The Fabric of Our Lives (June 1,10:30 am)

[Deleted]

Krutz listened intently as the swordsman explained himself and why he had a sword. However as he pulled back his cloak to reveal the weapon Krutz was able to get a much better look at it. Now while the man still didn't exactly reveal who he was that sword said a lot. It was impeccable worksmanship laden with gold. While Krutz would have thought the sword flimsy or small a lord or noble would love such a "magnificent" sword. This boy was of noble birth but the real question now was who exactly he was. Before Krutz could even lessen his stance the Easterner approached him with a very admonishing tone and Krutz did not like that at all. However before he could even respond to that the Easterner leaned closer and spoke candidly with Krutz. To make matters worse he was covered with an over powering scent which caused Krutz to crinkle his nose. Through the distraction of the smell he heard the Easterner talk of his brothers and payment? A bolt of Thor's lighting flashed in his mind and all became the ever more clear.

Krutz sized the Easterner up with his eyes and finally spoke, "You're the Eastern King. You're not what I expected at all. You certainly don't look like a sorcerer. I'm certain your blood is still red." The statement was cold and to the point. Combined with his steely gaze it was more then enough to cower most men but this Eastern King was supposed to be more then most men. Krutz only saw a weak Easterner that assumed the world was his. He knew nothing of the harsh realities of the Norrh. Krutz resheathed his sword in a fluid motion and crossed over between Zoisite and the swordsman reaching up a pulling his axe from the post with little to no effort. He looked to the swordsman and spoke again in a quieter and slightly respectful tone, "A thousand pardons good sir. We cannot be to careful. In our land enemies are all around us and they must be reminded of their place." He gazed again at the sword then cast a cold stare to the swordsman, "You probably wouldn't know about that here. A noble of this country correct?" Not even bothering to wait for a response he turned towards Zoisite and bowed respectfully, "My king. My apologies I merely was seeing to your safety." He leaned in closer with his bow and whispered into his ear, "The swordsman is more then he seems. Be mindful and keep an eye out for weapons, boy. You should have seen that before I did." He rose back to his height and dismissed himself to a stall across the way that appeared to be a tavern. As there was no keeper he helped himself to a bottle, laid coin on the counter, toasted the trio, and attempted to enjoy whatever this country considered a decent "ale". He was confident though that the king was safe.

[Zoisite]

Zoisite didn't run like the civilians in the area, but stood there with his arms folded across his chest watching to see whether the disheveled young man would explain who he was and why he was carrying a sword in the bazaar. He seemed surprised to learn he was among royalty and bowed deeply before showing off a fancy-looking sword, probably ceremonial by the looks of it. It was hard to imagine it had ever drawn blood. Krutz appeared less than impressed, but the Eastern man took instant notice of the symbol on the hilt. Zoi saw it, too- the royal seal of the Golden Kingdom. The man said his father had given him that sword... so did that make him Prince Endymion? Zoi tilted his head a bit and raised a hand to his chin as he regarded the apparent prince. Funny, he'd thought the prince would be taller. Although maybe that was supposed to include his giant puff of hair?

Zoi was about to apologize for Krutz's overreaction when the blond Easterner approached the guard and scolded him as if the were a naughty child.
He probably should have tried to do something to stop it, but he was too busy giggling behind his hand to say anything. Then Krutz called the other young man the Eastern King, and Zoi wasn't sure whether he should stop his inappropriate giggling or laugh even harder. The blond Easterner was a king, the disheveled young man was a prince! So much for being introduced to one another properly in a formal setting. And then Krutz had the almighty nerve to threaten the Eastern King, and despite the fact this whole situation was hilarious, Zoi knew he had to put a stop to it.

"Stand down," he finally said. "These men are not our enemies, but royalty of their own respective kingdoms. You should afford them the same sort of respect you do me."

[Prince Endymion]

This was the reason why Endymion never visited the market place unarmed. He could only grumble under his breath as he watched people flee from the area.

So... there was more than one King? It seemed an odd coincidence that they were both here. Were they two of the four kings Lysander had sent summon notices to? Sadly this was hardly the place or the time to raise such questions. If they did receive letters from his father, it meant they would probably visit the castle. This also meant the prospect of another meeting.

Endymion pulled back his cloak to conceal his own weapon. Not that he would have ever thought about using it in a serious fight.

"Was it my hair floof? Some find it quite treating" The idea that he could be seen as a threat just made him laugh. So much so that a very annoying smirk remained on his face. This would make a funny story to tell his sister.

He meet Krutz's cold stare with a laugh "Perhaps so, but most enemies would not be so foolish. A noble of this country? I am the crown prince of this country! I'd honestly hate to see what you do to men on the battle field. My fine man, I am Prince Endymion of the golden kingdom" So much for a formal greeting, but it was the best he could muster without laughing further.

"At the very least, could you fine men return my induction with one of your own? I mean, if you are you say you are, or I assume everyone is, I will see everyone at the castle sometime in the coming days"

[Deleted]

Sized up, Jadeite did not cower. Apparently he was wrong about a lot of things. The other man was also a King? He was enjoying this a bit too much. The ruffian walked past, not giving Jadeite a second thought. He was perturbed, but the fact that he was just talking to fellow Royals whom he should have met officially in the Palace weighed on his mind. The young Prince confirmed his identity, though there wasn't any doubt by this point.

"Jadeite," he spoke up, removing his hood completely, "of the Eastern Kingdom." He saluted the Prince and the other King with a fancy bow, holding his right fist to his heart. Standing back up, he began to realize the absurdity of this whole thing and started to laugh. "I'm sorry," he said, "I just realized the joke that our friend caught onto faster than we did."

He couldn't believe it. He was so worried about meeting these other royals, yet this is how it's turned out so far. He wondered if he'd meet anyone else in an official capacity, or if all their encounters would take place in the market. It definitely makes for a good icebreaker, especially if you're toting an axe-wielding savage with you. His eyes then turned to said savage. The young King had no idea his reputation had spread so far. Of course, when this is your first time visiting any other Kingdom, it's hard to know what rumors abound. Something about him, though, as he drank his ale, unnerved Jadeite. He was obviously a trusted advisor to the other King, but he wasn't quite sure if the savage could be trusted beyond that. Maybe it's just a question of breeding.

"Well then," he continued, "shall we sit somewhere and have a proper discussion? I think we can leave rank at the door after all this, don't you?"

[Deleted]

So here they were. The kings of two of the kingdoms and the crown prince of the golden kingdom. A pox on it all. This golden kingdom was shite. The weather was shite, the people were shite, and they served piss instead of ale. Krutz stared begrudgingly at the ale and grumbled to himself of the lack of joys in this kingdom. There isn't even any other guards that Krutz could bash this bottle over their heads. He noticed as the the Eastern king kept an eye on him. His name was apparently Jadeite. A nerve had been struck it seemed. Well that's the way to defeat your enemies. Howver that aside it appeared that the monarchs had made their introductions and were on to talking about their perspective reasons for being there. Well now we wait. Krutz continued to keep an eye on the royals as he lamented his current situation and ale choice.

[Zoisite]

If anyone hadn't figured it out so far, Prince Endymion introduced himself and asked for the others to do the same. The blond Easterner removed his hood and, with a respectful bow, introduced himself as King Jadeite. Zoi followed suit, and bowed with a flourish.

"King Zoisite of the North," he said proudly, although it still felt a little weird to introduce himself as a king. "I'm actually kind of glad we met so informally here, because I have to admit I was a little nervous."

Zoi saw Jadeite's eyes drift back towards the guard he had brought and thought to give the other man's name.

"That is Krutz, my personal guard and advisor. You'll have to excuse him being a little grumpy right now; he's not used to the weather here yet," he said that second part confidentially. Then, louder, he suggested, "Maybe the prince can suggest somewhere to sit and chat, knowing this area far better than us. If not, I guess that tavern across the way is as good a place as any."

He was sure that, wherever they decided to go, they would be perfectly safe with Krutz nearby.

[Prince Endymion]

"Looks like it!" Endymion said, ending his words with an another good laugh. "I am actually glad we meet this way. It would have been slightly harder to have an informal discussion if we meet in a more formal manner, In any case, glad to meet everyone's aquataince"

He gave Jadite a nod "Fine with me" he replied with a smirk. "We can save the formalities for the palace. I assume everyone here received a formal summons from my father? If not, there are a few things I will like to discuss. Either in town here or in private at the palace" Endymion had been told his father sent for nobles from other kingdoms but was not given any real details. Aside from that, he was sure the older male included any details of the lunar royal's visit. It was something Endymion really did not wish to discuss in the public. The idea of people from the moon would be more than enough to stir up more trouble among the population... wait! It already did.


"No worries, but it might take a while for him to grow accustomed to the weather here. Summer weather tends to be sporadic at best" he said with a laugh. "You can expect random rains and sudden thunderstorms... sadly, the weather will not improve until the colder months. Well, I think snow is vast improvement"


He gave Zoisite a nod "Ah, Raven's Perch? Great idea, that tavern is one of the nicer in town. Decent food as well" replied Endymion. "I am sure you have each traveled a good distance and are in need a meal. Unless you wish to wait until you visit the palace? I am certain my father has already planned a large feast for the occasion"

[Deleted]

Well, now that formalities, such as they were, were out of the way, they could focus on more important things, such as lunch. He could deal with Krutz, learning his name, for now. Brutal savage though he is, he seems to be very protective of his King. Heh, King. That felt weird to think of. Zoisite couldn't be any older than himself, if not younger. Still, Endymion would be in the same boat, age wise.

"I daresay a quick bite wouldn't be too terrible. Besides, I'm looking forward to trying out some of the local cuisine," Jadeite replied, leading the others into the Perch. They sat at a table near the window so Zoisite's grunt could keep an eye on them. Despite the fleeing citizens, a few workers had stayed behind inside. One such worker came up to them, eyeing them carefully. "Ah, if you'd be so kind to bring us some water and... does mead work for everyone?" He asked his dining companions.

[Took some liberties, but I'm sure it's okay. Just moving us along.]

[Deleted]

The trio apparently had begun to hit it off as they say. Though he wasn't exactly sure why. As far as Krutz was concerned should pillage this land and return home but nobody ever really asked him what he truly thought. He continued to watch the royals chuckle and over the entire situation as he slowly drank the piss that passed for ale. The prince motioned toward a building behind Krutz while the others nodded in agreement. Krutz looked towards the building which appeared to be a tavern and headed in to check it out before Zoisite could walk into a trap. As soon as he entered the workers gasped and stood in fear for a second. With a quick scan Krutz saw there was no threat here and snagged a bottle from one of the waters and took a drag of it. His eyes lit up as the golden liquid touched his lips. This... This was mead. The drink of the gods themselves and he had never tasted an mead as sweet as this. Continued to be perplexed Krutz gingerly sipped the bottle and remained within earshot of the lords that sat at the table by the window.

[Zoisite]

"I received the summons," Zoi confirmed. "I was advised not to come, actually... but I have to admit the situation has me too curious to refuse. I mean..." his voice dropped to its more confidential tone once again, "people from the moon? Who could imagine such a thing?"

Did he need to keep quiet about that? He wasn't sure, not knowing how far the story had spread. Maybe the palace had somehow managed to keep the incident under wraps?

Upon hearing there was snow there in the winter, Zoi actually seemed relieved. "Good. He likes the cold, and snow, so that should make him happy."

Whether winter in the Golden Kingdom would satisfy a true Northerner or not, that idea never entered his mind. He'd been raised in the north, after all, so the only snow he'd known was the northern kind.

The offer of food made his stomach rumble a little, reminding him that he really hadn't had much to eat in a while. Maybe he would eat a small something, but not enough to spoil his dinner for the feast that was sure to happen later this evening. So they entered the tavern and took a place near the window. For a second he was surprised when mead was offered, until he remembered where he was. The Golden Kingdom had goods and wares from all over the world. Of course that should include a good northern mead. But as a lightweight of both the literal and figurative sense, he knew he had to be careful and limit himself to just a mug or two, especially since there was sure to be wine with dinner in just a few hours. It wouldn't do for him to get tipsy and do something he might end up regretting later.

[Prince Endymion]

"Ah, good choice, mead will be fine."

"I would not have blamed you if you choose to decline the summons. Nonetheless, I am glad you decided to take the risk. Summons were sent to other important kingdoms as well."

"He may not be that miserable at the castle. It's located a little higher in the mountains so it's always to touch cooler. There's also a lot more to do in the mountains. Perhaps he'll find it more enjoyable than spending time in town...?" Endymion just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.


"It is very strange to think that there are people, not only living on the moon but on other worlds," Endymion whispered to the others. Even though the story of lunar people was probably being whispered throughout the kingdom, he did not wish to make things worse by adding to the stories. He knew the kingdom would fall into chaos if they knew the truth of what happened during the initial meeting.


Speaking in the same hushed tone as before, the young prince began to go over the major details of the meeting between his father and Queen Serenity. He went into slight detail about her orders and ended his story of the legend of the Golden Crystal.

"That's the problem... the Lunar Royal left us with an ultimatum. I am afraid the kingdom now faces a very real threat of going to war with people we know nothing about"