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Post by XuLiang on Feb 27, 2024 12:23:28 GMT
“Well, it is a bit sad that they could not join us in our efforts. Ambition harnessed into productive action can be a powerful force. So, if Jacob’s arrival is taken care of, what is the next thing that needs to be dealt with?”
“Shall I go and speak further with Nayda and see if there are any clues to where Prince Rinaldo may have run off to? He seems to have been too cagey to have said anything directly, but perhaps there is a detail that could give us a clue.”
“Or do you have something else you need me to take care of while we wait for the portrait of Tug to be finished?”
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Post by Admin on Feb 28, 2024 4:12:56 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/28Y9wNs/Calvera~jpg "Stay for my meeting with Calvera," Flora says, and as if it was planned, the man enters the office. Tall and bald, he moves with the grace and menace of a tiger. He wears orange, red, and black silks and wears his sword and daggers. With his height, he is always looking down on everyone, and his personality matches - condescending and imperious are the nicest descriptions people give of him. He drops a leather satchel on Flora's desk. "The report on the fleet's readiness," he says to her. "I have read N'Realle's letter and heard of Rexin's death. I don't believe the Rebmans did it. Llewella will want the city and castle whole. She's not a maniac like Corwin and Bleys. Whole and peaceful, she won't be assassinating the help or sending their army against us. A war they couldn't hope to win, by the way.
"The actions of Ovid and the mirrors still need to be discerned. Damned mirrormancers; cowardly perverts peeking in on everyone's rooms, invading their privacy. I don't see why we don't eliminate the whole lot of them."After all that he pretends to notice Xu. "Lord Xu, I hear that you are on our side in all of this."
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Post by XuLiang on Mar 1, 2024 13:24:30 GMT
As he speaks, Xu notes mentally; So he defends Llewella. Perhaps he has found an ally? Or does he wisely realize we do not need another enemy? Would Heaven smile if he ascended the throne? He certainly thinks he has the power, but does he have the character? We shall have to wait and see.
When addressed as Lord Xu, Xu’s eyes narrow a bit. Of all people he should know that I am either Lord Han or just Xu. He mentally sighs, you would think with Flora as Regent everyone would be working on perfecting their etiquette. Then the instant is gone and he smiles and nods his head. “Yes, the Regent has my full support and cooperation Prince Calvera.”
Xu extends his arm towards the desk and a fan appears like magic in his hand pointing at the dagger. “By any chance in your wide travels have you seen a dagger such as this?” He casually glides over to the desk. Where Calvera is a tiger stalking, Xu glides with the quiet flow of water. Xu is placing himself equal distance from Flora and Calvera, but is looking at the dagger. If Calvera does not pick it up, Xu will pick it up with his empty hand while his right hand rests on the fan which rests on the table. He will then examine it more closely.
(OOC – Has it been long enough for Kai to return with Xu’s sword?)
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Post by Admin on Mar 4, 2024 5:05:14 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/28Y9wNs/Calvera~jpg Kai returns with the sword. Calvera raises an eyebrow at the beast and weapon. "Other cousins of yours seek to return today. None are as dedicated to the wellbeing of Amber as Lord Han and you," Flora tells him. He looks at the dagger but does not touch it. "An unusual design. Doesn't tell us much considering how many different shapes these things can take. The metal is more interesting. Lighter than steel, which we can tell from the odd balance. I can't see how it would keep its edge, so an assassins tool rather than a duelling blade. Would you not agree...Lord Han?"He then picks it up and closely examines the edge. "Yes, I can see the dulling and notching from slicing against bone. Light as glass, I could snap it in half or shatter it against the wall. Shall I?"
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Post by XuLiang on Mar 4, 2024 8:43:40 GMT
Xu looks at Kai and glances at the corner of the room behind him. Kai gets the message and retreats to the corner giving Calvera a respectful distance. He then sits at attention with the sword on the floor in front of him.
“Yes, you are most likely correct Your Highness. It is a pity we cannot narrow down what proxies our enemies are using.” He considers the knife in Calvera’s hand. “Could it be used to scry the previous owner?” He taps his chin with the fan and frowns, “Not likely. As His Highness points out it is made from material that cannot keep an edge and it was left behind. A disposable tool then, but our only link to the assassin.”
He looks to Flora to see what her decision on the matter is.
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Post by Admin on Mar 5, 2024 5:32:10 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/j5FLskF/Florimel~jpg "If travelling through a mirror has the same effects as Trump, then the trail is probably lost. Better to think on who sent the assassin. Obviously, they have a skill with the mirrors, which can rule out most of the family. Would they have done it themself or sent an assassin? A follower would be less risky, but coming in person would be safer if they were seen about the castle. We must think about this and learn what we can of our relations. The point may be moot if a war breaks out."Flora looks through Calvera's naval report. "I will only commit to coastal operations in this weather, not the deep seas," he tells her. "How long will you let Rinaldo play the fool before demoting him and promoting Lord Han to Warden of Arden?" Calvera asks.
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Post by XuLiang on Mar 6, 2024 8:42:28 GMT
From a minor slight to suggesting a promotion. He likely is trying to get her to say something negative about my readiness for such a position or push me above my station setting me up for failure. With the benefit of upsetting his chief rival. Masterful manipulation. I shall attempt to counter.
“While Prince Calvera’s vote of confidence in my abilities is most welcome,” Xu smiles and nods acknowledgement the compliment, “it feels a bit premature to count Prince Rinaldo out of play. His ability to turn situations to his advantage is uncanny. The Rangers seem well organized in his absence, so he has done his duty to establish a depth of command structure. If a new leader was needed, Lady Eivor strikes me as a much more suitable candidate than myself."
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Post by Admin on Mar 9, 2024 8:28:33 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/28Y9wNs/Calvera~jpg "Eivor may have grown up in Arden with the Rangers, but where is she now when assassinations and threats of invasion are delivered to us? I doubt she has the stomach to fight against Lorelei or Llewella," Calvera replies. "We can still afford to give Rinaldo another week. I took on his service with my promises of reciprocation which have not been completely given yet. He is guaranteed to get what he wants from me once the necessary groundwork has been done. Others may hope to break our deal to offer him a quicker way to advance Kashfa. They would be lies, of course, half-truths at best. I trust him to consider the offers and then return to us," Flora informs them. "If he takes the crown himself, there would be no need for negotiation. He could proclaim everything for Kashfa without any restrictions or law.""Even with that risk, we will give him more time. Other complications are out there for him, but for us I agree with Calvera. Lord Han, you will take control of Arden if Rinaldo does not return in three days; Calvera has the waterfront with his marines; Lord Motius, has generously agreed to command the city's guard and defences. Others will come to join us but they will be here to assist you three."
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Post by XuLiang on Mar 11, 2024 14:20:05 GMT
Xu Liang smiles self depreciatingly, “If he were to take such a bold move, you and others would also take bold moves and likely plunge us all into chaos. And Her Highness the Regent and Prince Benidict have made that very clear to everyone, ensuring that we can continue to walk this rope span of peace.” He looks a bit speculatively at Calvera, “Let us hope that someone can find a peaceful way to resolve this interregnum. That would be a person who would truly prove themselves worthy.” If he can be convinced to put off a coup that is doomed to fail, that will give the Regent more time to stabilize the situation. And perhaps he will truly prove himself in the process.
He turns back to the Regent, “But first we must secure the kingdom. Do we have any news of threats to the Arden that I should know about?”
(OOC – to move things along after that he asks.)
“Is there anyone I should consult with about the situation in the Arden before leaving the Castle?”
(OOC – After they answer.)
“When we finish here, I will continue my discussion with the Lady Nayda before heading out in the morning for Arden, I will need some time there to understand the responsibility you entrust to me.”
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Post by Admin on Mar 12, 2024 5:48:51 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/j5FLskF/Florimel~jpg "There are rumours about Kailessa collecting forces. Vincent too. Nothing imminently dangerous. That could all change with how forceful Moire and Llewella push N'Realle's plan forward.
"I will need you both to stay in the castle tonight. I have a feeling some of our shyer cousins will return in the morning, and I want you both here to greet them."OOC: Xu, could you hold off on the Nayda interview until the next day so we can get Cody back in?
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Post by XuLiang on Mar 12, 2024 6:04:03 GMT
(OOC - Sure. I'll post a bit later, I'm in class right now.)
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Post by Admin on Mar 13, 2024 3:18:13 GMT
OOC: We can jump to the next morning and get Cody involved. Maybe Z'Ra too.
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Post by XuLiang on Mar 13, 2024 4:22:42 GMT
“Perhaps they can be convinced to help us in our endeavours or at least not add to our problems.”
“It will certainly be nice to spend some time here before rushing off again. Heading to Arden can wait a day.”
(OOC - Sounds like a good idea.)
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Post by Admin on Mar 20, 2024 2:33:19 GMT
Xu is summoned to meet Flora and Calvera early the next morning.
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Post by XuLiang on Mar 20, 2024 8:07:47 GMT
Xu is up before dawn and greets the sun with form practice in Benidict’s Japanese themed garden. Notably, he practices with his sword and finds that his fluidness and speed are adequate considering he has not practiced with it in some time.
He thinks to himself, It is unfortunate Lord Calvera has little time for sparring practice. It would provide an excellent opportunity for us to gauge each other and perhaps come to an understanding.
He returns and freshens up in plenty of time for his meeting and then confronts his most trying part of the process. His usual clothes are either being cleaned or are not formal enough. He sighs and opens the wardrobe. Thankfully someone has stocked it with suitable outfits in the current Amber style. He chooses cream trousers green suede shoes easily enough. But while the shirts are roomy enough, perhaps a bit too roomy for his slender frame, the addition of lace to every edge is a bit much. The padded and embroidered long coat is made of a beautiful forest green silk but it is tight about the chest and waist which restricts his movement in ways he is unaccustomed to. But it seemed to be cut for his sword to hang easily at his side and his war fan balanced the weight of the sword well on his other hip.
He and Kai arrive with a few minutes to spare before the meeting.
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