Invited to a Party

[The Eternal Swarm]

"No, even I van see the good qualities in them. So, I feel you have great power, but I wonder, how powerful are you really?"

[Flammable Ice]

"Let me have the privilege of introducing you to them. Might I ask where you are from?”

"I am from a nation named 'Flammable Ice' ... I believe the name is supposed to be philosophical ... it was formed when the starship Lucidity crash landed on an uncharted planet, two-hundred and fifty years ago. With the craft's engines damaged irreparably and the crew's best engineers dead, my ancestors had no choice to wait for a rescue that never came. We do not know why our kin have not come. We cannot even pick up transmissions from them. It is as if they no longer exist. Once it became clear that we were alone, our ancestors set about building a new nation using what technologies survived... ah, I think I'm going into too much detail... suffice it to say, I could not give you any starcharts... although I do have images of the night sky stored in my wrist-computer."

"Pleased that you found one of our invitations and decided to accept Dustwind. You smell of deep desert, not something found here in Tanaara." And of course Rob's keen eyes had noted the dusting of sand and the utilitarian nature of the explorers clothes."

"Yes, desert is abundant in my country. Some prefer to stay in the comfort of our atmosphere-controlled cities, but it makes me restless. The harshness of the outdoors makes it feel more real, somehow."

[Elves Security Forces]

Morgan looked after the children for a second and turned back to the group. “Let me introduce Artanis of Valanora, he’s Orome’s brother in law.” He introduced Aeris, Shalamar, Madrigal and Victoria, Rob Ryan and Robert. One thing you could always say about a Tanaaran. The more informal they were the more they liked you. Formality tended to be reserved for governmental ‘stuff’ such as diplomacy, duels, war and people they didn’t trust.

“Pleased to meet you Artanis, and thank you for bringing Faelyn and Kheleen. I know that Thom and Ava are just delighted that they could come.” Rob said easily offering his hand to the tall Elf.

Artanis extended his slender, pale hand to Rob and exchanged in the handshake. The grip was firm, but welcoming, the type of grip most men gave to another to get a measure of their counterpart.

"It's a pleasure to have brought them. I have to say though, your information about my position is a tad misinformed. I am neither a Prince, nor Lady Oromë's brother in law. I am in fact Lord Tobias' uncle, and a lord myself. While it is neither here nor there, I thought I would just let you know.

I must say that I had no idea that Tanaara was so beautiful. It almost reminds me of Valanora in a way. Is all of your country this beautiful? If so, I might have made a mistake in not making this venture sooner."

[Tanaara]

"The harshness of the outdoors makes it feel more real, somehow."

Rob Ryan nodded understandingly at that, for like the vast majority of Tanaarans he far preferred to be outdoors than trapped within a building " Though there are no true deserts within the homelands of Tanaara, Dustwind, with such matchless harshness, save perhaps the death zone heights of the Lossefanyar Athan, the Snow beyond the Sky" he said, translating the ancient Elvin name for the massive mountain system which rivaled the better known Himalayas in breath and height, and formed the eastern border of the Tanaaran homelands.

“But I am sure that Myriad, our senior Cyber Sentient, will be able to coordinate the images in your wrist comp for when you are ready to return home. He has every star chart known, as he came to us from the Phoenix Empire of Tanara, our mother nation if you will, and they are allies with the Xa who have been exploring this universe for close to ten billion years.” He hoped that would reassure their visitor so that he could enjoy the party, or for as long as he wanted to stay, without worry.

“And while our countryside is softer, it has just a rough a nature at times. We have always tried as a nation, and individuals, to alter it as little as possible. Taking the wild out of wilderness is just not something we are prepared to do.”

"It almost reminds me of Valanora in a way. Is all of your country this beautiful? If so, I might have made a mistake in not making this venture sooner."

“That’s my fault, Artanis.” Rob Ryan said as he returned the handshake firmly but with careful restraint. His captivity and time of torture in the Hell dimension might have necessitated the removal of some of the Cadre’s ‘alterations’ but his strength would never be anything less than several factors above human norm, “Orome said she trusted you as she would a brother and I should not have assumed.”

Tanaaran relationships were complex, what with multiple partner marriages being the norm rather than the exception.

“Tanaara has a wide range of lovely scenery, from the tundra moorland alive with purple and white heather to the near tropic jungles south of Heartland Bay.” Maddie added .” Maddie added happily, she had just spent a stint as Tanaara’s ambassadress to the DMG where all the world was a cave.

[Rollinulf]

Blythe shook her head as she climbed back into the jet. She'd flown herself and her nephew Cullen all the way to Tanaara for the birthday party of the twins, and now the boy wouldn't get off the plane. She'd been so sure he'd been behind her. She spotted him sitting crossed legged in a seat contemplating his navy sneakers. For the event he'd worn dark jeans and green polo shirt. Around his neck there was a brown leather necklace with a silver wolf encased in crystal attached. His caramel hair was brushed smoothly.

"Cul, I thought you wanted to attend this party?"

Cullen looked up at his aunt. His gold eyes glowing. There were very few golden eyed lycans, but they did exist. They only one's Blythe had ever seen were her brother, his son, and herself. What made her uneasy was that Cullen's eyes seemed to be growing more luminous. The trait had started on his fifth birthday, the same day he'd gained control of his turning. It was so odd. He'd struggled that whole year learning how to shift from wolf to human, and how to resist the moon. They boy had been able to shift into wolf for when he was only a little over four. He matured quickly, it was hard to believe it had only been 21 months since then.

However, Blythe wasn't too shocked. Though it was rare to have total control before that age of 20, she herself had gained control at 6. Her brother had gained control at 9. The legacy of the golden eyes.

Cullen shifted nervously. "I do."

Blythe sighed, "But?"

"But what if they don't like me. What if I do something offensive. What if they won't let me on the elephant. WHAT IF I SCARE THE ELEPHANT?!"

A look of horror entered Cullen's glowing eyes.

Blythe laughed. "I think you'll be fun. Trust me, there will be many interesting people there. They will like you. You will do fine. And Leavitt won't get mad if you mess up."

The boy crossed his arms. "Who said I'm worried about the King?"

Blythe smiled brightly at her nephew. "You're always worried about what His Majesty thinks. It comes with the role, Your Grace."

Cullen blushed faintly. A few months after his fifth birthday he'd been called to an audience with King Leavitt Seath Ulric of Rollinulf. It was quite scary for the child, but with his parents and aunt there he'd felt better. Leavitt had explained that the royal line was limited to him. The King had no heir. He did not wish to rush into finding a mate, so he wanted to ask Cullen a very special favor. The reasons were explained, long complicated explanations, but soon it was decided. Cullen would become the heir for now. Under the title of the Duke of Demeter's Land, Cullen would be next in line should something happen to the King. The title had only been made official on Cullen's sixth. It made for an whirlwind childhood.

When the invitation for the twin's party had come along, Leavitt had seen it as a chance to give the boy a chance to see he could still have fun. It had taken a bit of convincing, but eventually all was arranged and they'd flown off, just Blythe and Cullen. He'd seemed to excited on the flight, but Cullen was shy and it was obvious that he was worried.

Blythe sat next to Cullen and petted his hair. "You don't have to be so nervous. Just be your charming, wonderful self and you'll be fine. Okay, Cul?"

Cullen looked up at his aunt. She'd dressed nicely for the party. Her white blond hair was pulled into a french twist. She wore black heeled boots and chocolate slacks. Her choice in tops was a black blouse with a white and red Bodice on top. She looked very pretty, though Cullen wished she wasn't wearing her black sunglasses. He liked to be reminded that his aunt's eyes were like his. Most people were mean about his eyes.

"Alright, I'm ready."

Taking his aunt's hand Cullen stepped walked down the steps of the jet. Blythe shut the door and followed after Cullen who was rushing toward the hotel announcing he wanted to take the transporter. Blythe chuckled and followed after the boy. They made their way through the transporter and soon found themselves only a few meters from the festivities. Blythe walked next to Cullen, her hand between his shoulder blades urging him forward.

As Cullen moved forward her muttered to himself, "Hello, I'm Cullen Rhys Seath Ulric Cromley, Duke of Demeter's Land in Rollinulf. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I hope you will accept these gifts. Happy Birthday." He repeated the worlds calmly, though the close he got to the party the more uncomfortable he became. He spotted the children by the elephant and froze. They were still outside the festivities. He wouldn't budge but repeated his practiced greeting desperately under his breath. Blythe kneeled next to him in an attempt to calm him. His hands gently clung to two small boxes, but he seemed frozen with nerves.

[Flammable Ice]

“But I am sure that Myriad, our senior Cyber Sentient, will be able to coordinate the images in your wrist comp for when you are ready to return home. He has every star chart known, as he came to us from the Phoenix Empire of Tanara, our mother nation if you will, and they are allies with the Xa who have been exploring this universe for close to ten billion years.”

"I am extremely grateful. That will be very useful. Perhaps it may even be possible for me to bring my people the technology we need to leave our planet. Unfortunately, we lost that capability when the Lucidity's best minds were killed and most of our computer data lost in the crash. Reverse-engineering progress has been very slow."

“And while our countryside is softer, it has just a rough a nature at times. We have always tried as a nation, and individuals, to alter it as little as possible. Taking the wild out of wilderness is just not something we are prepared to do.”

Dustwind thought about this for a while.

"That sounds like a rational attitude. Making one's surroundings softer is a poor substitute for making oneself tougher. By becoming dependent on comfort, one would become imprisoned in it."

[Cats Keep]

"So, I feel you have great power, but I wonder, how powerful are you really?"

Shalamar smiled grimly behind the concealing veils, but kept her voice bland. "I can tap immense amounts of raw power. but in the end the proper question is how much can I control?" She paused a heartbeat and continued "And I can control every erg I can tap."...and then some...but I don't like to advertise her thoughts continued behind her multilayered shields...

She introduced Irene and let Rob Ryan takke over for the moment

"You grace us with your presence Irene, and might I compliment you on your gown? That emerald hue brings out the fire in your hair." The Archon bowed over her hand - he was just enough psionic to sense the presence about her and was being diplomatically careful but friendly.

[Tanaara]

Blythe and Cullen...

"We're not gonna eat ya ya know, not enough meat on a werepup as little as you are" Snark's chuckling voiced reached the pair at about the same time he did, tugging Ava and Thom along with Kheleen and Faelyn - should they be willing to come - over to where the pair knelt just outside the garden gate.

"An Emily may be big, but she's real careful bout where she puts her feet!" Thom added, unsure it it wsa the immensity of the elephant that worried the new kid. "And you're a There-in.. Therian..a werewolf? Oh cool! You got to mee Miz Karvel, she's a Weretiger! She works for Uncle Morgan."

"Your necklace is beautiful, just like your eyes." Ava's own shimmering seafoam green eyes - eyes which from before her birth had seen far more than mortal eyes were wont for Ava was the bearer of visions and the truest of sights, that which saw into a beings soul- Grave faced but with a gentle smile gracing her lips she held out to Cullen a moon flower. Currently, with the sun up the long ssilvery hued flower was tightly furled "But if you keep it it will open tonight and glow just like She does."

[The-Citadel]

Blink and you'd miss it; with a pop of displaced air, the Outer Dominion of Asriel Jones appears in Tanaara's Transportal Center. The Outer Dominion is physically contiguous with the person and possessions of Doctor Asriel Jones, PHD; and so at five feet nothing it is by far the smallest of the Outer Dominions of the Citadel. The Doctor is long past feeling embarrassed by her maximum elevation, but she is rather pleased with her proportionally low land area.

For the occasion, Doctor Jones has swapped her usual shapeless gray wool coat for a rather nicer one in a patterned burgundy silk, and her trademark striped scarf has similarly been swapped for a painted silk one. The good Doctor is not known for caring overmuch about her appearance, but she's obviously made an effort today. It has worked fairly well, even if her features are, like the rest of her, average; brown hair, brown eyes, tan skin. Asriel Jones' extraordinary qualities are literally all in her mind.

Truth be told, she'd not have put in the effort, or gone at all, if Eliseth hadn't cajoled her; Asriel's experience of children is limited to the universal experience of being one herself, and she never knows exactly how to communicate with them. Although the same is true of adults also. You'd think a telepath would have an easier time of things, but people are strange.

It is traditional to present gifts upon a child's birthday. Asriel left selecting those to Eliseth, although she has her doubts if a member of the Technogenic Pale - which has removed the variables from child-raising with AI implants - has any more idea what might be appropriate than she does herself. Sentience is an emergent system and so unpredictable ... people are not Asriel's strong point, she knows. Eliseth is of the opinion that this is because her test group is both small and homogenous (she lives in the Pale, after all, where it would be understating facts to say that the citizenry is all raised the same); hence her friend has cajoled her into attending these festivities. Although Eliseth herself has remained behind, citing some vague excuse ...

Anyway. The party. Like the Citadel back home, the Tanaaran palace is shielded from her access; all she'd get if she tried to teleport in would be a migraine the size of the Kiran Reaches. Hence appearing here, at the Transfer Point, and taking the relatively-long way to the palace grounds. Approaching the palace, she feels the presence of other telepaths, a heaviness in her mind; and a rarity. There's only half a dozen espers worth noting, back in the Outer Dominions (unless you lump the mages in with them). This shall be interesting, at least.

[The Eternal Swarm]

"You grace us with your presence Irene, and might I compliment you on your gown? That emerald hue brings out the fire in your hair." The Archon bowed over her hand - he was just enough psionic to sense the presence about her and was being diplomatically careful but friendly.

OOC: Who's Rob Ryan? I fell like I missed his intro and description.

IC: Irene bowed gracefully.

"Why thank you, I made it myself." She said, and of course, in this she was quite literal, all the way down to the fabrics that made it.

[Illegal Legs]

Skofte Macleod, the man with the most awesome name in the world, was broke and washed up in the early morning rain.

He stuck his hand in his pocket, and pulled out a handful of sand.

He gazed across to runway number nine, where a big seven-oh-seven was set to go. But you can't hop a jet plane like you can a freight train...

Well unless you are Skofte Macleod, the man with the greatest name in the world.

Soon she was away and westward bound, far above the clouds

Skofte Macleod hung onto the stabilizers, put on a pair of sunglasses, and felt the cold wind blow.

He had a party to get to.

[Rollinulf]

"Your necklace is beautiful, just like your eyes."

"Thank you." Cul smiled shyly as he accepted the flower. In his other hand he balanced the other two boxes. He offered the golden box to Ava and the blue box to Thom. The gold box contained a sea glass bracelet
. The blue box contained a brown leather bracelet with a small wolf pendant on it.

"I made the seaglass one with some help from my mom who made the leather one. Except the pendant, that was made my Ms. Edan. She lives in the volcano."

Cul turned to his aunt, "Can I go play with them?"

Before Blythe could answer, Cul had returned his attention to the other children. "I I touch Emily's trunk will she be mad?" He had never seen a real elephant before.

Blythe smiled after her nephew. He was shy at first, but usually opened up when the timing was right. She laughed to herself as she noticed the similarities between Cul and the flower Ava had given him.

[Tanaara]

Oh no’se! Please, whatever else you might do, don't lump the psi's in with the mages, both - each collectively and independently -will become absolutely indignant, grumble loudly, profoundly- and profanely- and the butterflies in Tokyo will, in some drunkard's walk fashion, turn back into so many caterpillars, and then we're all going to be well and truly plastered with the traditional substance thrown free of the rotary air movement devices...

Dustwind

"..Reverse-engineering progress has been very slow."

Rob Ryan's smile was even more understanding now - for he knew the Domination's origins and history as Dustwind did not. "We will be honored to help your people in whatever ways they may desire to regain what they lost." His soft assured words made that a promise that was not empty, for the Domination was fully a part of the 'Pay It Forward' mindset. And his smiled went even wider at Dustwind's second comment.

"That sounds like a rational attitude. Making one's surroundings softer is a poor substitute for making oneself tougher. By becoming dependent on comfort, one would become imprisoned in it."

"That is quite possibly true. You see..." He began to relate very briefly what had his smile so wide...How three hundred odd years ago somewhat over five million Tanarans left the comfort of their home and high tech culture and came here to Earth, to build a nation that left behind that technology, to live rough and primitive...”or as my mother once spoke of it" He quoted her words to the best of his memory "They went forth from paradise seeking something profound, with some very sound reasons.”

He like his mother had studied the journals of those of the first generations. “They were concerned that humanity was losing... a core intrinsic logos, nameless perhaps but essential, worried that technology made certain attitudes and outlooks too easy. I understand their worries. I think we lose something if all is too easy on us. That it is adversity that gives humanity the drive that makes us able to achieve so much. And redeems us from the worst that we can not seem to get rid of no matter how much we advance...Have we Tanaarans regained that technology we left behind, yes, but have we lost what we refound in that regaining? No, I think not"

Irene …

"Why thank you, I made it myself."

Rob Ryan smile warmed, “Oh I think the ladies are going to be envious Irene.and I bet Aeris is going to be asking you for the components of that cloth.” His wife wasn’t a clothes horse but she loved exotic fabrics. And she was a very adept mage.

Maddie who had been looking admiringly at the gown, now sighed, and said low, “And I can’t sew a stitch, much less know a thing about fabricating fabrics!”

“That’s what you have a personal shopper for Sis,” Morgan teased.

Let me go about this clockwise,

The Tanaaran Archon Robert Ryan Fortier ~ Hexx - called Rob Ryan when his father is about, son of HRH Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx of Tanaara ( abdicated ) and Robert Fortier of Imitora ( not dead yet, again ) - is certainly not a man of ease and leisure - he is well hard, but not bulkily, muscled under taunt, youthful skin. Standing close to six foot five he can, should he need to, lift several tons and out react top fighter pilots. He is the youngest living holder of the Lion of the Phoenix Empire of Tanara, and without dumping several large scholarly tomes to write the word picture out for the readers, let it just be said that he earned that honor several times over. Though no one will ever be able to make him believe that he deserves it.

His personal confidence and powerful personality radiate from him like a beacon and it is easy to see why he is a popular and well loved leader – without the slightest drop of any cult of personality being involved. He is Tanaaran through and through with all their virtues and vices.

Next to him, on his left, is his is nearly as tall, and elegantly slender wife, the Empress Aeris of Tarlachia, the Dominations neighbor to the east. Half Elvin, half Celestial her long sweep of gold hair frames a face of inhuman beauty centered on glorious green eyes. Her wings are not visible in her current form, and she scarcely looks the over fifteen hundred years of life she has lived.

Next to her is Morgan Kincannon, Rob Ryan’s second in command, close to six foot three himself, and about four years younger than Rob Ryan.. They have known each other since childhood as Morgan’s parents – Sinjin Kincannon and Khadri van Maartin - were Rob Ryan’s mother’s ministers – HRH Queen Mercedez Hexx’s Four Horsemen as they were called. Like Rob Ryan he carries and air or military competency about him. Morgan is trustworthy, hard working, if rather staid for a Tanaaran.

Near him is Artanis of Valnora, an Elvin lord that was mistakenly introduced as Prince Artanis, but he has since corrected that error in gentlemanly fashion. He is the uncle of Valnora’s previous ‘Great Leader’, who has abdicated that title to his wife, Orome. Orome is a family friend of the Hexx’s.

An explorer from the nation of Flammable Ice, Dustwind is next and he stands next to Madrigal Shimada, sister to Morgan and the newest of Rob Ryan’s senior Ministers of State. Her parents are Robyn and Kazuma Shimada, who are part of the group marriage of Sinjin, Khadri, Robyn and Kazuma. She is hairs under six foot, the average height of Tanaaran human females – Tanaaran human males average six foot one.

Almost as tall- but her exact height and appearance are hard to discern under the all concealing crimson robes and veils - is Lady Shalamar of Cats Keep, Tenerista. She is a formidable psionic and known to be well over thirteen thousand years old.

Irene, Queen of the Eternal Swarm in a marvelous emerald green gown that sets off her entrancing looks and flame hued hair. To those sensitive the presence of the Overmind can be felt about her.

Robert Fortier, the legendary Imitoran, stands next to her. Called by most simply ‘Fortier’ he is an inch or two over six foot, looking at most in his late thirties, with a suave, rakish air of hinted danger about him that clearly but discretely marks him as some one not to be messed with. Vanishingly few are better than he with fast cars and hot guns.

Victoria Reynolds, his current Lady, stands supermodel glamorous in her own uniquely understated way between Robert and Rob Ryan. She is also Fortier’s second in command of his top rated business, Rogue Performance Motorsports, with a mind as sharp as her looks.


OOC the second: I know I haven't replied to every one but I will have another post up shortly.

[The Eternal Swarm]

"Well, I'll tell you what, give me the components, and spend a night in a Hive with me that I might get proper measurements, and I shall give you a dress, in any color you like, in any style you like.

Understand, that this requires at least six yards of silk, one of cotton, one of leather, and three of Nylon. When I combine those four items with certain other items found only in The Swarm, I can produce Swarm Silk, it has the marvelous property of regeneration, that is, if this dress were to sustain major damage, it would regrow itself and become whole once more over the course of a week. Only fire can truly destroy it."

[Tarlachia]

"I made the seaglass one with some help from my mom who made the leather one. Except the pendant, that was made my Ms. Edan. She lives in the volcano."

Avanya smiled in kindness, accepting her gift and opening it. She pulled it out, allowing it to reflect the sunlight. "It's beautiful." she whispered, before looking back at Cul and giggling at his concern regarding the elephant. She put the necklace on around her neck, and turned with a carefree flow of her dress toward the elephant. "Emily is very good." she answered, giving Cul a glance out the side of her eye. "And, she'll like you." Then, in a language that was clearly elvish, the little girl called to the beast. Instantly, it looked toward her and approached. Avanya looked at the handler, "It's ok, sir. She'll be good, I promise."

Then, walking up to the elephant, she reached out to the trunk that was extending toward her, and gave it a brief hug. It wrapped around her in return and she laughed hysterically at the ticklish hairs. She looked to Cul, then up to Emily and said another few words in that flowery language. The elephant turned its gaze to Cul and raised its trunk in greeting, giving a small noise through its trunk.

Avanya giggled again, "She says hello, and she agrees with me. You're handsome."

Let it not be said that Avanya wasn't blunt and in this regard, her mother was surely to blame.

[Rollinulf]

"She says hello, and she agrees with me. You're handsome."

A streak of rose lit up the bridge of Cullen's nose and his cheeks. He didn't look at Ava but smiled charmingly at the Elephant.

"Why thank you Miss Emily. You are quite the pretty paca...paci....You are a very Elegant Elephant." His smile widened a bit. He glanced quickly at Ava before returning his concentration to the elephant. His shyness was coming back.

[Tanaara]

Doctor Asriel Jones and the elephant at the gate…

Aden Waycross, trained in Cats Keep and now the head of Tanaara’s second most prominent Tower, is a large - close to six foot seven - and slightly heavyset man in casual clothes but with the subdued rank badges of a Tanaara Tenerezu clearly visible. His voice is deep and as rich as the darkest of chocolates, much like his skin, and his rollicking, booming laughter covers acres- he irresistibly reminds one of a young James Earl Jones.

If his friend, Valkidris de la Mar, is five foot seven it is because of the three inch heels, but she wears them with the grace and aplomb of someone well used to doing so. Thick silky black hair tumbles nearly to her waist and emphasizes the clarity of her skin and her large dark eyes. Her halter top, body hugging crimson gown- which has a spectacular figure to hug -ends well above the knees. Her only non native adornment is her own Adept ranking done in gold and gems formed into a wide armband. But then again with her looks she doesn’t need any.

Valkidris had just arrived via Star Gate from the planet Arran in the Errisfane System where she had been overseeing the start up of the planetary tower. She is Adept rated but unlike Aden is not a Tenerista, lacking certain Gifts required for that classification and ranking.

“Aden when did, oh they must have asked one to come give the children a treat” She answered her own question as they arrived just outside the gardens of Mont Royale Palace.

“Well, they look like they and the elephant are enjoying themselves.” Aden chuckled. “Ava has all her mother’s Gifts and no few unique to herself.” He observed in a soft voice.

He and Valkidris also noticed a Psionic who’s ‘signature’ they did not recognize. A small woman in a lovely Burgundy coat and scarf looking in at the children and elephant pretty much blocking the entrance. “Good afternoon.” Aden called to her “I see we have a small road block.”


Ava, Cullen, Thom, Kheleen, Faelyn and Emily -the elephant in the Gate

Thom had opened his box carefully, then folding the wrapping paper and tucking it aside. He looked at the bracelet and his smile was wide as he slipped it on to his wrist. “Thank You…Myriad says your name is Cullen.” The Tanaaran Senior C.S. had whispered in the boy’s ear having matched appearances to dossiers. He looked at Cullen “And I can see that your form, that’s how I knew you were a werewolf, though Miz Karvel said that most can’t shift until their adults. ..and that’s my sister Ava…”

Emily mean while was using her sensitive trunk tip to explore Cullen, making little whuffling sounds as she did so. Her breath carried the sun warm, sweet scents of fresh timothy hay and melons. Then she looked her trunk gently around his right forearm.

He looked over to where more adults were gathering and recognised Tenerezu Waycross “And I think we’re blocking the gate.” He wanted another ride one the elephant far more than he wanted to say hello to more adults.

The mahout had come over with Emily, even though Ava had said that Emily promised to be good – he knew that the massive elephant would be but he still felt better about having children climbing up to the howdah under the careful supervision of an adult – namely him.

He helped each child climb up and showed there how to sit cross legged on the thickly cushioned floor “Now when Emily moves it will feel like you are rolling from side to side. You can hang on to these straps coming down from the ceiling if you feel you need to.” He showed then the broad loops of heavy embroidered velvet that depended from the howdah’s roof. “Now let me get settled” Emily’s trunk came around and looped about his waist as he stood on the ladder looking in to the pavilion, and set him on her neck just behind her head. Reins came down to her halter but they didn’t really provide Emily guidance, that her Mahout did with gentle, subtle leg pressure’s against her neck.

Calmly Emily turned about and ambled back into the gardens to the sound of children’s whoops of joy.


747 Coming out of the sky….

After long enough the seven o seven stopped being a seven forty seven and landed at Transfer Point. And Skofte Macleod, the man with the greatest name in the world was able to hop off before it taxied to Grey Seventeen…which for once wasn’t missing.

The Invitation dared him to follow it east- ish….

Irene

"Only fire can truly destroy it."

That had all the ladies there looking at her dress in new fascination.

“Oh my, I think I will take you up on that offer Irene. It would be fascinating to see a Hive.” Maddie was happy to take her up on the offer. “That material isn’t something you offer for export, by any chance?” Maddie asked, thinking of a plethora of possibilities. And not just decorative uses. “Oh forgive me, this is a party!”

She could hear one of the entertainments just beginning, one of Tanaara’s current hit singing musical duo’s, an nationally recognised opera tenor and Tanaara’s electric violin playing superstar, Estrellita Ellena de Villa Real y de Cordova de Basque.

“Would any one care to go to the glade, Ivasn and Estrellita are really worth hearing close up.” She offered to the group as waitstaff circulated, offering trays of drinks and nibbles – as well as ready to take orders for specific preferences.

[The Eternal Swarm]

"We can discuss Export, after you witness how its made, meanwhile, on a more current subject, yes, I would like to witness them up close." She said.

Then, side to a waiter:

"Just water is fine."

[Rollinulf]

Cullen was too distracted by Emily's explorations to answer Thom when he was speaking. Cul smiled at the scent of fresh hay and melons. It was quite pleasant. He laughed a bit as her trunk examined him, it tickled a lot.

It was not until he was sitting in the howdah that he replied to Thom.

"I'm really happy that you like your gifts. I wasn't quite sure what to give." He looked around at the view. It was so cool to be this high up. The awe obvious on his face.

"Oh, right. You said that someone told you we don't shift until adulthood. That's true. I'm just different. My father and aunt were able to turn at a very young age. A few years ago, Dad decided I should try to see if I can control myself at a young age, too. There were a few problems, but eventually I learned control." He shook his head. "That's not exactly true, I just kind of woke up and had control. Kind of like the story of the man who lifted a calf. One day he could lift a cow. It's pretty cool."

He smiled at Thom and Ava. "Your party is really fun."

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Blythe stood by the gate watching the children on the elephant. She was very happy that Cullen was fitting in. It felt good not to have to worry about him.

She looked around at the other women who were attending the event. Looking down at her clothing she felt a bit under dressed. She sighed, wishing she'd worn something nicer. Then again, she never could find a proper gown that covered her scars.

[Flammable Ice]

Engrossed in conversion, Dustwind had almost forgotten that he was at a party. Although birthdays were not celebrated in Flammable Ice, it is customary to bring a gift when visiting someone. What did he have to give? He couldn't give his weapons and his physical adornments weren't unique or novel in any way.

"Maddie", he said quietly. "I do not have anything to give the children. Perhaps I could tell a story... or perform a martial arts sequence". He hesitated, since the latter were not something he usually displayed to people, besides his training instructor and was not sure what the reaction would be. On the other hand, he had little experience with storytelling, though he had heard some stories he considered interesting.

[Tanaara]

Irene

"We can discuss Export, after you witness how its made, meanwhile, on a more current subject, yes, I would like to witness them up close."

“I’d be honoured if you’d allow me to show you to the glade” Morgan broke in before Maddie or Shalamar could reply when he heard Irene express an interest. The artistic pair that were about to perform were his favourites and he loved nothing better than introducing some one to their excellence

Once Irene had expressed a desire for a drink, a tall, chilled, but neatly napkin wrapped, glass was being offered to her. And Morgan was offering his arm should she choose to take it.

Dustwind

"I do not have anything to give the children. Perhaps I could tell a story... or perform a martial arts sequence".

Maddie turned to look at Dustwind, when he spoke of presents “Oh Dustwind, there are not need for presents, in fact we practise Hobbit tradition. Those being feted Give presents. Though any guest who wishes to perform is welcome to. Story’s are ever welcome and, if you feel comfortable with it, a martial arts exhibit is never amiss either. We are never adverse seeing and learning new forms. There are more dojo’s in Tanaara than there are restaurants, and we are a people known for our love of ‘eating out’.

“Dustwind, forgive me for interrupting” Shalamar said softly, “but I couldn’t help but over hearing. Maddie is correct. They, the crazy Tanaaran’s’, far prefer giving gifts, and I know that neither Thom nor Ava would expect one, though many do bring them. I know Ava would probably prefer a story to fill her ever growing mass of such and Thom shares his father’s abiding interest of all things Martial.” Then she raised her voice so that it carried to the others “If you will excuse me, there is some one at the garden gate I need to meet….and the first one singing Lilly Marlene will get pay back!”

Blythe

That said the tall Tenerista turned with a graceful swirl of her crimson robes and strode over to where Aden, Valkidris and the small lady in the burgundy coat stood. As she neared Blythe she stopped for a second and greeted her in a low tone. “Lady Wolf your worries about a proper dress, which are rather being broadcast, are unfounded. Scars mean nothing here, to any who count that is, and even if you do not wish to wear a gown, what you are wearing is eminently suitable. It certainly is more appealing that what he has on.”

She nodded to a man passing by in something …hard to describe but certainly not suited to his build, colouring and certainly not to his air of superiority. In fact Shalamar projected, for Blythe’s view only a caricature of the man as a oversized pink mouse…And it would be very apparent to Blythe that the veiled psionic was grinning behind those concealing veils. “You are up from Rollinulf, yes?”

[Rollinulf]

The corner of Blythe's lip tilted into an amused grin. She did her best to keep her laughter on the inside, though she was sure it was projected loudly to Lady Shalamar.

“You are up from Rollinulf, yes?”

Blythe nodded her head respectfully. "Yes. It's quite nice to visit Tanaara. I had made plans to make a training tour just before the Imitorian Incident. However, it seemed a bad idea to leave home at that point. There were so many things to be done." She inclined her head in the direction of the children. "It's lovely to see children playing. May I assume the twin's new companion was gifted by you?"

[Modern Outlaws]

Robert made introductions all around as others came up, sticking with a simple "pleased to meet you", "pleasure's mine", or the like, and a firm yet not challenging hand shake. Victoria did the same, partaking in the occasional conversation when her home, Tanaara, came up. However, Robert himself had a bit of a different challenge. He didn't exactly have a home of which to speak, his birth place of Northampton now on the lower end of the east island, approximately several thousand feet underwater.

And that, in a round about way, is what bothered him. He didn't let it on, it was an Imitoran specialty to not let on what one was thinking, but what he knew had to be mentioned. He and Connor had already hit five of the installations, and a group of trusted individuals had taken another six. But there were more, far more, and he only knew about seventy five percent of them. Places that no one, if they knew where they were, wanted around. It was something he would need to talk about with Rob Ryan and Shalamar.

He focused instead on the elephant for a moment, the children playing on and around the beast. Gently, he tapped Victoria on the shoulder, noting that he would return shortly, going off to get some drinks. He leaned over, and whispered as such in her ear. She gave him a concerned smile, and he waved if off.

"If you'll excuse me," he said to the group, stepping out, and heading over towards the refreshments.

[Tanaara]

Rob Ryan watched his father whisper to Victoria and step away. With his own murmured excuse the tall Archon made his way to his father's side and fell into step with him as the Imitoran headed over to the refreshment tables rather than give an order to one of the wait staff.

"What's bothering you Dad?" He'd inherited just a bit of his mother's minor gift of empathy so that he could tell just a bit more than 'normal' when some one was bothered, especially family. And while he and Robert Fortier hadn't known each other when he was growing up, he was still Fortier's son.

[Elves Security Forces]

Artanis greeted those that came and made his acquaintance, but still kept slightly off to the side. He was not the most social of creatures as of late, and did not feel confident enough in his demeanor to interrupt the conversations that were occurring. As he stood off to the side, waiting for a break in conversation, his hands fumbled inside the pockets. His eyes went wide as his hand slid over the smooth pair of shells in his left pocket. For a moment he thought it was the charges that the priestesses had given him so that he and the twins could return to Valanora, but then he remembered that they were instead the gifts that he had brought on behalf of the nation for the twins. As he was not engaged in conversation, he felt no need to excuse himself as he made his way to the gate where the children and elephant were.

As he made his way over, he noticed that a few more guests had arrived since he and the twins had made their entrance. He made a mental note to make their acquaintance later once he had given the children their gifts. Unfortunately, by the time he had made his way to the gate, the elephant with the children upon her, had made its way back to the gardens. Sighing, Artanis turned backed towards the group and noticed that Aeris was not engaged with any of her guests. He politely made his way back and smiled at the Elven Empress before producing the two navy, smooth, and football sized eggs.

"When the twins get back from their excursions, please present each of them with one of these eggs will you? They are eggs of the blue dragon flight, protectors of Valanora's border and secrets. Long have they serviced the lords and ladies of our realm, and it is the hope of Lady Orome that they should service these children in much the same way."