Amonth's invitation to dine brings the members of Cobalt to the Ocean Mist Inn. Situated within walking distance of the Realm Embassy, Mariner's Academy and other convenient locations, it is a luxurious lodge with amenities enough to please the most finicky of visiting Dynasts.

The quality of the furnishings and decor have focused not on lavish appearance as much as unsurpassed comfort. Tables and counters are made of dark, lacquered wood inlaid with patterns of lapis and nacre reminiscent of waves, whirlpools and nautilus chambers. Cushions, drapes and tablecloths are all in cool shades of blue, bringing a relaxing ambiance further enhanced by the soothing trickle of water from fountains built with natural, crystal-embedded stone.

Past the main lobby -- made memorable by a cylindrical glass aquarium of exotic fish that extends all the way up to the ceiling -- are the curved staircases leading upward. Amonth has more than sufficient wealth to have rented the entire second level for his needs, staffed by as many servants as he may desire to clean, cater and comfort. He even has private access to the hot springs that Ocean Mist is so fortunate to have accommodated into its landscape... but that is a luxury for another time.

The spacious dining room has no chairs, in traditional Realm style. Instead it has a low, long table, and plush cushions for seating. A feast has been laid out for those who arrive, the best of Wavecrest and Dynastic cuisine.

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OOC: This (potentially optional) scene is a couple hours after the crew of Helkar's Folly first meets the Alliance. It may end up running concurrently with main plot, but that depends on if people actually bother posting here. :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:36, Tue 23 Dec 2008.

Jadira is among the first to arrive, freshly washed with her hair bound in a braid down her back, tied with a green velvet ribbon. Echoes of her Dynast past reveal themselves in the style and cut of her dark green overtunic, embellished with gold and ivory brocade and buttoned up the front all the way to the throat. Underneath the snug tunic she wears a blouse of ivory voile, paired with sable pants tucked into low-heeled boots buckled with brass fittings.

A wide belt slung low around her slender waist carries the light weaponry which Jadira never goes without: a sheathed short blade and her more recently acquired artifact revolver. Perhaps strange to bring to a dinner, but she never liked to be unprepared for danger (which tended to follow her and Lasuri more often than not.)

"Thank you for receiving us," Jadira says graciously to their host, removing her boots at the entry hall outside and leaving them there so as not to track dirt from the streets on the Ocean Mist Inn's fine carpet. Crossing into the dining area, she seats herself close to Lasuri and gazes appreciatively over the food. "Even Sorrow's Veil does not quite compare, though we're far from impoverished."

"Of course, it's different on shore leave... we can all afford to splurge a little then."

Darel, wearing his evening blue silk shirt and breeches, one of the rare genuine creations of Western fashion, stepped into the Ocean Mist Inn's dining room. His frown at the room's layout made it obvious to anyone with a knack for observation that he resented this intrusion of Realm culture...

Nonetheless, he greeted every one of the guests with utmost grace. "Welcome, dear friends of the Cobalt Alliance!" he said, bowing politely. "I hope we can make this evening enjoyable to you, as well as an opportunity to learn about each other."

Kiana was characteristically silent as she walked into the fine dining area.  Instead of her wearing the britches and tunic of before, the young Earth Aspect had actually opted to wear a plain earth-red dress for the occasion.  It was certainly rare for her to show such signs of feminism, but she was part of the crew now, and this dinner would surely have some political ramifications as well as personal effects, so it seemed prudent to the girl to put her best face forward--given she was a Princess, she knew at least how to keep a good appearance.

Still, the dress the pretty, if not overly plain, and smoothed over her developing form nicely.  She still wore the large Jade boots, which was certainly off-kilter, but it was hard to imagine the girl without them, if one tried.  A small leather belt was slung around her waist, with a heavy looking pouch placed against one side of her hip as she quietly sat down at the traditional long table--looking much more at ease than she did at the boat.  After all, they were much closer to Terra Firma now, and despite the charms that eased her duress on the open sea, nothing really compared to her home element.

She sipped her water, and waited.

"Thank you, Darel," Jadira says politely, waiting for others to show up -- if they would. "I suppose I can be forthcoming with my history, but I hope that doesn't mean I'm going first." The brunette emphasizes those words with a wry smile, then nods in greeting to Kiana as she comes in.

Dress and combat boots? A risky fashion statement, if this were a Dynast party! But I'm far from caring about those things now.

"Not fond of the Realm, I gather?" Jadira comments innocently. "I suppose I don't blame you. Not all of the Western nations have submitted easily to the expansion of their influence throughout the Threshold."

Having entered a tad behind Jadira, Lasuri had taken a moment to appreciate the fine decor around him before stepping forward towards the table, a warm smile playing on his lips.

Like his companion, it seems the captain has taken particular care in brushing his appearance. His knee-length, pitch black captain's coat has apparently been cared for expertly, if one was to judge by its appearance - the fabric is full and slightly glossed, while the silver front buckles and sleeve ornaments have apparently been brushed with expert care. With his matching black trousers, polished black leather boots adorned with silver buckles, matching leather gloves and his neatly tied back hair, the Sea Drake suddenly looks more like a noble merchantman than the resourceful privateer legends paint him as. It seems he even took time to shave, a rare sight for the man who always seems to have some degree of stubble on his face.

Like Jadira, he also carries a weapon. Around his coat hangs a wide sword belt to which is tied a polished sheath, holding a single wavecleaver daiklave. Those with a good eye would recognize it as the weapon he usually carries, although its handle has been fitted with a pair of ornamental tassels, obviously to match it to the captain's outfit.

"Thanks for having us. It's been a while since we've got a chance to dress up." He grins, casting a glance towards Jadira before turning back to his hosts, and noting Kiana arrival as well.

"That's the price of fame, for a land like the Realm. The bigger and more visible you get, the more you attract attention of all kinds, good and bad. Truth's usually resting somewhere in between." He smiles, as if his words could conceal more than would first appear.

"It's always interesting to see what people think, though. Everyone's got a story."

"Well, if I may, I would like to start with my own story," Darel said, raising his glass into a toast.

In a sober voice and hushed tone, the young Aspect of Air recounted how, several years ago, as an apprentice of Coral's magistracy, he had been part of a diplomatic meeting organized in Wavecrest by Admiral DiBello Gerarde, former Dictator Elect of the Coral Archipelago, in order to further the West's unity, against the Lintha but also against the Scarlet Throne's greed and unwillingness to repay the West's tributes with help.
Assaulted by a Realm magistrate and his cronies, under charges of dealing with Anathema and treason to the Realm, the Admiral had died along with numerous attendants to the meeting, and Darel himself had been chased by Realm soldiers until he was pushed down a cliff, when he drew his Second Breath and survived this ordeal.
Finally, after several months of wandering, he managed, thanks to his Exalted affinity with magic, to gain membership among the Emissaries of Perfect Waters, a group of patriotic occultists who furthered the cause of Western freedom and prosperity.

"This," he concluded with a sip of his wine, "is my tale." Lacking a chair to rest his back on, he stretched his muscles.

She listened to the tale almost passively, her own features betraying precious little.  She was unaware that this was going to be a dinner to reveal the past--something she guarded closely.  After all, she didn't require the attention that a Princess should rightly receive, and furthermore, there was a price on her head.  It was unwise to reveal such things on dry land.  Despite her discomfort on the unruly sea, hers would have to wait until more secrecy was promised.

She sipped her water, her legs somehow gracefully curled beneath her despite the intimidating jade boots.

"A daunting tale, Mr. Arwan.  The dragons must keep a close watch over you, to receive their blessing at such a pivotal time."  She said softly, placing the glass down on the table and, unless directed at otherwise, would wait for the next person to speak.

"The Emissaries are of interest to me," Jadira admits, having listened closely to Darel's story while sampling the feast with gusto -- particularly the Dynastic delicacies, which she has eaten very rarely in recent years, but missed dearly. "It seems it would be a boon for Cobalt to meet with a group so dedicated to the prosperity of the West. For better or worse, it's my home now." She raises her wine glass, a small smile on her lips.

"I was born in the Realm, myself, but have not returned for eight years. Don't worry -- I take no offense to criticisms of my, ah, former homeland. Seeing Creation from outside the Blessed Isle has opened my eyes in many ways..."

The version of her past Jadira gives is not untrue, just vague in spots. She does not mention her former House, and merely glosses over her childhood ("I was a Dynast child. It was pretty much pressure from day one, but I was well provided for.") She does mention she learned sorcery in the Heptagram, though, and upon her graduation embarked on a Threshold excursion with Lasuri and others that became permanent due to an "unfortunate accident."

Apparently it was the same accident that led her and Lasuri to come across the Dryad, as well. "Really, she found us, and just in time, at that. She needed an owner and we needed a ride. Let's just say... we'd made some unwanted enemies, and only because we were at the wrong place at the wrong time. We've been much smarter, and much more careful since."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:01, Sun 04 Jan 2009.

Lasuri listens intently, and he nods emphatically once Jadira is done speaking. "Miss Thornbloom's right - I'd like to learn more about the emissaries. That seems like an interesting group, with affinities to our own." He smiles, tilting his head as he looks back to Darel. "And the fact that they have people like you in their ranks only gives them more credibility. That's a harsh story you've had - but you've turned towards building a future rather than destroying what's hurt you. That's a noble path if I've ever heard one."

He stops for a moment, leaving a short silence between his comments. Of course, he realizes that he would be expected to add to and corroborate Jadira's story. The thought amuses him, and after a moment, he speaks again.

"We've both come a long way. I assure you, all of this was not planned from the start. We had a very different future in mind when we set out for the Threshold some years ago. Like many other things in our travels, it all ended being taken away by a struck of chance."

"We didn't know what to do, back then. It's not really easy to figure out what you should do with your life when all you've worked for suddenly becomes an impossibility. We pondered that for a while. And when we were ready to take our life back in our hands and face it head on, the Dryad was there."

"It was a bargain, in the end. No, that's not quite right. More like an understanding between old friends, with the Dryad and me. We needed an escape, and she needed a change of clothes, so to speak. The result is what you see - she's been with us in that form since that day onwards. We've traveled a good deal since then, and finally made it to the west, where we decided to start anew."

"But if you want to pinpoint the precise birthing moment of the Cobalt Alliance, it was at that time where me and Miss Thornbloom were stuck without a future to call our own. That moment of not knowing what we were living for, what our lives were supposed to mean now that we'd lost what we'd wanted and believed in... That's where the Alliance was born, even though we didn't know it at the time. If we do our job right, no one in the West will have to feel that way for longs periods of time again. No matter what they lose, they'll have somewhere to go to."

"That's how this all started."

"And that's part of why we're here now, speaking with the two of you," Jadira adds, nodding to Darel and Kiana in particular, as they are the only two who have spoken out. "We want to offer to others what was so hard won for us... freedom and a place to belong. A future we can look forward to, wrought with our own hands, by our own will."

"Ours is an alliance without borders. We are Outcastes and outcasts alike willing to do good deeds for our fellow man, promote harmony between nations while crushing those who take advantage of power and authority. You are welcome among us, if you wish it."

"And what is your story, miss..." The brunette smiles amiably at the young woman in red dress and boots, hoping perhaps to draw her out of her silence. "I'm... not certain I even caught your name."

Her mind worked around the things that were said, especially when Jadira spoke of the purpose behind the Cobalt Alliance.  That sounded like something she wanted to be a part of...for personal reasons, as well as for the greater cause the Alliance.  After all, she knew that she would need friends and allies of great strength if she were ever to become strong herself--and because she knew she would need the help if she was ever to return home.  She didn't, however, expect to be spoken to directly.  Or asked questions, for that matter!

She blushed, predictably, and took another sip of her water before responding.  There was so much she could say, wasn't there?  Of course, the biggest issue was whether or not she was going to tell the truth.  Her past was rigorously guarded.  Not even the Captain knew everything.  Still, it wouldn't be prudent to be false with those who would freely embrace them.  She gave an internal sigh as she decided.

"My name is Kiana."  She said softly, setting the cup down and looking at them all, though Jadira specifically, as she was the one who requested the tale.  "I come from the Crimson Isle.  It is very close to the Realm, and has a passionate trade relationship as a result."

She paused, obviously uncomfortable speaking in front of so many people.  She was raised to be silent by her mother, and speaking at the table was all but forbidden when her father was away.  She reached for a small bowl of rice and, after plucking some chopsticks, went about stabbing at the rice, but not really eating, as she continued.

"My family was very powerful.  Perhaps the most powerful.  You see, my Father was a mighty warrior, and thus a magnificent general.  The Crimson Isle is called so for a reason--it was won through blood and sacrifice.  It's boarders are threatened constantly by those who desire it's rich lands, and so my Father was rarely home, as he was needed in the field."  All this she said with her eyes down, focusing on the white rice as she prodded it too and fro.  Finally she released the chopsticks into the bowl and pushed it away, looking up and again making eye contact with everyone there, one at a time.  "When he was away, I was watched by my mother.  As great as my father was...my mother was his opposite in most every way."

"She hated me, though I am not entirely sure why.  Perhaps it was because I was no born a male, and thus made a poor heir for her husband.  Maybe it was her shame.  Regardless, she was cruel to me when he was away.  I won't describe the horrors I faced as a child, but they were many.  When my father returned, as he was wont to do, I tried to tell him about her actions, but I was either too young to describe it to him, or he refused to believe me.  I want to think it was the former."  She said.  She took a longer drink of water this time, her throat already tired from what little she had spoken.  It was not her place to use her tongue so, but now that she had begun, she was loathe to stop without finishing the tale.

"When he died, Mother became insufferable.  Her suitors were many, and I became a pawn in her political games.  I was used as a bargaining chip, and became the pleasure of any man who took her interest.  I became a..."  She paused, her lower lip trembling for a moment before a deep breath returned her control.  "I became little more than a whore.  Less, I believe, because a whore receives compensation...or at least have a choice in the matter.  I did not.  And those were the more gentle of my mother's doings.

"Then one night my misery ended."  She said.  She reached down and grabbed the leather pouch at her side, and began to untie the strings that held it closed.  "Mother sent me to a chamber where three of her suitors waited.  I was to be a contest that night, and they were quick to play.  It was my practice to meditate during those awful nights, to clear my mind and block everything I could, but that night was different.  As they began to ravage me, the Earth Dragon blessed me.  As the Realm is fond of saying, I 'Hatched'.  It was not pleasant for the suitors.  My father had taught me well how to defend myself, but because of my mother, and my own smaller state, I had always been afraid to use what he had taught me--to defend myself.  The power of the Earth surged through me...and such power cannot exist without a focus.  They did not survive."

She reached into the pouch.  "As you all can imagine, my mother was furious.  Before she had time to find out, however, I fled out of fear.  If I had lost my ability to entertain the men she fancied, then I had lost all value to her.  I left everything I had known behind, save for these."  She placed two large white Jade fighting gauntlets on the table, easily the match of the boots she wore.  They were overly large, but were attuned to her, and thus fit perfectly.  "These, with the boots on my feet, were all I had to remember my father by.  They are the mark of his style of Martial Arts, and thus as mine as well."  Unless someone showed interest in seeing the gauntlets, she would place them back into the pouch and tie the string, before finally finishing her tale.

"But as I said before--I left.  There is only one way off the Isle, obviously, but those hatched of the earth are not so fond of large bodies of water...but I did what I had to to escape her.  Not soon after my exodus, however, I ran into our Captain, who was kind enough to take me aboard in return for my services  as an assistant to his craft.  A role I fill proudly, and is, to my knowledge, my only position of importance on his fine vessel."

She paused then, looking around and blushing once more as she realized how long she had been speaking.  "I...forgive me, I did not mean to prattle on.  That is my tale, Jadira."

"Don't apologize for that," Jadira says in return, her eyes kind and sympathetic, though not pitying. She can tell that despite all Kiana has gone through, she is a woman with much pride and inner strength, and wants not simply to be coddled, but to be free to defend herself by her own terms and means. "I was honored to hear your tale, and it is one that you should not have had to keep to yourself so long."

"You had a difficult life up until now. I'm glad you made it this far, to meet with us. Your mother is a cruel and sadistic woman and honestly..." The armswoman's eyes flash with an intensity part righteous anger, part protectiveness. "There is no forgiving the kind of abuse she gave you, no matter what her reasons or intentions. One day she will be made to pay for her transgressions, whether by your hand or another's." she asserts confidently.

"And I would hope it is yours--one day. But to do so you need allies and strength. Far be it from me to take you from your current Captain and trade, but you will find comrades among us if need be, that is for certain. As Captain Lasuri so often says... we are sympathetic to those who have nowhere else to go."

"That said..." Jadira looks down at her plate -- empty, now, much to her surprise -- then nods to both Kiana and Darel. "We will be arranging to depart on the 19th of Ascending Water. So you've plenty of time to consider your options until then."

(OOC - well, actually, game's going to skip ahead about a week very soon, as I understand it, but... IC it's plenty of time!)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Wed 07 Jan 2009.

Darel kept his countenance during Kiana's tale. Despite having traveled with her on Helkar's Folly, he had not known anything of her past. Now some light had been shed on the young woman's rather mysterious behavior...

"Should this woman try to harm you any more, nothing in Creation will shield her from the wrath of the Dragons..." he whispered. He meant it.

"As for myself, well, it seems like the Cobalt Alliance and the Emissaries of Perfect Waters have common interests. It will be my pleasure to act as their representative onboard your ship."

[Private to GM: OOC: I will use Winds Carried Words Technique to make a report to my superiors later that night.]

After staying silent for a long moment, the captain seems to ponder the tale he has just heard, almost as if letting every word tell its own tale before he even answers. When he does, he looks straight at Kiana, with a soft, kind smile - and something akin to profound respect in his eyes. Not like someone looking down on someone to be pitied or cajoled, but one looking at a peer with approval.

"Thank you for sharing this, Miss Kiana. People don't really realize the power of words... But I do. And I know that this tale's something precious you've chosen to share with us. I won't forget it."

"There's people in this world that run away from everything. That's why they're so addicted to ruin. Your mother seems to be a prime example of that. Unable to escape her shame, or the shackles of her station, or her own dissatisfaction with her own existence, she chose to run and lay it down in your lap. But you've suffered through it all... And you're still alive, and still you. You've made it out of there, and decided to move on with your life. Maybe you don't realize it yet, but that's where strength lies. Real strength, that is."

"You're something else, miss. And I, for one, salutes your courage. Walk proud, and don't ever apologize for that tale of yours." He nods once again, then turns back towards Jadira, obviously approving her words.

"The world's full of people who've run out of luck. Every 'success' story hides a dozen sad tales that no one wants to look at. But we won't turn away. That's our pledge. Everyone who wants it has a place with us."

He turns back towards Darel and Kiana, acknowledging them both with a smile."So do you, if you think your fates push you this way. It'd be an honor to count you as allies."

Amonth, despite all his generosity, has opted not to accept the request to join the Alliance. But the dinner concludes on a positive note, with the prospect of two new members entering the fold.

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OOC: End! Sad it was so short, but participation was fairly low. Still, some good posts all around.