Good Tidings - RPLOG
Participants
Date
3/4/477
Log
A soft rumble leaves Flora's muzzle as she looks out over the yard from her tent, fiddling a little with the pendant around her neck, before setting back to arranging everything within her tent and the darkened spot therein. She's exceptionally careful to make sure the dress remains unstained.
Meanwhile, the Solacious house-staff is hard at work to make sure all the guests are provided with drinks and food and that their every whim is tended to in a timely manner.
The Good King arrives with an entourage of several, including several well appointed guards, and Mione, the scholar, to whom he is speaking, "Are you certain?"
"Absolutely, your majesty. The records are without doubt."
"Hm," speaks the large monarch as he ascends to his chair to settle his bulk, large sword still strapped to his back. "This will prove interesting."
Fenris gazes around at the preparations that have been made for the great unveiling of Flora's picture box. It looks like Angus has certainly done his part in getting the word out for all this. The tiger has so far stuck to the periphery of things, but seeing the Good King make an entrance, he moves closer to where the action is.
Cassidy was all dressed up and freshly bathed today. She had to be, for something like this. Had to set a good image for the house, afterall, when the Goodking was going to be around. She brushes her hands down the side of her dress gown and adjusts her long gloves, making sure everything was in order as she took up position with the rest of the Solacious family that was in attendance.
Brutus,the rotund skunk, can be spotted amidst a cluster of fellow white-striped black tails, looking oddly like a bejeweled pear in his poofy, shimmering goldenrod garb--the best ones he can rustle up on short notice. He seems to tower over much of his fellows, the wine glass he waves about looking rather small in his fleshy hands. At the passage of the Good King, he clears his throat and sweeps a slow, wide bow more graceful than one would expect from a being his size. As the monarch takes his position of honour, Brutus resumes his grand oration, to the rapt attention of some and the glazed boredom of others.
Matthews makes his way into the manner, side stepping around for the most part so as to not cause anyone too much dissatisfaction from his pressence... The apostate dressed rather well, wearing new cleaner clothing that looked to have cost him a rather high amount of crown indeed. His hair groomed and swept back, and for the most part he could almost look noble. The Tomcat making his way to one of the tents as he'd go to wave his hand over his head to let Flora know he made it, a wide grin plastered on his features before he looked over to the King... Giving a deep and respectful bow from his distance away, before turning back to watch Flora. It wasn't every day someone gets such a chance to view the royalty, -and- watch a new invention!
Selena wanders into the scene quietly, the wolfess eschewing her typical attire for an elegant evening gown of blue and white despite all previous appearances before the royals or at most other 'important' events having warranted no more decorum than her usual attire.
Her primary concern doesn't even seem to be the famed king for the time being, too - rather, she looks about the area quietly before spotting the the tigress (partially) responsible for the event before chuckling to herself a little and settling back into the crowd to wait for her to leave the tent - of course, under the assumption she was there. In the meantime, though... The wolfess moves over to the more familiar faces in the crowd; Fenris and Brutus.
Asher patters through the gate, smoothing his clothes and adjusting his little, false pince-nez spectacles. The corgi looks around, hoping to spot Flora in her new dress, but not seeing her yet. He fumbles and sweats a little when he sees the king with his entourage, but hurries to find a spot to sit and watch the procedings. No easy task for someone as small as Asher. Maybe there was someone who would let him sit on their shoulders. . .
Without warning, a second entourage appears. This one appears to be two guards, two priests, and the Creator from the castle, Doctor Sinclair. She has her usual look of detached aloofness, one hand seemingly tapping at the air itself, which shimmers with faint light at each strike. She is scarcely paying attention as she is led to her position, flanked and guarded from direct contact with the growing crowd.
Rogna strolls up to the gathering a little later than most, but certainly not least. The gold and grey clad hippo smiles and adjusts his cape slightly before he approaches the more noble of the group, sure of his appearance he greets a few folks for the sake of being polite before he tries to eye where the star of this event was. He had been waiting quite some time to see what they were working on, it is only proper he show up. He offers the Good King a slight bow of recognition, the King of Sweetwater has taken time out of his busy schedule and is also here to see this, quite a spectacle is has become.
Even though it doesn't show, Flora is rather nervous. For obvious reasons, but that doesn't change the facts, of course. A small smile appears as she spots her friends, Selena, Fenris, and Matthews, Asher managing to avoid her gaze for now.
Meanwhile, she scans the area again, silently observing everyone else, and flicking her twin tails as she notices the king and... That seems to be the creator-doctor she's heard about in the past.
Meanwhile, the crowd is gathering, food in one hand, wine and other assorted drinks in another, while Flora seems to ponder over which images to show to the good king. Finally, she picks a quartet of images. First, the first picture she ever took, displaying the dial-plate of the clocktower, with the hour-hand blurred out over an area spanning three hours, and the minute-hand completely invisible. Second, the picture of Dupree, the Puzzler, and herself. Third, fourth and fifth, three pictures, two displaying the city as seen from the lighthouse, the last displaying the sea from that same spot.
Finally, she collects her picture-box and flags a staffmember to carry the nearby tripod over as she heads in the direction of the king. Her pistol handed over, she gestures at the wooden box a few times, allowing the guards to inspect it all-over, before she's permitted to pass. And of course, once she's standing in front of the king, the feline offers a hesitant but deep curtsey to the royal.
The Good King offers a nod towards those who bow and show their respect, but his eyes are on the star of the show, ah, and there she is. The guards tense at her approach, but do their duty without complaint. The gun is accepted, and the box looked over for any obviously hostile mathemagics. Once satisfied, she is permitted to stand before him. "I have heard rumor of your device. When Mione described its function to our Creator guest, she insisted to see it with her own eyes. I trust this does not disrupt the demonstration." Not really stated as a question, more a simple statement of facts. "Now, tell me, what is this box called?"
Fenris starts a little at the appearance of the creator doctor. So THAT was a creator! In the flesh! Rahn would be devastated that he had missed this. The tiger grins to Selena and nods toward the unusual entourage. "What I wouldn't give for ten minutes with THAT one," he says quietly, for Selena's ears only. He found that he had much in common with the quasi-heretical wolf. Fenris catches a brief flash of color at about knee level, and smirks. "Asher!" he calls, "Over here!" He guestures to the little canine to hurry, "You're going to miss it!"
Cassidy moves about the crowd, acquiring a glass of wine for herself as she watches the events unfold. She catches a few familiar faces in the crowd, but doesn't make any move for a loud greeting. "Quite a day this is turning out to be," she murmurs to herself, ears swiveling about.
One of the older Blackbacks who had obviously been paying little attention to Brutus's lecture cries out--"My word, isn't that the Doctor?" Grousing aloud, Brutus turns about, wholly prepared to turn back around and scold his cousin heartily, when he sees her. Brutus hated to give Flora any credit, but this was turning into quite the crowd! Out of routine deference, he gives another bow to the Doctor--though not quite as deep as the one for the Good King. His glance held on her face; she looked like...a hairless monkey. That strange little nose, the crop of hair only coming from the head...he knew all Beings were made in the image of the creators, but he thanked his stripes that he bore this form and not hers. As Flora approaches, he turns himself fully about, leaning heavily on his walking stick and waiting for...things...to happen, a smug little smirk on a corner of his mouth.
Matthews blinks and manages to pick his jaw up from off the floor when he watches the creator enter, the apostate more then certain his bucklist had shortened significantly. His head shaking for a moment before he rubs his face, crossing his fingers for Flora as he turns his attention back to the demonstraition. The Tomcat's eyes rather critical as he watches the guards, and fidgets himself at the kings words... He couldn't help but feel slightly out of place!
Selena's ears pivot slightly as the new group of beings-and-one-creator approach, the wolfess waving over to Sinclair with a degree of nonchalance that could pass for familiarity or irreverence depending on the being. Probably due to not expecting the woman to acknowledge her directly - after all, it's not as if she hadn't dealt with dozens of other beings at the time they were acquainted.
"Rogna, it's certainly been a while." she greets the hippo that isn't surrounded by guards and the king; "I'm impressed, Flora's been working hard on this. I'm glad she managed to get the king out and about; all the better to show him what some of the beings here are doing in their spare time." The wolfess chuckles, leaning back to tiger a little, "She's a bit odd, really. I don't think there was ever a moment she wasn't doing something else in the times I've spoken with her. I doubt it amounted to ten minutes overall and I could use a few more to ask some questions as well. Unfortunately... Well, you can guess how little time beings in her position have."
Everyone seems to be murmuring about something, but all Asher can see is a forest of legs! The corgi's ears twitch when he hears a familiar voice call to him. Turning to see Fenris, and hearing his warning, the little dog hurries over and allows himself to be hefted to a shoulder. "Oh! Look!" the corgi whispers excitedly, "Flora looks so GOOD in that dress!" The tiny canine is so giddy over his own creation, that he seems to have missed the fact that he is looking at royalty AND a creator. "And she remembered to curtsey too!" he chuckles quietly.
Doctor Sinclair's strange air tapping grows in intensity as the box draws into easier viewing distance. She says something, but it's not audible, perhaps a mutter to herself or a whisper to one of those standing beside her, or even meant for the machine spirits that Creators surround themselves with. Her eyes rest on the box and its inventor despite the motions of her fingers.
Rogna nods to Selena, offering a "Why hello there, it has been far too long. I'm glad she could too, she was so secretive about her works, I can't imagine what masterpiece all that has paid off into." He doesn't seem at all surprised by the creator beings appearance, while rare, he'd seen one in Sharlesta at one point. Still, quitie a crowd." he says idly as he stands amongst the gifted and nobles. He awaits a demonstration.
"Flora... Hadn't thought of a name when she made it, your highness. But Mister Puzzlefox suggested Flora call it a 'Camera', yes," the cat offers, while handing the picture of the puzzler, herself and Dupree over to a guard to allow it to pass hands to the king. Soon after, she offers the other pictures as well, along with a short note to the guard of what exactly is depicted in them and how she took it.
Silently, she looks up at the king, before looking at the crowd a moment, seemingly having a preference for avoiding eye-contact, at least for now. She mumbles softly, before hesitantly standing up, prepared to drop back to her lowered stance if urged to do such by, well, anyone. A moment, she looks towards the Doctor, her eyes wide as her tails flick a little. After all, this was a level of technology previously unseen by the young feline.
The king accepts the pictures and looks them over, "Very well painted," he agrees, "So your camera? paints for you? I shouldn't think the artistry guild will favor that," his tone becomes mildly jesting at that, though it is likely to become a concern in the future. "How does it perform this feat of mathemagic?" he queries as he turns the pictures side to side, examining them.
The creator mouths another word just then, and a brief series of clicks is heard about her, distracting the Good King a moment as he glances that way, then clears his throat. "I believe you have captured the curiosity of our guest."
Fenris laughs quietly at Asher's excitement, then turns his attention back to the main event. "Flora is doing very well, so far," he says. His eyes flicker back and forth between Flora and the apparently bored Creator doctor. After speaking to the Puzzler, and with some of his own experiences in Creator ruins, he knew this technology would not seem very remarkable to Doctor Sinclair, but he hoped that she would not downplay Flora's work. The tiger tries to catch Flora's eye, to signal some kind of encouragement, but she seems too worried and distracted to notice.
Cassidy cranes her head to the side, trying to catch a better view. A portrait box? That sounded very interesting indeed! For now, though, she took another sip of her wine and leaned over to exchange a few whispers with one of the other Solacious foxes. Her eyes turned towards the creator for a moment, ears twitching as she took in the strange sight.
Asher snorts quietly. "It's not a painting and he knows it!" the little dog huffs in a hushed little voice, then lays his ears back in embarrasment. "Not that I mean to question the King," he says, "But he shouldn't tease poor Flora." Asher adjusts his seat a little, then carefully lifts Fenris's hat and puts it on his own head to make more room for himself on the tiger's shoulder. He pats the tiger's head enthusiastically, "You know she gave me a picture of herself wearing the dress I made?!" he says happily.
Brutus's smile wanes slightly as Flora somehow manages to conduct herself properly--and here he had hoped for entertainment! Still, it was quite the occasion--despite the apathy of that Creator--and he turned back to the circle of Blackbacks, telling them of his experience with watching Flora flaunt her new device and the wonders it beheld--though curiously glossing over the parts where he nearly accused her of treason.
Matthews flicks his tail slightly as he leans forward some, begining to sneak through the crowds as he works to get a closer spot to watch... Ending up near Brutus, the tomcat seems content to stop then. FLicking his ears as he listens to the noble man talk, before giving back his undivided attention to flora and her presentation.
Selena chuckles at the enthusiasm pouring from the corgi as they're pulled up onto Fenris's shoulder, shaking her head a little with a smile. "I have to agree, Fenris. And she does look very presentable, but I'm not sure that dresses suit her..." The wolfess comments with a smile - "And to be honest, I'm not too sure they suit me either but I'd rather look presentable for events like this."
"With what she's made, I can't blame her. Maybe Firmament's a bit different, but if you've been to Cliffside you might've noticed there's a lot of academic dishonesty there. Being a bit careful with who you show your findings to isn't necessarily a bad thing either, which reminds me... I'd like to borrow a few minutes of your time later, if it's not too much trouble."
Rogna smiles. "Paintings." he says as he wonders what could be displayed upon the fine pieces of art, although his hopes are a little dashed by the fact that a box has created them. "A box painted a painting? I wonder what of the quality. Surely good, given the Good Kings praise" he muses to Selena. The hippo pardons himself ever so briefly to secure a delicious bit of vegitation to accompany his viewing before returning to Selena, keeping an ear on the situation as best he can.
Flora bows lightly again, before gesturing at the camera. "Flora uses... Minimal magic. Flora hasn't been able to cast magic beyond dark magic and controlling a golem... That magic is... Different," she explains gently, before opening the camera and pulling out an odd, segmented, wooden slide.
"There's special paper in here that reacts to light. Flora would normally ask it not be opened, your highness, but if you wish to see the effect..." she offers, before pulling out another. "Making them is done with complicated alchemy, yes."
"At the front of the camera, Flora placed lenses to make the image clearer. Flora can look at it through a mirror inside, and when Flora has to take a picture, Flora presses this rune. Then, the mirror snaps up, and the image hits the special paper Flora puts in the back. After that, Flora needs to fix the image with more alchemy."
The feline pauses a moment, before finishing. "Flora then has... An opposite image. Light things are dark, dark things are light. If Flora repeats the process with the picture, a normal image is formed, and Flora can make as many copies as she needs."
Of course, her eyes continually scan over the most important people AND the crowd, making sure to keep tabs on the entire situation.
The Good King looks towards Mione pointedly, who is quick to speak up. "The principal of it is sound, your majesty. I dimly recall a text I read in Shralesta concerning Creator evolution that mentioned the use of alchemical properties to alter light or fix it in place. I would not have thought a being would master the art."
The Good King nods once, "High praise, from Mione. Tell me then, what do you intend to do with this..." He waves a large hand in the air at the box a moment, "device."
Sinclair has stopped gazing directly at it for the moment, instead focusing on a hovering image before her eyes. One of the priests leans in to speak with her, but she brushes them off impatiently.
Brutus gazes down his pince-nez spectacles to the tomcat standing nearby, blueblooded aloofness cutting into his tone. "Hmm? Yes? May I help you?" he asks, though the rumble in his voice is a fairly solid implication that he doesn't intend to give out any aid any time soon.
Matthews chuckles gently as Flora's givin the compliment of being the one to master the technique Mione spoke of, a grin crossing his features as he awaits for Flora to continue. He does blink slightly when Brutus turns to speak to him, turning his gaze to the skunk... Offering a smile and a dismissive wave of his hand. "Of course not, missing a nice moment in history though with your conversation though." The tomcat's voice nice and low so as to not interupt anyone's listening of the good king, and plenty kind enough for him to claim he's not being rude! Granted, he's quick to look back to the scene and let Brutus be, not moving much as he strokes his chin.
Sinclair's antics - or really, just dismissal - prompts a quiet chuckle from Selena. Flora's explanation and the prompt praise from Mione is met with a smile in its own right. "I wonder, what WOULD a being do with something that can take pictures?" She echoes an a slightly sardonic tone. "Of all the things you could ask, it's what to do with Flora's invention. Making pictures is what it's made to do, what else would you use it for?" ...Well, it was only a matter of time. At least she's not near enough to the king to prompt [immediate] retribution, paying more attention to Flora and Sinclair than the king in the meantime.
Asher is tempted to cheer as he hears the praise for Flora's invention, but holds his peace. "I plan to use the picture she gave me to advertise for my business," the corgi says, "Just imagine how much more efficient it will be to have pictures on the walls AND dresses in the shop!"
Rogna scoffs slightly as he passes Brutus and his unbecoming tone on his way back towards his original position with a tasty treat. He thinks to himself, unsure what the 'camera' could be used for, but he finally says "As long as it is something as tasteful and noble as the common painting, I should think the applications are endless... it truely falls upon the creators preferences at this point, unless they were to sell the idea."
Flora nods gently, before offering a small smile at Mione's praise, before she looks a bit... Distraught. "Flora is not... Sure. Flora put all her funds into her invention, save what Flora needs to eat, your highness. Sir Angus suggests certain military branches could use this, like spies and scouts, while Flora would imagine it has purposes for those that wish to have a picture taken in a short time," she offers, before looking down to the ground, then back up at Doctor Sinclair and back to the king again.
"Flora's friend, Asher, would like to use the pictures to advertise his clothing-shop, Flora thinks. But... Personally, Flora would like to continue researching things and making new discoveries. Using light, using other things. Flora found out some things about light, thinks there's math behind it, but... Flora doesn't have nearly enough measurements to get an idea of what that math looks like. Flora is also thinking about color, but Flora hasn't found a good way for that just yet."
"You have created for sake of creation," speaks the Good King, "You do them proud. As the First Text says, we are forged in their image, and in time, we will create as they do. Now, enough philosophy. You did not summon us to show us these paintings. I will delay you no further." The paintings are handed back to the guards, who move to offer them to Flora.
Fenris smiles and pats the fluffly little corgi on the back, imagining what he must look like up there wearing Fenris's own broad brimmed hat. "Good for you, Flora," he says quietly, celebrating his friend's success. Realizing that he has a few moments before anything new happens, the tiger carries Asher over to one of the buffet tables and snags a quick treat for himself, passing a couple of tidbits up to his shoulder corgi as well before returning to his spot.
Cassidy raises her glass again, having chosen to remain silent, still. For the most part. More private whispers are exchanged with her fellows, before she looks back towards the main event. "It's a valid question, I suppose. How big can the pictures be? Might be good for... Visual note taking when there's no time to draw or paint? Like at the scene of a crime, for example?"
Brutus prepares to politely scold Matthews, when he catches Rogna walking by, his ears reddening and his tail poofing in surprise as he hears a polite regal cough from behind. Here he finally gets to sing his own praises, and when he tries to shoo off the rabble, he winds up on the wrong side of the royals. Damn his luck! Sufficiently mortified, he turns to the gathering buzz of activity around the King, the Doctor, and the picture-box.
Matthews just begins to slooowly give that toothy grin when Rogna scoffs, the tomcat's tail swaying happily behind him as he contemplates to himself... Tapping his chin lightly in thought as he let's his gaze fall on the creator, more curious as to her actions at this moment... Pluss it afforded him the best opportunity to stay where he was, and he hadn't the urge to pass that up!
Selena continues to watch on for a few more moments before she turns back to the others present. "Welcome back, Rogna - and agreed, Fenris. That cat deserves some recognition at the very least." there's a few moment's pause as she stretches a little and murmuring across to the hippo.
Asher holds on tight as Fenris decides to head for a buffet table. "Oh!" the little dog yips, "Pass me one of those cream puff things!" The corgi nibbles happily at his treat as they return to their original spot to watch Flora demonstrate her wonderful picture box.
Rogna looks to Selena and nods, saying something low back before he turns his attention to the exciting showcase, the demonstration of this masterworks. He can scarcely focus on his delicious meal as he holds his breath, expecting something dazzling.
"Flora needs you to sit still for ten minutes, Your Highness. Is there anyone you want to be on the picture as well?" Flora offers, looking between Mione and Doctor Sinclair. "Keep in mind Flora will still have to fix the image before she can show it, and it will take longer for Flora to make the positive... Flora can make it as big as you want, your highness... Flora has paper prepared from this size to this size," she mumbles, holding out her hands for a rough estimate, one being poster-sized and another being pocket-sized.
Meanwhile, she's positioning her camera properly, flicking her ears and making sure the King is in focus, her tail twitching lightly and waiting for the King's confirmation.
A sudden sharp whistle emits from the monarch as he looks towards his cousin. "Rogna, come here and let's make this a family portrait." Without being told, Mione reads the obvious and backs away to stand a few feet away. "Would that I had thought to bring the Queen, but she has tasked herself with care of the children today, bless her. I doubt we could get them to sit still for one minute, let alone ten, unless you timed it with a nap." Children, not much different royal or not.
Rogna looks towards the Good King and smiles, nodding. "Why that sounds like a grand idea." he offers as he approaches, looking for a perfect spot to stand as he adjuusts his dress to be sure there will be no unsightly oversights on his part, before he nods. "I believe I am ready, and that is a shame, perhaps you can incorperate her into a majestic box painting in the future?" he says before going as still as is beingly possible.
Flora nods and smiles lightly, waiting for Rogna to take his spot, before smiling lightly and adjusting the last few things before placing a slide firmly in the device. "Ready? There will be a slight snap, your highnesses," the cat explains, before pressing the rune, which indeed causes a *SNAP* to sound as the mirror springs up as per her earlier description. "Please sit still for ten minutes. The second snap will let you know you can move again, your highnesses," the cat explains, waiting the ten minutes out, and hoping there won't be any disturbances during that time.
Fenris grins as he hears the hippo royal mention Flora's 'majestic box painting.' "I doubt Flora will go for that name," he says quietly, "She didn't like my ideas and they were FAR better than Box Painting." He pops little bits of meat and cheese from the buffet into his mouth, then shifts a little, feeling Asher's weight on his shoulder. "You've been sticking to your diet," he says with approval, "haven't you?" The tiger smiles as he watches the frozen royals. Just ten minutes, amazing!
Cassidy bites her lip and breaks away from the rest of the Solacious family, making her way over towards the food, herself. She gives a nod to Asher and Fenris as she helps herself to a few finger foods, trying to keep up the dainty act a while longer.
A mild jump occurs from the direction of the King's guards, ready to leap to his protection, but no horrible death beams or sudden thrown knives occur, so they settle back down to waiting. Sinclair raises a hand towards the box and crooks a finger, making strange little gestures before she resumes the air tapping, muttering technicalities to herself.
Brutus inadvertently draws a breath and holds it as the spectacle begins, knuckles tight on the walking stick in anticipation--what if that 'death ray' talk hasn't been a joke? ... As time passes, though, nothing seems to happen, beyond the normal buzz of the fete. Wary of embarrassing himself in front of royals again and bored with watching a host of hippos sit perfectly still, he waddles over to the hors d'ouvres tables to occupy himself.
Selena tilts her head a little as the creator continues to tap away at her... Thing... before rubbing her cheek before shrugging and approaching the creator - staying a healthy distance to avoid making a commotion. "What exactly are you doing, Doctor Sinclair?" She asks curiously, adressing the woman directly. "I've been wondering what exactly since you arrived." - Though the tone of voice she takes wholly implies she's not expecting a reply - after all, work is work and some beings don't much like being pestered during it and acquaintancehood doesn't alleviate such things much.
Matthews furrows his brow as it snaps, a slight chuckle rising from him as the guards, and even the skunk next to him, appear so fidgety... Though soon it's clear it will be at least ten minutes, and knowing the king and others will be wanting flora for questions during that time, the cat decides his best bet for entertainment is to pester the food table. Quickly turning as he makes his way to the snacks, offering a bow to the those present as he smiles. "Quite the treat isn't it today?"
Asher waves to Brutus as the big skunk wanders over to the table near where he and Fenris are standing. "Hello, Lord Blackback," the corgi says around his third creampuff, "Isn't this exciting?" The corgi then pats Fenris's head again, somehow it seems like he ought to before talking from above his friend. "I have been very good about it," he says smugly, "Thanks for noticing!"
The guards and priests surrounding Sinclair get their turn to get edgy when someone approaches their ward. Sinclair, however, just looks up towards Selena. "I am taking notes," she replies, her voice coming out twice, one naturally and hard to understand, then again, a little more mechanically, but grammatically correct. "Do you mean in general? I am studying you. My discoveries will be of keen interest when I publish them for other CREATORS to see." The word creator sounds very disjointed from her own, as if she had said some other word but the translator converted it to something else entirely.
"Can... Flora asks something?" the feline mumbles as she looks up at the doctor timidly, while keeping a close eye on her camera, smiling as the second *snap* sounds, and the feline prepares the slide by re-adjusting it in the slot, before nodding towards the king. "The picture is taken, your highnesses. Flora wishes to finish her question to the Creator before she will develop the picture, unless you require Flora to stay around longer," she notes, before turning back to Doctor Sinclair.
"Flora... Has a question. Flora can't do magic, and wants to know why... Flora was hoping maybe a Creator could tell Flora why?" she asks, ears folded back lightly. "Flora doesn't need an answer right now, but... Flora would like to know, if you have any ideas," she mumbles, before curtseying to Rogna, Sinclair, and of course, the King himself.
"Why?" echoes Sinclair. "That is a very broad question. I am a SCHOLAR, not a philosopher." Again, a mangled word, where whatever word she used got adjusted to bridge that gap of thought.
The Good Doctor nods, "Who she speaks to is her business. I would not presume to order a Creator around, even if she is a guest of my kingdom. But, there is something I would speak to you of," he says as he raises to his feet, stretching away the stiffness of remaining still. "Do you believe that all things deserve forgiveness?" A curious question.
* King, the doctor is awesome, not merely good.
Fenris nods to Brutus. "You will forgive me for not bowing, Lord Blackback," he says, waving to Asher sitting on his shoulders, "But I seem to have acquired a passenger." The tiger then gives a friendly nod to the unfamiliar tomcat. "A treat indeed!" he says, extending a hand, "Name's Fenris. I don't think we've met?" The tiger's ear flicks back toward the stage as the Good King asks Flora his curious question. What could be going on up there?
Cassidy gives a little wave to Matthews and the others as she snags up a pastry for herself. "Certainly has been a busy time since I've returned. Not that I'm complaining. It's always a pleasure to have the Goodking grace our estate, you know? How are you fine Beings today?"
Selena nods back to the doctor as she replies, noting the tenseness of the priests at her presence. "...I have to wonder if it's a bother being escorted everywhere sometimes. Anyway, I'd be interested to know what your findings are exactly - when your research is done."
Flora's question and subsequent response prompts a reply of her own - well, a bit of a question in its own right. "I suppose you don't know too much about why we're capable of magic, then? I've got my own thoughts on the matter, but I doubt it'd be anything new to you."
The good king's strange question manages to pry to inquisitive wolfess's attention away for a moment, now watching the procession with interest - though her ears remain tilted somewhat in the direction of Sinclair in evidence it's not her undivided attention being given.
Asher pats Fenris's head again idly as he watches the happening with Flora and the King. "That seems like a funny question for the King to be asking Flora," he says, adjusting Fenris's hat on his head.
Rogna works away his stillness steadily, giving his body time to adjust, blinking a lot more to compensate for 10 minutes of sparsity. He gives the Good King a nod, adding "I hope to see what this turns into." in such a way to briefly dismiss himself and allow the discussion of a interesting question to take the stage. He listenes eagerly for the answer, as he takes a few steps away from the action.
"Flora... Would like to talk to miss Creator afterwards, if she would be permitted," the cat offers towards doctor Sinclair, before turning back to the Good King and nodding lightly. "Flora believes that if someone repents, forgiveness is acceptable... How much someone needs to do would depend upon what they did, yes. Stealing a bread would be easier to repent for than attacking someone, yes," the feline mumbles softly, nodding faintly.
"And what of the sin of the father?" asks the Good King. "The creators have taught us well that traits of the parents become traits of the children, passed forward. It is in this that we elevate families to nobility, to carry positive traits forward," he explains, "It is with heavy heart that foulness overshadows these positives, when a line becomes common once more."
Quite used to ignoring much of the decorum around her, Sinclair replies, "If you will allow me to thoroughly examine your device." As an afterthought she glances towards Selena, "My findings will be published publically and available to anyone", with a computer and connection.
Fenris watches the procedings carefully, a perfect, purple questionmark slowly developing on his cheek. He'd heard this kind of dogma before, the sins of the fathers and the power of noble lines. But what could the king possibly be talking about here? The tiger raises an eyebrow at the creator's uncouth interruption, nothing to do about it, perhaps, but one would expect a bit of decorum from a visiting deity. The tiger smirks at the thought, then reaches up to stop Asher's petting as another question mark, this one green gradually appears on the side of his neck. "Why the petting, kid?" he asks quietly, "You nervous up there?"
Matthews turns as he finishes his meal and skirts as close as he can for comfort, peering for a moment as the creator with curiousity, before turning his attention to Flora and the King. Blinking some as the king talked about sins of the father, and the Apostate began to make himself more scarce into the crowds for his own comfort at that... Though, given the question being directed to Flora he had to wonder, as she surely wasn't what his mind was begining to think.
Cassidy finds her question going unanswered, and so turns her attention back to the food and the discussion of forgiveness. "What an odd thing to be talking about at a time like this," she comments quietly.
"I'll have to follow up on that later, then." Selena replies to the creator; "If you wouldn't mind letting me know when it's published." That said, she meanders back through the crowd to Fenris and Asher. "Sorry about that. I had to ask; I haven't missed anything have I?" She asks quietly, not wanting to speak over the king or Flora - after all, that's what they're here for.
Rogna looks rather curious about the ongoing converstation, tuning out the creator in favor of the importance of this line of questioning, unsure of its implications but understanding the morals and reasoning being put on the spot.
Asher starts a little when Fenris catches his hands. "Oh! Sorry!" he says, "I wasn't thinking and didn't know what to do with my hands." The corgi grins and starts petting again, "And you are so soft to pet!" he says, fiddling with the tiger's ears. The little canine quickly quiets down as he focuses back on the strange tableau before him. He turns to Selena, "The king just asked for Flora's thoughts on forgiveness, I think," he says quietly, "And something about the sins of the fathers."
"Flora is... Unsure. Flora would say a being would be judged on their own first, and on their forebears second? One bad apple does not ruin a while batch? And a good apple in a bad batch still tastes fine and could be sold," the cat offers with a raised brow, before looking up at the king, then back to the creator-doctor. "If... If Flora can be sure it won't break, then yes," the cat mumbles, before re-focusing her attention upon the King again, her tail flicking lightly behind her as she tries to figure out why she's being questioned about, well... Politics."
"An optimistic view," speaks the king, "I pray you will retain that energy, Flora of the Longtails. Your line has suffered for the sins of a greedy few who attempted to end my own line's hold of the kingdom. They failed, and they were stripped of noble title. Outcast, they have been a thorn in our collective backsides, working in shadow and outside of the law. And now one turns up before me, proclaiming she creates for the joy of creation, who would see the wicked redeemed, if they stand on their own merit. What am I to do with you and yours? Truly it seems clear that the things that made your family noble are still there, struggling to shine through the ash thrown upon it by your foolish ancestors."
Fenris stares and listens intently to the conversation, not even noticing Asher's fidgeting any more. A purple question mark appears slowly on the white fur of his chest, then they all vanish. Sins of the fathers, nobility, Flora, foundlings, FLORA LONGTAIL!!!?!?!?!?!? The tiger's jaw drops. He recovers himself quickly and makes his way carefully toward Flora. She was going to need some support.
Cassidy raises her brow and folds her gloved arms. "That explains a lot," she muses, ears perking. Raising a hand, she risks speaking out of turn. "My apologies, Goodking. But redemption of a whole family for one person might be a lot? If so, perhaps it would be wiser to... Start anew, as it were? To prevent the old from trying to leech off of the redemption efforts? Take the budding hope and move it to another planter, as it were. Let it see where it blooms from there, free of the old roots."
Matthews seems to suffer from the collective jaw dropping that has swept through the crowd, the tomcat seemingly stunned for a good moment as he tries to understand how the quirky inventor he met, was one of the terribly named Longtails! Of course he's soon to shake himself off and begin to make his way to shadow slightly behind Fenris, letting the tiger move ahead of him as he figured she'd want her closer friends around her right at this moment. Though a quick nod is spared in Cassidy's direction, though he doesn't dare to speak out of turn himself.
Selena coughs. "Not too much then." She notes to herself, smiling somewhat at the cat's reply. The king's response, however, prompts a surprised noise from the wolfess. "...Well, that's not what I was expecting to hear." She comments simply, looking over at the tiger and as consequence of remainingnearby, starts to walk forwards with him. "That... I guess it makes a lot of other things about her make sense." She murmurs to nobody in particular. "I'm still surprised, but... Well, it doesn't change who she is."
Cassidy's question prompts an intrigued glance from the wolfess, though it's difficult to tell whether she agrees, disagrees or is mulling over the revelation given by the Good King in general.
Asher yelps a little as Fenris takes him for an unexpected ride through the crowd. "Wait," he says, "what's going on? What's wrong with Flora's last name?" The corgi falls silent as they near the front of the crowd, now he is a very small dog in front of a very big crowd on the shoulders of a tiger and wearing his oversized hat!
Rogna blinks once. While it is not so startling given the conversation, it is still a Longtail. He thinks to speak but cannot fathom any words for the situation that have yet to be said, he eagerly awaits more of such conversation and revelations. He does take a bite of something delicious to tide himself over as he listens.
Flora blinks. Repeatedly, for several minutes as she watches the king, confusedly. She doesn't really require support. What she mostly needs is someone to explain what on earth is going on right now. She looks a bit dazed and confused, to be honest, even as she looks around the group of people, mumbling a tad to herself and trying to figure out what to say.
"For truly," speaks the King towards Cassidy, "You speak with my own words, however, I feel there may be others of her line that deserve a chance to emerge. If they will cast aside the past and return to serving the crown faithfully. I cannot judge this fairly, so." He reaches into a pocket and draws out a large golden crown coin, "I name you High Lady of the Longtails, Flora Longtail, and invest in you the right given to those who lead of nobility to welcome or eject those you wish from your line, may it be long and fruitful. Like this coin, it can be shared, but with each exchange, you have less of it. Guard your line, and let us not repeat the past."
Fenris hurries up to Flora, lifting Asher from his shoulders and sweeping a courtly bow to the king. (Bow 78, for Royalty at Home) "Forgive the intrusion your Majesty," he says, praying to any god that might be listening that this wouldn't end with his head impaled on a stick, "But if I might have a moment to speak to the Lady? She seems rather overwhelmed by your announcement." The tiger turns quickly to Flora and whispers briefly in her ear, before sweeping a low bow to her and stepping back to retrieve both his hat and his corgi.
Cassidy considers the outcome and nods approvingly. "I think that is a fair decision indeed. My best hopes go out to you, Flora. I hope to see you restore the line to a high position, and may it never falter again!"
Having thus far been occupied with snacks and idle conversation for a goodly while, Brutus watches the commotion with mild amusement, before the air seems become serious, until talk of sins, forgiveness, and the name Longtail are mentioned--and as the booming voice of the King announces her entrance into nobility, he seems to lose control of his expression, which vacillates between the urge to bust out laughing, the mask of cold detachment he trains himself to wear, and a sense of impotent fury he's unfortunately become accustomed to. To complete the ridiculousness, his ears flatten out sideways and his tail poofs and twitches again. Her? They're nominating a woman who doesn't know the meaning of the word 'tact' or 'refinement' to be his equal, all for making that damned picturebox?...but it's the declaration and decision of the King, and his majesty has been a wise and faithful leader this long.
Nothing else for it, he supposed. He seizes a filled glass of wine and raises it, and with a booming voice, calls out, "To Flora Longtail, newest Noble of our fine kingdom! May you wear your title well, milady!", and swiftly drains the glass.
Matthews remains back some as he watches the exchanges, the tomcat's tail twitching to and fro in contemplation as he looks to his friend... Remember their conversation of her past, and now the fact that she was a longtail the entire time! To top it off at the least it seemed, she was now -the- Longtail if anything! The Tomcat's slow to bow, but when he does it is low and deeply respectful as he directs it to Flora. "... Congratulations, Lady Longtail."
Selena moves along a little faster as the tiger speeds up, though when Fenris approaches a little closer to the king and newly named High Lady, she slows and smiles over at Fenris and the corgi before waiting a safe distance from the debacle. "It's one of those things that makes sense but still surprises you, I think." She muses, giving her applause to Flora regardless of if the time's quite right or not - it's good enough for her. "Congratulations, Flora." She calls over to the tigress - but not TOO loud. Just enough to be heard assuming the woman isn't too freaked out by the whole escapade.
