Rana glance around briefly, still obviously very excited as they landed on the platform. Then she threw her arms around Keo, embracing him enthusiastically, "Thank you! That was lots of fun!"

Glancing around again, she smiled brightly and then blushed, belatedly realizing just how full of important people the platform was.

However young and unschooled in matters of etiquette she was, she certainly looked the part of a Celestial Exalt, albeit an unassuming one, in her essence-generated brown and green clothing patterned with abstract leaves and feathers, a well-worn staff seemingly used more for walking than fighting in one hand.

She waved happily at the familiar faces she saw in the crowd.

"Only one class? Sounds nice." Mattel thought.

"Only one class? Sounds nice. I thought I would have managed that for my last year. But there seems to be much I can learn by taking additional classes. So will you return to your homeland when you graduate?"

The student seems distracted suddenly for second.

"Oh, there's Keo. He is another lunar advanced student. Have you met him?"

As he finished his statement he seemingly tried to wave at his peer.

 At the query of returning to his homeland, he shot Bat a look that bordered on precisely controlled rage, but the tempo of his voice did not change, the glass in his hand did not shatter in a crushing grip and he remained calm on the outside.

 The reminder though..that all of his friends and family and anyone he held feelings for beyond his sister were denied to him...and worse yet, now knowing the truth of the world, that they were living in a civilization lacking some of the basic rights afforded to most of Creations citizens. Lawgivers choice or no, it was infuriating.

"No...I have not...."

 The answer to Mattel's first question remains unanswered.

Anansi slips back toward the group of gathering students for a moment, now that Clematis appears to have drifted elsewhere, and Thalia and Peregrine are currently preoccupied. There would be more time to speak with them, for certain!

"Good festival day," the silver-haired Lunar says with a friendly smile, seemingly oblivious to Truth's change in mood. Or perhaps drawing attention away from the topic he wishes to avoid. "I always like to keep current with the Academy students. Lately there has been a rush of new faces, much to my delight. Evident Truth, I am Anansi Madeen, Chosen of the Fickle Lady's waning face, Lord-Captain of the Invierna, and the Princess' husband, when she cares to honor that connection." He chuckles and draws out a card from his sleeve with black and silver writing, which he offers to the masked Full Moon.

Joyous Bat looks... justifiably surprised at the rage directed his way, though he does have the sense to understand he is not the cause. Still, his return glance is somber, even a touch sympathetic; Evident Truth has the distinct feeling that he knows something of the tributary nation he hails from. Of course, as the consort of the Queen of the City of the Sun, the subtle, studious glimmer to compliment Jacinth's charismatic glory, it is his business to know many things.

Compared to Anansi and many other Celestials, Bat is subdued by choice, and does not make quite the same glowing impression, nor is possessed by the same instantly appealing looks. When the Lord-Captain approaches, he just shakes his head and smiles. "Anansi, you scamp, are you still making trouble for your wife? And you call yourself a Seneschal... tsk. No wonder Lilith is cross with you." There's a teasing tone to his voice though, not hostility. "Careful of this one, students, he'll make your head spin and skip out before you've gotten your bearings, if you let him."

"Ayaya... engaging in the races, really? I've never quite thought of him as a sadist... why, Lilith, dear, does he often make a habit of crushing people's hopes and dreams?" Her smile rather smacked of a worried serenity. "There're... what did you say now, Goldfinch? Three tiers? Mmm. He should be in the fourth, really, or maybe the fifth. With so many younglings... why, I'm certain some irresponsible tongues would suggest that he's being a bully, or something." Pause. "Although he should be able to pull it off."

A folded fan somehow revealed itself from within a sleeve, and she took the chance to tap it, slowly, against one cheek. "Goldfinch, dear, be certain to watch that one, hmm? It's always nice to see a master at work, and if you took a few notes, why, you could even learn a thing or two."

Slight sigh. Murmured affirmation.

"Oh, don't be like that. I know this is a festival, but you are here to learn, are you not? Shiro, dear, you must really keep an eye on him; otherwise I'm certain he'll start frittering his time on, I don't know, growing grass or similar. I apologize, dear," and her smile has wandered back to Lilith again, "Boys at this age." Her generic handwave somehow encapsulated everything between thirteen and thirty into this age, and label it all as a long, extended, and utterly excruciating adolescence.

Anansi's compliment gains Goldfinch a long, considering look, and then, "Yes, I think... I think I am, aren't I? It took a while, after all, but I was always certain I'd get there in the end. There are, after all, only so many people on the face of Creation, and only so many of them have the advantage of being a Golden Child..." She was a bit shorter than him, so Peregrine simply stepped up and hung there to ruffle his hair. He endured. "And now here he is! A very, very special child; why, I don't believe I've told you before, have I? I am very proud of you."

"Oh, but of course you'll be seeing me at the fest. It's been awhile since I've been out and about, and this seems a very lovely day to be, isn't it?" And now her smile turns into something oddly wicked. "Oh, but to think I still lack someone to dance with... it's what happens when you coop yourself with libraries and labs. All the eligible young men never seem to have the patience to stay... present company excepted, of course." Pause. "Oh, but listen to me! I don't suppose you're making my head spin and skip, now are you? My bearings are, after all, a few thousand years old..." Agile Bat gets a quick wink.

[OOC: ...ahhhh. Timing issues. Warn me not to go read halfway.]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:31, Sun 11 Oct 2009.

Shogun Vanileth continues to bask in the attention and amenities of a guest of honor. He has been given a special seat in the Pavilion next to the Princess's chair, from which he can easily view the parade and aerial shows. There he perches, while his attendants hover upright, rarely contributing to conversations but answering promptly whenever he wishes to be reminded of certain details: an important blueprint, financial details, historical or political figures...

The God of Artificial Flight is in such demand that he hardly even needs to move to speak to anyone. They come to him, sometimes bearing their own personal gifts or pledges, though rarely as large and spectacular as Marek's models. The elder Exalted among the guests, especially the Twilight, garner the most of his attention. He dispenses suggestions, advice and even promises of personal assistance (marked on a schedule book carried by one of his attendant-spirits) to those with the best plans and ideas.

In time he starts to grow restless, though, gazing down at the array of floats with his Dragonfly's Ranging Eye with an impassivity bordering on disinterest. He's seen enough of them to know he's seen them all - they're more for the sake of the citizens than himself.

While one of his assistants inks out some bold corrections on a blueprint draft submitted to him, Vanileth turns to the Princess Sophia. "I've come to your fair city for a number of reasons, Lady Sophia. So far these have been fulfilled satisfactorily enough, though I've yet to see the latest models of the Artimisia, and the Invierna and White Queen II in flight, I do hope that will be corrected shortly. However, I've another request..." The beautiful, sweet-voiced Vanileth leans forward, murmuring something quietly to the Anthegenian Princess. "...and where might she be now? I am disappointed she has not yet shown, or perhaps we will meet at the Banquet?"

Sounds a drums could be heard from off in the distance of the Pavilion. Many servants clear the way as a small formation of DragonBlood officers march into the area. At their center was a none other than, Clematis, the Failed Diplomat. His face was bright and his smile was wide adn he waved as this was his first entrance. He couldn't be outshined by another general. How would that look?

Then the music started. The music was a light melody of winds and flutes. The drums added an airy but dramatic touch. It was loud enough to be heard, but not loud enough drown out anyone speech. Dancers in white and blue flipped out from amoungst the crowds and the formation. They are all dancing near perfect rythym to the music. Oddly, but not suprisingly they all bear the seal of Clematis' family crest on their chest.

Waving as if the festival was for him, Clematis gives a few pleasant looks around. He is not looking at anyone in particular. Then he gives a few short lines as well, also not speaking to anyone in particular.

"Good Day!"

"A wonderful day for a festival"

"The gods smile on us this day"

"Peggy, how's the kids"

ect... ect...

"Do not worry, Shogun Vanileth, the Artimisia ships will take off very soon, under Iblis' competent lead," Sophia reassures her guest of honor smoothly. "And at the conclusion of the Races, we will fly to the Palace on the White Queen, escorted by the Invierna and the Blood Lance. I am sure Anansi would be pleased to take you up on the Invierna at that time, if you prefer."

The Princess listens quietly to Vanileth's murmured request, and nods promptly, apparently already anticipating what he would ask. "Oh, yes. I have already asked her to attend. She is preoccupied with her spell workings in the Plaza, right now, but has promised me she would entertain the banquet with her presence personally..."

Her voice trails off as she watches Clematis reappear. Marching through the air, in fact, onto the floating pavilion, with dancers and a small army. While the ADF guards ensure his soldiers are armed only for ceremonial purposes, and attempt to clear enough room to allow space for the group, Sophia gazes upon the "new" arrival with an expression both polite and slightly wary. "Good day Clematis, you appear to be in good spirits."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:51, Sun 11 Oct 2009.

"Lord Desus does as he pleases," says Lilith to Peregrine, whom in replying to her stands close to herself and Radiant Horizon. They are a strange trio, seen together: Lilith, the lithe warrior in her sleeveless sparkling gown, showing off toned musculature and feminine curves; Horizon in her heavy armor, imposing and intricately detailed, staring down the majority of the guests with disinterest; Peregrine with her parasol and fripperies, tugging her son along like a glorified ornament.

In any case, Lilith's expression changes oddly when Peregrine speaks of 'sadism', and Desus related to it. She looks for a moment distinctly furious, then, with a few calm breaths, smiling with a fierce pride. Her head tilts up, short dark hair sliding back so that the sun glitters on her earrings. "They may talk, but Desus is not hard without reason. I'm sure he wishes to test the others, present them a standard with which to aspire to. One cannot reach the height of their potential without such a challenge."

"If others have issue, then they should just withdraw from the race." There Lilith shrugs, and her eyes shift over to Goldfinch, looking him over with analytical interest. "A few years yet before you've truly left the nest," she murmurs to the young Crowned Sun. "Learn to be a predator, or you'll be no better than a glorified slave."

Somewhere in Anansi's efforts to address the students (and Evident Truth in particular), the Lord-Captain weaves a message through subtle gesture and whispers that only Peregrine can hear. Focused on his goals he might be, but a lady of Peregrine's beauty and stature is someone he cannot rightfully ignore.

The black business card remains in his gloved hand, of course, waiting for Truth's acceptance or rejection.

Keo took notice of Mattel's handwave, returning a polite greeting using the hand strokes of Claw-Speak.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Sun 11 Oct 2009.

Mattel waits for Evident Truth to take the card. But while he does he takes a closer look at it.  But waving at Keo was missed by his classmate.

Sighing and puttting his head down he give a raspy laugh. "I guess he didn't want to come over and say hi. Well Evident Truth, you see, he is with his mate. And they have been quite lovey dovey since they found each other. If he comes over, she will get upset about it making her ever more clingy later."


Gulping down the rest of his drink he looks over to Clematis. Ever so sly like he turns his back to not face his good friend.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Sun 11 Oct 2009.

 The card is taken, examined, and vanishes into a various fold of Truths artfully tailored robes. The great yellow eyes flit over Anansi carefully, and the silent interrogation is broken by the return of Clematis...who Truth can ascertain is a failed diplomat for many reasons beyond mere lack of practice.

"Good Festival Day to you Lord Captain. Perhaps you could make my head spin later..jostle out something stuck up in here I can't find on my own."

 A cryptic statement for anyone but Bat and Truth at this moment.

 His head swivels oddly back to the group, and the old, crafty Lunar recognizes the motion from someone else he knew quite some time ago.  The eyes again, were back on the Lord Captain, though there was less wariness in them. When he speaks again, his tone that same calm tempo, it is directed to Mattel.

"Every Lunar and Solar couple are different from what I've observed..and been told. Some of them are so far from the traditional idea of a relationship you wouldn't recognize it as anything but enmity..or it can be as simple as young love such as theirs. I imagine they are lucky that their connection is so uncomplicated by years...centuries of experience..and mistakes."

 His head cocks again in that odd way gazing at Horizon briefly before returning to the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Sun 11 Oct 2009.

Mattel gingerly grabbed another drink from a passing tray put his empty glass on it. Pasting his new smile on to keep the conversation light he responded.

"I maybe just a young lunar, but if you need help looking for something you can't find, I would be willing to assist in looking for it." He smiled faded into his serious face. "Seriously my friend, I could help."

His demeanor switched back just as quick.

"Yeah, lucky they are. I think I'm going to go break up that before they start drooling. But I look forward to seeing you in the dojo. Perhaps you can open my ferious side," he said with a toothy grin."I shall see you around Evident Truth. It was a pleasure to meet you."

Mattel turned and walked towards Keo and Rana.

"Keo and Rana... my favorite solar lunar couple. How goes the festival for you?"

- "So, when do your classes begin? I would like to watch one of them if I have the chance." Asked Professor Marek to Thalia. "That way we could be sure which of the students would need the necessary training for magitech and who for genesis."

Seeing Anansi with another student, Rana waved as cheerfully at him as she had at the rest of the students and classmates she'd seen. He'd seemed very nice when she'd met him at the banquet before.

For a moment she glanced at Goldfinch, already graced with one of her waves of greeting, who appeared to be the companion of a lady in a very fancy dress. Maybe she was his mother? She thought she could see why Goldfinch was intimidated by her.

Spotting Mattel, she waved at him again and said, "Hi Mattel! How are you? Who's that you were talking to? Is he a new student here?

"Isn't this really fantastic?"

"This very next week," she said.  "You would be more than welcome to sit in on either of the classes I'll be teaching.  As long as you promise not to heckle," she concluded with a grin to show she wasn't being the least bit serious (about the heckling, anyway).

"To move away from teaching, other than your gift to Vanileth, what projects have you been working on recently?"

"Very well," Keo replied to Mattel. "How about you?" Remembering that Mattel had not seemed to recognize his hand signals, he asked him: "By the way, do you understand Claw-Speak? I assumed you did, but you did not seem to recognize the signals..."

Anansi smiles when Evident Truth accepts the card. "How true, we Chosen of Luna do tend to have a way of finding things that are lost," he remarks as Mattel goes off to speak to Keo and Rana. "You may wish to take up the young man on his offer. Though if you wish, a more direct meeting can be arranged with the lady..." It seems he has not missed the glances at Radiant Horizon, and he quirks an eyebrow while Joyous Bat makes a mock-exasperated sigh. "He really is insufferable..."

"The General is not much for socializing, nor does she like to rush things, particularly in her older age. Though I believe she may grow more interested should she think the likes of me would get my claws into you first." Whether Anansi has any idea of who Truth really is - or was, in this case - he gives no indication.

Then his gaze drifts over to the aforementioned 'lucky couple'. "You are right about the Solar-Lunar bond, though... They vary as much as the hearts of people. Time can affect a bond, as well as a large gap in years. A few centuries ago, I and the lovely Sophia were much like them," Anansi reminisces.

"I don't think it was quite like that," comments Bat dubiously, to which Anansi answers with a smirk, "Shush, allow me my maudlin fantasies like a good gentleman."

"I believe any such introduction to the lady in question would be an extraordinarily bad idea. I appreciate the intent behind the gesture however, Lord-Captain."

 Truth seems satisfied at the moment with the answers he was able to wrest from Bat, and refrains from any further ogling of the Solar General, which consumes much of his attention as he resists the urge to do so, so close to her physically as he is.

- "A staff, but not the usual orichalcum weapon in the shape of a piece of wood. This staff is composed of two materials, a central core of Moonsilver and an exterior cover of orichalcum. The Moonsilver gives the staff some shaping capacities, for example sharp edges in the place where it impacts, and it also helps me to focus my will for sorcery. And I placed the usual hearthstone slots, one in the head, one in the base and one where the head and body converge. It's not high magitech and all the work was done by me, but it completed my knowledge on Magical Materials aloys, I have created other similar projects with mixed magic materials, but never something like this." Explained Professor Marek. "My most famous project, which earned me my position at the academy, was a new design of essence engine. It's the most efficient to this day and can be used on small and large airships."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Sun 11 Oct 2009.

Mattel bowed slightly to Rana to acknowledge her presence.

"I'm well. You look very beautiful this evening. Make sure you tell Keo to watch out for you, unless you will get snatched by a more deserving lunar."

Turning his looks over to Keo he continued with a sarcastic expression.

"That's the first time I have seen 'Claw Speak' not scratched on some tree or something. So forgive my ignorance. But most importantly it's nice to see you both either together enjoying the festivities."

Turning to face where he just walked.

"Actually I was just getting a feel for our newest classmate, Evident Truth, the masked avenger. I'm sorry for the bad joke. But he is truly a special one. I might do some research on where he is from so that I may relate to him better. I think it's very important to know one's peers."

"Why, that he does, doesn't he? There are little of us left to oppose him, nowadays... and even less who'd even think of such a thing. Dear, dear." The fan made a quick spin about her wrist, flaring open into a bright, golden crescent before it snapped shut against her finger. "I suppose we must be thankful he's such a wonderful hero, and not one of those complete monsters that keep on ruining our names. Lilith, dear, your husband isn't planning some horrid rebellion, is he? Although I'm certain Horizon here would absolutely love the exercise."  She winked; a playful, girlish thing. "I do wonder who would win?"

flare-snap

"But honestly, Lilith, dear, I can't have you whispering things about predators and whatnot into his ears. We're Solars, not one of your packmates--no offense, Shiro dear, I'm certain packmates must be great things to be--but his, ah, education should really be left to the professionals. Oh, and his mother, of course." flare-snap "Why, I'm certain your husband would agree, wouldn't you? One does hear so many things..."

But Lilith does receive a small, quiet nod from the younger Celestial; Peregrine appears not to notice. Her attention seems captured by Anansi's party, standing perhaps not too far away, and, very slowly, her face breaks into a grin.

"Oh, but surely... Horizon, dear, that poor masked Lunar has been gazing at you for ages. Is that someone you know, or is he yet another despairing admirer?" Her fan flared open once again, and this time stays to fan at her face. "There's quite something about those veils that really make you wonder what's underneath, don't you think? I'm sure I'd go over and say a little something... if I were you, of course."

At the word about leaving education to professionals Lilith stiffens slightly... then her head tilts downward, acknowledging that she has been justly reprimanded. "Of course, Lady Peregrine. My statements were merely conjecture, not a replacement for true education." She needs not confirm that Desus would, indeed, agree, but she makes no comment whatsoever on anything else Peregrine may have heard.

"However, Lord Desus has no reason to throw a rebellion. The Deliberative stands with him, as does this fair city I am sure." Her gaze flickers toward Headmaster Ishmerai, then back to Peregrine, respectfully. It seems she is redoubling her efforts to show respect to the Solar Exalted. "If one must be concerned of rebellion, it would be with those who openly reject the policies and decisions of the Solar establishment."

"Though I would not mind the exercise either, should such an event occur." The dark-haired woman smiles a razor smile that lights up her lovely eyes. Joy comes to Lilith most of all in battle, where she triumphs more often than not. Even when she does not, she learns, and hones herself into a better combatant.