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Post by Faradrim on Jul 17, 2023 16:09:37 GMT -8
Eryn blinked and flinched back a little as Nalea tapped her nose. The blush across her nose growing deeper and wider as she tried to compose herself enough to give a coherent response. "Gods why do I have to be so awkward?" was the most recently repeated thought through her head. It was difficult not to be enchanted by the spell Nalea seemed to cast with her smile. She shyly looked away, trying to muster her strength
I suppose that is an agreeable compromise...
She was somewhat thankful then as Nalea patted her hands and stood up, pacing about as she delivered her next answers. Eryn drank some more of her water whilst watching her enchanting host move around before coming to a stop by a window. The view she was afforded as the moonlight spilled in was remarkable, so much so she accidentally spilled a little of her drink as she tried to bring it up to her lips, but missing them. She muttered a curse under her breath and grabbed a coth to quickly dry herself, hoping Nalea wouldn't take too much notice.
She listened closely even as she patted the last of the most prominent water off of her clothes before turning her full attention to the matter again. Hearing about a people's past and present was always a lot to digest and remember. But Eryn was undaunted by the fact. She definitely agreed that their beauty and attractiveness had passed down well to her host. A thought she also admonished herself for having. She was slipping very close to impropriety regarding Nalea, and that would not be good. But watching the Queen Mother, her host, spin about in that blue dress was almost too much for her to handle. She swallowed hard as she processed the view and the information she was still getting before Nalea finished
We had stories of a tribe of female warriors forming a similar such society deep in the jungle on Acron. I never did find out if the stories were true or not, but they were famed in legends and tales for similar such fame, though men had a much lesser role. A tale once told that they would mark any sons they had before sending them back out into the world with their fathers, so that should they be caught again... well...
What was left unsaid would hopefully be easy to infer from the indication that men were seen almost exclusively as breeding stock. She coughed to clear her that and ease the tension she felt
Anyway... I think I have a decent understanding, at least for today. I'm sure there will be time enough to learn more. But I am curious, the terms you use to refer to me. That's your native tongue correct? Do those terms have any translation into my language?
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 19, 2023 22:29:38 GMT -8
Nalea smiles after Eryneth shares the tale of female warriors in the jungle on Acron, noting, "It may be that there are other such similarities between your world and ours, though, she crinkles her nose, we are not in the habit of marking our sons or, well . . . " she leaves unsaid what had been unsaid before with an exaggerated shiver of distaste, and then, her leisurely pacing having brought her back to the table, sits on the edge of it near her chair as she nods when her guest says that she has had enough discussion of Hapes' history and society for the day and then asks about the terms that Nalea has used when referring to her.
"They are from our language, yes, and then smiles as she waves a hand around and explains, Madellé, in Basic, which she assumes is either Eryneth's native language or near enough to it to make the two indistinguishable from one another no matter the name Eryneth might call it, means Madam, which is simply a term one uses when one doesn't know the social standing of the woman they are addressing, then brushes a blonde curl behind her ear as she continues, Cor'tur, on the other hand, means bright heart, and is used, as you might imagine, for someone one considers to be a source of light or joy," and pauses with her lips pursed as though she is perhaps about to say more when the doors to her private dining room burst open and Valasca enters hurriedly, making Deianeira cast her stillness aside and move quickly to Nalea's side.
Sounding at once apologetic and disturbed, Valasca bows as she says, "Ereneda, there has been . . ." halting when Nalea lifts a hand to silence her before she disturbs Eryneth with whatever almost certainly political matter has brought her bursting into the room.
Her demeanor having become a bit more formal, Nalea tells Eryneth with a reassuring smile, "It seems We have something requiring Our attention, madellé, so you will have to excuse Us as We tend to it. After patting Eryneth's shoulder as she passes by her guest to speak with Valasca quietly in Hapan for a moment, her smile fading to suggest the matter is not as trivial as she had hoped, Nalea tells Valasca in Hapan, Look after Our guest, please," and then, with Deianeira following beside her, quickly makes her way from the room.
After bowing to the Ereneda, Valasca motions with her ornate polearm towards the hall outside of the dining room as she tells Eryneth in Basic, "I will bring you to your rooms, and as the Ereneda's guest might be concerned about what has happened, reassures her in a calm tone suggesting her complete and utter confidence in the Queen Mother's ability to deal with what has been brought to her attention, There is nothing for you to be concerned about, it is only a . . . situation with the noble houses has arisen that the Ereneda is required to defuse. Inclining her head towards the doors, she asks, Shall we?"
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 20, 2023 2:00:27 GMT -8
Eryn was unsure just how true the stories of the Vudrana were, so it was no surprise to find such distaste from Nalea regarding their views upon men. Bragi had once boasted that you should never let the truth get in the way of a good story. The tale of the Vudrana was likely that good story, with the truth being a lot less... fantastical. She takes to heart the lesson Nalea then gives, doing her best to associate the terms she uses with ones from her home world to better remember them. The first title seeming rather straight forward. But it was the second one that sent a flutter through her chest for a moment. A moment that lasted all too briefly as Valasca came running in to draw Nalea away on some business.
She could merely sit there and feel a little dejected as the change seemed to come over her host like one slipping on a mask. Her hands fell down into her lap, balled up as she tried to put on a brave face. The prior warmth disappearing by the moment
Ok... I'll... see you around...
She sat watching Nalea leave with Deianeira in tow, the brief flutter from moments ago being replaced by a tightness in her chest. Once Nalea had disappeared, she let her head hang a little bit, not immediately responding to Valasca, but listening all the same. She sat in silence, reminding herself that she had been far too selfish and arrogant to think there would be nothing else Nalea would have to do. Some deep down dark part meanwhile started to pull free and whispered about how she was nothing more than the Queen Mother's curio. A broken toy washed upon the shore of Hapes and taking her attention for a moment. She let out a sigh after a few moments, the tightness only feeling stronger
Is there...
She began before pausing, trying to fight back the intrusive thoughts that wanted to try and consume her
Is there a training room, or perhaps an empty courtyard I might be allowed to use? I need to keep up my training with my sword...
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 20, 2023 6:55:20 GMT -8
Valasca nods when Eryneth asks about a training room, resting her polearm casually on a shoulder as she moves into the hallway outside of the small dining room and begins heading first towards the Ereneda's guest's rooms as she says in Basic, "Your clothing has been cleaned and mended, but our smith was unable to remove your weapons from their sheathes," she arches an eyebrow inquisitively but does not voice the question posed by the expression, instead silently completing the journey to Eryneth's rooms and waiting outside while the white haired woman collects her weapons and perhaps changes into something more suitable for swordplay; a few additional items of clothing having been added to those she had previously been given such as pajamas and other odds and ends the household staff had thought their guest might require.
Leading the way to one of the training rooms on a lower level of the palace, Valasca stations herself inside the room beside the door after nodding a greeting to the sole other occupant of the room, Lysippe Yajaira, the Chume'doro that had been speaking with the Queen Mother when Eryneth had arrived to dinner, and who had been sparring against an ASP-19 training droid only to pause with a hopeful expression when she and Eryneth had entered the training room, undoubtedly waiting to be given the Ereneda's message for Major Wan.
After speaking briefly in Hapan to let Lysippe know that the Ereneda is away on a matter involving the noble houses, Valasca motions towards the other, currently inert, training droids and practice dummies available for Eryneth to use as she asks, "Will this be satisfactory, or would you prefer to practice outside instead?"
As Valasca speaks with Eryneth, Lysippe lifts her short sword and resumes sparring with the ASP-19, her footwork quick, nimble and lithe and her strikes, parries and counters decisive, precise and indicative of the many years she has spent training or putting her skills to use in the service of the Hapes Consortium. Though she knows that her Division's insistence on calling Major Wan to answer for her desertion and violation of her oath causes the Ereneda some discomfort due to her history with Major Wan, and that those who served with Major Wan are less than pleased themselves with the decision, Lysippe herself is among the Chume'doro that take such pride in their positions and worship the Queen Mother so devotedly that the thought of one of their own violating their oath to the Ereneda is so appallingly offensive that there is no question of whether or not Major Wan should face the consequences of her actions, no matter what her reasons might be for breaking her oath and forsaking her duties and responsibilities.
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 20, 2023 15:47:59 GMT -8
Yes, I don't imagine they could...
She followed alongside Valasca, noting her chaperone's curiosity that did not turn into a question. It wasn't that she had a secret to keep, but she figured if the Chume'doro was curious enough she would ask about it. Instead Eryn let the rest of the journey to the guest quarters pass without further comment or question. Her focus was much too consumed by the growing emptiness she felt gnawing away at her, spawning a greater power to the thoughts swirling around in her mind. She tried to barricade herself against them, but she could feel old memories slowly starting to surface. Trauma she had once thought dealt with peeking out once more.
As they arrived back to her room, she slipped inside and grabbed both her dagger and sword, slipping the straps on. Had she the time, she would have changed back into her regular clothing. But she knew the longer she waited, the more all consuming the darkness would become. Nalea would forgive her if she ruined the borrowed outfit... hopefully.
"She doesn't truly care about you..."
She tightened the strap across her chest and headed back out of the room to follow Valasca onwards to the training rooms. Where she had hoped to find some solace, the rooms occupant merely set her a little more on edge. While she had not gotten a good look earlier, she still recognised the woman from the dining room. She stood by the door as Valasca conversed with her in their native tongue.
When asked, part of her wanted to take the easy out and request to practice outside. But another part of her stubbornly refused to give in
This will be fine.
The response came out a little more curtly than she had intended as she moved over toward one of the practice dummies. She unbuttoned the jacket to allow her some greater range of movement as she did a quick warm up spar against the dummy. Drauchir had always taught her that it didn't matter what you were wearing, you should always train. Learning the limitations of your outfit at any given moment was just as important as your skill wit the weapon you wielded.
"But he's not here... He abandoned you... Just like all the others..."
She struck one of the protruding limbs with a slap that was much harder than the others
Shut up...
The command was whispered in a barely audible tone as she retook her stance and restarted the exercise. Striking and blocking against the dummy. Despite being separated by the vast void of space, their cultures had developed similar looking training dummies which allowed her to fall into her training routine. She hadn't considered it at first, but her thoughts had finally started to drift just a little that she took stock of the moment.
"They're all dead and gone... you're alone again..."
She tried to push them back down, working to focus on something else... anything else.
"He's not coming to save you. You've got nothing. You're nothing!"
She turned from slapping the dummy to closed fist punches. She wasn't alone, she was surrounded by people. She was safe.
"Until you are no longer of any use to them... You'll be thrown back out once more..."
Her left hand striking the dummy whilst her right hand tore the dagger from her belt and brought it up before embedding the blade into the dummy as she let out a scream of frustration.
After a moment she slapped the hilt of the dagger, causing it to tear free of the dummy and go clattering to the ground. Despite being so far from her home world, she could feel the swirl of the Magick here, just as she had upon that ship. With ease, she drew Ravi from its sheath as she squared up against one of the ASP-19's activated upon sensing a training partner. She started through her motions as the droid started up, slicing through the air with her blade in side to side and up and down strikes. As the Training Droid moved against her, she brought her sword upwards in a strike as the energy based blade came down. The blades met halfway and collided together. Eryn pushed up against the blade, pushing it out of the lock before quickly striking at the mechanised beings chest.
She tried to fall into the comforting flow of combat, turning her thoughts to the attacks she needed to make and the strikes she needed to block. To some small degree it was starting to work, the thoughts from earlier dying as they lost their power. But that was not quite the truth. The tightness in her chest barely felt loosened as she continued to go through the motions, striking this way and that. What had seemed like weakening darkness, had merely been a tactical retreat to regroup. The energy blade belonging to the ASP-19 slipped past her guard and struck down her cheek where her scar was. She pulled back, her hand instinctively going up and cupping her cheek.
"You're scarred and broken, how could she ever care for you... How could anyone care for you... Half-breed... Neither solely Witch or Faradrim... ABOMINATION!"
She felt the flow of Magick concentrate into her left hand
shut.... UP!
She tossed her hand out toward the ASP-19, a blaster of energy erupting from her open palm and striking the droid violently before a ring of fire burst out from her and disappeared just as quickly into nothingness, barely singing the floor with the rapidness of its existence. She gripped Ravi with both hands and cleaved the sword through the air and straight into the ASP-19's neck. The blade lodging itself into the chest of the droid before she let go and dropped to her knees, her hair falling in a mess around her face as tears streaked down her cheeks
KRRRRIIiiiiffffffff....
Her frustration and pain mixed into one last cry. She thought she could be fine, that she could maintain this front she'd been holding on to since Acron. But like the mask Nalea had pulled on before leaving, her own was starting to crumble away. The whispers quickly retreated to their shadows as their power had been yanked away and tossed into the attack on the droid
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 21, 2023 1:22:37 GMT -8
Training Room
With Lysippe focused on sparring and Valasca being accustomed to seeing her fellow Royal Guardswomen venting their stress or ire out against training dummies, droids or even one another on occasion, neither of the Chume'doro notice that Eryneth's emotions have overwhelmed her until the white haired woman releases some kind of energy blast from her palm and, after a ring of fire briefly surges out from her before dissipating, falls to her knees while emitting a cry of commingled rage and pain.
Lysippe, lowering her short sword to shut her ASP-19 opponent down, is the first to reach Eryneth, kneeling on the white haired woman's right side and, in light of the strange abilities that have just been displayed, cautiously rests a hand on Eryneth's back gently as she says soothingly in Basic, "There, there, ka'zaqash, you are not alone, we are here for you, and looks over at Valasca as her fellow Chume'doro kneels on Eryneth's left side and rubs the woman's shoulder comfortingly, arching an eyebrow inquisitively as while she has heard of the strange manner in which the Ereneda's guest arrived, she has learned no further details about what had occasioned Eryneth's arrival. What has upset you so?" Lysippe asks gently, rubbing Eryneth's back to try and soothe her.
Brushing Eryneth's hair back from her face and then wiping the tears from her cheeks, Valasca asks in a calm, kind tone despite her concern that Eryneth's anger and the abilities that accompanied it might arise anew, "What do you need, madellé? Do you want to return to your rooms?" Knowing no more than Lysippe what is at the root of Eyrneth's outburst, Valasca can only think to ask what the white haired woman wants or needs, and finds herself glad that Lysippe, who is older and more experienced, is here to help manage the situation.
Queen's Drawing Room
Upon returning to the palace Nalea had stopped first at Eryneth's rooms only to find Valasca was not stationed outside which could only mean that the Chume'doro and her guest were elsewhere, which, considering her own mood, was perhaps for the best given that she is unsure she would be pleasant company and, furthermore, as she had promised to give Eryneth time and space, it seems selfish to even think of imposing on her guest with cares and concerns that are Nalea's alone to deal with. There is something about Eryneth's presence that Nalea finds soothing and intriguing despite what she had been through before literally appearing out of nowhere, and Nalea, knowing the course she has set for herself, supposes it is fortunate in the end that her guest is elsewhere.
Retiring to her drawing room - with it's ostentatious, formal air often enabling Nalea to more easily assume the proper mindset required of her when dealing with political matters - Nalea had settled down in a chair in front of a writing desk, set on composing a message to be sent to Major Wan. Her first draft is torn up and discarded almost as soon as it has been written, Nalea pouring out her heart to her former lover and entreating her to return rather than demanding it, full of apologies for not fighting for what they once had together and confessions of regret and longing that, in the end she decides are foolish given how much time has passed and the likelihood that Delaana has moved on. The second draft is crumpled and tossed into a bin with the ink still wet, Nalea revealing in the draft that she is now the Ereneda, which, upon reflection she decides would only complicate an already difficult situation. The third and final draft, which does not reveal that she is now the Queen Mother and has the tone of a Mother bidding a prodigal daughter to return, is the one Nalea rolls up and seals with the Ereneda's signet ring.
Though her self-pity has passed, Nalea's melancholy lingers after she has a Chume'doro deliver the scroll to Lysippe; in all her dreams and fantasies of being reunited with Delaana, she had never imagined it would be under such circumstances as fate has decreed will be the case, and though she has accepted that what was can never be given that what is imposes its own demands on what must be, the sting of old memories that have been brought forth is so keenly felt that Nalea knows sleep will prove elusive and offer little respite when it can no longer be denied.
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 21, 2023 5:14:38 GMT -8
She had flinched away when Lysippe first dropped to her side and tried to reach out to touch her back, reacting more out of instinct than anything. But she lacked the fight to keep pulling away and instead settled back down and admitted defeat as the two women knelt by her sides trying to comfort and calm her. She shuddered a little, still not entirely comfortable being in such close proximity to two people she barely knew, especially in the state she was in. Given everything weighing upon her, it would take a lot more than a pat on the back to truly quell the sobbing and the tears born from it. Her hands rested in her lap as she tried to piece back together the mask that had shattered. Her right hand rose up and she pressed it against her face
I'm such a fool... I'm sorry...
She let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping in defeat. Her gaze slowly lifted to where her sword was plunged into the neck and shoulder of the droid. Mechanised puppets that were used for a variety of tasks and she'd struck this one down in her anger. She shrugged off Valasca and Lysippe and pushed herself to her feet as she gripped the hilt of her sword with both hands and braced her right foot upon the chassis. She tore the blade free and slid it back into its sheath before turning to face the two women
I just... I can't right now, not with... I need to be alone...
She pushed on over to where her dagger laid and picked it up before sliding it into its sheath. It was all such a mess right now. She hurried out of the training room, before breaking out into a sprint through the hallways of the Palace. She needed to find something, somewhere that she could focus on and try calm herself, before the darkness could rally itself once more and try once more. She kept on through the palace, trying to get to higher and higher levels where she might find the highest placed garden or balcony. She had no idea where it would be, instead trusting the pull and flow of Magick to lead her toward either her intended destination or some other chance meeting which she might better need
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 21, 2023 6:57:18 GMT -8
Training Room
"Let her go, Lysippe tells Valasca in Hapan as the redhead moves to give chase to Eryneth. When someone says they need to be alone they usually mean just that."
Sighing in frustration, Valasca accepts Lysippe's advice reluctantly and replies in their native tongue, "The Ereneda said I was to look after her though, if anything should . . ."
"She's safe here in the palace, Lysippe tells the redhead, patting her on the back as another Chume'doro enters the training room with a scroll in hand that can only mean the time has come at last for her to make the trip to Umgul and let their deserter know that the time has come to answer for her disloyalty. Just go and wait outside her rooms, she'll be back soon enough," Lysippe suggests as she goes to get the scroll she will be delivering.
"Tur conter ti'doro nui, sestra," Valasca tells Lysippe as they part ways outside of the training room, heading to Eryneth's rooms as her fellow Chume'doro makes for the hangar.
Hallway outside of Queen's Drawing Room
Stergios Evangelatos, one of the rare male Chume'doro that make up a mere 5% of the Hapan Royal Guard's ranks, had been patrolling the corridors near the Ereneda's Drawing Room and the Royal Bedchamber that it leads to when the sound of fleet footsteps alerted him to the fact his solitary patrol was soon to be interrupted.
Lifting a hand as Eryneth rounds a corner and is about to barrel into him, Stergios, armored in a slightly less ornate fashion than the female Chume'doro, plants his feet as he prepares to halt - in one way or another - the white haired woman the Royal Guard stationed in the palace have all been informed of and says in Basic with a friendly tone, "Please stop madellé, the Ereneda would be most upset with me were you to come to any harm should we collide. Getting a closer look at Eryneth's face, Stergios frowns as he removes his helmet and tries to use humor to get through to the distraught woman, smiling gently as he says in a theatrical whisper, If you could also perhaps stop crying before anyone sees us and blames me for your tears, that would be most appreciated."
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 21, 2023 8:17:27 GMT -8
Eryn had no concept of the Palace's layout and had been following the flow that she truly did have no idea where she was. She'd doubled back at places the Chume'doro had stopped her passing through or otherwise found a locked door, to find other passageways. A task which had only made a foreign palace all that more so. But it had also provided some sense of solitude, providing her mind some much needed time to drift away a little.
That was at least until she came barrelling around the corner into a new corridor toward a silver and blue armoured individual that purposefully steps out into her path
Oh kark!
She stumbled forward toward the guard, unable to properly stop herself or recover completely, causing her to collide gently up against them. Given her rather rapid dash from the training room, she'd not had time nor thought to consider the semi-state of undress she was in: She still wore the pale blue three piece suit with the vest unbuttoned from her training, and her bra and most of her torso on display. The scar running just above her left breast and another that followed down her right hip both on display. But none of that had been of particular concern to her up until this point. She'd fallen a little to comfortably into the idea that Hapes was a matriarchal society, forgetting men still existed within their ranks.
Something she quickly remembered when the guard removed his helmet to try comfort her. Her cheeks and bridge of her nose violently taking on a shade of red as she pushed herself away and quickly pulled the vest closed. Her tears were soon forgotten and were not renewed as embarrassment crept up. She stared down at the ground and his feet, unable to look up and meet his gaze
That was entirely my fault... I... I should have been more careful... I'll take the blame... uhm...
It wasn't his fault she had been crying, nor was it his fault she had been as exposed as she was when she collided with him as she had. But she could see how things might not go in his favour. Her fingers quickly tried to work the clasps on the vest closed as she let out a new sigh, trying to suppress her blush and embarrassment.She wiped at her face to clear away what few tears remained
Sorry, I've no idea where I ended up... I'm not doing very good at any of this...
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 21, 2023 9:54:20 GMT -8
Hallway outside of Queen's Drawing Room
More concerned with averting the collision that occurs despite his best efforts than anything else, Stergios is not aware of Eryneth's disheveled clothing or what is revealed by their present state until he has put a hand on the white haired woman's shoulder to steady her after they have collided. His hand flies up just when Eryneth pushes herself away from him and he observes what he had not before, causing him to blush a shade of red that rivals the one on Eryneth's cheeks as he stammers awkwardly, "Ah, um, er . . ." and then stumbles a bit as he turns around quickly to let her tend to her clothing while he prays that no one else is about to the round the corner and stumble upon a scene that at first glance would be even more awkward for him to explain than it would be were his joke about being blamed for her tears to become prophetic.
Suddenly very interested in studying the craftsmanship of his helmet, Stergios examines it intently with his back to Eryneth as he listens to her apologizing, which makes him immediately rush to assure her, "Oh, no madellé, any fault is mine, I should have moved out of your path rather than into it, he stammers, raising and lowering the visor on his helmet as though to make sure it is in good working order as Eryneth wonders aloud where she has wound up and then says she is not doing well at any of something, which makes him rush to say while pointing at the doors just ahead of where he is standing with his back to her still, Ah, well, you, ah, are just outside of the Queen's Drawing Room, and then asks, Erm, what is it you aren't doing good at, madellé? Risking a joke, he quips, Learning your way around the palace? With a nervous laugh, Stergios shares, It took me quite a while to learn my way around too, so you, ah, should not feel so bad, see? Tossing his helmet up and down, Stergios asks in a helpful tone, Where is it you were wanting to go, madellé? I would be happy to point you in the right direction."
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 22, 2023 0:15:00 GMT -8
She was grateful as he turned away, allowing her a proper chance to focus on the clasps of her vest without also trying to shield herself from his view. Her gaze drew up and over toward him as he apologised for stepping into her path instead of out of it. With her vest once more closed up she took a couple steps forward up to the guards side, noting his preoccupation with his helmet so he did not risk spying her in an improper state. Her cheeks were still slightly tear stained, but she managed a small smile
Thank you... I've been something of a terrible guest of the... Ereneda's...
She was certain she had butchered the pronunciation somehow, but hopefully her current companion would not take too much offence as she studied the door that he had pointed out as the Queen's Drawing Room. Some will within the flow of Magick had brought her here. Her mother perhaps?
"...just....a plaything..."
She snapped the thought away, feeling the tightness in her chest returning a little bit. She wasn't going to let herself fall out of control again
I think you have already helped me... Is she back yet? I was on my way to meet with her and then got lost... And it has been a... a very long day...
It was a little white lie, but given all of the guard's were aware of her presence, it was a good chance they weren't like to bar her way save for if Nalea was in some official meeting which she could not attend. Though she was also gambling on just how much freedom and access had been granted to her. Either she'd get in, or Valasca would be summoned to escort her back to her chambers. There wasn't really any overly terrible outcomes
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 22, 2023 1:12:22 GMT -8
Queen's Drawing Room
Assuming it is safe to turn to face Eryneth when she addresses him, Stergios smiles in relief when he sees that the Ereneda's guest has composed herself and her attire and appears to be less distressed than she had when about to collide with him moments ago. Returning his helmet to his head and lifting the visor, Stergios waves a hand to suggest Eryneth's gratitude is not necessary, the slightly puzzled expression accompanying the gesture perhaps suggesting that it is not often that he is thanked for performing his duties, and says cheerfully, "Ah, I am sure that is not true madellé, referring to her concerns that she has not been the best of guests, nothing in his expression indicating that she had not correctly pronounced the Queen Mother's alternate title, jokingly confiding in a hushed tone, At least I have overheard nothing suggesting that is the case," which may or may not suggest to Eryneth that Stergios is accustomed to many of his fellow Chume'doro discussing things around him as though he were not there at all.
A trusting sort, Stergios accepts Eryneth's claim that she had been on her way to meet with the Ereneda without question - his nature being one that is so eager to please or be of service to any woman just as he has been raised and taught by society is his place - despite the fact that the state Eryneth had been in when they had encountered one another might cause someone less eager to be of service to question the validity of her claim. "She returned not long ago, Stergios informs Eryneth with a smile as he lifts the index finger on one hand while taking a comlink from a pouch on his sword belt with the other and says, I am not sure she is still awake given the lateness of the hour, so just give me a moment to check in with Deianeira," and then moves down the hall a bit to do just that.
Stergios’ half of the conversation that follows is in Hapan, but Eryneth is likely to able to tell that his comm is not well received initially, his stammering replies at first apologetic in tone and then gradually becoming more confident as though what he requests excuses the lateness of his contact, and then sounding relieved before he ends the comm. Smiling as he motions towards the doors of the Queen's Drawing Room, Stergios tells Eryneth cheerfully, "The Ereneda will meet you momentarily, madellé."
Deianeira opens the doors to the Drawing Room as Stergios finishes speaking, her expression as impassive and stoic as ever as she ignores Stergios' respectful bow and steps into the hall to hold one of the doors open with one hand while silently motioning for Eryneth to enter the Drawing Room with the other.
Unperturbed by Deianeira's ignoring his bow, suggesting it is perhaps a common occurrence, Stergios smiles as he offers Eryneth a bow, every bit as respectful as that he offered his fellow Chume'doro, before she steps through the doors that Deianeira follows her through and then closes behind her.
Deianeira takes up a position beside the doors after Eryneth is inside the Drawing Room, inclining her head in lieu of a bow as Nalea, barefoot and dressed in a dark blue hooded robe, emerges from the door connecting the Queen's Drawing Room to the Royal Bedchamber with a datapad in her right hand and a concerned expression on her face.
Dropping the datapad on one of the golden hued couches in the drawing room as she walks towards Eryneth, Nalea asks in a worried tone, the lateness of the hour naturally leading her to suspect that her guest is troubled, "Is everything alright, cor'tur? Reaching a hand up as though to cup Eryneth's cheek when she is near enough to do so, a furrow appears between Nalea's brows as though she reconsiders the wisdom of the gesture before completing it, and she instead reaches up to push the hood of her robe off of her head as though that had been her intent all along and smiles more awkwardly than usual as she steps back and motions towards one of the sofas and asks in an almost nervous sounding tone quite unlike her usual light, cheery and airily confident one, Would you like to sit, madellé?"
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 22, 2023 17:24:26 GMT -8
She honestly had no real sense of time since her dash from the training rooms, but it seemed highly unlikely that her latest actions there would have had much time to filter through the gossip network. But she figured it wasn't worth trying to explain that right now, especially as he then started reaching for his commlink. Part of her panicked as he said he would need to check with Deianeira given the lateness of the hour. Her story was about to fall apart real fast, and he was about to get in a lot of trouble for her lie. She held her breath as the comm call followed, watching the progression of apologetic to cheerful once more. Her expression drops to a frown
I'm sorry... But thank you...
She returned the bow, before quickly stepping through the door, avoiding Deianeira's gaze and focusing her attention upon the Drawing Room beyond. She was already slipping Ravi's sheath off over her head and setting it down by the door and unbuckling her dagger as Nalea emerged from the door into the Bedchambers. She left her weapons with Deianeira before proceeding further into the room to meet Nalea midway. She stood opposite her host, feeling her confidence crumbling a little. She really should have just went back to her chambers.
Without saying anything, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Nalea's chest and pressed her face into the Ereneda's shoulder as she felt the tears start to well up once more. She stood there a moment, assuming Nalea did not try push her away, before finally speaking
I know we said no more apologies... but I've been acting like such a fool tonight... I... I hope I did not wake you? A seat would be... wonderful...
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 24, 2023 10:02:15 GMT -8
Queen's Drawing Room
When Eryneth, her voice sounding tearful and her demeanor shaken, embraces her, Nalea's nurturing nature asserts itself and rather than drawing away or hesitating - as she might have otherwise were her earlier nebulous concerns about letting her feelings for her guest venture further afield than she has been founded on anything more firm than mere recognition of that possibility - she gently puts one arm around Eryneth's shoulders and holds her while her other hand soothingly strokes the back of her guest's head.
The skittish quality in her tone is gone when Nalea tells Eryneth quietly, "You must allow yourself to act as you have the need to, cor'tur, and need not apologize for the manner in which you do. Lifting Eryneth's chin and looking into her eyes as she releases her from their embrace and wipes the tears from her face with her other hand, Nalea smiles as she reminds her guest in a gently teasing tone meant to lift her spirits, I gave you leave to vent your feelings, no? If acting a fool for a night is how you vent them, no one will judge you for it."
Motioning for Eryneth to sit on one of the golden colored couches that are arranged facing one another in front of a fireplace, Nalea seats herself on the one opposite it so that they can look at one another as they speak, curling her feet beneath her as - not ignoring the question about whether she was awakened so much as allowing the fact she does not address it to suggest it is unimportant and as she is (and had been) up now, she has no intention of leaving Eryneth alone with what she is going through - she asks, "Would you like something to drink, madellé? Hot chocolate, perhaps? Nalea suggests, crinkling her nose as she jokes, It is not, alas, a universal remedy, but often plays a crucial role in dispelling many ills all the same. Remembering that her guest had not eaten earlier, she asks, Are you hungry?"
Rather than rush to ask what ails her guest - for Nalea knows that the loss of Eryneth's world and her mother, along with being separated from her mentor will all be wounds that are slow to heal - Nalea lets Eryneth dictate the pace and content of whatever it is they speak of next; having learned that it is often best to let one who is grieving choose if, when and how they share what they are feeling as they work through their sorrow, and that sometimes all that is required of those that wish to console them is to simply be present.
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 24, 2023 18:02:08 GMT -8
She was grateful for the embrace, melting into it a little as she just cried into Nalea's shoulder. It felt nice to just let it out in the presence of someone she knew and that already knew her story. Her tears started to abate a little as she felt Nalea lift her chin, her arms falling away from around someone she was starting to consider a friend. She sniffed a little and a small smile formed as her tears were wiped away
I just... I don't want anyone to suffer... for my actions...
When motioned to do so, she slipped down onto the couch and laid down on her side looking over toward Nalea on the opposite couch. She wrapped her arms around herself a little, one hand coming up to wipe away at the few tears still falling
Hot chocolate sounds good...
It was, surprisingly, one of the few things that seemed to be universal as a hot drink. Back on Acron they had not managed the advent of Coffee yet, Tea certainly. Hot Chocolate had the advantage of providing some health care benefits, but was also a favoured drink amongst kids both rich and poor. A number of vendors were accommodating and would give out small cups to those who were less fortunate. It was a nice reminder of home as she turned her gaze toward the fireplace
The drink will be enough for now...
She stared at the fireplace for a moment, before finally looking back over to meet Nalea's gaze
It's been a lot these last couple weeks... But I've spent so much time just staying ahead of it, worrying about the next thing, with someone close... It just kind of all caught up with me earlier when you had to leave...
She let out a defeated sigh, shivering a little at the memory of what had happened from the dining table to the training room
Wounds I thought were healed were very violently opened once more...
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 24, 2023 21:04:29 GMT -8
Queen's Drawing Room
Nalea looks puzzled when Eryneth says that she does not wish for anyone to suffer due to her actions, having (as word has not yet reached her about what occurred in the training room while she had been away from the palace) heard nothing suggesting any reason her guest would be concerned about that possibility and unable to fathom any reason it would be a concern, but does not ask for clarification as she trusts that Eryneth would or will clarify what she means should she feel the need to do so.
Nodding to Deianeira to have the kitchen send up a pot of hot chocolate after Eryneth has indicated her acceptance of that suggestion, Nalea gets up as Eryneth explains a bit more about what had occasioned her distress, retrieving a blanket from a cupboard beside her writing desk. Laying the blanket over Eryneth, who seems cold given that she has wrapped her arms around herself as she lays on her side, Nalea sits on the arm of the couch and strokes her white hair soothingly as she smiles and says tenderly, "I fear that may happen often in the coming days, and crinkles her nose as she cheerily suggests, I suppose, cor'tur. I had best keep you as close as possible as often as possible to be on hand to look after you should that prove to be the case, no?" As, save for meeting with suitor 19 the following afternoon, Nalea anticipates nothing too pressing will demand her time until Major Wan returns from her extended sojourn to Umgul, she trusts she will be able to fulfill her implied promise to remain close to Eryneth. She had hoped that Valasca would, in addition to acting as her guest's guard, be a companion for her when duty called her away, but Nalea supposes it is only natural that her guest would not yet feel as close to any of the Chume'doro as they have become, and though she does wonder why it is Valasca is not with Eryneth now, does not ask as she is cognizant of how, in Eryneth's present state, it could seem like an attempt to hand her over to the Chume'doro when that would not be the case at all.
Continuing to stroke Eryneth's hair, Nalea asks gently in a concerned tone, not pressing her guest to unburden herself so much as reiterating the invitation she had made earlier for Eryneth to do so should she wishe it now, "Do you want to talk about these wounds that have been reopened, cor'tur?"
After Nalea has spoken, Deianeira opens the doors when a knock heralds the arrival of the hot chocolate and, after accepting from the member of the kitchen staff that delivers it, takes the tray bearing the steaming pot and two mugs to the coffee table between the couches facing one another in front of the fireplace and fills the mugs after setting the tray down, and then returns to her position in front of the doors.
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 25, 2023 17:05:46 GMT -8
Eryn looked up at Nalea as the blanket was draped over her, under which she curled up a little tighter as the hand came down and started to stroke her hair. Her cheeks taking on a red blush almost immediately as she felt a small shiver run down her spine alongside a sense of safety that washed over her. Nalea was right, the next few days would undoubtedly be filled with much and more of these feelings and moments. Her gaze fell away from her new friend as Nalea suggested she should should keep Eryn as close as possible, her face going a tinge of red whilst she still wiped away the last remnants of her previous tears. She tried to keep her features under control as she looked back up
I... Would like that...
She gently nuzzled her head up into Nalea's hand, before stopping as she realized what she was doing. She laid there as she let her hair be stroked for a moment, trying to gather the strength and courage together. The knock at the door and Deianeira bringing over the Hot Chocolate provides a respite from trying to sort through all she wants to say. Reaching out a hand from under the blanket, she grabs one of the mugs and pulls it over to take a sip
Perhaps not all of them tonight... I'm not sure I am strong enough just yet for that...
She drank a little more of the Chocolate, grateful for the fortifying qualities it was helping provide her. But even then, she was still trying to find the right words
Runya and Drauchir weren't always in my life, but they have been the most consistent things throughout it since they came into it. Despite all of the heartbreaks and... everything else that has happened, I could rely on them to be there by my side. But now...
She hovered the drink close to her face as she seemed to stare off into space a little for a moment. Trying to fight back down the darkness creeping in at the edge of her thoughts
I felt comfortable with you and it was nice. But... When you had to go, it brought back a lot of memories of other times that I'd been... set aside...
Her gaze snapped up to Nalea then
Which I know wasn't what you were doing. It's just that everything came crashing down all at once and... I just couldn't stop it. I'd hoped some training might have helped. However I fear I now owe you a new training droid...
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 25, 2023 21:05:56 GMT -8
Queen's Drawing Room
Nalea smiles when Eryneth says that she would like being looked after, patting her guest's hand as she cheerily replies, "I am rather glad to hear that, cor'tur, crinkling her nose as she jokes, as that is precisely what I plan to do. Getting up from the arm of the couch when the hot chocolate arrives, her restless nature asserting itself once more, Nalea takes the second mug of hot chocolate from the tray and languidly paces back and forth in front of the fireplace as she listens to Eryneth, after saying that she is not feeling up to probing all of the wounds that had been reopened, describe what had caused one of them to bleed anew; frowning in sympathy upon learning that it was her own departure that had reminded her guest of other times she had been left alone by those closest to her.
Circling around to the back of the couch that faces the one that Eryneth lays on, Nalea rests her elbows on the backrest, her mug clasped in both hands, as she says gently, "Sometimes there will be no stopping your feelings from rising up, cor'tur, and you simply must surrender to them and ride them out to wherever they take you, something in her melancholy tone or perhaps in the momentary mournful look in her eyes suggesting that she has known what it is like to be at the capricious whims of emotion stirred by memories of what once was but is no more, though neither her tone nor expression linger long before her oftentimes irrepressibly effervescent nature reasserts itself and she smiles as she tilts her head to the side while saying with a playful chuckle, Oh, fear not about the silly droid. You are neither the first nor are you likely to be the last to break one."
Not uncomfortable with silences when they occasionally arise despite her loquacious nature, Nalea does not rush to fill the stillness that follows her assertion that Eryneth need not fret about the broken droid, moving around to the front of the couch she had been leaning against the backrest of to sit upon it instead with her legs curled up beneath her. There is nothing distant in her demeanor as Nalea sits and sips her hot chocolate, holding her mug in one hand as she uses the other to take the datapad she had dropped onto the couch earlier and places it and her mug on the coffee table before she lays down on her side facing Eryneth, letting the white haired woman decide what else, if anything, she wishes to speak of.
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Post by Faradrim on Jul 25, 2023 21:47:23 GMT -8
She had felt a small flutter of hope and happiness when Nalea reasserted her commitment to keeping her close and watching out for her. Her gaze then following Nalea as she rose up and paced before the fireplace. Her own hands both cupped her own mug as she listened to the advice given to her. It was not of itself bad advice. But unlike most people, her feelings held a much more dangerous edge to them when they manifested themselves in the negative realm
I fear they may overwhelm me if I do surrender to them...
Her gaze shifted to where Nalea stood behind the other seat, before she also slipped down into it and lay opposite her. She set her own mug back down onto the table and curled one arm up beneath her head whilst pulling the blanket around her with her other hand
It's difficult to explain without going into too much detail. But... typically Faradrim have access to fairly basic abilities. Those chosen and that survive the trials... They're the ones that have been touched by magick, but that it does not live strongly within. Those children end up as Witches and Wizards. It's the path my mother was leading me along before...
Before what ever had happened, happened and caused the destruction of her home world and killed everyone there. Her eyes darted away briefly, before returning to meet Nalea's gaze. Her heart felt heavy, but she could still carry on the weight
Well... Basically I just need to be careful, because my powers could overwhelm me if I ever lost control. A task made all the more difficult by how Faradrim are created... I've come up with ways to manage it over the years. Things that would allow me to keep control... Right now, your presence is one of those things...
She blushed a little at the admission, not really having intended to admit as much, but having said it anyway. "Smooth" she thought to herself
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Nalea Ka Chume Djo
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Post by Nalea Ka Chume Djo on Jul 25, 2023 22:57:51 GMT -8
Queen's Drawing Room
Unconsciously mirroring Eryneth as she listens to the white haired woman speak of her powers and the dangers inherent in them, Nalea curls an arm beneath her head, a furrow appearing between her blonde brows as some of what Eryneth shares sounds to her not unlike the Jedi who possess the ability to use for'ta and can, should they lose themselves to their darker emotions, be a danger to themselves and those around them. When Eryneth speaks of the Faradrim being created Nalea casts aside any thoughts of speaking of the Jedi, who are not created save for in the sense they are trained in the use of their abilities, and instead listens attentively to the rest of what Eryneth says, her interest evident in her blue eyes.
When Eryneth blushes after sharing that she finds being in her presence a way to keep control over her powers akin to the other ways she has found to do so, the furrow that reappears between Nalea's brows suggests she understands the responsibility that knowledge imparts on her, while the tiny upward curl of the left corner of her lips that might seem incongruous with the furrowed brow hints that she does not find the prospect of ensuring that Eryneth is in her presence as often as needed to maintain her sense of control over her powers at all unpleasant.
"I think I understand, cor'tur, Nalea says after taking a moment to turn what she has been told and what she believes she has gleaned from what Eryneth may have revealed without needing to say anything at all around in her head to examine it all in all of its facets, and then crinkles her nose as she says in a playful tone, I take back my advice, which was, she chuckles and shakes her head, not so very good in light of what I know now. Blowing an errant blonde curl that had fallen over her eye when she shook her head away, Nalea smiles and cheerily declares in the same playful tone as she looks into Eryneth's eyes with an intensity suggesting her light, bantering air does not mean she is not offering a promise to do her part to see that what she proposes next is not merely an empty offer to be forgotten or set aside, My new advice, then, is that you remain in my presence as often and for as long as you need to see that you are not overwhelmed. How does that sound?"
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