| Author | Thread: Life Always Changes | Page 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43191 Posted: Apr 3, 2010, 9:56 am |
The not quite so young and no-longer Ambassadrix once more curled up in a corner of the tavern, escaping the world in a pint of strong brew on a rainy fall afternoon. Her look had markedly changed; her hair was now silver, a more subdued color than it had been for years. She wore a short black skirt and a silver tank-top, as it was still warm out from the fading heat of summer, but quite unusually, she also wore elbow-length fingerless silver gloves with gold threads running through them in an ornate pattern - they must make her warmer than would be comfortable, but she did not remove them even to eat her greasy, fried potato snacks. In her hair she wore a golden veil of sorts, matching the gloves and adding a bit of twinkle to her silver hair, complementing the silver-and-gold color scheme, giving her an elegance rather out of place for a tavern. Her morose expression didn't help matters either as she steadfastly contemplated the foam atop her brew as though it held within its bubbles the secrets of the universe.
Anyone over a certain age or of a certain rank was sure to have heard of her - the famous Yamiko Kuronue of TOMU clan, the wonder child who graduated from the university at 19 to those who would remember that far back; somewhat more recently, the cruel yet skilled negotiator that had seen her clan through several wars as Ambassadrix Plenipotentiary, organizing diplomatic meetings and not-so-diplomatic messages; even more recently, her engagement to Father Coyne, her one-time enemy, had caused a scandal at the time, and its sudden dissolution without a public statement had been the cause of much speculation. And of course, who could forget her gruesome injuries in front of several important leaders of clans when she had been accidentally attacked by one of her own clan's sentient golems? And yet, since shortly after that time, she had not been seen in public - or even by the majority of her clan members, save a few exceptions. It was only in the past few months that her name had been seen on paperwork, let alone her face. She seemed much recovered - primarily judging by the lack of wheeled chair, but also given her boldness being out in public without a golem to guard her from harm.
OOC: Tag anyone, but particularly Laidan (as discussed in chat). This thread takes place a few days after Old Forged Problems, pending the survival of anyone who tags. Last Edited: Apr 3, 2010, 10:03 am |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43248 Posted: Apr 5, 2010, 6:42 pm |
| Laidan straightened up from his project of the moment, rubbing his lower back and shaking his head. Deciding perhaps a bit of relaxation is in order, he headed toward his favorite tavern. Seeing that his favorite seat was already occupied a brief frown crossed his face and he began scanning the establishment looking for an alternative, but then swung back in a double take as he recognized the inhabitant. "Good evening Lady Koronue, forgive my interruption of your clearly serious thoughts, but it has been too long since we have spoken in my estimation," he said as he strode up to the table. Stilted and formal, not his usual style, but Laidan thought it best to greet a ranking (or at least previously ranking) member of a sometimes rival clan with a bit of formality at least. |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43250 Posted: Apr 5, 2010, 6:48 pm |
| Yamiko, startled looks up from her pint. It takes her a moment to process the face, but once she does, she straightens up, fixing her hair slightly. "Ah, good evening, Sir Laidan. I was not expecting one of your esteem in such an establishment. Please, feel free to join me," she says, her voice soft. She'd rather he not join her, actually - she'd rather be left alone to sulk in her misery and drink herself into a stupor - but years and years of being diplomatic every moment of her public life has trained her not to refuse such an important contact. And besides, she scolds herself inwardly, You'll need to get used to communicating again once word gets out . |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43311 Posted: Apr 6, 2010, 4:55 pm |
| Waving a barmaid over, Laidan takes the offered seat and orders a drink. "Something dark," he says to the server. Then he looks back at Yamiko. "I actually tend to prefer the atmosphere of a place like this, so much more relaxing than somewhere fancy where they mind if you sketch out an idea on the table or have some kind of stain on your cloak." The server returns with Laidans beer and he goes silent for a moment, sipping appreciatively. |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43329 Posted: Apr 6, 2010, 8:54 pm |
| Yamiko nods. "I can understand that," she says, neutrally. She then gives a sigh, her shoulders slumping. "I mostly come for the beverages. I rather don't look forward to the next few days." |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43330 Posted: Apr 6, 2010, 9:02 pm |
| Laidan's brows rise as he gives Yamiko a speculative look over his glass. "Not to trivialize the beverages, but what could be so daunting in the glamorous young life of yours?" he asks with a touch of sarcasm. |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43331 Posted: Apr 6, 2010, 9:06 pm |
| She glances up at him briefly, checking to see if he seems serious, then rolls her eyes. "You've probably heard from the tabloids about the Ch-- about Kaelas' good news?" she asks, her tone a little darker than would be appropriate. |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43332 Posted: Apr 6, 2010, 9:15 pm |
| "Actually between my small part in the most recent wraith incursion and some new ideas I've been testing back at the workshop, and of course the usual clan business, I have not had much time for either socializing or tabloids, which is actually part of what drew me here tonight. I like to attempt to stay abreast of current events as much as possible, you never know when something important might occur." |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43334 Posted: Apr 6, 2010, 9:26 pm |
| Yamiko raises an eyebrow - and her esteem of Laidan some, for not obsessing over tabloids. "Well between the usual jabs at me and my past, they've managed to find out about Kaelas' rather low-key wedding and honeymoon. He's married Phedre, the woman he's been seeing for some time now; neither of them wanted to bring politics into their marriage, so they neglected to throw any sort of public celebration, but the tabloid reporters caught wind of it anyhow. I suspect they camp out at city hall skimming through all the recent paperwork being filed looking for important names." |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43335 Posted: Apr 6, 2010, 10:09 pm |
| Laidan straightens up, nearly spilling his beer. "Married? And here I thought I was well informed on the events occurring at Magisterius." He looks thoughtful for a moment. "I can understand your dislike of the tabloids though, they have given me something of an evil reputation...though perhaps it's not completely undeserved, they have blown some minor golem testing well out of proportion." Yamiko's guards having been the target of some of these "tests", she no doubt has her own opinions of how deserved the reputation is. |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43342 Posted: Apr 7, 2010, 2:52 am |
Yamiko chuckles at his reaction, not unkindly; the sudden motion and near-spillage managed to elicit a little mirth from her, rather than her laughing at him per se. "They compared his nuptials to my own failed attempts at... at constructing a diplomatic relationship between Magisterious and Magier." Phrasing it that way doesn't hurt so much, she muses. Less like picking at old wounds.
And she's still stalling. Taking a deep breath, she lowers her gaze to her beer. "What they didn't mention was that he's stepping down as Chancellor and stepping... back, I suppose, as Magistrate. He's still holding the title, but he plans to be less involved. He is, after all, growing old." Growing? Grown old centuries ago. But that, at least, is a plausible explanation. "He wishes to enjoy his life as a married Magus, I suppose."
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43365 Posted: Apr 7, 2010, 5:57 pm |
Laidan tries to come up with an inoffensive way to phrase his next question..."It must have been a stretch to connect those events...unless she is also an unstable cult leader bent on dominating the land?"...and fails. "Er ...no offense to you and your efforts toward peace of course..." Realizing his gaffe he changes the subject. "So who's taking charge of the University then?"
edited for typosLast Edited: Apr 7, 2010, 8:52 pm |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43372 Posted: Apr 7, 2010, 9:44 pm |
Yamiko's eyes darken at the mention of Coyne in such a light; she takes a swig of her pint, mostly to stop herself from speaking against such accurate yet ill words against him. As such, however, she is just setting down her mug as he asks his next question; she gives a faint hint of blush as she looks steadfastly at her lap. They'd come to it at last - the announcement she'd been refusing to think about all evening.
"Ah, well... sort of... me." she mumbles. Way to go, Yami. What a wonderful way to announce your leadership of several hundred people and a huge depot full of powerful golems. Oh gods, I'm going to have to deal with Them, aren't I? she asks herself, miserably. |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43380 Posted: Apr 7, 2010, 11:09 pm |
| Laidan frowns slightly "And you seem somewhat less than thrilled with the idea. Did you volunteer for the position?" |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43381 Posted: Apr 7, 2010, 11:11 pm |
| Yamiko hesitates, then shakes her head. "I have been on sabbatical recently, as you probably know. Kaelas assures me that I am more than prepared for the responsibility, but..." She trails off, staring into her pint morosely before taking another swig from it. |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43383 Posted: Apr 7, 2010, 11:29 pm |
| "Hmmmm..." Laidan wears a speculative look. "They say that those who do not desire power are often the most fair leaders. I don't know as I am qualified to judge the accuracy of that saying, but I expect that once you get used to the position you might even enjoy it from time to time." Then he smiles crookedly "I certainly never expected to be leading the group we have gathered over at Hereti-corp, if you had tasked me when we started out with what I do now I would have run for the hills. Or tried to blow you up. But either way, I imagine the noble Kaelas would not knowingly give you more than you could manage." |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43402 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 3:10 pm |
| Yamiko continues to ponder her drink carefully for a moment before replying. "Kaelas...." It feels wrong to use his name bare like that; she'd normally called him 'The Chancellor' in public, out of respect. Bare, it sounded like... well, far too intimate, considering what happened. "The ex-Chancellor..." she begins again, compromising, "He does not think like us magi. He has a very different idea of what a person can handle." |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43404 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 3:55 pm |
Laidan files away the comment of 'He does not think like us magi.' and what that implies when combined with what he has seen from Kaelas for later examination.
"Still, it sounds as though he shall be available to assist you should it be necessary." Trying to lighten the mood a bit he adds "So does that mean I should be referring to you as Chancellor Kuronue? Or merely Magistrate?"
Maybe I need to talk more to people, I think I'm out of practice he thinks, realizing perhaps that is not going to lighten her mood at all as soon as it passes his lips. |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43405 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 4:04 pm |
| She cringes a little, but does crack a slight smile. "I'd give it a semester before I get tarred, feathered, and run out of town, so no sense getting used to the Chancellor title." |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43406 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 4:20 pm |
| Laidan chuckles sympathetically at that, then goes to take a drink but realizes his glass is empty. "Next round's on me?" he offers, waving for the barmaid again. |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43407 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 4:25 pm |
| Yamiko nods, draining the last of her pint. "Of course." She waits for him to finish ordering before settling in, stretching a little. "How's life been in your neck of the woods, anyhow?" |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43408 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 4:53 pm |
| "Oh, same old quest for knowledge, searching for that new something to give us a leg up on the competition. In confidence though, despite poaching some talented individuals from failing rivals, we seem to have hit a bit of a dry spell. We just don't have the resources to make the next big jump. But that seems pretty common these days." He frowns and shakes his head. "Personally I have been pitting my golems against Narimasa, trying to come up with some new tricks. And failing in an extremely expensive manor." Then he shrugs and grins at Yamiko "You know me, always looking for the next killer application for golems." |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43418 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 7:09 pm |
| Yamiko smiles. "Our enrollment has fallen as well - it seems golemancy is going out of style." Must be nice, she muses, only having to worry about mundane problems, being able to live the life of a magus without worry about moral issues that could change the fate of the world, without having to worry about aliens from another dimension. She brushes a little hair out of her face with her uncharacteristically gloved hand, suddenly craving more normalcy, even vicariously. "Have you eaten? I could order us some lunch..." |
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laidanPosts: 1158 Location: Mottonsborough Magus Age: 113 years old Clan: OASIS | Message #43419 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 7:53 pm |
| Laidan's gaze lingers for a moment the gloves as he thinks. "Yes, it seems to have been some time since I have eaten, I'd be honored to join you for a meal." |
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| Yamikuronue Posts: 1288
Location: Mottonsborough
Magus Age: 116 years old
| Message #43423 Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 8:31 pm |
| She nods. "Shall we see what they have here, or do you have someplace else in mind?" |
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