*yawn* Pah, why am I always hungry when the no one's awake..?*grumble*

*spots the two sleeping on the floor*
Why hello there travelers. I am the Lady Ambassador and Apprentice Queen. While the Queen is not present at the moment, it is my duty to take charge. On behalf of the Queen I humbly welcome you. Would you care for something to drink.. or a pillow?

I thought you were a hermit.
And since the Shaman stepped off, I'm now a free genie.

*a semi-solid image of a man appears out of thin air*

my, my its seem that our court has been graced with yet another guest. i am hitokiri, the grand vizier of these lands. again i must apologize for not being here in person to greet you. but this is the next best thing...

*looks down and see the two asleep on the ground*

hmmm...odd....this won't do, we can't just have two people sleeping in the middle of our throne room. Major....

*Armstrong shows up*

Major, please carry these two to seperate bedrooms and ensure that they are taken care of. Treat them as if they were my personal guests, but have the guards supervise them and start a background check on this one as well.

*points to tokage*

i will return from my journey by nightfall, Major these two are are in your charge until then.

*Armstrong bows, tears off his shirt, and flexes*

Armstrong: YES MY LORD, I WILL PROTECT THESE TWO WITH THESE PERFECTLY TRAINED MUSCLES AND THE ARMSTRONG FAMILY ALCHEMY WHICH HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN FROM GENERATION TO GENER..*

*raises hand in a stop positition*

Major.... please, they are asleep... i will be more than happy to hear about your family's alchemy once i return... for now just see that they are taken care of.

*image fades away*

*the front doors of the castle burst open as she enters in, clad in silver armor and wielding a silver sword. Though a limp is in her step from a new injury as she makes her way towards the courts.*

My queen! An enemy approaches from the east to tear down thine queendom! We must assemble forces at once, lest the enemy breaks through the queendom's barriers!

(bah, I can be the noble mercenary knightress ^.~)

*wakes up in an unfamiliar bedroom with two guards stantioned at the door*



oh my...what a grand room this is.



how did this one get here? *approaches the guards* uhm, pardon...? this one wishes to speak with the queen and offer service to the crown. might that be possible?

*poof!!!! flyers drop from the sky*

PROCLAMATION:

By official orders of the Grand Vizier, all business of the queendom shall only be discussed in the within the Official Royal Thread of the Queendom. Any violators will be forced to kick thier own asses in public.

*anytime someone reads a flyer it dissappears into thin air immediately afterwards*

*a girl wanders in, clad in travel-worn white robes weidling a tall gnarled staff*

Excuse me, your excellencies, I am a stranger to these parts, traveling from land to land these past months offering my services as a healer and worker of the white magics. There is news in the queendom that the noble mercenar knightress mistress aya has returned to court, but sadly wounded by enemy forces. I offer my services to tend to her leg, which must be treated right away in case of infection. If my services thereafter should not be required, I will be content to continue my travels, but if I may be deemed of use to the court of the Majesty Queen, I shall be glad to be of service.

*walks back into the throne room, carrying many bags filled with scrolls and other nifty vizier stuff*

well, well i leave for but a day and we are bombarded by foreign invaders and petitioners..

*summons all the petitioners before him*

so, petitioners... what can you offer this court?

My, my . . . I leave for a little while and all these interesting things appear before the court.


You may stay to finish the compilation, telepika. But please be forewarned that since you are not of this land, there will be guards watching you.


I will leave it to the Vizier to decided whether or not you are suitable for the role of exorcist, as we are still in need of one.


First of all, what do we know of the enemy?


Then in times of war and much bloodshed, you shall be the army's medic.

*wonders how she can get a message to the vizier about the position of exorcist...since he seems to be around only in fuzzy semi-substantial form most of the time...?* *starts writing up a resume*


name: tokage
age: older than the stars and the moon (altho not quite so old as dirt)...and yet the youngest of four sisters...
race: ryuujin [translates to 'dragon person', but the effect i'm going for is more 'dragon tamer'... think like a beastmaster kind of thing...you know, talks to animals, therefore is able to sense evil, etcetera etcetera... my name means lizard, so my animal specialty is repltiles and amphibians]

professional experience: this one and her famiy served for many years as shamans and guardians to our village. this one performed minor exorcisms even as a child under the tutelage of elder sisters yamori, koryu, and hebiko. upon the onset of adolescence, this one's skills in excorcism, animal whispering, and shamanism reached a higher level than even that of her sisters. this one has been sent by the ryuujin family to represent our family and serve her majesty's court.

specialties: especially effective against demonic possessions, brainwashings, and has a certain knack for tarot reading. also has two tails that are quite effective for gripping, climbing, and therefore washing those hard-to-reach corners of skylights.


EDIT: rrgh, computer is so styoopeed! it keeps posting before i'm done writing! >_<

*bows reverently, because curtsying would be just too damn hard in the robe*

I thank you, o wise Queen of the queendom. My services are at your command, though I hope above all hopes that they will not be called for soon nor often.

*bows and retreats*

my queen, the invaders are from the lands to east. i heard rumors of thier plans while i was away on my travels. my ninja agents tell me they will be upon us within the next day or two. i suggest we take this time to setup an ambush. with your permission i will send Major Armstrong and a small contingent of ninjas to enscribe the arrays neccessary to use these invaders to enlarge our current philosopher's stone.

also due to current increase of enemy attacks upon our lands i feel that it may be prudent to strengthen our defenses. i have read that in the lands to the east that there is a nation called china that built a great wall to prevent invaders from entering thier lands. it might be prudent for use to do the same.

i will go over the materials i procured on my journey and give your highness more in depth briefing as soon as possible.

Permission granted to go ahead with the ambush. As for the wall, it is a good suggestion. Gather the laborers and inform them of their new task. Have the architectural department draw up a blueprint for inspection first. But only after we actually have such a department.

You will be debriefed as soon as you are ready. At the present moment, I will have to leave to attend a history class, so the queendom will be temporarily placed in your hands and that of the Apprentice's.

*folds up resume into a flying bird and sends it on its way to the main throne room, addressed to the vizier*

...sorry, my computer posted for me on the bottom of page 14 before i was finished writing... >_<

Hagane no tokage: the queen has informed me of your wish to become our exorcist. I will place you in such a position under the command of Riza Babe, our head cleric. In her absence, you will report to me; if both of us are not present please leave any notices with Major Alex Louis Armstrong, our Royal Flexer.

Mei Tenshi: you are now given the title of Royal Healer, please start training apprentices immediately, for we may soon need thier services in the upcoming battle. You will be under the command of Captain Ninja, the commander of the royal guard. Though i will require updates on your progress periodically. Also see to the immediate care of the knight Mistress Aya. When she is back to full health and ready for orders please send her to me.

Telepika: as per the queen's orders, you have been granted free roam of our lands to complete your study. if you prove yourself worthy through service, we may considered offering you a permanent court appointment. note i have ordered a small team of ninja's to watch you and protect you, for foreigners might be the target of violence in these times of martial conflict.

I shall attend to Mistress Aya right away, lord Vizier. With your permission and Captain Ninja's allowance, I wish to search for apprentices among the ranks, as I believe it will be handy if the healers are trained in the arts of war as well as that of the health.

this one is grateful for the opportunity to serve this court. this one shall report to miss riza babe presently. *bows and exits to go look for riza babe, wondering exactly what purpose a 'royal flexer' serves...? lol*

yes that is why your will choose apprentices from either the ranks of the royal army or the royal guard. that way we will not need to wait for them to familiarize themselves with the arts of war.

Good morning to my dear Mother and to my Lord the Vizier...

After much pained deliberation last night, I have come up witha way to settle the issue of the Prince vs Chancellor issue over my hand in wedlock. My descion will be beneficial BOTH for our queendom and in foreign matters. Bear in mind that this was not easy and is not finalized till the Prince has his say.

It is this: *cough* What of the Prince's own wishes and feelings? Perchance he had rather court the Ambassador Princess? If that were the case, they should wed, and make close ties with foregin nations. I would summarily wed the Chancellor, and make unity STRONGER in the kingdom.

But this all rests in the Prince's descion, if he wishes to not court me any longer... *bows*

that is a wise decision and the queendom will benefit from such wisdom. however might i interject one suggestion? i recomend that you follow your heart rather than your brain on this decision. for if the king and queen are not compatible no amount of unity or foreign ties will prevent the throne, and by proxy this queendom, from falling into disarray.

as a reward for demonstration of wisdom i will present you with a surprise/present later this evening, it is currently under production as we speak.

master hitokiri, sir, this one is unsure of where to locate miss riza babe... therefore, this one will take this time to clean the high stained glass windows in the main hall until such time as she returns. *gets the windex*

My, we have such interesting folks residing here.

if you are speaking in reference to this one's tails and acrobatics, this one assure you she is relatively harmless... providing you are not an evil spirit or a doppelganger. *goes back to cleaning the windows*

Evil spirit? Of COURSE I'm no evil spirit. What gave you that idea..?

Hagane no tokage: there is no need for you to clean the windows, that would be a misuse of your time and talents as an exorcist. go forth into our lands and help the common people who have come under the influence of evil spirits. this will raise the morale of the general populace, hopefully quelling the potentiality of a peasant uprising that we have heard rumors of. i will dispatch a small band of my ninjas to accompany you, just in case of peasant hostility.

*drops from the window to all fours on the floor, then rises and salutes. then bows, unsure which is the proper response* yessir! this one shall do her best to cleanse the people of their fears and the darkness which consumes hearts. and just 'tokage' will suffice, sir. this one's full name is rather long and cumbersome.

ooooh, ninjas! this one has never been accompanied by ninjas, sir, thank you very much. this one will make full report upon her return.

*puts away the windex and heads off on her mission, making a mental note to finish those windows when she gets back. there are still cobwebs on the top of the one in the far corner!*

Good luck on your assignment. If you return alive you'll be the first!

this one has had many dealings with peasant exorcisms...and is confident she shall return. *looks around, then whispers to ailuro* if this one fails to return, please get the extension unit for the featherduster and get that last dratted cobweb on the far window... it is driving this one rather batty.

only one band of ninjas has gone missing, the ones that were watching the dissident's hut.... and i will warn you, tokage, to stay away from there.

begging your pardon, sir, but of what dissident do you speak? perhaps if this one can be more well-informed upon the nature of what lies there...this one may be able to be of assistance in that area as well?

The "dissident" referred to is none other than Thievesvinegar.

And the Ambassador is already being courted by Udon, Angel.

and, if i may be so bold, what is the nature of the suspicions against this theivesvinegar person? for what reason were ninjas sent after him? forgive this one's questionings, your grace...but this one is warned to stay away when this one may be able to do something about the problem...

the dissident has spoken of the dismantlement of the government in the past... even alluding to the death of the royal line. she opposes the military actions of the government, even though such actions are only in defense. and it is suppected that she murdered the agents i sent, merely to observe her actions.

My dear Mother, I understand that the Lady Ambassador is indeed being courted by te Herald, but must we not preserve the bloodline by keeping it pure with foreign royalty?

[I'll be back... juss got a chore right now...!]

perhaps then, sir...this one may have an idea... ninjas, while quite discreet and stealthy...are human, or at least humanoid yet. shall this one bequeath of her little dragons to keep an eye on your dissident in their stead? for while if a ninja is discovered, it is rather startling...a salamander or a gecko in one's home is not so questionable, don't you think?

personally i feel that it would be more prudent to wait for the dissident to force our hand rather than us forcing her's at this point in time. with the current threat of foreign hostility i feel that we must first conserve all our resources to combat them.

understood, sir. then this one shall undertake the duties presented her, and remain distant from the home of this dissidant. a report shall be made upon this one's return. *bows*

*Walks in a greets everyone with a lady-like bow*...Good Morning, your Highness, Mister Grand Vizier, Great COTRA and LOTRA, Madame Ambassador, Mr. Chancellor and Miss Hagane no Tokage.

This one apologizes for her rude interruption during the meeting and for her late attendance. Several pages ago, this one heard of a guest who've came from Rome, if I'm not mistaken...May this humble one know who might she/he be?

Currently, this humble will now be off to do her duties regarding the Princess special 'Manners' class but before this one leaves may I know if her royal highness has been fed and rest? Please take care of your health your highness...and here is a bowl of special bird nest soup.

This one will be off now, may this one be excuse if nothing is need of my presents...

"Magic genie, you are always free! You have serve our Queendom well and of course you need your free time, right?"
"Roam around the city as you may but do not course any trouble or I will personally give you a knuckle sandwich and I promise it's a delicious one."
"And do I have a magic carpet here?...*whistles for one*...ah here it is..."

Sayonara...

Lady B, please give these to the princess as a reward for her demonstration of wisdom earlier today, when you see her.

*opens his hand. the keys to the locks for the belt and a vial filled with glowing blue liquid appearing in his palm*

have her drink the potion before she is allowed to use the keys, also inform her that i wish to see her in the throne room once her training is complete.

now if you excuse i have further research to complete

*bows*

*bows lady like*...Yes Master Hitokiri...at once...

*Is now searching for dear Mademoiselle Bling...*

"Then suddenly she looks at the blue glowing thingy*...Mr. Grand Vizier, may this humble one know what type of substance contains in this potion?...*looks at the Grand Vizier suspiciously...

Magic genie? Are you around here?

Mother, my Lord Vizier, and the royal court...

I've returned from my errands...[and from working out first thing in the morning @ the gym>_<...]

I apologize for the inconsistency of my postings; I am constantly being summoned away at the moment.

M'Lord, I would indeed wish to follow my heart, but the affairs of the state must come first, as a loyal daughter of this queendom. When both his royla highness, the Prince, and his excellency, the Chancellor, have arrived, I will present to them a speech for which to decide and finalize my fiance.

And, thank you, m'lord for your kindness.

Might I suggest, Mother? This is a queendom, and marriage to a noble/prince would not mkae your spouse king, but rather, your "consort". My dear Mother requires one, I believe; who better to take than our Lord the Royal Vizier? May I remind you that good Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, yet it was the queen who ruled the empire. Let it be so here as well, think you not, Mother? Who else would guide and love you better than the Vizier? His dedication to you and the throne are unparalled...

*walks in after Princess Bling and bows lady like*...Princess Bling, here is a reward given by Mr. Grand Vizier...*gives the keys*...but before that you must drink this blue glowing potion before allowed to open them locks...*gives potion*

After this you must be on your way to the study room. We must work on your manners. And after 'Manners' class, it's time for you to take your bath and be in your best look for the Great Mr. Grand Vizier by the throne.

Madam, that is all of today's timetable...please come with me on a magic carpet ride on our way the study room if there is neither any interruptions.

*bows ladylike*...we must best be on our way.

while princess is within the throne, allow me to demonstrate the purposes of the potion that i have given her.

*points to Random Guard #1*

you there come here....

*guard walks over*

attempt to kiss the princess

*guard freaks out*

its ok.... do it

*guard hesitantly walks over to the princess and tries to kiss her. he flies back 5 feet and lies upon the ground in a heap*

do not worry he is not harmed, he is merely incapcitated. the potion i gave the princess is inherently a sentient spell that protects the princess from both harm and improper conduct.

*walks over to the princess and places his hand upon her shoulder*

the spell reads the intent of the target, if harm or improper conduct is detected it will defend the princess. as we have seen...

*points to the heap o' guard*

i had to foresight to ensure training would not be considered harm. i have also researched the formula for a potion that would make a person immune to the effects of the spell, to be given to her husband when she weds.

now would someone please take this man somewhere and ensure he is taken care of. may i also suggest an additional week's pay to compensate him for the discomfort this has cause him...

And I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow the castle down.
I'm up only when the sun's down.

i do feel pity when i see that you have succumbed to the first story you heard.

This is for all of you: I could care less of the doings of this vain queendom. Avoide me as you will, but if anyone does come, come prepared. I will play with those who are truly worthy.

I am no more a threat if you don't provoke. Not all of the ninjas you sent were killed. Heartless, i am not. And i do ask why, your majesty, are your loyal subjects supervised when they have done no wrong? I kindly ask you to remove them at once.

Ahh...thank you...this humble apologizes for her earlier rudeness...

But may this one also ask, who will not be effected by this potion?

any whose intentions towards the princess are pure...

*covers eyes* So this potion renders me untouchable by any males? *sigh*

Then my Lord Vizier, may I be so bold as to ask a petition? Since I have this potion to guard me, of what use is the belt? I wish to be rid of it, even if I had not drank the potion. I have complied to your wishes of training 24-7; I am physically capable to laying the hurt on anyone who tries to take away my virtue... I appeal to you, my Lord.

My lord Grand Vizier, I am pleased to report of Mistress Aya's speedy recovery. Though the bones, muscles, and other mechanics of the leg have fully healed, there is her state of mind to consider. I have adivsed the knightress to see you when she judges herself able to the effort.

As to the search for apprentices, be assured that I am conducting it in all haste, but as the true touch of a healer is rare, it may be some time before satisfactory results are obtained.

yes that is why i gave both the keys and the potion. drink up and you may remove the belt at your own discretion. i have no doubt in your abilities but remember princess, there is ALWAYS one more skilled. that is the purpose of the potion....