HomerinNYC (3:52:59 PM): Finally, you arrive in a large, opulent chamber, where The Empress, in long flowing scarlet robes, sits on a large couch, a small automaton serving up three cups of tea, the Empress already holding a steaming cup.<br/>HomerinNYC (3:53:15 PM): " You may be seated." She says, her voice quiet but full of command and the knowledge of her own skill and power.<br/>circlmastr (3:54:14 PM): Ofuji channeled a few motes of his essence into an Auspicious First Meeting Attitude, giving a polite bow of the head as he greeted the girls at the gate before sitting.<br/>Dullone598 (3:54:23 PM): Amaya bows, feeling like she might just drop dead in her tracks at any moment, but takes her seat as instructed.<br/>Tenshi Muse (3:56:11 PM): Not meaning to one up her companions, Alissara had already gone down on one knee, she blushed softly at being uncordinated with her companions, but was already dismissed from the formalities, so she rose and she sat, unlocking<br/>Tenshi Muse (3:56:19 PM): her gloves to warm her hands on the teacup.<br/>HomerinNYC (3:57:27 PM): She quietly takes a sip from her teacup. " I have called you three here because you have been recommended to me by your instructors at your respective schools."<br/>HomerinNYC (3:58:12 PM): " You are skilled, you show unusual strength of Essence, you have shown a certain level of ambitiousness, and most importantly, you have not gotten yourself into the pockets of every Dragon Blood on the island."<br/>circlmastr (3:58:13 PM): Ofuji took a sip of tea and casually crossed one leg, as if he was sitting to drink with a friend. For that was how he planned to endear himself to the Empress; not full of pride and bravado as trying to act her bettor,<br/>circlmastr (3:58:15 PM): nor full of humble mewling obeiyesance as most sycophants greet her. Instead, he would present himself as her equal.<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:03:15 PM): Alissara smiled slightly. "We have an empire to forge you, exalted one, it wouldn't do to become to embroiled in polotics with a world to unite."<br/>Dullone598 (4:05:20 PM): "You honor me, your Majesty. I didn't think my instructors thought so highly of me."<br/>Dullone598 (4:05:33 PM): Amaya is suddenly very glad that she's never had much interest in politics.<br/>circlmastr (4:06:44 PM): Ofuji smiled gently, glad to set himself apart from the attitudes of the others. "It is always a pleasure to see you, my lady." The lack of formal title being quite intentional, and yet not at all disrespectful.<br/>circlmastr (4:06:58 PM): "Please, do go on."<br/>HomerinNYC (4:08:05 PM): She quietly raises an eyebrow towards Ofuji's manner, but does not seem to take immediate offense at this. " I need a hand, to be used in the distant lands where I have no power as of yet, and where it would require<br/>HomerinNYC (4:08:52 PM): too many resources to install a garrison. In short, I wish to make you my agents in the Realm, and the Threshold. I will give you missions at times, to undertake, and in return, you will have the resources of the Realm."<br/>circlmastr (4:09:57 PM): Ofuji's smile did not waver; he had been expecting some assignment that sent him from the Blessed Isle, though he did not enjoy it. Still, better to get it out of the way now than be sent off at a critical moment.<br/>Dullone598 (4:10:36 PM): "Missions? Um...what sort of missions, Majesty?"<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:11:14 PM): (My apologies, but my transportation situation is precarious, and I'm going to have to leave any minute now, suddenly and with minimal warning.)<br/>circlmastr (4:11:22 PM): (Doh)<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:11:32 PM): Alissara smiled, "You honor me with this trust, Exalted One."<br/>HomerinNYC (4:11:33 PM): ( Shouldn't be too much of a problem, I'll try to get to the point.)<br/>HomerinNYC (4:11:48 PM): " I will be using you as my agents in the West. Salvage, strategic sabotage against the Lintha, making sure that tribute is not obstructed. You will be given a Manse out in the West as a base of operations."<br/>HomerinNYC (4:13:00 PM): She smiles. " I realize you have your duties to your family- You will spend a year in the West before returning here. I will send you messages occasionally on missions that I wish you to do- that will take priority,<br/>circlmastr (4:13:01 PM): "Quite interesting, my lady." Ofuji wondered how long-term this mission might be, if we were getting a manse. "It sounds quite like an adventure." He grinned softly, then took another sip of tea.<br/>HomerinNYC (4:13:31 PM): but otherwise you are free to spend your time however you wish there. The West has a great deal of open territory for those who wish to claim it." She quietly sips her tea, smiling.<br/>HomerinNYC (4:13:52 PM): " Your first mission will reach you soon after you arrive at the Manse. I'd recommend familiarizing yourself with it while you have the chance."<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:15:32 PM): "That will be a pleasure."<br/>circlmastr (4:16:01 PM): One year away. I'll need to write many letters. "But of course. Perhaps you might care to visit once we have made it a bit more homely, my lady."<br/>HomerinNYC (4:16:38 PM): " Perhaps. You are to leave in one week, hopefully enough time to inform those who will need to know."<br/>Dullone598 (4:18:11 PM): Amaya nods, bowing her head. Horrifying as fighting the Lintha sounds, she can't do any better than bringing honor to her family while staying far away from them. "That would be more than enough time, Majesty."<br/>circlmastr (4:19:53 PM): Ofuji nodded a bit casually, debating within himself between ambitions. "Is there anything else on your mind, my lady?"<br/>HomerinNYC (4:21:09 PM): " Not at the moment." She quietly sips her tea. " Do you have any other questions?"<br/>circlmastr (4:22:23 PM): "Nothing that cannot wait until our next meeting." Ofuji smiled gently and set down his cup of tea in anticipation of being excused.<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:23:02 PM): Managing to sip lightly at her tea, Alissara found herself relaxing. She focused on the task the empress had set her. "Nothing that your secretaries can't handle, Exalted One, though I'm sure I'll be bothering them for<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:23:06 PM): ships and tools.<br/>Dullone598 (4:23:17 PM): "No, Majesty. I think I understand." I hope I understand.<br/>HomerinNYC (4:24:12 PM): " Very well. Follow the automaton to the door." She quietly sips her tea again, as the automaton sets off through the door.<br/>circlmastr (4:24:53 PM): Ofuji stands gracefully and gives the Empress another polite nod, then departs with the two ladies who would apparently now be his companions.<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:25:06 PM): Surprised to find her tea cup dry, Alissara smiled, stood again, gave a respectful bow, "An honor to serve," she said with sincerity, then turned to follow her newfound circle.<br/>Dullone598 (4:25:54 PM): Amaya stands, bows (trying not to cringe), and turns to follow the others.<br/>HomerinNYC (4:28:26 PM): You're quickly led out of the Manse, seemingly faster than the trip to the Scarlet Empress, and find yourself outside, with some time until your carriages are due to take you back to your homes.<br/>circlmastr (4:29:11 PM): Ofuji gives each girl another smile. "It seems we are partners in this endeavor."<br/>Dullone598 (4:31:10 PM): "But...why?" Amaya looks dazed. "I don't know anything about pirates, or enforcing tribute."<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:31:31 PM): Alissara gave Ofuji a sincere smile, "You're a bold man, Ojuji," some instinct propmpted her to channel essence around her just so as she smiled at him, lighting her face just right, with the wind singing a subtle song.<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:31:36 PM): "I like that."<br/>HomerinNYC (4:32:00 PM): Circl may recall the story about the rather bullying Tsung, an unusual Water Caste, who had his arm cut off and reattached by an unassuming young student named Amaya.<br/>HomerinNYC (4:32:34 PM): It was all anyone talked about during the Finals Week in the Spiral Academy.<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:32:34 PM): Turning to Amaya with a warming smile, she reached up to touch the girl's shoulder, essence still beautifying her voice, "Because the Empress has faith in us. Isn't that enough?"<br/>circlmastr (4:32:41 PM): Ofuji couldn't help but chuckle softly. "My dears, I assure you that this will be no challenge. So long as we each work together and play to our strengths, this year will be a game that we cannot lose."<br/>Dullone598 (4:33:32 PM): "Um...the Empress is powerful -- really powerful -- but I don't think her faith is going to keep us alive."<br/>Dullone598 (4:33:58 PM): Assuming, of course, that the Empress really intends for them to succeed. Or live. There's no guarantee of that.<br/>circlmastr (4:35:01 PM): Ofuji chuckles again and pats Amaya gently on the shoulder. "We are going to keep each other alive, my dear. I am sure your healing talents will be well-used."<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:36:01 PM): Chuckling and patting the other shoulder, "Really, Amaya, if you have no faith in yourself, have faith in the empress's judgement. This is going to be a truly great adventure."<br/>Tenshi Muse (4:36:09 PM): (I go.)<br/>circlmastr (4:36:14 PM): (bye)<br/>Dullone598 (4:36:45 PM): "I really, really hope you're wrong, Ofuji."<br/>circlmastr (4:37:12 PM): He chuckles once again. "I would hate to see them poorly used, Amaya."<br/>Dullone598 (4:37:36 PM): "I'd prefer they didn't need to be used at all."<br/>circlmastr (4:37:57 PM): "So would I, but we must be prepared for the worst while we hope for the best."<br/>Dullone598 (4:38:06 PM): She sighs. "But then, not getting hurt at all over a year in the West is too much to hope for."<br/>circlmastr (4:39:06 PM): Ofuji grins and gives the girl a gentle hug around the shoulders. "Let us hope then that the worst we face is seasickness."<br/>Dullone598 (4:40:37 PM): Gently, she pushes him away, as if to indicate that maybe someone she met half an hour ago shouldn't be hugging her. "I'm an Aspect of Water. If I get seasick, I'm going to be the laughingstock of the West."<br/>Dullone598 (4:40:47 PM): Which isn't to say that it won't happen, of course.<br/>circlmastr (4:41:00 PM): (It's just a hug from the side. I can't describe it well enough, ah well.)<br/>Dullone598 (4:41:49 PM): (I'm pretty sure I understand.)<br/>circlmastr (4:42:21 PM): Ofuji releases her shoulder easily enough. "Shall we make ready, then?"<br/>Dullone598 (4:42:46 PM): "Certainly. My family will need to hear about this."<br/>Dullone598 (4:43:14 PM): They'll be proud, she imagines, which is heartening but not necessarily comforting.<br/>circlmastr (4:43:45 PM): "Quite so. Until next week, then." Ofuji nods and climbs inside his carriage, heading for home.