A knight's return home

[stupidhonor]

[Suddenly a portal opens up, and from within...]
"I am an envoy! By my honor, we come in peace!"

[A small group of Ankaian knights in their Knight's Arms step out, waving flags and banners, their weapons sheathed.]

"The Ankaian moot, most important of our gatherings, will begin in less than a week. By the given rights, Lord Anya the Champion of Ankaia, and his wife Lady Kimhone, request presence of people of Earth, those who belong to the order of 'Unity Group'. Yours will be the role of important guests. Bring arms as you wish, however rest assured as no harm will befall you. I swear, it is no trap nor deception."

[All prompts frontdated several days - way after Calvin's mission.]
[1]
[It was no trap nor deception. Passing through the portal brings you to a strange land. A world of rolling plains and huge rocky pillars, save for the howling winds its impression is... empty and quiet. Plants are present but infrequently, mostly familiar looking but scarce trees and grasses, and the buildings its people erected in the past are grandiose, huge halls and tall spires - but now, many of them lie abandoned, fallen into ruin and the artifacts stored within long since fallen into disrepair. These are just shadows of former glory, as current people of Ankaia prefer humbler housing in small villages. And yet...]


I... am home.

[At this sight, Sielje seems happy like she rarely is.]

[2]
[The Ankaian capital, where the moot will be held - possibly the only real city yet remaining on the planet, parts of its spires still occupied and surrounded by a serene lake. In this place you have a chance to visit a certain location...]

[Sielje's house - or rather, several chambers in a smaller, southern tower. They seem empty, not the ruined emptiness of most of Ankaia, but much more ordinary, impersonal emptiness of a dwelling of someone who is rarely home. Still, the large windows provide a beautiful view of the city's surroundings. Sielje herself isn't here, but...]

It has been so many years, and yet it fits. I must see!

[And there she is, entering the room - while wearing an elaborate, big fluffy dress. Sielje immediately takes to the mirror, twirling in front of it - her movement interrupted as she catches the glance of your reflection.]


Perhaps it will be not all... that bad...

... [Blush creeps up her face.]

I did not... expect you to be here.

[3]
[The moot itself will take several days - a gathering of Ankaia's finest knights and lords, in the capital's largest hall. Those gathered wear attire of differing levels of historical anachronism and practicality, and yet though they all seem to emanate strength and confidence, no one except for the common guards is armed. Also, Sielje doesn't seem to be around.

Some of the lords give you curious looks but say nothing, while others try to distance themselves or frown with outright disgust and hostility. You have a feeling you are not exactly welcome here. There is however a single exception.]


"Could it be? Yes, it must be! The guests from Earth, welcome! I am glad to to see you respond to the invitation!"

[A large man wearing golden armor notices you with his piercing gaze - the intense expression breaking into genuine smile as he approaches and offers a strong handshake.]


"Welcome. After your past experience with Ankaian people, I can hardly blame you for exercising caution and distrust. But the two of us ask you not to judge the whole by actions of few. In fact, Ankaia may need Earth's help yet. Here."

[And accompanying him is an unusual woman - one with horns and leathery wings, her stomach visibly rounded and bulging out somewhat.

Meet Ynya and Kimhone - Champion of Ankaia and his wife, both Sielje's friends. The latter holds a platter in her hands, and offers it up.]


"Would you have some? I hope it is to your taste - the ways of making it are not well known here but Ynya worked hard, and the ingredients are all genuine. He used no food table paste."


"Ha ha ha..." [The Champion scratches the back of his head in embarassment.]
"Being the leader of the Old Watch does have its advantages."

[The offered thing - is bread. Slightly misshaped and not cut, but it looks and smells like all-natural bread.]

[4]
[Whether you try to search for Sielje during the moot or just explore the area, straying from the main meeting hall has you encounter...]

"Are you lost? You would best not wonder. What gave you impression this is a friendly land? It is not."

[A young man who can't be even twenty years old yet. His long cloak obscures most of his body, and he stares in your direction with a disinterested look.]


"Not for the likes of you, anyway."

Comments

2)

[tillallareone]

Bah-Weep-Gragnah Wheep Ni-Ni-Bong

[Optimus crouches down and inclines his head lightly as he accepts the bread.]

I am honored by the welcome and hospitality of this hall. I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots and ally of the Unity Group. It is good to meet all of you.

[That being said though he lets out a rather embarrassed chuckle.]

Though I do regret that I cannot enjoy this bread... if there is no issue, may I have your permission to share it with a companion who would be able to do so?

[srwu_npc4]

"Greetings to you as well."


"Certainly. I heard of your kind, who seem like Arms but are living people themselves. This is lady Kimhone, my wife, and I am Ynya."


"You meant to say - Lord Ynya, the Champion of Ankaia."

2

[fourth_rider]

[Fyra proceeds to circle Sielje curiously as she analyzes the dress.

This is definitely new. Nevermind that her own attire has a similar theme.]

[stupidhonor]

You are puzzled.

[Sielje's gaze follows the circling Fyra. She tries not to lose her from sights, feeling like a stalked prey.]

Is it... so unusual of me to be wearing this? It is, is it not?

4

[reactorhead_russians]

Sasha Kaidonovksy, who's much larger than this surly emo fellow, straights up and smiles slightly. "Thanks for the warning, " she replies cheekily. "Even if your land is not friendly as you say, it is good to know that you, at least, care about our wellbeing."

She nods her head. "Who are you?"

[srwu_npc4]

"I care for you not causing trouble. Not more than your presence has already brought." The youth continues looking unimpressed.

"Oh? Do people of Earth have no good manners to introduce themselves before demanding names of others?"

3

[keep_your_dignity]

I EXTEND MY THANKS, BUT I DON'T ACTUALLY EAT HUMAN FOOD. THE ACTUAL DIPLOMATS IN THE DELEGATION WILL ENJOY THAT MORE.

MY DESIGNATION IS KAGURA. OFFICER IN THE EXECUTOR GRAVEYARD AND CURRENTLY SECURITY DETAIL. AND IF MY SUPPOSITION IS CORRECT, YOU'RE THE CHAMPION THAT THE KNIGHT TALKS OF WITH ADMIRATION AND ENVY, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

HOW ARE WE TO ADDRESS YOU?

[Like any military officer worth her salt in front of a foreign dignatary, Kagura rips a by-the-book salute. Also like any military officer worth her salt, she makes a point of keeping a certain wall of protocol on the way unless specifically asked. The demon lady doesn't really merit comment, though. Honestly, Kagura's life is weird enough for a demon lady to not really be a noteworthy feature]

[srwu_npc4]

"Just 'Ynya' will do. Well spotted, I am the Champion and many other things, but first and foremost I am myself."


"Likewise, it will be just Kimhone then. The knight, you speak of Sielje? That does sound like her."

The two exchange slightly concerned looks, like parents talking about their rebellious teenage kid.

4

[booty_chaser]

Actually, I find that most places are pretty friendly if you get to know the people, that's what I kinda want to do. You should have more faith in them. Later!

[Ashe... does not actually stop. She just continues going past him with a friendly greeting gesture and a little smile. She just took down Albert and faced down an eldritch abomination and got a pile of cash big enough to bruise someone, this guy doesn't have enough scowl power to penetrate her happy right now]

[srwu_npc4]

"And who are you, to think people of Ankaia want to get to know you?"

The cloaked person is left behind, but one barely noticeable swoosh of motion later and he stands in front of Ashe, blocking her way.

"You would not be the first, and those meetings went poorly in the past."

2

[a_louse]

[Roger just stares for a few seconds.]

...The surprise is mutual.

[stupidhonor]

Ah. Ahem. Umm.

[Looks like someone's at a loss for words.]

Is it so strange?

1

[lostamigo]

...There's a lot of ruins.

[stupidhonor]

Yes.

[Sielje sounds thoughtful.]

They have been here since I was born, and long before that.

3

[prismphantom]

[It's not just Earth delegates at this meeting either. The Lurian princess has come along as well, taking in all the sights and experiences of Ankaian culture. And at the offer of the bread-]



I would be honored to try some of Ankaia's cuisine! It certainly looks quite unique! Selena?

[She turns to her escort, but the other woman respectfully shakes her head.]



Perhaps later, but for now your safety is my concern. A bodyguard can't be too at-ease during times like these, after all.

[srwu_npc4]

"Nobody here carries arms today. Raising a hand against you would be the ultimate breach of honor."


"I am afraid it would not be enough to stop some. However, the Champion's might surely will."

4

[totallyhonest]

Thank you for your warning! Whew, I thought everyone in this place is hostile. Glad to know that there's a friendly person.

[srwu_npc4]

"What makes you think I am friendly?" His voice is vaguely amused now.

3

[a_centered_mind]

Thank you. For both the meal and your hospitality.

[Odd in shape as the bread is, Elys knows when effort has been put into something. She gratefully accepts.]

My name is Elyssa Soleil. Please call me Elys.

Admittedly, there's much I don't understand about Ankaia and its situation. But Sielje is a good person, even though I've not known her long; so I will do what I can here.

[srwu_npc4]

"A pleasure to meet, Elys. This is Lady Kimhone, my wife. I am the Champion, Ynya. Add let me assure you, your presence here alone is already good."


"It is proof we can coexist, without one trying to exploit the other. Is the bread to your taste? It is the result of the Champion's work of hands, starting from grain and ending with the bake."

4

[a_monetized_mind]

Never heard that before...

[Jen's enjoying the view from one of the ramparts scattered around the city; she leans up against it.]

Being on this planet aside, is there some sort of problem? I didn't wander into a restricted area, did I?

[srwu_npc4]

"People of Earth are not welcome on Ankaia. You received the Champion's invitation, so stay near to him. Do not wander as if this place belonged to you."

1

[a_monetized_mind]

Huh, it's...

Nice.

[stupidhonor]

Yes. So different from Earth...

Ah! I meant not to imply Earth is all unpleasant as a place!

[Just the loud and busy parts.]

1

[majestic_keiki]

This place is really impressive. It's like Rome or Athens...If the cities themselves were smaller.

[She turns away from her sightseeing to focus on the knight next to her.]

What's it like to be back? Especially given events before coming here...

[stupidhonor]

I am unsure as of what transpired while I was gone. And what may transpire in the future. Yet...

Yet I feel relieved. For a time, I thought I would not stand here again. Yet here I am, this is the land that I know.