3146/Meeting Duke Onkled

Meeting Duke Onkled
Date of Scene:	03 October 2015
Location:	The Hylian Mainland <LoZ-5>
Synopsis:	The Union meets with the Duke of Gamelon to decide if Zelda should go with him.
Cast of Characters:	Deelel, Priscilla, 385, Blurr, 513, 864

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Agahnim (864) has posed:
     A message has gone out. Though it was primarily aimed at the Union, others within the Multiverse have received it as well. All of those who have been aiding in rescuing Hyrule have gotten word, in one way or another.

     Zelda's Uncle, Duke Onkled of Gamelon, wishes to meet with her.

     Coordinates were given in the message. An empty spot in Hyrule Field. No other landmarks are nearby. Simply a flat stretch of plains within Hyrule. The Duke and his forces are already there. About fifty horses and riders are with him. Each of the riders is dressed in an armor similar to the standard outfit of the Hylian army. Light metal armor over most of their body, metal face-covering helmets, and a tunic with the symbol of the Hyrulian Royal Family upon it. Unlike the standard outfit, the bits of color upon the tunic are not the normal blues. Instead, it is a simple red, the chosen color of Duke Onkled.

     The Duke himself is present as well. He wears armor as well, albeit heavier and more well made. It is fashioned to look golden in color. Instead of a simple tunic, he instead has a rather well crafted red tunic, with a long red cape. His long brown hair flows behind him, messily. His face looks worn with age, his once strong face now covered in wrinkles. It seems he isn't above fighting himself, though. He has several weapons with him. A spear, a sword, a crossbow, and a shield.

     Duke Onkled remains on his horse, waiting for the group to arrive.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Rather than coming in on foot (or on horseback), Yuna makes her approach to the meeting point from the air, outfitted in her Light Suit's Flight Form. "Hail and well met, Sir Duke!" she calls out to Onkled as she approaches. "My name's Yuna; I'm a member of the gruop that's been working to free Hyrule. More of them are on their way with Zelda," she says, slowing to hover in front of the Duke and his retinue - not quite touching down; she wants to be ready to react in case any hostiles turn up.

Elner's still holding position overhead, scanning the area for signs of movement that can't be chalked up to known friendlies; although it should be fairly easy to see anyone else coming, neither Yuna nor Elner wanted to take chances. Distractions can be easy and effective, after all, and Duke Onkled is probably going to be preoccupied with Zelda; his guards/soldiers might be as well, and it'd be kind of embarassing if something snuck up in the middle of a family reunion.

Blurr has posed:
    Blurr approaches the coordinates assigned for the meeting point in vehicle form, speeding across the grassy field until he is nearly on top of Yuna. But no worries, he has this completely under control! He stops just in time, sliding to a halt as he begins scanning the humans before him. "I'm guessing one of you is Duke Onkled?"

Deelel has posed:
Deelel had been kept away by problmes back home, if it wasn't one thing it was a virus, a root kit or some other malware program. Still she's managed to get those things settled and here she was. Her clothing would be strange the almost form fitting nature of half the outfit and then the glowing tattoos she had on her exposed arm which might look quite strange even to one who knows what they seem to be. (Part of a circuit lines. She's come in by foot not wanting to spook the local riding animals.

Her voice has an strange warble to it but she seems friendly enough as she looks to the Duke.

"Duke Onkled I presume?"

Finna (513) has posed:
    Although normally not one for diplomacy and pleasantries - too wild, she'd tell herself, totally uninterested - something about the prospect of this meeting draws Finna's presence. Perhaps it's the oath she swore, or maybe it's something else. But she arrives in her usual fashion, simply FLYING in as a hawk until she is on the outskirts of the gathering and then shifting back to hman form.

    What IS obvious, however, is that she's chosen to garb herself in more colorful attire than normal. She's adopted a fancily embroidered cerulean gown of local designs, along with boots and several bits of minor jewelry. Of course, it's all products of shapeshifting, wrought of pure Essence, but the naked eye can't tell that...

    "Greetings, Duke Onkled of Gamelon! good to see you and your entourage arrived intact! ...hopefully without incident."

    Even her manner's changed a little. While not actually speaking the local language, her intonation and accent has shifted subtly, it'll be hard to peg her as a foreigner now. Even if one knows she is, there's a familiarity to her that simply screams 'traveler of the lands of Hyrule.'

Priscilla has posed:
    Out of the crowd, Priscilla probably fits in best without actually trying to. No flight, no shapeshifting, no turbo speed car form. Her extraneous features are worth noting, but in a land that has gorons, zoras, dekus, and who knows what else, they aren't especially noteworthy, and neither is the clothing she wears absolutely everywhere. Aware of the place of meeting and with nothing else of immediate concern, she's made the effort to arrive early, picking the obvious place at the sound of hoofbeats on the air. It's refreshing to deal with the kind of knights with regular swords and armour for a change, riding normal, trustworthy animals. The Knights of Gwyn are a little eerie to be around, and Solaire is hardly even close to one anymore.

    Priscilla isn't one for physical signs of formality -- things like cultural institutions and self expression don't come terribly easily to her -- but as always her tone carries that for her. "Well met, Duke of Gamelon, and hail to thee and thine loyal men. The Princess was not far behind when last I left. She shalt be here momentarily." She assures Onkled, since it isn't immediately obvious. "Thou art welcomed and thine generosity appreciated. It benefits all that it shouldst be someone of familiar that sees to her."

Agahnim (864) has posed:
     The Princess of Hyrule rides in, upon a white horse. Her body is covered in a plain brown robe. Her royal gown is underneath it, though magic makes sure that the robe covers it compeltely at all times. Zelda doesn't come on her own. Just as the Duke has her own men, Zelda has several of her own bodyguards with her. Five Hyrulian Guards ride along side of her, forming a perimeter around. A number of others are following along as well. It's unlikely anyone will see but a glimpse of them, though. But, the Sheikah never leave Zelda alone.

     The Duke nods to those who arrive, in greeting. His face has no smile upon it. He doesn't seem the kind to do so. Far too serious. He speaks, his voice somewhat booming and loud. Despite his age, it's fairly smooth and pleasant to listen too, albeit deep. He gives the most attention to Yuna and Priscilla, for they are the ones who are being the most polite. Priscilla even helps reassure him, until Zelda stops on her horse with the rest of the group. Some glances are given to Finna as well, but she doesn't introduce herself. "Yes. I am Duke Onkled. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Yuna. And..." His eyes turn to Zelda, his ancient brown eyes looking her straight on. He gives the closest thing to a smile that any of his servants have seen him give for a long time. A simple upturn of the lips, that soon vanishes. "...I never thought I would see you again, my dear niece."

     Zelda nods as well, removing her hood. She, too, doesn't smile. She keeps up a rather blank face. With all she has gone through, with the fact that this is her first time back into Hyrule in years? The fact that she is meeting her beloved uncle again for the first time? The fact she is holding back her emotion is admirable.

     "It is a pleasure to see you again as well, Uncle. Even before the Twilight arrived, it had been too long. We do not have the luxury of time, though. Agahnim is almost certain to realize this meeting is taking place."

     The Duke nods, and looks to the group. "...First, and foremost. I would like to offer my aid in your efforts. The Twilight has been in this land for far too long, and the fact that you are making headway against it is a miracle granted by the Goddesses. So. I ask this of you."

     "Is there anything you would ask of me, as far as supplies, equipment, rations, or similar Ask anything. I can not promise I will have access to it. But, if it is within my reach, I would be willing to give it to you all."

     He looks towards Zelda. "And... Second, but most important. I would like to ask all of you to allow my Niece to stay with me, in my castle. It has been far too long since she has been in Hyrule. The Castle is safe, on an island in an area free of the Twilight. Every attempt by Agahnim to attack has been stopped. And, Zelda would be better able to command troops from my castle. We'll get her a step forward towards taking her rightful place, as Queen of Hyrule."

     Zelda bites her lip a little. She looks towards the others. While she could make this choice on her own, a sense within her tells her to ask, "...Hm. I will leave this decision up to my allies."

Deelel has posed:
Deelel sees others arriving she knows most of the party even i it's not too well, so thats good. She has osme idea about everyone here the basic looks to the Duke smiling for a moment as The duke sees Zelda. She'll hold off on introducing herself given the family reunion here. She waits a moment before speaking up to the Duke.

"My name is Deelel Duke Onkled."

She thinks now the Duke hasn't set off any alarm bells with Deelel also given Zelda response.

"I admit I'm not versed in large scale tactics but the Duke's plan sounds solid, what say the rest of you on it?"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Still hovering, Yuna smiles, bowing politely to Duke Onkled. "It's a great pleasure to make your acquaintance," she says to him - more formally this time - before straightening from her bow. "If you're certain that the castle is safe and secure, I don't see why Zelda wouldn't be protected there ... but, would you permit us to accompany Her Highness to help confirm her safety along the way, and to do what we may to ascertain that the castle is proof against Agahnim's forces? Just because he hasn't broken through *yet* doesn't mean it's actually impossible ..."

Blurr has posed:
    "Well if you think those things are gonna be after her yeah it might be a good idea." Blurr replies, as a somewhat normal-looking young man with blond hair and blue eyes appears near Onkled. Well his clothes are weird for the setting but at least he looks like a human right? He nods toward Yuna. "Sounds like a plan to me."

Finna (513) has posed:
    "I hate to contradict your declaration, sir," Finna points out, wagging a finger, "But there's an awful lot of strange dark magics at work. To think that the entire realm is pockmarked with this Twilight plague. Yuna has the right of it... your defenses are mighty as anything that can be found in these lands, but so were Hyrule's. Nobody will be truly safe until the traitor wizard's no more. And unless you have wings, a castle's walls can become a trap juast as much as it keeps the enemy out. I'm not so sure if she'd be SAFER /ANYWHERE.../... your dominion will become an even bigger target if your asylum becomes known... so, not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, but there's possibly just as much bad about turtling up as there is flitting about like a mayfly."

    This probably isn't going to win her any points with the Duke. Possibly not Zelda either. maybe not anybody really.

    "So I guess it boils down to... are you sure your defenses will hold against ANYTHING that might be thrown your way? even if it's three or four times worse than what you've faced so far? Because what I've seen of Agahnim's operations so far says we should all be expecting it."

Priscilla has posed:
    "Lady Priscilla, of no titles that hold relevance in these lands." Priscilla finishes before vague prompting can take place. She doesn't bow, since that's not really part of her culture, but her tone couldn't be taken for arrogance if one tried. "I am . . . no stranger to long reunions. Longer than most live for. The fact that thou wouldst offer something other than flattery and thanks is well appreciated. I didst possesseth no expectations whence I arrived, but I see thou art a man of character, or at the very least, action." She pauses to consider.

    "I cannot say that I requireth anything in the way of supplies, but some further knowledge of these lands ahead wouldst proveth desireable. More precisely, locales with which to prepare means of our own, out of sight, or at least defensible. 'Safehouses', if thou wilst, even if work is required. It's a lot better than having to trek across country between villages in the case that they might have to do so for longer than a day. There's been an awful lot of rescuing going on, though refugees are far from unexpected in this situation.

    Riva, once again, raises more than a little displeasure in the crossbreed with her attitude. "In deed, no fortress is proof against all enemies, and the sorceror may redouble his efforts once the princess' location is known, but again, now that she is known to us, it is a simple and well defended location which we may arriveth at under trivial circumstances. If necessary, a warpgate may be constructed, but regardless, there art swift and sure reinforcements awaiting thee and thine cause at any notice. I wouldst very much prefer to defend the princess from a castle's battlements than a barren road, or else be made to chase after her." She then glances to Zelda with the opposite expression, clearly approving of her composure. "Asides. It is well that someone be able to rest securely with their kindred, rather than a stranger's home."

Agahnim (864) has posed:
     Zelda, for her part, listens to everyone. This is a hard choice for her. She has longed for homeland and family so long. Her first instinct is to go with him. But, she realizes that. This is why she is letting the others chose. She actually looks towards Finna appreciatively. Her and Yuna voiced concerns that Zelda was having, but Finna put in a lot more explaination on why it is a bad idea.

     The Duke listens the arguements. A hand moves to his chin, as he ponders. He ponders their words. At last, he speaks again, eyes looking at Finna and Yuna more than the others.

     "...I admit. I can not guarantee her safety. No where in this land is safe. Perhaps it is just greed guiding me. I never married. I have no children. She is the only family I have left." He glances to Zelda, a somewhat sad look in his eyes. Zelda looks at him, before looking away. It's not often she feels embarrased, but...

     He glances at the group again, speaking softly, "...If you wish to visit my castle, we can. It will be quite a ride, and then a boatride across the sea. It is, technically, part of Hyrule. But, it is far removed from the mainland."

     He looks back behind him, from the direction he and his troops came from. The ocean isn't even visible from where they are. It'll be a long trip.

     But, Priscilla offers an option. A warp gate. The Duke smiles at Priscilla, motioning to her, "Ah! That would be a great option! A warp gate, to Gamelon. I have heard of such structures before. If one is constructed, it would /certainly/ make it much easier to respond in case of danger. Would all of you settle with that as an option?"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Yuna nods, "Yeah, a warpgate would be a good option. Priscilla, I assume you meant to request the Union constructing one so it'll be secured through the regular Union protocols?"

Because setting up an UNSECURED warpgate would be one of the worst ideas ever, particularly when the whole idea is to help PROTECT Gamelon Castle in case of emergency. An unsecured warpgate would basically be an open door with a welcome mat for any invaders who happened upon it ...

"If we need to get to Gamelon faster," Yuna adds, "I could go back home and get the Mike-maru-go, come to Hyrule and pick up Zelda, Duke Onkled, and a couple of others ... I don't think I can bring everyone in my cruiser, but it *would* be quicker than riding all the way."

Blurr has posed:
    Safehouses, hey Priscilla has an idea there. "Now she's got a good point." The avatar nods toward the woman. "Duke's base might be better fortified, but more obvious. I could have some safehouses set up at various locations, hopefully easily defensible ones. I'm not too familiar with this planet but I'm sure someone else here is. So in the case that we start realizing your defenses won't hold up, we could whisk her off somewhere else."

    He smirks just a little bit at the 'long ride' bit. "Not for me. Just tell me where to go and I could be there in a few cycles. Er, hours." The avatar glances about. "Unfortunately I don't think -everyone- could easily ride in me without falling off, but I could take a few."

Finna (513) has posed:
    "A warp gate would help us. Wouldn't really help against an invasion except making sure we can arrive faster though. These damned monsters can teleport from one part of the world to another through black holes in the sky!" Finna waves an arm enthusiastically, quite angry that... the bad guys can do this and she cannot.

    That's thumping unfair, it is.

    But she adopts the calmer demeanor of before soon enough... and smiles. The Duke just won a lot of points with her for that admission. Most rulers she's encountered would have gotten huffy and blustery at their authority and puissance being challenged. to admit even he himself is not sae in his castle gets her blinking. "i think I like this Kingdom. It has wise people in charge. The vow I made wasn't a mistake at all."

Agahnim (864) has posed:
     The Duke shakes his head a bit at the safehouses question, "I'm uncertain of any place within this region that is actually safe. Perhaps Windfall Harbor, Zora's Domain, Goron Village, or Kakariko Village? This is the first time we have been able to travel to Hyrule in ages. But, the city of Greywater, in Gamelon, is safe, if you want to travel a further distance."

Deelel has posed:
Deelel has understood no place in Hyrule is safe, but this location is at least armed and on alert. It's better than being out in the open and she nods for a moment as the warp gate would be useful but it could be a double edged sword as well.

"IU have means to get there fiarly fast but it's nly personal transport as for the gate it could be useful but we'd need to make ready to protect it and Blurr a wise idea to ahve a few bolt holes as well set up. You know the land better than I Duke. I'll have to defer to you and the Princess on this."

Priscilla has posed:
    "The Union is most sympathetic to this world and the cause of its rightful rulers. A dedicated warpgate for Union military use wouldst be most preferable." she clarifies to Yuna. Yes Union use. She's also somewhat familiar with Blurr, so she knows he's not overstating much when he gives that time estimate. "Unfortunately, we shalt be made to wait for the Duke as well, unless thou art able to transport fifty men and horses. I ill like the idea of leaving his faithful retinue behind." She looks with vexation to Finna. "That is precisely what will aid us most against an assault. Elites dispatched directly from Njorun station or another secure network wouldst be far more reliable in repelling any enemy than mere topographical remoteness or structural defenses. We need only to warp to a single location, naturally countering their advantage. I sincerely doubt the Duke's holdings couldst be conquered within minutes."

    She appears more thankful to the Duke, inclining her head subtly. "I shalt remember those names for next I lay eyes upon a map, and provided the time, may arrange to inspect them personally. No place is ever perfectly safe, but 'close enough' shalt do."

Finna (513) has posed:
    Finna twists her lips and returns a most irritated look at Priscilla. "And if you'd let me conclude matters... as I was saying, nowhere in HYRULe is really all that safe. Who knows what spies, far-seeing magics or other tricks this sorcerer has/ Buuut... does that influence cross the borders of other worlds? ... though i guess we can't just suggest the Princess shuffle off to some no-man's land... I mean, I can guarantee she'd be well-treated in Tuskstad or Icehome, but I doubt she'd want to leave her people.... so, fortifying what we've got is the next best thing."

    But she casts a glance over her shoulder at Zelda. maybe she'll think differently.

Agahnim (864) has posed:
     Zelda's face remains stoic still as she looks upon the group. She pulls the hood back over her head, considering them all for a moment. An idea has crossed her, especially considering that everyone is so supportive of her going with her uncle. She looks at the group, speaking in her general royal mannerism, "I think I have come to a decision. I will accompany the Duke to his castle. If some of you wish to come with me for protection, you may. Once the Warp Gate is built, it should be the safest place for me in this land. Would this suit everyone?"

     The Duke remains quiet, listening. He waits for the group's reaction to Zelda's suggestion.

Blurr has posed:
    "Well, yeah. I mean we could hide her on the Ark or in Metroplex, she'd probably be safer there but I assumed she's pretty determined not to leave her homeworld behind." Blurr affirms. He nods at Priscilla. "You're right, but Yuna mentioned she could bring some other vehicles from her planet?"

    Zelda's plan seems solid. "Union-secured warpgate on base sounds like a good plan. That way if things do get out of control then we could send her to Njorun temporarily in case of an emergency. And like I said I could look into getting safehouses set up at secure locations that the enemy hopefully won't know exist."

Finna (513) has posed:
    "That arrangement sounds like the best one we're going to get in the circumstances..." Finna grumps. She doesn't like the idea of relying on big, fancy castles. She has penetrated them FAR too easily many times.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Yuna considers for a bit, nodding. "Yeah ... I could see if a larger transport can be requisitioned, but I kind of doubt it," she admits. "But I'm willing to help escort you all back to Gamelon, if you like - about how long *was* the trip to get here?" she wonders. "And if you can give us the coordinates," she adds, addressing the Duke, "we could send a team ahead to get the warpgate set up."

Deelel has posed:
Deelel says "It sounds like a solid plan I would be happy to escort you to the castle I have the means to keep up with you."

She seems to approve and is more than willing to go along with them on this. She's pretty pleased all things considered.

Agahnim (864) has posed:
     Zelda nods to the group, looking off towards the distance. "In that case... We'll travel ahead. Word will be put out, to get a warp gate crew there. Once it is created, then, the quest to clear the Twilight will continue, while I organize for the assault on Agahnim, to retake Hyrule Castle."

     The Duke smiles as well. He rides his horse forward a bit, to move next to Zelda. He places a hand on her shoulder, smiling at her. "...Consider my castle more yours than mine, now. After all. You are the one who is to be Queen."

     But, the plan is made. The group will ride off to Gamelon, and Zelda shall be housed there.