Kara's Daughters: A Royal Invitation

[isignasl]

As the group moves through the halls of Draccipetri, an awkward silence grows between Neerajah and Revka.

Revka asks Neerajah quietly "Do you think it wise or beneficial in any way to act so smug regarding your actions against the Kingfuhrer right in his presence, in his own throne room?" She gets a bit more forceful there at the end, but manages to reign herself in. Then, "and just as you have gained your citizenship back and he holds your very future in his hands."

"Perhaps not...but I can't help but be proud of myself for what I accomplished: I was able to save a woman who did not deserve death for trying to feed her family...although I will admit, I loved seeing Drakov rub his jaw . I just can't help but feel a bit........trapped, or haven't you heard yet?"

[isignasl]

with the happy (or maybe not so much) little band of travelers heading out of the building, the messenger and her escorts look around and just grin slightly as they see a couple of the guards trying to get a closer look at their horses which had been posted rather than stabled, then a shrill of three whistles rang out into the air of the outer court yard, and the animals heads all swung to look at the group, huffing at the people around them before lifting their heads, releasing the lose knots holding them to the posts and walking towards their riders. the three beasts going to each of their riders almost as if on instinct knowing whom belonged to whom. The woman smiling for the first time since entering the city as the horse almost carefully removes the hood then butts her and almost appears to try and rifle through the woman's cloak as if looking for something hidden within.

looking over her shoulder at the other two. the grin still upon her face as she speaks softly, as if to give a hint still not sure about the trust she was expected to give, then stands by her horse's side and with a light tap upon the supple shoulder the horse bows to the other women giving a knicker in greeting.

I am sorry I was unable to introduce myself inside, I am Tara, and this is my lovely lady Inga.

[/b] ASSUMING THIS WAS DIRECTED TOWARD REVKA AND NEERAJAH: "It is a great pleasure to meet you, I am Neerajah Samarasinghe, martial arts instructor for Kara's Daughters. This is Revka Regess, Kara's primary bodyguard and a strong leader of our team." **IF THE INTRODUCTION WAS NOT DIRECTED AT REVKA AND NEERAJAH, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS**

as her name is said the pure black mare straightens and dances a bit to the side, and for the first time, you see an ensignia on the messenger's stirrups, that of a wolf's head. Tara smoothly jumps into the saddle of the horse at the same time as her two companions and grins slightly.

Neerajah will make a knowledge check on the ensignia: [dice]0[/dice] if nobility and royalty, +8, if royalty, +9

We are ready whenever you are to head back to the encampment.

[WhisperingWolf]

quietly thinking curiouser and curiouser, a smile still upon her lips even as the curiosity forms in her eyes slightly. nodding at the introductions. dark eyes watchful even as she waits for Revka and Neerajah.

It is good to meet you outside of mixed company.

even though the two men with her were still there, it was obvious that she wasn't speaking of them. looking over her shoulder as one of the men clears his throat and then points skyward. Nodding at the unspoken words, even as a small laughter fills her voice as she turns towards the two women.


I think he is trying to prepare for the day of Unspoken Talents early.

Come let's head out before the sun sets.

then without touching the reigns of her mount she sets it off to head towards town and hopefully back towards the encampment.

[DeepShadow of FoS]

Great job everyone! Let's knock out the mini-game between Revka and Neerajah before we go any further with the storyline. I'm expecting that conversation would take place while still walking through the halls of Draccipetri.

Serve by Revka, returned by Neerajah, now back to Revka.

[WhisperingWolf]

(pokes)

[Revka et al]

(ooc--sorry I've taken so long, I was out of town since early Friday and before that I was getting ready for my trip--not an excuse, just a reason)

"Perhaps not...but I can't help but be proud of myself for what I accomplished: I was able to save a woman who did not deserve death for trying to feed her family...although I will admit, I loved seeing Drakov rub his jaw . I just can't help but feel a bit........trapped, or haven't you heard yet?"

"What you accomplished? I am sure you do not comprehend all that you 'accomplished' and when you are in Draccipetri you do not have the right to decide who deserves death or not!" this last bit is through clenched jaws in quiet but firm tones. Then a bit softer in tone, "As for feeling trapped, I would not wish your circumstances on anyone," a pause, "but you set the trap yourself. What more is it going to take for you to start planning more, reacting less, and using other resources than your fists to solve your problems? Can you not learn subtlety?" Revka is sincerely concerned with Neerajah's ability to adapt to life and realities in Falkovnia.

[isignasl]

(ooc--sorry I've taken so long, I was out of town since early Friday and before that I was getting ready for my trip--not an excuse, just a reason)

"Perhaps not...but I can't help but be proud of myself for what I accomplished: I was able to save a woman who did not deserve death for trying to feed her family...although I will admit, I loved seeing Drakov rub his jaw . I just can't help but feel a bit........trapped, or haven't you heard yet?"

"What you accomplished? I am sure you do not comprehend all that you 'accomplished' and when you are in Draccipetri you do not have the right to decide who deserves death or not!" this last bit is through clenched jaws in quiet but firm tones. Then a bit softer in tone, "As for feeling trapped, I would not wish your circumstances on anyone," a pause, "but you set the trap yourself. What more is it going to take for you to start planning more, reacting less, and using other resources than your fists to solve your problems? Can you not learn subtlety?" Revka is sincerely concerned with Neerajah's ability to adapt to life and realities in Falkovnia.

Neerajah looks at Revka partly stunned by her remarks, then after a moment more of walking in silence says with tears in her eyes but still quietly: "You have seen none of what I have accomplished with the help of those in Dementileu! I and my team have probably saved hundreds of people from disease, and NOT with the use of my fists alone. We helped to solve several mysteries and crimes through the use of skills in observation, diplomacy, and knowledge...which I know to be a greater weapon than any sword, spear, or fist in this world! We EACH have talents that must be used in the ways we are best able to use them. As for learning subtlety as neerajah quietly vanishes next to Revka but still walking next to her, I have learned the ways of the Ninja...there is not much more subtlety than that. Neerajah reappears as she finishes that last sentence I understand your concerns Revka, and I probably should not be so 'smug' as you put it. However -- the fact is that this woman did not deserve death for simply trying to feed her family. We have been raised in different cultures and learned different ways of life Revka. I live by the code of the Monk: respect life, learn much, and NOT to always choose fists over knowledge. I do, however, know that, when the time comes, that I must count on my skills in combat to save lives, and correct injustices where and when I am able to. I risk my own life every time I do this...and I do not fear death. I am also half-Vistani...the Vistani respect life in general as much as any honorable Monk does. The Vistani messenger we are escorting would, I am certain, have considered that woman's killing a travesty...almost an insult to nature itself. Neerajah has started dripping tears by this poing You live by the code of the warrior and were mostly raised in Falkovnia so you don't view killing others as I do...had I let that woman be killed..........I don't know if I could have lived with myself. By this time, Neerajah is in full on tears

[DeepShadow of FoS]

**Note: isignasl was correct that Revka was raised Falkovnian, so I removed that caveat**

**You have now touched on one of the major points I wanted all of you to cover: your conflicting worldviews. Go ahead and play this conversation out to a natural conclusion.**

[Revka et al]

Neerajah looks at Revka partly stunned by her remarks, then after a moment more of walking in silence says with tears in her eyes but still quietly: "You have seen none of what I have accomplished with the help of those in Dementileu! I and my team have probably saved hundreds of people from disease, and NOT with the use of my fists alone. We helped to solve several mysteries and crimes through the use of skills in observation, diplomacy, and knowledge...which I know to be a greater weapon than any sword, spear, or fist in this world! We EACH have talents that must be used in the ways we are best able to use them. As for learning subtlety as neerajah quietly vanishes next to Revka but still walking next to her, I have learned the ways of the Ninja...there is not much more subtlety than that. Neerajah reappears as she finishes that last sentence I understand your concerns Revka, and I probably should not be so 'smug' as you put it. However -- the fact is that this woman did not deserve death for simply trying to feed her family. We have been raised in different cultures and learned different ways of life Revka. I live by the code of the Monk: respect life, learn much, and NOT to always choose fists over knowledge. I do, however, know that, when the time comes, that I must count on my skills in combat to save lives, and correct injustices where and when I am able to. I risk my own life every time I do this...and I do not fear death. I am also half-Vistani...the Vistani respect life in general as much as any honorable Monk does. The Vistani messenger we are escorting would, I am certain, have considered that woman's killing a travesty...almost an insult to nature itself. Neerajah has started dripping tears by this poing You live by the code of the warrior and were mostly raised in Falkovnia so you don't view killing others as I do...had I let that woman be killed..........I don't know if I could have lived with myself. By this time, Neerajah is in full on tears

Revka is obviously uncomfortable as Neerajah is showing such emotion. She folds her arms tightly against her body and looks away awkwardly. After a moment or two, "I didn't mean to imply that you don't have any accomplishments, but that you accomplished more than you intended and, I believe, more than you realize, when you stopped that woman's execution.

"We have a system of law that may be imperfect, but it is a system and, without it, there would be anarchy. In trying to disrupt the system, you are inviting anarchy. Would you be able to live with yourself if, by saving this one person, hundreds or even thousands died in attempting a futile revolution?

"There are ways to change the system without disrupting it. Usually subtlety is needed, especially for women. And you seem to misunderstand the word--stealth is not the same as subtlety. Your vanishing trick seems like it could be quite useful, but it has nothing to do with being subtle."

[isignasl]

Revka is obviously uncomfortable as Neerajah is showing such emotion. She folds her arms tightly against her body and looks away awkwardly. After a moment or two, "I didn't mean to imply that you don't have any accomplishments, but that you accomplished more than you intended and, I believe, more than you realize, when you stopped that woman's execution.

"We have a system of law that may be imperfect, but it is a system and, without it, there would be anarchy. In trying to disrupt the system, you are inviting anarchy. Would you be able to live with yourself if, by saving this one person, hundreds or even thousands died in attempting a futile revolution?

"There are ways to change the system without disrupting it. Usually subtlety is needed, especially for women. And you seem to misunderstand the word--stealth is not the same as subtlety. Your vanishing trick seems like it could be quite useful, but it has nothing to do with being subtle."

Neerajah stops for few seconds to gather and recollect herself...and her thoughts. "Revka, I am sorry for making you uncomfortable...for one who has trouble dealing with her own problems and feelings, I can only imagine what it must be like to take on another's problems and troubles as well. To answer your question, yes I could live with myself with hundreds or thousands dying from an attempted revolution (last half of that sentence is said in a MUCH quieter tone) Those people would die fighting for something...the same as you or I might die in our daily tasks and missions. You say what you say because you tend to live in numbers...in probabilities, which I can't blame you for seeing that your father is the Minister of Finance, but you must understand that even had I not saved that woman, who is to say that hundreds or thousands may not die WITHOUT cause or fighting for something. You should try to view, not just this problem, but others from other perspectives. There is no way to know what the future truely holds for you or I...or for anyone for that matter. Perhaps I do not fully realize the meaning of 'subtlety', but that is a difference of personalities, culture, and skills...and one not easily learned. We have a task to focus on for now, and we must keep our focus on the HERE and NOW. And possibly, you and I could learn from each other?"

[DeepShadow of FoS]

Revka coughs uncomfortably at Neerajah's display of earnestness.

"I-I'd settle for getting you back to Dementlieu. It sounds like you were doing more good there, and Estelle is probably better suited to teaching you subtlety. As for the here and now, I agree we've got to focus on the task at hand. Let's get the Vistani to their camp."

With that, the group emerges from the winding halls of Draccipetri, call for their horses and make their proper introductions as traveling companions. Moments later, they head out through the streets of Lekar toward the eastern gate, outside of which the Vistani are encamped.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This concludes the mini-game conversation. I know it was a little rough, but that gives me a lot to work with as far as character development. You'll see references to that conversation in cut scenes and other attempts to illustrate the "bigger picture." Good work, everyone! One point of Fate each.

Note: Revka's player approved the message, but I put it here to get things back on track.

[WhisperingWolf]

(~laughing~ I was wondering if anyone would have noticed that the three guests were getting a bit antsy, and would wonder why, let alone just how much knowledge of why they don't like evenings.)

The two males and the one female Vistani were on their mounts having already been waiting. The three moving easily along the streets, alibi kicking their mounts to move a bit faster. The three were watching the sky as well as watching the buildings as they past by. An intent look within their eyes, before the female slows down enough to move back towards the two woman assigned to them by Kara. Looking between the two women, and almost taps her fingers upon the reigns, watching quietly and still also keeping an eye on the sky and the position of the sun.

[isignasl]

(~laughing~ I was wondering if anyone would have noticed that the three guests were getting a bit antsy, and would wonder why, let alone just how much knowledge of why they don't like evenings.)

The two males and the one female Vistani were on their mounts having already been waiting. The three moving easily along the streets, alibi kicking their mounts to move a bit faster. The three were watching the sky as well as watching the buildings as they past by. An intent look within their eyes, before the female slows down enough to move back towards the two woman assigned to them by Kara. Looking between the two women, and almost taps her fingers upon the reigns, watching quietly and still also keeping an eye on the sky and the position of the sun.

OOC: I can't assume anything, but I was under the impression that this conversation occurred AS they were walking through the halls towards the outside...if this was the case, we would be emerging right as the earlier posting with Tara introducing herself and the horses acknowledgements would have been taking place...or do I have my timing incorrect here??? If I am CORRECT, please hold there as there was a previous message from Neerajah that I don't believe was answered and so forth...

[DeepShadow of FoS]

OOC: I can't assume anything, but I was under the impression that this conversation occurred AS they were walking through the halls towards the outside...if this was the case, we would be emerging right as the earlier posting with Tara introducing herself and the horses acknowledgements would have been taking place...or do I have my timing incorrect here??? If I am CORRECT, please hold there as there was a previous message from Neerajah that I don't believe was answered and so forth...

You are correct about the conversation being during the walk through the castle. No time was lost in waiting, but they Vistani were "antsy" from the get-go. I think that's where the confusion lies.

Let's have your question again, and take it from there.

[isignasl]

WhisperingWolf wrote:
with the happy (or maybe not so much) little band of travelers heading out of the building, the messenger and her escorts look around and just grin slightly as they see a couple of the guards trying to get a closer look at their horses which had been posted rather than stabled, then a shrill of three whistles rang out into the air of the outer court yard, and the animals heads all swung to look at the group, huffing at the people around them before lifting their heads, releasing the lose knots holding them to the posts and walking towards their riders. the three beasts going to each of their riders almost as if on instinct knowing whom belonged to whom. The woman smiling for the first time since entering the city as the horse almost carefully removes the hood then butts her and almost appears to try and rifle through the woman's cloak as if looking for something hidden within.

looking over her shoulder at the other two. the grin still upon her face as she speaks softly, as if to give a hint still not sure about the trust she was expected to give, then stands by her horse's side and with a light tap upon the supple shoulder the horse bows to the other women giving a knicker in greeting.

I am sorry I was unable to introduce myself inside, I am Tara, and this is my lovely lady Inga.

"It is a great pleasure to meet you, I am Neerajah Samarasinghe, martial arts instructor for Kara's Daughters. This is Revka Regess, Kara's primary bodyguard and a strong leader of our team."

as her name is said the pure black mare straightens and dances a bit to the side, and for the first time, you see an ensignia on the messenger's stirrups, that of a wolf's head. Tara smoothly jumps into the saddle of the horse at the same time as her two companions and grins slightly.

Neerajah will make a knowledge check on the ensignia:
isignasl rolled [dice]1 d20[/dice] :

if nobility and royalty, +8, if royalty, +9

We are ready whenever you are to head back to the encampment.