved no credit. She'd met plenty of such people in her life, each of them amazing in their own rights, but far too humble to admit it
It takes a certain ability of it's own to surround oneself with such knowledgeable people and be willing to listen to and trust their advice. It is also no small task to determine what seems like the most sage advice in times of crisis and peace. Do not sell yourself too short.
The interruption caused by the refilling of the glasses allowed her a respite to fight down the blush. Her face taken on its more usual pale complexion. She took several sips of her water as Nalea talked about the Chume'doro and their various roles and divisions. There was a lot of information to sort through and make sense of, relating each concept to one another. Her focus turned from such a task as Nalea explained further the punishment the wayward Chume'doro was likely to suffer should an alternative not be found.
It was an unenviable position to be in power such as her host was. One could live a certain amount of freedom such power afforded, but they were also trapped by it as well. Your legacy would leave a lasting precedent by which future rulers would follow and act upon. What might seem like a simple solution and right by your morals, could be viewed by future generations as carte blanche to act however they wish and disregard a number of rules, regulations, or even laws.
She felt a small hint of blush return across her nose as Nalea's hands clasped her own and started to thank her
I think it is I who owes you the debt for taking me in after I appeared within your city... But I am glad I was able to help. Perhaps you might tell me some more of this world and the people that live here? This place differs a great deal from where I lived much of my life, and I'd like to learn more about it. Sometimes focusing on the good things helps lessen the fear of the bad things...
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
Member
Posts: 51
Affiliation: The Hapes Consortium
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 17, 2023 1:40:22 GMT -8
Save for a merry laugh accompanying a shake of her head after listening to Eryneth's kind insistence that she not downplay her role in the governance of the Consortium, Nalea offers no further protest as she has the impression it would only fall on deaf ears where her present company is concerned.
Giving her guest's hands a tender squeeze when Eryneth suggests it is she who is in Nalea's debt, the Ereneda crinkles her nose as she smiles and cheerily tells Eryneth, "Ah, cor'tur, you are going to make me put a moratorium on thanks at this rate, so, she takes one of her hands from her guests and taps Enyneth's nose gently with an index finger, we simply must agree that fortune smiled upon us both when dropping you into the city, yes?" Nodding as though the matter of thanking one another has been settled, Nalea pats Eryneth's hand and then, not one to remain still for extended periods of time, she begins walking languidly and quite aimlessly around the room as she does her best to tell her guest more about Hapes and its people. Bearing in mind that it will be best to try and use terms Eryneth is likely to be familiar with based on what she had shared with Nalea of her own world to try and avoid confusion, and that, as brevity can often be more illuminating than verbosity, she will have to try and refrain from allowing her natural loquaciousness to lead her to go into more detail than might be necessary or welcome.
Once she has had a chance to gather her thoughts, Nalea leans against a wall beside a window affording a superb view of Ta'a Chume'Dan, illuminated by the seven moons in the sky that is never truly dark, as she begins her answer by saying, "As their history shapes any people, I suppose it would be best to begin by telling you of ours, looking over a shoulder as she smiles and says, I promise to be a brief as can be, however, and then turns from the view outside of the window and walks around the room as she says, Hapes was discovered and settled by some rather naughty pirates long, long ago. Those incorrigible pirates used Hapes as the base of their operations and were in the habit of kidnapping women they considered to be particularly alluring and bringing them to Hapes along with their other spoils. Nature, naturally, took its course and the male pirates and women did what men and women do in all times and in all places and their male offspring were raised to be pirates while the females were left on Hapes to be raised by their mothers. Waving a hand to suggest the passing of time, Nalea explains, Eventually the pirates were all killed off while away plundering, leaving the women and children on Hapes, which was as yet undiscovered by any but the pirates, to fend for themselves."
After pausing for that all to be digested, Nalea leans back against a wall facing Eryneth and continues, "The society that was formed was, as you have probably guessed, and rather unsurprisingly given their history, a Matriarchal one, with men considered to be of use almost solely as a means of continuing the survival of the Hapan race and selected for their attractiveness more than any other quality. Waving a hand around the room to indicate the palace and what it represents, Nalea explains, indulging in her tendency to often speak of her role as the Ereneda as separate from her when she is not currently acting in that capacity, The Queen Mother rules over the Consortium, which was formed when the first Queen Mother united other worlds in the Hapan Cluster, from here on Hapes with the help of the Royal Court comprised of representative from those other worlds."
Taking a theatrically deep breath, Nalea smiles and says cheerfully, "That is quite enough history I think, and sits in the edge of the table as she takes a drink of water and, sounding far more animated than she had when giving her abbreviated account of her people's history, begins to tell Eryneth of her people themselves, pride evident in her tone as she says, We Hapans value beauty in all its forms over all else, crinkling her nose as she jokes, A trait passed down from generation to generation from our progenitors no doubt. Standing and resuming her idle wandering, Nalea says, We have not, for instance, built over the natural splendor of our world as many outside worlds do. Our forests, mountains and oceans are unspoiled by industry. There are a few fishing and game preserves, but by and large our agricultural and industrial needs are met by trading among other worlds in the Consortium. Our people are primarily artists, Nalea explains, giving a few examples, Painters, dancers, singers, tailors, she does a twirl to use her pale blue dress as an example of the kinds of works the tailors on Hapes are capable of producing before ending the list before it goes on too long with a, and so on. And even though we have made some ties to worlds outside of the Consortium, we still keep to ourselves more often than not."
Gesturing towards Deianeira, Nalea says, "And of course some of our people, women primarily, though there a few men as well, serve in the Chume'doro or in the Royal Navy or in the Home Guard, which is our military force. The men on Hapes, she adds with a frown suggesting a certain degree of sympathy for those she speaks of, still bear the burden of their forefather's misdeeds, and are considered to be of a lower social status than women, and typically work in the service field. Tilting her head to the side as she debates whether there is more to add, Nalea decides to let Eryneth decide whether she has painted an adequate verbal portrait of her people and so asks, Is there anything else you would like to know of Hapes or our people, cor'tur? Or have I sufficiently sated your curiosity on those particular topics for now?"
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