BZPRPG - Kentoku Archipelago

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Servant & Yumiwa

 

"Unless they're actively looking for you, no. To onlookers you're just another Menti with a Hogo escort, one of many Palace servants. And this is the end of the line for me." She gestured to the ramp up the Yukanna and bowed slightly to Vwynolyn, then turned and bowed deeply in the direction of the empress.

 

* * * * *

 

I waved at the servant and Vwynolyn. "Hey Vw—"

 

"Ma'am?" Zafin cut in sharply. "The Fursic ships?"

 

Mmm. "—Come on up!" I finished.

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Shaking -

 

When Aranta left with the small payments of respect, Vwynolin began to slowly walk towards the ramp. Naturally, she hadn't noticed the Empress's person quite yet so when half her name was almost yelled out, she found herself staring up, wide eyed and a little on the pale side due to the presence of Fursic ships. Perhaps her anxieties and fears were a tad out of place, but it was hard for her to not feel as if they might somehow spot her, see her, recognize her and either do something then, or later. She really wasn't in the place where she wanted to end up confronted by guards, escorts, or soldiers from her own clan. Or, even worse, actual individuals she knew. 

 

After that almost-mishap, Vwynolyn sped up her walk a little to get onto the ship, a place that seemed at least somewhat more comfortable to be as, quite frankly, she doubted anyone would actually try to pull anything while she was standing within the presence of the Empress. If only as that'd be a rather disrespectful thing to do before the Empress, and could be easily taken as an outright insult: something, Vwyn at least, felt her clan wasn't willing to risk over just her. 

 

Eventually she made her way up to where the Empress was; nervous, eyes often glancing towards the Fursic ships with a sense of worry and obvious fear. She should have expected them to be there, but actually seeing them evoked quite a different response than thinking about them.

 

"M... M-My M-Majesty," she stuttered, mostly for how on edge her nerves were, bowing respectfully when she made it up to Yumiwa's presence, trying to keep her eyes respectful of the Empress's station, and not preoccupied with her own, personal, concerns. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

"It's Your Majesty," I corrected Vwynolyn with a disarming smile, "and be welcome on the Yukanna. Nice outfit! Has my hospitality been well?"

Edited January 22, 2017 by EmperorWhenua

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Already Off to a Good Start -

 

"I... y-yes, y-your Majesty, I... s-sorry," Vwynolyn stuttered, her mind a bit all over the place due to the sense of anxiety and paranoia, though as she stood back up she initially nodded to the second question, trying to think her words through so as to at least minimize her stuttering. "It's... been extremely well, and... and thanks, it was... it was picked out for me," her words came a bit slower as she tried to think of them as she spoke, though a part of her felt a sense of self-consciousness as she'd never quite been out wearing an actual dress before. It felt nice to her and she liked it, but she was aware that there were others and, with her overall physique, she did have a sense of consciousness that others likely thought it strange, at the best. 

 

"Thank you... thank you so much for the honor, pardon my... poor articulation of... words," Her cheeks had gone from pale to a light reddish tint, her hands held together in front of her at this point, fingers mindlessly playing with each other. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

I looked up at Vwynolyn and could read the consternation as clear as day. Even though she was over a Kanohi taller than me, she seemed to shrivel to half my stature. Even though she was bathed, well rested, and given a validating outfit, she stuttered. She was daunted even now. 

 

My smile widened, and then I beckoned for Vwynolyn to follow me on the deck. "This is the Yukanna, the flagship of the imperial navy and the finest vessel of its class. And currently it's the means for our trip to my clan's ancestral estate." 

 

The Fursic daughter opened her mouth, presumably to muck her way through a question, and then I kept the moment. "Oki is one of the safest places for you to be right now. They may have eyes and ears all over Sado but not in our ancient castle. There is a staffed temple, and some of the greatest legal scholars have come from the college we operate there. It's the best place for us all to better understand the complexities of your... well, your situation."

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Collecting Herself -

 

"Ah... I, alright. That makes sense to me, initially I... I admit, I wasn't sure why I was invited along." Vwynolyn made her response with a fairly shy sounding tone, unused to being in the presence of anyone with authority outside of a guard of some nature. "But... I hope it... it's at least, somewhat well received," she mumbled, the thought of the virtue of Order, not the least the rest, on her mind as she considered a legal perspective. A part of her felt it unlikely any of them would be too quick to give her an easy time, though she felt some semblance of hope as, after all, she also did not expect to be on the Empress's flagship. 

 

She still seemed a bit worried, eyes glancing over to the Fursic ships nearby in the docks, the small, black leather book she carried around now in her hands. Granted, as she came up she stuck it up under her arm so her hands would be free, and then almost forgot about it until she moved that very same arm a few seconds ago to rub lightly at her face and very nearly dropped it. Luckily, she had quite the reflexes.  

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

We paused on the deck, then. Vwynolyn still seemed distant and agitated, and I traced her fidgeting gaze back to the Fursic pennants on their boats. "Captain," I called back to the Korae commander, "let's go." 

 

The effects of my words were nigh instant. A clatter of cogs and chains sounded the pulling of the anchor, and the Yukanna slowly peeled away from the pier at an increasing rate. A low hum emanated from belowdeck as the jets started churning our blue wake into a frothy white. Vwynolyn seemed to visibly relax as the Fursic red grew more distant by the second, and I, pleased being on my most majestic warship for the first time since taking the throne, went about enjoying the feel of it.

 

Ayiwah was more than my naval commander, she was a cousin and clan-sister. She was always confident in her ship and praised its capability as much as she did her first mate. The Yukanna was truly a wonder of Dasakan engineering. It was impeccably sleek, built in a trimaran design for speed and stability, manned by a crew who made the Three Virtues flow in their every motion to make an impressive vessel all the more able. In their hands, it sliced through the water like Rayuke's sword cut flesh—purposeful, and with no sound or splash. 

 

I pulled a sailor to me with a cock of my head. "I want to climb up to the crow's nest," I said. "Which ladder would take me there?"

 

Her eyes widened—of shock that I spoke to her or the nature of my request, I was not sure—but she remained collected despite what she said to me. "Your Majesty, I must urge you not to do that thing. It's ill-advisable for someone unskilled at seamanship."

 

Zafin materialized at my side. "Yumi..." she chided me (one of the few people I gave permission to do so to me) and dismissed the sailor. "She's right, it's too dangerous for a rora. I know you long for a taste of danger, but please... At least, not when it's moving." She winked.

 

Still, the charm was mostly lost on me. I rolled my eyes at the reminder of regality. "Ughh, you sound like my sister," I barked in disgust and stomped off for all of three paces before rolling my wrists, taking a deep breath, and getting my wits again.

Edited January 22, 2017 by EmperorWhenua

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; I'm on a Boat - 

 

Frankly, Vwyn traveled over water before. Smaller, less stellar ships and more often than not: boats; standing on the deck of this monstrosity amongst boats, she found herself a little perplexed. In some ways she seemed younger; wide eyes glancing this way and that, fingers clasped tightly around the guardrail as she poked her head over and looked down along what she could see. What caught her attention was how the water barely seemed to move as the vessel traveled; surprising as she came more used to seeing the water noisily splash up along the hull, sometimes, on other ships, splashing into her face consistently. "It's beautiful," she mumbled softly to herself, her book still held in one of the hands on the guard rail, fingers able to wrap around it and the railing simultaneously: again, she wished she had pockets. So taken with the scene, the experience, the cool sea breeze, she did not seem to notice the discussion between Yumiwa, the sailor and Zafin. 

 

After a few moments she pulled her head back, standing up straight and using her free hand to smooth down her dress a bit, with the wind blowing at her she suddenly felt conscious of the fact it could ride up too much. To combat the fear, she turned her back to the railing and leaned back up against it, crossing her legs with some of the cloth caught between them as she instead chose to take in the scene of the rest of the ship. 

 

Clouds moved through the sky, wind billowed behind her, the sight of so many things going on to make the ship move and it's overall architectural beauty took her away. Distracted with it all, she hadn't entirely caught the fact she was staring wide-eyed up along one of the masts, mouth slightly agape with her filed teeth showing. A feature not terribly common, though it was how they naturally formed over years due to a variety of factors. By and large, she forgot about them since she rarely smiled with her lips parted. 

 

"It's... breathtaking," she mumbled quietly to herself, both of her arms holding the small diary to her chest while she gawked at the overall magnificence of the ship itself. 

 

 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

I still didn't know much about Vwynolyn. I was keeping her close to my chest (okay, but not like that) on purpose. I'd bid Zafin to keep a watchful eye on her. If Vwynolyn was more than what she seemed, that is to say a Fursic agent, Zafin would be the one tasked with handling it. 

 

Admittedly, my new chief handmaiden was not a Herupa, let alone Hanako, but she had other strengths that set her apart from the rest. She was fiercely loyal to me, beyond what blood relations mandated, she turned that fervour into the fuel for her every action. She had senses and smarts to ferret out danger and mistakes everywhere, making her a highly effective chaperone and chief of staff, and if things came to blows she was also a quite adept fighter with twin daggers—one crystal, one psionic. Zafin provided an excellent line of defense. 

 

I found myself warily glancing at Vwynolyn, though it could have been taken as merely phasing out, and blinked to clear my head. One of the ship's stewards was steering Vwynolyn to her cabin for the night, and Zafin pulled up behind me proffering a heavy cloak. "It'll get chilly soon, Yumi," she warned. 

 

She was right. The sun was finishing to set and already the swift ocean wind was starting to bite at my skin. I took the cloak with a nod of thanks. Zafin held it up as I slithered in and then pulled it close into a warm embrace. "Next stop: Oki," I muttered. "I haven't been to the estate since my mother's last state visit."

"Was that the one for the investiture of the college chancellor?" she asked with a little chuckle.

 

"That's the one." I laughed, bitterly, at the memory. "You know, she actually really hated that woman. She felt she was barely too progressive. Liked her energy, though. But my aunt didn't really appreciate what my mom thought of the chancellor and disinvited Mom from the last investiture. Officially, my Mom was doing another state function and couldn't make it, but I knew there was some little family drama happening."

 

"Who told you?" 

 

"Uncle Rayuke, of course. You know, he's really good at finding secrets, and usually really good at keeping them as well. But he also loved doting on me, and one of his favorite ways to do that was to 'build character' by telling me things. He enjoyed seeing what my brain did with privileged information. That's how I became a halfway decent sleuth myself, by training on Rayuke's mental whetstone." A thought tugged at me and I stared a little too long to make it casual; this time it was really me spacing out. I counted how much my cloak's excess fabric flapped in the dusk breeze. We were moving very vast.

 

I shook my head slightly. "Desde found out on her own. She didn't have to train and jump through hoops like I did. Things just... come to her. And the more I train, the more she prodigiously just knows."

 

"It must be terrifyingly invalidating to feel like your efforts are never enough," Zafin said, her voice cool and calm and strangely wise. She was barely older than I but seemed to possess motherly instincts well beyond her years. "Yumi, you've worked hard to learn and grow and gain Power. And you're extremely good at all you put your mind to. I'm not going to tell you how to treat your sister, but when the two of you are together, you know what I see?"

 

I shook my head, beckoning her continue despite my urge to cut her off.

 

"I see two of the finest women in the Empire. And no, not just because you're the royal family, no. It's because you're so filled with potential and you act on that. Desde learns by instinct, you learn by studying. But despite that difference... the two of you still learn at the same rates. All the competitions and tussles the two of you get into point to one conclusion: Neither one of you lives in the other's shadow, you both cast different shades."

 

On the deck of my most powerful frigate I felt vulnerable. Her words cut sharper than the Yukanna's prow. I'd known what Zafin said to be true long ago, I just never wanted to accept it.

 

And, honestly, I still didn't.

 

I stared at the distant horizon and wondered how much longer I could prolong the sunset if I were in the crow's nest. My mind refused to take my handmaiden's counsel for fact and thought of anything else. The sounds of creaking wood and rope, punctuated by all the sailor's sharp orders and cheerful banter, grew louder in my ears, and I smelled the salt air ever more strongly. 

 

Zafin looked off into the distance with me for a long while until I broke the solace. "Leave me," I commanded weakly. 

 

She nodded respectfully and obediently pulled away. "I'll go inspect your cabin, Yumi." 

 

She was right, of course. 

 

Sigh.

Edited January 22, 2017 by EmperorWhenua

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; If, And's and But's- 

 

She just woke up, or at least, it felt that way. Sleeping in late and being pulled away from the sights, the scents, the sensations of the trip itself felt like being taken away from an enjoyable show, or pulled from a book. But Vwynolyn was not the sort to argue aboard a vessel she held no authority, and not the sort to argue with those who directly served the Empress on the mere basis she felt it would be unbecoming of her as a guest. So, quietly she followed. No words were said as Vwynolyn followed the sailor to her assigned cabin, eyes shifting down on occasion as she thought over everything that transpired. In so many ways, it all felt so surreal to her. There had to be something about herself the Empress found either valuable or, at least, entertaining. Which thing that was, she did not truly know, but if it was the vehicle to achieve what she wanted to -- the legal signage of her true gender, then, to her, it was worth it. All she hoped, quietly, was that she was not intended to be used as some piece of bait, or that this was all an elaborate manipulation and trick that would end with her dignity destroyed. 

 

No one seemed like the sort she could confide in, speak to, to clear her head of her worries and think on less anxiety ridden things. But, of all the people who chose to treat her well -- a number she could count on one hand -- why the Empress? The interest the Rora had in her made her uneasy, since, if she had such interest then was there something about her that was actually valuable? Had, for one reason or another, Kuno passed away? Or someone else of import in her family? Those felt like ridiculous concerns as, if such a thing like that happened, surely she would have heard the rumors. Surely. 

 

Caught in thought with a frown upon her soft countenance, brows furrowed, Vwynolyn nearly slammed her head into a slightly lower hanging door frame. Luckily she ducked under it, moving into the room and shaking her head a little to rid herself of all these worries. Perhaps she should simply choose to live in the present: revel in the fact she was on the Empress's flagship, by her own invitation. As her deep, pink colored eyes looked up and around the room, it felt comfortable to her. Quite a bit nicer than what she'd grown accustomed to, but there was something about it that did speak a little of home. A warm bed, perhaps. Not all of her memories were so terrible, and there were times she felt a sense of emptiness: missing that sensation of belonging somewhere. 

 

Not paying much heed to the one who lead her in, she quietly walked up to the bed, flopping down onto her back and letting her eyes stare at the ceiling. The soft fabrics cushioned her comfortably, and while she felt hungry, Vwynolyn's mind didn't push for food. 

 

"This is weird." She mumbled quietly to herself, book lying on her chest. 

 

But there were no other options or choices at this point, at least, nothing better. Even if she was to be killed, or exiled, or some other form of punishment, or some other form of defamation or use, at least she got to experience a bit of luxury beforehand. Given, had the guards had their way the night before, Vwynolyn felt almost certain she'd either die of starvation in a cell somewhere, or simply executed for the display. A part of her actually started to wonder if her clan would actually want her dead, it felt reasonable to her that they would. Someone who left, who brought essentially nothing but shame, someone so different from everyone else: to them, she felt as if she was useless in any political sense. And why let someone run around ruining another's brand? 

 

With these thoughts of what ifs, what coulds, if I hadn't done that or this, she found some warm tears drip from her eyes. Lightly she wiped her arm along them after a moment, biting her lip. 

 

Had the sailor who brought her here said anything? If so, it all went past her ears in that moment and her mind simply didn't register anything. "Sorry, I... are you still here?" She asked, sitting up after a moment, holding her head against a hand, legs drawn up so her knees pressed into her chest. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yukanna

 

Vwyndolyn's question was answered by a silence which somehow still maintained the ship's sharp nature. The ship ignored her.

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Not Actually Sleeping  -

 

A small sigh fell from her as she slowly laid back down, stomach grumbling loudly. Food was one of the things she'd been missing for a fair bit; no time to eat the night before and the thought had not crossed through her mind. Not to mention the days before, where her eating habits were scarce at best due to the anxiety and excitement over sending in her petition. Vwyn wanted to come off as polite, though. Asking for something to eat seemed weird as she did not feel as if she was in the position to ask, but then she'd never truly been in the position to ask instead of earn or afford. 

 

Lying on the bed felt nice enough; it took pressure off her stomach and helped ease a lot of the tension she felt. 

 

Her hand slowly moved over her face, fingers flicking any remnants of tears from her eyes. In a time of peace like this, with nothing truly on her mind for day to day survival, or immediate fears and worries, she found her mind wandering again. Thoughts about her family were the most frequent: a part of her still cared about them, for one reason or another, even if she tried to bury that feeling as she ultimately felt none of them were deserving of her time. It felt complicated, however; the people she spent the formative years of her life with, were trained with, taught by, lectured by, rewarded and punished by: they were hard to completely forget. Hard to completely hate. 

 

But she knew from their perspective, she likely would never be a welcomed face. But, maybe she deserved it? Acting so combative, arguing so often, going out of her way and generating shameful displays to get back at them: maybe she deserved their ire. Sometimes she wondered if they actually remembered her, it seemed likely they would -- even the Empress seemed to know about her in some passing way -- and if they did know, Vwynolyn wondered if they actually cared. Maybe there would be no action if she ran across Fursics who would know her, recognize her. Maybe they wouldn't actually care. Perhaps this feeling of fear of them was misplaced, but without any means to know for sure, it felt sensible to think they would want her either dead, gone, or simply held close with some sort of threat to keep her in line. People were, to her, too proud to forget the things that marred their pride. Too wound up in the politics of the nation to consider anything less. 

 

Ultimately, they were their own entity. Vwynolyn often missed some moments of comfort, some sense of community and belonging, but remembering the overall reaction to who she was killed so many of those thoughts so quickly. A part of her, at times, wondered if it was possible to shed the name of her clan in some way. Perhaps that, while something she was not sure was common, would be more in line with the virtues of honor and order than sticking with it. At least, in such a case, she could claim she was working to bring a cohesive respect for herself, trying to approach it honorably henceforth, and not feel as if the feelings of her family would, or should, matter much in the legal consideration of who she was. 

 

Perhaps, whatever this trip would bring up, could spark a new beginning for herself. Maybe even comparable to a "rebirth" of sorts, although; what that would all entail she did not know. At the moment she was tied to the whims of the Empress and, while she did not mind that, she often had to remind herself she did not know or understand Yumiwa that well. Or her guards, or her servants, or her captains, officers and so on and so forth. She only hoped that her hopes were correct, and not her fears. 

 

"By the Goddess I'm hungry," she stated aloud, lifting her fingers up above, tracing some of the random patterns her mind made up along it. Something small to try and distract herself from everything. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa & Zafin

 

With Zafin gone I was alone with my thoughts, but I didn't want them. My frustration bundled up under my skin again, like it did the night before, and it made me restless. I longingly gazed up at the crow's nest and wished I could be free to climb up and forget my worries, and even spied out the pattern of deckhands to measure the chances I could climb without getting caught. 

 

At my estimation, I had that opportunity... 

 

... and let the window pass. , Zafin and the others were right. What was I even doing, wanting things such as that? All things in their place, all things in Order. My place was not in the crow's nest but on the throne, yet, deep down, I wanted to still be the little daughter forever with fluffy scarves and skinned knees. 

 

...

 

The captain visited me, and we spoke of the Yukanna, it's abilities, specifications, and history. Like Commodore Ayiwah, the captain was very much enthralled by her vessel and eager to talk about it. Personally, I just liked knowing what I had at my disposal, and will admit the captain's excitement was somewhat infectious, so I found myself asking questions and keeping the conversation going.

 

And then she asked what was on her mind for a while. "Why are we taking the flagship for what amounts to an island-hopping day cruise?"

 

My father, I wanted to say, but the captain deserved to know his ship was doing more than just providing a sense of security for my irrational . I said it was a part-drill, part-power display. We were sailing right by Iki, Dastana territory, and though our governments (I hated to think of what the Dastana twins had created was ever truly a government) had an uneasy peace, I was loathe to take any chances. 

 

But there were still my childhood fears, and their shadow loomed over me more than Iki. In some ways, I was still the little daughter, forever with fluffy scarves and skinned knees. 

 

I was afraid.

 

...

 

Later still, once darkness had consumed the horizon and the Yukanna was illuminated by lightstone lanterns along the deck's edges, Zafin pulled me away from my thoughts and inside the ship for a late dinner at the captain's table. The captain, as it happened, was a gracious hostess, and opened her finest stores to me, arrayed in a banquet-style for casual refreshment. 

 

The Yukanna was not a luxury cruiser, but it was comfortable as far as ships went. It possessed comfort in its own disciplined, minimal way, largely unadorned but still tasteful. Two of the ship's stewards stood at the corners of the room to refill cups of wine and help with foods beyond our arm's reach. 

 

The captain's officers joined us and sat on the long sides of the table while she and I took the seats of prominence. I noticed two chairs on my left were yet unfilled; Zafin was fetching Vwynolyn and was apparently taking her time... 

 

* * * * *

 

Vwyn was disturbed by a similar ritual: A knock at the door, and then an apologetic intrusion. "Apologies, Vwynolyn, but I assume you're quite famished by now. Her Majesty and the Captain bid you to join them for a meal."

[Noxryn]

IC:

 

- Vwynolyn; Finally, Food - 

 

 

She felt herself becoming lightheaded again, fingers rubbing along her face and eyes every few seconds to keep herself awake and focused. It felt so strange, that the hunger pains she had earlier always gave way into almost nothingness, just for her head to feel like it was swimming. When a knock came to her door, it took the Dasaka a moment to push herself up, a bit weak as it came to her mind this was, at least, day three of no food. "I..." she wanted to say "come in," though felt as if she should simply expect people to open the door either way. Well, the risk was theirs to take. 

 

"Yes I... I feel... feel quite hungry," Vwynolyn responded as she got up, steadying herself for a moment with her diary lying on top of the comforter. She took in a couple deep breaths, wincing a little as her stomach loudly growled. "Apologies," she mumbled, starting to walk over towards the door, hoping she would end up feeling a bit more normal after she had something to eat. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa & Zafin

 

"Don't apologize, just come," Zafin said simply and gestured magnanimously down the narrow corridor. "Food awaits."

 

* * * * * 

 

How long has it been since Vwynolyn had eaten? I hadn't specified food as one of the things I offered when I saw her in my parlour—rest and cleanliness, yes, but not food—and it was likely that none of the servants would have given her nutrition to her unprompted. 

 

A minor slip up, let's say. 

 

I'd already begun indulging myself, of course, and with me were all the officers in the room. Honey lemon crumbcakes and finger sandwiches and meat puff pastries. Delicious.

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Trying to Make Conversation -

 

"I... yes," she responded, trying to walk a bit quickly as she felt incredibly ravenous, but she also kept reminding herself not to eat sloppily. While out on her own, she rarely gave much credence to table manners -- who in a seedy bar was really worth the effort? Unless she was attempting to make herself look pleasant, but at a table of officers, potentially the Empress, potentially the Captain of the vessel, making a fool of herself wasn't something she entirely wanted to do. 

 

"I... um, felt curious," Vwynolyn started, a bit more nervous around Zafin on the basis the woman seemed like someone who would happily smack her over the head for a minor misstep, at least, that was her initial impression of her, "and... I don't mean this to sound insulting or anything like that, I just... genuinely don't know. But... what do you do? Or... I guess, better phrasing, is... I've seen you a few times and I'm uncertain how to address you, I think," her words were a bit out of place, correcting herself as she simply had a hard time thinking of quite the proper phrasing or words she wanted to say. "Pardon the... the pausing and confusing language, I just... I haven't eaten since... three days ago, so to say I'm a little out of it is a bit of an understatement." 

Edited January 23, 2017 by Kitastrophe

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Zafin

 

"I suppose you should know as much. My name is Umbraline Zafin and you may address me simply as Lady Zafin," she explained. "I serve Yumiwa as her handmaiden, but I am also her friend, confidante, protector, and chief of staff. I am charged with ensuring her personal needs are met."

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Wondering - 

 

She nodded her head a little bit, "that sounds difficult," she stated matter-of-factly, as simply, it did sound difficult to have all of those responsibilities. "So... I mean, would you have any insight for... what the Empress... would want of me?" Vwyn asked after a moment. "All of this feels really... surreal to me, and I don't fully understand... I mean, I appreciate everything I... guess I'm kind of lost for... reason to it. Considering... everything." She didn't want to iterate how she came to the Empress, but she couldn't shake the strangeness of the entire situation. The Empress had to want something, no? And Vwyn felt, maybe, if she knew or had an inkling to what it was, she wouldn't possibly end up surprised or taken off guard at some point. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Zafin

 

"I would," Zafin said with equally casual bluntness, "but saying them would betray my role as Yumiwa's confidante, yeah? If you have questions about Yumiwa's reasons, and it seems like you do, ask her yourself."

 

And the opportunity was presented with a little flourish as Zafin slid a nicer looking door and revealed the captain's table and all the guests. Zafin gently nudged Vwynolyn to enter, then closed the door behind them and took the empty seat closest to her lady.

 

"Vwynolyn, come and join us!" Yumiwa chirped.

Edited January 23, 2017 by EmperorWhenua

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; That's a Lot of People -

 

She didn't expect to see so many individuals around the table and, when she and Zafin entered, she immediately felt a sense of sheepishness. Her cheeks went a bit red as eyes came onto them, though when she heard her name spoken from Yumiwa's mouth the Fursic nodded her head and quickly made her way to the only available seat she could see. With the placement, it put Vwynolyn next to Zafin, both to the left of her. Asking her questions with so many present made Vwynolyn feel uneasy, as she didn't want to potentially embarrass herself or mistakenly disrespect the Empress. 

 

But the thick smell of food, drink, and the sight of it all took her mind off it for a moment. Rather loudly her stomach growled, the out-of-her-comfort-zone Dasaka blushing a bit more and holding a hand to her stomach, trying in vain to make it less loud. 

 

It was clear she took cues from others in this unique situation, basically waiting until someone got something for themselves before she hesitantly did for herself. Vwynolyn was trying to be polite, reminding herself not to eat too fast or too much at once, not to make a mess, even if her entire body screamed at her to just shovel food in her mouth. Luckily she was able to resist the temptation. 

 

Feeling shy wasn't something she was terribly accustomed to. Around people she considered her equals, or less, she tended to be more loud, talkative, excitable either for better or for worse. But when the room was filled with people she largely felt inferior in station to, knowing very few if any likely had any sense of not disliking her immediately due to her namesake; it was a strange sense of otherness. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa, et al. (Vwynolyn contributions supplied by Kit)

 

There was a bit of a hush at the table when Vwynolyn came in. The sailors were used to seeing odd things, as the nature of their work sometimes took them to phenomena near and far, but seeing Vwynolyn in the flesh would be likened to "witnessing a shark breathing fire," as the captain would later relate to me; unnatural, surreal, and oddly threatening.

 

I held my cup of wine aloft in salute as she took her seat, then took the moment to introduce my guest to the others present. "Captain, everyone, this is Fursic Vwynolyn, to whom I have extended my hospitality in response to her earlier petition to my Courts." I had already given the details of it to the captain, who had in turn passed the gist to her officers. Like everything else I was doing to Vwynolyn, this was deliberate and purposeful. 

 

...

 

"How do you interrogate someone without them knowing? You put them in a room of earnestly curious people and let them do the questioning." 

 

...

 

Neither the captain or myself took command over the situation at first. The sailors were disciplined officers, but they were biting at the bit to grill their extremely odd dinner guest. They knew the story and they wanted to know much more about her, so it did not take long for conversation to veer from recent voyages and the Mata Nuian expedition which claimed their commodore to Vwynolyn. 

 

The navigator broke first. “So, indulge us. Just how did you wind up knocking on Her Majesty’s doorstep in the wee hours of the night?”

 

Vwynolyn, at least at first, took the mater with calm. "Desperation and the inability to properly eat, sleep... or have money to afford anywhere to stay. It's not something I'm particularly proud of doing."

 

“You’re a Fursic? Surely you must have opinions about the current state of the Realm.”

 

"I mean... while technically I am I haven't kept in contact with my family, and they haven't been in contact with me for... well, I'm not terribly popular there and... over the time I spent on my own, I concerned myself with more pressing matters than the bigger picture of everything. Like where I'm sleeping, or finding enough coin to buy myself food, or exactly where I'm going."

 

“What do you think of your Toroshu, Nera?”

 

"I... feel like I shouldn't have an opinion on it. I can't say I feel particularly liked by her, and... I've likely done more to earn her anger, possibly hatred, or more likely annoyance. I'm not exactly a shining, great example with everything surrounding myself, I just... have a hard time feeling any sense of... pride, care, or anything towards her."

 

“So: First Son Kuno. Is it true what they say about him? That he’s bland as oat mush and prefers the company of men?”

 

"I... well, he may be bland. It's not as if he and I were... were terribly close that he'd tell me something like his... um, preferences, though I suppose I wouldn't necessarily be surprised. He always kinda struck me... like an ornament, really. Well, a thinking ornament."

 

I chuckled inwardly and couldn't resist making eye contact with Zafin. .:Accurate as .:.

 

“Tell me, what are your skills? What are you good at?” the captain asked, sizing up Vwyn's usefulness as a Menti.

 

Vwynolyn perked up at the question, eager to talk about something more close to her. "When I was trained I, well, I did exceptionally well catching onto and using the Sighteye discipline. Sometimes... with some issues, just, mind wandering type of problems that ended up with... punishments, lectures, since a couple times it was thought I was mocking the lessons. But, I... aside from that, I'm also... particularly skilled with a bow -- I own a recurve bow, maybe a bit odd, but of all the weaponry I touched and practiced with, it felt the most natural to me. Plus, I had talent with it and picked up the training for that easily. O-Otherwise, I... I have some minimal training in the Willhammer discipline, it's... I mean, I'm no expert, or even adept. The basics were as far as I got before I... ended up leaving. Everything else is just... not so much skills that are terribly useful, though I guess I picked up some things from all the fights I've been in, er, in... taverns and bars and such."

 

The captain, a Willhammer and Sighteye herself, reclined further in her seat and eyed Vwynolyn like she were some abstract art. She was both amused and concerned; as far as skills were concerned, Vwynolyn was a trademark Fursic production. 

 

The acting first mate with a severe case of RBF burst in with the jackhammer question. By my estimation, she'd been holding it in her mouth ever since Vwynolyn stepped foot on her ship. “What makes you think you’re a woman like me?” Any unoccupied eyes eyes instantly snapped to Vwynolyn.

 

Vwyn's countenance fell a little, shrinking a bit in her seat from the question. "I... I don't know... what makes me think or feel that way. I've... I've never encountered words for it, other than... it... it's been a persistent feeling, ever since I was fairly young. And if I could shake it off, be rid of the feeling, I would have a long time ago. Since... everything would be so much easier, but... I can't. I look into mirrors... at myself, and I feel... off. Like I know it's me, but it doesn't feel that way. Sort of like I'm staring at a stranger, and... when I left..."

 

She took in a deep breath, daring to look up with her deep, red shaded cheeks, "When I left, I realized I felt a lot happier when... people referred to me as a woman. Or whenever I could... dress as such, and... I... I guess 'present' myself that way, it felt more... true. Like... this is me, this feels right and correct, appropriate. Wearing dresses, skirts and... the small... modifications I paid for on my armor itself, all helps me feel more like... like how I feel like I'm supposed to be. 

 

"I can't really explain why I... I feel this way. I don't know what the reason would be, it's just... I do and I want to be happy. And confident. I don't... know if that's sufficient. No one really seems to think that's terribly sufficient," Vwyn bit onto her lip, eyes down again and feeling her eyes water slightly, her body a little more tense as she thought through all those intense emotions and tried to put them into words.

 

A pensive silence fell on the group in the wake of that last bit until one of my clan-sisters cut it like rope. “Where do your loyalties lie?” This was rehearsed, and I'd hoped that asking it after a dense question would catch Vwynolyn off guard.

 

Lightly, Vwynolyn shrugged her shoulders: mind still focused on the previous question. "I don't feel loyalty to my clan. Or to many people, if any people. There's only one person whom I feel I owe my loyalty to, for... everything that's been done for me, despite how shameful of a display I was at first. And that's to the Empress."

 

Now it was my turn to perk up. A pledge of loyalty was not what I had expected from Vwynolyn, but I certainly wasn't going to turn it away. Though still not entirely sure how to view her, I accepted it with a smile and an inclination of my head. 

 

"To the Empress, Yumiwa!" the captain blurted, suddenly upstanding and proposing a toast. "May Zuto Nui shine upon her, and her reign be long and prosperous!"  and everyone cheered and drank.

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Nervous, Hungry, Uncomfortable -

 

After that one, particularly inquiry near the end of the sudden wave of questions, Vwynolyn seemed a bit awkward at the table. In a way she simply did feel uncomfortable, not truly knowing what the others thought of her, but the question itself made her feel as if there wasn't a particular sentiment of care for her. Naturally, she participated in the toast quietly, still appearing a bit smaller in her seat with her shoulders pulled in a little close, eyes often down and focusing on the food on her plate, or the utensils, or the glass in her hand: she seemed unable to make eye contact with anyone present. 

 

As her stomach growled again she bit her lip and started to quietly eat what she had, able to keep herself at a polite pace, remembering most of her manners aside from the fact she seemed to try and actively ignore everyone unless they were to specifically call on her for one reason or another. I just hope they don't start insulting me. Behind my back, fine. To my face, in front of the Empress... the worry made her bite her lower lip again, hand under the table gripping tightly onto her knee. Maybe if I don't look at anyone they won't feel inclined to start. 

 

Once more, with her slower eating pace, her stomach continued to growl every now and again. The spacing always got longer, but her body was a fair bit more impatient than her mind was at the moment. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa, et al.

 

The libations went on and never looked back on the weighty subjects concerning Vwynolyn. Their largest curiosities sated, the sailors were all too happy to go back to highhearted yarns about sirens and giant squid and ghost ships. No longer the center of attention, my guest relaxed a little bit, her mood improving slightly with each morsel she ate. Zafin even provided whispered lessons of etiquette when she seemed confused. 

 

Meanwhile, I found myself enjoying the company of the officers, laughing and jesting with them. I oddly felt at home in their midst; sailors had the same sort of dry, crass sense of humour I secretly relished in my childhood, and shared magnificent stories like the stuff I openly indulged in.

 

Over time, however, the crowd slimmed, as some officers needed to take up a duty or otherwise excused themselves. Ultimately, the captain dismissed the remaining sailors and the stewards, leaving only myself, my attentive handmaiden, my antsy guest, the relaxed captain, and two full pitchers of wine. 

 

"So, Vwynolyn," I said, "you've given many answers but not so many questions. I apologize for the discomfort you endured earlier, and I assure you, you're now in safe company to be yourself." 

 

My cup hovered by my mouth and twisted my voice to a slightly malevolent tone—this, at least, was not on purpose, and I regret doing so in my buzzed daze even before Zafin gave me a very sharp look. "Please, ask your questions."

Edited January 23, 2017 by EmperorWhenua

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; I Have a List -

 

She did relax as everyone seemed interested in their own stories, memories, wonders and any talk of "giant squid" or "ghost ships" seemed to pique Vwynolyn's curiosity now and again. While she never joined into the talk, they were interesting and, at times, a bit fantastical to her. Someone who had not spent much time out at sea, or spent much time in any sort of real adventure. As they all began to excuse themselves, leave and tend to their multifarious duties aboard the ship, she watched them go. They were largely people she found interesting, fun when they were off the topic of asking her so many personal questions so quickly, or dredging up old emotions that caused her to feel withdrawn and separate from everyone. In most respects, she did want to make friends for once, but with her history she lacked the personal touch to figure out quite how to do that. Especially when she figured most of the sailors, stewards and the like probably wouldn't want to consider her a friend, be it for her clan or due to her rather unique approach to her own life. 

 

As they left, she felt a bit nervous at first when it was only her, the Empress Yumiwa, Zafin, and the captain. All three individuals she didn't want to upset or mistakenly disrespect, all three individuals who could end this trip in short order for her if they found a need to do so. While those thoughts and worries started to begin pressing on her psyche, Vwynolyn seemed taken by surprise when Yumiwa simply offered her to ask any questions in such a casual, regular way. She barely knew the Empress, but every time she was spoken to, or interacted with her, she felt surprised -- she was, at least, outwardly much kinder than she had expected.

 

"I... did have some questions," Vwynolyn began, sitting up a little straighter, her fingers lightly fiddling with her dress so it sat on her a bit straighter, not wanting to look the part of a slob, "I apologize in advance if I... word any of them awkwardly, or badly. I'm not exactly used to being in the presence of such esteemed individuals and... not entirely used to guarding my own words." She felt the disclaimer might help her in the event she did word something poorly. 

 

"But... I wondered, since... since really I woke up... and I don't mean to sound ungrateful because I'm incredibly grateful for everything, but I guess I have a hard time understanding why... I'm being shown such... kindness and, well, even respect when... I mean, when most probably would've thrown me in a cell for a few days at the very least. Since... there's nothing about myself that's terribly important I'm aware of, other than just... being a... I guess 'desertee' is the best way to put it, of my own clan because of... well, how I see myself. Well, a Fursic desertee who has a less than traditional approach to things, who is more known for getting into drunk fights than... much else. So... so while I truly do appreciate everything, again, I... I just don't entirely understand why I'm seen... as worth to... be so generous to." Perhaps she went on a bit longer than she intended, pausing often to think of the next word she wanted, the next phrase or sentence. Her had moved lightly as she spoke for emphasis, though her large, deep pink eyes shifted up and looked over towards Yumiwa when she asked the question, as it was to her she was directing it. She had more in mind, but wanted to start with the one that kept pressing her thoughts. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

It was an obvious question, and of course Vwynolyn had every right to be curious about, if not bewildered by, all the grace I gave. And yet, despite the casual obviousness of the question, it demanded a diplomatic touch as much as any other. I toyed with my wine cup, pretending to mill over the matter, and then set it down. 

 

"I'll admit, it's not average that any noble takes a petitioner in the way I have taken you, but nothing about your situation is average, is it?" I let that sit for a second before resuming. "You're a unique person, your petition was unique, your situation is baffling, and it just so happened that I was awake and up to hearing a petition when you were wailing on a palace doorstep. These are the sorts of coincidences comedies are written about.

 

"Why treat you with dignity, though? Because I care about my subjects, and you asked for my help as a subject. You may not have expected it, but by some meanderings of fate you got it." 

Edited January 24, 2017 by EmperorWhenua

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Questions - 

 

"I... I suppose fate is fairly strange," Vwyn commented, biting her lip softly as she lacked positive, uplifting examples that she would pull from for fate. Most of her examples would simply follow the train of "Well, I should have died here but somehow managed to not."  She shifted lightly in thought, "I suppose I always feel surprised when my situation is so baffling, or gets questions a lot of the time. I guess, while for me it feels a fact of life as interesting as being able to walk." A small sigh came from her, knowing she'd have to re-articulate her position multiple more times in the future. 

 

"... So, I suppose I also wanted to ask. Well, kind of as an attachment to the first question... but to everyone. Since I'd appreciate honesty, and I wondered whether or not I'm thought of in a fairly negative light due to my clan, or due to my situation." There was a small reason she wanted to ask that, knowing anyone could easily lie about it, but it would help her to ultimately ease her mind on some fronts while, perhaps, developing more confidence to directly ask for things she needed: like requesting food a day before, so she wasn't so famished and lightheaded at the start of dinner. But, she also wanted to, perhaps, find someone who could assist her with her unfinished Willhammer training, provided there were any such individuals around who could, but she didn't want to make that request if they would ignore it. 

 

As a small addendum, "I ask that more since... there's help with things I would like to practice, but if my presence is ultimately seen as a blight or annoyance... I wouldn't want to request the assistance."

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

"I think the captain is better positioned for answering this," I said, nodding to her.

 

Sharp as a tack, the captain didn't miss a beat. "In essence, yes, but it's mostly to do with the fact that nobody knows how to perceive you. I think you've witnessed firsthand tonight what people wonder about you. They don't know who you are or what you stand for. Surely, by now you've heard the phrase 'antithesis to Order?'"

 

Vwynolyn nodded slowly.

 

"You're a Fursic. You also disavowed your clan, separated from your family, shirked your responsibilities, and even rejected your Spirit-given birth identity. Nobody can relate to that, so to them you're a dangerous 'other.' You've presumably spent many years honing your identity and learning about yourself... while every other Dasaka has met you for the first time in their lives. Goddess, even I am baffled by you."

 

"That is why you are under my aegis," I interjected. "So long as you are, nobody will raise a finger to you. You are not a blight or annoyance to me. But I am also curious about you."

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; More Inquiries - 

 

One of her hands had lightly moved to hold onto her bicep a little bit when the captain spoke, though the Menti considered the words and found herself nodding a fair bit through them. "Is... I mean, is there anything I could do... to, maybe, lessen the thought of... 'danger' around me?" She asked after a moment, not wanting to be seen as dangerous and the like. "I... understand if not, I..." she stopped herself, feeling her cheeks redden as it felt childish to say she wanted to make friends. 

 

"I... I mean, I'd like to... finish my training in the Willhammer Discipline, and... maybe learn better ways to protect myself in closer quarters. I don't really know what the future holds for me, but, learning from the past it's not uncommon for me to... end up in that kind of situation. And then stabbed, and... somehow live each time... So I... also wondered if... it'd be possible to... be helped with that?" Vwynolyn felt like her word choice was a bit awkward and out of place, though; she did want to highlight that it was a real threat she felt a bit scared of. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

"No," Zafin said, almost too quickly. The captain wisely held her tongue.

 

I put her zeal to rest with a minuscule gesture. This, as it were, was an unexpected request and not one I could allow my clan-sister to handle in her own way, even though I sensed she had the right idea. "Vwynolyn, you are under my protection, not my patronage. I'm a little baffled that you would ask for more Menti training when that was never a condition of our arrangement. I am intrigued by you, and you have my support, but..." I searched for a way to put it.

 

"Not our full trust," Zafin cut in once more. It was have to do. I chewed my cheek in consternation and resolved to later speak with my handmaiden for her sharpness. 

 

"I understand you have personal ambitions and perhaps revere the virtue of Power like I do, but I cannot help you with this now."

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Out of Questions -

 

She seemed visibly disappointed, eyes looking down at the table a little bit with the answer she felt she should have expected. "I... I-I'm... s-sorry for, for asking," she responded quietly, admittedly she had her hopes up and the quickness and sharpness from Zafin only underlined, to her, that she was closer to an amusement than much else at the moment. Vwynolyn almost felt tempted to comment to the ambitions -- she didn't have any true ambitions, aside from only wanting to feel like she could defend herself more adequately, or actually feel as if she was on par with those who got the time and training to finish two disciplines instead of just the one she had under her belt. It, to her, seemed incredibly unlikely her own family would be of much help on that front. "I... feel sort of like... maybe, I'm just... not much different from... an exhibit," the comment was made aloud, though she had intended to keep it to herself and bit her lip, quickly adding something else in hopes it wasn't heard. 

 

"I... feel pretty confident that there's nothing I can really do to earn any trust, but... I'm out of questions." She stated softly, having wanted to ask if she looked like a woman, at least at first glance, though she decided that she didn't want to potentially cause pain to herself if she got an answer along the lines of "no."  

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

Zafin held her stature, though pursed her lips with the awareness that she forgot her place and may have lost any rapport she had with Vwynolyn.

 

"You're not wrong. People probably have viewed you as such. I'd like that to change, but as it stands I don't know enough to move forward, and that's why you're coming with me to the college on Oki, so we can receive knowledge there. Let's figure out how to make the present work before laying our eyes on the future.

 

"In the meantime, mind, I'm not withdrawing my support."

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; One Last Question -

 

She nodded her head lightly, still feeling a little embarrassed from the question she had that was more deemed out of turn. Vwyn hadn't thought much of it, more just hoping she might be able to receive directions for such things when everything was said and done, at the least. "I... thank you, sorry... again, I didn't mean... to make a request out of turn," she added, rubbing her bicep with her free hand before slowly looking up again. 

 

"But... nn... I'm... kind of scared to ask, but to... do... do I look... like a woman... maybe? Y... Y-You c-can be honest... w-with me." Vwyn asked the question quietly, a bit clear from her countenance it was hard for her to put out there and it seemed like she was a bit frightened of what the potential responses could be. "Th... th-that's not... a-an o-out of turn question... i-is it?" She stuttered, fingers squeezing around her bicep a bit tightly, eyes flitting around a moment before resting on the table.

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

"Yes, Vwynolyn, I would say that you do," I said kindly and brightened my face. "And it's not out of turn to ask for validation, dear." 

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Would Probably Feed the Seagulls - 

 

The Dasaka perked up a little bit, smiling lightly as she had not really expected to hear a "yes" to that question. "Th... th-thanks, I... um, just... worry," she responded after a time, "b... b-but that was um, th-that was the last question I had." Vwynolyn couldn't think of much else to ask about, and while she felt a little better from the "yes" to the last one, she did want fresh air. Provided she'd be allowed to get any, since while she did want to sit up on the deck and watch the water a bit out in the open, she wasn't sure if she would be allowed to do that. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa

 

"Very good. You are excused, Vwynolyn," I said.

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Pardoned - 

 

"Th-thanks," She stated, slowly pulling herself up and out of her seat. With a respectful bow the Menti ushered herself up and out of the room, and once out of the cabin she let out a long, deep sigh. For how long she spent in there, she had not realized how tense she got, or how nervous, or anxious and stepping out and away from it made her feel a lot more relaxed. Slowly she began to walk, not specifically wanting to go back into her assigned cabin, as she didn't feel entirely sleepy yet, and she wanted some extra space to think to herself  and calm her mind a bit. Watching the water, she felt, would help, and she liked to feel wind against her. 

 

Slowly she found her way up above deck, keeping to herself and actively avoiding anyone who seemed up and about. There was no shady purpose to it, other than she felt a bit alone and knew no one on the ship actually trusted her to begin with -- she also didn't want to deal with too many questions or stares. 

 

The wind felt cold and sharp; whipping by and causing Vwynolyn's dress to ripple and flap about. With her hands, she held it down, walking a bit towards the back of the ship, trying to avoid a busy area, or an area where there were more than just a single guard somewhere. Eventually she found herself a small space, sliding down onto the ground and scooting up to the guard railing. Slowly she wrapped her arms around the rails, legs as well, more to keep her solidly in place while she let her eyes stare down at the water far below. With her book and personal belongings in her room, she lacked the worry of dropping anything important. 

 

While not the most comfortable for most, to Vwynolyn: it felt peaceful. Wild, harsh, but peaceful. The sounds of the water, watching it move, the wind whipping at her and making her feel chilled; it all kept her awake and thinking. She seemed a little depressed, feet dangling off the edge. A part of her felt slightly tempted to use her mask to conceal herself from view, but she didn't want to make it seem as if she was up to something other than sitting precariously close to the edge, with trust in herself to hold onto the metal. 

 

"It... looks cold." She mumbled softly to herself, wishing she had a small rock to toss into the waves. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Yumiwa & Zafin

 

The captain's body s l u m p e d. 

 

A clock's rhythmic ticking suddenly became audible in the veritable vacuum.

 

Zafin and I waited patiently, twiddling our thumbs . . .

 

The captain's body inhaled deeply and sharply as her spirit reentered its home and stabilized. She nodded, then switched to shaking her head. "She's just... standing up there, looking over the railing. Not up to a thing but brooding."

 

"Well..." I said, shrugging, unsure, "what are our thoughts?"

 

"She's harmless."

"She's unpredictable."

 

This isn't helpful. I looked at each, goading them to elaborate.

 

"I searched her mind long and hard while the crew had her thinking." (So that's what the captain was doing, eying Vwynolyn so intensely.) "I detected nothing that indicated duplicity. She was, as far as I'm aware, speaking honestly."

 

"And I still urge caution," Zafin said. "Honesty or not, keep her history in mind, Yumi. She pledged her loyalty to you now, but she must have also once been loyal to her family, her clan, her duties, her studies... and she still turned away from each of those when they were no longer let her feel safe. The captain read her mind, but we still don't know her heart."

 

"And, right now, she may not feel safe," I murmured. Neither spoke. "There's only one person who can determine fact from fiction and he's locked away at work on Sado. For now, we only have whatever analysis we can do with our heads. I suggest we use them."

 

My face hardened. "Zafin, you will not speak out of turn again. Advise me, speak for me when I am unable, but do not act for me when I have not consented, especially when you are at my side."

 

"Yes, Yumiwa," she said tersely. 

 

"Now go, speak to Vwynolyn. Repair the rift you made, bolster her spirits. Act like the wise Umbraline lady you are. And use your head."

 

* * * * *

 

"Vwynolyn, hey," Zafin said, pulling her cloak tight against her chest. "I hope you're not thinking of jumping, or anything like that."

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Admittedly a Bit Broody - 

 

Sitting on the floor of the deck, legs and arms wrapped around the railing well enough that she didn't worry about accidentally slipping; she'd been thinking on her own for a while. It was hard not to feel some semblance of upset -- she was on a ship full of people, she determined, did not trust her, like her, and who only asked questions out of a sense of bewilderment than eagerness to understand her. There were some words she reminded herself of, that brought up her spirits slightly. While in thought, Vwynolyn did not expect anyone to come after her, to want to talk to her, to willingly interact with her on any level. So when she heard a voice she snapped out of her thoughts, surprised with her head looking up and behind her, eyes on Zafin. 

 

"Oh... no, not this time," She responded with a bit of a sigh, not one to ignore the fact she'd considered something like that before; not on this trip, at least. "You don't have to talk to me if you don't want to, I don't... really want to be resented any more than I already am." Vwyn finished her statement, doubting Zafin came all the way here on her own accord, considering their previous interaction. Lightly she flicked a small speck of dirt off the deck, watching it shoot out a moment and disappear on the backdrop of the sky. 

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: Zafin

 

"No, I know. I'm here to apologize. I was being rude, cruel even, and I'm sorry. Passion got the better of me then. That's... why I'm a lady-in-waiting and not a diplomat like most of my clan-sisters."

[Noxryn]

IC: 

 

- Vwynolyn; Six Foot Sad -

 

Vwyn had not expected an apology and the surprise showed on her countenance, "I... I accept the apology, sorry I'm just... no one's apologized to me before." For a moment she looked back out towards the water, "I understand you don't trust me. I guess, maybe with how strange things have been for me, that maybe... someone would've for once. It was just an eye-opener that, while this situation is unprecedented in my life, people aren't going to think me much more than either my clan name, or as a blight on the virtues, or as some... well, backstabber. Not that I've actually, legitimately, betrayed anyone in any manner that'd bring them harm," she mumbled, sighing again. "Sorry... I didn't mean to ramble on, I know you're the Empress's handmaiden and... yeah," She recalled the words traded before the dinner, not wanting to make the mistake of trying to talk to someone who would otherwise shoo her off it as it wasn't her job to listen. 

 

But, despite everything she did want someone to talk to.