Forging Alliances - ( Aria, Request )

[Noku Noru]

Noku sat quietly at his desk; inside his office over looking several documents. He leaned back in his chair and sighed at each pieces of parchment before lightly tossing them down onto his desk. He didn't even lean forward as he tossed them either; at this point he was done looking at papers, documents, anything at was of the written word. the parchments scattered across the whole surface of his desk, once again laying out before him what he partially dreaded. Noku glared down at the papers on his desk, not saying a word as he brought up his hand and slapped his forehead. He then ran his hand down over his face before taking a deep breath; allowing his hand to fall back down to the armrest casual manner. With his head leaned back against the chair; He closed his eyes and went over the information in his head to try and calm himself before Lady Aria would arrive. After all, he had sent his servant Yul out just moments ago to retrieve the busy duchess; meanwhile he glanced over the first letter he had received, a letter about Lady Aria purchasing a freaken island for herself.

The deed was impressive, but the idea of the location made him unsettled being between himself and the neighboring kingdom. He wasn't sure of lady Aria's motives or if she was going to even open her island up for trade or worse.... Noku, shook the thought; Perhaps asking her himself would be the right thing to do. So he would have to keep being positive and wait to talk to his....

...Noku paused, his eyelids slowly opening while he sat in his chair with a puzzled look. What would he call Aria? Cousin? She did share his curse, right? So that would mean she would be a decedent of himself or perhaps even his father? So perhaps?..... Noku quickly shuned the thought , pushing it far aside and burying it down within his subconscious. He dare not travel that far into the future of his mind as he decided upon what to call her.... At least in the court's eyes until he could find out her heritage for sure....  His focus returned back to the letter and the information that was presented to him. His index finger tapping on the armrest as he peered over to the second letter that seemed to stare up at him. His lips pressed in a firm frown. His Uncle was on his way to Nova, from Kanto, any day now. His heart began to drum faster within his chest as he remembered the last time he had seen his Uncle King Galahad 2nd. In fact, the last time he seen the man was during his coronation. Of course, he had recieved letters and shipments from Kanto almost every week, but to get a visit so soon and short noticed? This was far from un-expected and made the king anxious to know why the interest of visiting was so urgent. 

Meanwhile, The servant Yul had managed to find Aria and approached her with caution. " Duchess Wurrd, The King wishes to see you in his office when you have the time."

[Deleted]

It was late morning; and the weather outside was atrocious; so much so it actually had Aria inside the castle for once. A heavy winter storm brought in overseas caused a nasty mix of rain and snow which pattered loudly against the castles windows. She had just changed and come inside; a good chunk of her morning had been spent out in the mess making sure her drakes and their men did their morning training. At least inside the castle was warm; and she did have some business to take care of today. Noku had responded to her letter and set up some time for her to discuss some matters regarding some land she had claimed; well away from Palico. She hoped he wasn’t to upset still regarding the matters with Silas. But she was going to find out soon enough. She was just waiting for him to summon her.

She had to admit she was a little surprised that he agreed to such a meeting; luckily she had time to prepare and also brought some pretty trinkets from her new home as a thank you if everything went well. Even if it didn’t she could still give them as neat little presents. Her soft soled slippers silently padded up the stairs; her skirts held up ever so slightly so she wouldn’t trip. Her hair was pulled up in a half bun with ringlets off her hair falling down; her bangs swept off to the side. The phoenix hair pin which she word during the midsummer ball was tucked neatly into the bun. Her hair however still was damp from her morning training with the drakes; but it would dry soon enough. She wore a rather simple brown dress with a low scoop neckline. The hems had a pretty gold leaf embroidery; and the sleeves were long and close fitting. A simple sash matching the dress was tide at her waist. Her shoes were just as simple; but they certainly were comfy…well comfy as shoes went. On her neck hung the silver locket Melda gave her with the moonstone set in the middle; and the glass locket Lucinda had given her that hung from a gold chain just a bit lower then Meldas locket; filled with fragments of elemental gems and bits of plants considered to bring luck.

Her wait to be summoned wasn’t long; a servant of his found her by a large window up on the second floor. Watching the wintery mix come down hard; she was still just beginning to get the feelings back in her limbs. She turned to see a servant approaching her cautiously; she smiled warmly at him to hopefully put him at ease. Nodding when he said Noku wished to see her. ”Thank you… She waited to see if he would give a name. ”I’ll go there right now.”

Aria nodded to the servant and made her way to Nokus office. She had been there enough times now to know where it was without much trouble. As she approached the door she repositioned the small brown satchel that she carried filled with some shells and other things from the beach at her home. She tied it to her sash; as she came up to Nokus office door and knocked. When he permitted her to enter she would open the door and calmly walk in. ”Good Morning; lovely day isn’t it.” She greeted him with a warm smile; as closed off as Noku was she was beginning to like him. A far cry from when she first fainted on him last midwinter. He certainly gave her the creeps a lot less then Silas did. She tucked a rouge strand of hair behind a delicately pointed ear and waited for him to give her permission to sit.

[Noku Noru]

Noku broke free of his thoughts the moment he heard a knock at the door. His gaze lifted as he looked over by the door. By the point Yul had finally caught up to the duchess and seemed rather out of breath. The young boy not saying a word, as the lanky servant boy bowed and scooted his way in front of the door after seeing Aria had knocked. Yul seemed hesitant, but he grabbed hold of the metal door handle with his skinny fingers and twisting the knob to pull it back. The boy's brown hair messy and hung over his eyes as he poked his head in first to announce their arrival. He then pulled the door open, with a slight grunt, allowing Lady Aria to walk into the room. When she had fully stepped into the room, the boy hugged the frame of the door as he moved to the other side and pulled it towards him, shutting the door behind him leaving the King and Aria alone within the room.

Noku by now was already looking directly at Aria, ignoring Yul as he left their presence and Aria made her greetings with a warm smile. Noku's brow arching as he glanced over to the window where the currents were pulled shut. Was it morning already? He thought to himself as he gave a light chuckle.

" I suppose it is a lovely day Lady Aria." Noku spoke, his voice sounding obviously exhausted though one couldn't tell by just looking at him. His hand lifting to gesture towards taking a seat at one of the chairs in front of his desk. While he calmly picked up the papers that were scattered across his desk and stacked them up in front of him.

 " Forgive the mess, But take a seat I would like to discuss this letter you had sent. You've recently purchased a island that is neither in Palico or Nova? What are your reasoning and purpose for doing so sense last I recall, you were brought here by a deity and are not from this time and were given to Plaico for saftey measures for myself." Noku spoke in a firm tone, looking directly at Aria with a blank expression that didn't seem to show any emotion behind it.

[Deleted]

”Indeed apparently I’ve received a new last name as well; apparently I’m Lady Wurrd now.” She chuckled a bit, clearly amused rather than insulted that the servant had gotten her name wrong. She watched as he awkwardly shuffled his way out of the room. If she remembered right he was the one that got her message wrong when she first arrived back in Nova. Perhaps she should have waited for him to do his duties; she still wasn’t use to how much servants did for nobles. She only hoped he didn’t take that as an indication he couldn’t do his job. Aria looked back to Noku; he sounded worse than he looked. Though judging by the mess on is desk he was probably swamped…reminded her of her father’s desk the nights he had stayed up working over books. She wondered if he was staying up all night like he use to as well. If so that was hardly healthy.

Aria stepped forward and took a seat when he motioned for her to sit down and to excuse the mess. Aria listened to his question; her nose scrunching up when he mentioned being brought over by a deity. ”That deity received my boot in his face as thanks for that” Ok maybe she was still a little sore about being ripped from home. "Speaking of boots to the face, I got the most interesting letter this morning. Not sure how but apparently Rolands got a messenger in the dungeons."  Aria pulled a folded note from her shirt and handed it to Noku. It was the one with Roland asking to see her or go spend time with Ave. "Considering Ave thinks me something of a monster I think I prefer seeing grumpy gaurd. However before I actually go I wanted to see how you felt about it. It smells suspicious to me; any chance you wish to join me? If not I'll drag a someone else with me as a witness." The subject moved on to her island and her reasoning's on it. She thought about his question; thinking how to word it. ”I have a few reasons for it really.”

Aria leaned back in the chair; she would have to word this carefully without saying anything that might be taken as traitorous to Palico, or as an insult to Nokus decision to send her to Palico. Lucinda already questioned how wise it was to bring her to Palico; but that was due to how her brother reacted to it. ”I do not believe Silas believes, or understands the situation. While his sister’s reaction to the incident during the coronation has stalled his hand in other areas…I don’t trust him. Frankly he gives me the hibbie jeebies; like the creeps who eye young girls in taverns…..ones you want to avvvooidd. I think he still feels he needs to prove himself; call me paranoid but if he views me as a wedge between himself and his sister, well I feel it best if I distance myself. I really rather not start anything in that area; I will still train young drakes for them, it should keep Silas appeased.” She scratched her chin in thought. Usually she didn’t have to explain her actions however she would for Noku. ”The fact stands that the coronation has well marked me as something well feared…different…I make people uncomfortable; I will not fit in with the Palico nobles after that; and here I am marked fated and the fated view me as one who takes the nobles side…not exactly liked on that end either.” He should know as well as her that people when they feared something usually tried to get rid of it; as Kail had with her.

”I assure you I am thinking of how my actions could affect you; I get how it feels to have no control over something happening to you…I’ve changed a lot of my habits and behaviors in order to make sure the curse has a minimal effect on yourself. The island is isolated; hard to get to the seas on the east side of the island are rough; ships can’t get in without getting slammed against the cliffs, the west side is hard to approach as well do to a reef system. The natural locations makes it easy to defend. The island is also uninhabited so I would not be displacing anyone; and it’s in my intention not to step on anyone’s toes by setting up my residence there. I use to reside in an abandoned town overrun by novites a days journey into the forever forest before I was arrested. I had my basilisk take care of the novites and was quite comfortable there. However after you gave me to Palico having a residence in your kingdom no longer was an option; Lucinda’s condition to her brother for making me a duchess was that I do not own any land in Palico either. Seeing how I’m stuck in the middle, the island seemed like a good option.” Aria paused she really didn't want to sound like she was whining about her position and hoped it wasn't coming off that way. "I'm hoping the island will be somewhat of a retreat; however considering its position I do worry which is why I wanted to talk to you about it. I would very much like the island to be under the protection of Nova. If someone tries to invade the island would have support if it needed to; that or at least dissuade someone from trying. In exchange the island has a surplus of fresh fruits and tropical plants; and the waters are prime for fishing."

[Noku Noru]

Noku’s blank expression became some what altered the moment Aria walked in and made a comment about the servants mistake in her last name. He frowned at the mention and parted his lips a bit as though he was going to speak; his eyebrow twitching out of frustration however he dared not break eye contact with the woman in front of him. Plus no words left his mouth as he closed his lips and took a deep breath. There was no sense in glaring or making threats to someone who wasn’t there at the moment. The boy’s mistakes were becoming more apparent and far less harder to ignore. To Noku the boy’s mistakes were becoming tiresome; First Lilith and the bath house now this? The thought made him angry; However, He paused and calmed himself down before letting his actual thoughts show. The child would have to be dealt with later at a different time. Meanwhile, his attention would be fixed back on Aria as she continued to speak.

Amusement appeared on his features the moment Aria made the remark towards the deity that brought her over. He didn’t understand what she meant by ’received my boot in his face’ for he wasn’t aware of her encounters with the deity before hand. Though he was sure it meant something along the lines of dislike towards the deity. Which was odd to him sense he believed all Fated being brought into Nova worshiped the deity. Perhaps the information he had received was not completely accurate? Noku thought quietly to himself; The dark circle’s under his eyes made his gold pupils seem more dominate than normal as he continued to stare and listen to her speak. His brow raising a bit when she mentioned Roland had sent her a note, his arm extending to take the letter from her as she handed it to him.

Noku briefly went over the note, then glanced up over the parchment at Aria giving her a questionable look before tossing the note onto the pile of other papers on his desk.

“ I see… Well he was the Captain of my Royal Guard, I’m not surprised to hear such a thing, A man of influence and power would have friends in all sorts of places.“ Noku sighed heavily moving his hands back to his lap and crossing his leg over the other. His hands clasped together on top of his lap and leaned back in his chair. He relaxed against the fine silk material.

“ Roland wishes an audience? Then I suppose I have no objections; However I will not accompany you to the dungeon. You would need to bring someone else you trust along with you… After all, we don’t want you shanked in the dungeons now would we? “ Noku paused giving a brief sigh to his own little sarcastic comment. “ My humor is a little dry as of late, forgive me. I have more important matters at hand that need my full attention. “ Noku grumbled, lifting his arm and sliding the letter he had received from King Galahad the 2nd to the dead center of his desk’s counter top.

“ I have to get a dinner to set up for after all…” Noku grumbled before slapping his hand to his face; His palm covering most of his features, even when he slid his hand down over his face out of frustration. His hand dropping back down to his lap to rest, while his head leaned back on the head rest; his attention fixed on Aria again as he listened to her explain the reasoning's why she purchased the island and what she could provide. When she had finished explaining and talking about her recent development of purchasing property, Noku just twirled his thumbs together.

“ I see…” Noku went silent, some what impressed at the preparation and thought that went into purchasing the chunk of earth; though he wouldn’t show it, he was not at all happy with what he had to hear about Palico or Silas. His lips pressed tightly together as he glanced over her purchase letter once more. He would need to send Silas a letter, but what she was asking and putting up for offer was fair enough. His brow furrowed for a minute before moving to reach into his desk. He then pulled out another piece of blank parchment paper from inside his desk and sat it on the surface next to his other pile of papers. He then took a quill from the ink vial located next to him and began writing on the paper as he opened his mouth to speak.

“ Very well then, I will arrange for your island to be protected under Nova’s law; however sense you are Palico’s duchess I can see some altercations for having your home under a different banner flag. I will have to speak to Silas on that matter, however you have my blessing as King to continue your development. “

[Deleted]

Aria nodded a smile etching itself on to her face; no it really wouldn’t do well for her to get shanked in prison. ”Then if you do not mind I’d like to borrow Jose Herrera from the Royal Guard; if a shanking is going to happen I suppose that having someone who can see it in advance would be preferable. Along with my handmaiden Serenity. One for the skills the other for the ears.” Aria hadn’t planned from the beginning to go alone. Last time she did she had gotten roped into a promise and some sort of magic placed on her.

Aria tilted her head with curiosity as a party was mentioned; she had noted that Noku had bags under his eyes and he did seem run down. ”If you don’t mind me prying; what kind of dinner? Also if it’s not to forward of me would you like some help? After the Festival of Gods I found out I enjoy setting up get togethers. Not so much going to them, but the planning part is fun” It did look like he needed some help; a party didn’t seem like to much of a hassle. She wasn’t lying when she said she found out she didn’t mind planning get togethers.

When he agreed Aria bounced in her seat and grinned while clapping her hands. ”Oh that’s wonderful! Thank you so much” Her joy was short lived as she calmed down and sighed; knowing Noku was right. It was sure to cause some altercations however the good outweighed the bad in the case. ”I’m aware; I’m hoping if someone can put the idea in his head that me residing on the island was his idea in order to I dunno smooth things over between his sister or something along those lines. That it may ease any grievances….and take a target off my back for being a wedge.” Hopefully that would work but really no use worrying about it now.

”Since you said yes; do you mind if I ask Adrain to make a quick port to the island? Have one entrance over here and the other to the island; imagine how fresh the produce will be with that in place…OH also I brought some stuff from the island and some of it I thought you might like. ” Aria took the bag from her belt and opened it pulling out a couple of pretty shells, a sand dollar that had a pretty painted design on it, and a hunk of amber the size of her hand with a spider preserved in it. ”There’s a jungle on the island and I found the amber; spiders give me the creeps but I thought it was a pretty nifty paper weight….judging by your desk you could use some….Once everything is finished on the island your more than welcome to drop by any time I’m giving an open invitation to Lucinda, and Melda as well. I’m actually having enough rooms built for guests.”

[Noku Noru]

Noku looked up at Aria when she asked about the letter and the dinner he had to plan. The thought of his uncle drained the color out his cheeks; which caused his face to pale like a sheet of blank paper. " The King of Kanto is on his way to visit the Main Capital. The way the letter has been written, I say his ships will arrive in the harbor on the next full moon. He's requested a dinner...." Noku paused, giving a sharp glance over to the painting on the wall of his father. " King Galahad the 2nd, My father's brother and my Uncle. " Noku pressed his lips, almost growling when he spoke Galahad's name. " A man I care little for and wished would fall off a cliff side somewhere; However, his knowledge of battle and allies are worth more to me than my own emotional feelings on the man."

Noku removed his gaze from the painting and returned his attention back to Aria with pressed lips. He stared at Aria with a questionable expression before taking a deep breath and letting it exhale in a sigh. Aria had done a good job in the past at setting up social events around the castle. Perhaps letting her do this dinner event would not harm the already poor image with his uncle.

Then suddenly Aria began clapping, her reaction to his approval being one he somewhat expected; child like. Not a bad thing, but he clearly did not show the same amount of enthusiasm or  energy as he sat back in his chair. In fact, he didn't say anything as she started to speak. Instead he seemed zoned; absentminded even as he stopped paying attention to Aria and began reaching into his desk to pull out two blank pieces of paper. While Aria spoke, clearly over joyed with the acceptance of her new home, Noku wrote something out on each piece of paper.

 On one piece of paper he wrote out a list of things that would be needed. A musician or entertainer and a small list of favored food that would need to be made mostly of wild game. The second piece of paper he wrote a letter stating Aria would be allowed limited access to the ball room and a very small amount of the royal funds in order to prepare for this event. " This is everything you need, if you need to pay someone the funds are there... Just don't go crazy." He interrupted, Sliding the two pieces of paper over to Aria right after she had asked if the Arch of Age's Master, Adrain, could make a port to her island? His brow quickly furrowed. Noku gold eyes locked onto Aria with pressed lips.

How did she know the new master of the Arch of Ages? Ports? This was something he hadn't expected and the thought concerned him greatly on the matter. Magic was never something Noku was fond of, He hated it, yet knew his kingdom thrived on it. He had always been hard on the Arch of Ages; Even more so when the last head master disappeared before Adrain took over. Perhaps he should of destroyed the place when he had the chance... His regent's advice surfacing in his thoughts; Breton insisted that the Academy should still remain open and standing for 'all' to enjoy. Which Noku followed the advice without question; though now....

Noku stared at Aria, parting his lips to speak. Though before he could say anything regarding the 'ports' Aria started digging through her bag and taking things out. His brow raised with every item she set out on his desk. Her behavior becoming more childlike every minute as she spoke of her island. " I see... If having the port's are benifitual then I have no objections..However, Don't disturb the head master for more than what you've asked, I'm sure he is a busy man running the Arch. " Noku sighed, not aware of what the arch mage does during his 'down time', nor did he feel assured that he liked the idea. Perhaps he would need to seek advice on the matter from his regent, Breton. For now, he would let the thought slide and bring his attention else where, like to the last item that Aria set down.

The last item being the first he would pick up; The amber rock with the spider inside. He held it up and stared at the arachnid inside, a somber look on his features as he examined the find. " So you would give me something you fear as a paper weight? I guess that is fitting. Thank you, an don't worry... I'm sure to come visit your home, Lady Wurud."

[Deleted]

Aria noted how quickly Noku’s face drained of color when she mentioned the dinner; she was surprised to see such a reaction enlisted by such a simple request. Even more so when he went to explain about his uncle. Aria had to cover a smile on her face with her hand and hold down a laugh at the way he spoke of Galahad. Though she listened to his description carefully; a thoughtful expression settling itself upon her features as the wheels in her head already began to turn with the small tidbit of information she had just gained. ”So he’s a fan of strategy games I presume; having a few as entertainment wouldn’t be bad.” She speculated what might be nice, but presumed that considering the guest that would be coming it was likely that she wouldn’t be placed in charge of planning the event. She was curious as to why Noku obviously disliked him so much. ”Even though he’s your uncle it doesn’t sound like you get along well with him. Is there a reason for that?”

Aria was actually surprised when he handed her two sheets of paper; letting her access to the royal funds and such. So she was being given the responsibility of preparing the party. She scanned the list; making a mental note of everything. ”Will it just be Galahad and yourself attending this dinner; or is there a larger guest list?” She would want to know the quantity of people at the gathering. If she was going to plan the party it would be something hopefully enjoyable for everyone. She looked up from the list when he mentioned that she no go crazy with the funds; blinking slightly confused. Aria by habit was certainly not an over spender; if there was something she could complete with her own skills she would. ”Of course not. If I can do a job myself I will; I practically didn’t spend a cent for the decorations for the festival of gods.” Really for how much was there the cost for the decorating of that party was actually pretty low. The food and entertainment cost more than that side of things. Her lips curling up when she noticed the dishes. ”Oh goodie; I need a good hunt. I can get most of the ingredients for these dishes myself. Would you care to join me when I do? Good stress release right before the dinner.” Some air outside of this office might do him good. She was getting slightly worried with how tired he looked. ”As for the cook; I might have someone who would be fitted to the job. A man by the name of Sima owns a restaurant in the city; he makes wonderful dishes. Melda and Lucinda seemed to really enjoy the food there as well. From my knowledge Lilith’s part owner so I can ask if she’s willing to help set things up there. I did notice you like sweet things and he makes wonderful deserts.”

Arias reaction to the permission to the ports wasn’t as animated however it did cause her to smile. ”I’ll have the port set up on a side path along to the royal beach so it’s tucked away from the castle. You should be able to still monitor who comes and goes on the castle grounds that way. That and it can’t be used as an easy access to get to the castle. I’ll have it so it’s secured as possible; the other entrance is no easy trek to get to either. After all I don’t want it to be a security risk. That and if you ever need something delivered or sent to the southern end of your kingdom think how much faster it will be.” It would seem this was another point Aria had given great thought to. She tilted her head to the side when he asked her not to bother the head master too much. ”I don’t intend to; I know he’s currently busy working on furthering a defense for the kingdom. Involves a lot of electricity….hasn’t quite got it down yet…and boy does it really mess with your hair.” Aria chuckled recalling how poofy her hair had gotten when she dashed through the area Adrain had been working in. ”I’m glad the arch is still around in this time. It’s a nice place and its doing wonders for filtering some of the corrupted manna and controlling wayward spells of younger students. It was destroyed before I was born and magic was basically taboo. The orphanage I was sent to live at tried to kill me because I showed signs of it when I was seven or so. Locked me in a shed and burned it. Though I can’t blame them to much I was getting bullied and without the knowledge to control it; I ended up hurting a lot of other children… It’s nice to see a place where young mages coming into their abilities can go. Trying not to use it especially elemental doesn’t work well; it just comes out in chaotic bursts if you don’t. Adrain’s a good fit to run the place to; he enjoys teaching and helping.”

Aria watched as he picked up her little treasures; yes they weren’t much but she thought them interesting and pretty. It never ceased to amaze her how creative Mylee had been when setting up the different life forms. Always excited her when she discovered something new; though she no longer could go rushing to him or her father for answers on how it was created what it did or such. She watched as Noku picked up the piece of amber studying it…her head tilting to the side at his wording a bit of confusion in her eyes. Did he think she was afraid of him? ”Why is that fitting? I’m not creeped out by you, I rather like you. You’re amusing and you’re rather nice in your own way. From the little bits of conversation I’ve gotten to have with you, you seem to have a sense of humor which I enjoy. I really don’t see the connection.” Blunt and honest; something she carried from her childhood. She really didn’t understand why he thought something she feared was fitting to be given to him. Her face brightened again when he said he’d come visit though. ”Wonderful! The oceans so much fun to swim in there; and there’s these live rocks growing under the water. With so many colorful fish! I really can’t wait until its done”