Casus Belli

[rassafraggin]

Moire is a picture of lofty patience on the throne, long green mane fanning and flowing softly in the currents. She observes while Martin singles out a flatlander she doesn't appear to particularly recognize. Of course Melina has been here and there in Rebma and attended court in the past, but a royal shout-out is something completely different.

Dirk walks in with ashlie then floats in the water.

Merry finishes her current set of sketches, switches pencils, and continues. While she sketches she makes smalltalk with whoever is near her. Right now it's minor noble from House Dilwen. She sketches the interplay between Martin, Melina, and Moire, but also watches the others present.

It's the opposite of what he comes from. Merek, Prince of Alhambra, has been settled about for a while, listening and watching. He has on his dark attire, while his golden-flecked waves of hair shift about in the water, shemagh covering his features while his curious eyes take in the place. They do come upon Moire, so this is the Queen, he then looks to other notables.

"Your Majesty may I present Lady Melina Solaris. She accompanied me on my quest to Kitezh to get the attention of the Vanir. I bring her to you to show an example of a lady of great integrity! She didn't know me and didn't owe me a thing, she had no idea of what kind of dangers awaited on our journey and yet she came anyway. She helped with the translation of writings that were necessary to provide a sufficient offering to the Vanir. Without it, the mission would have not succeeded. With your permission, I would be honored to bestow upon her my favor." Martin gives Melina an encouraging look as he tries to make sure she's not too intimidated. "The mission to Kitezh was a success because of many people, yes. All you know of but I feel that her bravery and willingness to help someone she does not know needed recognition. It is the least that I can do." He gestures towards Melina. "To show that her trouble is appreciated and that Rebma does recognize those that help the realm."

Ashlie smiles as she comes in with Dirk she isn't sure where to sit or what to do so she stands.

With the minor security crisis resolved, the menacingly protective shadow of the Tritons has receded back to the edges and heights. Aside from the Rebman royal guards arrayed to either side of the dais, there is also the surplus of military officials peppering the general gathering. The safety of the principals is soundly assured.

Damascus undulates gracefully and ascends several feet with it, to watch the way that the triton's move and to keep a fireopal eye upon Melina, brought up before all. The serpentine dragon makes a Namaste gesture of bowed head and palm toward the chantris.

Dirk shifts into cat form and is a fuzzy floating furball. His whiskers and tail are twitching and causing little waves to eminate from his location.

Ashlie looks to the furball floatin in the air next to her. With a smile she looks to Melina and reconizes her as she is brought up. She knows her but she doesn't think now would be the time to just blurt someting out.

Melina seems somewhat startled by all this but not so much that her sense of decorum fails her as she drops a graceful curtsey in front of Moire, she's looking to martin as if she wants to reply but doesn't want to breach decorum by doing so out of turn

Ruby composes herself once more and watches the Chantris getting some dias time. She leans down to murmer something to Wynter at her side.

OOC> Martin says, For those of you who may not know, The Awards system is part of the way propcos reward people who do things. This is the IC public offer of the award 15/8 . Which is the Prince's Favor. +Help awards for more information

Moire doesn't move at first except to nod her head slowly in direct greeting to the petite blonde dipping before her. Her murmur resonates cleanly through the water to touch every listening ear: "The Prince of the Tides is well named. His instincts rush him to Land time and again, yet he remains and always will be of the Sea." After a thoughtful, even melancholic pause, she says to Melina, "The Sea remembers your deeds, Lady Melina of Solaris, and you do further the honour of a noble house which has proven itself great in friendship to Rebma. We of the Royal House of Lir prize our allies from Above the Waves very highly indeed. Ever shall they receive the support of Rebmans for as long as that mutual bond of appreciation holds." And she lifts a languid hand to bade Martin to do as he will.

Martin smiles brightly. "Thank you, your majesty." He nods to Melina. "My Lady, I offer you my favor for all to witness and I will honor this favor however you wish it to be redeemed. Thank you again." There is no token to be given. It is a public promise from a prince, a big thing in itself. He bows to her briefly.

RPG: Martin declares that he has the Reliable (PAS-RE) gift.

Melina speaks softly "I am grateful for the recognition and graciously accept whatever honor he wishes to be bestow but such recognition is neither expected nor necessary in the carriage of one's duty. I was merely the courier for aid offered by the duchess chantris, and it was an honor to do this. I must in turn thank his highness as well as acknowledge the aid of the thane of kitzh for their protection during the endeavor. I will happily offere aid again if required

Moire acknowledges the gracious response with a quiet smile, waiting for Martin to conclude his intentions or else bring more to her attention.

Merry watches, sketching paused for the moment. She takes in the other guests again, guaging reactions to the award of the Prince's favor.

Merek seems content to listen, taking a moment to lean back upon the seat he has taken. There's a shift while his gaze moves to Martin, for the moment. He taps upon his full lips.

From the raised galleries, the Rebma's great houses in attendance are looking on in expectant silence. Even before ascending to the greatness of his royal titles, Martin's every political move has been scrutinized, discussed, and criticized. It is no different now. Nonetheless, the reactions do come... eventually. A thrum of murmurs building in the waters, interspersed with a muted applause by those who fancy paying Melina respect with the acoustic approval more popular out of water.

Merry joins in the applause, enthusiastically. How often does one get to see a prince giving out awards. Something feels off with her, though she cannot place what.

"Modest as always." Martin pats her on the shoulder and gestures to the court at large. "Lady Melina Solaris!" He says her name again so that all might take note. "Worthy of the Prince's favor. Thank you. " He lets go of her hand and indicates that she may retreat to her position. That business being settled, he turns back to Moire. "Your majesty, I know that you are already aware of the results of the mission to Kitezh regarding the nodes. If you wish me to summarize that, I will. My next task is to begin these rituals so that we may have the means necessary to complete my mission. I have nothing further to announce."

Ruby offers up some applause to Melina to join in with the others. Straightening from her whispery rasps to Wynter and an awkward smile formed with her lips.

Damascus bows his head toward the solaris, if she should look his way. A forked tongue flickers fleetingly as the dragon forms words, but none are heard.

Eric has remained quiet, watching the show, and taking in all of the pomp and circumstance. With a look and a nod, he acknowledges that he approves. It was a soft glance towards Moire, and then another at Martin. Prince Eric approves indeed.

Wynter claps as well for Melina and then takes the time to murrmur back to Ruby.

Melina gives the prince a warm and genuine smile that lights her face and speaks of true admiration and respect as she returns quietly to her seat. then,looks to the dragon wth a smile and a nod.

Dirk licks his paw as Melina starts to look around. It hides his face.

Merry attention shifts from a murmurred conversation with the Dilwen noble back to Martin at the mention of nodes. Her lips purse and she absent-mindedly taps her pencile lightly against her skethpad repeatedly, lost in thought for a moment.

Ashlie looks to Dirk with a smile... She does pet the floating kitty though..

Moire considers the audience as the support swells for the interaction between Martin and Melina. Only after it has ebbed in the wake of her grandson's next words, does she settle forward in a long drawn breath. "May your new path follow the old, so that which was lost must be found again." It is more than a well-wishing sentiment or adage, rather the weight of her own experience, of centuries of studying the flows of history, that give these simple words a profound meaning. She doesn't allow Martin to melt away to the sidelines just yet, however. "Remain now as Marshal of the Rebma's military might, and take an accounting of your brave scouts who, since the foul assault on our western borderlands, have tirelessly pierced the wild waters in search of the new enemy's strength."

"Of course, your majesty.Thank you." Martin nods easily. He turns to look towards the military in the crowd and specifically their scouts, awaiting Moire to call them forward, naturally. His expression is a little bit grimmer at the reminder of the attack on Ygrayne's lands. He glances towards the house, recalling those who assisted.

Merry turns to the nearest person currently, who happens to be Merek, and says qujietly "Newest enemy forces? What's this..I hadn't heard about a force on Rebma's borders?"

Melina actually seems interested in news of the attack, though the woman doesn'y look the part of soldier or tactician

Ashby's hands clap together in excitement for Lady Melina and he beams a proud grin her way, nodding his head sharply as he looks about. Folding his arms, he straightens somewhat at the mention of more military matters, taking in this part a bit more attentively.

Cued by those war words, the long sleek forms of the Dolphins leap into action! Figuratively. A wave of bobbing commences as they each take their turn in rising higher than the gathering to summarize their findings in those near shadows either bordering or previously annexed by the undersea realm:

"Domeheads spotted in the Sea of Coastal Vales, Yous Majesty! And they gots more of that fire wadda spoots!" bleats the first.

"Drones in the Deep, Ma'am!" squeaks the next. "They's lookin' like big feesh but they's don't fool nobodies." It hangs there an extra moment, then sinks, stage-whispering, "Nobodies with real sea brains anyhoo...."

The third Dolphin, not to be outdone, just keeps winnowing higher as it flutes, "Those oily mackerals're nothin, though. I seen the biggerin' biggun!" A spate of whistle-clicking follows like a run of excited flatulence. "Turrible. Turrrible! This ya gotsta see, Lord Prince Marshal!"

A cheery whistle sallies from the crowd, curtailing the burgeoning cackles of the Pod Squad. A brown-haired, big-grinned fellow waves out of the front lines, bows lowly to the throne, and then pops up to salute Martin smartly. Schooling his normally blithe features into solemnity, he says, "Lieutenant Nalwin of the First Reconnaissance Division reporting, Lord Marshal. My units have spoken true, Sir. The last, an offensive gargantuan by all accounts, requires your quick attention or that of a special forces unit of your assignation."

Ruby reaches up with a free hand to rub at the sides of her temples. Small purposeful motions to massage the pad of her digit against her cranium as the whistles, clicks and trills issue forth. Or maybe its the bad news that has her closing her eyes in unsychronized twitchy blinks. Her shoulders hunch up and she side-eyes the available exits, mental abacus flicking beads.

Merek looks up in thought, with a shift of his gaze to Ruby, then it's back to the conversation, seeing where things will be taken from thee.

Listening to this without saying a word, all of it very concerning, Eric raises his left eyebrow with a subtle look at the scouts. It was all well and good, and they were very excitable, but seem to know their job. It was just one of those days.

Martin is well used to Dolphins giving informative accounts of military goings on, apparently. "I see, I see." He's grim as he considers all the implications. "Alright, we'll go right after this and you can take me to the evidence." He glances at Merrisol during that exchange, a clear indication that he is expected to be going with. Then he looks back to Nalwin. "Lieutenant Nalwin, you and your squad always delivers. It's much appreciated and you've all been very busy." He files a mental note to see about promotions at some point. He then briefly eyeballs Ruby too. Yes, that means you've been given a friendly ocular tag, cousin.

Dirk looks at Martin and gives him a paw wave and stays quiet.

Ashlie looks to Dirk and isn't sure why he invited her here.. but here she is.

Lieutenant Nalwin! Ashby perks up even further, his eyes twitching about to hunt for that familiar face before finally locking on. The twinkle is back in his eye and his grin renews as he nods approvingly at another scout giving their report. The nodding continues as the wheels in his head set to turning, plotting these attacks and sightings out on the map in his head.

Melina hms as she hears about things with which she is not familiar such as drone but does pick up enough to understand `forces and technology not from around here which earns a grim expression. She checks eric for reactions

Damascus continues to listen at the back. Big ears with long flukes to funnel the sound where it needs to go, helps.

It appears Moire is previously briefed on these discoveries, or else has her own channels of newsgathering to rely upon for staying ahead of the scoops. She gazes with cool contemplation at the Dolphins making outright jesterful play of their reports, but that is just how Dolphins do. Nodding acknowledgement of Martin's quick acceptance of a change to his imminent plans, she favors Nalwin with a few seconds' attention. When she speaks, however, it is not the Selkie being singled out: "Let the Forgemistress, the Princess of Amber and a naval commander of Amber's southern fleet, daughter of Prince Caine be called upon to give her own account of the threats Rebma now faces from a foe against whom she herself has long campaigned. Step forth, Rear Admiral Ruby."

Wynter blinks and then smiles. Stepping out of Ruby's way and making room for her.

Ruby shares some eyeballs after getting tagged by Martin. A sheepish one is for Wynter, and then to Ashby, where she it shifts into a pout in response to the Duke's aura of irrepressible positivity. She's taking in a breath when she's called on and chokes a little. Heartbeat thudding in her constricting throat she grunts and makes her way to the dais.

Merek offers Ruby a comforting polite look.

Damascus conveyed very little in the way of messages, but perhaps considers that he gave enough. From the back, the dragon coils around himself, until he's facing the exit and silently slips away on the currents.

As Ruby is called on, Ashby swivels her way, now directing that devilish grin and all of the positive, can-do attitude her way! The former cavalier cracks off an affirmational nod to give her a push to get started and knock it out of the park!

LT Nalwin stands at attention for Martin, his big gleamy eyes striving to remain upon the horizon instead of veering to meet the glance granted him by the ever-livin'-lovin' monarch. His smile crimped up until Martin releases him to once more stand at ease and in lurkmode among the front lines. At that point, he definitely, absolutely catches that comradely ocular twinkle of Ashby's and gives the Knight-turned-Duke a swift jazzhanding tribute.

Martin ensures that Dirk is given a nod, and a 'talk later' look. He smiles at Ruby, making sure she doesn't feel too awkward. He hopes that his expression will reassure her, anyway.

The moment cannot pass entirely by without noting a certain cast to the water when Prince Caine's name is spoken so casually by their divine ruler. Uuuuuggh. Despite all decrees and religious portents, that will decidedly take some getting used to.

Ruby lifts her chin to stretch out her vocal cords and neck. There's a moment of figuring out a correct posture. A hand hooked on a cocked hip won't fly, so it shifts into a rolling of her swole shoulders and she has to settle on something like standing to attention to be relatively safe. A look to Martin and the military head honchos of Rebma before she delivers some careful enunciation. "What I saw on yer border I can't say I seen before exactly. Tha weapons wielded looked borderloine impossible for bein so close tah Amber an Rebma's turf. Their leapin monstahs weren't worse than tha 'orrors you probably 'ave in yer depths." She gestures with her two hands, trying to hold onto something imaginary. "They ~shouldn't~ be 'ere, they shouldn't be 'ere for decades with tha blow tha was already dealt, Truth." Ruby winces and aborts, focusing back on the matter at hand. "If tha reports be true, an this be this Republic or...whatsit...Consortium 'o Shadows, you can expect a zealous enemy with a seafood buffet 'o com-batants. Shadootech 'eresies an shadoo magics in tha 'ands 'o professional an motivated soldiers. If they 'ere now, an willin tah attack, they be 'ere in numbahs sufficient tah threaten tha whole terri-tory."

Dirk smiles and stays still.

Merrisol, in his own fashion attuned to Martin, has picked up on the prince's meaningful glances, and presently taps his crew and rangers to quietly exit the throneroom ahead of him. There're travel plans to arrange. The warden himself lingers some moments though, to watch and listen to what Ruby has to say about her connection to these persistently reoccurring menaces.

Merry puts away her sketchbook and withdraws, mumbling quietly something about a headache.

Martin listens, a grim yet thoughtful expression in his eyes. "All the more reason to go do a recon. We'll take a squad of Tritons with us, just in case. Leiutenant Nalwin's squad can show us their discoveries." He glances to teh Triton commander for confirmation. He swivels his gaze back to Dirk, who gets a similar ocular tag, should he wish to accept it. Cousins who like to be thrown at monsters usually v.useful. One generally does not toss duke's or prince's at monster's though, so neither Ashby or Eric gets the ocular tag.

Dirk nods to Martin.

"Oh! Fancy, can I come with you?" Merek asks, looking to all of the others that seem to be doing, whatever. He doesn't particularly look like he's keeping full of his attention upon this, he does wiggle his fingers a bit, looking to Ruby as if askance of her also.

The natural waver of sound in the deep currents, even under a goodly amount of mystical equilibrium, does Ruby's jabbering speech patterns no favors. Moire might maintain a dispassionate countenance while Ruby unpacks her suppositions, but she's just about staring hard at the amazonian royal by the time the speech winds down. Taking a long moment to consider, she allows various commentary from others to go by without batting a lash. She says in a soft tone that does not sound soft at all when it beats against Ruby's ear drums. "Were it not for the glowing accounts of your many acts in service of Rebma, there should be a reckoning for the dangers you have let to slip past your guard and encroach not only the undersea empire but upon Amber herself." For a few moments, she's silent again, regarding Ruby thoughtfully. "I trust that you, in partnership with the forces our Lord Marshal shall attribute to this Right and Just Cause for War, shall undo the threat by all means."

Martin gives Ruby a slightly sympathetic look since she is on the receiving end of one of Moire's carefully worded dressing downs. He's had them before, many many times. He feels you, cousin. He feels you. Then he hears the surprising volunteer from the crowd. It's not a usual occurance. He seeks out the individual who raised his voice and tries to place him. "Ah, hello. I am afraid your face is unknown to me. Forgive me for asking, but these are sensitive issues at hand. Does anyone here know who you are? Someone who can speak for you? The place we are going is in the deep waters."

Dirk says "I vouch for him."

"Merek al Black, of the Djinn," Merek offers then to Martin when he speaks, standing up with his dark leathers on, his hair shifting about in the water. "Binder and Magician, I am from Alhambra, I suppose you can call me a Prince in your words." Then he looks to Dirk, then to Ruby, "I know these two, they know me, I'm a smith. I know how to fight. I'd like to offer my services for the sake of Rebma."

Ruby stands her ground but isn't relishing it. The words pummel at her fears and failures both. To her imagination, the magical protection provided for topsiders feels like it is in flux, and layers of undersea pressure are throwing more blankets atop her bones. Facial twitches and other tells are there in evidence for the observant. She offers a series of nods, casting a glance over the eyes of the court and some in attendance that catch her eye. She turns back to the Queen. "If Rebma falls, Ambah sinks. Chop off me left arm an feed it tah 'orrors if they steal a march on us. With tha Lord Marshal an yer 'ost, not even Bog coul-" She cuts off to regard the whole volunteering of extra help. She swallows and stares at Merek and pipes up, "I can vouch fer Al Black, Truth."

Martin hears Dirk speak, that was about to be enough for him, but then Ruby speaks too. He smiles, "Good tide and well met, then. I'll be glad to have your assistance. Stick around we'll be leaving soon." He glances around to see if there is anyone else he can tag and spies Wynter. Too Late! Better smol help than no help.

Chill silence meets Ruby's proselytizing as Moire resumes the ever-familiar sangfroid. Above all promises and excuses, as well as any negotiating that seems to be occurring on the sidelines. It is not for the queen to trouble herself with those interactions, even though other eyes are distracted from Ruby to witness Merek's vouchsafing. It's a serious business to assume responsibility for a stranger's actions within a strange land. After Ruby is given a long last look, the forgemistress is dismissed to see to her business.

Ruby turns and goes to find her way back amongst friendly faces, regretting many things and contemplating future things to put in that pile.

Merek is definitely the person you want to vouch for. In all ways that is a sound decision. Probably. He then inclines to them all, while he offers a bow to Moire, "I'll make sure to serve well." He then takes a few Trump cards to twirl about his fingers with, then he slides those into his belt. He doesn't look like he's a Prince of Amber, must be someone's gifts.

Martin realizes that he's forgotten something really important. Well he hasn't, but he can't just go galavanting off at the moment. There's someone who needs his attention first. "Ruby, would you please gather everyone? I need to see to the Princess Miriam before we leave." He requests before she gets her butt away from the throne.

The Herald responds to a subtle gesture and swims back up to call to order for some more regular important business, petitions by visiting dignitaries and the like.