Formalities Are Not My Thing [Tag: Noku, Cam, Open]

[Sareth Edara]

----- Greeting Royals -----

tag: Noku Noru // words: --- // notes: ---

The trip across the sea had been a rather long one but it wans't wholely unpleasant as they had only endured a few days of stormy waters. The rest had been smooth sailing. He spent a lot of his time studying the ship as he had not had the chance to study one of the long distance vessels in their fleet yet. The structureal design wasn't too differnt from the warships of their fleet. Desigened to have a thick hull that could take a beating and wide to help avoid capsizing. Like most vessles there was a large central mast the went down to the very belly of the boat though this one was teamed with two other heavier masts to add more sails to increase the speed of the large vessel.


He had his own carriage and horases loaded on just so he didn't have to rely on the local's right away at least. He had several trunks of clothes and other various items and one entire trunk of notebooks and various tools to help him draw up designs and floor plans accurately. Obviously money was brought with along with a small contingent of guards and one semi-annoying slave.


When he was informed that they would be making dock by dusk he informed one of his riders to carry a letter ahead of him to the castle in Nova. He didn't want to just show up and cause problems. The rider was to take instructions back to him once they were relayed. He informed Cam that they would be spending the night on the boat and would set out in the morning just after breakfast.


~~~~~~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~~~~~~


While they ate there breakfast the horses and carriage were unloaded and his chests were loaded into a separate wagon so that the wouldn't be too much of a burden on the horses pulling his carriage. He let Cam pick out clothing for him so that he would be 'properly' presentable to this King Noku and his court. He had to at least do enough to not make a bad impression of the Empire's Royal Family.


Once the food was consumed and he had finished his tea Sareth made his way off the boat and onto the Carriage. Leaving Cam to give last minute orders and to catch up before he set off. He wouldn't actually leave him behind he just liked to ruffle his feathers now and again. He was scribbling something in his personal notebook, this entry was about the cold bite of the morning breeze and the subtle differences in the colors of the sunrise.


Cam having joined him in the carriage he finally set off on his trip to Nova's castle. While it wouldn't be a horribly long ride or anything like that he was still rather impatient to get this done and over with. It was interesting to him as he passed through the city to see the way the city was built along with the craftsmanship of the buildings housed withing it's walls. For the most part he was ignoring Cam unless it was something he had to know for the meeting with Noku.


Finally pulling into the castle and stopping at the front doors he was met by some servant or another and let Cam deal with the pleasantries. He left most of his guard with the carriage taking only two with him other than Cam. The only Naga he had in his guard, both bound to serve him by magic and blood oath. He was armed himself and wouldn't let go of the weapons claiming it as a cultural issue if they were to be taken from him.


He walked with pride and elegance as he had been taught to when in this kind of situation. He waited behind the doors as they were announced and then brought into the throne room to make their appearance before the king of Nova. His white silk robes with their emerald green accents and gold embroidery billowing out around him as he walked. Glints of light reflected off the various adornments he wore along with his swords. Nothing was setting off his pendant so far so that was a good sign.


Coming to a halt where he was supposed to he gave King Noku a formal bow before his pale green eyes looked back up at the man before him."Greetings King Noku of Nova, I am Sareth Edara 3rd Imperial Prince of Pherana. Thank you for granting me an audience today even though it was on rather short notice. In an effort to take as little of your time today as necessary I've come to Nova to further my studies of architecture providing you will allow me to wander around your kingdom a bit to do so."

template by eliza @ TB & THQ

[Deleted]

Cam wasn't one to admit it but he was thankful that the trip was coming to an end. Minus storms and the lack of female company, he has been bored the whole journey the only excited that he had was the storms but even those didn't last long enough to keep him entertain. While his master was off roaming the ship since he couldn't cause any trouble with them being out on the seas he has been reading over the information that he was able to get on Nova. After all, if he was to keep his prince from causing trouble he needed to be prepared for who they may encounter.



Walking the ship earlier that day since it wouldn't be long before they dock at the harbor of Nova checking that everything ready for the next day. Once everything was checked he headed back to his cabin now to go over his own stuff, pulling his trunk from the foot of his bed he opened it wanting to do his own inventory. Taking out the neatly folded clothes those from home and some that he got to help blend in with the locals of Nova, next, he took out a small bag that had his notebooks and pencils along with the restrictor his mother gave him in case he got another power spike while he was gone for who knows how long. Finally, his pulled out the whip, his fingers running along the edges of each of the blades that been gift when he showed that he gifted the whip to use the protect his playmate from harm in the new kingdom.



Deciding to relax and enjoy the rest of the peaceful days since they would be far and wide in between because once they reached Nova his job wouldn't allow him too many days off with a prince that has wanderlust.



After he was informed by Sareth that they would be docking in Nova that evening he wanted to curse whatever God found his life fun to mess with his plans. Spending the rest of his evening in his cabin making sure that his trunk neatly back and going over the information that he had on Nova wanting to be prepared himself and what to go over with Sareth as they were riding to the castle the next day.

----------------------------------------- Next Morning ------------------------------------- 

Deciding to only have a light breakfast and going about his morning duties picking out the proper clothes for Sareth to wear so that he could make a proper first impression with King Noku and the members of his court that may be present to greet them.



Once that was done he ran around from carriage to carriage double checking that nothing was left behind on the ship. He also went into a panic attack seeing that Sareth was missing it hadn't even been an hour since he last saw him. Running to the carriage he sighed seeing that Sareth was there before walking back to another grabbing the present they had gotten for present to the King of Nova.



The time during the carriage ride he went over the proper protocols they needed to follow to make sure they didn't step on any feet and to make sure that Sareth didn't start a war by mistake. Cam looked out of the carriage on occasions as they went through the city wondering what things were in store for them.



Upon arriving at the castle he bowed towards the servants informing them of who there were and asking for an escort to King Noku. Before they entered the room he pulled on his top making sure that it didn't cover his collar, before pulling the sleeves of his simple white robe adjusting it so that he look presentable not that he wasn't before. Finally on the inside of his robe was his whip it wasn't that he didn't trust the king but one could never be too safe in a new and strange kingdom.



Standing behind Prince Sareth as they entered the room, Cam kept his eyes down as she fell into a deep formal bow. He knew his place when in public remind silent unless spoken to and keep a low profile. With his eyes downcast, he looked around the room taking in all of the different exits that he could see from his position while paying close attention to the flow of the conversation.

[Deleted]

Well as the days progressed her strength certainly was returning as she was allowed out and about significantly more. She couldn’t be her normal bouncy self yet, that could literally bounce off walls. But getting around was not much of a problem anymore. However currently she was expending a little more strength then she meant to, as she clutched to the back of the tail of a drake who was tearing ass through the castle after a cat. Her black leather flats currently slid over the smooth stones as if it were ice; allowing the young drake to pull her with only minor difficulty.

Aria today was dressed rather simply; haven woken later the she normally did due to the previous evening’s activities. She wore a simple white long sleeved tunic that cinched at her wrists; a black corset, and a light brown full skirt that stopped just above her ankles. Her hair was pulled back into a low ponytail by a black ribbon; from which a few strands were coming loose from as she continued her fast paced slide through the castle.

Noky the young spry drake not yet a year old; was once again after a young fluffy cat. He hardly noticed his mistress’s weight tugging on his tail as he ran after the tasty morsel. Well not hardly noticed she was significantly slowing him down; but he would get that cat! Even if it was just to chase it. The cat turned the corner to the throne room; a nice large distance for him to pick up speed.

Aria saw the turn coming and braced herself for the change of direction. As the turn came and she was dragged into the throne room, she happened to catch glimpse of Noku attending to two visitors. Her face blanked to and expression of ‘Oh Shit!’ Immediately she let go of the drakes tail and as she was skidding to a halt she flicked her hands at the drake who was in mid run. Suddenly the black drake lifted off the ground; his feet still going a hundred miles a minute as he floated to shoulder level to Aria. She straightened herself and fixed her hair; all while the drake noticing he was no longer moving forward looked around highly confused. Aria then grasped the floating drakes tail and began to very silently edge her way back out of the room, as if nothing had occurred and like she wasn’t dragging a floating drake behind her. Thankfully all this occurred in the very back of the very large throne room. That and she managed to subdue the drake in only a few short moments....there was a chance she would pass un noticed...hopefully.

[Noku Noru]

It was one after the other.

Noku had finally given up on trying to have a normal relaxing day; His responsibilities had doubled! Ever since Mysteria suddenly decided to disappear and the reports Breton had brought to him seemed a little... Off.. However, with her not standing in the Throne room with him to take notes. Noku had to rely on Yul, whom handwriting was barely legible to read on the tiny parchment paper he had found within his office. The boy fiddling with his pen and feet every now in then with each arriving guest. His presence becoming an eyesore for the King after only a few short hours. Where ever Mysteria had gone, her absences would come at a price. That he was sure of. He grumbled while his hand covered his face; leaned back within the throne slumped over in a bored fashion.

" Noku my lord... Your Royal guests will be arriving shortly..." Yul interrupted, his voice seeming timid and nervous at the king's current mood. Perhaps it wasn't the right time to... Noku removed his hand from over his face and shot an annoyed glance directly at Yul. The boy jumping at the king's serious expression towards him. He could have never imagined Noku ever giving him such a look. The boy was clearly shocked and his knees began to wobble. However, Noku straightened up his posture within his chair and crossed his leg over the other while looking directly at Yul.

" How soon will they be here? "

" Uh...Uh. Soon my lord."

Yul managed to stutter out in response to his majesty, but in that time, the doors of the main throne room entrance were beginning to open. A guard stepping through to give the announcement of Prince Sareth the 3rd. Noku had not except Emperor Sampson Edara to send him all the way to Nova. His hand dropping to his armrest as he looked down at the young man and his servants to approach. A stoic expression remaining on his flawless pale face as Sareth spoke out and made his greetings. His eyes following his servants to see if they would follow suit to show respect, before sweeping back to Sareth. A small grin forming on his lips.

" I'm surprised your father let you travel all the way here... Prince Sareth. " Noku spoke, nodding his head to Sareth in respect for his title. " I must ask, How long do you plan to stay in Nova? " Noku asked, rather curious to know how long the young lad planned on staying. Plus, what type of architecture was Sareth interested in? That was in Nova.. Noku thought, his lips parting to speak once again.

Though no sound came from his lips as his eyes were brought away from Sareth and the others. A cat... A cat had darted into the throne room and bolted across the room until running smack into the wall, bounced off and bolted another direction in hopes to escape its toothy death. The cat flew past Sareth and Cam, be lining it straight to Noku. The Cat launching itself at Noku before realizing the all too familiar face of the King. The animal panicked in mid-air and flipped around to where its paws would make contact with his outer clothing. The frightened feline scratching up his tunic before bolting off another direction out of the throne room howling in fear.

Noku now more confused than ever; He sat dumbfounded looking where the cat had disappeared off to and then down at his shirt. the damn thing had made two small rips in his shirt. His golden eyes then quickly darting up past Sareth and the others to where an all too familiar face caught his direct glare and attention.

Aria.....

Plus a floating brake?

Of Course, It would be that lizard to cause problems again. That wasn't the first time someone had reported that beast chasing cats. Noku thought while making direct eye contact with Aria, his expression rather unamused. His brow furrowed as he took a deep breath before speaking. " Prince Sareth, would you like to meet Lady Aria Wururd. The Duchess of Palico and a Drake tamer.... " Noku announced her presence in a booming voice. " Lady Wurud, please feel free to come in, it's only the 3rd son of Emperor Sampson Edara one of our countries greatest allies. " Noku added, hoping she would catch that she was not dismissed yet. Ooooooh no was she not dismissed.

[Sareth Edara]

Noku was addressing him and so far it seemed as if protocol hadn't been breached though he wasn't so certain from the exasperated look that framed Noku's features. Just as Noku was about to ask him something else something furry skittered past him and proceeded to use Noku as a springboard in its attempt to flee something. He turned to see a young drake being levitated into the air. A small smile curled one corner of his lip before it was suppressed, well at least he knew where Noku's ire was going to be directed for now.

It was rather amusing to him that someone would make an entrance like that and not know what was going on in here. Normally a prince might take the 'only' comment as a veiled insult but Sareth wasn't like most royals, to be honest. He found no issue with it as he knew it was being used to make a point to Duchess Wururd. "That would be up to you your highness. I have to admit that her entrance was rather....unique and possibly a welcome change of pace for me. No insult intended towards you your magesty, I'm really not overly fond of formalities as it just seems to stress out everyone involved."

He took a moment to motion for cam to have the gifts brought in, well they are called gifts but are more akin to bribes. "As for how long I'm staying that will depend on how long you are willing to allow me to. I have a feeling you were curious as to what type of architecture I am interested. Mainly I'm interested in some of the ancient ruins that are scattered about your kingdom providing you are willing to permit me access to them." He figured being honest with him was the fastest and easiest way to get this over with. While his father may enjoy watching people squirm during these kinds of proceedings he had no desire to drag it out what so ever. He just hoped that he wasn't being too informal for Noku's standards, he would never hear the end of it from Cam or his father if Noku complained about his actions today.

[Deleted]

Cam kept in his position he was tempted to grab his notebook to start taking notes on the meeting but now wasn't the time for that. Keeping his eyes down his body tense as a blur of white ran by them wondering if maybe it was attacker as he raised his eyes he realized that it was a cat until he saw a red-headed woman running holding onto what looked like a drake floating. He did have to push down the laugh settling for a quick smile before whipping it off his face. The meeting was getting very interesting for sure he was enjoying the Duchess trying to sneak back out it seems that no matter where someone of nobility that seems to get into trouble.


Seeing Sareth motion for him to have the present brought in. Bowing to Noku once again before bowing to Sareth before leaving the room. Before he left he did hear Sareth answer how long they would be staying and he was proud of the answer the prince was doing well even though he hated all the formalities. Quickly finding the guards that came with them having them grab the gifts.


Heading back towards the throne room, as Cam entered he bowed once again. In his left hand was a long leather leash attached to it was a white tiger cub walking alongside Cam. Behind Cam was two guards that came with them one was holding a large bird cage that was covered in a white silk cloth the other was holding an 8x8x8 box another guard was holding a box around 12x12x14 sized box. Looking toward Sareth letting him know that he could now present the differents gifts to King Noku.


As Sareth started to present the gifts starting with the smallest box first Cam signal each guard when it was they turn to present the boxes to Noku. The smallest box had an assortment of rare herbs from Pherana, the second box had silks in the colours of white, silver and royal purple. Next was the cage as the guard unclothed it was beautiful white feathered albino peacock that when it spread it's feathers cause an illusion a rainbow. Last was the white tiger cub that been tamed so that it could be a house pet.


Cam did pray that Noku liked the presents the silk and peacock had been Sareth's father's idea while Cam himself personally picked out the herbs and the tiger from the little of new cubs and took care of it during the trip making sure that it was well fed and accustomed to people.

[Deleted]

As she slowly tipped towed away she looked up and directly into the exasperated glare of doom that she had just been telling Lilith about a few nights ago. As soon as she caught that golden glare the phrase ‘shiiit’ flittered across her mind. However a sheepish and apologetic grin spread across her face; as she motioned with her hand in a ‘shhh you never saw me’ motion. He hadn’t said anything yet so maybe she could still slip….Nope….apparently she was now being introduced. Her head dropped low in a comical aw crap motion; before snapping back up with a kind smile plastered on her face. Before her name was even announced she walked forward closer to the group; the floating drake still being pulled along behind her. When she was fully introduced she was close enough to give a curtsy. ”A pleasure to make your acquaintance Prince Sareth, son of Emperor Edara.” Yep….Noky got her into shit this time. Him and Yuki’s damn cat….again….maybe she should let Noky eat it.

Meanwhile behind her Noky let out a raptor like call, causing Aria to turn sharply around to stare at the drake in the face. ”No you may not go find where that furball went. Now you’re going to apologize to these nice people for interrupting there meeting.” Aria floated the drake in front of her and plopped him back down on the floor. A puff of smoke coming from the large lizards nostril; he took a look at Aria before reluctantly turning to the others before bowing his head while letting a whine like noise come from his snout. He scratched his nose a couple of times before glancing up at the other three guiltily. Or at least what he thought was guilty; the tip of his tail twitching with a glance back at Aria in a ‘how’s this’ glance told otherwise. Causing Aria to run a hand over her face. Meanwhile the drake went over to the side of Nokus throne and sniffed him before resting his head on the arm rest of his throne. Looking up at Noku expectantly.

As Prince Sareth commented on her entrance Aria rubbed the back of her head with a sheepish grin. ”The entrance was unintentional I assure you. I do apologize for the interruption but I’m glad it was a welcomed change of pace for you.” Because if it wasn’t, her goose would be more cooked then it was already gonna be. She looked up at Noku and Noky who was currently sucking up….little bastard. Aria listened quietly with her hands clasped behind her back; seeing how she wasn’t dismissed she figured it wouldn’t matter if she listened in. Her head tilting when the Prince mentioned ancient ruins….”There’s an ancient dawrven city that has amazing architecture about a half a day’s travel from here…well what’s left of it…Unfortunately its crawling with beasts from the forever forest and then some. Novites, minotaur’s, some beast that smells like Zeapon….which strangely doesn’t die in lava….how I don’t kno…sorry I’m rambling. Anyhow those ruins, along with others I’m sure, have been sealed for the city of Nova’s protection. But my point is, from someone who has explored some of them first hand, those ruins are dangerous.” She was curious as to who would be responsible if something were to happen to the prince, and or if the prince was to cause something to happen to Nova. Him being harmed on Nova soil could very much lead to major trouble.

Arias attention was soon pulled towards the doors as the servant who was sent out to go get gifts returned with quite a few. She blinked….was visiting nobility supposed to bring gifts? Aria looked on curiously as each gift was brought in. Her eyebrows shooting up when a baby tiger was brought in; along with an albino peacock. Aria looked over to Noku then back to the animals then back to Noku with a look that asked please can I go say hi?....Then she saw Noky’s interest had perked at the baby feline as well causing Aria to frown and point at the drake.”No.” The drake immediately puffed a stream of smoke before laying his head back down on the armrest.

[Noku Noru]

Aria's interlude had yielded an unexpectedly welcome gem of politic with this visiting dignitary in the form of an anecdote concerning an old dwarven city. For those concerned with the thing, it would certainly provide a wealth of admirable subject matter, and, with fortune, perhaps reveal some as-yet hidden secrets of appreciable value.

"Architecture, huh?" Noku mused to himself. "Certainly not what I was expected from Pheranian nobility, but a thought does arise..." Aloud, Noku thanked the prince, his attendant, and Pherana for the generous show of gifts, and assented to allow them the stay they requested. "Your genial acts please the court; I will permit your stay in my kingdom to study this ruined city, on two conditions: firstly, you will be accompanied by a detail of my well-equipped soldiers at all times, and secondly, you will act in collaboration with our scholars at the Arch of Ages on this excursion. The soldiers are for your protection, naturally, and the scholars are for our interests, accordingly. They may also afford you some necessary resources pertaining to the specifics with which I am unfamiliar on such an outing that could prove indispensable to your success. Of course, this would be an undertaking of -scientific- discovery, I presume?" Noku applied noticeable emphasis on the adjective, carefully watching for any signs of nervousness in his addressees. He liked to try and detect deceptions-however minor-as early as possible.

Turning to Aria, he continued in a somewhat laconic tone, demonstrating little effort to conceal his agitation at the intrusion. "-THANK- you, Duchess Wurud; I imagine you are tolerably familiar with the location and means of contacting the aforementioned scholars with whom our honored guests will be working so closely during their time here, so I trust the task of doing so can be left safely in your hands-that is, naturally, after some light refreshment for our guests that may grant you sufficient leave to appropriately house your unruly student so no similar intrusions take place. I will risk sounding crass by reiterating that as an instruction. Rendezvous with my regent Breton; he will have arrived at the Arch sometime before you, and will assure the final details are arranged."

Noku's piercing gaze rested upon the obviously distressed drake a few moments, allowing the beast sufficient time to understand his position in the flow of events. Clearing his brow and brightening his tenor, Noku addressed a nearby servant with a cheerful voice: "An aperitif! For our guests, and, myself, in lieu of our refreshment." The servant bowed and scurried off to fetch the spirits and a sufficient number of chalices for those present. Noku reclined in his throne and rested his chin on his knuckles, absorbing himself in thought. "Dwarves...never was very fond of the little brutes, aside from their workmanship...which, however, will provide this prince sufficient occupation to keep him out of trouble, at least...don't need to have to explain to Pherana why one of their royal household came here sightseeing and got jumped by raiders or fanatics or whatnot..."

[Sareth Edara]

The first thing that went through his mind about Noku's conditions was: 'great more babysitters...this is going to get annoying..' He just nodded and accepted the terms though did ask one small thing, "Would it be okay to keep the group size as small as possible, large groups tend to make travel take far longer. Though maybe that can be circumvented by sending a military attachment ahead of the exploration group to secure the site," the last part was more him talking to himself than to Noku though.

When he addressed Aria all Sareth did was keep his mouth shut and made a mental note to reward Cam for his good choices on gifts providing the man didn't do something to royally annoy him. He would hold himself to a single glass of alcohol as getting drunk was not a wise decision for him to make. Looking over at Noku as he relaxed he figured it was fine to be a little less formal. "Now that the majority of the formalities are over do you mind if we take a more relaxed approach to the rest of our meeting? Honestly I find protocol to be stressful and well, not to be rude, you look like you could use a bit of a break from the rigors of court protocol." He was hoping he didn't offend Noku but in reality he was just trying to make things faster for both of them as he was pretty sure Noku had better things to do than cater to his arrival longer than need be. At most what was left was discussing his living arrangements within the castle and who he would be going through for setting up his little expedition into the wilds of Nova to look at an ancient city.

[Deleted]

Cam noticed that Lady Wurud was interested in the tiger cub staying low running his fingers over’s the tiger’s fur to reassure him that everything was going to be okay. Reminding close to the tiger deciding that it was best to remind quiet for now and keep the tiger from running loose. He wasn’t going admit it but he had grown to like the tiger and was a little sad that he wouldn’t be able to see the fur ball as much now that he was officially property of Nova.



Cam looked up hearing Noku’s conditions for Sareth he didn’t want to roll his eyes since he knew that his prince wasn’t that fond of guards, to begin with, and if given even the smallest of chance would somehow escape the guards and he would have to find him. The second condition did make sense since it was not only going to be fit Nova but Pherana as well and he was okay with that. Looking away when Sareth started to try and wiggle out of the full guard protection he decided to focus on the little drake. The creature was beautiful in it of itself and other than it seems to have a thing for felines it seemed tamed for the most part, with that in mind he would have to find some time to speak with Lady Wurud on how she manages to tame such a wild creature.



When he was presented with the glass of alcohol he politely took it and thank the servant. He didn’t have much to drink but knew that it would seem very rude if he declined a drink for a king while in his court. Though Cam almost wanted to strangle Sareth for suddenly deciding to drop all formal protocol because most the formalities were over with. Honestly, he wondered how he ended up on this trip since the rest of Sareth’s family would have stuck to the protocols until either to the very end or when Noku suggested that they could be more informal for the rest of the meeting. Holding his tongue, he took just a sip of the alcohol while watching Sareth wondering if in his first letter back to the king that he must include that Sareth might to have some tutors sent over on the next ship or have money sent to hire them here. He just prayed that Sareth didn’t do anything to upset their host.