Advertisement
by Socialist Macronesia » Fri Oct 16, 2020 10:42 am
by Kiu Ghesik » Fri Oct 16, 2020 12:39 pm
Western Fardelshufflestein wrote:Alastair ducked and covered his ears as the uproar of the crowd surged, Oomiya's name on their lips. Scarlet banners fluttered around him like crazed rectangular butterflies. He whimpered, his weakened body shaken with fatigue, and stumbled into one of his guards. He caught and steadied Alastair with what seemed to be a thinly veiled expression of exasperation.
He remained in this position for several minutes until the nausea abated and the crowed dispersed. Once he could stand upright, he pulled away from his guards with intense chagrin. He was still behaving like a child, nay, an infant, and he was too ill to be here. Never should he have accepted this invitation. Marie could have gone instead, because at least she was a competent ruler, whilst he...he had spent most of his time here getting roaring drunk or lying in bed.
I thought they gave me something for depression? Is't not in my medical file? No, no, this was not depression, was it? It was simply the fact that he was a drunkard and a failure.
Alastair looked up and spied the young nomadic leader on the other side of the bridge. Ari, her name was. Yes. He remembered her name while sober. He was sober, wasn't he? His mind was deceptively clear, his senses were not dulled. And he was not....
He frowned deeply. A fragment of a memory resurfaced, a recent one. Of him sticking out his tongue and...'Sblood, licking Ari. Had he actually done that? Lost so much control that he had licked another person? Alastair was the representative of his entire nation, and he was going around guzzling alcohol and licking foreign leaders.
He nervously made his way toward her and her entourage. From a distance, he could tell she was panicking over something. Possibly over being near him. Now he had to ask if he had actually licked her, which would be strange and humiliating one way or another, because he either had embarrassed or was about to embarrass himself. Likely both. And he was embarrassed by himself, embarrassed by what he had allowed his life to become.
Unfortunately, he was too deep in his reverie to notice where he was going. He knocked into the nomadic woman, halted, blinked several times to orient himself. "Apologies," he sputtered. "I was not looking where I was going."
She was clinging to an ancient package of sorts. As though it was her lifeline, or her demise. Nothing suspicious, unless it had come from Ross.
His palms were clammy, and he was breaking out in a nervous sweat. Anyone paying close enough attention to him would see that his breathing was slightly labored. He suddenly recalled how he had weighed himself this morning, how he had gaped at the number for a lengthy period of time before getting dressed for the day. 106.25, it had read. 106.25 kilograms. A few months ago, he had been at 97.
He mustered the courage to ask Ari his question and forced himself to meet her eye. Hopefully, this was not a grave offense where she came from. "May I ask you an odd question?" he began in a tremulous voice. He sounded so weak and not at all the way a national sovereign should. "Did I...lick you a couple of nights ago?"
by Western Fardelshufflestein » Fri Oct 16, 2020 9:07 pm
The Western Fardelshufflestein Sentinel | 27 November 2022 bUt wHy iS tHE rUm gOnE!?
by Socialist Macronesia » Fri Oct 16, 2020 9:27 pm
by Sanghyeok » Fri Oct 16, 2020 9:57 pm
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by Libertalonia » Sun Oct 18, 2020 8:02 am
by New Goldman » Sun Oct 18, 2020 5:37 pm
Libertalonia wrote:"I'd go for A really, I like chicken" Lilith said to kimiko. she looked at the Goldman emperor, She smiled a bit at him as she showed a notebook with sketches of the architecture. "I'm likely commissioning this as the new offices for me and my government.
chuck, karen and jovie however were secretly busy eavesdropping on the other leaders while looking busy with looking at the area, Bonnie looked and attempted to signal them to stop, They don't and keep being snoops.
Lisa sat next to Lilith, She started to ask her things, "are you doing well?'. She nods back and simply tells Lisa that she's relaxed and has nothing to worry about, from her perspective, everything is coming up wonderful.
by Kiu Ghesik » Sun Oct 18, 2020 6:28 pm
Sanghyeok wrote:One by one, the members of each nation's delegation gathered in front of Sato, and she had to admit it looked rather funny. There were people of all bodies and backgrounds, of all different times and places coming towards her, eager to enter the Chairwoman's Residence and begin their celebration of the Chairwoman's Birthday Gala.
"Welcome, to all dear friends and guests" she said in her diplomatic as ever voice, bowing lightly towards those before her. She ran through the mental checklist, making sure that not a single person was missed- or at least, those that should be here.
The delegation from Kiu Ghesik? Yes, the tall stature, nomadic lady was there, alongside her attendant- Vhiari. The two of them were dressed in the traditional clothing of their people, a mixture of earthy and natural colours, woven in a form that was simple yet pleasing to the eye.
She also noticed that the emperor of New Goldman was there as well. He was a tall, portly man, who carried himself with an energy that she could only describe as realpolitik. This was someone who did not go on errands or foreign trips if he did not have a purpose. That was fine with Sato, since she was after all a career officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and she could appreciate practicality. Sato was surprised to see him here, however, given the situation in his home country. Given the risk to his state security, I would have expected someone like him to have returned already, she thought internally.
Next to Ari was the king from Western Fardelshufflestein, looking a little unstable. Sato wasn't surprised though, given the reports she had received a few days earlier about the king's terrible state from a few days ago. She had heard from the doctors that it was a miracle King Kehrer had survived to this state, given his history of alcohol usage. "Completely deteriorated", one nurse had said about the king's liver, and it didn't shock her at all. It's a good thing there isn't much alcohol here today, she consoled herself, and breathed a sigh of relief.
Sato recognised the woman standing behind the king as Lilith, the leader of Libertalonia. From what she knew, Lilith was a capable leader, although someone whose ideals contrasted heavily with those of the Federation. Lilith was with a man that had caused some trouble earlier, their senator Chuck, who looked angry at all times for some reason.
Finally, there were four more people standing there who were the main delegates: Ross from the country that named itself Socialist Macronesia despite not being socialist, two of the kind ladies from Shtet who were the President and her wife, Kotera from the strange place called Wuchu along with a girl Sato couldn't recognise.
Just as she was about to announce that the tour had begun, however, three more people showed up: the cultural minister from Rhim Flavezztowland named Skyes, who had ran from the front of the residence, and two delegates from Greatdux. If I am not wrong, their names are Kúrfermann and Katár. They had somewhat apologetic expressions on their faces, and had clearly come here in a hurry.
"You are just on time for the beginning of the programme," Sato said, smiling politely. "Allow me to introduce today's schedule," she continued, making eye contact with each of them so naturally it felt magical.
"Today's programme is as follows:
We will begin with a tour of the outer gardens, followed by light lunch. After lunch will be the private meetings with the Chairwoman in the Hall of Reception, before the afternoon activities of parfait making, lantern making, and pudding making. We will conclude the evening with dinner, the conclusion of the pudding and parfait contest, and finally the release of lanterns."
And with that, they followed Sato across the Bridge of Thousand Leaves. There was a soft breeze in the air, and a few autumn leaves scattered below their feet as they walked on the bridge's smooth stone surface, looking down at the running water of the moat and towards the Gate of Daybreak. Just as they were about to enter, though, they were met by a pair of officials in uniform.
"I'm Honmura Kimiko, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs" the first said, introducing herself. "Please call me Alice if you wish. I am the elder of the Honmura siblings."
"And I am Honmura Kazuhisha, also from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs" noted the second. "You may call me Alex if it is easier for you. I am the younger of the Honmura siblings."
They bowed slightly, before continuing, together.
"We are here for your protection. As you recall, weapons are not permitted inside of the Chairwoman's Residence. Please deposit any remaining weapons here," they said, pointing to a small case.
Somewhat reluctantly, the various guards placed assorted weapons into it. After this was done, the Honmura siblings checked each of them once more, and finding there to be no remaining weapons, announced:
"With that we will now begin the second stage of the security measures."
The moment Kazuhisha finished saying this, Kehrer felt a slight movement on his body, almost like cool water. Not long after, Ari also felt an almost itchy bit on her skin that spread across her body. The other leaders had started reacting too, as one by one they experienced a tingling sensation around their head and torso. And then, it was gone.
"A protective field has been cast on all of your bodies" Kimiko explained. "It will prevent any major injury on your person, should there be any incidents. We will stay by your side, for the remainder of this event."
Having completed the necessary measures, the delegates were now welcomed through the Gate of Daybreak. The New Goldman emperor was particularly interested in the architecture of the bridge and gates, as was Lilith, and the two of them started a conversation about the how they wanted to take inspiration and improve buildings back in their nation. Ari was still reluctantly moving forward, forcing her feet to take steps despite her feeling of malaise. Sykes had started talking to Kúrfermann and Katar over a shared passion for the KPOP band "Blackpink", and were busy arguing over who should have had more lines in the last album release.
As for Kotera and Yamada, they were holding hands, lost in their world of only two people and paying no attention to the gazes of everyone else. For they had all they needed in each other.
"The Hall of Reception" Sato said "was named after its purpose: to receive delegates. Located in the outer east portion of the residence, it has been used for nearly 5 years, and in fact will be where you meet Chairwoman Oomiya later this afternoon, after lunch. Any questions?"
"I've got a Q for your A," a familiar voice called out, and Sato sighed.
"Anyone but Kotera?" Kotera had asked at least 10 questions during the past 20 minutes of the tour, and they were by no means bad questions. Only related to things she had barely heard of, or wasn't familiar with.
She was greeted by deafening silence.
"Fine, what is the question."
"Why is it called the Hall of Reception, and not some fancier name? Doesn't the Chairwoman like poetry, or something?"
Thank Heavens, it's an easy question, Sato thought, praising a turn in her luck.
"It's a good question. Most halls, gates and ponds here were named after particular concepts such as benevolent governance and everlasting grace, or after natural phenomenon such as daybreak or cherry blossoms. But the Hall of Reception and Hall of Poetry and Prose remain the only halls named directly for what they do. This is because Chairwoman Oomiya believed it would be better to keep their names plain, at least for the time being."
"And what would you name it" Kotera asked, and Sato felt her heart sink. She had never been good at poetry.
"Em...the Hall of Great Friendship? Because it's for receiving foreign delegations, after all."
Kotera didn't look very impressed.
Following the tour, it was lunchtime, and they were sitting in the garden just opposite the Gate of Daybreak where they had come in from as Sato and the two Honmura siblings brought them their lunches.
by Western Fardelshufflestein » Sun Oct 18, 2020 7:34 pm
The Western Fardelshufflestein Sentinel | 27 November 2022 bUt wHy iS tHE rUm gOnE!?
by Sanghyeok » Sun Oct 18, 2020 10:37 pm
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by Sanghyeok » Sun Oct 18, 2020 10:37 pm
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by Sanghyeok » Sun Oct 18, 2020 10:38 pm
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by Rhim Flavezztowland » Mon Oct 19, 2020 7:12 am
by Sanghyeok » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:34 pm
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by Sanghyeok » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:35 pm
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by Kiu Ghesik » Wed Oct 21, 2020 5:17 pm
Sanghyeok wrote:And then Chairwoman Oomiya turned her body, and walked away, disappearing swiftly into the Hall of Reception, where she was no doubt waiting for meetings with them.
Given the speed, Ari didn't know if she had truly seen the Chairwoman, or if she had simply gazed into an illusion of her. Yet Ari's mind was already becoming blurry and painful just from the thought.
That was her again, wasn't it? she thought. The Chairwoman was her reason for coming here, and now she was right in front of her, although Ari was no longer sure she wanted to meet with her.
But then there was a gentle voice to her right, and Ari tilted her head towards the sound. Looking at the source, she saw it was Alice with a calm expression on her face.
"You have been scheduled as the first to meet with the Chairwoman Oomiya Sakura, who is waiting in the Hall of Reception for you," she said with a practiced voice.
On hearing the words, "Chairwoman Oomiya," Ari felt herself being filled with a sense of foreboding once more, despite having just been comforted by her attendant.
What are you nervous about? This is the entire reason we came here, is it not? Even without looking at Vhiari, Ari could tell what she was thinking and ready to tell her.
"Because of the unknowns," Ari said, replying with her answer before Vhiari had even opened her mouth, and the two of them fell into silence for a moment. That moment couldn't last forever, though, since Alice was still standing patiently, waiting for Ari to come with her on the way to meet the Chairwoman. As if to encourage her, Vhiari reached out and held her hand tightly. Ari felt the warmth inside her grip, and nodded softly, knowing what had to be done.
"Be strong, and be confident, Caller Ari," Vhiari told her as a final encouragement, and Ari stood up. She didn't look back as she strode quickly towards Alice, her emotions having mellowed again.
"Ready, Caller Ari?" asked Alice, and she gave an affirmative as strong as she could. Now was not the time she wanted to let anyone know she had been afraid, no matter who they were.
Without any further words, they walked towards the Hall of Reception. Controlling her breathing, Ari focused on the natural beauty about her: the flowers in eternal bloom despite the mid-October weather, the flowing streams that came from and went to nowhere, and the lush green that surrounded her.
Then at last, they arrived at the Hall of Reception, and Alice signaled to Ari as if to tell her something.
"Just act normally," she instructed her, and Ari resolved to so even if she was ready for anything but acting normally.
The doors to the hall swung open, and there was Chairwoman Oomiya, sitting at the end of the table calmly. She wore an expression that seemed equal parts welcoming and fierce, and Ari knew she had only one chance for this first- well, second- impression to go as planned. She knew what she had to do, but the question was: could she?
by Libertalonia » Wed Oct 21, 2020 7:51 pm
by Sanghyeok » Wed Oct 21, 2020 9:37 pm
Kiu Ghesik wrote:Be calm. Take deep breaths. Do something. Anything but just stand here.
Ari proceeded to stand there, like some dumbfounded statue, for at least half of a second before she felt an urge to move forward. One step forward , then another, more confidently this time. It was like she was being pushed forward by some giant, unseen hand. She looked at the Chairwoman, seated at the end of the massive table dominating the room. Or was it a regular table? It seemed massive, at least to her. Or perhaps it was just the figure seated at it she found imposing? She was smiling now, a subtle grin pulling at her lips. It was most likely intended to be comforting. At least, it would have been, if Ari wasn't beyond comfort.
Shakily, she dragged the nearest chair out of its place, wincing at the slight screech it made as it slid across the smooth stone tile, and took a seat.
Her first thought was that the chair was remarkably warm, for what looked like hardwood, and contoured perfectly to the shape of her back. It felt like sitting in a sleeve, somehow. It didn't do much to still her heart.
Alright. You've moved. Now say something.
She looked down the table at the Chairwoman. Yeah, she was... she was still there. It was... just her, but that was more intimidating, somehow. The only immediate thing Ari noticed was that she'd changed her hair. It was shorter now. Still green, though.
Odd.
Ari sighed and opened her mouth to speak- a greeting, a request, something, anything. But she couldn't force the words to come. Again, she tried, and again, she failed. She shifted awkwardly in her chair, then brushed a wayward strand of hair off her face. The silence of this hall was deafeningly loud, it seemed.
At last, she managed a cough.
And then, somehow, she managed to get out a word, then another. She felt again that strange static, like she was being pushed to speak. It felt different this time, surrounding rather than prodding her, like a blanket draped over her shoulders on a cold night.
"Um... good morning, and, ah, happy birthday." She inclined her head towards Oomiya ever-so-slightly.
At least that was something.
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by New Goldman » Thu Oct 22, 2020 3:16 am
Sanghyeok wrote:Norton nodded along, before mentioning how he had plans to remake New Goldman's capital city into a greener environment. They would try to replicate some of the ideas from Sanghyeok: more trees, more grass, and of course a more balanced mixture of human technology and nature. Lilith listened attentively, and the two then started a discussion with each other on the topic.
A little while later, Lilith and Norton saw Ari leave for her meeting, and they realised their meetings with the Chairwoman would come quite soon as well.
"So, have you prepared any questions for her?" Lilith asked Norton.
by Western Fardelshufflestein » Thu Oct 22, 2020 3:05 pm
The Western Fardelshufflestein Sentinel | 27 November 2022 bUt wHy iS tHE rUm gOnE!?
by Kiu Ghesik » Thu Oct 22, 2020 4:21 pm
Sanghyeok wrote:Oomiya saw Ari enter with hesitant, almost unwilling steps, as if she had been pushed from the rear by some unseen force. But she managed to sit down, somewhat naturally, and opened her mouth to speak.
And then closed her mouth promptly, before leaving it in a half-open, half-closed state. Her expression reminded Oomiya of the face one makes when they are simply unsure of what to say, yet know the consequences of not speaking or speaking incorrectly. And so, the two of them sat in that silence for a while, even as Ari was so desperately trying to break it with her voice.
"Um... good morning, and, ah, happy birthday," Ari finally managed to say as she bowed gently, though not too obviously. It was more like a few drops of rain than anything meaningful, but it was something, or so she thought.
"And good day to you, Caller Ari," Oomiya said. "I do thank you for your well wishes, of course." Her voice was still that same intonation and pitch, still filled with contradictions: it sounded both ancient yet modern, both high class and also ordinary as any of her citizens.
"And...about our nations..." Ari tried to say something else, but her words were cut off midway. A single facial movement- not even a word was said- and Ari somehow knew what it meant.
"There is no need to rush, as the angle of the sun remains high still," Oomiya said, brushing a strand of her hair aside from her face.
"I trust that you and your delegation have found the past few days enjoyable?" Oomiya continued. She wore a more curious expression on her face now, as if she already knew the answer before Ari spoke.
by Wuchu » Thu Oct 22, 2020 9:20 pm
by Sanghyeok » Sat Oct 24, 2020 8:42 pm
Wuchu wrote:WUCHU, shared with Yamada: Meal Set C (Vegetarian, Kosher):
1st dish: Grilled tofu with cherry leaves
2nd dish: Sweet omelet with seaweed and sesame seed
3rd dish: Fried vegetable dumplings with sweet yuzu sauce
Rice: Fried rice with egg
Soup: Miso soup with fried tofu
Dessert: Strawberry parfait
SHTET: Meal Set D (Vegan, Kosher):
1st dish: Grilled tofu with cherry leaves
2nd dish: Fresh stewed vegetables with seasonal herbs
3rd dish: Fried vegetable dumplings with sweet yuzu sauce
Rice: Chestnut rice with seasoning, carrots, and herbs
Soup: Miso soup with seaweed and artificial fish cake
Dessert: Shaved ice with strawberry sauce
We were all sitting at one table - the staff being so generous to place us all together.
However, they weren't generous enough to give us another chair; Yamada sat on my lap, eating my tofu, and the stewed veggies Hannah and Esther shared with her.
"I just don't see how nuclear power can be a viable transitional phase," I said to Esther. She was arguing for Shtet's adoption of nuclear power, as part of a worldwide effort to move towards renewable energy. "You'd have to build power plants at an unprecedented rate - and, well, you would need to get the resources to construct the power plants from somewhere. Sort of defeats the point of it being environmentally friendly, no?"
"I see your point," she said. "But for much of the developed world, it will be the only way. You yourself pointed that out: there aren't many reliable alternatives, and nuclear power is still the least overall harmful."
"Relatively speaking," I said.
"Relatively, of course," she said. "But not everyone is so willing to... what is it you say?"
"Return to monke," Yamada spoke up, holding the last of the dumplings with a pair of chopsticks.
Esther nodded, chuckling a bit. "Yes, 'return to monkey.' It's not a good strategy."
Hannah was quiet from the moment we arrived at the mansion. She was enjoying her vegan miso soup, occasionally turning to get a little spoonful of spiced rice.
Her head perked up, suddenly. Noticing the change in her posture, Yamada's head turned, in the direction of the corridor connected to the dining hall. Her mouth went agape.
"I-is.." she stuttered. "Is- was that the Chairwoma-"
"Yes, I believe it was," Hannah spoke for the first time. "I think the Chairwoman is going to be seeing us soon."
An attendant of the gala walked up to one of the tables across the room, where Ari and her friend were sat. The barbarian stood up, and was escorted out of the room.
"Uh-oh," I giggled slightly. "Someone's in trouble~" I said in a sing-song tone.
Yamada slapped me gently across the back of my head.
"Shush! It's the Chairwoman! That delegate should feel very honoured to meet with her first!"
I rolled my eyes. Esther laughed quietly, turning to Hannah.
"Do you like your soup, yekirati?"
Hannah nodded, once again taking up her vow of silence, or something.
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by Sanghyeok » Sat Oct 24, 2020 8:43 pm
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
by Sanghyeok » Sat Oct 24, 2020 8:43 pm
Kiu Ghesik wrote:Ari thought about that for a moment. Things had... things had been, well, at the time enjoyable, but... regrettable. Particularly Ross. Just... everything involving Ross, really. Ari wanted nothing more than to forget those. She shook her head, trying to clear the thought of him from its quite prominent place in her mind, and found the task rather more difficult than imagined. At least, until she noticed Oomiya's knowing and frankly unsettling gaze.
Ross and his very, er, rugged visage took a backseat rather quickly after that.
She coughed and nodded in the Chairwoman's direction. "Fine, it was, uh, fine. Not much, uh, happened, really." Ah, yes, that wasn't suspicious at all. "The tour was very nice." Not that I went on it. "Thank you." She bowed again, not enough to make herself seem submissive, she thought, but still respectful.
Oomiya's smile didn't seem to leave her face. Ari realized then that in all likelihood she knew everything Ari was trying to hide. Without a doubt she did- she knew about everything in this world, and most likely certain things outside it as well. That was why she was as successful as she was. One did not live to be 861 years old without learning far more than any human ever could about life.
If Ari had her doubts about Oomiya, they had to be brought up now. There was no point in hiding that which could not be hidden. More than that, it was dishonest- Oomiya surely expected Ari not to deceive her, if such a thing was possible. That was what the compact of friendship demanded. And if they were equals, then it followed that Ari would be expected to withhold nothing. And besides, the Chairwoman was understanding, right? She wouldn't mind. Hopefully. Ari needed to at least ask.
Well, hopefully she wouldn't have to describe the... thing.. with Ross, but the point still stood.
It would be a grave betrayal to do otherwise. She held up a hand, almost like she was asking for permission to speak, permission that did not need to be given. "If I, um... I have something I need to say. I-"
The smile still on her face, Oomiya closed her eyes, and raised a single finger. Ari fell still, from equal parts fear and deference. And then the Chairwoman spoke, her voice measured and refined. Ari was unsure if her mouth had moved at all.
どんな時も、赤旗の眩しさを覚えていた
Magical socialist paradise headed by an immortal, tea-loving and sometimes childish Chairwoman who happens to be the younger Ōmiya sister
Advertisement
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
Advertisement