Calm Before the Storm

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

Things were as busy as ever - more, in fact, with the incidents at Machiavelli, and the fallout or even the positives that had come from them. On one hand, The Dominion forces and the overall administration were very concerned with the Kaeneian military buildup. Fingers were twitchy, nerves were fraying, and all they could work out was that they were gathering their forces for Something Big. She somehow doubted they were the target, but that didn't help many in command from sleeping easier at night.

On the other hand, the cultural exchange had been deemed a success, and no further negativity or unfortunate problems had arisen. In fact, just that morning a missive had reached her with a formal invitation to accept hospitality in kind from Konrad. She wasn't sure if Nadia shared the sentiment so much, even after things had been somewhat smoothed over.

She couldn't help but be reminded of Nadia's rather vehement demands that she be arrested - and on her own station, to boot. The audacity of that had infuriated her to the point of wanting to just space the blasted woman and have done with it. Which of course, would have only added to the problems. Konrad she felt she could get along with, and read fairly well. His wife, on the other hand ... she was the dangerous one. At least in Nathi's estimation. And without further intel on just what all she might be dealing with in terms of possible augmentations, their intel information on herself, and other factors, she wasn't about to trust Nadia further than she could spit. Which oddly enough, wasn't terribly far.

It presented a difficult conundrum for her. On the one hand, she had sworn never to set foot in that thrice-damned hellspawn-infested wasteland again. Ever. In fact, she wasn't sure she could even do it without breaking down: It physically made her sick to even think about it, not that she would admit that to anyone. Oh, she'd done quite well, with a lot of help, to work past the worst of it, to bury most of the memories so deep they rarely came to mind unless referenced directly. But being asked to come there, and for a state visit? It was too much.

On the other hand, she had a duty to fulfill. Having been instrumental in laying out the Ardan visits and to publicly be seen actively assisting and consorting, it would be in very poor taste to decline. After all, not many were aware of what had happened, and God willing, most never would be. She wasn't even certain how much Konrad understood. And to boot, they never had manage to trace down ...

Nathicana couldn't even bring herself to think his name. She was certain the now-leader had tried, but he'd had a war on his hands, and a difficult one at that. Without full disclosure on her part, having just lost their virtual god and rallying point, and with their resources taxed, it would have been a miracle to have found him in any case. Here, and other places she knew, and was familiar with, she felt safe - at least from everything he was and represented in her mind. There ... there was another matter.

With sickening surety, she began to think that turning down Konrad's gracious (and reasonable, really) request was not an option. Not if she were to continue what she'd started, and maintain her credibility in front of the international community. It would look bad if they were willing to come to her, without her willing to offer the same courtesy.

And potential problems with the royal couple personally, considering what they knew about the assassination attempt on such a well-loved Ardan, and on her guard, and the fact they had acquiesced and moved on with things in spite of it all? She feared she would lose her credibility entirely, and perhaps create an enemy where none was needed.

Which brought her around to him, of course, and the complexities he brought to the stage. Him being the well-loved Ardan in question, who so long ago had for all appearances sacrificed himself in a joint attempt to free her from that living hell. Former second in command to an enemy she'd hoped would remain long forgotten. Immortal Maia lord. And not the least of which, the father of her daughter.

The more time she spent with him, the more she could see the changes - in his moods, his character, his motivation even. It was as if he had somehow matured. Or perhaps, more to point, regained his focus and learned better when to play his hand, and when to bide his time. She grudgingly admitted she had enjoyed his company more than she had expected to.

She knew their daughter certainly was thrilled at the opportunity to get to know the father she had only heard of in quiet conversation, and softly-spoken stories, when he wasn't being brought up as a point of contention and a slur against her very existence. Compared to the tension and anger that had so often been a part of her image of a father figure, Alkanphel had proved quite the opposite. Nathicana had a very close watch kept over it all just the same.

So perhaps it was no surprise that Nathicana appeared somewhat subdued and distracted as she walked down the short stairs leading out to the pool at her villa. Naiya had been trying to impress her father earlier with her diving ability while trying to convince him to join her in the pleasant water. The two of them had been in deep conversation when the Imperatrice finally joined them, though some of the talk seemed to taper off once she paused at the table.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

Alkanphel had not yet been lured into the pool, but had been maintaining what would have hitherto been seen as an uncharacteristically relaxed attitude. The most immediate evidence of this was his posture; his back arched, his elbows on the table; one hand dangling off the edge. Naiya glanced at her father first before looking over at her mother and smiling in greeting. "Are either one of you going to swim, or is it just me who gets to enjoy the water?" she asks, treading idly near the edge.

Her mother notices the quick look, but decides not to comment on it. After all, the two of them truly did have plenty of catching up to do, and her hovering constantly wouldn't accomplish anything.

"Not right now, bambi," she says instead, smiling and setting her own drink on the table across from Alkanphel. He is looking rather well, she observes. Content, almost. Things had been going well enough that she'd half pondered what might be involved in arranging for a villa of his own here, though she hadn't brought it up yet. There would be problems with that, no doubt. For one thing, Devon would blow a gasket.

Alkanphel looks up, out of the corner of his eye at first, and then reaches over to pull out the chair next to him and take a magazine off the seat. "There you are," he says with a grin. "Have a seat."

"Don't mind if I do," she replies, sitting down and making herself comfortable. "I see Naiya's been showing you one of her hobbies. She placed rather well with that Andalusian she's so fond of. Shaitan is out in the stables, if she hasn't already dragged you off to see him."

Alkanphel laughs easily. "No, I think she's taken the day off. I've not been out there yet but I imagine it'll happen soon enough." He reaches forward for his drink and squints as he looks back out into the sun towards the pool.

"We could always go for a ride," Naiya suggests, idly laying back in the water and floating for a bit. "We've several horses, after all. But anyway ... "

The girl continues floating, glancing over at her parents occasionally. That phrase still seems odd in her mind, having been so long without it. Still, she has an agenda. And just like her mother can be damnably stubborn in pursuing it when she's of a mind to. "I don't suppose you've given any more thought to letting me visit?"

Alkanphel is caught lifting a cracker to his mouth, and pauses a moment before eating. He leans back in his chair and shoots a surprised glance at Nathi. The dark-haired woman sighs as the question is asked. This had been a point of contention, and now with Konrad's invitation to boot, there was even more pressure to allow it. She had a dozen different reasons why she shouldn't, and of course, several reasons why she should.

"Naiya ..." She begins, though her gaze shifts to Alkanphel questioningly all the same. His expression tugs a grin from her for a moment, but that fades again as she continues in a more serious tone. "I haven't really decided. Not yet. Granted, there may be something coming up that I might be able to work around, but ... could we perhaps discuss this later?"

Naiya rights herself in the water, calmly looking over at the pair of them sitting there at the table. No anger, no arguments this time, simply a steady, stubborn look that speaks volumes. "No, I think we really ought to stop dancing around the question of whether or not I can travel with my father." She leaves the rest of that quiet for now, knowing how the concept of looking into certain aspects of her parentage worries her mother.

"I.." the Maia starts, half-grinning as he looks back and forth between the two women. "Naiya, dear, if she doesn't want to talk about it just yet, there's certainly no rush. Besides..." he trails off and taps the magazine he had just dropped on the table. "What about your competitions? You just had one, yes?" He looks to Nathi and turns his half-grin into a full one. "Sorry, I don't really know anything about this. Do you have seasons or... what? Help me out here."

"There are a series of competitions throughout the year, with certain ones holding more importance so far as ranking. If I hadn't gotten a bit ahead of myself at one point, I think we would have been better. Shaitan picked up on my nerves, I think, and it unsettled his gait," Naiya offers quickly, then doggedly continues to pursue her original line of questioning. "You let me travel all over the place, even alone to Machiavelli - yes, even though I know I'm constantly watched one way or another. But honestly, could I possibly be any safer than with him? Look at what happened last time? Your people were too late to do anything."

Nathicana perhaps unsurprisingly, looks slightly suspicious at first as she glances between the two. He looks honestly surprised as well though, and hadn't been pressing her on the point, oddly enough. Naiya isn't giving anything away anything one way or the other, and further arguing about who should have been where or done a better job of what isn't going to help. Perhaps some input on the matter at hand might not be amiss. She was going to have to deal with it soon anyway. She was in no mood for a prolonged argument in any case, and her daughter had proved over the years to be just as stubborn as she was.

"Konrad has extended an invitation for us to visit, to continue the efforts we've begun between Arda and the Dominion," she says calmly, watching Alkanphel for a reaction, then addressing him directly. "Obviously this presents a few problems, given the Machiavelli ... incident. I'm still not convinced Nadia has given up on her intention to have me incarcerated, after all. In any case, I need your input. You know them better, and I already know what my daughter will say on it."

Naiya has the good grace not to look smug, schooling her expression to one of casual neutrality. Alkanphel quirks a brow and looks to her briefly before facing and answering Nathicana. "I doubt she wants to arrest you, and your encounter with her on Machiavelli may have been an act. Neither the Angsiyan or his wife can reasonably assume that you would have been complicit with that. The fear is not that you've betrayed them, but are simply hiding something from them.

"As things stand right now, we have poor administration to blame and I believe the Angsiyii is disinclined to believe that enemies of the state would be so poorly cataloged and watched, especially in my case. It makes no sense to put your greatest enemy at the top of a 'kill these people' list and then fail to cross out his name when he actually dies. It would be like writing a list for the grocery store and picking up everything save your first entry. Nadia and I occasionally have our differences, but on these points we agree."

"The Empire is large," Nathicana begins, then simply shrugs and sighs tiredly. "I don't have all the answers, Alkanphel. I'm not sure I ever will. He and I do many things similarly, but again, we handle our governments quite differently on several points. I can't be held responsible for how he has or hasn't managed his people any more than he can be responsible for my actions. Bottom line this, for me. Do you honestly think its safe to go?"

"Sure it is," answers the Maia without hesitation. "Like I said, I don't think she would or even could possibly go so far as to do anything like that. If she really wanted you arrested she was obviously either talked down or overruled by Konrad, but I still think it was largely an act. As we discussed at the time, they were both disinclined to publicize the event but couldn't have been seen as taking a passive approach should it somehow happen anyway. The way she saw it, if she forced the information out of you, so much the better, but if not--then the royal couple certainly couldn't have been criticized for sitting on their hands. She's a sharp woman."

It is clear enough the Imperatrice isn't thrilled with the answer, all the same. She nods thoughtfully though as he speaks, glancing now and then at Naiya who is observing the exchange quietly from the pool, sensing the shift in her mother's mood with quiet exhilaration.

"You know some of my reasons for hesitation," Nathi says softly, fixing Alkanphel with a meaningful look. "There are some things I cannot, will not risk. If I agree to this, I want your personal guarantee that both my daughter, and myself, will return safe and sound."

Lowering her voice further, she uses picking up her glass as a brief shielding of her lips from her daughter's view. "You have no idea what this costs me to allow."

Alkanphel winks with the eye farthest from Naiya, but responds in a light and easygoing tone. "Such a guarantee is easily and readily given," he announces. Leaning forward, he seeks Nathicana's nearest hand. "I'll see to it that you have nothing to worry about." He gives her hand a reassuring squeeze and lifts his chin a bit. "Count on it."

"Then I will answer Konrad and advise him to begin making arrangements." Nathi replies. She squeezes his had in tightly in return, still wondering if she's making the right decision.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

“I’m still not convinced.”

Cesare Calabrese rests his hands over the silver head of his ebony cane, watching the woman across from him. The cane of course being part affectation, part a support, and part hidden technology, and in entirety quite in keeping with the man’s healthy sense of self-preservation.

She is hurriedly making final arrangements for things that required her physical presence to attend to. Granted, these things weren’t many, but she is nothing if not thorough. Fingers flying over the keyboard, her printer humming quietly in the background, and the shredder to her side occasionally devouring the papers she fed into it, Nathicana’s features are fixed in a grimly determined expression.

“I’m not either,” she replies without looking up. “But if we’re to make this work and ensure a unity of purpose should the time come, it is necessary.”

That had been an uncomfortable discussion between the Imperatrice and those ministers who’s jobs required the knowledge, and even now, Calabrese remains skeptical. The idea that Morgoth was out there, somewhere, floating in the void, biding his time, challenged even his capacity for accepting the impossible. She was right, though. If.

“Generally, I would say that having both you, and the heir apparent in the same location, when said location is further out of our control than we would like, is a patently bad idea.”

“Also, granted,” Nathi says steadily, though her jaw tightens. “I trust the pertinent protocols are in place?”

“You know they are. You reviewed them with me earlier.”

“Habit,” she quips, hitting a final key, then closing her portcomp. “I want you to review – again – the extraction plans with Toni and Gian. Yes, all of them. We’ve been over them in detail, I know.”

Pausing in her rapid instructions, she fixes Calabrese with a steady gaze. “And what we discussed earlier? On your life, Cesare. I don’t care what it takes, you will get her home safe. And you will keep her safe if for whatever reason …”

He nods gravely. She had left no doubt in their earlier talks. This was simply an all too human need for reassurance. In all honesty, he knew he would do much the same in her position. Family, posterity, a hope for the future – all these things any parent could relate to. She simply had more power, influence, and ability to see it through than most.

It makes it that much harder to ask the next question. Confirmation on matters no one truly wished to discuss. “And … the rest?”

Nathicana’s face is as impassive as ever. If not for the lack of usual fire in her eyes, he would never guess at what this must be costing her.

The irony of her trust on this is not lost on him. Once, he was the man who had penned her death warrant – had celebrated in fact, her apparent execution at the hand of an Emperor. And now … now he was the one person she trusted with a final contingency, months in the making, with so many layers, triggers, and fail-safes established he doubted anyone short of S.H.O.D.A.N. could reverse it once set in motion. Further irony laying in the fact that if the worst came to pass, she wouldn’t.

“I am certain this visit will be much less eventful than Machiavelli was for theirs,” she replies, offering him nothing more than a subtle nod before rising to her feet. She begins packing away her portcomp with the same crisp efficiency she has been displaying all morning.

“Understood. Shall I alert Mas and the others, then?”

“Yes, thank you Cesare. I believe the shuttle is prepped and waiting.”

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

Daturias was a sprawling metropolis, situated on the east bank of the Anduin river just south of the Ered Mithrin. It was an old city (but not as old as Amestris, which sat on the site of the ancient Elven city of Imladris) although it hadn't always been Arda's capital even before Morgoth's reappearance. The city enjoyed an excellent geographic position relative to the Northwatch, and formed a formidable bulwark against which the Orcs could not easily move should their incursions run a little too far south.

The Serechav was an odd combination of fortress and Imperial palace. It lay on the northwest outskirts of the city, functioning both as an upscale city center and a military installation. It also had its own air traffic system, independent of the experimental and burgeoning Daturias grid. Most of the traffic around the city itself took place in the air between the buildings, with the 'lanes' regulated by long lengths of magnetic coil. Zipcraft and gravcars had to be outfitted with special components to be legal on the Daturias grid, so foreign shuttles had to hook around to the north of the city and be taken in by the Serechav's own air traffic towers.

It was in one such tower that Chamberlain Oldrich Cenkova had been watching the descent of the Selene-class shuttle in the traditional colors of red and black, going over the final preparations in his head. The Angsiyan and his wife would be on hand shortly to meet the Dread Lady, but Cenkova was to oversee basic security and hospitality procedures upon the arrival of Nathicana's party. A team was in place on the tarmac to receive them, after which time they would be taken inside to meet the Angsiyan in the north wing.

With the shuttle landed and all was in readiness, the door of the opened and three black-clad men in full soldati gear stepped out to assess the situation. Finding it to their liking, two proceeded down the ramp and took up positions to either side. The third waited for the lady to begin her exit, walking just in front of her, with three more operatives following close behind. The group formed up around the diminutive woman, who looked around with some measure of trepidation. She wore a leather long coat, hooded and lined in fur for the cold climate, dark pants that could be seen briefly as she walked, black gloves and sensible low-heeled boots, lined much the same as her coat.

"They're here and out," announces Vzj'Nakai Captain Hugo Argerich in his trademark gruff tone.

Cenkova turns from the air traffic terminal and engages his intercom. "Thank you, Captain. I'll be down momentarily to greet the Imperatrice. Bring her party through security and I will notify the Angsiyan of her arrival."

Captain Argerich was interested to note that Nathi's party was a relatively small one. In the few times Ardan sovereigns had traveled abroad, it had been their custom to take many attendants with them and the assumption had been that the Dread Lady would have similar habit but this appeared not to be the case. Approaching Nathi and her soldati he raises his hand, palm outward, and bows his head slightly. "Welcome to Arda, Imperatrice. If your party would follow me this way, I will show you into the Serechav. Do you need any assistance with your luggage or personal effects?"

The black-garbed men and women snap to attention as the Captain approaches, and the dark-haired woman offers Argerich a polite nod. "Thank you, Captain. Sacchi is just gathering up my things now. I hope your stay on Machiavelli managed to not be entirely business while you were there. And our gracious hosts - they are well?"

The large Dunlending smiles amicably, declining to comment on the Machiavelli incident. "They are indeed," he says however, in response to her last. "Things are going rather well around here these days, and it is your friendship and cooperation that has contributed in no small part. We're glad to have you."

Behind the group another man steps off the shuttle, not as heavily garbed as his compatriots. He nods as one of the soldati checks with him over Spook, confirming he has things well in hand, two large suitcases and a couple of extra bags stacked and hauled one in either hand. With a the rattle of wheels, he joins the group, the operatives breaking to allow him inside their protective circle. "Excellent," offers Argerich with a gesture to his team. Another Vzj'Nakai leans over to open a hatch behind them and the Captain beckons for Nathicana's party to follow him down the revealed corridor. The Serechav's ingress area is very well lit and utilitarian, without much consideration for visual appeal. A large, one-way window spanned the wall to the right down a hallway about 50 meters long.

"It is an honor to have been invited. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Angsiyan has been accomplishing," Nathicana replies, keeping a tight clamp on her fears as her group follows the Captain. At least there was a window, she couldn't help but note. In case.

"Things have certainly changed," Argerich opines as he twists his hips halfway towards Nathicana in a casual, over-the-shoulder answer. "Before the revolution, just about the only structures we had topside were shanty towns. In just twenty years, we've built real cities on top of what had previously been glorified military installations covered by civilian meat-shields." Turning back to square his shoulders to the end of the hallway again, he continues. "Much of our infrastructure still remains below ground, but we feel as if we're returning to a more natural and comfortable way of living."

"You've much to be proud of," she replies honestly, remembering all too well the tortured landscapes she had surveyed all those years ago. "You aren't the only nation to build down, and do it successfully. Places where the surface can be a challenge I think, lend themselves to the style. Thank you, Captain. You've actually given me an idea to bring up with the Angsiyan in later discussion."

"Glad I could help," he answers with a private grin. "But that's not to say we don't appreciate what we've built beneath the surface--it certainly has its uses and where possible we intend to keep using it. But it's no place to force people to live, and after so many years of Morgoth, it's good for our people to breathe fresh air again."

Nathicana nods firmly, saying nothing further on the point. She wholeheartedly agreed. Argerich eventually arrives at another hatch and takes a clipboard off the wall, jotting something on it quickly and hooking it back up before punching in the door code. The door opens, and Argerich lumbers in and steps aside. Chamberlain Cenkova and Foreign Minister Kit stand near the door, behind a desk occupied by a clerk and presided over by another Vzj'Nakai deputy.

Her own guards keep their outward silence and professional manner, quietly communicating via the systems built into their helmets, and directions fed back to them over their network. One steps in, then the next two, followed closely by the Imperatrice who offers their hosts a nod and as pleasant a smile as she can muster. The others filter in behind, and once more take up their proper positions. "Minister Kit, a pleasure to finally speak in person," she says, initiating contact.

"Sure enough," Kit responds brightly, in a sharp North Dunnish accent. "On behalf of the Angsiyan and the Ardan people, I am thrilled to receive your delegation as among the first to so visit with us. I've been working rather hard to move the Foreign Office in a more worldly direction and it's good to see that work starting to pay off," he continues earnestly, leaning forward for a handshake.

Stepping past her guards with a silent gesture, the Imperatrice offers her hand in return, giving Kit a firm, polite shake. "As I said to the good Captain, it is an honor to be here. I'm pleased that things seem to be progressing along the lines the Angsiyan seemed to have hoped when we first discussed possibilities. No doubt, in no small measure due to the efforts of yourself and your offices."

"You outdo me with your praise," answers Kit with a chuckle. It was not easy for the Angsiyan to pave the way for my appointment, as there is always opposition to work against and in Arda it can be quite..." he pauses and brings his hands to his neck, where he extends his thumbs and draws them outward to his ears. "Cutthroat."

Nathicana nods, grinning in perfect understanding. "Then it would seem survival of the fittest has proven correct yet again, no?"

"For now," retorts Kit with a toothy grin. Stepping partway aside, he gestures to a terminal attached to the kiosk at which they were presently standing. "Come, the Angsiyan and his wife will be down shortly to greet you. If you would kindly fill out some short forms and scan yourself in, we'll get you to your rooms or directly to the royal couple, at your pleasure."

She arches a brow at that, but nods and proceeds to the terminal, followed closely by her entourage. Realizing she could have someone else fill the short list of questions out, she chooses to do it herself to save time. Her fingers fly over the keys as she scans and edits in the data. Length of stay, size of party - all very standard. Signing off with the stylus provided, she completed and turned back to Kit. What bothered her was the reference to scans. She'd utilized them for so long with others, it was a bit of a switch being on the other side of things. The truth was, she would have been surprised if they had not already been passively scanning the entire party since their disembarkation.

"Lead the way, Minister," she says, gracefully gesturing with her hand.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

"Thank you for your hospitality, Konrad, Nadia," Nathicana offers once the group is settled down around the table. She was pleasantly surprised to see her daughter in attendance as well, looking quite pleased as she sat next to her father, Alkanphel. Clearly the extended visit had been a good one for her, in spite of Nathi's misgivings. "And thank you for keeping mia bella safe and well cared for also," she finished, adding a nod to the Maia in the process.

"We're happy to have you, and Naiya has been a wonderful guest," offers the Angsiyan in response. "We should be satisfied with nothing less than her complete safety and comfort. It means a lot to us that you would not only allow her to visit, but to follow yourself. By all accounts, she seems to be enjoying herself which is a pleasure to us as well."

The lunch is served shortly after the group is seated. This was actually one point Nathicana had looked forward to. Sampling new foods had always appealed. A hearty soup with ample baked bread was the first thing served, and she had to admit, she was pleasantly surprised on first taste.

"Indeed, your daughter has a wonderful gift that she has been more than happy to share with us," chimes in the Angsiyii. She turns and acknowledges Naiya. "I had no idea you had received any musical training, but it was evident as soon as I heard you play. With the proper cultivation, I'm certain you can do nearly anything you like; you certainly have the talent."

Naiya dips her head demurely, though she smiles genuinely all the same. "You are too kind by half," she says, then looks over at her mother, who smiles back at her rather proudly.

"If only she had more time. I'm afraid between her studies, and learning what's expected in governance of the Dominion ..." Nathicana replies, spreading her hands apologetically. Both children had been given every opportunity they could reasonably have, after all. Naiya had simply shown more a taste for the violin over piano. "It was only right I allow her some time with her father, though I admit I had my fair share of concerns. I thank you again, sincerely. There is nothing more precious to me than my children." She could afford to be gracious, now the hard part of letting her go, and coming there herself had been accomplished.

Nadia smiles earnestly. "We are alike in that regard, then," she answers. "Unfortunately I know all too well the constraints you face. When the revolution was still going on, my family and I were still in hiding. Making the transition from that to..." she trails off for a moment, "well, this was not easy. Before we came to the Serechav there was more time for school and music. I myself had little else to do in my own childhood."

The young woman smiles warmly at the Angsiyii in return, quite at ease. "I'll always enjoy it," she replies. "It doesn't matter that it is nothing I'll likely ever be known for. Mama has always said we were destined for greater things, but that doesn't mean we can't find time for the other things we love along the way."

"As my lovely wife showed us on Machiavelli," interjects Konrad as he seizes Nadia's shoulder and gives it a playful shake. "Thanks again for hosting that, by the way," he continues with a wink to Nathi. "Many of our noblemen were... less optimistic about our prospects in that area."

"They were still talking about the performance when I left," Nathi notes politely. Among other things, granted, but it was at least one of the more pleasant topics of conversation. "It was our pleasure to host."

"It was a good way for us to get investors up there without seeming like we were pumping them," offers Nadia. "We needed a venue through which to showcase Machiavelli's opportunities to the appropriate crowd. The only merchants who had bothered to make the trip until then had been small business owners."

"Which is fine, but to take full advantage of Machi's potential, we needed a bit more backing, and it would look bad were it to have come only from our state-run enterprises," explains Konrad. "Truly, it was a great benefit to us in more ways than one."

"There is always the Trade Network Association we'd mentioned at the villa," Nathicana says thoughtfully. "Very open, very easy to use, and it doesn't take away from autonomy or choice in the least. In fact, in speaking with Captain Argerich a thought came to me. Your people are a tough lot, and have had to survive for a long time in harsh conditions. There's much to be commended in that."

"It's not all bad," Konrad answers, pausing to take a drink. "It looks a lot worse up in these parts due to the fact that we're closer to Angband and Utumno. Alchemy has helped us along in many important ways, especially now that the discipline is being put to proper use. The 'breadbasket' of Dunland has largely recovered, so the only remaining scars are mostly in the upper east."

"Also an impressive accomplishment," she conceded. "But what came to mind wasn't so much concerning your more arable areas. You aren't the only ones with holdings that are less than ideal when it comes to habitability. We've spent the past couple of decades working on solutions for breaking down and converting toxicity in the soil, and engineering plant life that could sustain itself in hostile environments. While we are still developing things, and the location we hope to utilize them in is not yet ready to begin testing in earnest ..."

Nathicana gestures idly and smiles. "You have land here that would lend itself rather well as not only a testbed for the project, but could benefit from the results as well. If, of course, you were interested?" She glances up as the first course is cleared, and the main dish is delivered with a professionalism and efficiency that she appreciates almost as much as the delicious smells coming off the plates. A beef dish of sorts, in a heavy sauce, served with a side of long, thin noodles. She nods her thanks, and gingerly samples a bite of meat. The food so far is hearty and filling, presented in a style that suits her hosts - simply presented, yet with a complexity of taste that belies their straightforward appearances.

At the talk of business, Naiya tactfully withdraws, speaking instead with Alkanphel in quiet tones. Nothing of consequence really, more just an effort to continue to bond while she has the opportunity, talking contentedly about experiences of the previous week.

The Angsiyii raises a brow and looks to her husband, but he's too busy with a forkful of noodles to notice. "I'd have to consult with the Illurian Order on that one," he replies after he gobbles down his helping. "The quality and habitability of land is a major religious issue for our people, and they may have reservations against any such activity, even if they saw it as beneficial. What manner of 'solutions' are these exactly? How do they work, do you know?"

The Imperatrice shakes her head slightly, but smiles. "No, I don't know all the details offhand. Something about soil preparation, microbes designed to break down toxins, and hardy plant life being engineered to either feed off the toxins themselves, or thrive in treated ground that's still too poor in nutrients to be of much use to normal flora. From the reports I've seen, being able to study results on a large scale would benefit our scientists greatly, and help forward the work along. It could be an interesting cooperative effort, were needs and assurances on both ends properly satisfied."

"That sounds fairly similar to what we do, although I imagine we've come about it by different means," notes Konrad. "I'm not an expert either, but my understanding is that plants are used as a filter of sorts, although we don't keep them around; they're killed and composted at harvest time."

"It seems we might both benefit from working together. I can have my people get with yours so we can start seeing if the projects are even compatible, or if something could be managed. Until then, this is all just so much pleasant talk," Nathi offers smoothly, then offers an almost apologetic shrug, her smile mischievous. "Business and bruschetta - it's a habit with me. So. If I may, what's on the agenda for this little visit? I won't even try to compete with your lovely wife, Konrad. I can't play, and I'll be damned if I'll be cajoled into giving a demonstration on the appropriate application of knives in any given situation."

The Angsiyan laughs heartily. "There's not much agenda aside from your own pleasure; I imagine we'll have plenty to talk about but this visit is more for visibility's sake than anything else. Keeping Naiya's stay under wraps would have been difficult or impossible under the circumstances, and we saw this as an opportunity to offer you the same hospitality you have so often offered us. We still have some things we'd like to go over of course, and if you'd like we could get those mostly out of the way now, or we could wait and address them at your leisure."

Nathicana arches a brow slightly, a tiny twitch at the corner of her mouth the only indication that she is anything but what she seems to be - relaxed and at ease among present company. She glances for a moment at Naiya and Alkanphel, who seem content to continue visiting with one another. "As I said, habit. Tradition, even. Perhaps we should get whatever business we need to attend off the table."

The Angsiyii nods approvingly, appreciative of the Dread Lady's approach. "Fair enough, Imperatrice. Getting right to it, then, one of our main interests with the DLN at this point concerns data-sharing regarding Morgoth's potential whereabouts. The palantiri we possess lack the ability to see anything beyond the confines of our planet, and we're all but sure he's not here anymore." She pauses and scoots away from the table slightly to retrieve something from a satchel under the table. "We have..." she pauses again, rooting around in the bag, "around here somewhere--there they are..." she rises back to the table and produces a small datapad, "sensory readouts from the Dreadnought Khand containing energy assumed to belong to Morgoth.

With a gesture to Alkanphel, she continues. "According to the good Maia, Morgoth's physical form has likely been destroyed and now exists in much the same form as taken by the Ainur in their original state. To our sensors, they appear to look like this," she says with a half nod towards the datapad on the table. "We're willing to share all the data we have and will gather if the Dominion will aid us in gathering it, whether through joint military patrols or otherwise."

The raven-haired woman sets her cutlery aside, her face going very still at the mention of Morgoth. This had been something they had been hoping for, but had been set off track due to ... complications on Machiavelli. But more to point, being here on the Ardan mainland once again, all too close for comfort to memories she'd tried for years to master, his specter loomed large in her mind. Bodiless state or not, regardless of distance, he was too close.

Her motions are careful and deliberate as she reaches for the datapad, quietly scanning the information there without saying a word at first. Naiya looks at her mother with concern, picking up on the shift in her mood immediately. That, and those other impressions she had always been able to read.

"Our assistance? You'll have it," Nathicana states firmly, still keeping a tight control on her emotions - and of her grip on the datapad. It wouldn't do to cause a scene at this point. "How far are you willing to allow this data to spread? I have two alliances with a vested interest in keeping that bastard as dead as we can."

"It doesn't go anywhere we don't want it to go," answers Konrad immediately. "This is as privileged as it gets, and we don't want anyone working for him to get their hands on it. We're starting with you because you are our closest and most natural ally under the circumstances. It may in time find its way to other places, but not until we're as sure of them as we are of you."

Nadia keeps her eyes locked on Nathi, her face in a non-confrontational but deadly serious expression. "As such we would be wanting to retain overall command of such a program. The operational protocol and details we're willing to discuss with you, but we must insist on ownership and control of this data."

The Imperatrice nods curtly, understanding all too well their hesitation to trust. Hopefully they would relent so they could cover more with additional sources. They had begun scanning for anomalies shortly after the discussion at her villa. With this data, she hoped they would actually find something. "So we would filter our findings to you directly while maintaining our own autonomy. I believe we can work with this for now. I assure you our internal communications are without peer. Your secrets will be safe."

"Well, the issue isn't so much finding the signature, since it's of a composition similar to most or all of the Ainur. The complication lies in determining which are the most powerful signals and of those, which are the most likely to be Morgoth," explains Konrad. "What we--and indeed even Alkanphel--know mostly about the Ainur is limited to the ones who descended to Arda; the ones without we obviously know much less about. It is believed that Morgoth is still chief among them, but our scanners can only detect a certain level of intensity and once it reaches that point, higher values are more difficult to quantify."

The Angsiyii nods. "Local sources can also corrupt our readings. We imagine he's fled Sol, but there's enough interference here that we had a more..." she pauses, weighing her words, "hands-on approach in mind. We were hoping to see if there might be some difference in readings beyond the Oort Cloud, and have already plotted several locations we'd like to mine for more data."

"You mean there are more of these monsters out there?" Nathi blurts out, eyes going a bit wild. "I thought they were ... oh hell, I don't know. Somewhere else. Your version of heaven or what not, with that bastard being the last left to meddle. That's a fine thing to learn." She takes a slow breath to steady herself, then sets the datapad aside, lightly laying her hands on the table. "Alright then. These signatures could exist in various forms that have nothing to do with him. So why do you need us with this 'hands on' approach, and exactly what would it entail?"

Naiya keeps very quiet throughout the exchange, listening attentively, but drawing no attention to herself. She knew full well how her mother operated, and had sat in on enough meetings to know when to speak, and when to just observe. Her mother's nerves were fraying, that much she could tell. For a moment, she feels a twinge of guilt over her part in pushing her prior to the visit.

"Easy," cautions Alkanphel finally, with a glance to Nathi. "Remember, only one of these signatures belongs to Morgoth, and based on what I know about his capabilities, he's in many ways only a shade of the Ainur he was when he first walked on Arda. He may be difficult to find, but we agitate these other Ainur at our own risk. I can't myself vouch for their capabilities; only Eru and possibly Mandos could accomplish that. They're not all 'monsters' at any rate; I'd myself be detected were I in that form in deep space."

"Fine and well," Nathicana replies sharply, not really wanting to contemplate how all of that works just now. That raises questions and concerns she is in no way prepared to deal with at the moment. Morgoth is the main problem, so she focuses on that. "I can have the data forwarded on through the proper channels, with your permission," she continues, irritated at having to add that by necessity, "just as soon as I have access to do so. Is there anything else I should know?"

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

The austerity of the Ardan decor never ceased to amaze Nathicana. Granted, she had known for long enough they were a very down to earth people when it came to many things. 'Soft' was not a word associated with them, regardless of the region. And their architecture and design followed those principles. Form followed function, and function was a direct result of need. While one could not say the structures were base or unimpressive, the decor and flourishes she was accustomed to were absent.

Thus it was in the room she found herself entering to further discuss the fleet plans Konrad had put forward for consideration. Accommodations for video conferencing had been made, and her people were present on account. The Ardan military brass was not yet present, but men clad in the tan Guardis Imperica junior officer uniforms bustled about making their final preparations. Military meetings were somewhat social events for Ardans, and the video conferencing had necessitated some changes in their usual format. It was decided to forgo the light meal often served at these functions, but the glasses of tea remained; with an enormous decanter perched on a table against the far wall.

There is a huge table lined with chairs in the center of the room. The edges were made from a dark wood coated with a polyurethane varnish, but the reddish center seemed to have the characteristic of thick felt pulled taut over a hard board. Data jacks and small control panels were present between every other seat and at the head of the table, at which also sat a place marker for Nathicana. The telecom panels had been set up on the far wall, opposite from the entrance and Nathi's seat to afford her the best view.

Giancarlo Torino, a man with significant military experience over the years, and her Minister of Defense, waits patiently on one screen. The years had turned his thinning hair silver, and his face is heavily lined, but he has yet to show any sign of losing his faculties. Talk of his retirement had been kicked around until rumors of Morgoth's return had resurfaced. She hadn't seen that much fire in the man for years. And when pressed, he simply muttered something about 'finishing the job' and left it at that.

Cesare Calabrese, Dominion Chancellor is in attendance as well, looking comfortable in his tall leather office chair, his face impassive. He had aged well, the few shots of grey simply adding an elegance to the already impeccably-styled gentleman. When Nathicana comes into the line of sight of his screen, he looks sharply at her, nodding subtly as he recieves her own brief sign that all was well.

Antonio Pellegrino, Minister of Central Intelligence joins them from his own office, a cup of tea steaming near at hand. As usual, his expression is grave. She never failed to give the poor man cause to worry, and this trip had topped his list for anything over the past decade at least.

Admiral Sarafina Allighieri is connected from the Michaelangelo, currently supervising scans in a handful of outer quadrants of Sol space. If anything, the years had only made her harder, her dark eyes akin to flint as she considered the concessions the Ardans had insisted on. She remembered all too well both going up against them in the distant past, and working with them since, and was disinclined to take anything for granted on account.

"Buongiorno, gentlemen, Admiral," Nathi offers to her staff, her own guards still very much in attendance. She notes with some relief that Alkanphel had kept Naiya with him, as agreed. Her daughter's time would come, but for her this was still too personal. A matter, much as Torino had said, of tying up loose ends. With any luck, Naiya would never have to deal with it, and would be set up nicely for continued dealings with the Ardans after the fact.

Various greetings are made between her staff, her retinue taking up their positions quietly and efficiently as the Imperatrice settles in. "I trust you've all reviewed the material we'll be covering today," she continues, scanning her own datapad for reference. "I don't ask that you like it. I do ask that you give me viable options to work with while we take care of business. Every one of you has been with me through past dealings. You know what's at stake. You know what we could be up against. And you know that the payoff could be worth a bit of bruised ego."

"If there are things you know will simply not work, speak up. If there are things that can, but with difficulty, then I expect you to figure out how to soldier through it and find a way. I will not allow pride to get in the way of dealing with this threat," she states emphatically, leaving no question in any of their minds.

"I would feel much better if we were entering into these negotiations with you and your daughter safely at home," Calabrese notes, his brow creased in a frown. Nathicana was clearly tense, and he knew all too well it was more than just the negotiations.

"I agree," Pellegrino says, his voice quiet but firm. Just outside Daturias was where the Dread Lady had been extracted roughly twenty years ago, after an experience that had never been fully explained to his satisfaction. He didn't like the potential parallels.

"We don't always get what we want, do we?" she snaps in return. "The opportunity is now, so now is when we're going to deal with it. If I had my way, we'd have completed all this before the more social aspects of this new chapter had been opened. Are there any relevant questions before our hosts arrive?"

"I'm going to want a clear line on these protocols the Ardans are putting forward," Allighieri says simply. "I'm not going to put my people in a compromising position just to satisfy Ardan ego."

"What the Admiral means to say," Minister Torino states firmly, breaking in with a stern look. "Is that we don't want our security compromised any more than they do over this. Granted, it's in both our interests to cooperate and run this op as smoothly as we can. Our own scans up until now haven't netted us any results - which could be good or bad, I suppose. Damned if I want us getting caught with our pants down. Lets hear what they're willing to bend on, then we can give you a better idea on what we're willing to compromise ourselves."

Nathicana nods. The concerns had been anticipated. She'd worked with these individuals for so long, it wasn't much of an effort to guess how any one of them would react, at least to expected situations. Talk turns to less sensitive matters, though she can't seem to quite relax, fingertips lightly tapping against the polished tabletop.

Gradually, elements the Ardan Military Court begin to file in, dominated mostly by senior Fleet officers, but with a few Guardis and Pax Imperica Marshals present. In all there were fifteen of them, most chattering in hushed tones with each other or wrapping up conversations on their phones or headsets. Quietly, they take their seats as Nathi and her advisers converse, a few of them (mostly the Haradrim and Easterling members of the convocation) helping themselves to the tea. Sky Marshal Roland Petrik is still standing after the rest have taken their seats, and smiles politely to Nathi as she finishes her conversation.

Nathi smiles in recognition of Petrik, holding up her hand to indicate the previous talk was finished. Scanning the faces of her hosts, she notes Khaled Sudani as well, her jaw tightening even as she gives him a slow, respectful nod. It was another painful reminder of her last 'visit' here. He'd been among those who'd brought her out, and had lost a good friend in the process. Another Marshal, Dash Hattori had taken a bullet to the head in one of the final firefights as they fought their way free of the tunnels. She'd liked the pair of them, and preferred remembering the two of them walking around and laughing their way through the coronation than seeing Sudani stricken, kneeling next to his fallen friend in the dark.

"Welcome again to Arda, Imperatrice. I hope your stay so far has been a pleasant one," starts Petrik. "We're excited to be working with the Dominion on this important mission, and are eager to see what it yields."

"The Angsiyan has been a most gracious host," Nathi replies, shifting back to a more pleasant smile. "We too are anxious to see how some mutual cooperation can benefit both our nations. My thanks for making the arrangements, Sky Marshal."

"Our pleasure," replies Petrik with a polite bow of his head. "This mission will be carried out under the command of Commodores Omar Heer and Zeren Ramsaur, with Air Marshal Ezerhan Kordiyeh presiding," he announces, gesturing to each man in turn. Heer is a stocky but otherwise unremarkable-looking Far Haradrim beginning to show signs of age. Ramsaur was the youngest of the three; almost as tall as Kordiyeh but with slightly lighter eyes and features. All three of the Ardan fleet chiefs (whether by cultural inclination or otherwise) were Haradrim, with Heer hailing from Far Harad; Kordiyeh and Ramsaur from the more arid Near. Heer and Ramsaur nod respectfully at their mention, but Kordiyeh is distracted by a memo on his PDA, busily punching in a response when acknowledged.

Nathicana takes the introduction like a punch to the gut. She nearly trips and falls over her chair in her scramble to push back from the table and get to her feet, saved only by Angelus Massetti rushing forward to catch her, Pascalli not far behind. The entire group goes on alert, hands shifting to weapons as the pair tries to figure out what about the man presented such a threat. About half of the Ardan Marshals rise to their feet, but Heer and a handful of other officers simply look on with lifted brows. The guards at the perimeter of the room become visibly tense, but Sudani signals for them to stand pat. Kordiyeh is apparently unaware he's the cause for the distress.

"Woah, woah, woah," Mas yells to his own team. "Stand down! Lets get this sorted!" More quietly, he begins speaking to Nathicana in their native language, quickly, reassuringly, and most importantly trying to get answers.

Her eyes are wide, staring at the man who'd been heralded as Sky Marshal for the upcoming joint operation. The resemblance to Malik is terrifying. The dusky skin, dark hair and eyes, the huge well-built frame of the man. In any other situation he'd be considered a rugged yet appealing sort. Here, those features inspire only fear and loathing. For a moment Nathicana can't breathe.

She had fought so hard, and still it hadn't been enough. Those hands, and how he'd used them, and everything else ... The pain in her jaw, the taste of blood in her mouth where she'd bitten her tongue, the sick feeling in her stomach. She could almost feel it all over again. Nathicana brings a fist tightly to her mouth to keep herself from screaming.

"I've been waiting for an excuse to do this since I saw your dossier." The thud of a chestplate hitting the shuttle floor. Her pleas failing to persuade the hulking beast of a man. His hot breath on the back of her neck.

"You understand the concept of not going down without a fight. At least give me that much respect."

Rough hands pulling her closer, feeling their way along her body. "I wouldn't expect any less from one in your position. But you're going down. Good fight."

And then the real horror began.

"What's going on?" asks Sudani sharply, cautiously taking a step towards the party to peer over the table. "Is everything alright?"

"I don't know," Massetti admits in response. He finally breaks the view by putting himself firmly in front of her. "Nath, cara mio ... you gotta get hold of yourself," he says firmly, taking her hands in his and squeezing reassuringly. She blinks as if seeing him for the first time. Nothing seems louder right then than the rapid beating of her heart in her own ears.

Around her, the various operatives are all too aware of the scene being made, as are the staff watching tensely via video conference links. Keyboards are clearly being utilized, and screens being read just off camera as questions silently fly between them. Pascalli attempts to feed information back through Spook, assuring Calabrese and the others that there has been no attack, nor does it seem there will be one.

Sudani whistles to get one of the guards' attention and shouts at him in Dunnish. "Do you need a doctor?" inquires the Warmarshal as he turns back to Nathi and Massetti, reaching out absently to grab the guard's shoulder as he approaches. "I'll send for one at once."

"I think that's best," Massetti replies, taking the initiative. "The Imperatrice has been keeping a tight schedule of late. I think she may have overestimated herself. Thank you, Warmarshal."

Nathicana clenches her jaw as the reality of the situation gradually reasserts itself. Her heart is still racing, and she still feels sick. Relieved she can no longer see Kordiyeh's face, she forces herself to speak as the operatives help her fully to her feet, her voice uncharacteristically halting and quiet. There is no graceful way out of this. Worse, she knows she can't stand to be in the same room with that man, not like this, not right now. "I ... apologize. Please ... Calabrese has my full confidence, and has been briefed. Whatever ... arrangements, I'll see them honored."

Pascalli nods curtly and relays the information for all to hear, so there is no question. "Chancellor, with the permission of our hosts, the Imperatrice requests you take over the negotiations, on her honor."

The Dominion Chancellor waits until he has confirmation from Sudani before continuing on, tactfully drawing attention away from the situation as the six guardsmen quietly escort the Imperatrice from the room. "Gentlemen, if I may start the discussions with the numbers and types of ships outlined in the proposal?"

He would get to the bottom of what in hell had set the woman off after things were taken care of here. He hoped such a show of weakness hadn't damaged their standing with the Ardans.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

"I'm in Arda."

"Yes. I know."

"You know I couldn't discuss it with you before."

"Color me surprised."

"You're angry."

"I'm angry."

"But you love me?"

"But I love you."

"Are you just going to repeat everything I say?"

"I thought I might grunt a little, too."

It was late. She’d spent the better part of the afternoon under a mild sedative, under protest which Mas had calmly but firmly overruled. The doctor had been more than accommodating, not pressing more than she, or Massetti for that matter, allowed. Any curiosity as to why anything administered required an injection rather than simple pills was professionally shunted to the side and left unspoken. Apparently he was used to working with people who had ‘special needs’.

Most of all, she had simply needed to see him. To hear his voice, angry or not. Nathicana wasn’t ready to discuss the events that lead to her earlier collapse, nor any potential reactions from Treznor on account. No doubt word would get back to him, one way or another, eventually. If it hadn’t already, and he was just waiting for her to bring it up … well then, she'd know soon enough.

"How long have you known?"

"That you were planning the trip? A couple of weeks. That you'd actually gone through with it? The moment you lifted off. You know I pay attention, especially when it comes to you."

She felt the corners of her mouth tilt up slightly. "Yes. Yes you do."

"Has it gone south yet?"

"No. Why would you assume it would?"

"This is Arda we're talking about. It's not a matter of 'if,' it's a matter of 'when.'"

"Whatever. Be that way. Everything is fine."

"You're lying."

"I am not!"

"I can hear it in your voice. Something is bothering you enough that you're a wreck. Are you not able to talk?"

"I can talk fine! This is a secure line and no one is coercing me into anything!"

"I've got a team on standby for extraction, and I put my forces on alert the moment you took off."

"Devon, stop! If you start another war with Arda, so help me I'll shove your head so far up your ass you'll be staring at your navel!"

There was a brief pause.

"Fine. But we're staying on alert anyway. The first hint of trouble, we're coming for you, Maia or no. And this time I won't stop until the whole bloody continent is glass."

She favored him with a few of her favorite curses, followed by a thorough examination of his questionable parentage.

"I love you, too."

Nathicana pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a slow breath before continuing. "I don't want to talk about that right now. I just wanted to let you know everything was fine. I miss you, Dev. And I promise when I get back I'll tell you all about it if you'll just settle down and be reasonable. Hell, I'll even let Shodey check me out if you're that damned paranoid. Nothing is wrong. They've all been painfully polite. It's just been ... difficult coming back here. You understand better than anyone."

"Thank you. I appreciate you saying that. And I'll pass word to your sister-in-mind." He paused again, and when he spoke again he sounded significantly less confident than normal. "What's...how is Naiya?"

That was the last question she'd expected from him, and her own pause showed it. "She's been fine, Dev. Thank you for asking. Konrad's family has really taken to her, if you can imagine. I think you'd be impressed with how she's carried herself."

"Good. Good." He hesitated again. "Marcus has hit his stride here. He ran his first meeting with our Ministers and came through with flying colors. You'd be proud of him. He's a natural-born politician."

"I was going to ask," she said, smiling warmly at the thought. "We've done well with him, haven't we?"

"Sometimes I think S.H.O.D.A.N. pulled a fast one on me, replaced my real son with this savant. It's scary, watching him in action."

"You're the one who wanted to make your boosts hereditary. Besides, you have more than enough natural talent, I'm not surprised how he's turned out. Replaced indeed." She hesitated before going to the question that immediately presented itself.

"And how's Nicholas managing?" All said with practiced nonchalance.

"Damned near got himself killed his first month on duty. Then I found out his CO was forging his reports to cover her ass. It's a mess."

"I assume you're taking care of that rather firmly?"

"It's no longer a problem. I want to pull him out of there, but he won't let me. Even hopped up on drugs he fought me. Stubborn as a mule."

Nathicana frowned at that, pausing again before going on in a neutral tone. "I'm glad he's okay. I don't suppose there's any other surprises I can look forward to when I get back?"

"I'm sure I can arrange something for you."

"I rather had a few things in mind myself. Perhaps we could put our heads together on that point?"

"Among other things, yes." He paused again. "You're sure you don't need me to call in the cavalry?"

"Goddammit, Dev! Will you stop that already? So help me, if I could reach through this line, I would--look. Do you want to talk to Massetti? He'll tell you straight enough all's well."

"Ben's staying in touch with him. I can wait for the official report."

There is a prolonged silence on her end as she turns the implications of that over in her mind, silently vowing to have words with Mas, at length, later. "You do that then," she finally says, with less confidence than she'd intended. "It's late, Dev. I probably ought to get some sleep."

"All right. I'm glad you called." He sounded a little bit sad, now. "Stay safe, Red."

"And you. Ti amo, mi amore." Nathicana cut the connection before her voice could break.

[New Hayesalia]

OOC: Would you mind just summing this up?

[Melkor Unchained]

OOC: Would you mind just summing this up?

OOC: It's... a little too complicated for that, but the gist of it is Nathi is visiting The Five Kingdoms/Arda (my country) about 20 or so years after being kidnapped and chained to a giant rock by my previous ruler, who as it turns out was Sauron's Boss. It's sort of a prologue for another story I/we are working on.

Some of the characters above (Konrad, Nadia, Alkanphel, various military personnel) are mine, but the central ones (Nathi, Naiya) are hers.

[Melkor Unchained]

Two Vzj'Nakai bodyguards stride ahead of the arriving shuttle and hold open a door a short distance away from a docking hatch on the upper level of Hammerfest Arena. The shuttle arrives in short order and its hatch is promptly pried open by Eli Stavinger, Nadia's diminutive assistant. "Come," he offers--almost as if in command--to Nadia, Nathi, and their respective attendants. Their arrival is discreet; no flashing bulbs or microphones can be seen in the docking plaza as the Angsiyii and her guests climb out of the luxury shuttle.

"Here we are," announces Nadia with an amicable grin, offering a gloved hand with which to assist Nathi as she exits. "It's been a while since I've been here, actually," the Angsiyii remembers. "I don't think my seats last time were quite as nice as ours will be."
Nathicana accepts the offered hand with a nod of thanks, looking around anxiously at first, though settling in with more calm as she notes the state of the area. "You know, I've never been to a game. I know we've teams, or at least, I've heard we do, but I couldn't tell you anything about them offhand."

Nadia opens her mouth to respond, but is cut off by Stavinger, who is Johnny-on-the-Spot with a program thrust casually over his shoulder to the Imperatrice. "It's the first game of the season, as it would happen," offers the man as he leads the party to the double doors, held open by the two Vzj'Nakai guardsmen, frozen with their arms extended in salute. "Every year the season starts with a contest between the Amestris Rangers and the Volandstad Sea Dogs." He turns halfway back to face the Imperatrice and flashes a grin. "I've been a fan of the game for many years now," he explains, "and its always a fun game to watch. Both teams like to think it sets the pace for the rest of the year."

"Grazie," Nathi says, accepting the program and thumbing through it with interest. "So, being the first game, I'd imagine the crowd is going to be rather animated. Dare I ask who the favored team is?" She was feeling much better after a good night's sleep. And she couldn't help but again notice how gracious her hosts had been. They'd gone as far as to accommodate her need for a feeling of safety, without complaint. She could see four of her guardsmen on site already, watching over their arrival even as Massetti and Pascalli exited the shuttle behind her.

"I would guess the odds-makers would pick Amestris, if only narrowly. Both are among the best, but we're in Amestris so they get last change."

"Last change ... I'm afraid you'll have to coach me through this, Nadia," she replies with a soft laugh. "I'm going to be hopelessly lost. One wants to get that little puck thing into the opposite net, yes? That's probably the extent of my knowledge."

"Home ice confers two advantages," explains the Angsiyii as they descend the stairs. "First, your bench is closer to the opposing goal for the first and third periods, which means your line changes come off on a more favorable side so as to potentially establish control of the neutral zone. The second--and arguably more important--is that the home team puts their skates on the ice second after a whistle, which means when play stops the home coach can get the matchups he wants."

Nathicana nods as Nadia walks her through some of the basics, filing those facts away much the same way as she did facts in her meetings. "It seems to be a more tactical game than I would have guessed. In a game as rough as hockey though, how on earth does one determine fair play? Isn't it the point to bash the hell out of the other guys while getting the ... what is it, goal?"

"We have some basic rules in place to protect our athletes of course, but most contact is fair play," replies the Angsiyii. "As with anything else, using an excessively physical strategy carries with it a set of advantages and disadvantages." They reach a lift, and Stavinger holds the door open for them as a Vzj'Nakai guardsman dials in the appropriate commands. "Some teams like to forecheck a lot--" she gestures with a thrust of her hand--"meaning they like to press into their offensive zone and pressure their opponents behind their own net. Sometimes this creates key turnovers down low, but sometimes your offense will over-commit and it can create a breakout in the other direction. Physical teams tend to favor the forecheck, and the Sea Dogs are said to be strong at it. We tend to allow hits and even fighting to an extent, but league officials take injuries pretty seriously." She shrugs. "To answer your question, I guess its mostly discretionary. The fans expect a certain amount of rough-and-tumble action, so it's tolerated as a strategic vehicle--just not as a means to injure opponents. In the end it's mostly discretionary, and as with most sports I imagine fans of any one team or another imagine they get screwed at various points."

It's clear that Nathicana is interested in the dynamics by the way her expression changes as Nadia explains and demonstrates, her grin increasing now and then, seeming to relax a bit once they're inside the lift. "So theoretically, you can get away with just about anything short of murder, so long as it doesn't injure, or look as if you were intending to?" she asks slyly.

"Pretty much," answers the Angsiyii matter-of-factly. "The fans expect it, it adds to the game--so we allow it for the most part. But, That doesn't mean you can just haul off and whack the other team's leading scorer in the face just because you might be on the wrong end of a beating."

The lift leads the Angsiyii and her party straight to their private box, which despite the Ardan preference for spartan decor is pretty lavish. The rooms are dominated with heavy oak furniture, but contrast the more modern fixtures like the bar; shaped like a crescent with the convex side facing the ice. The floor behind the bar and in the kitchen area is a light hardwood, but the rest of the box is laid with thick, dark carpeting. The seats in the viewing area much more resemble overstuffed recliners than arena seating, with no one of them standing out among or in front of the others.

"I rather think I'm looking forward to this," Nathi says, taking in the comfortable box with a smile. "Any particular seat you'd prefer, Nadia? You've got an amazing setup here. And Mas, if you would, ice water." The man nods, letting the others in the group to quietly spread out, taking places in out of the way locations that still allow for proper coverage.

"No preference," she announces, gesturing Mas towards the proper cabinets. "We'll have to do the usual public appearance crap--you know, wave at the crowd and whatnot before the game." The Angsiyii steps behind the bar and drags some liquor off the shelf. Hastily she and Stavinger start making gin martinis. "I was toying with dropping the puck, but decided against it. For once, I think I'd prefer not to be the center of things if at all possible."

Massetti nodded a quiet acknowledgement and made his way over to retrieve the glass, pausing as he took one out. He noted the Angsiyii was already attending to business, so carries on, filling the glass halfway with ice, and letting the water run for a moment before filling it just short of the top.

Nathicana meanwhile judiciously takes a seat off-center, reserving that priviledge for her hosts. She settles in with a content sort of sigh, thanking Mas for the water when he brings it over, and taking a moment to sip slowly before replying. "Sometimes it's more satisfying to watch things play out from behind the scenes rather than get embroiled directly," she says, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Of course that applies to a number of things, and no doubt Nadia knows it all too well.

"Don't I know it," answers Nadia flatly. "That's how I spent most of the revolution--watching from behind the scenes. When Konrad and I wed, no one had any expectation that we'd actually be Angsiyan and Angsiyii at any point in our lives, which is why our eldest children are all daughters." She picks up a finished martini with either hand and walks carefully into the viewing area, with Stavinger following closely behind, suddenly in possession of an Ardan flag. "Even if you don't want to drink tonight, keep this handy for when they put us on the jumbotron," advises the Angsiyii as an aside. "People will buy more booze that way."

"It still amazes me how Konrad managed to keep his family so well protected through all of that mess. I never had a clue. Still, it does go a long ways in explaining why he fought so hard," Nathicana accepts the drink gracefully, setting her water down to the side and tactfully out of sight. Her expression is carefully neutral all the same, given the memories elicited. "The man had a lot he was fighting for. He always was rather driven, I remember. Not to mention, quite dedicated to you, apparently."

"Originally the revolution was meant to take a much different character," explains Nadia with a sidelong glance to Nathicana as she takes the seat to her left. "Open fighting only broke out when it did on account of several unforseen factors, not the least of which was Arkanfel. He didn't know anything about us until you entered the equation."

One sculpted brow arches up curiously at the reference. Nathi takes a careful sip of the martini - a new drink in her experience - and decides to carefully probe, as the point had been brought up. "Those were ... interesting times," she begins cautiously. It's clear the subject makes her uncomfortable, but she continues all the same. "I admit, I didn't realize what all I'd started in encouraging the man the way I did. And I certainly didn't anticipate all the actions or the direction he took with your citizens. I'm glad Konrad was able to turn that around. As we discussed at the time, in no way would I have made an appropriate banner-holder for Ardan freedom. All in all, I'm pleased he took up the reins the way he did. You've handled it all admirably, the both of you."

Stavinger begins to unfurl the flag and busily sets himself to pinning it up behind the seated party. The opulence of the royal box behind them was not something Konrad or Nadia saw fit to advertise, as its layout and decoration clearly outstripped the 'normal' suites that lined the executive level of the arena. The flag provided both concealment and a good backdrop, as it was hardly every day that the Angsiyii entertained a foreign head of state at Hammerfest Arena and it was important to the royal couple that this be put in the proper context.

It isn't difficult for Nadia to detect that the topic generates distress for the Imperatrice, aware of the physical and emotional torment that was involved. For all the threat she felt her own family had faced at the time, Nathi's was much more in the middle of things. "Look..." she starts, shifting her shoulders ever so slightly toward the Dread Lady. "Between you, me, and the fencepost, your involvement with Arkanfel caused a shitstorm within the revolutionary camp. I don't think any reasonable man blames you entirely for the situation, but for many nobles you're a symbol of the circumstance, and it can't be denied that the situation with you and Arkanfel--and later with him and Sirithil of all people--forced our hand."

The Angsiyii carefully sets down her martini on the armrest behind her and continues. "As I said, it was originally intended for us to take a much more protracted approach. Arkanfel's involvement--whether you were attached to him or not--turned our entire plan on its ear. We couldn't and wouldn't ever have gone after him under the circumstances, but if he wanted the throne," she squares her shoulders back to the ice and sits fully back in her chair, gesturing outwards briefly with both hands in mock exasperation, "it was his, and there wasn't anything we could have possibly done about it."

Now it all came together, though the more traditional pronunciation of the Maia's name shakes her slightly. Nathicana listens to the explanation with perhaps surprising intensity, noting nuances in Nadia's speech and expressions. "I think I understand," she begins quietly. "At the time Nadia, I had no idea that his rule had already stirred up any movement towards rebellion. If I had, perhaps ..."

She waves off the rest of that thought. Might have, would have, could have - none of these things meant anything now. "I do know that he never spoke of or seemed to pursue any aspirations for the throne. From an outside perspective, he seemed to be using his influence to inspire the people, and those who'd served under him in his former position to achieve an end. Stability, safety, and an end to his influence. That's all I ever saw in the man's efforts."

"It's true, Arkanfel never explicitly declared any intention of ruling Arda." Her eyes swing to Nathi. "But he never declared any intention of abdicating either--" she stops for a moment and shrugs "--he couldn't. His actions, both in rebellion and in his relationship with you, were very popular among the common population. My involvement--the nobility's involvement--our funding and planning, was entirely unknown to them. With one stroke, he both galvanized the lower classes and threw our entire plan into complete disarray."

"Then it's a damned good thing it all turned out as it did," Nathi replies, looking away as she tries to smooth away a frown.

"Mmm" offers Nadia simply, with a half nod, busy as she was with her martini.

"It also explains Konrad's reaction at the time, though I thought he was simply doing what was needed," notices the Imperatrice. "Alkanphel had accomplished what was needed for your group to succeed, and in one swift action, he gave your cause a martyr for the common people and those loyal to him to fight on for, and removed himself cleanly from the equation." She leaves the other part of that unspoken, really not wanting to get into what might have happened had she herself not all too willingly stepped back from the potential spotlight that had been waiting, and firmly backed Konrad in his efforts. Alkanphel's current position, or lack thereof more to point, made more sense than ever.

"Arkanfel was no small source of disagreement between Konrad and I," admits Nadia. "While neither of us were prepared to assume rule of Arda ourselves, the entire revolution was predicated on the principles of our own sovereignty rather than an Ainur's. I think Arkanfel realized that; whether before or after his death I can't say. I realize it may sound unfair to you in saying this, but had he not died things would have been much more complicated for us. Like any other Ardan, I suppose, I was sad to see him go inasmuch as he was a symbol for our entire movement. But politically? It couldn't have happened better."

Nathicana shakes her head slowly, raising one hand in a placating manner. "You needn't apologize, Nadia. What I said wasn't an accusation, simply an observation. I won't deny it, it solved several problems for myself as well, while opening up others at the same time. You aren't the only ones who mourned, all the same. Though no doubt, given prior history, those outside your borders were likely understandably few in number. I'm still adjusting to the idea that he's back. As for his intentions, I'd imagine his actions since returning likely lend weight to what you said about the principles of your own sovereignty."

For the first time, she takes a slow, steady sip of the drink she's been holding, her expression carefully neutral. Nadia perks up at something the arena announcer is saying in Dunnish over the loudspeaker, and gently shakes Nathi's free hand. "We're on," she announces quietly, before beaming brightly and waving to the crowd, who swells in applause as their image is displayed. Stavinger stands behind where Nathi and Nadia are seated, looking up at the Jumbotron with his hands behind his back. Massetti had quietly taken a seat to Nathi's right during the discussion, with two of her guardsmen sitting behind them as unobtrusively as possible. The other three had remained behind the flag, keeping a quiet eye on the exit, information fed back and forth between them over Spook. Nathicana looks over briefly at Nadia, then smiles pleasantly as well, looking out at the display.

It wasn't hard to see that the Angsiyii was popular with the people. They cheer long and hard, and eventually Nadia leans over to Nathi and mutters, with half an eye still on the Jumbotron: "You know, I can't help but occasionally get anxious being seen in public wearing a garment in which I've been fucked," she offers bluntly. "It can be somewhat disconcerting."

Nathi's reaction is as immediate as it is unrestrained. For the first time on this trip, she laughs out loud, her hand going immediately to her mouth, momentarily hiding her broad grin as she tries to sort out an answer. She opts for simple truth. "Good God, Nadia," she manages between continued giggles, looking between her host and the large display, going so far as to wave to the cameras. "If I worried about that, I swear I'd have to go naked, or simply never be seen."

"Yeah well..." Nadia trails off as the din dies down and the cameras cut away. "I have to wear this thing pretty much constantly," she points out, perhaps reflexively glancing down and brushing invisible dust off of her charcoal gray Guardis Imperica uniform. "In order to be taken seriously as a co-ruler with Konrad, my persona needs to be attached to the military. You may recall I wore a dress for the Machiavelli concert, but what you probably don't know is what a ruckus it caused. But in spite of what controversy it may have spawned," she raises her hands, and plucks alternately at the sleeves of her uniform, "I hate playing with sleeves on."

Gradually getting her laughter under control, wiping away a random tear in the process, Nathicana nods, understanding all too well. "Ah, yes. Whatever would we be without our militaries? Thankfully I've been able to long move past all that silliness, and do what I please. With your strong personality and presence, Nadia - and I mean that with respect - I shouldn't think it will have to last. You look sharp in uniform. You looked stunning in that dress. To hell with the malcontents."

"Besides," she continues, her smile taking a sly turn. "I'll warrant Konrad's attentions were threefold after seeing you like that, in public no less, having performed so well. Worth a bit of controversy, no?"

The Angsiyii cracks a grin and reaches for her drink as the puck drops below. Immediately the crowd begins hooting, and the sounds of play and cheer fill the arena. "It always helps to have a little bit of an angry character, I admit." Behind them, Stavinger clears his throat and casually walks towards the aisle on his left. "And for that I'll endure--" she pauses to exchange a frank look with Nathi-- "or create any number of circumstances." She casually sips her martini again. "Alchemy can't do everything."

Nathi's eyes go to the rink as the crowd lights up, watching the interplay closely, though she manages the occasional quick glance at the woman sitting next to her. "Better to be feared than loved if one cannot have both?" she asks wryly. "We've more common ground than some might think, Nadia. No doubt much to their detriment." She leaves the Alchemy talk for now, aware that there are some things she has all too little solid knowledge of, but that she needs to find out all the same. Pleasant conversation simply wasn't the time. And besides, the game was on in earnest.

"So Nadia, how would you feel about a friendly little wager?" she asked, changing the subject. "I find any conflict is more interesting when you've something personal on the line."

"A wager?" asks the Roark Empress, her eyebrows darting up as a grin spreads across her face. Her family had long held a reputation as one of Arda's most mercantile, and it was a sensibility she most certainly shared. Wagers--friendly or otherwise--were always welcome endeavors, assuming one had the faculties to execute them correctly. "What did you have in mind?"

Nathicana grins broadly.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

After all the waiting and anticipation, Naiya D'Aquisto, heir apparent to the Dominion, could hardly believe she had a seeing stone within her grasp. It was exhilarating. It was frightening. But standing there with the man she was finally getting to know as her father, she knew it was what she wanted.

The palantír itself was a dark, smooth globe, its surface flawless. The darkness it seemed to contain revealed nothing, and promised everything, as if all the mysteries of the universe lay hidden in its depths – which, for all she had learned of it, it very well might.

Alkanphel had told her what he could of the stones. How they could could see through walls or other obstacles just so long as there was sufficient light on the other side of it. One might view the past if one’s will were strong enough. And with enough effort and force of will, one might even glimpse possible futures, though there were no guarantees that what was seen would come to pass. Nor did he encourage that particular track.

According to wisdom on the matter, the stones had to be properly oriented, and grounded, which was why the Maia had insisted it had to be used where it was. Apparently, each face, or aspect, looked in a specific direction, and the orientation of the stone and the viewer affected the visions. Something, if she understood, about polarization, and the alignment of axis and the sort. It was a serious enough topic that she’d given it heed. The stones were in no danger of going anywhere, but one never knew what the future might bring – which was exactly why her father had cautioned about looking too closely in that direction.

She still wasn't certain of everything she wished to see, if it worked at all. The brief experiences she'd had with magical devices seemed to indicate she had more than enough raw potential, and her father had confirmed as much himself. Whether destiny, or direction, he had made the arrangements to give her the opportunity, following up on the discussion they had shared while still on Machiavelli.

Potential. A measure of control even, of the things that had seemed to flicker just beyond her reach all those years of growing up without guidance. The intuitions, the urges, the anger. Perhaps overcoming those barriers was the first step in finally feeling whole. At least, that's what she'd convinced herself into believing.

More importantly, unlike years ago, it should be safe. There was no dark god lurking, waiting to ensnare her mind. The traps and pitfalls weren't there. Not in that regard at least. She had nothing to fear, not here, not now, and certainly not with Alkanphel watching over her.

Breaking from her quiet meditations, Naiya tooka slow, steadying breath, rubbing the tips of her fingers against her thumbs. Then, with a feather-soft touch, she layed her hands on the cold, flawless surface of the dark stone.

At first, there was nothing save a sense of something there. As she focused her thoughts, she felt a shift. There was no need to move the stone. She could feel that it was properly aligned, could somehow sense the connection. All the same, it felt like pushing through molasses at first to tap into it. The darkness inside the polished sphere's murky depths seemed to shift and swirl before finally coalescing into a hazy scene that became more clear as she focused her thoughts.

The first test had been simplicity itself to choose. Her mother sat with the Angsiyii, surprisingly laughing and smiling, looking more relaxed than she had seen her in days. A smile touched her own lips at that, validation in a way for her insistence that the trip was necessary - and not just for herself. She had a moment of regret for how harsh she had been with the fiery woman. Perhaps she hadn't been entirely fair. With some reluctance, she let the vision go, taking a couple of steps to the side.

A second test, one as simple in it's target as the first in her mind, was required. It still took effort, but it didn't feel as hard the second time. A strong, graceful figure with thick, dark hair came into view. There was a resemblance to be sure, though his features favored his father's side. She knew that face almost as well as she knew her own.

"Marcus," she murmured softly, perhaps a bit wistfully. She had missed him terribly in the months since he'd gone to finish his preparations in Treznor. Naiya wanted to reach through the image and embrace him, to talk to him face to face and share what all they had been up to as they had all their years growing up. He looked troubled as he sat at his desk, though it wasn't immediately clear why.

Intruding further felt wrong. Again, she released the image, sighing softly at the ache she felt in doing so. Her thoughts wandered then, and in a moment of misdirected focus, the scene settled on a short, indefinably ugly man, also sitting at a desk. His dark hair was shot with grey, his face set in an expression she knew all too well as he poured over his work. The setting was unfamiliar to her - she had never seen his offices in Devonton. The simple realization hurt more than it should. As did the painful memories and confused emotions that came with it all.

The 'why' behind his animosity and stubborn refusal to have anything to do with her had become more clear over time, given the fights, the padded explanations. The argument between her parents on the station had cemented it. She was bitter all the same. All those wasted years, all her efforts to prove herself worthy of at the very least, his attention. It wasn't her fault. Hadn't she tried? Hadn't she in fact, excelled? Hadn't she striven to show him how wrong he was by being anything but the monster he feared time and again?

Her anger built as she stared at the image of the man she had for years known as the father she could never have. He had denied her so much, hurt her so deeply. And for the sake of her mother, she had hidden as much as she could. It wasn't fair. No one should have to grow up like that. She shouldn't have to deal with it now. It wasn't fair that Marcus had grown up with two loving parents, and she had been denied that same blessing. For every point that Marcus excelled at, she had pushed herself as well. There were even things she did better, but it never seemed to matter. Why couldn't he accept her for who she was, not what she was? Her brother did. Her mother did. So many of their friends did. Her father did unequivocally, as had Konrad and his family upon getting to know her.

"Damn you, why couldn't you love me too?" she whispered aloud, her jaw quivering. She shouldn't be punished for the situation surrounding her conception. And that was what she had to prove to herself. She had to know what had happened. Not in his words. Not in her mother's words. Not even in her father's words. She had to see for herself. She would see for herself.

It was as if a floodgate opened inside her, starting at the very center of her being. She gasped at the sudden surge of energy, letting it fill her, letting it flow out into the connection she shared with the stone. Her eyes not only shone, they glowed. And in the depths of the palantír, the images began to appear.

Fueld by her anger, the scenes were brief, sharp, almost painful in their detail before moving rapidly to the next. She could almost feel the emotions of each, the visions were so tangible. Foremost in her thoughts was why, and how. And to the best of it's ability, the stone responded.

Her mother's downtown offices. The subtle lock of a door. The shift in mood. The seemingly accidental touch of a hand. All of it leading to images Naiya had a hard time reconciling with the strong-willed woman she knew as her mother, nor indeed, her newfound father. A shift to another time and place. The three of them, Alkanphel, Nathicana, Treznor, arguing heatedly at a table. Treachery, mistrust, outright animosity while ending on a handshake.

Her mother and Treznor huddled together in the dark, bedraggled, weary. His arm around her supportively, his expression tender. Hers, haunted.

A lounge aboard Aunty Shodey's ship, the Bitstreams of Mercy. Her mother, Treznor, the mechanoid queen, speaking in earnest. The revelation of her genetic differences. Her mother's defeated expression, her palpable fear, her dogged insistence on keeping both fetuses. S.H.O.D.A.N.'s steady support and words of wisdom. His violent reaction, his impassioned arguments to have Alkanphel's spawn destroyed, to have her destroyed, as soon as possible. A room with two quiet tanks that seemed somehow familiar - one on its own, the other surrounded by strange wards and barriers at opposite sides of the area.

A series of images that run together in a theme, of meetings, and evenings spent in quiet pursuit. Earnest pursuit. The mistrust, the undeniable attraction all the same, the calculations of her mother at first directing the path of things, the eventual consummation, this time lead by her mother. All the while the two of them dancing carefully around one another, goading one another. The eventual strain of his thralldom. Her persistent prodding towards rebellion.

The sincere proposal of a man who had escaped death and created an empire all for the love of one woman. Her mother's sincere acceptance. The terrible consequence of her father's reaction on learning of it. The colossal fight in the streets between the two enraged men so desperately trying to kill one another with their own hands. Her mother's frantic interference, cradling a dying emperor in her arms. Her father's subsequent shame. Confrontation, mistrust, his confession of love and his initial subservience on account.

Violence and pain. A brutal abduction. The herculean efforts of two mortal enemies working together to make a rescue. The sacrifice of many for the one. The hopelessness, the terror, and the eventual fall. Her mother's desperate sobs. His stoic support. A body crumbling to ashes, swept away on the wind.

It was all there, and gone all too quickly. So much explained. So many more questions raised. The enraged energy that had been pouring through her stuttered and died, leaving her weak and empty. Naiya drew back from the darkened orb, taking several steps backward, and collapsing in a chair, her face pale, the light in her eyes once more absent. Her brow was wet with perspiration, her mouth was parched. For several minutes she sat in stunned silence, trying to take it all in, trying to assimilate it with the information she already had, with the experiences she'd had in growing up.

They hadn't lied, not so far as she could see. None of them. Not even him, which only made accepting it all that much more difficult. Their words were colored by experiences just as hers had been. Their reasons and motivations for much the same. Her life was intricately tied to three people who had all done terrible things, not the least of which to one another. Three people who were all to blame for what she had gone through. Who were all instrumental in who she had become.

And it was that thought alone that finally offered her clarity.

For all the pain, for all the doubts, the desperate pleas for validation, she was who she was because of what she'd been through. If who she had become was worth all she believed, it didn't matter if Devon accepted her or not. She came from a tragic yet powerful lineage, and within her rested the ability to do more, to become something greater than what she had previously believed. They had done the best they could with what they had available at the time, both her mother and Treznor operating under their own all too mortal limitations, while her father had struggled to come to terms with what his immortality had done to him. Each had been fettered by who and what they were. And she could either follow in their footsteps, make the same sorts of mistakes, or she could grasp her destiny and make it work for her instead. Where their acceptance had been bonds, hers could be freedom.

Naiya looked up at Alkanphel then, a newfound 'presence' seeming to surround her. There was no sense of menace, only a quiet strength, though eyes that had always seemed mature for her age shone softly.

"I think," she began softly, her own voice sounding strange in her ears. More resonant. More alive. "I think that I'm beginning to understand, father. And I think that now is the time for you to teach me more about my heritage, so that understanding might be complete."






Threads for reference where the more complete (and dear gods long) story can be found:
Swimming with the Sharks
All is Fair in Love and War
Against All Odds

[Melkor Unchained]

Naiya D'Aquisto wasn't sure what to expect, but that was half the fun of it all. She sat next to Edward Althalon, son and heir to Konrad and Nadia's New Arda, watching him curiously as they engaged in idle conversation. The Southron hookah lounge she found herself at was a warm and inviting place, full of rich color and carved niches, such as the one they were sitting in. Low lights, candles on the small table in front of the bench, filled with comfortable pillows, draped in curtains along the back and sides, all added to the air of mystery of the place. Which suited Naiya perfectly, piquing her sense of adventure.

"Thank you again for getting me out and about," she offers, shifting position slightly so she can face him more fully, one leg curled up underneath, the other dangling off the edge of their shared seat. She'd found she rather enjoyed watching him over the past week or so she'd gotten to know him, and saw no reason to not take advantage of the seating arrangement.

"It's the least I could do," answers Edward flatly, with an eye to the other patrons. "It pleases me to see that you're interested in our culture. So many..." he trails off for a moment. "So many prefer the conception that we Ardans have none." He glances back to Naiya, then blinks a few times as he turns back to face the chirping crowd, as if addressing them. "As dismal as it may at times be, here it is."

"Not at all," she replies sincerely, her eyes bright. "I've found it all rather intriguing. If not only for the fact too few have had the opportunity to learn more, I've my own motivations. Some may not appreciate it, but it's a part of my heritage as well. I'd like to learn all I can."

"I think some people suspect or expect more of us than they probably ought," retorts Edward as he waves off a waiter with a pinched brow. "For all the bluster, we're not terrifically different than any other group. Living under Morgoth certainly had its effects, but in the end analysis we all just want to live our lives and be content while we can." He reaches lifts a hookah hose and coaxes the smoke into his lungs.

"Not terrible aspirations, those," she observes. "I hope now that things have opened up more that others will take advantage and learn the truth for themselves firsthand. Granted, all I've ever known is what I've been told concerning the past. I haven't found it hard to accept the reality at all."

Damned if she didn't still have a hard time getting any sort of 'read' on the young man. His emotions were shrouded in a haze, something she'd come to expect from particularly strong minds. And she didn't trust herself to press for more. It felt invasive, wrong if it weren't readily offered. Still, one of his tells were the pauses and blinks. He had something on his mind. She reaches for the other hose, lifting it delicately in her right hand and taking an easy pull at the pipe, exhaling slowly before continuing. "People really aren't so different, in some things at least. I think I appreciate the more direct approach I've seen here, for example. Not that you aren't entirely capable of your own intrigues."

"No people are really 'that different'," opines Edward with another blink and a sidelong glance to the Principessa. "I don't suppose any common man has many desires beyond his own comfort and well-being." He pauses to reach for a glass of water. "Regardless of where he comes from."

Ah, there was something that had been niggling at her when she wasn't otherwise pleasantly distracted with his company. His attitude, his bearing reminded her of another young man she knew, one she’d grown up with in fact. Though in Edward’s case, there was no impotent anger behind any of it. Simply confidence. Naiya was mildly surprised to find it as attractive as she did, even while his words raised her ire. "And just what is it that makes a man common, do you think? Is it purely accident of birth? Is it something greater controlling man's destinies? Would you perhaps refer to my mother as 'common', due to the lack of recorded royal heritage going back generations, I wonder? If her history and rise to power is not a testament to what any common man desires or can accomplish, well ..." Naiya takes another slow pull at her pipe, her expression sedate in spite of her words, looking over at Edward with one brow arched up ever so slightly, then turned her head to politely exhale away from him, though her eyes never left his face.

"Forgive me," answers Edward with another sidelong glance. "I meant 'common' more in a numeric than social sense. I consider many of our own nobles to be 'common' men, for better or worse." He cocks his elbows outward just a touch, his hands resting on his thighs. "Still, pedigree counts as long as you make things work for yourself as well. Sometimes lineage offers automatic credibility; unless you ruin it of course. Other times, you have to lay the foundations yourself."

Naiya nods slowly, mulling things over in her head as she quietly accepts the apology. She hadn't expected things to turn philosohpical, but she had to admit, it intrigued her all the same. As did the subtle innuendos. "There are those who suggest our actions set us apart. Others, what we do with opportunities. Still others think fate decrees it, that one man is gifted and excels while another ekes out his life in squalor and obscurity. I'm certain we could name a number of long-lineaged leaders who we think are utter fools. As you seem to indicate, there are no guarantees."

"Our own history is replete with examples," offers Edward frankly. "It counts, but not for everything. Everything changes when one has a culture and reputation to protect. Everything from how you talk, what you do for fun, who you associate with. Even when we share the same basic instincts as those we rule, it's hard at times to act on them."

"You find the burden of responsibility onerous, Edward?" inquires Naiya, her tone cautious and curious. "There is a lot expected of those in our positions, I know. It doesn't always mesh easily; what we must do, what we need to do, and what we might want to do."

"It's not something I'd wish on any man," answers Edward flatly. "But at the same time I wouldn't entrust the task to him either. I suspect anyone who wants to rule has a hint of evil in them, and maybe I do." A pause and another sip. "Nevertheless, if you want something done right, do it yourself. Few are in a position to do so, but here I am."

Naiya slowly rolls the pipe between her fingers as he speaks, then takes another slow pull, exhales, and sets the pipe back on its rest. Her thoughts linger on 'evil', real and percieved, and on those last three words of his as well. "I think we all have a hint of evil in us somewhere. All the same, I believe I agree with you on those points. I'm often torn between disappointment in a lack of more serious duties, and relief it isn't my responsibility yet. My brother on the other hand, seems to feel he can save the world simply by willing it, bless his idealistic soul. He's likely the exception to that rule on 'evil inside'. I don't think it ever occurs to him."

"Mmm" Edward offers simply at first, his verbal abilities momentarily constrained again by the hookah. He pauses a moment, and smoke billows from his mouth before and during his response. "I doubt he's any kind of exception. If he was, I imagine he'd seek a simpler life and abdicate. Since he hasn't--" he glances again to Naiya before continuing, "I'd go so far as to say the man has demonstrated a willingness to rule. After all, even with the most noble intentions, executing one's will one way or the other is a moral statement in itself. We have that drive. You, me, Marcus..." A brief pause. "Are willing to rule and know we one day will."

The young woman doesn't argue, waiting for him to finish his thoughts. 'Drive' was certainly something she attributed to Marcus. He never seemed to do anything by half. He wasn't always as competent at everything as he might think, but he learned fast. She, now ... she had a drive of her own, though her methods were usually more careful than her brother's. "Have known since we can first remember at that. It does tend to shade one's perceptions. Willing, yes. Driven, agreed. And perhaps with something or other to prove in the end. Who knows." Naiya shrugs eloquently, reaching for her own glass and taking a sip before settling in a bit more comfortably against the cushions. "Perhaps in some cases, that's part of the drive."

"Everyone has something to prove," Edward insists, finally affixing his gaze on Naiya for a prolonged period. "At least at first--those of us who mean to accomplish things before we die. There's no 'perhaps' to factor, the way I see it."

Naiya meets his gaze with a steadfast look of her own, her light eyes focused, intense even. "I can think of several things I intend to accomplish," she says after a moment's contemplation. She'd been enjoying his company, and the hospitality of his family for most of the trip, after all. But this was the first time conversation had turned to more serious matters. Not the least of which being the points of lineage and image and intent. "Aside from the obvious then, Edward, what are some of those things you want to prove, or achieve?"

The Ardan prince pinches his brows. "Proving and achieving are two different things. I can 'prove' I'm not a coward by killing a challenger, but his death may accomplish nothing." Finally, he looks away from her and shrugs. "It may even 'earn' me a murderous revenge later." He looks to the hookah again and raises a torch to the bowl, pausing for a moment to inhale from the hose, gesturing to the other hose for Naiya to do the same. She reaches for her own pipe, taking her eyes off him just long enough to follow the movement of her hand. Her eyes slide back to his, once again fixing him with that steady gaze. She draws in the flavored smoke in a slow breath, then idly letting it out again while he speaks. After a moment, Edward sets the hose back down and waits to blow out his hit before continuing. "But to answer your question, I intend to build on what my father manages to accomplish before his death, whatever that ends up being. What I have to prove that I am capable of doing so in the meantime is situational and rather irrelevant, but not without its momentary value."

"A lofty goal. Your father has been a very vigorous ruler by all accounts. Still, situational, you say? Though not without at least momentary value?" Naiya asks casually, though she continues to watch him closely.

"Of course," Edward answers without pause. "One week I might be expected to settle a grain shipping dispute from Amestris to Umbar. The other a worker's strike in Gevaelia. Will either ever come up again?" he asks rhetorically with a shrug. "Who knows. But I have to prove that I can handle the situation, whether it's significant in the long run or not. Whether my efforts accomplish anything is a similar gamble. Proving one's worth is a requisite for success, but no guarantee."

"I've noticed much the same, though perhaps not to the degree of opportunity you've had," she admits, choosing her words deliberately as she grows more certain of the underlying game. "I suppose you run into similar needs with people now and then?"

"Sure I do," he answers quickly, reaching to the table in front of them and punching up a console with which to pay their bill. "That's done," he adds with a glance to the hookah. "Do you want anything else?"

One brow arches up slightly, and Naiya's lips hint at a nervous smile. She wasn't sure she was doing the right thing. Wasn't even sure she was seeing what she thought she had been with him. But the possibility intrigued her, as did he. She surprises herself a bit with her own boldness when she finally manages to answer. "Only one thing I can think of," she says softly, reaching across the short distance to lightly lay a hand on his knee. Edward lays his hand overtop hers for just a moment, but removes it promptly as he stands and steps aside. She shifts back quickly as well, rising smoothly to her feet and smoothing out her clothes out of nervous habit.

"This way," Edward instructs with a gesture and a hiked chin towards the back door and a subsequent wink to an unseen agent in the crowd. No further words are spoken, the two of them exiting the establishment in much the same manner they'd entered, though perhaps with a bit more purpose to their steps.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

Two bodies lay entwined in the dappled moonlight streaming in from the skylight overhead. Still gleaming with the sheen of perspiration, pale against the black sheets of the spacious bed, they rested, recovering from the efforts of the past several hours. Naiya shifts slightly, drawing the arm she’d had draped across Edward’s chest slowly across with trailing fingertips as she turns to look up at the night sky.

It had both been everything and nothing like what she’d expected or envisioned, and she found to her great relief that regret didn’t enter into the equation as she’d always feared. Resting contentedly in the crook of his arm, the odd sensation of combined exhaustion and satisfaction had her usual barriers down. The young woman glowed, quite literally. At least, her eyes, in a soft, flickering fashion that shifts as she drifts at the edge of consciousness.

Compared to the heat of his skin, the moonlight looks as if it should be bathing them in a chilled cascade given its pure ghostly color. She blinks slowly, then peers out again through heavy-lidded eyes, glancing around at the increasingly blurry details of the minimalist room she'd barely taken notice of on arrival. Simple black and white is the theme, pale teak flooring laid in neat, angled patterns, dark rugs laying neatly over them, a black inlaid board at the head of the bed; it all adds to the feel of warm, secretive darkness and cool, sterile light.

The light ... Her eyes flutter for a moment as she half struggles to keep herself awake. But that light just seems to call her somehow, drawing her into its chill embrace. There is something to it, just out of sight, just 'round the bend. It is almost as if ... almost ...

Naiya's eyes flicker again, then flare for a brief moment as she draws a breath in sharply, her muscles tensing, back arching up as it had not so long ago for entirely different reasons. Next to her, Edward stirs, glancing over with one eye half open. She blinks several times before looking over at him, not bothering to hide the presence of will she'd but recently discovered she'd had, trapped behind years of walls and defenses.

"I believe I've just had what alcoholics refer to as a 'moment of clarity'," she says in response to his unasked question, in a slightly breathless voice. "An epiphany, if you will."

"Is that what they're calling it?" he murmurs, somewhat amused as he strokes fingertips along her shoulder.

"I'm serious," she replies, gently nudging him in the ribs. "There's something I have to do."

Edward closes his eyes and shifts his shoulders, squaring to the ceiling and closing his eyes as if drifting off. "Mmm?"

Naiya turns fully onto her side, her eyes intense as she watches him for a reaction. What she's asking had been forbidden before, that she knew of. Otherwise she could have simply used the other to begin with. "The Osgiliath stone. I need to see it." She knows how out of the blue that must sound, especially so close on the heels of what all they'd done. Of all the pillow talk options out there, this had to be the most left field of the lot.

Edward pinches his brows and turns to face Naiya fully. "And what makes you think I could make that happen?"

"I would think you're one of the few people who could," she says, eyes still intent though she looks admittedly confused all the same. "But can or can't, perhaps you might know of a way I could manage. I don't ask this lightly, Edward. And I can't explain exactly how it is I know. It just ... well, it just sort of ... well, came to me."

"Mmm," Edward offers again, sinking back into the bed. "Be that as it may, it's not an easy request to fulfill. A view through the Osgiliath stone is reserved for our nearest friends and family. It is not a privilege we take lightly. I myself have only used it a handful of times."

"Have you now?" Naiya idly traces her fingertips along his stomach as she contemplates all that. Still, her light touch doesn't match her determined words. "My father has tried to explain, tried to teach me what he could about these things, but it isn't the same as having grown up around it all. Have you ever used the other, then? The Orthanc stone, here? Was it so terribly different?"

"I've not had occasion to yet," he answers. "I've been at academy here for about the last 9 months, but I've not had use for it. The master stone can contact the Valar, which the Orthanc stone cannot; also it can show what anyone else using a palantir is looking up." He shrugs and gestures. "If my father had been using it at the time, for example, he might have been able to see what you did."

Her hand stops at the mention of Valar, her breath catching for a brief moment. Her motions start again when he mentions his father, her face growing more serious. More cautious. "Likely he'd have seen not much more than he already knew, or guessed," she says quietly, frowning a bit as she works over possible implications. "I suppose allowing a potential unknown access wouldn't have been in his best interests, yes. I'd thought the viewing the other was enough. As for your Valar ... I still struggle with the concept. Contact them, indeed? Why, have you?"

"No," he answers flatly, without much of a pause. "It's merely an ability that the Orthanc stone lacks. Of the seven stones to come to Middle Earth, only a few of them can look to the West. The Osgiliath stone is one of them."

"Even having used one, even with everything my father has taught me, I still find this all strange. Hard to take in, if you will," she continues, shifting a bit closer. A bit of comfort while she tries to come to grips with things, tried to find some answers, wouldn't be amiss after all. "When you father denied us access to the Osgiliath stone, I didn't think anything of it. I wouldn't be asking now if not for ... dammit, man. I don't know the why of it. I just know it needs to be done. And that probably doesn't make any sense at all to you, lacking context."

Edward deftly squeezes Naiya's thigh and half-grins. "It makes enough sense, I expect," he offers simply, inhaling deeply before glancing to her again. "Has this happened before?" he asks frankly, raising a hand to her face and stroking it softly. "With your eyes?"

"My what?" she replies, confused at first, then oddly enough blushing, dropping her gaze for a moment. She gathers her scattered thoughts and wildly fluctuating emotions, falling back on tried and true methods of self control - at least in reining in relatively new-found abilities. She lets her hand slide lower for a teasing squeeze of her own though most definitely not along his thigh, looking back to him with a smile that gradually turns mischievous. "Perhaps not quite like. But then, I'd never done all this before either."

"You do realize," Edward starts before grinning fully at last, playfully swatting away Naiya's adventurous hand, "That no clear move could be made that way without also making it clear I endorsed your reading of the master stone." Her hand now restrained, he reciprocates her grope and kisses her just long enough for his last to sing in. "If no one had any idea what's happening now, or what you saw previous, they'd certainly be inclined to find out."

Naiya smiles against his lips, reaching up for another kiss while she draws her leg up over his in a slow, teasing manner. "Why my dear prince. Surely you couldn't be blamed if I were to say, be a guest who just happened to stumble upon the thing, could you? Barring that, perhaps you could just claim I betwitched you or some such. Used some terrible Maia powers and forced you to let me. I wouldn't want you getting into trouble over little old me ... though I would be very ... very grateful all the same." She lets her further efforts punctuate her words, leaving no doubt to her sincerity, or meaning.

Edward looses a reflexive laugh, but coaxes the Principessa's motions. "Don't get ahead of yourself. You've seen the movies, right? With the casino vaults? It's like that." Edward's face tightens at a shift of Naiya's and he grabs her thigh. "Under the circumstances, clout would be a better lynchpin than chicanery. In due time, of course."

She giggles a bit at the continued play, never quite forcing the issue but pressing now and then for a bit more all the same. "You did tell me earlier that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. And reminded me that few were in a position to do so - but, here you are."

"Yes," he answers simply, "and I've done what I want." he grins more broadly and grabs her by the shoulder. "To go very much beyond that will require some thought and ... attention."

Arching a brow, she pauses and licks her lips slowly. Her eyes take on a more calculating look as she watches him, though she still smiles shamelessly while she teases him. "Ah, I see. So we're past the heady spur of the moment, and well into negotiations now, are we? If you've done what you want, one wonders what I have to barter with, hmm? Not, I'll note, that I haven't gotten quite a lot out of the exchange thus far myself. Remind me next time to have these little moments of clarity before things move too far apace."

"I'm not so simple in my needs," Edward answers sharply with a contrary smirk and a quick pinch. He's rewarded with a little yelp and a playful smack in return. "But like I said, a look through the master stone is not something my parents take lightly, and sneaking around them will accomplish nothing considering their subsequent access to it." He hikes up his chin ever so slightly. "But that need not mean all is lost. Many of our nearest and dearest have need to venture through the stone, after all."

"The very fact you seem willing to help is encouraging," she says, smiling wryly. "You suggest asking them outright then? If they turned down Alkanphel - one of their 'near and dear' might I add - what's to keep them from denying my request?"

"Our request, you mean?" shoots back the Ardan prince, a brow raised. "I can think of a couple reasons, considering events."

"Our request then," she says more softly than before, leaning in to kiss him gently, enjoying the reassurance more than she likes to admit. "Grazie. Do you mind sharing these reasons, just so we're on the same page? You know them better than I."

"Might they not see that you're simply attempting to use me?" Edward asks frankly. "We've still only known each other a short time, and both you and your mother are expected to leave soon. What answer other than 'no' could we possibly expect, after their examination of events so far?"

"Granted, I see how that could be construed," she admits, wrinkling her nose a bit at the idea. "But as we'd already done what we've done prior to the asking, and as I don't see you as a weak sort of man to be lead around by his cock regardless of who was doing the tugging, I find it a weak argument. Hence my original suggestion of subterfuge. Better to ask forgiveness than permission, at times. Truly, Edward. I don't want you to stick your neck out too far if it's going to cost you. I just know it's something I have to pursue."

"We," Edward emphasizes again, flipping Naiya underneath him as he plants his arms down on either side of her shoulders. "Though we still seem to have some differences as to method," he offers with a grin. "Perhaps we'll have enough time to sort them out?"

Naiya looks up at him, her breath already coming faster in anticipation. She reaches up to grasp his shoulders, not batting an eye. "I would imagine it may take several evenings deeply engaged in all manner of planning," she replies steadily.

"Several at least," Edward answers with a snicker. "And if we're lucky, we may even find ourselves a solution. Though I imagine we have quite a bit to work through in the meantime."

"Best get to it then," she murmurs, drawing him in for an eager kiss that put an answer to the question rather succinctly, effectively stifling further discussion.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

The arrangements were taking far longer than had been anticipated. Granted, such things took time, and granted, delays were to be expected while leaders made their arrangements, and her own forces were no exception. Cesare was still furious with her decision to attend personally. No doubt Devon would be less than pleased, in spite of sending their son as well. She’d avoided speaking to him directly as things progressed and the situation changed. She’d also avoided as much discussion in front of Massetti and the others as much as possible, knowing he’d soon hear of it after.

Amidst the other concerns coming in, one heavily-encoded message had occupied her attentions. It was an unwelcome distraction amongst the rest, granted. And it dredged up a number of uncomfortable truths and memories she’d just as well leave in the past. But that ship had sailed. Another reason she didn’t want to talk to Treznor. It was all his fault after all. His fault the old bastard found out in any case. His fault Jas insisted on pressing her for answers. Making her say what she had.

Jas was not a man to forget. And damned if it seemed he hadn’t gone after that bit of info like a shark to blood. The message was simple enough, and it gave her no comfort.

Neg confirm/deny current status, M.
C is solid. Home and hearth, girl. Get to it.

Well damn him, and damn Cesare, and damn that damnable Devon Treznor to boot. She’d not had the nerve to follow up on the other Kordiyeh; the one who’d looked so like that beast. There had been the Elara issue come up, Calabrese had handled negotiations well, and for all intents and purposes, he’d be off-world with nary a need for her to interact again in any case.

Nathicana poured herself a double shot of Ardan scotch, making a mental note to have a case shipped to Devon anyway. He was so fond of the beastly stuff, after all. Perhaps it’d do him good to see at least something coming out of the place wasn’t about to poison him. Beastly by comparison to her preferred drinks, at least. But with enough, it did the trick, and faster than wine by far. It wasn’t a nightly ritual in any case. Not every night. Only those she had trouble sleeping through. And never so much as to make herself truly sick. Not this time. She was too stubborn and proud to ask for more sedatives. Besides, Mas would worry. And thus, Devon would worry.

She would leave Naiya again in the care of her father, and Konrad’s family. They’d been good to them, she had to admit. However odd that might have seemed not too long ago. Perhaps it was dangerous, naïve even to let her range as far afield as she had, but again, this was likely her last opportunity to do so. And she could see no advantage whatsoever to anyone here harming the girl. Given their own guards, their usual military tendencies, and the fact she was never truly alone, she’d offered the freedom as an unspoken peace offering. And Naiya had gladly accepted it.

Perhaps she’d ask her to come back to the palace at least while they were at the negotiations. With herself and the ruling couple out of the country, it would make her feel that much better about the arrangements, at the very least. She made a note of it, poured herself another double, and drained it quickly.

“That’ll do,” she murmured, making her way to the comfortable bed, and stretching herself out on it and closing her eyes. From the adjoining room, Mas scrubbed a hand through his hair, letting out his breath from between pursed lips. Another notation was made for a later report. He didn’t feel guilty for it, nor did he feel it was any sort of betrayal. They were all interested in keeping her safe, after all. And by damn, the man had more than earned the right to know just how things sat.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

To pull it all down and start again
From the top to the bottom and then
I'll have faith or I prefer
To think that things couldn't turn out worse

--And Then, Depeche Mode

Naiya stretches out across the cool sheets of the bed, yawning broadly. Her host had been up at the crack of dawn needing to attend classes, but he'd assured her she was welcome to stay. Encouraged it, even, telling her to get some rest and make herself at home. Had she been back in Daturias with her mother, the idea might have been unthinkable, but as it stood, she'd been staying with her father. And he had shown a decided preference for allowing her to do as she liked, so long as it didn't seem immediately dangerous or generally unwise. Doing the smart thing and at least checking in with him the night previous when things seemed to be heading in the direction she'd eventually followed confirmed that impression. He wasn't stupid. No doubt he knew exactly what was going on, but he hadn't said much more beyond 'be careful' and 'have a good time' concerning it all in the end.

She'd done both, much to her satisfaction.

Getting up from the bed, she stretches again, then makes her way across to the closet, borrowing a shirt that was a good deal too big for her and sliding it on. She didn't feel like getting dressed entirely just yet, but for some reason felt odd wandering about without something or other on. Surely he wouldn't mind too much, all things considered. And though she had no intention of truly prying, surely he wouldn't mind her looking around a bit. He had said to make herself at home, after all.

First she finds the kitchen, and gets some tea started. It still amazed her that he'd been so wide awake and ready to get to class after ... well, after everything. That still prompts a smile. Somehow, it all fit with what she knew of him so far. The man was certainly dedicated, just as driven as anyone she knew in his intentions. And neat, organized. The more she saw of his apartment, the more she had to wonder if he tended to it all himself, or had someone take care of it for him. The observation is another point in his favor, regardless. The minimalist theme is a pleasant change, now she has the opportunity to get a better look, and in a better light. Even the simple note he's left is a positive indicator.

Sipping her tea thoughtfully, she pads quietly over to the front room, pausing to take a look around, wriggling her toes comfortably in the soft black rug laid out there.

What immediately catches her attention is a large hardback book laying out on the coffee table just in front of the simple black couch. The cover is in red and black, with the title of 'A New Arda: The Revolution in Pictures', and more interestingly, a picture of what seemed to be a younger Nadia and Konrad. Curious, she walks around to sit down on the edge of the couch, setting her tea aside and gently picking up the book for closer inspection.

The Angsiyii is wearing an expression the young heiress had never seen. Anxiety, her? Surely not. The woman was tough as nails so far as she'd seen. More than enough to give her own mother a run for her money, in her estimation. She looks ... vulnerable here. Nervous, even. Konrad is grinning, looking rather pleased with himself, shouting at someone off camera. Nadia is clinging to him, looking at the camera like a deer caught in the headlights.

Well this is new ...

Naiya gently opens the cover and begins leafing through, to the description of the cover picture first. Careful not to spill, she takes an occasional sip of tea while she quietly peruses.

This is among the most famous pictures ever taken of the royal couple in February of 533, less than an hour after their official coronation at the Serechav, which was at the time still under construction. An instant icon for post-war sentiment, the newly minted Angsiyii wears an expression that stands in sharp contrast to her husband's. Konrad exudes a boisterous confidence, shouting with a grin to some or other off-camera acquaintance. His wife, however, seems to display a different attitude. Clinging to the Angsiyan desperately, she reflects the more frenetic side of post-war Arda. Victory was something to be celebrated of course, but its realization carried with it fantastic responsibilities and the Angsiyii is clearly wondering if she is up to them. Like the rest of Arda, she found herself clinging to a vigorous personality, and she could only hope the Angsiyan could handle peace as well as he did war.

It is a different take on what she'd seen to date, to be certain. And it brings up a number of questions and considerations she hasn't thought through entirely during the more dry reading of some of the history books and articles she's managed to gather for reading. It strikes her that if more people could see the more personal side to so many stories, their impressions might well be different from the ones they developed situationally. In some cases, anyway, she thinks wistfully. Sometimes it didn't matter how personally one was involved.

Still, putting a human face and reaction to things offers insight. There had been suggestions dropped in conversation that she recalled, but looking at Nadia's face there makes her wonder just how bad it had been prior, and how much the family had been through. The hiding, the fear, her husband forced to present himself as a loyal servant of Morgoth while keeping all those secrets ... no wonder the woman looks terrified in that photo. It was a whole new way of looking at things, a previously unthought-of reality to adjust to. Her own mother steadfastly refused to speak about her own impressions, or anything to do with that period outside the cleaned-up version of the story she's been told, mostly concerning her father. But the more she read on things, the more she was convinced it must have been a true horror living under his reign.

And then suddenly, to have it all thrust upon them, having been denied for countless generations the privilege of ruling themselves ... Perhaps it is no mystery Edward seems so set on carrying their work forward. Given the discussions they'd had, and the impressions she'd gotten from him, she doubts he'd let anything get in the way of that goal. Not roadblocks, not enemies, certainly not their dalliance if it became problematic.

She admittedly feels a twinge at that. Naiya isn't so naïve as to think a single night of passion equated to any sort of promise or suggested the beginning of a long-term arrangement. Still, it is easy enough to let idle thoughts take hold and tease all the same. Sure, the situation wasn't ideal, but her mother had managed it, hadn't she? Somehow? Sort of.

Brushing away more silly ideas, she goes back to perusing the book, flipping slowly through the pages, taking in what she can of the images and short articles about them that she can.

The next page carries a picture of a bombed out (but apparently operational) power plant. It is silhouetted against the setting sun at an angle, and two of the three smokestacks are bombed out and clearly disabled. The third, however, still functions, and a thin band of smoke trails off the top and up into the shadowed sky.

A Polonian power plant, ravaged by loyalist raids, continues to operate to the best of her ability. Damaged numerous times over the past weeks, the workers nonetheless insisted on its continued operation. This was the kind of stalwart determination that characterized the rebellion, especially in its early days. Although she was later destroyed, the plant stood as a symbol of resolution and purpose, galvanizing the province against Morgoth's hordes.

After only a few short months, Victor Althalon captured Polonia and expelled Morgoth's presence from the region entirely.

This is another portion of history she's largely unaware of. Yes, she'd been told things had happened, but again, the Dominion perspective on the entire period was understandably different. And again, her mother refused to speak in depth about any more than she absolutely had to. She took into account the patriotic spin inherent in many of these sorts of books, granted. But the pictures, the images, speak to her on a level dry text simply couldn't. The struggle depicted surpassed the experiences she was familiar with. While those who'd served as wartime military understood, the vast majority of Dominion citizens simply had no parallel point of reference, and she was no different.

The concept of Morgoth had always been a bit vague. Yes, she'd grown up with an understanding that some people had different abilities. Her own family, adopted and otherwise, is a prime example of the varied natures of sapient beings. But to really grasp what a Vala is still escapes her. Her own recent experiences had been an eye-opener, and she was still coming to terms with a lot of it. To envision someone greater than even her father, well ... it was difficult. She'd gathered her mother had seen him, face to face no less. But even that much information had been gained by stealth and guesswork. A god, then? Or something close to it? Was it really such a stretch to believe, given what she'd experienced? And what of the others?

She shakes her head slightly, putting those thoughts aside, and the impression of need that came with them. There was nothing at all to be done about it just yet, and she still held a healthy amount of skepticism all the same. She would get her answers eventually.

Next is a picture of a rebel marine, his expression equally elated and fatigued. He is surrounded by seven others, some of whom are hunched over, clearly preparing to lift the man up.

An unidentified marine is mobbed by his comrades, ecstatic in victory aboard Morgoth's flagship Skyfurnace, the Gothmog. The battle for the Gothmog was as or more important than any campaign against a city or province, as the Furnaces were obvious and vital weapons for use against Morgoth's Uruk hordes. They were defended with great vigor--especially the Gothmog, but all were either captured or destroyed.

She had never seen one of the huge ships, and has a hard time imagining the hordes referred to. It was another image that spoke of a battle long and hard fought, giving a face to the many nameless people who had fought or paid the final price so that others could enjoy their freedom in the end.

It is all very much in keeping with the attitudes and overall atmosphere she'd seen, both from first meeting the Ardans back at the villa all those months ago, in subsequent observations of them and discussions with them on Machiavelli, and in coming here, seeing them in their own country. The pride, the determination, the hardness underlying it all past the smiles and politeness. They'd come by it honestly, whether others wished to recognize it or not. No one people could be as easily defined as their enemies would like, she observed. She felt most of it had been their leader, rather than their own wants and desires driving their actions. Certainly some had been inclined to serving wholeheartedly. Those now in charge were a different matter however. She'd seen no evidence to the contrary. And in her mind, that made the difference.

Perhaps it was enough to move forward. Memories were long, on both sides. And again, she is struck with a simple truth; if real progress were to be made, it would be up to the next generation to make it work.

It occurs to her that not only has time been passing, but she had slept in a bit longer than she'd planned. Taking a look at the clock, she carefully closes the book and sets it aside, pondering some of the things she'd seen and read while she gets to her feet.

There are several things she wants to take care of before Edward returns, not the least of which being cleaning up a bit. Nothing wrong with being a good guest, is her reasoning. Never mind the fact she needs something to occupy herself with. Sitting idle isn't in her nature, not when things can be done. And admittedly, she tends not to have the opportunity to be as self-sufficient as she might like when at home, where so many things are simply taken care of for her.

A bit of laundry isn't out of order, and thankfully, he has what's needed for it. After that a quick shower, using the same borrowed shirt after she's finished. It's decent enough for her purposes in any case. Toweling her long hair relatively dry, she combs it through then makes her way back to the kitchen.

I wonder what he's got in the way of food ...

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

The man keeps a fairly well-stocked fridge and cupboards, thankfully. It takes her a few minutes to work up an idea for something, pulling this or that out for ingredients or spicing, but in the end, she settles on something simple she figures might work. Before long, the meat is cut up into thin-sliced strips and is simmering in one pan, while a small pot of rice steams on a back burner. A dash of wine for flavor, and the sweet, spicy dish seems well on its way to something palatable.

Not long before 12:15 a key can be heard sliding into the front door; a twist of the handle and a push open brings in Edward, who pinches his brows and peers to the kitchen. "What on earth is that wonderful smell?"

Naiya glances over her shoulder and smiles, shrugging casually. "Your note said you'd be back for lunch, so I figured I'd try my hand. You don't mind, I hope?"

The Ardan prince carefully deposits his books on the counter, and slinks into the kitchen to investigate. "You didn't have to do this," he offers, sliding an arm around Naiya's waist as he reaches her. "Is that my shirt?"

She leans in against him just a bit while stirring the meat simmering in a light sauce. "It's nothing, really. Some of the spices are a bit different from home, but it seems to be coming together well. And ah, yes ... sorry about that. My stuff is in the wash. I dislike putting back on things I've had on all day previous."

Edward lifts his brows and tugs the corners of his mouth downward as if conceding a point. "Fair enough. Do you need to send for the rest of your effects? Your old man left me a message this morning. I don't know if you've spoken to him, but he knows you're here."

"Send for?" Naiya asks, turning to look at him curiously. "I ... well, yes I thought it best to let him know I wasn't heading back right off. Saves on worry. He wasn't worried, was he? He was ok with it all last night. And ... are you suggesting I stay a bit longer?" A smile teased her lips at the notion.

"Well you do seem to be making yourself rather at home," shoots back Edward with a grin, dropping his head on the crook of her neck. "Unless I miss my guess. And no, he seemed fine. Paged him back, but haven't gotten an answer yet. I'm relieved that I don't appear to be on his bad side," he finishes, his eyes widening slightly. "Is this almost done?" he asks. "I'm starving and this smell is criminally enticing."

She has the good grace to blush a bit at the first, ducking her chin slightly under pretense of checking the meal in progress. "Good, good. And no, I don't imagine you would be. He's probably about the most laid-back father I can imagine, believe it or not. We're still getting to know one another, all things considered. But he's been really great about everything." Naiya stirs the meat and the light sauce it's simmering in again, then spears a thin slice with a handy fork, holding it up over her shoulder for inspection. "Why don't you let me know if the taste matches the smell?"

Edward gobbles the offered morsel straight off the fork. "Mm," he offers while chewing, waiting until he's finished to continue the thought. "It certainly does. Do you do your own cooking?" he inquires. "I try my hand at it every once in a while and it's passable for my own uses, but nothing like this. How did you learn?"

Naiya works around the comfortable entanglement while scooping up some rice in a bowl, then adding a healthy portion of meat and the sweet yet spicy sauce she'd put together, smiling broadly. "This? This is just simple stuff, really. Truth is, I've got an admittedly limited repertoire. And no, I don't get to usually - that's Dominic's department. Mama can't cook to save her soul." The thought makes the young woman grin.

"In fact, Dom's chased her out of the kitchen before when she's thought to give it a go. He taught me what I know after I'd pestered him long enough. And God, can he cook." She shifts around so she's facing Edward more fully, offering the bowl in one hand and resting the other along his arm, one brow cocked up questioningly.

"It smells and tastes like he's done a rather good job," answers Edward as he puts a hand on the bowl, holding it away from them a moment as he leans in to steal a kiss. She doesn't hesitate in responding, the hand on his arm tightening slightly as her lips meet his. "Lets eat," he announces as they finally part, reaching into the nearby silverware drawer and fetching the appropriate implements.

The dining area sits just in front of them, between the kitchen and the living room. Four chairs ringed a smallish, circular table with a glass top. Edward sets his bowl down and suddenly remembers he's forgotten a beverage, striding back into the kitchen. "Do you have something to drink? I've got tea, soda, water--obviously." He opens the fridge and roots around.

Naiya scoops up a less hearty serving in her own bowl, pausing at the question. "Water is just fine for me, thanks." Edward grabs a pitcher of tea and a bottle of water, and brings them to the table.

"Thanks for this," Edward says sincerely as he sits. "I wasn't expecting a hot meal, to be honest." He offers a sidelong smirk as he pours himself some tea. "I would've been content to eat some cold Xingese."

She takes a seat next to him, taking the water with a quiet thanks. She doesn't seem to be bothered by her state of semi-undress, offering him a similar sidelong look while she uncaps the bottle. "You're more than welcome. I guess I figured we could both use a bit of something to keep our strength up after a busy night," she says lightly, then takes a slow sip while keeping her eyes fixed on him.

Edward grins wryly as he spears a piece of beef. "A meal well earned then, I'd say," he retorts with a wink.

"I can think of better things to barter with," she replies slyly, setting the water aside and delicately starting in on her meal. "Thank you for the earlier offer, though. If father doesn't object, and the meal doesn't put you off, I may well take you up on it."

The young Ardan shrugs. "I imagine if he had any objection, I'd have heard it by now. I still haven't talked to him today but he seemed well enough aware of what was going on and didn't appear to disapprove." More beef disappears from his bowl as he gobbles down another mouthful. "And I wouldn't worry one bit about this meal 'putting me off.'" He reaches for his glass and takes a swig. "Any moreso than would our prior activity."

"Point - and that's good to know," Naiya says with a smile. She speaks politely between bites, surprised just how hungry she's been. What isn't surprising are the thoughts still knocking around in her head. "I was looking through that big book you have in the other room, earlier. The history in pictures? It got me thinking about some of our conversation last night. Continuing your father's efforts and all. Putting it all together with other references, I think I have a better understanding."

"Oh? Yeah, I was hoping you'd poke around a bit. That's a good one, at least so far as patriotic propaganda goes. I can only remember bits and pieces myself; by the time I was old enough to understand our situation, the war was more or less over. Father and mother ruled for a while as the de facto royal couple, but refused an official coronation until resistance had been eradicated south of the Grey Mountains."

"It must have been difficult," Naiya observes, not in pity, but simple observation. "I don't think anyone on the outside knew just how deep things ran prior to the rebellion, not from what I've read or heard. You've got quite the legacy to shoulder, Edward."

"Thankfully not for some time yet, I imagine," he answers thoughtfully. "I think I'm well enough prepared but I've still got a lot to learn. Obviously military operations will always be a priority, both in the Northwatch and in space. Once I've finished my engineering studies, I'll go to fleet academy. Father has always emphasized the import of our aerospace navy."

"God willing," she agrees on the first point, pausing for a moment as she mulls over the latter, working on her meal quietly. "Mmm. It always somehow comes back to military, doesn't it? The standard service in the Dominion has been a point of concern with my mother. Do I put in my time as everyone has previously been required, or does she fast-track things in the interest of the new aristocracy she's implemented and with an eye to diplomacy instead? It's something I'll have to face after we go home in any case. I get the impression she'd rather I didn't serve. With you, it's never been a question, has it?"

Edward chuckles easily. "No, it hasn't. Father was a career fleet officer and made it very clear to me at an early age that I would be as well. I don't mind so much--I see it being as or more necessary for Arda as learning politics or how to manage our budgets and state enterprises. I don't think any of us are prepared to assume Morgoth is gone for good, and we consider him to be our liability not just to Arda but to the entirety of Sol."

"From what mama says, he was rather good at it, too. I've similar concerns, truth be told. Another thing you said last night - doing it yourself if you want it done right. When my turn comes, I don't want to be forced to rely too heavily on others to handle things for me. As for that last ..." She pauses, her brow creasing in a frown. "Agreed. All the more reason to have every advantage at our fingertips for when the time comes. Perhaps in that light, and other considerations, your father won't be as disinclined to honor our request."

"We'll see how it goes. Word 'round the campfire has it that Alkanphel already asked my father to let you use the master stone, and he obviously refused. I've yet to probe him on the topic but I don't know for sure just yet whether that means it will be impossible or simply very difficult. I would imagine if he does let you use it, he'd insist on supervising directly. Unlike the Arnesk stone you just used, two or more people can use the master stone at once. It's quite large."

"Yes, confirmed as much last night," Naiya murmurs thoughtfully, pausing to finish the last of her meal. "Not sure what the fear is, given how much my father has done for your father in the past, however more difficult he may have made things in the process. One might suggest he's more than earned a right to access. Or am I mistaken in that he was the one who saved the stone to begin with?"

She let that sink in for a moment, taking a sip of her water before continuing. "Supervising, now - that's an interesting idea. All the same, I don't believe there's anything inherently secretive about my motivations or purpose in asking. I've had more time to reflect, and given what I've read, what you've said, and what my father has told me in the past, the reason for it all may be quite simple. As hesitant as I am to accept some explanations."

"That Alkanphel may use the master stone at his leisure doesn't necessarily mean you can," points out Edward. "I don't think it's the principle that worries my father, but the precedent. I can't see him allowing you access after such a short time--he doesn't know you very well. It would be like if I came to Devras and asked for your highest security clearance."

"Wouldn't that be a riot," Naiya smirks, picturing the furor that would kick up, in Devras and elsewhere. "Still, father would have likely supervised in that case, so again, it comes back to trust to some degree. And if your father insists on supervising, that's all fine and well - surely he, being more skilled in these things, could prevent any wanderings I might randomly be inclined to due to inexperience. The point is, if I were sent here to spy, this is a damnably horrible way of going about it, all things considered. Not terribly ... subtle. Nor does it make any sense, given the inherent difficulty in even attempting it."

Edward looks to his plate and suddenly realizes it's empty, pausing for only a moment before gathering his dishes and extending a hand to hers as he stands. "I don't think the worry is that you're here to spy so much, and I would wager he's been apprised to your reasons. Surely he had hoped the Arnesk stone would be sufficient for your uses, but that it wasn't is no sure guarantee that he'll relent right away. He's likely for now to simply advise a second attempt. We'll see how it goes."

Naiya smiles and hands her dishes over, gracefully getting to her feet as well. She offers a gentle shrug in response to it all, following him into the kitchen. "By all accounts, it should have been sufficient. All I was hoping for was some clarity concerning past events. Things that didn't really concern anyone but myself. Father felt I deserved to know, that it might help with ... well, many things. And oddly enough, it has. There's just been a few unforeseen results is all. I realize this will take some effort. I just can't seem to stop thinking about it."

He glances over at her, standing there in nothing but his shirt, and sets the dishes down in the sink. "I might have an idea or two for how to take your mind off the problem."

"I don't suppose you'd care to tell me what they are?" she replies, shifting her weight to one leg and cocking her hip to one side while crossing her arms in front of her. Naiya looks back at him with a challenging expression, trying unsuccessfully to hide a grin.

He turns and closes the gap in a single stride, bending and wrapping his arms around her and sweeping her up over one shoulder with little effort. She shrieks and giggles, playfully swatting at him without struggling overmuch. "I don't have another class for two hours," he says, striding purposefully towards the bedroom. "So I think I'd rather just show you."

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

Well there's a line that you must toe and it'll soon be time to go
But it's darker than you know in those complicated shadows

--Elvis Costello, Complicated Shadows

Her mother had been clear enough on all the reasons why she wanted her back closer to base. And while it irked Naiya somewhat, and indeed took time away from more pleasant pursuits, the plan did work out rather well with other intents. The travel from Arnesk to Daturias had been fairly unremarkable, the land beneath the zipcraft they rode on stretching out for miles. The cities themselves were notably different in their form and overall appearance, though to be fair, her preference for the former likely had much more to do with time spent than any aesthetic concerns.

Attempts to wheedle out definitive answers from her father had met with less success than she'd hoped for. While their discussions were as always, enjoyable, he deftly dodged the more pointed questions, gently insisting there were simply some things she had to find out for herself, in due time. It was infuriating.

Edward had been just as bad, refusing to help make any decisions for her or make any definite promises as to when he might be joining her. He'd hinted it would depend on how her initial meeting might go, having more information to operate on after the fact. He'd suggested avoiding going to the man who would be left in charge during the Konrad and Nadia's absence - his uncle, one Wilhelm Bradley Althalon - though he wasn't about to stop her if she felt it was the right thing to do.

By all accounts, he was a hard man. As much or more a product of the war as Nadia was, but with a decidedly different spin. She'd tried envisioning just how rough a character he must be from what both her father and Edward implied, but seemed to come up short. The closest thing to a 'right bastard' she could think of was Devon Treznor, and he didn't seem to fit the image of Wilhelm at all. For all the guesswork, here he was now, seated at his desk at the Serechav in Daturias. In the Angsiyan's absence, Wilhelm occupied his office and conducted the day-to-day affairs of the Five Kingdoms, which at the moment entailed seeing to Naiya.

So far he had said nothing except to offer a simple hello and a gesture to the seat which Naiya had dutifully taken. He peered at some or other report through his glasses for some time, evidently keeping Naiya on ice being despite having called her in a few minutes prior. She waits quietly, patiently for him to finish, not so much as fidgeting in her chair in spite of the nervousness she's feeling on the inside. Just looking at him, sitting across the way there, was intimidating. Now simply wasn't the time to let it show if she could avoid it. Finally he plucks off his lenses and tosses them aside.

"Enjoy yourself in Arnesk, did you?" he asks finally. "I've not been there myself in many years. Nice beaches, as I remember." He leans back a bit and runs a finger quickly over his moustache. "Though I didn't have much occasion to enjoy them myself. They're supposed to be very nice this time of year."

"Thank you, Governor - I did, though I didn't have occasion to visit the beaches. I'm afraid when we packed it was for the cooler climate here in Daturias. And there was so much to see in the city itself, there simply wasn't time," Naiya answers smoothly, her smile pleasant, yet instinctively showing no teeth. He struck her as much a predator in his own way as the kzinti she was familiar with after all. Similar treatment surely wouldn't be amiss.

Wilhelm starts nodding at her first, but pushes his brows together as she continues. "Fair enough, I suppose. We all have little enough time to get done everything we'd like, and your trip to Arnesk had its own purpose." He reciprocates a toothless grin, although it's mostly concealed underneath his moustache. "Gotta separate business and pleasure, after all."

"Whenever one can, yes," she agrees, nodding simply. He has her sense of paranoia tweaking already, and she is certain it was more than just what she'd heard of the man causing it. He knew far more than he was letting on - or she was letting her conscience get to her. Either way, she began to understand why Edward had cautioned her on this course. "And yes, it did have a purpose - one I'll have to remember to thank the Angsiyan for allowing. Many questions were answered, and perhaps a few more suggested."

"And by petitioning me, in the Angsiyan's absence, you intend to answer these?" asks Wilhelm bluntly.

"In asking you concerning what you thought might be possibilities while he is otherwise occupied with more important matters, I thought I might achieve some clarity, if nothing else," she offers in return. "I expect no promises."

"Well that's handy," he answers in his gravelly baritone, shifting his shoulders to reach for his tea. "Tea?"

Naiya nods again briefly, her chin ending up a touch higher than it had been before. She chooses not to press further just yet, considering her options. Perhaps Edward had been right. "Yes, thank you Governor."

"And I don't suppose it occurred to you that the haste of your attempt might engender some suspicion," Wilhelm offers as he reaches for the decanter and pours Naiya a cup. "Everyone wants clarity. I myself am little closer to it now than I was in wartime." He sets the vessel aside and squints at the young woman. "What makes you think I can offer it, promises or no?"

"It occurred to me that regardless of timing or circumstance, any request made might raise suspicions, yes," Naiya answers steadily. She draws in a breath to continue, but is cut off by Wilhelm.

"Suspicion is a matter of degrees, young lady," he interrupts abruptly. Drawing in a deep breath he stands, bringing his teacup up with him and taking a long sip before striding to the window to his left and looking out. "And in the grand fucking scheme of things, I'd say you've tipped those scales quite well enough already," he quips, his tone only slightly escalated despite the profanity. After a moment, he turns back to her with an incredulous expression. "To come here, start fucking our crown prince and suddenly show up with an earnest appeal to look through the master stone? Handy coincidence, that. Couldn't see what you wanted through that stone, is that it?"

Given her expression, the track he chooses to take is clearly not what she expected. "I can think of a number of better ways to ask than to try and sleep my way to some favors with a man who I'm sure thinks with what's atop his shoulders, not what's in his pants," Naiya begins rather defensively, her temper flaring a bit as she continues. "I saw everything I wanted, or thought I wanted, not that it makes any difference to you. And I expected the matter to be resolved. I hadn't anticipated any further needs, and without this nagging insistence knocking around in my head that I didn't ask for and certainly didn't want, I wouldn't be asking for anything further to begin with!"

"But why ask now is the point I'm driving at, my dear," answers Wilhelm curtly. "You know well enough by now--even if you hadn't when you left--that the Angsiyan and Angsiyii are presently indisposed. As I said, suspicion is a matter of degrees. Considering the circumstances, I'd be an idiot to not be heavily suspicious. Why not ask for a second, more focused look through the Arnesk stone, which you have already received permission to use?"

"And were I in your position, I'd likely have my suspicions as well," she admits grudgingly, finally taking a sip of her tea to help calm herself. "They say there are only two kinds of paranoia after all; absolute and insufficient. All the same, if I thought the other stone could offer what's needed, I would simply ask for that. My suspicions are that this involves myself, my heritage, and ... perhaps contact with things I'm not entirely prepared to accept just yet. In asking you about the possibility, I'd hoped to get a better insight and perhaps add a voice of support, if you could be convinced of my sincerity and need. Were I attempting subterfuge, one imagines I'd not be so open about my request."

Wilhelm lowers a brow and tugs a corner of his mouth upward at her last, but gives a half nod and looks back out the window as he mulls her remarks wholesale. He lets silence linger for another moment, taking two prolonged sips from his tea in the meantime. "I can't promise a 'voice of support,' and neither can I grant your request straightaway, as I'm sure you've guessed." He turns back to her and strides back to his desk, sitting down. "The Angsiyan will review your request when he gets back from the Gothic summit." He lowers his chin and looks to Naiya, as if peering over a pair of glasses although he wears none. "But you have to be prepared to accept his judgment, one way or the other," he explains, raising his hand and slowly waving his index finger at her. "Don't insist or act entitled to its use, whether by heritage or 'nagging insistence.'"

She lifts her chin slightly in a reaction all too like her mother, though with decidedly less imperialistic temper. "I can't very well insist on anything that isn't mine, can I Governor? As much as one might have it otherwise. Thank you at least for your time and consideration. I wouldn't be asking if I didn't feel it was important enough to make the effort."

"We'll see how it goes," answers Wilhelm dismissively, shuffling some papers on his desk and tossing them into a folder. "In the meantime, do try not to get your hopes up. At the very least, I'm sure he will prefer you stay in Arda for some time yet. This won't be happening overnight, if it happens at all."

Naiya rises to her feet as cool and collected as you please. It had been a gamble to begin with, but one which may have payed out in the end. Time would tell. "Thank you again for your time, Governor," she offers with a polite nod before turning and walking quietly out of the room, leaving her tea half finished.

However much time it took, she was intent on seeing it through, though it occurred to her his words mirrored those of Edward. Coincidence, something more, or simple observation? Again ... time would tell. She only hoped it wouldn't be too long before the Ardan heir managed to join her. All things considered, their previous freedom might very well be soon shortly curtailed.

[Treznor]

The shuttle ride isn't as smooth as anyone might have liked. Perhaps Ardan technology doesn't concern itself overmuch with comfort, or maybe they're encountering unusual turbulence. Either way, the crew seems to disregard the bumpy ride as a necessary evil, going about their tasks with diligent fervor. It makes conversation difficult, explaining why the cabin was filled with a terse silence except for the clipped snatches of conversation between the pilots as necessary.

Nathicana fumes quietly in her seat. She'd hoped for an opportunity for a more intimate talk with her son, but that wasn't really possible at the moment. Nor did he have the technology for the silent line-of-sight communications she enjoyed with his father. Maybe it was time to suggest this be rectified. It was too useful a tool to disregard. But he'd been so damned insistent on allowing the Ardans to ferry him down to their soil rather than ride with her in her own shuttle, and she doesn't want to fly down in separate vehicles. So while she waits she mentally retraces her impressions of the peace talks.

Perhaps not everything was accomplished that might be desired during the talks, but progress had been made, and in the end, that's all that could really be hoped for. Perfect solutions didn't exist when it came to politics, not in her experience. Though the opportunity presented here to have most of her family together for at least a brief time nearly made the situation seem near to perfect in how it panned out.

She'd called ahead and knew Naiya would be waiting for them. The twins hadn't seen one another in some time, and no doubt the changes in them both were going to take some getting used to. Glancing over at her son, Nathicana can't help but smile. In spite of the odds, in her mind at least, he'd grown into quite the young man - and one she is admittedly proud of, idealistic frivolities aside. Now that he was working with matters directly, surely some of his less workable ideas he'd seemed to espouse while growing up would settle down to more reasonable solutions. It was only a matter of time.

At last, the shuttle landed and the jolting stopped. She spoke up to ask how long before they were allowed to disembark, and was favored with a glare. She choked back the urge to snap at them and again waited patiently until finally they were free of the obnoxious little craft.

"Jesu dolce, Marcus. I have missed you," she says warmly, turning off the feed to her Spook headset. "I take it your father was well when you left? I'm afraid I've rather missed him also, what with the two of you being so busy with affairs of state."

The tall young man looks up, startled, having been lost in a world of his own. The dark clouds that hung over him disappeared in the warmth of the smile that crossed his face at hearing his beloved mother's voice. "Mama! I've missed you so much! What's been going on back in Devras?" Then he abandons all pretense of protocol to throw his arms around her and hug her close.

"Oh, you know how it is there," she says, hugging back with comfortable tightness. "The jockeying for position, the nobility finding new inventive ways to try and grasp more power for themselves, and of course all this business with our allies, and the fun and games you've seen here. I'm glad you chose to make this quick side trip. Though your father may well want to shoot the both of us for it."

"Papa will probably have a fit when he hears about it," Marcus admits glibly. "But he can't stop me now. Ambassador Harlowe has everything under control now that everyone is at least talking so it's not like I'm shirking my duties. And he can't deny that this opportunity to expand relations with Arda is a rare event that I shouldn't pass up."

Nathicana smiles in approval, nodding as she draws back to look at the young man. "I'm sure it won't be long before he hears of it, one way or the other. But you're right. If only he'd let himself see some of the changes, he might well be surprised as well. It's been a good trip, this, all difficulty with your reason for being here aside." She ponders how to explain some of the other things that had gone on, mostly concerning Naiya, but found herself at a loss. She still wasn't certain she understood it all herself.

He eyes her shrewdly, then nods. "There's so much history involving Arda, but always from the outside. Nobody really knows who the Ardans really are, and I think it's about time we found out. If only so we can learn to talk to each other a little better."

He offers his arm like a proper gallant. "Where is Naiya? I haven't heard much since I left home, just bits and pieces. And then there was that...thing...and it just seemed better not to attract attention."

"She's been doing the very thing you suggest, actually," Nathi says, accepting his offer smoothly, letting him lead the way towards the exit. "Granted, she has some of her own reasons for it, but she's been learning as much as she can from their perspective of things, spending time with her father and others. She should be waiting for us - you'll be able to ask her yourself."

Naiya is indeed waiting anxiously as they exit the shuttle, smiling brightly as she catches sight of Marcus especially. She rushes forward ahead of the security detail with her, not quite tackling her taller, stronger brother as she wraps him up in an enthusiastic embrace. Nathicana deftly gets out of the way, smiling, though watching the two of them closely.

"Marcus! You came! I didn't think you could -- I mean, never mind. It's so good to see you! You wouldn't believe everything I've ..." the young woman begins, all in a rush. "It's just so good to see you finally! You look fantastic."

The young man hugs his sister as tightly as he dares, easily handling the impact of her smaller body while sweeping her off her feet to swing her around playfully. Finally he sets her down and looks her over critically. "You're looking pretty good yourself," he says with a grin. Then his left eyebrow quirks upward. "You've changed a lot since I saw you last. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were glowing. What's up?"

"What? I--" she starts, her eyes going wide for a moment as she draws back on the inside just a bit, making sure she hadn't been doing what he suggested. Then her eyes narrow, her glance flickering between him and their mother, picking up on the more subtle connotations. "Perhaps I am," she continues, a bit archly. "At being just so pleased to see you doing so well, and here of all places."

"Perhaps we should retire someplace more comfortable," Nathicana suggests, starting forward with a purposeful stride, the security detail forming up around the trio without a word. Something was being shared there she hadn't quite caught, though it wouldn't be the first time between her children. She would figure it out eventually. For now, she let them continue more or less uninterrupted.

[Melkor Unchained]

"I can certainly help with that," chimes in Chamberlain Oldrich Cenkova amicably. "Will Marcus be staying or shall I arrange for transport later in the day?"

Marcus gives his most charming smile. "I think they can live without me for a few days. I'm looking forward to seeing more and spending time with family."

"Wonderful," opines Cenkova as he jots something down, taking only a moment afterward to chirp a few short commands to the attendants over his shoulder in Dunnish. "Come along, I'll take you in. Is anyone hungry? Thirsty?"


Naiya lets go of a sharp laugh. "That's right, you haven't met my brother. He's always hungry."

Marcus favors her with a glare, then turns back to the Chamberlain. "A small snack would be appreciated, thank you."

Cenkova grins broadly. "Of course. We're more than happy to provide any desired amenity." He gestures to the guards in front of them, who pull open a set of double doors leading into the Serechav off the tarmac, and leads the way in. "Prince Edward will be joining us shortly," he announces as they enter an austere corridor. "Having just now flown in from Arnesk, he seems quite keen on making your acquaintance, Marcus."

The young woman brightens at that, then glances at her mother and brother again, keeping her response somewhat more restrained. "You remember him, mama?"

"How could I forget, being Konrad's heir," her mother says dryly. "I've yet to actually meet the boy, though you certainly seem to think highly of him."

Marcus' eyes grow wide at Naiya's reaction, then he consciously smooths out his expression. "Edward Althalon?" he asks casually, tugging at the silver-on-black collar to alleviate some of the heat pouring off the tarmac. "I haven't heard much about him. Is he like his father?"

"Not entirely," Naiya says casually, finding the interior of the corridor in all its simplicity suddenly quite interesting. "He's quite serious about his duties at least, and has a solid grasp of politics and the like. He's actually rather nice. You might just like him, Marcus."

He nods slightly, searching for a safer topic of conversation. "What do you think I should see while I'm here? I want to be able to talk about the Ardan people when I get home, places of interest. Tourism. Something besides the usual military posturing Papa always keeps on about."

"Daturias itself should offer a fair enough cross-section," offers Cenkova over his shoulder as they pass through another guarded doorway. "It's one of our newer cities, and fairly evenly represented, especially for this district. Arnesk and Ali'Staan are very lovely as well, having largely escaped the ravages of the war, particularly the former. There's always Amestris--which history buffs may know better as Rivendell or Imladris--and Orthanc still stands to the south."

Marcus ponders the suggestion. "Sounds as good as any. Will you go with me, Naiya?"

"There's definitely lots to see. I've only managed to scratch the surface while we've been here," Naiya admits in that same casual tone, though she offers her brother a warm smile at his suggestion. "I'd love to go around with you, see more of the sites."

"Perhaps if the Prince isn't otherwise occupied, he could show the both of you around?" Nathicana mentions, walking behind the pair, not seeing their expressions. "Not a bad idea having the next generation of leaders acquainted with one another."

"A threesome?" Marcus asked, watching Naiya closely. She does her level best not to choke, shooting her brother a quick warning look while still facing forward.

"Not to worry - I'll try not to be the proverbial third wheel," she says in a lighter tone than she'd prefer.

Finally they reach a large atrium like one might find in a mall or airport, with a few shops and restaurants and populated by a modest number of commoners and gentry who mill about on their own business. Large standards hang from the ceiling, the three larger ones representing Dunland's Kaisserin houses, flanked by the royal crests of the other Kingdoms--Near Harad, Far Harad and the tribal emblems of Khand. Cenkova pauses to converse with a Vzj'Nakai Lieutenant in Dunnish, and after a moment turns back to the party, waving them on. "Come, the Angsiyii and Edward will meet us at a nearby café. Marcus, I'll send someone back for your luggage presently, as your quarters have now been prepared."

"Thank you, you're very kind," Marcus replies politely.

Naiya keeps her expression decidedly neutral at the mention of the Angsiyii joining them as well, though her chin tilts up slightly, and her stride takes on a more determined cast as they make their way to the café. Seeing the two people in question, she nods politely and smiles, quietly bracing herself for wherever this unexpected get-together might take them.

"Nadia," Nathicana says warmly, crossing the space without concern to greet the woman. "I hadn't expected to see you so soon after. And this must be Edward? It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Highness."

They are seated at a high table rather unceremoniously in the main dining area of the moderately busy café, with security apparently invisible. The Angsiyii slides out of the tall chair as Nathi approaches, and hugs her briefly, her eyes flickering to Naiya over the Dread Lady's shoulder. "I was eager for an opportunity to unwind," she offers with a smile as they pull apart. "Edward had told me he was interested in meeting Marcus here, so I figured we could kill two birds with one stone." Edward bows his head to the Imperatrice as Nadia gestures to the empty seats between them.

"Then by all means, allow me to make introductions official. Nadia, you know my son of whom I'm very proud," Nathicana begins, smiling at Marcus. "Marcus Treznor, Edward Althalon, heir to the Ardan throne. There was a time I'd not thought to see you both together in the same room, let alone, taking a casual lunch in Daturias."

Naiya quietly takes a seat nearest Edward during the exchange, keeping a polite distance while the pleasantries are observed. She doesn't miss the look Nadia sends her way, though she doesn't flinch away from it, or visibly react for now.

Edward extends a hand to Marcus as their names are announced. "I've heard quite a bit about you already," he announces as the Imperatrice finishes. "I'm glad to have finally made your acquaintance. Naiya here seems quite fond of you."


Marcus accepts Edward's hand and shakes it firmly, but carefully. "You have the advantage of me. Naiya only just metioned you. I'm glad to see she's making friends here." For the first time he regrets imitating his father's traditional dress and wishing he'd taken the time to change his clothes before meeting anyone. Walking around wearing the Treznor flag can't be good.

Edward allows himself only the briefest flinch of an eyebrow upward, glancing to Nathicana and then to Naiya as he wets his lips and draws in a breath to speak--only to be cut off by his mother. "How long will you be staying, Marcus?" queries the Angsiyii. "I've been told quarters have been prepared for your stay," she continues, smiling amicably. "I wasn't sure at first whether you'd decide to stick around or not. We're thrilled to have you."

Nathicana arches a brow slightly at the emphasis, taking a seat next to Nadia. Clearly something is going on she isn't party to, and that irritates her more than a little, however well she hides it. Her first look isn't at Marcus however, it's at Naiya, who looks back with a little shrug and careful smile. Maledizione, this is all she needs right now. Complications.

"Only a few days, Angsiyii," Marcus replies with a slight bow of the head. "I wanted to take the opportunity to see Arda, and be seen, as well as catch up with Mama and Naiya. I didn't expect to take up your time, but I appreciate you sharing a meal with us."

"Nonsense," insists Nadia softly. "We're more than happy to accommodate," she continues, effortlessly flagging down a waiter. "Would anyone like a drink?" She gestures to the menus. "I'm not hungry myself but I'd be more than happy to treat anyone who is. I've heard you've got quite the appetite, Marcus. Perhaps enough to rival even my husband's."

"I'm still young," he returns somewhat defensively. "Papa says I won't have long before I stop growing up and start growing out.."

"Not as active as you've always been," Nathicana says fondly. "Nothing wrong with a healthy appetite in any case."

Naiya takes the opportunity while the focus is on Marcus to whisper quietly to Edward, the two of them soon exchanging careful conversation. Although most of her attention is focused on Marcus, the Angsiyii notices the exchange before very long. For now she ignores it, placing her drink order with the waiter in Dunnish. "Anyone need anything?" she asks, turning her attention back to the table.

Marcus glances over the menu and frowns. "I'm afraid my language lessons have failed me here. What do you suggest for a light snack?"

"Oh," Naiya says, coming back to the discussion with a slight blush. "I've rather liked this here, from the appetizers." She points out a particular dish to Marcus, leaning over slightly to get a better look at his menu. "They're these spicy little beef wraps. We could get a few dishes perhaps, and share, if no one has any objections? And ah, tea for me, if you please, Angsiyii, thank you."

Marcus nods quickly. "Thanks." He gestures to the waiter. "One of these, please," he says as he points to the item his sister suggested.

"I think I'll go along with that as well," Nathi says, her eyes shifting to Edward for a moment, before looking back to the waiter. "And ice water. A pitcher would be welcome."

"Sure, I'll get the order in right away," assures the waiter. "I'll be back with your drinks momentarily." Edward peers briefly at his mother as he reaches for his glass of ale, but she turns her attention back to Marcus.

"So what'd you think of the conference on the Húrin?" inquires the Angsiyii. "I confess being rather disappointed at the turnout, Arathir non whistanding. I had rather hoped more of them would have come to the table."

As Marcus replies and the more formal talk progresses, Edward and Naiya resume their quiet conversation, leaning ever so slightly towards each other as they go on. The Angsiyii nonchalantly turns her head towards the Dread Lady and then to the chatting pair, tilting her chin downward in their direction and subsequently glancing back to the Imperatrice. Not wanting to broach the subject verbally, she nonetheless felt obligated to drop as many hints as she could to her Dominion counterpart. When Nathicana looks back to the Angsiyii, she sports a flattened mouth and an ever-so-hiked eyebrow, as if to say 'there you have it.'

Between Nadia's expression and the comments made between Marcus and Naiya, the situation becomes all too clear, confirmed in her return look towards the Angsiyii. As she'd feared - complications. What remains now is to find out just how complicated they had become, and what was to be done about it.

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

“Aiyah, mia bella – what were you thinking?”

Well, the first reaction could have been far worse, Naiya reflects, looking over the glass of wine she was sipping at her mother, who was sitting across the table, one hand gently massaging her forehead.

“Do you want the truth, or would you rather me go off on a typical teenage rant about not thinking and then fly straight on to the accusations you know that will lead to?” Naiya replies casually, setting her glass aside.

That hits all too close to home, and they both know it. However, it is a fair enough statement. Also known to both.

“My choices do not need to be yours, young lady. Now I’ve nothing whatsoever against Edward, mind. He seems like a solid young man, and I can see you think rather highly of him as well. I trust your judgment as to his character, and I’m certain you’ve taken all due precautions. Unfortunately, none of that is the issue,” Nathicana is quick to answer, trying to assure her daughter while at the same time, getting to the point of her concern.

And here we go, Naiya thinks to herself. She wasn’t stupid, after all. She’d known – in fact, she was certain they’d both known – the inherent complications that could arise from their involvement. Still, they had been careful, and discreet, and seemingly willing enough on both sides to just see what might happen in the meantime. Living in the moment sometimes wasn’t such a bad thing, so long as one kept one’s head.

“I know, mama. The potential complications. But then aren’t there always such things when heirs fraternize?” she asks aloud.

“Some more than others, bambi. Think for a moment on the past politics that our two nations have been embroiled in. Now think on the relative positions each of you are in at the moment. First generation heirs, on both sides of the equation. In light of that, and knowing what you know about Ardan politics – I believe you’ve been making quite a study of things, yes? Given that, given the attitudes of the nobility at home, and the difficulties we’re already having with some of our own allies … Can you see how such a union might prove problematic?” Nathicana replies, studying her daughter’s reaction.

Naiya sighs and nods, reaching again for her glass and sipping slowly. “Yes, yes, I know. Certain houses especially will be looking to improve their own standing with the Althalons, and undoubtedly already have prospective brides waiting in the wings. They would be incredibly put out and problematic should a foreigner be chosen – whether said foreigner could honestly make a claim on the throne or not. Further, even if accepted, the nature of things could create problems with future heirs, much the same as what you and the Emperor had to deal with, in our particular case. Considering my own duties and crown, so long as I continue to prove myself worth of it, of course.”

“And knowing all of that, and the difficulties we’ve been through on our end of things, you still thought it would be a good idea to get involved with the boy?”

“Well, you and he worked things out in the end,” Naiya begins, though that argument was a bit hollow, and again, they both knew it. “Besides, mama … I like him. I mean, I really like him. And well, he’s the first one I’ve actually liked enough to … well, you know.”

Nathicana’s brows arch up at that little revelation. She had always tried to allow for at least some privacy in her children’s lives, and what they got up to that way, after due warnings about the potential hazards of not being careful enough, was not something she particularly wanted to occupy herself with. She had suspected, but hadn’t pried, figuring their many frank conversations on the subject had been sufficient. Perhaps they’d done the job too well.

“Oh you have got to be kidding me. On top of everything else, your first? Jesu dolce, save me from the wide-eyed naivety of youth,” she says, tossing up her hands and looking heavenwards before looking back to Naiya. The girl’s mouth is drawn in a straight line, and her arms are crossed in front of her, one brow arched up in return.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, he was. And I don’t regret it,” she says flatly.

“Naiya, please try to understand. I just don’t want you getting hurt. This sort of thing can only end in tears if you take it too seriously. By all means, have fun, enjoy yourself it that’s all it is, but don’t get your heart all tangled up in it. The best you could hope for is to play second fiddle to whatever Ardan wife they arrange for him, with any children illegitimate, and a problem for either throne. I just want better for you than that. You deserve better than that. And if he truly cares for you, he should want better than that for you as well,” Nathicana replies carefully, as gentle in her tone as she can manage – something a good many might very well be surprised she was even capable of.

The young woman stands, and steps around the table, putting her arms around her mother, who returns the embrace warmly. “I know, mama. And I will be careful. Don’t worry, I want better for myself too.”

Nathicana nods, reluctantly releasing her daughter, watching with due concern as she takes up her glass and makes her way over to her favorite reading chair, taking up one of the history books she’d been absorbing of late. Instinctively, she knew the situation was far from resolved, but at this rate, short of putting her foot down in true tyrannical fashion, there wasn’t much to be done. And that was one thing she didn’t want to do, not over this, not when Naiya seemed for once content with herself.

I hope you mean that, daughter mine. You’ve had enough heartache in your life.

[Melkor Unchained]

Her last visit to an office had been somewhat frustrating, and mildly disturbing on certain levels. Wilhelm had been ... formidable, to say the very least. And she doubted he had kept their conversation or his opinions concerning it to himself. All the same, she found herself standing before the leader of the Ardan Empire, boldly prepared to ask what for most would seem the unthinkable.

There was nothing for it. She had to know, had to at least try.

“First, my sincere thanks for seeing me, Angsiyan,” Naiya begins, making a polite inclination of her head, then looking back to the man with a quiet, respectful confidence. “And for the hospitality you have show my mother and I during our visit. I’ve been made to feel as though I have a second home here. You cannot imagine how deeply I appreciate it all.

“That being said, please know that I would not presume to take advantage of the kindness shown me, though the request I am compelled to make could be interpreted as such an attempt. Please, allow me to preface my request with an explanation.”

“As you know, my father took me to view the Orthanc stone in the hopes some clarity could be achieved, and peace of mind gained, as well as hoping to expose me to more of the heritage I’ve grown up without. It would seem his insight has proven itself correct. In the course of attempting to interpret the visions of the past offered by the stone, I discovered an unexpected sense of self,” she says, pausing for a moment and closing her eyes. When she opens them again, the glow in them is as unmistakable as the presence she now emanates. Not menacing, not oppressive, simply there for the recognizing.

“There can be no doubt, Angsiyan. I am my father’s daughter.”

She lets the revelation sink in for a moment before quietly diminishing to the more humble aspect of simple humanity. Konrad opens his mouth to reply, but stops himself as Naiya continues. “I felt content in my new-found knowledge, and in what my father has been able to teach me. I’ve been studying on my own, even learning what I can from what others have to offer on history, on Arda, offering a perspective I’ve not had access to before now. In fact, all was well until the other night. I was drifting off to sleep, when I was suddenly struck with an intense impression that there was something I had to do.

“Your son, Prince Edward, has been a good friend to me. I confided in him, and trusted in his judgment when he suggested the only course was to explain the situation to you, and humbly ask your permission to do what’s needed. Angsiyan, I cannot explain why, I simply know that something compels me to use the Osgilliath stone. I realize this is asking a lot of you – please know I do not ask it lightly, and mean no disrespect. I suspect it has something to do with my recent ‘awakening’, for lack of a better word, as I’d had no prior inclinations to use it, and only after confiding in the good prince was I aware of some of the implications involved in consulting the master stone."

Naiya bows her head respectfully, though she manages to maintain an air of quiet pride all the same. “I’m at your mercy in this, Angsiyan. I beg you to honor the request. I am confident the reason for it will be revealed in due time once I’m able to resolve this.”

"You raise an interesting point," notes Konrad as he strokes his chin. "You are your father's daughter, to be sure, but have so far lived only your mother's life." He shrugs and gestures broadly. "Not that you or her are at fault for this, but it is still a simple fact and accounts for much of my hesitation. I can't just let you--friend though you may be, to myself and Edward--walk in and use the Master Stone on a whim. Alkanphel and I discussed this prior to your arrival, so I have some idea what you're going through.

"Nevertheless, you have yet to attain a full understanding of your Ardan background. You mother is soon to leave, and I cannot grant your request between now and when she does." The Angsiyan leans back in his chair a bit, and places a hand on his desk. "I would ask that you stay and further acquaint yourself with Arda, as you can only have scratched the surface so far."

Her disappointment is clear enough, but she carefully refrains from expressing it. "I understand. And in truth, I'm not against the idea of staying. It's a part of my life that's always been missing, and I'm finding however much I do learn, there's yet more to discover. So please, understand that while I accept that you feel I need to learn more in order to grant my request, it isn't simply for that reason I want to stay. It's simply a needful part of it all. Thank you at least for offering what seems to be an opportunity?"

"I don't make any guarantees," the Angsiyan asserts, "but you're not in a bad position, all things considered. As much as I'd like you to learn, I too must further acquaint myself with you. Your mother has been a friend of mine for a long time and Alkanphel has been a great boon for the State, so I imagine things should progress rather well between us," he offers with a toothless smile. "I'm optimistic, but like I said I won't make any promises here."

Naiya nods respectfully, returning the smile in like kind. "I suppose the only real problem to resolve is how to convince my mother to let me stay on? She did let me come ahead, but ..." she began, thinking back for a moment to the discussion she'd recently had with her mother. She'd been quite clear about certain details, and her opinions had been taken into consideration with all due seriousness. Still, she wasn't certain what the reaction would be, even with the situation at home being what it was. Her own lack of presence while things were sorted might be a benefit. Or, it might look worse. It was hard to tell.

"I'm certain we can come to some understanding or other. Though it might help if you or the Angsiyii were to add some encouragement," the girl finished, looking somewhat hopeful.

Konrad takes a moment to ponder his answer. On the one hand, he kind of wanted to see how and if Naiya would handle the situation on her own; acquainted well enough as he was with Nathicana's potential for stubbornness. On the other, both he and Nadia wanted the Principessa to stay on, and making that clear would probably help her chances. He takes a long sip of tea before answering. "I'll have my wife talk it over with your mother. I'm sure they'll be able to come to an understanding."

"Bene grazie, Angsiyan. I'll speak with her as soon as I'm able. Thank you again for seeing me, especially with your busy schedule," Naiya says, offering the proper respectable little curtsey. "And for at least considering my unusual favor."

Konrad finishes off the remainder of his tea as the young lady stands, and follows suit once she finishes speaking. "It's no problem," he announces with a pleasant smile. "Considering both your character and what your parents have done for my country, I figure I owe you the opportunity." He extends a hand over his desk. "Make the most of it."

Naiya reaches out to shake his hand firmly but politely, her eyes fixed determinedly on his. "I won't disappoint."

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

This was the conversation she'd been looking forward to the most - and perhaps, at the same time, the one she was most nervous about. There were things her brother could always tell about her, even when she tried to hide it. Whether it was his 'natural' abilities, or the inherent tie they shared, or a combination of it all, she didn't know. It was simply one of those things she just accepted and understood. Of course all those little secrets they'd shared growing up had never quite measured up to the significance of those she'd been preparing to share now - at least one of which it seemed, he already knew.

He watched her closely, saying nothing. After a moment he realized he was making her nervous; he was using the interview techniques his father had taught him when dealing with petitioners and incompetent flunkies. But she was neither a petitioner or a flunkie. She was his sister, dammit! He cleared his throat and smoothed at his hair, stalling for time while he thought of something to say.

"So, how long have you two been an item?" He flushed as soon as he said it; it was the wrong question. "No, nevermind. Don't answer that. I'm sorry. It's just...I can't help it. You're Naiya. You know how important you are to me."

And there it was. "Just as you're important to me," she said, offering her brother a reassuring smile all the same. "It's ... been a little while, I guess. We hadn't made a big deal of it, all things considered. I suppose it really isn't an ideal situation, but then diplomatic considerations weren't exactly the foremost concerns at the time."

Naiya tilted her head slightly, looking over at him with that slightly amused yet quiet expression he knew so well. "Little sisters have to grow up sometime, Marcus. You're not going to turn into the stereotypical overprotective Dominion brother on me now, are you? All forward-thinking and idealism aside?"

He shook his head quickly. "I'm sorry I asked. I shouldn't have; it's really none of my business. I guess I just wanted you to know why it slipped out."

He sighed and slumped. "I learned a lot of things recently, stuff I didn't want to know. Things about Mama, your father and mine, and you too. I don't know how much of it you want to know, and I'm not sure how much of it I should be telling you. But one part you need to know: Papa has a file on you, one of his really top-secret ones I wasn't supposed to break into. It's a description of your habits, preferences, whereabouts and a hundred different ways to kill you. Papa thinks that if you become a threat, like how he sees your father, that you have to be taken down. Mama said it's one of those things we have to get used to as rulers, that we have these black files on everybody we know friend and foe. But I had to tell you about it."

She immediately reached out and gave his hand a gentle squeeze as he began to apologize, but as he continued, she became very still. Naiya listened intently to every word, schooling her face to impassiveness, tightly locking away her thoughts and surface reactions. It was one thing to expect something may have been the case. It was quite another to hear it verified for fact. And of course in this case, they were talking about her brother's father. She could see he was deeply disturbed by it, and she chose her words carefully. This must have been tearing him up - and it wasn't his fault.

"Mama is right," she began, hoping to somehow set him at ease. She had her own revelations to share, and perhaps all of this might make that easier. "I know we've tried to ignore it as best we could, but we both know how your father has felt about me since the beginning. The problem is, he has his reasons. And even though we may know he has nothing to fear, he doesn't. He's operating on his own experiences, his own knowledge. His unfortunate interactions with my own father have made it impossible for him to view me as anything but a threat. A monster. Don't judge him too harshly for it, Marcus. He loves you, he loves Mama, and he'd do anything to keep you both safe from harm. I know it. I've ... seen it."

Marcus reached out to grasp her hand and squeeze it tightly -- but restrained himself before the pressure became too much. "I won't let it happen. I've put a flag on your file; any activity will alert me. If Papa lets his paranoia get out of hand I'll stop him. And soon I'll take the throne, and it won't matter how paranoid he is: I'll make sure no one even thinks about harming you. I promise. You'll never have reason to fear from Treznor."

Naiya nodded, squeezing back in return. She knew her brother would never allow anything bad to happen if it were in his power, just as she knew their parents all had their reasons for doing what they did, however crazy it might seem from the outside. It had been difficult to accept at first, but the clarity her visions had given her, the peace of mind that had initially come with it, and now, no longer feeling so alone as she once had in some regards gave her the strength she needed to come to terms with it, and try to help her brother understand.

"You ... aren't the only one who's learned things, Marcus," she began carefully. "When I said I'd seen it, I really have. I don't know how much you know about things that happened before we were born. There was a lot I didn't know or understand myself. but my father was allowed to take me to have a look at things through one of the palantírs. And well ... I was able to see some of those things that happened, like viewing a recording of the past, if that makes any sense."

He nodded quickly, encouraging her to continue.

"Remember when we were younger, that beach party for one thing, and other instances where we've had different people suggest I had 'talents'? How Mama always waved off their offers for teaching me in those magic schools and what not? You know how I've always wondered about my heritage, my father?" Naiya asked each question meaningfully, allowing the suggestion to sink in fully before taking both his hands in hers and gradually letting her guard down, a gentle glow lighting her eyes, that sense of 'presence' to manifest in a simple, unthreatening way.

"I don't think I have to worry nearly so much about being hurt, so much as your father finding out about this and letting his fears finally push him over the edge. It turns out I did inherit something from Alkanphel after all."

He frowns, assimilating this. "So, now you're like your father? Magical, with spells and stuff? Is he really a demi-god? Are you?"

Her brows pushed together in a frown as well, as she tried to work out how to explain. "No spells or anything like that, no. But different, yes. I suppose one might say magical, for lack of a better understanding, though it seems more a matter of finally feeling connected with myself more than anything. Like that something that was missing isn't anymore. There's a lot more to it than titles and labels, Marcus. I've been doing a lot of reading and studying while here, talking with my father. The problem is there hasn't really been another one like me that anyone knows of so no one really knows what to expect - which is probably another reason your father has been so concerned. I suppose from his point of view, he has ample reason."

Marcus shook his head firmly. "No, he doesn't. We learned that power isn't the problem, it's what we choose to do with it. Just because you don't know what to expect doesn't mean you're going to suddenly become evil; you'd have to be evil all along and I'm sorry Sis, but you were never cut out to be a Sith Lord." He sighed and closed his eyes in frustration. "Papa's just too caught up in his own cleverness. He can't accept that he might be wrong about something, or that there are things even he's blind to."

She couldn't help but smile a bit at the characterization, but waited for him to continue.

He opened his eyes and shrugged. "It doesn't matter. We'll be taking over before too long, and then we'll both have the power to change things -- for the better. Papa's already letting me make some changes in the Empire that are helping the people instead of just him and the people who kiss up to him. We'll make this happen. It's inevitable."

Naiya sighed with relief. If Marcus had turned his back on her, she wouldn't have been able to stand it. He'd been one of the few constants she'd always been able to depend on, and having him stand with her still, in spite of the changes in things, in spite of them growing up and moving along their own paths meant the world to her.

"Mama said you'd been busy. He's kept her updated apparently. I don't know how much she's told you, but I know she's very proud of you. We both are. Just remember - slow and careful, yes? And watch your back? I'd imagine the Empire has its fair share of treachery and hidden daggers, in spite of how --" Naiya started to say something about the repression and control Devon had established, and thought better of it.

"Bah. You'll do fine. Give us time, and we'll both show them all," she finished, smiling encouragingly.

Marcus' eyes darkened at mention of treachery and he shrugged. "Papa has been teaching me to look out for that. He even brought in a special tutor for espionage. Jas thinks I'm a natural-born spy." He looked entirely too proud about that. "But I'm meant for bigger things. So are you." He grinned at his twin, his expression a reminder that the child he was still lurked behind the shadows in his eyes. "Maybe bigger than me, now. Can you turn people into toads?"

Naiya smirked and playfully whapped her brother on the shoulder at that. "It's not like I can just wriggle my fingers and make things happen, you know. Though if you keep this up I might be pursuaded to find out if I could learn. Might be fun making you hop for a while."

He winked at her. "I remember what you say to an angry witch: Ribbit!"

She couldn't help but giggle at that, impulsively throwing her arms around her bigger, stronger brother and hugging him tightly. "No matter what happens, Marcus - don't let this change. God, but I have missed you."

He squeezes her back -- a little more carefully this time. "I won't if you won't. I missed you, too. So I've been cooped up in the palace doing paperwork and learning what Papa wants to teach me. Please tell me you've been having more fun."

Nayia offered her brother an arch little look, smiling mischievously. "Why yes, I believe I have been enjoying myself more than you. Which reminds me, I owe you a tour of the town. And if you won't be too scandalized by the idea, perhaps I can share at least some of my exploits ..."

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

"You're set on this then?" Nathicana asks quietly, reaching up to brush a stray lock of hair from her daughter's face.

The girl nods, meeting her mother's questioning gaze with a reassuring smile. "I have to know, Mama. Besides, you and I have both been here for the better part of a month. If that hasn't convinced you I'm safe here, I don't know what will."

"I know, bambi. I know. It has hard enough letting you go on ahead. Leaving you behind, it just feels wrong is all. Just the same, Christobal and DeSanti are staying on, and that's final. I've tried to offer you as much freedom as I reasonably could, but eventually you are going to have to get used to a regular security detail, and choose your own operative to direct them. All part and parcel of the burden of leadership, my dear."

"Bene, bene, capisco, Mama," Naiya replies resignedly. "And don't worry. I just need more time is all. I know you understand."

"Yes, I do. Which is the only reason I'm allowing any of it - that and I know you'll be with your father, who I hope keeps a better eye on you than he has thus far. Men - either they're underfoot when you'd rather they weren't, nor not around when you need them, I swear," Nathi grumbles, wrapping her arms around her daughter and hugging her warmly, then kissing her lightly on each cheek.

"Right then. Lets put on our public faces then, and make the best of it, shall we?"

"No tears, Mama," the girl teases.

"What? Everyone knows the Dread Lady never cries," the woman replies archly, offering her arm which her daughter takes, the both of them walking out to the tarmac, the usual guard forming up around them as per protocol.

Immediately Konrad, Nadia, and Alkanphel can be seen standing on the tarmac talking quietly. The Angsiyii is the first to notice the Dread Lady and her entourage, wasting no time in striding toward Nathi and extending her arms as her companions look on. "Imperatrice," she starts. "So glad to have had you."

"Ah, Angsiyii - it has truly been a pleasure," Nathicana replies, embracing Nadia without hesitation, smiling warmly. "You and your people truly have gone out of your way to make us welcome. And I very much appreciate it." There was much more she could say about how much things had changed since the last time she'd been there, how much progress had been made, how unlike the barren wasteland she remembered it all was, but that would require bringing up unpleasantness. And this was simply not the time for it. Nor apologizing for the unpleasant happenstances that had occurred just prior to their own visit to Machiavelli. It was understood.

Nadia smiles amicably. "I'm glad to hear it. All of us were more than aware of your apprehensions and are glad to have amended them," she declares as she separates from the Dread Lady. "Indeed, we all hope you won't hesitate to visit again," she continues. "Especially Arkanfel," she adds with a lower tone and a wink.

Nathicana gives the man in question a sly sidelong look, smiling knowingly. "I'm certain something could be managed at some point, though I hope its understood that the offer of hospitality goes both ways."

However, she next steps to Konrad, offering her hand, her smile shifting back to one of genuine pleasure. "Angsiyan, again, my thanks. And thank you as well for keeping an eye on Naiya while she finishes her studies," she continues, knowing full well the three of them were all on the same page in that respect.

Konrad takes Nathicana's hand and kisses it. "Rest assured, I'll be watching her well enough with the both of them," he answers with a smirk and a quick glance to the Principessa. "She's in good hands."

"I'll hold you to that," she says, only half joking, all smiles aside. Naiya resists the urge to roll her eyes, shaking her head and chuckling softly at the exchanges instead.

And then Nathicana finally turns her attention to the tall man standing quietly with the others. Walking over to him slowly, taking in his form with her eyes, she reaches up and draws him in for a slow, lingering kiss, not particularly caring who sees, or what they might think about it.

"And you," she says, her voice low and full of promise. "You take care of yourself, and our daughter. I know you feel you can't say much, having been gone for so much of her life, but you are her father. And there are some things she simply can't fathom and can't properly deal with without your guidance. I'm trusting you, my dear - with one of my irreplaceable treasures. See you do her justice, hmm?"

Nadia and Konrad exchange a glance with hiked brows, the latter pulling the ends of his mouth downard but visibly resisting a grin. The Maia is visibly surprised at first but hardly resists, drawing his arms around Nathicana in an embrace. "Our," Alkanphel is quick to remind Nathicana when she finishes. "And yes, I will be to her what I can considering the..." he pauses. "Less than ideal circumstances. When all is finished here I intend to accompany her back to Devras, if you're amenable."

"Oh I'd imagine I'm more than amenable. And yes, our - as she's always been," Nathicana answers, the latter more gently. She reaches up to cup her hand alongside his face, then gently but firmly extricates herself. "I don't think she views things as less than ideal, not so long as she has you in her life. You've more influence than you know, there."

"Well then," she says to the group as a whole, looking back first to Naiya, who she walks back to embrace again. "Be good, hmm? And keep in touch better than your brother has, yes? I swear, between the two of you ..."

Shaking her head and smiling, she hugs her daughter again, Naiya murmuring quiet reassurances in their own language. By the time they part, both sets of eyes are a little bright, in spite of earlier teasing about not crying. "I'll be fine, Mama. You have a safe flight."

Nathicana nods, straightens her jacket, then faces their hosts again. Naiya steps over to join her father, slipping a slender hand in his as if to reassure herself he was still there.

"Thank you again, all of you. As strange as it may seem to some to hear it, my doors are always open," she says, nodding to the group, then motioning her guards to form up.

"Not at all," answers Konrad with a chuckle. "We'll see you again soon enough, I'm sure. I'll contact you soon about those joint patrols we discussed earlier. In the meantime, have a nice flight and don't worry overmuch about your daughter. We'll take good care of her, and keep a close watch," he finishes with a wink.

She offers a quick nod and a smile, raising her hand in farewell. Drawn-out moments like these were never something she enjoyed, and all that needed to be said, had been. The Imperatrice turns on her heel and stalks off towards the ramp of her shuttle, the four guards she was taking with her gather around as usual, both preceding and following her into the red and black craft.

Christobal and DeSanti stand at a polite yet ready distance from Naiya as they'd been directed. She doesn't pay them much mind for the moment, instead watching the shuttle make its departure, still holding her father's hand.

"Well, that's that," she says quietly, both excited to be more or less on her own, and yet nervous at what the future might hold.

[Melkor Unchained]

A pair of Pax Imperica Marshals push open the double doors leading into Konrad's office, followed by their aides and chatting quietly in Rhûnic. Remembering the Angsiyan's instruction from moments prior, one of the Marshals swivels his head towards Naiya and hikes his chin slightly as if to get her attention. He studies her for only a moment before speaking: "They're ready to see you now, Principessa. Head on in whenever you're ready."

Naiya nods and quietly walks into the office. By now, it seemed to be almost comfortably familiar to her rather than intimidating as it once had been. Inside were Konrad and Nadia in their usual uniforms, looking sharp as ever. She continued over to the desk, offering each a respectful nod, then waited for one of them to speak.

"Ah! Naiya!" Konrad's voice booms just before Naiya reaches the desk. "Just finishing up some paperwork here." Behind him, Nadia holds a folder loosely to her breast; she nods as Naiya approaches, but doesn't speak. After a moment, Konrad hands her a document which she stows as the Angsiyan sets his pen aside and clasps his hands on his desk. "I've heard you've made your decision. Unless you've since changed your mind, a little bird told me you're planning on coming north."

"I believe so, Angsiyan," Naiya says with a hint of a smile. "It was a difficult decision all the same. Both choices offer differing experiences and views after all, and if it were possible to do both simultaneously, that would have been my choice. Still, this offers some experiences I've not had before, and may help answer a few nagging questions concerning service back home that Mama has been fussing over. All the same, I thank you both for the offers and the opportunities."

Their reactions hint at the divisions between the sovereigns on the issue. Konrad purses his lips and raises his eyebrows; 'why can't I do both' was the answer he had been hoping for although her wording wasn't quite it. Neither the Northwatch nor the other royal courts were going anywhere in any particular hurry, after all. Nadia nods respectfully to the Principessa but draws her jaw as she turns away and makes her way to a set of filing cabinets in an adjacent alcove.

"What exactly is it she's been 'fussing over,' if you don't mind me asking?" inquires Konrad after a moment's thought.

"Military service has always been standard in the Dominion. Marcus has his own path with the Empire. And mother has been debating whether or not all the other changes she made in setting up this new aristocracy carry over in that regard as well. Truth be known, I don't think she wants me doing some of the same things she had to, for one reason or other. That, and in spite of everything, I'm still her 'little girl'," Naiya explains, smiling wryly at that last, though her eyes shift nervously to follow Nadia's movements now and then.

"All the more reason..." Nadia starts sharply as she returns, but stops herself with a glance to Naiya.

She continues in Dunnish, and Konrad replies tersely. The exchange goes on for thirty or forty seconds, and seems to escalate before the Angsiyii stops herself. "I'm sorry, Principessa," she offers as Konrad looks on with a hiked brow. "We made you our offers and you've made up your own mind." Naiya carefully chooses to look away as the two heatedly discuss things in a language that sounds far more harsh to the ears than the words likely being spoken may be. It was uncomfortable enough knowing one was the topic of debate without actually seeing it firsthand.

"My wife questions the value of the experience," cuts in Konrad. Nadia blinks and turns her head to him, opening her mouth as if to speak, but she doesn't get the chance. "Angband and Utumno were never fully eradicated of Uruks, and anyone who's been paying attention knows that we still have to fight them from time to time. She worries you're only in it for novelty's sake."

The Angsiyii wets her lips but once again elects to hold her tongue. Instead, her gaze swings to Naiya, curious to hear her response.

As Nadia addresses her, she looks back over, trying to pick up on any possible surface reads from the woman. And again, without pressing things, she draws a blank. As usual. Aside from her obvious displeasure, and as Konrad clarifies, the reason behind it ...

"Well, in part perhaps that's right. It isn't something I've done. And isn't something I'm likely to have the opportunity to do again any time soon. But it's more than that. In the Dominion, as you no doubt know, we've had it soft for a good long while. Military veterans aside, few really understand some of the struggles that your people have lived with for generations," Naiya admits, gesturing now and then as is a habit in her homeland.

"Nothing I do can offer me the proper insight to that, I realize. I could read every book on your history I could get my hands on, and spend the rest of my life hunting orcs and it wouldn't make me any more Ardan, or allow me to feel first hand what you've gone through. But a glimpse at a small aspect of the overall situation wouldn't go unappreciated all the same. And if the opportunity arises to be taught the more diplomatic aspect of things as they stand now, I'd eagerly accept. I've been under the impression these offers were 'either or', after all."

"And what should we tell your mother?" asks the Angsiyii pointedly. "Anything?"

The young woman's chin hikes up ever so slightly at that, though she takes care to modify her response. "Are you required to tell her anything beforehand? If not, I can tell her all about it myself either on the way, or after we've gotten back. Mama can be a bit ... reactionary even in the best of times. I'm sure you've noticed that. But regardless, you're not taking some child who's never had any training out and dumping her in the wilderness - and she will know that."

"She may call to touch base before you leave, is my point," notes the Roark Empress. "And as you just now noted, whether she still needs to or not, she sees you as her 'little girl.'" Nadia closes her eyes a moment and draws in a breath. "I'd prefer not to lie to the woman, all things considered." Her eyes dart towards Konrad, but she doesn't turn to face him fully. "I resepct her quite too much for that."

"As to your other opportunities, the other courts aren't going anywhere," notes Konrad. "You can just as easily visit them later, whether as our guest or on your own."

Naiya brightens a bit at the reassurance that perhaps both offers can at some point be taken advantage of, in spite of the potential problems with her mother. "I wouldn't ask you to lie, Angsiyii," she tries to reassure the woman. "If it does come up, I'll be happy to speak to her myself, regardless. And if it doesn't come up, I'll simply relate the experience to her after."

"Very well then," asserts the Angsiyan, raising his clasped hands to his face. "If she contacts us in regards to your activities--which is sure to be among her first few questions--we'll put her through to you..." he pauses a moment, "so don't go far." Nadia opens a desk drawer to Konrad's right and produces a thick packet. "You were a little vague earlier. Have you gone through anything in the Dominion that might resemble officer's school? Or is that what she has been laboring to avoid?"

"No, all my training has been rather private," Naiya answers smoothly. "Any true military training would take place over the next while, if at all."

"What kind of training are we talking about?" inquires Konrad, as his wife reaches over and pushes the packet towards Naiya. "You'll need to fill this out at the very least," he adds, hiking his chin towards the documents. "Don't do it all at once unless you want your wrist to sound like a cement mixer."

Sante Maria ... She picks up the packet, lightly perusing the thick stack of paperwork, one brow arched up questioningly. "Various hand to hand, mostly in self defense, a variety of guns, though all in a target environment, those sorts of things. Mama wanted to make sure we could take care of ourselves. And with the sorts of people we've grown up with, other things have been shared and rubbed off. A childhood with Kzin as playmates offers one a whole new appreciation for things like stealth and when to leap and roar, so to speak," Naiya explains, that last bit delivered with a mischievous smile.

"Ardan boot is about 3 months long," notes the Angsiyii. "But you may be able to test out of some of it. I'll send you to a training facility under the care of Captain Argerich, who will discern the extent of your abilities and how they mesh with Ardan doctrine. You'll boot the rest."

"As far as rank goes..." Konrad trails off. He lowers one hand to his desk and taps a finger; he rests his head on the other. "I haven't decided yet. I'll be traveling mostly with the full battalion of Vzj'Nakai. When and where I leave it, you're likely to stay with them, and they all report directly to me at any rate. Any rank I give you would be largely ceremonial."

In a moment of clarity, some of what's being said echoes loudly, and Naiya's eyes go a bit wide. Now it all makes more sense, and to be honest, some of it she should have seen coming all along had she been paying closer attention.

"I ... think I understand some of the disconnect," she begins, somewhat sheepishly. "I may have misinterpreted some of the details inherent in making the choice I have - not that I'm intending to change it," she finished hurriedly. "No wonder you were concerned with what Mama might have to say about it. No lie - she'll have kittens over me getting around her indecision like this, never mind the rank, 'largely ceremonial' or otherwise."

The last thought brought a grin to Naiya's lips, though she did well to not show a flash of teeth. "As I said before, Angsiyan - I'll do my best. And I hope to not disappoint."

[Dread Lady Nathicana]

The week or so following her return was more than hectic. It seemed there was a never ending list of things that needed her 'immediate attention', reassurances that had to be leveled all around, the more sensitive of documents and missives having been either dealt with as far as was possible by Calabrese, or kept for her eyes only ...

In short, Nathicana thrived on it. Of course some consideration to promises made had to be given, and so time for a full examination by her sister-in-mind was squeezed in, and the results of her glowing report of good health and a decided lack of any foreign objects or charms or other such nonsense being found were forwarded on to a particularly twitchy Emperor. Along with a personal note requesting a visit, here or there, to 're-acquaint' themselves, so he could see firsthand the sort of shape she was in after her extended trip.

Besides, she still had to address his subversion of her head of security, even if it were supposedly in her best interest.

So it was a rather exhausted, yet overall satisfied Imperatrice who finally sat curled up in her large office chair looking for the latest communique from her daughter. What surprised her was to find another missive, one which had somehow managed to get missed in all the other notifications. Perhaps the private nature of it, as opposed to an official capacity had thrown her off. Or perhaps she'd been pushing herself too hard, much as she hated to admit it.

Reading, her brow creased in a frown. Then her jaw set tightly. By the time she had read it a second time, she was positively fuming. A third reading, just to make sure she hadn't misinterpreted or misread resulted in a heated torrent of curses that brought a sleepy Gianni to the doorway, looking tired but concerned.

"Is something wrong?" he asked carefully, stifling a yawn.

"That fool daughter of mine," Nathicana began, glaring at the words on the screen. "And they said they'd keep an eye on her! Of all the goddamned ridiculous ..." Here she broke down again into a colorful rant about the situation in general before calming somewhat, and pointing accusingly at her computer.

"This. This right here. Not only has she begun what equates to military training in Arda, she's done it at the invitation of Konrad, under protest by Nadia, and it is intended she come away from it with a rank of some sort. Of all things ... ceremonial or otherwise, this is entirely unacceptable. She's meant to take the throne in the Dominion, Gianni! I can't have there be any suggestion she's got any foreign obligation!"

"Well to be fair, if it is just ceremonial, it would only count if she were in service there, yes?" the man asked calmly, used to her moods and outbursts over the years.

"Entirely beside the point. Never mind the fact she decided to do this on her own, going directly against--"

"Against the decision you had yet to actually make?" he interjected smoothly, earning himself a glare. Something else he was used to by now, especially when pointing out inconvenient points.

"They did this on purpose. I don't care what they say here. They waited until I was well and away and then started right in on this mad lark," Nathi groused, pouring herself a glass of red wine, and offering to pour as well for Gianni, who politely waved it off.

"Perhaps, perhaps not. But now this much time has passed, and nothing bad has happened on account, perhaps you ought to let her finish out her time? I see it as a win one way or the other. Either she comes away from it regretting her choice, in which case you can then gently berate and remind her that Mama does indeed know best - and your decision would then be easy. Or, she proves herself capable, succeeds, and you have a daughter strengthened by her experience, with likely ideas and such she can share to our own advantage, and your worry over service here in the Dominion should be somewhat eased, yes?"

"You take all the fun out of being angry, Gianni," Nathicana stated flatly, still scowling.

"It's in my job title, I'm sure of it. The small print," he replied in a deadpan voice. "Any word from Naiya?"

"Yes ... yes there is," she said, remembering her initial intent, and calling up the message. Attached to the short note was a video log. She loaded it up, sitting back with arms crossed and brows knit.

Sitting down before the little cam, Naiya adjusts the angle, then settles in. She looks a bit breathless and worn down, but enthusiastic all the same. It's dark wherever she is, and she keeps her voice low, though not quite in a stealthy sort of way. Throughout, she speaks in their native tongue, rapidly, fluidly, energetically sharing and at the same time trying to reassure her mother.

"I hope all has been well, though you've been overloaded with things once again, no doubt. Its always the same, whenever we've gone away, and you always throw yourself into it with full force as soon as we return, so I expect nothing different this time. Do remember to eat properly so we don't have to call Aunty Shodey, and don't give Dom lip about it when he worries, please?"

"And now to the point. No, I didn't think I could keep this a secret, yes I did think it through rather carefully before I made the decision, yes I can do this, and yes, I am doing just fine. I knew it would be hard, just maybe not quite as hard as it turns out to be. I've developed a whole new appreciation for our military, not to mention the Ardans."

"I would really like you to rethink your hesitancy on my own term of service, Mama. Think back over the past, and remember how many times the loyalty of the military has been a key factor in your success. If I'm to rule at some point in the future, I think I would be better accepted having at least put in my time same as everyone else. That, or we change the system entirely, and still run the risk of alienating some of the older, traditionalist members."

"In any case, something to think about while you plot how to properly punish me for deliberately going behind your back, and taking advantage of the situation here in doing so. Don't think too harshly of the Angsiyan, Mama. He and Nadia both didn't like the idea of keeping anything from you, and I rather suspect they've already managed to alert you by now. I don't think Nadia approved of this particular choice at all, but there you have it. I intend to see it through, and nothing short of you coming out here to find me and physically drag me back home is going to change my mind. Not that you should consider that a challenge."

"Please, Mama. There are some things one can study yet never understand. This isn't just a game to me. It isn't just something to do while I'm here. And I'm not just trying to look tough to live up to some vague image of what I should or shouldn't be in anyone else's eyes. This is something I want to do. It's something I need to do, for myself. Don't worry, I'm fine. Really. All the same, morning comes early, so I'd best turn in. My love to you, and Marcus, and everyone there at the villa. Don't forget, Shaitan likes those apples, and someone needs to take him out for his exercise. I'll be in touch again soon."

And with that, the young woman reaches up and cuts the feed, the picture fading to black, and the clip ending.

Nathicana glanced over at Gianni, one brow arched up meaningfully. He merely smiled and shrugged in return.

"You've got your hands full with that one, my Lady. You always did."

Scowling darkly, the Dread Lady begins typing a response, first to Konrad and Nadia - one that will be read, and re-read, and edited many times before being sent. The second to her daughter waited until a good deal of her irritation and anger had been spent. Creating a rift now, when it seemed the previous one had finally been filled, was the last thing Nathicana wanted, aside from any harm coming to the girl on account of her choices.