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| Black Pearl | The Chateau of Resplendant Delights is a premier establishment, taking up quite a large area. The first area anyone comes to is the restraunt: tea, food, drinks, and music are all provided, and if it is all anyone wishes, that is good. The servers are all beautiful, trained to fade into the background, and to guide others to back rooms where other pleasures can be found. It has quite the reputation as being run by one of the Realm scions of House Cynis--perhaps one in scandal. But what is the scandal in the Realm to here? A maitre d' stands at the entryway, watching the various guests as they enter while lower staff takes care of them. |
| Amilar Ereyo | A small entourage of armed guards marches toward the Chateau's entryway, lead by a woman with unruly jet-black hair that seemingly sways back and forth around her head in a strong breeze, despite the current lack of any such winds in the vicinity. She is clad in a fine kimono of indigo silk. Embroidery in silver thread depicts a flock of birds taking flight across the garment's entire front and back. Although she is without armor, the curved black sheath in her with sash obviously houses a fine sword.
As this guest approaches the staff waiting at the entrance, she motions towards her bodyguards, who fall back and form two small lines to both sides of the entryway. After a quick survey of the building's facade, an expectant look is cast towards the waiting maitre d'. Supposedly she's waiting for them to greet her. |
| Black Pearl | "Greeting, Princess of Creation," the Maitre d' says. "Welcome to the Chateau of Resplendant Delights. As you are a new guest, the Mistress of the Chateau, Black Pearl, offers her hospitality. Today, you are her guest, and she would dearly like to make your aquaintence. May I have your name, honored one? And a thousand apologies, but we request that you leave your weapon here. It will be guarded honorably, and returned to you when you exit." |
| Amilar Ereyo | The Dragon-Blooded looks momentarily taken aback - shouldn't she be used to being treated with respect worthy of a Prince of the Earth? She recovers quickly, offering a warm smile. "Thank you. I am excited to meet your mistress, and grateful for her hospitality." She reaches for her sash, then pulls the scabbard out and hands her weapon over to the maitre d', or whoever is tasked with taking care of such a valuable weapon. As is to be expected, the daiklave weights quite a lot.
"My name is Ereyo, scion of Gens Amilar, wai tan-junai of the Seventh Legion." |
| Black Pearl | A pair of servers take the weapon, bearing it to a small shrine, and the Maitre d' smiles. "Welcome, Lady Ereyo. I will take you to Black Pearl." He bows deeply, and then leads the way into the restraunt, taking steps to the second floor. There is a large room, a private one, and he strikes a small chime and waits a moment before opening the laquered doors. "Mistress? A new guest. This is Wai Tan-Junai Ereyo of Gens Amilar."
Inside is a woman heavily marked by Water. Her skin is as black as black jade, her hair with the faint sheen of pearl, and dressed in a silken dress of deep blue that clings to her like water. She stands and smiles. "Thank you, you can go," she says to the servant, and then smiles to the guest. Lady Ereyo, welcome to the Chateau. I am glad to meet you, and I hope that you will enjoy your time here and we may grow in friendship." |
| Amilar Ereyo | While she is following the staff member, Ereyo's violet eyes eagerly take in whatever interesting things there might be to see in the restaurant. The impact of her left shoe, with that leg being much heaver than the right, produces an audible thud with every step. She look both excited and slightly nervous.
At the sight of Pearl, her eyes widen for a few moments, until she regains control of her features, then returns the smile in kind. "Thank you so much for the warm welcome, Lady Black Pearl. Your establishment's remarkable reputation drew me here, but I was also hoping to get to meet more of those blessed by the Dragons who make their home in this city." Her eyes meet the other woman's, and she continues after a small, hesitating pause: "I... appreciate your offer of friendship. Would you like to tell me a bit more about yourself, and this Chateau of yours?" |
| Black Pearl | "Certainly. Please, come and sit. What refreshment is to your liking?" She takes a sip of her own cordial, and sets it down. "As for me, well...I come from the Realm--the Isle itself. And House Cynis has a bit of a wild reputation." The understatement of the year, that is. "Still, sometimes one of us strays beyond the acceptable bounds of scandal, and, well, then it is a liability to be close to the center of.../politcs/," she says, breathing the word like something wicked and forbidden.
"So it was thought better that I come out to personally oversee the House's contacts with the Guild and obtain more...exotic things to send back to the Isle for the rest of the House to enjoy the benefit of my industry. And I can have all the fun I desire here, and share it with everyone." |
| Amilar Ereyo | Ereyo listens to all of that with a sympathetic smile, all the while watching the Water Aspect intently. Of course, she joins Pearl at her table, gracefully folding her natural leg over the artifical one. A glint of white jade can be seen beneath the rim of her kimono as it is pulled upwards a bit to accommodate her pose.
"I will have some green tea with a spoonful of sugar", she replies, then adds: "Politics complicate everything, really. Technically, my nation and your empire are at war... yet we sometimes cooperate whenever the cause justifies the means." The Air Dragon's light-skinned hands fidget around a bit, seemingly without her noticing at first, until she finally becomes aware and places them firmly in her lap, intertwining her fingers to put a stop to it. "What you are saying is... all of this was your House's idea of punishment?", she asks and raises a single eyebrow. |
| Black Pearl | "No, not at all!" Pearl laughs delightedly. "Well, maybe. I don't get to be at Court, but I am still where I am useful, and I get to enjoy far more than I would otherwise. Enjoy and explore more exotic and forbidden delights." She smiles and relaxes. "And if there is anything you wish to explore, I would love to help with that as well."
Soon, there is a chime from outside, and then the laquer doors open and an attractive woman comes in with a tea service. She sets it down on the table, and starts to leave, and then Pearl continues, "But enough about me. What of you? I have not had the privlege of meeting anyone from the Gens before, and I would love to know more." She opens some of the boxes, each one with different tea. "Do you have a preference? Or shall I pick for you?" |
| Amilar Ereyo | "To tell the truth, I was most curious to find out how much of the gossip I've heard about you is actually true", the Lookshyan confesses. She momentarily breaks eye contact to frown at her hands, who have started acting up again, and wills her fingers to stop twirling, then looks up at Pearl again. "Aside from that, I've also heard all kinds of exciting rumors about the food you offer here." If that's her idea of exotic and forbidden delights, it certainly lacks any hint of scandal.
When the attendant enters to serve tea, Ereyo's gaze immediately darts to the woman in anticipation - noteably at the tea, not at the person herself. The mere sight of such a fine assortment is enough to make Ereyo's smile go even brighter with delight. "You wouldn't happen to have one of the fabulous teas from An-Teng, would you? I've always wanted to try those. As for information on the Gentes of Lookshy, I can only offer you what might already be common knowledge, for obvious reasons..." She shrugs apologetically. "What would you like to know?" |
| Black Pearl | "Well, what can you tell me of yourself, then? Who are you? What are you? What brings you here? What do you desire? What are your hopes and fears?" She smiles and reaches for one of the boxes and sets it aside as she sets the service, made of pieces of red, black, and green jade set together, to warm the water within.
"Did you go to an academy? Or military training? I want to know /you/." |
| Amilar Ereyo | At the onslaught of questions, Ereyo starts shifting in her chair. Her eyes follow Pearl's movements while the Lookshyan presses her lips together, forehead creasing in thought. She no longer appears quite as relaxed.
"I prefer not to reveal such private information to someone I've only just met", she says, then sights softly. "Every citizen of Lookshy receives military training, of course. There really isn't that much to tell about my reasons for being here. I'm a sorcerer-engineer, a few years off Valkhawsen Academy, now on prolonged leave. Most of my time is spent studying, exploring remnants of the bygone age, and teaching what I know about building mundane, but useful devices to all who would want to learn about such things." A nonchalant shrug, then she adds: "I would rather keep my desires to myself, and my hopes and fears, too." She smiles amiably, desperately, obviously hoping that her hostess won't take offense at her choice to withhold that information. "How long have you been living here, exactly?" |
| Black Pearl | "Of course, I understand. I would far rather you be comfortable. Though I will say that fulfilling desires is literally my business." Once the water boils, she pours it into elegant cups, and then spoons a particular amount of tea in. "Wait a moment, then sip to see how you like it--if it is too strong or not strong enough, and let me know." At her claim of sercery, Pearl's eyes widen. "Marvelous! I did not have the aptitude for it myself--I went to the Spiral Academy rather then the Heptagram." The academy of bureaucracy and etiquette.
"I appreciate what they do, as well as the House of Bells, but they were not for me." She takes a sip of her own cup, thinks a moment, and then draws a single mint leaf to add to it. "As for living here, I have been here, a couple of years now." |
| Amilar Ereyo | The tension evaporates from Ereyo's body, much like a sky clearing up after having darkened with the anticipation of rain. Her smile grows comfortable again. She reaches for her cup while nodding in thanks, picks it up gingerly, and inhales the steam wafting up from it.
"I realize sorcery isn't for everyone. The Realm certainly values those who display such talents, I assume." After a careful sip, she nods again, this time in appreciation, but her smile fades. She doesn't seem to be the kind of person who walks around with a persistent smile. "What do you think of Great Forks? Is there something about it you would change, assuming you had the means and the opportunity?" The Air Dragon takes a longer sip, savoring it, and locks eyes with Pearl. Shades of blueish purple begin tinting the violet of her irises. |
| Black Pearl | "It is a wonderful place, and I enjoy it far more than I did Nexus when I stopped there. There is more risk and opportunity there, perhaps, but...there is just as much here for those with the wit to see it," Pearl says as she muses. "As for change?" She thinks a moment, "Well, that depends. Change to keep things how they are and prevent greater change? Change to cause something greater? If it got a stronger military, it would be safer, more secure, but less vulnerable to...pressure and subversion. Other than that...I have a delightful amount of intoxicants, and more flow from farther East through here, and I get exotics in from all over Creation." And she starts to sing, "Life is happiness indeed, I have everything I need. I am rich and unattached, and my beauty is unmatched. With the rose my only rival, I admit to some frustration; what a pity its survival is of limited duration!"
And then she looks closer. "Oh, your eyes are enchanting!" |
| Amilar Ereyo | The Lookshyan blinks as Pearl suddenly breaks into song, then flashes her a grin upon hearing the lyrics. Just as she opens her lips, probably to offer her own thoughts on the other Dragon's appraisement of Great Forks, the comment about her eyes takes her by surprise. Ereyo blushes slightly, then quickly looks away. Through all this, her hands and feet never quite stop twirling or bopping up and down, no matter how much she wills them not to.
"Uh... thanks?", she manages, and it really sounds like a question. The currents of air constantly stirring up her hair gain some intensity. "I'm glad that you like it here. Really, I do. You've clearly found purpose. I, on the other hand, have some reservations about this place. Despite it being a center of culture, commerce, and learning, the City of Ten Thousand Temples is also a constant violation to everything the Immaculate Faith has taught me. Surely your Immaculate Order would see it in much the same way. Doesn't that bother you?" Despite herself, Ereyo doesn't seem quite ready to make eye contact again. Instead, she stars at her cup accusingly. "Gods freely meddling in the affairs of mortals, ghosts being venerated far above their station, and there are even constant rumors of Anathema hiding behind masks of divine heritage, like wolves among sheep..." |
| Black Pearl | "And what better place to get owed favors by gods, favors to be traded for other things? I appreciate the Immaculate faith, but the monks are so uptight. If they would consider coming here and enjoying pleasures of the world as well, I would trust them more. As it is?" Black Pearl tilts her head, "If the world is to be ordered, the order must be part of the world as well. The Immaculates strive to be apart from the world, so while I agree with thir teacheings, there is always that part of me that doesn't quite trust them." She sips her mint-infused tea, and thinks a moment more.
"As for Anathema, I have heard stories. I've heard of the perils of them sneaking on the Isle itself. We know there are ancient horrors in the forests farther East, and to the Southeast as well, and farther North battle rages against our Legions as well. It is a time of tumult, and so I echo the ancient wisdom of: Eat, drink, and be merry! For tomorrow, we may die. This joy I seek to bring to others. This peace. For I cannot hope to best others in martial prowess. My only chance is to have those who can as allies. Or to seduce others to follow my desire." |
| Amilar Ereyo | With a heavy sigh, Ereyo sinks further back into her seat - a very comfortable chair indeed - and tastes more of her tea while she mulls over Black Pearl's words. While the frown won't quite disappear from her face, it looses some of its intensity.
When she finally peers at Pearl again, trying to scrutinize the woman, her eyes have fully changed to a dark blue, similar in color to a thunderhead viewed from below. "I myself might not be the most devout Immaculate, but I do value the monk's insight, especially when it comes to dealing with the Anathem threat. The Seventh Legion's duty is to protect the River Province. We certainly cannot police every single corner of this vast land, but let me tell you this: The General Staff takes tangible proof of Anathema activity very seriously. If you know something, it would certainly help keep this region - and by extend, your way of life - safe." She inclines her head towards the lacquered doors that lead to the Chateau proper. "I, too, enjoy bringing joy to others... through knowledge and education, and through artifice. We might not be able to replicate the wonders of the First Age, but we can sure make ~this~ age better for everyone, even those who don't possess the means to partake in the pleasures offered by your Chateau." Another sip at her cup. "Despite all that, this tea is amazing", she mutters, a corner of her mouth twitching upwards in a half-smile. |
| Black Pearl | "If you would like a satchel of it, I would be pleased to give it to you. And I do hope that you come back soon! And perhaps we can get to know each other outside of work, simply to enjoy each other's company," Pearl says.
"As for tangible Anathema presence...I would pass it to the Immaculate Order, certainly. Your martial force is far from here, and Nexus in particular would now appreciate troops going past them." She sips again and nods. "It is a wonderful dream you have. For myself? I hope to have the wonders of the First Age, without the horrors it spawned. Because why should my desires be constrained?" She finally stands, "It has been lovely entertaining you, but I should be off. If you have any desires, we would be delighted to try to fulfill them--our masseurs and masseuses are lovely, for instance. And if you have any concerns you wish to share, to talk of...let me know, and I will see if I can help." |
| Amilar Ereyo | Ereyo nods eagerly to the offer of a bag of tea. Along with Pearl's friendly words, the Lookshyan's features gradually soften again, until her smile returns and the clouds recede from her eyes. "By all means, don't let me keep you. Certainly you have other guests to tend to. A massage certainly sounds appealing. You wouldn't believe how tense your shoulders can get if you spent hours bent over dusty tomes in the library."
She rises, stretching and shaking her limbs slightly, then gives a polite bow. "Maybe there are a few things you could help me with", she admits. "Let's talk again soon. May the Dragons guide you." |