Day 03: The Masquerade Ball; Ceremony Proper [Open]

Maia looked at the girl and smiled. "H-Huh? Oh, yes, I am. Thank you for asking." She replied. "What about you?" She might as well try to make conversation. The girl seemed nice and if they were going to be seated next to each other for the duration of the event, then they should at least get along.

As the speaker finished his annoying speech, Maia rolled her eyes and sighed. Yes, she was the big-bad-Walpurgis. Ready to form a contract with some evil Incantus to bring ruin and death upon Esterelf. This was a sentiment she was all too familiar with. Her boss had it, most of the expiate officers had it, the majority of the population had it, it was pretty normal in society for people to think like that. Though she could argue that this particular sentiment was more dangerous than the supposed Walpurgis threat. It was thinking like this that made people hide within the hidden Havens, a line of thinking that made people fear for their lives on a daily basis, ideas that killed her father.

Maia took a few moments to reply to Cassima's request. She had already turned down the man before and refused to tell him her name, but perhaps she didn't have to reveal her real name. After all, it wasn't like she was ever going to see these people again, right? "...Just call me... May." It was close enough to her real name that she wouldn't forget it, and common enough for it to seem realistic.

Much to the chagrin of the frustrated observers present, the other commoners and nobles were quick to applause and show admiration for the leaders present. With all five leaders present, all that was left was the renewal of rites that kept the four at peace, and then everyone could get back to dancing and celebration. The rite itself was something the host should have announced next, but much to everyone's surprise the host spoke of something different.

"There is no doubt that all present here today are ready to see the five great leaders renew the kingdoms' oath," he said. "But! There is one more kingdom, one that, to many of our surprise we would have never acknowledged had not we been introduced to them only a few decades ago, that is yet to become a part of this rite."

People in their seats would start murmuring in confusion. The host smiled.

"Only a couple decades ago or so, Esterelf lent its generous hands to the Great Immigration," he said. "We became aware of the existence of Enkidus, a wonderful race gifted with crafting that hails far across the seas. While other people might have shunned them or cast them aside, our five kingdoms were gracious in welcoming them to our shores and borders to create an even stronger economy and bring another kingdom within our great alliance. And, after many years, we finally acknowledge that alliance by welcoming the leader of this great nation, the island empire of Sakigake, to join the rest of our kingdoms as part of Esterelf's union!"

From this, many people started to gasp in surprise and in awe. Many of the Enkidu immigrants present showed genuine confusion as well as excitement. Some, oddly enough, wore stoic and unsure faces. What was going on? Why had no one heard of this? What did this mean?

As an uneasy murmur spread among the attendees, increasing in uncertainty and confusion, people's eyes darted about. Aside from their attendees and consorts, the monarchs stood alone on their platform. There was a scarce number of obvious enkidus among them, however clearly none of them seemed of ruling class. A nervous laugh seemed to come up among the crowd which spread among the others. This must've been their idea of a joke, to break the ice for the event.

Then the gravelly sound of a throat clearing sounded. Eyes were suddenly drawn to a towering figure, a large man easily standing seven feet tall. He wore a tattered white tunic, his arms bare of any sleeves. His long white pants had several tears and in place of a belt he seemed to be using a large black length of cloth. He wore no shoes and instead stood on the dirty ground with bare hairy feet. His long wild white hair had streaks of black. His arms from the elbows down was covered in white fur with black stripes. In place of fingernails he had long curved claws. An enkidu? A homeless enkidu? When did he get there?

"Ahem," the straggly enkidu cleared his throat once more. "I am General Edonaga Byakuya of the Sakigake imperial court. I am here to announce the arrival of my brother and master. Lord of the forest, king of beasts, almighty ruler of our country Sakigake and all enkidus, Emperor Edonaga Mada!"

Silence filled the square. The underdressed giant stood alone still.

Just as the cold air seemed to fill with awkward chuckles, another sound seemed to come up. It sounded like a rumble and sharp crash, like distant thunder. Eyes turned towards the sky looking out for storm clouds. It would be a waste if the event was cut due to unexpected weather.

More thunder seemed to ring in the air yet the night sky was completely clear. Then the sounds seemed to grow louder.... Actually, was it coming closer?

Everyone slowly turned around as realization came that the loud sounds were coming from a specific direction and as the source grew closer and closer it became known where it was all coming from.

Drums. Drums that banged with the sounds of thunder and lightning. A platoon of men in mask and robes were banging wooden clubs against giant drums that were pushed forward on carts. They approached closer with crashing music that resembled the raging sounds of storms and behind them was great beast no one had ever scene before!

It was colored a vibrant red with specks of gold and white. It had a long body with multiple legs like a centipede. The beast had a flapping jaw with flat teeth and a giant mane of white hair. The crowd gasped and backed away as the beast approached closer. Then its body raised from the ground to show its..... costumed men?

The exotic beast was just a giant costume? Its multiple legs were just dancers dressed in flamboyant red breeches with bells on their legs that rang every time they hopped and moved. The costume beast leap and snaked around, shaking and dancing to the sound of the crashing drums. Eventually the unease turned into amusement and the crowd cheered as the vibrant beast danced and moved, flapping its comical jaw like a gasping fish. Then a rumble followed.

The crowd looked eagerly expecting a more boisterous instruments or ornamental dancers and were greeted with..... huh?

Coming up behind was something similar to the magic-powered automobiles developed and found in the industrial country of Stahlim, but it was..... BIGGER!

It rolled towards the square on giant gear cogs with thick plates of metal on its body which bellowed clouds of steam. There were no windows or noticeable openings to see through as far as the people in the audience can see. Even odder was the objected mounted on top. It appeared to be a large block and protruding out looked something like the barrel of a musket, but the size of a cannon.

And standing atop the mechanized vehicle was a single figure. He had a young and handsome face with tanned colored skin, yet he stood with complete pride and dignity. The man wore armor plates in vibrant colors of red and gilded in ornaments of gold. Hanging from his shoulders was a dark grey cape with a red lining and gold trimming. His black hair was thick and wild like the mane of a lion, barely held back in a ponytail with still a large mane falling around the side of his face and back of his head. On his head was some sort of crest. A metal band of some sort with gilded gold and curved horns. He stood atop the ten foot tall vehicle, his cape billowing in the air behind him.

His hands rested on the pommel of a weapon he stood against the roof the metal contraption like a cane. Was it a sword? But it wasn't like any of the swords found in this country. The guard was small and the blade was long with the slightest curve. Its width was small and the blade was thin. A curved sword?

Despite everything happening around him, the man stared only ahead. His eyes were narrow and sharp. They were cold and stern, yet his gaze focused on nothing as if everything and everyone was nothing to him.

Emperor Edonaga Mada:

There was no question. This was a man who commanded respect. He stood with an imposing figure, tall and unwavering even while standing and a shaking, rumbling platform. His garments were decorated in gold but were primarily red and dark grays. The plates of armor he wore were polished, light, and flexible. He dressed as if he was ready for battle at any time. The streaks of red in his hair almost made it look as if he had a mane of black fire. His cold red eyes seemed to pierce through the flesh and judged the very souls of those they look upon. His face was young and groomed, but there was no mistaking that he would cut you down where you stand if he decides to.

This was the king of beastkind and the Emperor of Sakigake.

The vehicle he stood on slowed to a stop directly behind the ornate beast. The multiple dancers under the costume seemed to bend their knees in progressively lower degrees until the last sat on the ground. Emperor Mada stepped forward, walking on the barrel that extended from his vehicle until stepping off and walking on the back of the costume beast and presumably on the heads and arms of the dancers underneath.

Finally, he stepped on the leading head and stepped off, his boots stomping on the cobblestone ground as he approached the platform where the other rulers waited. Every step he took was accompanied by the banging of the giant drums, as if his very footsteps created thunder and earthquakes.

As he passed his supposed brother, who stood a foot taller than the emperor while also severely under dressed, he handed him the sword he was using line cane and stepped on the platform.

He looked upon all of Esterelf's rulers at once. His thin, downturned mouth opened slightly, as he spoke his first words of greeting.

...

...

...

"Bow."

Silence swallowed up the square, the breaths of nobles and commoners alike caught in their throats as those heavy words rang from a deep, booming, commanding voice. Some knees started to bend when all at once the large burly man named Byakuya as well as the drummer and dancers all knelt and bowed their heads towards the rulers of Esterelf.

"Rise."

All at once they stood again. It seemed his command was directed to his followers and not to the people, which warranted sighs of relief.

The emperor seemed to gaze upon the other rulers for a moment before placing a white-gloved hand against his heart.

"I express my gratitude for inviting me to your country. As customary of my country, I present to you a gift in offering. Behold this invention from my country."

Everyone at once heard a loud pop and whistle. They looked to the sky seeing trails of smoke leading upwards. Then with a giant boom, explosions of light and colors invaded the night sky.

"Behold," Emperor Edonaga Mada exclaimed, gesturing with a single hand to the show of light up above. "In our land, we call this Ta Mo Ya. The closest translation we could decipher in your tongue is fireworks!"

"Four great leaders." Cassima muttered around the table in a quiet tone. She looked at Maia, liking the name May. "May, what a wonderful name. It's my favourite name, well except for the one that I have, which is Cassima." She held out her hand for May to shake. "It is a pleasure to meet you May." Cassima kindly spoke.

Not caring if May accepts her hand shake or not she turned towards Higini. She tried to reassure him of his worry's about the ceremony.

"Relax, it's only four well respected leaders and Eala. There not going to notice us and tell us to stop the talk that all three of us are trying to have." She reassured the man. She dropped her chatting when they started to talk about Sakigake and it's leader. He had introduced himself quite well to the crowd.

Cassima remained quiet as the new emperor appeared.

Emperor Edonga Mada as he's called. He was serious, so serious in fact, that Cassima became quiet when she said something after the emperor appeared. "That little show he did was amazing." She spoke under her breath. She watched as the emperor showed everyone a new invention to the crowd. Cassima gasped in surprise at what the Emperor was doing.

He lit up the sky with something called fireworks, which caused Cassima to laugh at how amazing they were.

There was little that could deter Goibniu's attention from the ceremony, but one effective method was the appearance of a new person at his table. While he didn't greet Eun with a song and dance, his eyes briefly wandered to her, and gave her a nod and a smile, almost to signal that she was more than welcome to sit with him. He did notice the ears she had denoted her as an Enkidu, which definitely made him increase his disposition towards her; if she were to talk to him, of course. Goibniu merely kept paying attention once she sat down, not wanting to disturb her until the ceremony was over. As for Higini... "Ah, nice to meet you May, I'm Higini. Thorburn." He completely believed Maia's ruse, and used his own real name to introduce himself to her and Cassima. What an impressionable man.

However, everything took a different turn when the announcer said how there was still one more kingdom to present, and after giving a brief introduction about the Enkidus, he mentioned how an empire from Sakigake would present itself tonight. At first, Goibniu looked rather confused, but then his mouth was opened in shock, wondering if he heard the mean correctly. He could still remember how his parents talked about Sakigake, how they both managed to escape it's constant civil wars when they were younger, and how after settling in Esterelf, they never heard of it again, even with the exodus of Enkidus. And now, an empire from that region came to present itself to the Alliance? Such news were monumental, and he couldn't want to talk about it with his family.

Higini on the other hand, merely remained confused, the weight of such implications not dawning on him.

"... GAAAH!" But what did catch his attention was the sound of thunder in the distance, only to then be revealed that it was just drums caused by the guests. He placed his head on the table, his hands covering his ears while his eyes remained looking at the strange creature paraded around, a look of fear in his face, as Goibniu looked at it with astonishment. And after that, yet another incredible sight caught his attention: A big automobile. It reminded him to the ones in Stalhmin, only bigger in size, which made him wonder if it was of Stalhmin origin, or if it maybe came from Sakigake itself. And from it, an imposing man appeared, one that definitely commanded respect and fear by just looking at him, and Goibniu couldn't help but feel a lot of the former. Higini instead, felt a lot of the latter, as the Emperor Edonga looked at the audience.

His booming voice was definitely one that surprised them both, causing Goibniu to blink, and Higini to shake. But when that was settled, the Emperor expressed his gratitude over being welcomed, and even treated the viewers to a bigger spectacle than before: Fireworks. "Nnnngh!" Even if it was all just for show, Higini couldn't help but be fearful of this display, as it was too much for him to take all at once. But Goinbinu was not as fazed, and in fact, looked rather amazed as he looked up. "Wow... Marvelous..." He couldn't help but feel the pride swelling up inside him.

Eun tried to give a wave towards her new companion after he nodded at her, but he turned back to face the ceremony just as she raised her hand. Her ears drooped slightly as she frowned, but she quickly perked back up as an unexpected announcement came up. Hadn't they already shown all the kingdom leaders? At the mention of the word 'Enkidu' however, clarity struck like a bolt of lightning. They must've invited the leader of that nation. She didn't know anything about it, her parents never really bothering to educate her on the subject, but she was definitely interested in seeing what their leader would look like. As the booming sound became recognizable as drums, Eun started slightly moving her head in rhythm, lightly tapping the table as she began to catch on to the beat.

As the procession continued, she stayed focused on the drums and wished they would skip all the theatrics, but once the Emperor had finally appeared, she stopped her tapping and couldn't help but stare. He had most certainly earned his title. Heck, he was probably the only one up there that she would voluntarily kneel to; the rest all just seemed so... simple compared to him. Then came his fireworks display, and Eun couldn't help but hop to her feet in excitement. The lights were so dazzling! After staring for a brief moment, she turned and smacked the table with her fingers a few times in an attempt to get the other Enkidu's attention, then pointed up at the sky before putting her hands together and then extending them apart, imitating the explosion. She then looked back up at where the lights had been and started clapping excitedly, a smile on her face the entire time.

Maia shook Cassima's hand and nodded at her and the boy sitting at the table. "It's nice to meet you too, Cassima, Higini." She replied. She had to admit, it was nice to have people actually be nice for once. Though the masks probably helped. Maia assumed that they were only being kind because they didn't know her, she imagined if they caught sight of her hidden seal, then they would be less willing to speak kindly. Oh well, she might as well enjoy it while it lasted.

She raised an eyebrow at the mention of Sakigake joining the union of Esterelf. That was very unexpected but she didn't find it to be bad. Though she now imagined that she would have to deliver letters and parcels to there now, which would be a little unnerving, seeing how she had never been there before. Of course, this brought up more questions. Would the Expiate form a branch there? If any Walpurgis moved there, would they be given the same oppression? Maia really didn't know. Perhaps this would make things a little better for Enkidu already here.

Maia was surprised to see Emperor Mada but other than that, she honestly didn't care that he had arrived. To her, he was just another wealthy ruler who only cared about the well-being of himself and those who lined his pockets with gold and secrets. She was honestly wishing she decided to head home early, this Ball wasn't very interesting at the moment. And then, the fireworks began. She had never seen anything quite like it, they were beautiful. A small smile grew on her face. Perhaps things weren't so bad after all. Maybe tonight would be peaceful and go smoothly. Maybe she will have fun.

While the people had been dead silent upon the Emperor's appearance, they applauded loudly upon seeing the fireworks and devolved into excited chatter once it was over. The Emperor eventually took his seat with the other leaders and the host came back to the stage.

"Once again, on behalf of the people of Aldmerrow, we welcome your presence, your Majesty," the host said. Turning once again to the crowd, the host smiled. "And now that all the leaders are here, we now proceed to the Renewal Ceremony itself!"

As he said this, the square would darken while Cartic rune lights focused on the large brazier on the elevated platform. Unlike typical braziers that were black and made of iron, this one had Cartic marks etched along its metal frame and stone. In the middle appeared to be a cluster of lumps of coals.

"As all of you know," the host said. "Every Renewal Ceremony signifies the rekindling of the Esterelf alliance. Each leader is to step forward, casting one of the five necessary Cartic runes necessary in order to light the Unanimity Hearth for another whole year."

The Cartic runes mentioned by the host were not ordinary ones. Known as Cartic Scripts, they were powerful Cartic marks that were hard to memorize due to the amplitude of the effect they harnessed, and they required a lot of both Anima and Lei in order to conjure. Each leader would have to train hard in order to cast these scripts in order to combine and create the Cartic Script for the lasting fire.

"Much like how our nations work together, these Cartic marks work together in order to keep the fire alive--even through the harshest storms, the cruellest of blizzards, and the darkest of nights," he said. "And now, I give the stage to the leaders."

The host would leave the stage. From the leaders' table, the first one to stand was the Saoirsian king. The large man with golden hair moved towards the stage, the little light there was reflecting against the gold of the jeweled sheath of the sword at his side. He would stop a foot from the brazier and unveil his sword, a longsword that glowed bright blue with marks. As he held it with both his hands with the tip pointing skyward, he spoke loudly.

"From the Kingdom of Saoirse, I cast the mark of Luminance," he said. From his sword, a bright and golden mark appeared, almost blindingly bright to those in the front. "Like the light of a flame in the night, Saoirse aims to be the provider of hope in the darkest of times and guide the continent towards the path to a brighter day."

The mark would flash brightly before vanishing as the coals in the hearth turned bright and golden before setting alight into a large golden and flowing wisps of light. The leader stepped to the side on the right of the brazier.

Next to stand up was the leader of Aldmerrow. In her hands were a long and twisted wooden staff with a brilliant blue diamond at its tip entwined in what looked like roots. As she lowered her head, the diamond glowed and another mark appeared, this time in bright blue.

"I cast the mark of Perpetuity," she said in a low and soft voice. "Much like how a good fire lasts uninterrupted despite elements that challenge it, Aldmerrow promises to preserve the traditions of the five kingdoms so that it remains in the perfect balance we have achieved today."

This mark also flashed and soon wisps of light were entwined with those of bright blue. As the leader of Aldmerrow stepped back, the consul of Stahlmin stepped forward. In his on hand was not a staff or sword or any traditional weapon. Instead, he appeared to be holding an intricately designed and old-fashioned pistol in a holster. As he stepped up, he looked at the others in the crowd.

"On behalf of Stahlmin, I offer the Cartic mark of Resilience!" he loudly declared.

As he said this, he aimed his pistol towards the sky and fired. A loud shot would be heard and a bright green light would flash in order to show the next Cartic mark.

"While fire is fearsome and deadly, only the most resilient against the elements can truly last," he said. "And like such a fire, Stahlmin promises to protect the kingdoms with its stalwart forces and technology."

As the mark flashed and was absorbed into the brazier, the colors of the swirling lights seemed to grow even brighter. The colors seemed to blend and almost looked white in color. The leader would step back in order to make way for the Saad sultan. Unlike the others who walked slowly, the sultan walked quickly and with energy, in his hand a golden case of what looked like incense on a silk pillow.

"As the great sultan of Saadedge," he said. "I offer the Cartic mark of Power!"

The sultan would uncap the incense in which a bright orange mark slithered out and hovered into the air.

"A fire is necessary for many things," the sultan said. "It gives light and clarity, but it is also a source of energy that gives life and vigor to the land. Like a fire, Saadedge promises to keep Esterelf alive with its trade, riches, and dedication to culture."

The Cartic mark joined the mass of light before finally joining the other marks. The bright white light finally started to take on the shape of what looked like a flame, but not yet entirely. It was still missing one last piece.

Finally, the Eisleynian princess stepped forward, processing in a bride-like manner with what looked like a bright metal shield carved with the Eisleynian emblem. She did not, however, equip it, but rather held it at its sides like a shield-holder would as it gave it up to a knight. As she faced the shield toward the crowd, she spoke softly, but with enough volume to be heard.

"On behalf of Eisleyn, I offer the Cartic mark of Warmth," she said. In front of the shield, a bright red mark appeared before hovering into the air. "A fire is necessary in order for people to live during the cold. Warmth is what keeps people alive, and has done so since the dawn of time. Like a fire, Eisleyn promises to provide the warmth of fraternity, ensuring that ties between all kingdoms remain intact. Eisleyn promises to be a reminder of love in times of extreme...hate."

The last mark joined the mass of light before it finally turned into a large fire that blazed to life. The audience would applaud as the fire shone brightly. The lights would come back and the leaders would bow once again before joining their guest at the table.

The music started playing and as people cheered and stood, the host came back.

"The Renewal Ceremony has been completed!" he announced.

The surrounding crowd seemed to roar with joy.

Meanwhile, at the table of the leaders, the Eisleynian princess would beckon one of her court members, her mage, to come towards her. She leaned close, her lips moving as she whispered something into her ear. The host continued to speak.

"This officially closes the Unanimity Fair!" the host said. "You are all free to enjoy the rest of the night and--"

"Wait."

The voice was loud and firmed, and yet it was steady in tone. It was the voice of the princess. She had raised her hand in a gesture of making everyone stop. People grew quiet. What did she want? And after the ceremony, too?

The tall robed wizard leaned down and was listening silently to the princess. He slowly rose back up and tapped his staff three times on the ground. Each strike of the stave resounded in a heavy, booming sound like the bell of a church tower.

"Ladies, gentlemen, nobles, commoners, humans, and enkidu...." he nodded respectfully to Emperor Mada who was given a seat at the rightmost of all the other rulers. "We have repeated this festival and ceremony each year hosted in different kingdoms, but following the same practices. Our fair lady Eala would like to propose an event to make this year a memorable one."

The other rulers eyed the princess warily and looked to each other as if somebody else is more aware of what was going on.

"Our beloved lady wishes to make a contest," Winters the archmage continued, his expression completely obscured by his scarves and cover. "I, Albaan Winters, archmage of Eisleyn, have been asked to be the focus of this contest. For those of you who believe to be worthy, you may face me in a duel. Those who manage to overcome me will win a place in the princess's imperial court."

Eyes widen and people started scooting back nervously.

"Your crimes will be forgiven, you will be released from debts, your family will receive the imperial crest...." Winters continued to list the many benefits of receiving a royal occupation, but no one seemed eager to put themselves forwards. This crowd was made of both knights, mercenaries, seasoned adventures, esteemed mages, and skilled individuals, no one wanted to test their metal against Winters

"This is a promise from the princess. Your life will not be endangered. It is simply a fun contest for the entertainment of your fellow countrymen and perhaps your immediate benefit."

Winters did not announce that last part as if there was a likely chance of happening

Just as he observed the fireworks, Goibniu faintly heard the sound of tapping on the table. He first looked at where he was sitting, and his head then turned to the person sitting with him. The way her fingers tapped while looking at him made him think she was trying to get his attention, and thud smiled at her. And when he opened his mouth, she turned to the sky, and with her hands gestured the explosion of the fireworks, a pantomime that made him chuckle. "Hehe, why yes, I too am impressed with the display." He said, as he leaned a bit closer, his head pointing at the sky with a finger tracing the fireworks. "Just imagine the kick they would require to send them flying, and the equipment they use as well. Could they be using gunpowder and cannons? Or mabr something more advanced?"

However, he realized he was still talking to a stranger. "Ah, my apologies madam, I did not introduce myself. My name is Goibniu-" He started, but then was interrupted when thr announcer declare the beginning of the Renewal Ceremony. His attention quickly turned to the leaders again, as the Ceremony itself was explained. He has already seen iy many times before, to the point that he memorized the attribute thst each leader bestowed upon the flame. In fact, if Eun were to pay attention, she would even notice Goibniu silently vocalizing the speech the Stahlmin leader gave for the Cartic Mark of Resilience.

But eventually, the Renewal came to a close, and so would thr Unanimity Fair. Goibniu made a small sigh of satisfaction, as he turned back to Eun... Only to hear that there was yet another announcement to make. Curious, Goibniu looked at how a new event was announced: A duel! "Oh my, this is quite unique!" He said, hearing the rewards planned for this duel. A pardon for any crimes? Covering debts? An imperial crest? All these offers sounded mighty tempting, but at the same time, Goibniu was not in need for any of that. Unless the duel involved pistols at dawn, he was more interested in sitting back and watching. "Wow, they are putting quite a lot of rewards. I wonder how would offer themselves for it." He said out loud for Eun to hear.