1581/Open Eyes

Open Eyes
Date of Scene:	15 February 2015
Location:	The Citadel - Pleasure Palace
Synopsis:	A meeting regarding Sanary's problems and two sides interest within the Confederacy's stance on it.
Cast of Characters:	522, 627, 667, 691, Sanary Rondel

---

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius promised some tea or wine to Sanary, though he has decided on tea instead-- as if someone really wants some wine, this location within the Citadel could easily provide that. What is this location you ask? It is the Pleasure Palace. A location to relax, take it easy, or meet up with folks in a much more comfortable fashion that are within safe walls.

Though it also has come to Gaius' attention that Souji is also most interested in learning about Sanary and her world, so this bringing in the corporate teenager. Though for Tea-- Gaius was leaving that to his new, young Centurion to provide; Yari.

The location they were at was nestled away in the back, in a nice secluded room, that had an indoor waterfall of gentle running water and beautiful wood, stone furniture. The Legatus chose this location as it seem like a good place also for their new blind comrade. The Legatus himself was sitting fully in his armor, all but his helm which rested along side at the edge of the table.

He was simply wait for Souji and Sanary to arrive as Yari worked on the tea. Thankfully if the two became lost or needed aid getting into the room-- there was those of the Pleasure Palaces and the Citadles own hands that could aid them.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Her boss' orders are something of a dilemma for one Yari Takane. She's been asked to attend as a second to her Legatus, an honor that only discipline and a respect for chain of command keeps her from refusing. There /was/ a renewed flick of her tail though for all her stoic ways.

So, Yari is here, and making tea. Doman custom demands a proper tea-maker to wear a kimono and show respect for her guests. The respect part is easy. It blends into her duties as a soldier well. But, as a soldier, she's required to wear her armor.

The tea-pot goes off just about the time that their guests will arrive, and Yari is already fixing cups adorned with a black loose-leaf tea of her homeland. Dressed in full armor, minus her helmet, it's a clash of tight leather reds and blacks. Her sword is at her side, but peacebound as is proper. Over her armor? She's loosely wearing a kimono like some sort of cloak. An odd sight to be sure. Yari bears the mismatch with a neutral expression, focusing to pour the tea at exactly the right rate. It's almost zen, really. Her senses, however, are focused on the door.

Sanary Rondel has posed:
Getting to the Citadel was easy enough... Somehow. Sanary knew better than to ask more questions than necessary even since her arrival, however, and focused her energy on just trying to find the Pleasure Palace.

Luckily for her, even that didn't take too long with some assistance and being directed in which direction to walk to avoid the most congested areas. The blind girl didn't even get too many odd looks since, aside from the fresh beer stains on the back of her coat, she would look cleaner than she ever had in the entire past week. Her hair wasn't shiny with grease, her coat was actually white from top to bottom (aside from the beer stains), and her cheap brown tunic was... Still brown, but at least it didn't reek.

"Legatus? Souji? Either of you here yet?" She glances around slowly as she rests a hand on the doorframe, the instinct to try and peek inside overcoming the fact that actually seeing anything would be impossible. "Or... Anyone else?"

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Souji does not appear to be present at first. The moment Sanary asks, however, he steps into view from the opposite side of the doorframe. "I am here, Miss Rondel." Souji replies in the neutral, businesslike tone that seems to be his normal speking voice. His clothing is impeccable and well tailored in its spartan and simplistic style, the one concession to vanity being the golden ring he wears on his hand. "Come with me to the table, if you wish." He takes her hand and assists with carfully bringing her to the table. Once she arrives, Souji gives her the opportunity to sit before he sits himself at the table, looking over Sanary, Gaius, and Yari.

"It is good to see you all." He says, and nods in greeting. "This will be an interesting meeting."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The Legatus doesn't move to assist, mostly because Souji already has and far as Garleans are concerned, one has to learn to deal with their weakness--- they were not a nation who gave charity to someone who was handicapped, but watched to see if that person who was handicapped would work even harder to overcome it.

As the two sit, Gaius then speaks up, "Greetings to you both," He then motions to his hand to Yari, "This is Centurion Yari Takane. She will be handling the serving of tea, which comes from the lands of Doma. Also a fine young officer in the making."

The Garlean then clasped his glove hands together as he rested them on the table. "I would have offered this meeting on the Dreadnought, but given the activity of the Dravanian Horde, my ship is a bit to active right for Non-Garlean members."

Gaius' gold eyes then go to rest on Sanary, then over to Souji, "Though do tell me, how are you both faring?"

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari's reptilian eyes turn to the door at Sanary's voice, the woman equally not getting up to move. It's not her place to speak, after all. Gaius has that right by rank. When Souji helps her in, however, the woman stands and offers a short Doman bow. She's fully into the tea-serving mode moreso than a soldier. Unlike a dedicated person of that art, however, her movements are slightly stiff with military rigidity that many life-long soldiers possess.

"It is an honor, Mister Murasame, Miss Rondel. Glory and honor to you both." Comes the voice of the woman, quiet but with iron in her words. She doesn't take her tea just yet. By tradition, it's guests first. Besides, she's already spiked her tea, the lizard-woman's legendary taste for booze kept tasteful in this semi-official meeting.

At her name, there's another nod, and she takes the time to offer honey and sugar to the pair. Not exactly traditional fare, but she's working for what might be her guest's desires here. Better to eschew tradition than risk insult is a cornerstone of a tea ceremony.

Otherwise, Yari is quiet, first studying Souji. Those eyes are a little cold, and calculating, but curious as well. Then she notes their blind guest. Beer stains are noted, her plain-if cleanish-clothes are taken in, and she generally takes her time in feeling out this particular guest. It might get slightly creepy even for one without sight.

Sanary Rondel has posed:
Sanary looks up slightly as Gaius' voice comes from the other side, startled for a brief moment before taking Souji's assistance in getting reoriented and moving to the table. "It's good meeting you two in person again. Good meeting you, too, Yari." She nods her head towards Yari, her own voice sounding significantly less refined and her own movements being anything but formal in comparison.

The blind girl seems rather relaxed for the time being, especially after hearing the familiar voices around her. "Haven't had a chance to explore this area of the Citadel yet, but I can do that later. I'm doing a lot better today, thanks. Little... Mishap with a warp gate and a door earlier, but everything else is fine." She rubs her forehead idly as she says that, the faint redness of a bruise starting to reappear there. "Any new missions or findings about... Uh. That aetheric magic stuff?"

Grant Mason (667) has posed:
Being somebody that is often seen with Souji, even though it's in the background. So it would make sense that Souji would invite the Titanic to this little informal meeting. Running a little behind Souji, he arrives shortly after Souji, out of his armor this time, but wearing the KIRIN uniform he's usually got on when he's not in school.

"Hope I'm not too late." He says, as he looks over everyone who's already here, before making his way further into the room to join the group.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius watch as Yari offers the tea to them both and tilts his head faintly to Sanary's question. "Hmm? Ah yes. The monitoring. Nothing of grand notice, typical levels really." He says with a mild interest in his voice. Perhaps because whatever they found is more then likely for there eyes only.

Gaius though places out his hand to Sanary across the way, "But-- I am more interested in about your world and where you come from, Sanary-- including anything that the Confederacy may be able to do to aid you.. including my own military power."

His gaze turns to Yari, "After all, I have eager soldiers who are waiting for a chance to prove themselves in the field," He looks back to Sanary, "..and see other worlds."

The Legatus looks over to Grant Mason as he walks in. Aware of the man from a mission or two either by monitoring or has been in along side him/his own men. Gaius knows at least Grant is willing to throw his own weight into the battle-- which is a few reward points in the Legatus' mind. "Mason," Gaius says calmly. "Welcome."

This in turn causes the Legatus to look at Souji, "Any others coming I should be aware of?"

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
When Gaius describes the nature of Yari's service, Souji looks upon Gaius. "In my family, there is a long tradition of the proper serving of tea. It seems that there are more similarities between us then originally thought." He does not respond to the comment about the Dreadnought. "I am well. Everything is proceeding within accepable levels. And you, Legatus Van Baelsar?"

Yari's performance is watched with a curious intensity from Souji as she moves. Yari's gaze is met with Souji's own, perhaps a stormy mirror of her own gaze. He does not take his tea with any additives, and nods in thanks when she is complete. There is a moment as he brings up the tea and samples the aroma, before taking the first drink slowly, perhaps weighing the type and quality of the brew. If he has anything to say about it, he does not seem to do so as he puts the cup back down. He looks to Sanary as she speaks. "Adaptation will come with time and practice. You will soon have no problems."

Mason's arrival comes with a nod of greetings to the KIRIN member and fellow student. "Mason." He greets, gesturing. "Legatus Van Baelsar and Centurion Yuri Takane, of the Garlean Empire. Sanary Rondel, your new member of Adamant Squad. We are here to discuss issues of mutual import."

When Gaius inquires as to other attendees, Souji shakes his head. "Unlikely, unless the rest of Adamant Squad choose to arrive. I hired Miss Rondel after our meeting the other evening as her skillset is something I have been looking for to compliment an incomplete operations team."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius gives a nod to Souji as he answers the question regarding if there are any others and then motions to Yari, to offer tea to Grant as well. "Very well.. Centurion-- another cup for the gentleman."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
The lack of refinement hardly seems to matter to Yari. Or if it does? She's not showing it. That tail of hers curls slightly, only barely kept from accidentally prodding poor Gaius. No doubt the man has enough non-human experience to not get swatted by those ever-unreliable appendages. Minds of their own, really.

The pair might notice something most odd about the woman. One of her arms seems almost mechanical in nature, definitely artificial. Every now and then, it gives an odd quirk. There's even a small spark in one case, and the Au Ra woman visibly shivers from the light shock. Her hair suddenly has a little frizz to it. Luckily, no explosions, but it's enough to cause a quirk downwards of her mouth. It swiftly returns. Finally, the woman takes her tea and devours it without much preamble. She's thirsty, her arm is acting up, and she wants to be drunk, blast it.

The appearance of Mason is met with stoic bows and a cup of tea that all but appears from nowhere! "Glory and Honor." She says quietly.

The woman sits up just a little bit as discussions begin in earnest. She's thankful for the liquid relaxation, making her all the more attentive and sociable. At her mention, she again bows her head.

"My skills and my men, are of course at your service, gentlemen, Miss." Including tea making it seems. This woman has quite some skill, the tea mild for possibly mixed tastes, but crafted with care and attention to time, bouquet, and temperature. Yari takes pride in all that she does, and tea-making no less.

A pause. "These include recent political instability in your lands?" Offers Yari, quietly. GAius might be above her, but she knows him well enough to expect skill /and/ initiative. Perhaps the question might help to bring one of them off guard, too.

Sanary Rondel has posed:
Hearing another voice from the entrance, Sanary glances back and nods at where Grant had spoken from. "Hey there. Looking forward to working with you." She grins briefly before turning back around in her seat and resting her hand on the table, then moving it along the surface gingerly until making contact with the tea cup.

The blind woman picks it up and takes a quick sip at first, wincing slightly at the heat before trying again more carefully. It becomes rather clear that drinking hot tea in such a setting is not something she is accustomed to, between all the light blowing and mild confusion on how to hold the cup properly.

"My home.. Er. World. I don't know much about the politics behind all of it, but things have been pretty tense between us and Ylisse for as long as I can remember." She pauses for a moment, using her finger to draw... Something on the table. It looks vaguely like she's trying to make the shape of a butterflied shrimp or something.

"My home is Plegia, there's Ylisse on the border that we're not on great terms with, and then there's... Some other places? Probably. Don't remember the names. Anyway. Because of all the tension, the borders aren't secure at all. Bandits, raiders. I haven't seen any other places, but I'm guessing they've got the same issue all around."

Grant Mason (667) has posed:
Grant takes a look over at Sanary once she is introduced, and gives her a nod of greeting, before turning back to the Legatus and Yuri, "Ah yes, sir. I have talked with the Legatus some on the radio, but have yet to fight alongside him, though from what I've read, I could learn a lot from him and his people."

Grant takes a moment to smile at Yari when she gets him tea as well, "Thank you." He takes a look at the cup, and though he's never been much for tea, he'll be polite and drink it.

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
The unusual behavior of Yari's arm gains a glance from Souji, measuring for a moment, but absent of judgement or comment... About the arm. He takes another slow drink, clearly being the type that savors his tea. "The blend is a fragrant and pleasant. Your skills are excellent, working with a blend like this to bring out its nature is often difficult."

The talk turns to Sanary's particular problem. "Political tensions are nothing too unusual with adjacent city-states or countries. The situation being degraded enough to give bandits and raiders free reign, however, is."

He pauses. "Do you know if there is a specific event or reason why the tensions are so high?"

Mason's comment draws a glance from the young businessman. "Should the Legatus choose to employ KIRIN for his needs, it can be arranged."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The Black Wolf looks over to Grant as he address Souji and gives the young man a nod of his head. "I am sure we will have a chance, Mason. You seem active on the field and that is always good to see."

Gaius then looks over at the table to observes the drawing-- even if it may not be of importance it is something he takes into note. He also doesn't seem to mind Yari stepping in with her own questions. The Legatus hrms softly. "Ylisse?" The Garlean command furrows his brows gently as he also takes the name into consideration.

Then he leans back in his chair, arms crossing over his chest as he mauls over what Sanary has said, including the troubles of bandits and the lack of border protection. Sounds as if one is a greater military power then the other, but by what standards?

"So then, these Ylissians.. or just Ylisse have a more powerful military presence then? I know you can not view the world well as you once did.. but how much more power do they have over your own lands?" Then a pause in his voice. "..or is there someone from your lands whom would be the better person to speak to about this? ..also what can you freely tell us about these.. intruders into your lands."

Though as Souji addresses some things as well, it is the comment regarding Grant that causes the Legatus to look over to the corporate young man. Though nothing is said from Gaius, it is a momentary stare before his gold eyes return back to Sanary.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Grant gets a bow from the scaley woman, but she doesn't linger. Instead, she's gone briefly from tea-devouring and serving to taking notes. They are, notably, kept well pointed away from their guests. Paranoia runs deep in one Yari Takane.

The blind woman's struggles are observed, but not acted upon. She seems capable at first glance, if having the general look of someone who's been through much. Particularly with the eye. Yari can't help but touch her mechanical arm. A gesure of sympathy? Hard to tell. She writes, and considers, taking in all that is said.

Oh, and her tea skills are being complimented. "Dilligence produces victory in any endeavor." Including tea apparently.

"Typical political disentions." A pause. The blind woman gets her attention. "Bandits?" There's a notable flicker downwards in her mouth. Yari Takane /hates/ honorless scum such as those. She might not show much in her face, but her body is definitely stiff. The axewoman gets a pinning gaze, as if expecting something.

Sanary Rondel has posed:
Sanary raises an eyebrow slightly as she breathes in the scent of the tea, not having much success in discerning its quality that way. "Smells good. Very... Tea-smelling?" She manages an awkward chuckle before shrinking back in her seat a bit, seeming even more out of her element than she might have earlier when she was at least relaxed about it.

She does regain her composure once her focus returns to the situation at home, however, and shakes her head lightly in response to Souji. "Not that I know of. It's never been great, but things have been a little more active these past couple of years. Bandits on our side going there and bandits from their side coming to us, even."

The girl takes a moment to take another sip of the tea, a little more confident with handling the cup compared to before. "Neither side's really overpowering the other yet as far as I know, but I think their leader's been trying to get everyone to be all... Peace-y with each other. Fat lot of good that does." She scoffs lightly. "You could probably try getting in touch with the actual military to get a beter idea of the political... Things, but..." She furrows her brow. "I dunno how far you'll get if they're trying to actually start something."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
"To earn peace, prepare for war." Souji replies simply. He looks to Mason. "Send a message to Greaves when we get back requesting Eblan. We can put her in the field on an intel gathering mission. Adamant Squad can back her up if she need it." He pauses. "I will procure an audience with the local military and political leaders and analyze their local strength and disposition. After all, most militaries are interested in sources of equipment, and I happen to manufacture such."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius hrms gently, as he reaches up and strokes his chin gentle in thought. His eyes closing as he listens to what Sanary answers to both his and Souji's questions. Realizing the young woman perhaps doesn't have all the information required if they were to aid.

Which brings the next question to bare, "Does your nation wish to side with the Confederacy for aid or is it only you whom have joined the Confederacy?" As he asks this, his eyes open, looking directly at Sanary.

The answer to this question alone will probably determine just what that Black Wolf will do next...

Even if Souji seems to be moving in the same direction as Gaius is thinking about, but where Souji can move more freely do to no rank at all within the Confederacy and no attachment. the Garlean Leader has to move with far more caution because of Garlemald's involvement in the Confederacy.

Behold the difference of rank versus no-rank-at-all.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Tea-smelling. Yari honestly has no idea how to react to that. She covers it up by sipping her tea, further enhanced by Secret Ninja Drink Spiking Jutsu.

At least it's putting the blind warrioress off her guard. Mission accomplished.

More notes, which again seem to just be pulled out and tucked away with alacrity. Then there's mention of audiences, intel missions, and the woman manages to simply look Souji and Sanary in the face without a single betrayal. Mostly.

Her tail flicks, just out of sight, to squeeze Gaius' ankle. Something of a small code between the two, easily brushed aside as her tail being a tail. She'll handle it.

Sanary Rondel has posed:
"Hrm... Sounds about right. Sorry I can't help much there." Sanary slumps in her seat just a bit once again, finishing off the tea to distract herself for a few precious seconds before continuing. "Just me as far as I know. The rest of the village doesn't really trust most of this... Everything going on here." She leans back and casts a blank stare at the ceiling. "The warp gates, all the stuff I've heard about just from the past couple of days. They probably just let me come here because they wanted to get rid of me. Maybe there's other villages or the actual... Er. Leaders that might be interested in joining up, but I wouldn't know."

Grant Mason (667) has posed:
"As you wish, sir." Mason says, as he takes a drink from his tea again, "Adamant Squad will be ready to go as soon as we can, once the mission has been planned out of course."

Grant finishes up his tea and then sets the cup down, "First exposure to the Multiverse is very disconcerting." Grant says to Sanary, "I know how you feel...Took me a long time to even start adjusting to it."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Gaius brows furrow, even as Yari nudges his ankle with her tail. He listens to what Sanary has to say before he closes his eyes and inhales deeply. "I see." His gold eyes glance over to Yari, before looking back to Sanary.

"Then any aid I can lend to you is limited at best, not until your rulers or even the allies to your lands learn that standing alone here in the Multiverse is a foolish endeavor." Gaius then looks over to Yari and his gaze goes to the door and then back to her, before he looks to the others here. "..Also Mason is correct-- it takes time to learn the ways of the Multiverse.. and knowledge is indeed the seed to power. The more you know, the better you are prepared for things that could come."

"At least you are wise in seeking allies, Sanary.. but make sure you choose those whom you stand with carefully.. as there are many who would take advantage of those who are naive."

Gaius then goes to stand up and reaches for his helm, getting ready to put it back on once more. "Gentlemen and Ma'am.. please enjoy the rest of the tea. Yari," His eyes look to her fully this time. "This evening, my office." He says firmly before putting his helm back up which has a faintest of clicks and soft hiss that may be not picked up on unless one has the ability to hear the faintest of sounds, then with a proper nod of his head to all, he takes his leave.

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Souji emits a low hum. She can't see him, so it's not like gesturing would have a point. "You have provided a useful starting point. We will proceed once initial contact can be properly established." He looks to Grant, then, and nods. "Good. Remember, Miss Rondel is a native so she will be useful in helping you to adapt to the local situation."

He looks over as Gaius leaves the area, and turns his gaze to Yari, considering her for several moments. "There is more than enough opporunity for joint operations in the area. If you are interested in such, I will be happy to coordinate."

Sanary Rondel has posed:
The blind girl chuckles and runs her fingers along the tea cup inquisitvely, a thoughtful look on her face. "Between the ships that aren't on land and the self-opening doors and the showers... I don't know what I'd do if I could actually see all of this stuff, too."

The mention of aid and her choice of allies draws a somewhat confused grunt from Sanary, her lips pursing slightly as she remains silent on that topic. She's snapped out of her thinking afterwards as Gaius makes his exit however. "Thanks for meeting with us. Be safe, Legatus. Yari." A slight grin crosses her face at the mention of "evening" and "office", the girl turning towards where she had last seen Yari to raise her thumbs not-so-subtly in approval.

"Guess we should get going, too. I've got nothing else lined up for tonight, so I'll be taking a look around this... Pleasure Palace place."