epidemiology | EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

DIPLOMACY

As the skirmishes between wandering Mountain and Sea Clan groups continue in the Flowerlands, by this point enough attackers have been interrogated by Guild Ophelia to paint a compelling picture of unorganized chaos. Each time a skirmish is interrupted, both sides blame the other for starting the impromptu fight, claiming no knowledge of or participation in an organized cabal; the conflicts are entirely coincidental, they say, just a situation where enemies clash in neutral territory.

The Flowerlands are suffering, crops trampled and livestock traumatized, and more and more Mountain and Sea Clan people are terrified to leave their cities, lest they be set upon by warriors from the opposing clan. Under this type of political strain, Hanabira threatens to erupt into full-out civil war at any moment, with or without the sanction of the empresses.

Two weeks after Ophelia's arrival in the Empire of the Crashing Wave, Doro sends word: Empress Nama and Empress Youmi have agreed to meet and discuss the term of an alliance. Doro's castle will serve as a meeting place, but the difficult part is bringing the empresses there safely. You foreigners have already proven yourselves to be capable and invested in seeing the conflict to a peaceful conclusion, so Doro contracts Ophelia to act as escorts and guards.

This might just be the perfect opportunity to whisper proposed solutions to advisors or, if you're lucky, to the empresses themselves.

▸ THE RETINUE

Ophelia has a few different options if they choose to take Doro's contract: escort Nama or escort Youmi and/or guard the Flowerlands castle.

ESCORT ▸ EMPRESS NAMA.
It's a week's worth of travel to return to the Land of Celestial Mountains from the Empire of the Crashing Wave, so the sooner Ophelia starts out, the better. Skirmishes between clans still dot the forests and farms of the Flowerlands, and each time the retinue encounters one, they must decide if they have the time to interfere or if they must push on. After all, the longer there is no peace in Hanabira, the more dire the situation becomes.

When the group finally reaches the Land of Celestial Mountains, they'll find that the entire city is locked down. Guards bar the gates, but upon seeing Doro's seal, they'll let the guild members inside and explain the situation:

Mountain Clan rebels have stormed Heavenly Summit, cutting a large swath through the castle. Much of Nama's court and guards lay dead inside, with the rebels holding the remainder hostage -- including Empress Nama herself -- unless war is declared against the Sea Clan. The city guards are afraid to approach, worried that this will only anger the rebels further and cause Nama's death, and have directed all townsfolk to stay in their homes until the situation has been resolved.

The guards caution Ophelia not to try any rescue efforts themselves, and instead ask them to either find a building to barricade themselves in or leave the city. Of course, it's not like they're keeping a close watch on everyone.

Those who choose to slip into Heavenly Summit Castle will find guards surrounding it, trying to stop anyone from coming in as well as keeping arrows trained on all windows in case a rebel shows her face. Stealth is the name of the game, or at least enough brute strength to knock a guard out in one blow before she sounds the alarm.

Inside the castle, rebels stalk the halls of every floor, masked in the green color of the Mountain Clan. Some are heavily armored and some only wear peasants' clothes, carrying farmers' sickles; it seems as though the attack on the castle was planned very quickly, too quickly to evenly distribute armor and weapons. There are corpses left where they were killed, with splashes of bright red blood beside them; there are hostages huddled in the corners of rooms, wide-eyed but silent at the sight of foreigners ostensibly here to save them; and, in the heavily-guarded throne room, Empress Nama herself.

Fight through the rebel guards with Nama's help, or find a back door and snatch her up before the rebels notice. Either way, once Ophelia lays eyes on her, the magitek will project words in front of them that only they can see:

» EMPRESS NAMA
Leader of the LAND OF CELESTIAL MOUNTAINS. 23 years old. SPECIES: Human. MEDICAL CONCERNS: Lactose intolerant, recent blow to the head.

Nama doesn't ask questions, recognizing the foreigners of Ophelia as those who were meddling after the festival attack and trusting they're here to help her escape. Longbow in hand, she leads the group through secret passageways in the castle, insisting they rescue the nobility on the way out. From there, Nama suggests stealthily escaping the castle and quickly riding out of the city to the safety of Doro's castle, unsure who she can still trust in her own empire.

With Empress Nama and her surviving courtiers added to the retinue, it's time to ride back to the Flowerlands -- and hope you aren't chased by rebels along the way.

ESCORT ▸ EMPRESS YOUMI.
It takes half a week to travel from the Empire of the Crashing Wave to Doro's castle in the Flowerlands. Youmi and two advisors ride in a carriage, with an entourage of royal guards on horseback in front and behind; those in Ophelia who choose to escort this group will either be on foot or must find a mount themselves.

The journey is peaceful, allowing for time to make camp by forested hot springs and in farmhouses (in which case Ophelia might need to sleep outside, depending on the size) along the way. The Sea Clan guards are open to idle chatter with the foreigners, curiously discussing cultural differences and indulging in quick lessons in archery.

Everything seems to be going smoothly until the entourage enters Flowerlands territory and is confronted by a winged spirit of the forest, angered by all the recent bloodshed in his home. There is no time to talk; the spirit does not wish to negotiate, only to stop the crew from moving any further into his territory by any means possible.

The spirit calls the creatures of the forest to his aid, controlling them as if they are under some sort of spell. Ogres, imps, bears, and wolves are the most worrisome among his helpers. His own attacks come from the sky, diving down to slash at his victims with exceptional speed. Those archery lessons will come in handy here, because ranged weapons are most effective against him as long as he remains in flight. He can take an astounding amount of hits, and once he is weakened, will land on the ground to fight in close quarters.

Once he is finally defeated, his spell on the forest animals is broken, and even the most aggressive of them scatter. His feathers are black, but up close, seem iridescent in the light, differentiating them from a common bird's. Youmi's guards suggest everyone take a feather to prove they felled a legendary beast.

GUARD ▸ FLOWERLANDS CASTLE.
Until the empresses and their escorts arrive, it's very uneventful at Doro's castle. It's a smart idea to keep an eye out in case someone hears about the summit and tries to interfere, but so far, things seem to be peaceful. Take the time to bolster defenses, relieve a guildmate of guard duty, or explore the castle.

▸ THE SUMMIT

Youmi and her entourage reach Doro's castle first, her royal guards immediately making a sweep of the castle and the grounds to ensure there is no danger lying in wait. Once the castle is cleared, Doro and Youmi disappear into a guarded room to begin discussions. Youmi's advisors are left out of this initial meeting, making now the perfect time to start some discussions of your own.

Days later, Nama's retinue arrives, and Doro and Youmi (and the rest of her entourage) meet her at the castle gates. The two empresses step cautiously forward to meet each other, bowing politely. Moments later, Doro steps forward to gather Nama into a hug, which she gladly returns, giggling like the young girl she is. She's had a rough time, which she quickly explains to Doro, and asks if she can first have a bath and a moment to breathe. Doro and Youmi are more than willing to give it to her after hearing her experience.

Doro tells Ophelia they have their run of the castle until dinner tonight, when Doro, Youmi, and Nama will all be together in the same room with the team. Sounds like the perfect time to propose a plan, so you'd better finish up discussions about what to do! There's a bit of a time limit.

▸ OOC NOTES

If you have questions about this log or the overall mission, please ask them on the dossier. Questions about Futurology in general should be directed to the FAQ.

▸ Up now:

Proposal submissions and voting, due 21 February 23:59 UTC.
Uniform Design Contest, submissions due 28 February 23:59 UTC. Gamewide voting will be in March.

▸ Coming next:

Formal proposal arguments begin 22 February.
March calendar on 24 February.
February AC begins 1 March and lasts through 5 March. Please review our activity requirements to ensure you have the correct amount of proofs!

▸ Bounty Board ▸ Items Page ▸ General Plotting ▸ February Calendar

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Only years of queening keeps the weariness from her face. But she allows the humans insult to wash over her as water, having heard far worse. ]

Very well, if that is your desire. And I shall make mention of heirs, for the importance of blood ties is much the same in my land.

[there's far worse things to be than human, after all.

you could be jinba.]

Then it seems I will see you there.

[and with an angry, dismissive swish of her tail- she's out]

[ at this point, Rey will get to her feet and excuse herself to follow after— ]

Hayame-san. [ she doesn't say it until they're out of the room, though. ] Can I walk with you?

[Hayame is still quivering in suppressed rage, muscles coiled, wanting more than anything to strike something, to vent the anger burning inside- but she can't let a single thing slip, can't give that girl a single thing else to use against her.

She doesn't even look back- she recognizes the voice.]

Do as you will.

[ Rey catches up to her the rest of the way, keeping stride alongside her. She doesn't say anything for a while. She can sense Hayame's fury clearly. It's not as suffocating as certain others she knows, but this rage is powerful. She knows better than to poke the bear without giving it time to cool off.

It's only after they're down the hall and around a corner that she finally speaks up, and then, it's not about what happened in that room. ]

I could use some fresh air. What do you think?

[Hayame had always been a good horse. Only once, when she was younger, had she tasted what the bit felt like, harsh metal on the tongue, pressing down in a way that prevented speech, that allowed the bridle to dig in to the soft corners of the mouth and direct. What the weight of a human man felt like in the dip of her withers, what heels in her side felt like.

It had been enough to keep her wanting to remain a good horse, and it was enough now to keep her silent with rage.]

Feel free.

[The answer is belated, but. Outside is where she's heading.]

Mm.

[ Good. She holds the door for Hayame when they reach it. Such a gentleman. Only once they're out in the evening air does she broach the subject of the mission at all. ]

We've come a long way to bring them together like this. The Empresses, I mean.

[Well, that's nice.

And maybe for the best, considering how much she wants to break something. The last thing they needed was to damage their host's castle.

She feels slightly better to have earth beneath her hooves, but it isn't enough. She wants to run and run and run until she can't any longer, to shoot or kick or hurt-

Here in the gathering dark... it almost looks like home.]

Perhaps.

[More an exhale, than an answer, the words barely heard.]

Hayame-san.

[ Rey stops and looks back at Hayame, a softness and understanding about her. ]

If it will help, you can talk to me about what you're feeling. I'll listen.

[She has to look at her, though she doesn't wish to. Has to look at that face, that invites her to spill her weakness, to spill her guts... but it isn't so easy as that.

Still barely held together, barely composed, Hayame replies through grit teeth, gaze averting so that she can try and avoid the sway of Rey's expression, the slight amount of camaraderie she felt with her.]

You wouldn't understand.

[That had been mostly proven to her, again, in the discussion chambers. None of them would. (Surely.)]

You can still get it out.

[ Rey doesn't deny that maybe some things are beyond her understanding. She can only offer compassion, not empathy. But maybe purging it will still do something. ]

Holding it in is making it hurt worse. I can feel it.

[Get it out.

Hayame shakes her head, hands in white-knuckled fists still despite her intent to present herself as calm, as collected.]

And have it said I cannot control myself? That I am some beast who cannot know reason or logic, who cannot separate her own world from this one?

[She shakes her head again, tightly.]

They're not here. It's just us.

[ She keeps her voice level, calm in spite of the storm of Hayame's anger, thinly restrained. Honestly if Hayame thought she was being low-key in there in the first place, well. Bad news. But Rey also gets why. So she's not looking to insult her for that. ]

And I don't think you're irrational. I certainly don't think you're a beast.

[Well, she hadn't considered herself calm in that discussion... at least, not after being insulted as she'd perceived herself to be. But seeing as she hadn't grabbed that girl and demanded her apology by blood...

It's just them, but she feels like she's going to explode.]

Whether it is ALASTAIR or Hathaway it is all the same- !

[She raises her fist, not to strike but to slam into the wall... but stops it at the last second, digging her nails into her palm.]

How much longer am I expected to bear the insults to my honor? How many years must I bite my tongue and be slandered before they give me what they've promised me?

[ That miserable declaration digs itself deep into Rey's chest. How long? Suddenly the mission of Hathaway seems inhumane, somehow. Something that preys upon the desperate and holds it over their heads indefinitely to evince labor from them. And in that way, it's not so different from something she has seen before.

A consideration for another time, though, not best served in her current pursuit. She sets it aside. ]

I don't have the answer for that. [ She's not sure Hathaway even knows how much time they're looking for in service. She steps closer to Hayame in the same cautious way she might certain other anger-prone friends of hers. ] But I do know that it doesn't have to be about bearing and biting your tongue. We're all going to have to find a way to survive working together.

[ This is sounding uncannily like a conversation she tried to have with Poe that resulted in him

walking away from her :)

and accusing her of betraying the Resistance :)

so she's not feeling great about it, but it's the truth and so she can't really back off of it either. ]

And when will it not have to be?

[She struggles to release her fist and fails, struggling to keep them down and not to just tear out of there and run until she's far enough away to be the beast where no one can accuse her of anything less than perfect human behavior.]

When do you think this day will come that I will stand among you humans as an equal?

["You" as in... you know. Not Rey specifically, but.

She doesn't see it. Can't see it. Seniority had not brought her respect, and raw strength had not brought it either, despite those being the two things she always knew should.

And really. It might be all she has.]

You are.

[ And now, finally, Rey gets what Thrawn was trying to tell her about not letting her past hold her back. This is what she has been doing—seeing herself as nothing because it is all she has ever been, except that she's not anymore. Just like Hayame is not in the place that caused all of her suffering anymore.

Let the past die, indeed. ]

As far as anyone on this team is concerned, you do stand among us as equal, Hayame-san. What happened in there had nothing to do with where you come from or what you are. That's why Veronica apologized. I don't like her either, but she didn't mean to hurt you as deeply as she did. She disagreed with your ideas; she didn't think you were lesser.

Edited 2018-02-20 01:09 (UTC)

[It seems so naive to her, that Rey can stand there and tell her what "the team" thinks, that "the team" will accept her and her ideas. So many of them seem naive to her, no matter how she tries to think about it.]

Do not think that a single apology absolves anything. That insolent girl meant to dishonor me, she simply did not mean to do so to the extent that others humans might finally say something to her.

[Hissed, still struggling for control, for nothing that can be what that girl implied, that she might lose her temper in front of their hosts.

But it's slipping again, already, and she's walking. Not away from Rey, per se, but away from Doro's compound and the ears of his servants and other "teammates".]

[ Rey follows after, insistent. ]

I'm not saying it absolves anything. I'm saying that it shows her intent. You're the one who gets to decide what to do with that.

[ How did she wind up going to bat for Veronica Lodge? ]

But I think it's fair to say she would have gone for the underbelly of anyone who'd tried to challenge her. It's not about who you are, or your status within the team.

[If that is true, Hayame thinks, then the girl is a viper. And if it is true that their team was supposed to function, to truly be a team, then vipers must be crushed underfoot.

But she doesn't say it, because she knows what the reaction will be. Her worldview was too narrow, she couldn't look beyond her own world, she didn't know what she was talking about, her thoughts were too outdated. Because it wasn't just Veronica. She's heard those same things from too many people too many times now.]

I swore to serve Hathaway, to see their missions completed well, and that is what I am doing.

[Her pace is getting faster, but she hasn't broken into the gallop she wants to throw herself into- not yet.]

But there is only so much I will stomach, and only so many insults I will accept before I see them answered for, no matter who speaks them and how many allies they have. Simply serving the same lord does not mean I cannot do this.

She wasn't the only one slinging insults.

[ She's beginning to realize that Hayame has moved past the sensitive stage of wounded and into the lashing out stage of wounded and those stages get handled differently. For one, Rey spares herself the pains of being delicate. ]

You were talking down to her too.

I will not speak respectfully to someone who insults me without even the rank or power to expect such subservience.

[If they were all equals, then she had no reason to kowtow, to keep her speech polite and respectful as she had to her masters, to potential buyers, whom she bowed to and obeyed despite their insults or how they handled her.

But she won't deny having insulted in kind.]

Then you can't expect her to speak respectfully back!

[ This is such bullshit Rey doesn't even grasp it. This. This is why she's not a negotiator. This is what she was talking about when she said this mission was so hard for her. ]

Look. I don't understand marriage or politics on their own, let alone together. But I like to think I'm getting better at people. She went for the throat because she was ready to be the leader in there, and you went after her. You both could have handled it better; more importantly, you'll need to handle it better next time! If all of us don't learn to compromise with one another, and account for each other's sore spots, you'll never get what you want from Hathaway.

It was she who set the tone weeks ago.

[This wasn't her first run in with that girl, and as much as she wishes it were... she thinks it may not be the last.

She stops, so suddenly that if Rey isn't watching she might actually collide, turning her fury in her direction. Or at least, threatening to, lip curling in the beginnings of a snarl.]

If you have come to me with the intent to defend that girl, Otaka, or to have me feel sorry for what I have said, then it is best we have no more of it and we will part ways here. You may return to that discussion, and speak as much as you wish about whatever you wish. But I am done with it, and done with false accusations.

[This is why she hadn't wanted to talk anymore. Why she had said she would not be understood. Because to her, there are different insults. And in her mind, she may have insulted the girl's behavior... but not her very way of life, not the tenants by which she lived, nor her right to even speak in public forum. And to her, they cannot be compared.]

[ Rey side-steps to narrowly avoid running into Hayame. As a result, she skids a few paces ahead and has to turn to look at her, surprised. ]

I didn't come to defend her. I came because I worried about you. What do you mean, weeks ago?

EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

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