OoC - 36° Dyo 81380. This thread is <s>open to any of the new Council of Thirteen members, although I would prefer no more than two or three of them</s> now private for Shriker, Muerrin, and Lucian. BiC - Plicae felt an unnatural swaying movement beneath him, and his colorless eyes popped open. He rolled over in his small cot, and then sat up. He was shirtless, and he rubbed idly at his tousled hair with one hand as the other reached towards the side table to retrieve his glasses. One heÂ’d settled them on the bridge of his snout, he then peered around at his surroundings, and the lukuo gave a soft sigh. He was on the cruise ship, the morning after departure, and it was rolling a bit in some choppy water, it seemed. The motion caused his stomach to flip a little, and he tried to condition himself to it as he swung his feet over the edge of his bed and stood. Nearby, Villi was still soundly asleep in her own small cot, and Plicae smiled softly at her as he passed. She seemed wholly unperturbed by the odd tilting and swaying movements, and he was glad. It was very early in the morning, much too early for her to be rising, considering they had stayed up quite late the night before to explore the ocean liner. Of course, he would still wake her in plenty of time for breakfast, but for now, he let her sleep in a little, and made his way noiselessly to the bathroom that adjoined the stateroom he shared with his young daughter. Outstretching his long, slender arms, Plicae used the sink as support as he peered into the mirror above the basin. He looked halfway decent for having just woken up, though his multihued hair was all skewed. He was in dire need of a shower, anyhow, so he didnÂ’t bother brushing it out of his face. Instead, he stepped away from the mirror and stripped off the one article of clothing he was wearing: his boxer shorts. Then, naked in the slightly chilly air, he quickly turned the knob in the shower and stepped underneath the warm spray. After washing and drying off, Plicae wrapped a towel about his waist and padded softly from the washroom, careful to tiptoe around VilliÂ’s bed. He opened the small bureau between their beds, and pawed through the articles of clothing he had folded and set in there. He chose a collared shirt, white with gray crisscross designs and three-quarters sleeves, as well as a dark pair of jeans. Sure, it was a cruise to inaugurate him and the twelve others onto the Council of Thirteen, but he would not be dressed formally for the entirety of the occasion. Holding his clothing in his arms, he padded back towards the bathroom, shutting the door quietly as he prepared to get dressed. When he stepped out of the water closet once more, he was fully dressed and fixing the last button of his shirt. He glanced sideways at the little white niotie still tucked quietly into her bed, and then turned away to open the door to their room. He slipped silently outside, and then shut and locked it behind him. He was planning to return before Villi arose, and even if she happened to wake up while he was gone, she would have no reason to be worried. She could easily ask around and find him if she needed to do so. Plicae made his way fairly easily up the corridor, passing by many white doors as he went. This wing was only one of many aboard the ship where there was a string of staterooms. As he passed by them, he wondered who was inside each one. He wondered if Koani, Cayson, and Riot were in one in this particular hallway. He doubted it, though, as upon boarding he had not spied any of them unloading their luggage into any of the rooms. They were probably in a more secluded section of the ship, anyway, because of their relative famousness and their need for more security and privacy. After turning a corner, the arden reached a stairwell, and he quickly trotted up it, before arriving at a door. It led onto the outside deck, and when he opened it, bright Dyo sunshine spilled down upon his dark fur. Plicae shielded his eyes for a moment, and scanned the deck. It was completely deserted, probably due to the early hour, but the lukuo did not mind this. Shuffling along, he made his way towards where he knew the breakfasting room was; he and Villi had discovered it and the galley last night in their explorations, and had actually filched a few cream puffs from one of the freezers that branched off the kitchen. Before too long, he arrived at a small door leading once more into the shipÂ’s interior. A sign upon it said “Breakfast Room," and Plicae smiled at its obviousness. He then pushed it open and walked through, and was greeted by the sight of many long tables flanking one another, their tops littered with various breakfast fares. Since nobody else was in here yet, except for a thill who looked as if she was on the kitchen crew, the male helped himself to everything that caught his eye. He grabbed a plate and collected many a pastry and sugary treat, and also filled up a Styrofoam cup with some freshly brewed coffee which smelled as if it was probably rather expensive. All loaded up, the tall lukuo exited the room, heading back out onto the sunny deck. He moved towards the railing, and carefully balanced his plate and his cup upon it as he stared across the sea. The water was a vivid blue, the sun sparkling off the surface. He kept his eyes squinted as he then carefully sipped at his steaming cup of joe, breathing in the fresh, salty air mixed with the aroma of coffee beans.
The morning couldn't come soon enough for the Grader who was curled up on her side underneath her sheets. Although the ship was rather well balanced, the lurch of it against the waves could still be easily felt. Koani slept quite fitfully. She'd been checking the clock every time her eyes happened across it in the dark. Eventually she had fallen into a deeper sleep and actually ended up overshooting the time she had been wanting to get up at by a full fifteen minutes. She smiled faintly at the clock as she slipped out of her bed. Stretching, Koani made her way into the bathroom. Some time later, after she had bathed, clothed herself, and tended to her hair, Koani slipped out of the bathroom with a contented sigh. She'd actually discarded the idea of wearing one of her skirts today. It was alright to dress casually. So instead of her norm, she was wearing a pair of dark brown capris and a cream coloured top with a stylized floral print on the front. She was planning to knock upon Codat's door, who happened to be sharing her suite, in order to wake him up. Although Vythe had been wanting to room with her, “for her protection," of course, Koani much preferred the company of Codat. Codat was a fair bit younger than her, but quite far along on his way to climbing up in the ranks of the USR. He was ambitious. Listened (for the most part). Plus, unlike Vythe, the guy actually had a rather nice sense of humour and didn't make her feel uncomfortable. Koani entered the common room, and much to her surprise, saw that was Codat already up. He was sitting on the couch and quietly reading yesterday's newspaper. When he saw her his eyebrows rose and he smiled. “Hey, I was wondering when you'd be joining me." “I'm actually surprised to see you awake so early," Koani said with a laugh. “Well, I wouldn't want to miss my shift now, would I?" Codat said as he put down the paper and rose to his feet. “You don't start for... ah, another half an hour. Oh. I guess I took a little bit longer than expected this morning. Want to go grab some coffee?" She asked him. “It'd be a pleasure, you know that." Codat laughed then stuck out his arm for her. He was going to escort her it seemed. Koani shook her head, but took Codat's offered arm anyway. Minutes later found them together in the breakfast room. Koani getting coffee for the both of them and Codat scoping out the food. A few of the other guests were starting to stir as well, and Koani exchanged a few friendly words with those who happened to cross her path. It was still relatively early in the morning though, and after such an exciting first night, Koani got the feeling that most of them would be sleeping in. Coffee in hand, Koani waved off an invitation to try some of the breakfast food. She wasn't all that hungry right at that moment. She wanted to let the coffee settle in first, then perhaps see to getting something to eat. With her newly acquired black brew, Koani found herself again hanging off of Codat's arm. The two of them walked through the halls, chatting idly all along the way. Eventually they made their way up onto the main deck by way of the breakfast room. Here Koani stopped, rather struck by the brightness of the morning. All around them for as far as the eye could see was water. Further up along the deck was Plicae, peacefully enjoying his morning as he looked out at the ocean. Koani let go of Codat's arm and gave him him a gentle shove. “Take five, mm?" she said. Codat laughed at this then took a sip of his coffee as he waved the Grader off. Free from Codat, Koani walked over to Plicae and then sidled up beside him. She looked out at the glimmering waters that stretched out all around them before turning her attention onto him. “Good morning. Pretty, isn't it? I hope you slept well."
OUT OF CHARACTER Well, this is confusing. Should Koani and Muerrin already be familiar with each other? They must have been in contact before this thread, and I suspect they'd have met when boarding the ship, but... that's all assumptions. x_o;; IN CHARACTER Like she had been all night, Muerrin lay on the little bed in her stateroom staring at the ceiling. It was not a particularly interesting ceiling; it only seemed to consist of the normal things, plaster with a rouge-ish pink coat of paint, not at all the aluminum can motif she'd expected all areas of the boat to have. She turned her head for a change of view, sighting instead the curtained window that hung conspicuously in the wall opposite her. The sunlight was pouring in, thick and viscous. Thank Tanastalasei, she thought to herself in mental exhasperation, that tonight is finally over. She sat up slowly, letting the soft cotton sheets fall from her upper body in cascades of folds, revealing the t-shirt in which she slept. She drew her legs towards her and wrapped her arms around them, tucking her face between her knees and groaning quietly. Now that it was daytime she could finally get up and out, instead of remaining imprisoned in her state room listening to the creaking and wailing of the ship, feeling the incessant rocking underneath her. This was the thill's first extended voyage at sea, and the conditions were not suiting her at all. She climbed out of bed, sliding her bare legs from beneath the sheets and placing her feet solidly on the floor before rising, unsteadily, with the help of her beside table. As the boat pitched she nearly fell over, but managed to keep her balance by the white-knuckled grip she held on the drawer handle. Slowly but surely, hanging on to all the furniture along her path, the lukuo made her way towards the bathroom and managed to slip into the shower, stripping along the way, without mishap. Once inside, under the streams of relaxingly hot water, she supported herself on the convenient metal bar bolted to the ceramic tiled wall - she was sure that on this trip, sooner or later, she would fall and bonk her head and die, but by golly that was not going to be while she was naked and half-covered with soap in the shower. Once finished, she made a few rounds of her quarters, back and forth from her dresser to her bathroom via the path of grabbable furniture. Muerrin dressed herself casually and comfortably in a white shirt with full sleeves, beige linen pants, a dark chocolate-colored knitted shawl, and flat shoes, because she didn't think she was up to the challenge of wearing heels on a constantly shifting floor. Once she'd affixed her complete array of gold hoops to her ears and looped a few strands of beads around her neck, she shuffled over to the long mirror that hung on her bathroom door and surveyed herself. She gave a satisfactory nod, the image in the glass nodding back in agreeance. As an afterthought, the thill pulled her long hair into two braids, then unraveled them and decided to let her curly locks loose. Finally prepared to face the day, Muerrin left her state room and ventured out into the decks beyond. The sunlight was momentarily blinding and she had to use a hand to protect her golden eyes, but the shock quickly passed and her adjusting eyes revealed an otherwise empty deck. The high winds whipped at her clothing and hair, jostling her earrings so that they jingled merrily together like a tiny chorus of bells. She breathed slowly, inhaling the intoxicating scent of old, stale salt and decay, the perfume of the ocean, that the wind carried so strongly. The boat pitched and once again the thill nearly toppled over. Oh how deeply and bitterly she hated the ocean. Moving in small steps, walking near to walls and railings in case she felt in danger of losing her balance, she slowly made her way to the ship's main dining area. A smaller and delightfully sunny portion of the grand hall was appropriated specifically for breakfast, she found, pressing the door open and peering inside. Her gaze fell upon tables laden with presumably delicious foods, a sight which otherwise would have warmed the very cockles of her heart, but at present her stomach gave an acrobatic leap, colliding violently with her diaphragm, and she wanted nothing more than to vomit. She closed the door to the breakfast room and leaned her back against it, taking deep, salty breaths as she tried to calm her digestive organs. Nearby, she spied two pendragons leaning casually over the railing and conversing - one was an arden she didn't recognize, and the other was Koani Grader, the unmistakable public figure who was responsible for Muerrin's existence on this god-forsaken ship. She knew as fact that this was a private cruise, and the ship was only peopled with 'dragons she knew she must eventually introduce herself to, and there was simply no use in wasting this opportunity to garner acquaintances. Discarding altogether any notions of breakfast, she carefully strode across the deck towards the couple, joining them at the railing by Koani's side. How absolutely terrible, she thought with a disdainful look out at the writhing ocean below, then turned her attention back to the 'dragons. "Good morning," she lied pleasantly, a smile blossoming on her hollow-eyed, exhausted expression. "I hope I'm not intruding, because I thought I'd take the initiative to introduce myself. Muerrin Djaam," she said, her words mainly for the benefit of the arden.
Azeral had woken up at the crack of dawn, after years apon years of being in the military his body clock was hardwired to wake him up on the dot. However he had forced himself to rest even a little more, his sleep after all hadnt been his best. The constant swaying of the ship had woken him up at least onces but he was used to a little rough sleeping, still he lay there anyway in just a pair of briefs. The thin sheets he slept in soflty laying over his body. His mind was wide awake thought, and very bored from just laying there. He glanced over at the clock that he had palced before ahnd on the counter, it was late enough now. He teidously pulled himself to his feet, throwing back the sheets and shrugging of the cool air that attacked his body. He nearly flintched though as his feet hit the cold floor, the sudden temperature change forcing his mind to be extra alert. He slowly bagn to chose his attire from his stupidly neat suit case that he had brought aboard when he arrive. Each peice of perfectly pressed and folded clothes neatly arranged and ordered in the way he woudl wear them, his military habits never did leave him. He had heard that this was a les formal affair and couldnt really be further from the public eye, so instead of his medal bound uniform he chose a simple dark grey suit. After taking it out he took out his little travel iron out. He set out the suit on his desk and switched the device on, he maticlously ironed out the seems with impecable accuracy until it was left compleatly flawness. "Good as new..." He mused to himself a little, just prefering to break the silence that hovered in his room. He walked over to his bath room and cleaned himself up while he let the fabric rest, looking in the mirror at his thrice graded face before slapshing ice cold water over it. Shaking it off his coarce fur as the droplets slasphed the mirror to leave trails of mosture down it. He procceeded to have a shower and and wash his mane clean, the longger hair needed much more attention. He came out and dried himself off, then very carfully, put on his suit. Sliding the expensive material over his fur into a snug fit, the well talored attire hugging his body. He forced himself to refraim from wearing his uusal weapon but carried a leg holster anyway, just in case any unwanted guests found there way on bored. Then lastly, fitting on his berrie on his head to a slightly tilt. The only military thing he was going to wear. He finaly wandered his way out of the room and to the breakfast hall, helping himself to a fitting meal. He sat down on one of the pre set tables and began to tuck in, his gaze did sight Mrs grader and her assoticates but he was a little shy when he was eating. Plus he preferred to sit and watch anyway, mass conversation with lots of civilians never really appealed to him. Yet he supposed now that he was on the council he better get used to it. After breakfast though.
OoC - Koani would be familiar with all the councilpeople, methinks. *Nods* BiC - As Plicae continued to gaze out over the sea, he brought a donut to his mouth and began to nibble on it, its powder clinging to his mouth as he ate. Of course, he was completely unaware of this, especially since his attention was upon the ocean and not himself. He quickly finished off the sugary breakfast food, before chasing it with yet another sip of his coffee. He actually drained his cup, and began to turn away from the railing to seek out a refill. That’s when he spied Koani, who took up a position at his side and greeted him. Plicae quickly smoothed over his surprised expression, though for whatever reason, butterflies suddenly swirled about in his belly. Lifting his hand with the Styrofoam cup, he twinkled two fingers at the thill and offered her a smile, the powdered sugar still lining his mouth. “Koani! Yeah, it’s gorgeous out here," he said agreeably, and as he spoke, his colorless eyes quickly traveled up and down her body. “You look nice, too. I’ve never seen you in anything but a long skirt," he added, and deciding that his refill could wait until later, he turned back to prop his elbows on the railing, and he purposely cast his eyes away from her and out towards the water as he tagged on, “You have nice legs, you know, that shouldn’t be hidden like they always are." It was just then that the lukuo heard the soft slap of shoes on the deck, and he turned around to see an unfamiliar thill approaching. As she moved towards the railing next to Koani, Plicae noticed that the stranger looked a little green around the gills. He wondered if the liner’s swaying had caused her to become seasick. Being up here was the perfect remedy for that – the boat’s movements could barely be felt on the deck. “Ah, Muerrin," the arden spoke when the thill introduced herself. Plicae haphazardly placed his empty cup on the railing and reached an arm around Koani to take Muerrin’s fingertips in his and gently shake her hand. “Councilor of Health. It’s nice to meet you! I’m Plicae Decatur, Councilor of Law and Justice. We’ll be working together a lot, I suppose," he added on with a grin. He wanted to make a crack about her apparent seasickness and her position as Councilor of Health, but he refrained, only smiling handsomely instead. He was much too sweet for such sarcasms.
OOC - Ayah, you can just roleplay as if your character knows and has talked to Koani. It'd make way more sense that way. :] BIC - Plicae's comment about her lack of skirt had caught Koani a little offguard as her attention had been rather split between him, her coffee, and the ocean. She swallowed her mouthful of coffee then regarded Plicae with a rather amused gaze. “Thank you. Don't get too used to it though. It's only a temporary change." Koani's skirts after all were a rather large part of her image. Perhaps they were a bit of an obsession as well when you considered her vast collection of them. “Oh, Plicae? You've got a little something on you." Koani pointed to her own mouth in order to indicate for him while she laughed softly. She'd been about to tag something else onto that when the sound of footsteps made her turn her head. It was Muerrin, and she was looking a little worse for wear (though her clothing choice most certainly didn't reflect that). Immediately Koani felt sympathetic and a little bad. She greeted Muerrin with a smile, keeping out of the way as Plicae introduced himself. Although a few of the new Council members had met one another, there were still many who remained strangers. Hopefully they'd all get to know each other rather well over the next couple of weeks. “Good morning, Muerrin. I'd ask you how you slept, but I think I know the answer," she said with a small chuckle. “I think the ship might take some getting used to. I really didn't sleep all that well either."
Muerrin was vaguely surprised to find that the arden already recognized her name and knew her position on the Council, but the shock soon passed as she found herself distracted by the unusual markings on his face. A circle of powdery white clung to the fur around his lips, as if his entire face had participated in the consumption of a doughnut, not only his mouth. The thill felt a grin tugging at the corners of her lips but managed to press them closed, so as not to mock Plicae by laughing. The resulting expression was a wry contortion of a smile, the kind found on secret-keepers and conspirators. She allowed him to take her hand and shake it, while desperately trying to chase the awkward smile from her face. "Ah, Plicae," she responded to his introduction as if the name meant anything to her. She felt she should have known it, should have done her research before boarding the ship, but now it was too late and she'd have to feign recognition. "It's such a pleasure! I look forward to working with you," she conceded with a gentle nod of her head, causing a few of her long, curly locks to fall in front of her face. She swiftly tucked them behind her ear, then crossed both her arms across her chest and leaned gently against the ship's railing. At Koani's assumption, Muerrin gave a short laugh. She had hoped her sleepless night wasn't so obviously visible in her face, but then there was no covering up or distracting from fatigue like what was plaguing her now. She brought a hand up to delicately cover her mouth as she yawned quietly, then laughed again at the irony. "It's not a question of how well I slept, it's a question of did I sleep," she smiled. "I'm surprised at you, though, Koani. I thought this ship belonged to your family fleet. I would have expected you to feel quite at home already."
Azeral finished his meal with out complaint, savouring the fine flavours of toast and jam on his tongue as his sipped at his sharp orange juice. Swishing it around his mouth a little to experience the refreshment a little more, he always liked a good hearty breakfast that would fill him for the entire day. It was, in his opinion, the most important meal of the day. With out it he found that the mind was less alert and the senses slightly dulled, he was sure their had been a study on it too buy some science person. He would find out. Anyway he looked over to the little gathering of council members by the deck, he dabbed at his mouth a little with his red silk napkin. The napkin was a gift he had received from his divorce lawyer once they had run off with his wife. he had absolutely no idea why he kept it, a strange mix of nostalgia and a painful reminder that lawyers where not to be trusted. Still it was nice anyway, he still baffled over it occasionally, wondering why the hell they had even bothered to send such an absurd gift. Yet moving on his slowly stood up and straightened himself a little before walked some slowly over to the group, he never really liked introducing himself once something had started. Yet the situation didnÂ’t really give him any other choice and it was either now or in a room full of around eleven complete strangers, he knew Koani at least. Even if it was partially. He slowly shuffled a little closer then offered his hand into the mix once he saw a moment of sience in the conversation. "Sorry if IÂ’m intruding," He said giving Koani a little nod. "just thought I would introduce myself before it was too late in the day. Azeral Lirgra." He said too both Muerrin and Plicae yet offering his hand to Muerrin first, the gentlemen die hard in him assuming it was ladies first. He hoped his didnÂ’t totally spoil the flow of conversation. <span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class='ooc'><tr><td>Sorry if the post is a little all over the place, my mind is a little impaired for the time being.</td></tr></table>
“Too bad," Plicae murmured when Koani said that the change was only temporary. “But I like your skirts, too. You make some of them yourself, right?" he added on so as to not sound rude. It was then that Koani spoke about having something on him, and then pointed to her mouth. The lukuo’s feelers twitched as he stared at her for a moment, attempting to comprehend, and then he realized what she was trying to say. His arm quickly flicked up as he moved a hand to wipe at his mouth. This movement somehow caused the Styrofoam cup on the railing to sway, and then fall over, tumbling into the sea below even as Plicae rubbed the smudged powder from around his mouth. “Shoot," the male said, and he leaned over to watch the cup bob around in the water around the ship. “My bad," he added on, and he brought up both hands to hold firmly to his plate. Not only did he not want to add anymore additional pollution to the beautiful Samundra, he didn’t want to lose the remainder of sugary breakfast treats still piled upon it. With his hands holding onto the dish, he faced the two thills once more, offering them a somewhat sheepish smile. “Don’t tell the Environmental Councilor what I just did," he said in a conspiratorial voice, before letting his voice trail away. Muerrin and Koani were beginning to talk about the boat, and he was curious to hear. He also didn’t want to disrupt such an engaging conversation by being a geek. Ears perked, Plicae took the opportunity to lift a breakfast croissant to his mouth, its top layer drizzled in nectar. As he took a bite out of it, he watched Koani and Muerrin talking, though his colorless gaze mostly strayed to the former. The sun was creating a nice luster in her aquamarine hair, and he admired its length and sheen. He also sneaked a few more glances to the thill’s exposed calves; she really did have good legs. He wanted to drink in the sight of her in that outfit, just because it was so out of the ordinary, but his eyes abruptly flicked sideways as a movement caught his attention. “Hey, another councilperson," Plicae said when the new arrival, a rigid looking arden, greeted them and introduced himself, offering his hand to Muerrin first. “Military, right?" he added; he’d obviously done a lot of memorizing and research when it came to his new colleagues. “Nice to meet you, Azeral. I’m Plicae Decatur."
“Not usually make, no. I've designed quite a few of them though. Then sometimes commission artisans to create them. With time always being an issue with me." Koani said in response to Plicae's question. Her attention was about to turn completely onto Muerrin when Plicae sent his empty coffee cup sailing accidentally. The Grader shook her head, a rather amused look on her face as she turned away from Plicae in order to speak more personally with their Councillor of Health. Muerrin's comments about sleeping had made her laugh. “Did you sleep. Yes, yes, I can see how that would be the far more appropriate question," she agreed with a grin. “Sadly, I haven't been on too many sea faring vessels myself. Not since I was a niotie anyway. Which was quite a while ago now. I suppose I've always fancied ships of the air and space more. Sure there's turbulence every now and then, but the environmental controls tend to be rather remarkable. On some, it feels as if you've never even left the ground. The pilot could be doing – Oh, Azeral. Good morning!" Koani returned Azeral's nod and accompanied it with a smile. For someone who hadn't gotten much sleep, she certainly was preserving and seemingly full of high energy. Of course, she had also been negligent to tell Muerrin that her sleeping issues weren't at all related to being onboard the ship. She'd been a functioning insomniac for years now. The hostess in her certainly wasn't affected by her lack of sleep either, for when Azeral shook Muerrin's hand, Koani supplied an introduction. “Azeral, this would be Muerrin Djaam, our Councillor of Health." She then waited for a moment as the rest of the greetings were exchanged. Koani set her right arm lightly on the railing as she appeared to be watching Azeral with a somewhat studious gaze. He wasn't wearing his traditional military outfit, but even so, his clothes were immaculate. “I rather like that suit on you."
In an epic battle with her facial muscles, Muerrin finally lost control and released a wide grin which spread across her features rampantly, making her perfect, pearly teeth visible, and also her amusement. Plicae's blunder was the final straw which triggered her straight face's demise, and she watched with a giggle as his coffee cup toppled over the railing of the ship, falling to the waters below. It didn't take the Environmental Councilor to realize the implications of dropping styrofoam - a non-biodegradable material - into the ocean, but she didn't mind terribly the thought of a single cup floating eternally across the verdant waves. Instead, his accident only made Muerrin like the arden more, for his casual and informal demeanor. He was slightly silly, a quality which the lukuo appreciated greatly. She turned her attention back to Koani, who exposed the fact that her sea voyages were fairly uncommon. Muerrin nodded understandingly; who would want to travel across this monstrous, god-forsaken ocean too often? The Grader, instead, seemed to be intensely interested in aerospace craft, a fancy which the scientist found much more acceptable, and nearly launched into detail before she was cut off by a new arrival. Muerrin's golden gaze traveled to a rather stocky 'dragon coming up beside them. Though he was not spectacularly tall or wide, it seemed to the thill that his very presence was commanding. When Plicae the Very Studious identified him without effort, she knew why. "Military" - he must have been a general, or an admiral, or someone who had many, many pendragons beneath him in rank (though she did not know this for sure; she knew next to nothing about the actions and personnel of the army). She eyed him with curiosity and awe, accepting his handshake carefully. Before she could introduce herself, Koani the Hostess Supreme (why, she thought to herself, was she giving everyone titles, and what would Azeral's be?) did the work for her, including her name and Council seat. "Pleased to meet you," Muerrin said with a nod. Following Koani's lead, she decided to pay the arden a compliment: she pointed to her head, indicating the general category of headgear. "I like the beret,", she almost laughed, her amused grin remaining to hold its ground on her features.
Azeral smiled quite broadly at how things were going, his slightly pointed teeth showing all in a row. He was of course slightly more towards the feline side of the gene pool so his canines where naturally a little larger than the average arden. Still though he didnÂ’t mind showing them off, they were after all quite small, especially compared to the fangs he saw some 'dragons with. "Well this is certainly a nice way to start the day, being complimented buy two beautiful, young thills. Thank you both." He said with a little soft laughter to his voice. He wasnÂ’t totally used to being complemented about his garments but he certainly wasnÂ’t complaining. "And good to meet you Muerrin" he said as the laughter faded away from his voice gradually. Azeral was glad he was used to remembering the names of different people, he was hate to think what would happen if he got one of his newly acquired council colleges names wrong. Still only 11 people to remember wasnÂ’t really that hard. "IÂ’m the councillor of Military & Weaponry by the way." he said with a little corner smile edging its way onto his face. He was also the Master Air general of Ramath-lehi but that really didnÂ’t need to be mentioned, it sounded to much like bragging really. Then taking Plicae hand and shaking it, making sure he didnÂ’t forget the educated looking arden. He gazed at the antenna on his head for the tiniest moments, before smiling at him politely. "Good to meet you to Plicae. Your in charge of law if memory serves." He had done a little looking into some of the other members, it was one thing he had a somewhat bad habit of doing. But he supposed if you have the resources why not use them.
OoC - Sorry for exiting relatively early on. Plicae just doesn’t have much to do in this thread and I need to make room for s’more plots. *Conspiratorial look* Don’t let my leave kill the thread. BiC - Plicae nodded his head to the other arden as they exchanged a handshake, and when he’d let go, he briefly appraised Azeral. He was crisply dressed, and looked like a proper sort. Plicae felt a little under dressed in his presence, but he didn’t let this bother him. Instead, he nodded at Azeral’s words and maintained a polite smile. “Yep, I’m the blood sucking lawyer," the lukuo quipped, and he gave Koani a brief look as one corner of his mouth curved up. He was just about the furthest thing from “blood sucking," something which the Grader thill knew quite well, although, on that note, he was quite competent when it came to his work and quite a bit more assertive in the courtroom than elsewhere. “In other words, I’m the Councilor of Law, yes… as well as the father of Villi." He added the latter part of his title on as he suddenly remembered his sleeping daughter. Giving his watch a glance, he knew it was time for him to return to the stateroom. He would bring her some juice and toast, and wake her up so that they could do some more exploring. Although he would have liked to get to know the other councilors and even engage in small talk, his daughter was his primary obligation here. Only when he was needed for formal inauguration occasions would he spend time away from her. “And speaking of her, I’ve got to get going. She’s asleep in our stateroom and I hate to leave her alone for too long," Plicae said, and he grabbed his nearly empty plate. He nodded his head towards Muerrin and Azeral, and then turned to give Koani a friendly smile. “See you guys around." With that, he padded away from them, first disappearing into the breakfast room to throw away his leftovers and grab something for Villi, before he slipped below deck to return to the room he shared with his young daughter.
Although Koani wasn't quite sure why, she was finding Muerrin's humour rather contagious. When Muerrin too complimented Azeral, Koani found herself suppressing giggles. She didn't want to seem rude and spoil the sincerity of the compliment after all. “Thanks Azeral... although, young? Really? I can't speak for anyone else, but I think I'm quite a step away from being young now. Perhaps I was once upon a time." Koani said with a laugh. Although it had taken her a few weeks to actually realize it, Koani had turned forty six that quarter. Ever so slowly she was inching toward that half a century marker. Though it wasn't at all her own ever incrementing age that made her feel old these days. It was Cayson's, and how fast he was moving along with his life. Why, before long, Koani might even be... a grandmother. Wasn't that a scary thought? Koani smiled at Plicae's quip and rolled her eyes. He was really anything but blood sucking. Koani most likely fit that description a lot better than Plicae ever would. Although her own underhandedness really only went so far. “Ah, later then Plicae. Say hi to Villi for me," Koani said with a slight wave as Plicae excused himself to go and tend to his daughter. Koani tilted her head to the left as she watched Plicae retreat. For some reason the lukuo's short tail amused her for some reason. It was just a little out of the ordinary, as were his antennae. Though, enough musing over that. The Grader turned her attention back to Muerrin and Azeral and smiled good-humouredly.
Muerrin grinned at Azeral's compliment. Beautiful young thills, ah, how she wished it were so. Beautiful might be an adjective she could grasp on the best of days, when her curly, golden locks fell in just the right pattern and her eyes were not dull with the exhaustion of lab work but sparkling and bright. Young was even more fleeting, however. She was a newly-minted 38, and positively dreaded the oncoming of the big four-oh. She'd take her "beautiful and young" compliments wherever she could get them, with little complaint. At Plicae's departure, she felt oddly disappointed. The arden was an interesting character, silly enough to inspire Muerrin's giggles, and she was sad to see him go. To his very friendly "See you guys around," she gave a smile and a cheery "See you," in return, waving goodbye with an open palm. She knew she'd see him again, in short time, and was already looking forward to the occasion. His sudden farewell reminded her of something, though. She too had a charge aboard the ship, who should be waking up any moment now. PR, she thought to herself with a mental "aha". Her niece was here with her, on the cruise due to the luck that her birthday happened to fall during the ship's time at sea, and Muerrin couldn't actually think of anyone else she'd rather invite. Teenagers, though, were notorious for sleeping late, late into the mornings, so the lukuo didn't see the need for rushing off as Plicae did. She turned back to the other two 'dragons at hand, the stiff military councilor and the Grader, whose council seat she didn't actually know. The conversation had dimmed to a lull, and she felt a sudden need to introduce a new topic of conversation. "So," she said decidedly, turning to Koani, "What is there to do for fun around here?" She smiled somewhat conspiratorially as she awaited an answer.
Azeral smiled at Pilace and gave him a parting nod, a little aggravated that he couldnÂ’t get to know the arden better but he supposed he would get a later opportunity. He held back a little, thoughtful sigh and turned his attention back to the bunch of giggling thillÂ’s, a smile forced its way onto his face as he looked at them. And they thought they werenÂ’t young. "Ah donÂ’t be silly, with people living up to 100 these days, your not even over the hill yet." He said with laughing filling his deep voice. He was in fact over the hill, the big 50 had snuck up on his and now looking back on his life. He wasnÂ’t sure if he would make the same choices knowing what he knew now. But least he had for filled his career. The conversations had indeed lulled though and Muerrin's little request to do something was really quite valid. So he put his mind to it, he didnÂ’t want this whole day to be totally dull and wasteful. In truth though their wasnÂ’t a massive amount they could do, the whole cruise was some what meant to be relaxation. Well work was out of the question and drinking at this hour was absurd, so it was either shooting or piloting. Ah how the military had warped his fragile mind, fun didnÂ’t really exist any more. "Well maybe we could take one of the smaller boats on the side out, go for a little mini cruse. Or if your both feeling adventurous we could get one of the planes out. Or be boring a talk about important things." He said, wracking his brain on what they could possibly do. Work had really taken over his life, later he might retire to the games room and practice at some of the pool. Or if he was thinking particularly lucky he might see if this ship had a casino, he must admit he had a little soft spot for gycaj. He loved the deceit and panic of the game, when someone had a lot of money on the line it was really quite a rush. But he was never really into big money deals, especially since big money to him meant really big money. The military gave him quite a big salary, it helped when you decided your own pay. <span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class='ooc'><tr><td>I think we need a plot for this, or its going to be a short meet and greet =/</td></tr></table>
Koani drummed her fingers lightly on the railing as Muerrin turned to her and asked her what there was to do for fun. The Grader actually found herself feeling flabbergasted. Where to start? For once, Koani didn't have a set schedule to follow. Sure she had scattered her own cruise time with a few business meetings simply because she had a need to feel productive. The day that lay before her was quite free though. That was a bit of a scary thought. There were so many things that they could be doing. The simplest thing would most likely just be exploring the ship. It had so many nooks and crannies. There was also the onboard schedule that outlined the various activities that would be going on during the day as well. Unfortunately Koani didn't have one of those on her at the moment. She was pretty sure that one would be easy to find. “Well, I don't know about you... but simply standing around and being boring really isn't my idea of fun." Koani brushed gently at her capris. She felt a little strange not wearing one of her trademark skirts. Had she not a reputation to hold up, Koani wouldn't have minded hitting up one of the bars. Sure it was early, but since when had that really mattered? She was almost certain that such a suggestion would be balked at though... so for the time being, she held onto it. “I wouldn't mind checking out the hangars. You know, just to see what sort of ships we've got packing, heh. Or one of the game rooms for that matter. I know they've got quite a few tables set up with some card games running at this hour. Well, they tend to run around the clock really."
Muerrin leaned back against the railing, turning away from her sworn enemy, the ocean, and only enjoying the fresh feeling of cool winds sweeping through her long hair. I could get used to this, she thought to herself. It wasn't all bad - the seasickness was already beginning to abate, leaving behind only the glorious feelings of wind and movement and openness. Though periodically she had to brush her hair away from her face, or blink the salt from her eyes, the sea voyage might not be altogether unenjoyable, she decided. The company was good, at least. A bit stiff, with regards to Azeral, but at least no one she'd met was completely devoid of personality. As soon as they had both confided their ideas, Muerrin mulled over Azeral and Koani's input. Take out a smaller boat? She turned to the Military councilman and gave a curt, musical laugh. "I'm still getting used to being on a cruise liner! If you put me on any smaller vessel, I think I'd be paralyzed by seasickness," she told him with a smile. If Koani had mentioned her suggestion of going to one of the bars, the lukuo might have complied, although drinking alcohol on an empty, queasy stomach was never wise. However, the idea went unmentioned, and the Grader spoke of the hangar and game rooms instead. "I wouldn't mind a card game," she smiled, "but we'd have to play a low-stakes table. My lab scientist's measly salary would surely prevent me from gambling with high-powered executives such as yourselves," she explained with a sweeping gesture towards her two acquaintances. She was not ashamed of her paycheck, but chose to admit its small size for the laughableness and humor of it.
Azeral raised his eye brows at the idea of a card game, he had been thinking the same only moments ago and it was a delight to hear. What type of game though was the main interest, and since getting on some smaller thing didnÂ’t appeal. It was the best bet for ridding themselves of the boredom that had ensued. He stretched down his right arm and flexed his fingers, a slight, inaudible crack travelled though him but he was certain no one else heard. He had been a little stiff in the joints this morning and hadnÂ’t got around to stretching, he was finding he didnÂ’t seem to bounce as well as he used to. The over half a century of age under his belt did have its downsides. He turned his gaze a little and looked at the sea sick Muerrin and smiled, he felt sorry for her in earnest. It was a horrible feeling to be unwell, especially when their wasnÂ’t a large amount you could do for it. "Cards it is then, and We dot have to play for money. maybe just an Item of interest to make it a little more Entertaining." He big smile appearing on his face now, he had to admit he did have a little bit of a weakness of gambling. His tail swished a bit as his eagerness increased, the flame leaving coloured trails in the air behind him like a childÂ’s sparkler. "So which way to the games room then, I have to confesses I havenÂ’t explored much yet." He said with a grin combined with the giddiness in his voice which sounded a little strange from his deep voice. He hadnÂ’t had many opportunities to enjoy himself but he was resolute to enjoy this one. In a slightly workaholic way though he liked card games due to the strategy and luck behind them, some key aspects of work. It had really invaded all parts of his life but he supposed what marked a great worker was actually enjoying the things they do. He could claim that adamantly.
“Well, we certainly can't go getting Muerrin sick. Or would it be sicker?" There was an amused smile playing upon Koani's face. She was being a tease of course. “I've no aversion to playing a nice game of cards. Although, like Azeral said, playing for small stakes I think would be better for all of us." Koani laughed quietly as she stepped away from the railing. There was something rather humorous about the very idea of her gambling. Leaving things simply to the “luck of the draw" was completely against her work ethics. Of course, there were times when all that one could do was simply hope that everything worked out. “See, gambling and me being the Councillor of Finance don't exactly mesh all that well. I wouldn't want to lose credibility. However, there's no harm done if the stakes are low enough and it's all in the name of fun." Coming from Koani, who had always been a high roller, this might have seemed strange. There were reasons for her family's wealth though. One of those reasons was that there was no such thing as money squandering. “I know where the main game's room is anyway. It's just down the hall a little past where they had the breakfast buffet set up. Come on then," Koani said as she took one step in the general direction and then cast her comrades an encouraging look. She then padded over to the entrance to the breakfast room, pulled open the door, and held it open for both Muerrin and Azeral.
