Part of the The End's Not Near Arc

Part of the Rest in Pieces: Vailkrin! Arc

Summary: The Coronation of Reginae Naginis is FULL of fun surprises. Various Royal guests make appearances, including Hildegarde with the formerly lost Crown of Varuna, the first naga queen. Mere moments after this precious artifact is returned, Reginae collapses from some unseen force and her elder sister JAIZE arrives on the scene. Formerly, Jaize ruled Alithrya during the days of Vuryal's reign and she's returned to claim what's rightfully hers. In the panic, Xzavior directs people to the exits and Hildegarde takes Reginae's lifeless form back with her to Frostmaw, to prepare funeral rites as Aramoth intended.

Exquisite Ballroom

The ballroom is slightly altered for the day's festivities. A large buffet of various treats has replaced the eastern wall that had been previously lined with chairs. The tables snake around the corner, into the formal dining area. There’s a colorful spread of all manner of delectable delights; Roasted Salamander Kabobs, puffy sweet pastries with sprinkled sugar, and even some Kelay tavern specialties like apple pie and beef sausage. Next to the table of Hors d'oeuvre are the drinks, ranging in size and color. One section is marked non alcoholic. Word is some rather important people might be with child, better to be safe. Moving through the crowd are several naga dressed in ceremonial garb; lengthy gold chains with ivory disks lined down the interior that is worn by males and females alike. The women were loose fitting sleeveless ivory camisole tops, embroidered with golden hems. The men where a similar fabric, with a thicker cut for their broad shoulders. Music is already floating out into the courtyard from the ball room, where several citizens are giving dance lessons to the travelers. Fresh flowers have been transported in jars and vases to add additional color and fragrance to the large room. Large tapestries cover the walls, depictions of previous rulers and the length of their reign and how they met their end cover the westernmost wall. Most of the tapestries are ancient, so old the thread behind the names and images have faded. Only the ghost of a portrait remains for most. Reginae’s portrait has been added to the line up, on fresh linen, next to a near identical image of a naga woman who boasts matching white hair and intense eyes. “Jaize Naganis” is embroidered below the tinted tapestry. Her reign lasted for roughly a year before the downfall of the Archmosian empire caused her either desert the cause or be killed by the ruthless Empire Vuryal. The Queen to Be is also on the dance floor, hair spun up a loose bun, stray strands tickling the back of her neck while she laughs at some horrible joke a feline has just told her. There’s a surprising number of other races mingling among the naga without incident. She’s wearing a golden waistcoat over crimson, low cut long sleeved peasant shirt. The gold is contrasted by a long, snowy belt with large loops trailing down over a fluffed golden skirt complete with train trailing over her white scales. Her face appears extra pale, due to a light layer of make up. She’s smiling and greeting guests as they enter the ballroom between conversations and laughter. As more people file into the room, it’s clear this is the celebration portion before the ceremony and everyone is encouraged by the hostess herself to have a marvelous time.

Brennia was summoned, or rather, the guild was summoned to entertain with some light classical sounding music during this event and Brennia is introduced as such. Her and a quartet of musicians are not garbed up in anything noticeable, but rather some simple dark grey suits, dresses or cloaks. The four members follow Brennia lead in each song seamlessly as if they are all connected on some sort of musical level to which no one else can see or feel, aside from the peacefulness being woven into the serene music. Although the headmistress was not making any effort to have herself stand out from the other Bards with here it would be difficult to not miss her with her six foot two height, elongated pointed ears, large onyx wings and a posture about her that attracts respect from most. Brennia seemed to have brought a golden floor harp to play for today as a piano would have been far too heavy and took up too much room. Eyes closed in concentration and fingers nimbly plucking at the harp strings along with the other Bards playing various instruments befitting oceans in a sort of theme.

Hildegarde , being the Queen of the North, has made it her solemn duty to be here on time in order to wish Reginae well on this most important day. Hildegarde remembered her own coronation, a coronation that was won in the heat of battle and sealed with blood. Tristram had been the one to put the crown atop her bashful head. Perhaps she might be able to do the same for Reginae today. Although she had been informed that Naga tradition was very different, so she wouldn’t assume too much right away. “Reginae,” the Silver called as she made her way across the dance floor with smooth and purposeful steps. One might say she had a dancer’s grace, but she certainly lacked the beauty of a dancer. “M’lady,” the Queen of War would offer, along with a most courteous dip of the head. A Queen did not bow nor kneel to another, she had learned. “You look radiant,” she compliments. Reginae must have been the height of Naga fashion this night. Hildegarde, however, was bedecked in a tunic lined with mithril chainmail; certain parts of the chainmail dyed to form the sigil of Frostmaw in the chest region. The tunic, the trousers, even the boots were all trimmed with fur.

Samson and Lita had commuted here via magical ferry. There is some price gauging action going on at the Cenril docks! Their tickets had cost approximately ... he didn't tell Lita how much it had cost. They're here now. He'd put on a suit and hoped for the best. Despite his line of work, his suit isn't black/funereal, it's a slim suit in a pewter color with a sort of periwinkle cast to it. He has colored socks and a tartan wool tie. Yeah, he's going a bit hard with the hipster right now. His hair is great, Bryce Harper himself would be jealous. Samson and Lita had gotten nosebleed tickets to this event, and so were expected to watch among the hoi polloi, but by some fortuitous error have instead been granted access to the ballroom, which is filled with VIPs. Sam sees Brennia, strumming the harp, and waves awkwardly at her while she's not looking. "I met her randomly, her name is Brennia," he says to Lita, whom he has also met randomly. Was this a weird idea, coming together? He'd kind of figured they'd be crushed among a hot mess of other commoners, witnessing a historical event, but now it seems a little... he hopes her boyfriend doesn't mind. "Should we get drinks? We should get drinks," he says to her, nudging her toward that area. "Before they realize we're here and throw us out because they hate my tie. Gogogogo."

Xzavior came by not all too long after the event began. He, however, wasn't garbed up in anything ceremonial. Not out of disrespect, mind you, but for the lack of attire. He hadn't been back in Hollow for that long and he had just recently heard of the event. Not all too surprised Reginae would be the one crowned, seeing as he was gone dealing with outside affairs for so long, he wasn't disappointed or anything. But he was going to make sure Reginae id just what was needed to. So far, this party was a nice start. But then, a party is just that. It's hard to really do wrong with one. Speaking of, it's been a time since they talked. Heading through the crowd, he made his way to the woman and smiled a bit before offering a bow of his head.

Larewen had a gown selected and everything for this evening’s festivities, but a certain spell-blade’s failed assassination attempt sees that lovely dress abandoned within House Dragana to collect dust for the foreseeable future. Though her own Guild would have enjoyed being present this evening, many of them are working away at tasks assigned by the necromancer; tasks to leash Corruption and return Larewen to her body. In fact, chances are the elf, now taken from her body and forced to roam between lands as little more than an angry spirit, is likely completely unnoticed, save for those that are more familiar with magic. Faintly, beneath the auras of the others that have gathered, Larewen’s being can be detected: an unholy energy, seemingly without source and yet there nonetheless. Mismatched eyes sweep over those present, taking in familiar and unfamiliar faces alike as she contemplates which of those present are worth expending the energy to manifest before. Naturally, it is the soon-to-be Queen of the Naga herself that Larewen’s ghastly presence first approaches - and by proxy, the Queen of War as well. There is a dip in the temperature near both women, a shifting in the air, and then the slow forming of the necromancer’s body, translucent and incorporeal. This version of her is…. quite a site indeed, and certainly not fitting for a coronation. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done about that, and the wounds she has sustained from Emrith’s attempt on her life are garish, even if ethereal. “A new dawn rises among your people, dear heart,” the elf greets, her voice a disembodied echo of the elf that Reginae has come to know as a friend. Her head dips to Hildegarde as well, and she is as civil as the dead can be. “Queen Hildegarde.”

Pilar wasn't exactly in a partying mood, but there was no way in hell she was going to miss her teacher's coronation! She had even bought a new dress for the occasion: ruby red, with a black bodice and golden accents. The skirt reached the floor, hiding her silver leg and less-new shoes. She wore no jewelry other than the brass stud in her left nostril, and her hair was down, unusually for her. Pilar, shy as ever, was visibly relieved when she came across Reginae on her way in. “Congratulations,” she said, giving the alabaster naga a hug. “You deserve this.” She wanted nothing more than to stick around Reginae, but the queen-to-be had other guests to mingle with. She'd find her later. For now, she drifted over to the refreshments and grabbed a glass of white wine, bringing it to her lips. “I'm glad you made it, Pilar,” a voice said from behind her. Pilar lowered the glass and turned, smiling. “Yozenra. It's good to see you.” Reginae's official bodyguard, Yozenra cut an imposing figure when she wanted. Tall and muscular, the naga warrior's usual stoic demeanor was gone, and she smiled at Pilar. She was wearing her armor, though it had been polished for the occasion, and carried with her her trusty trident. Long purple dreads fell down her back, and her flawless ebony tail stretched out behind her.

Reginae flushes when Hildegarde approaches her. “It's been such a long time,” She laughs, covering her mouth with her hand before offering a bow of head in return. It felt foreign, the naga preferred the warrior's grip on the arm. It felt more fitting. They were kindred spirits, bound in battle and duty. “I'm so pleased you could make it, please have a drink or try your hand at dancing?” The Queen's compliment comes without warning and blush snakes along under Reginae's makeup'd cheeks. “I bet you say that to all the pretty nagas.” Pilar runs by to give Reginae a hug, which sparks an affection smile moments before Larewen appears out of literal thin air, startling and delighting the Queen-to-be. “My word,” She pauses, looking over her injuries. “I know there's a story here I can't wait to here. Thank you so much for making your way here, Larewen, dear.” Another laugh before Xzavior approaches and she gives him a warm but cautious smile. “Good evening, Brother. Welcome home, how have you been?”

Meri arrives, ideally with Callum for there had been discussions about this event in particular. It is not very characteristic of Meri so show up to a formal event like a ball without good reason and good company was often not good reason enough. Yet she was here, and she has even put effort into her appearance so that she fits in amongst the crowd rather than stands out. The dress is nothing flashy or sultry, one of those simple black numbers with a bit of green trim. I hope an artist was commissioned, Lita, because who knows when this day will repeat itself. Though there is dancing, it is not one of the first things Meri is keen on doing, if at all. It seems the woman would like to attempt to make her rounds, perhaps with Callum in tow or perhaps they part ways, but the tattooed blonde is intent on greeting those she is familiar with, performing or not. You people know who you are! Lita. Brennia. Xzavior. Pilar. Whomever she knows, they will all get a hello. Oh, the booze table. Meri needs to visit the booze table too, this is of course a high priority.

Macon regrets to inform you that it is only The Furious King, sans Rage Queen, in attendance today. Sorry, hopefully some recovering alcoholic can enjoy the mocktails station in her stead.The Larketian Royalty, read Macon, has decided that traveling to Alithrya, a city full of snake people, is just too dangerous a trip for the pregnant Josleen to make. Considering that the main way of reaching the city is through a whirlpool in the sea, this may be understandable. Of course, if a reason for the Queen of Larket’s absence is ever given, that will not be the one given. Instead, she will be fictionally ill, or have some matter of grave Larketian importance that, for some reason, she is needed and not the king himself. This is a formal event, that isn’t a wedding, and that Josleen is not here for, so The Rage Knight is in full, shined armor, is wearing the heavy, marble Crown of Larket, and brought The Rage Axe with him for good measure. Macon traveled here with a contingent of six Kingsguard, but only two attend the ceremony as his bodyguards, the other four are only in Alithrya for protection during travel to and from the City Out of Time. Thanks to recent events, it has been made clear that the royals are not 100% safe from witches and revolutionaries, even inside Fort Freedom, so Macon hasn’t even brought the cream of the crop with him as his Royal Guard. It is two rather basic looking, not war-famous gentlemen in armor that flank the king, one carrying swords, one carrying no weapons, suggesting a battle mage of some type. The Larketian King makes his way to the guest of honor first, to offer his congratulations and chit chat briefly and vaguely about how Muzo is a genius. His voice is rough and the accent is thick as always, but for some reason or another he does not come off as aggressive and standoffish as he might any other day. Strange.

Pilar and Yozenra shared a brief hug. “You look lovely,” Yozenra offered. Pilar blushed. “Thanks. Um, you too.” As Meri approached the drinks table, Pilar lifted a hand in a wave. “Miss Meri, hello!” Yozenra's stoic mask was back on, and the guard dipped her head in greeting. “Welcome to Alithrya,” she said before turning to Pilar. “I'm afraid I'm on the clock, Pilar. I hope we get another chance to chat soon.” Pilar smiled at her. “I understand. Goodbye!” The naga guard slithered away, and Pilar turned her attention back to Meri.

Lita was invited. She showed up. She was trying to be better about that. Meri was a bad influence. She'd managed to find a dark blue dress that had been purchased in Frostmaw years ago and given her as a gift. She had no idea who the designer was but it looked fancy, the skirt was short without being inappropriate and she had suede thigh high boots with heels to match. She assumed shoes were a classy thing to wear to events like weddings and coronations. And she's glad she's dressed up a little- more than usual- and fixed her hair into a nice braid over her shoulder because even though Sam had said, 'no it's fine, no one will notice, there will be so many people' they were being ushered into a ballroom. Dark eyes widened a bit as she glanced around, taking in the grandieur and beauty of the place and she reached out sideways to slap playfully at Sam's shoulder. She'd managed not to judge him for his fashion choices but now she was judging him for being ridiculous! She rolled her eyes at him as he ushered her towards a drinks table. Thank the gods. She'll likely snag a drink and the elbow of a particular tattooed blonde to spare a moment poking fun about the time Sam probably spent picking out his outfit. All in good fun. He looks adorable, really.

Callum actually made it to a royal event, it seemed. He didn’t get food poisoning this time! Huzzah! And, he just so happened to be looking pretty hot too (sorry Meri). Raven locks were left as they often were, and a tuxedo adorned his form. Beneath the black coat and pants was a shirt of the darkest green, the dark colors of his attire allowing for the gold color of his waistcoat’s buttons to shine and pop out a bit, either when he removed his jacket or if they happened to peek through from beneath. With an arm out like the gentleman he totally was (shut up Meri. He’s totally a gentleman), he’d lead her from the entrance to the ballroom and over to the side near the wall for the moment, whispering quietly to the blonde, “Didn’t I tell you something was frakkin’ fishy about this?” Okay, so fishy wasn’t the right word for it. Scaly? Snakey? Slithery? Okay. None of those words really work either. You get where I’m going with this. “Seems she’s about as good of a liar as we are,” he’d continue, following her around to greet the people she knew. “Oh. Here. I forgot to give you this.” A rather green sprig of flowers was offer to the female, the blossoms themselves looking something along the lines of snapdragons or bluebells, albeit as green as those green trims on her dress. “I’d meant to give you one before for the birthday party, but you know.” He shrugged, letting her drag him around where she pleased.

Macon knows that a chat with The Queen of Frostmaw about witches leaving Larket for The City of War is on his plate, but here and now feels like neither the place or the time. So if they catch each other's’ eyes, the king will just offer a polite nod her way. The magically inclined half of the present Larketian Royal Guard takes notice of the apparition of Larewen’s presence and discusses with his counterpart that they should keep an eye on that. He also mentions to his partner that he has ‘stabbed a ghost before.’

Samson is here for Lita's quasi gogo girl outfit but he very politely keeps that thought to himself. ("Cool dress," he'd said.) The other guys around the bar are also here for it, and are making comments that he can hear except he's not confrontational so he and Lita just talk amongst themselves and pretend they're not happening but sometimes he scowls in their direction kind of futilely. The appearance of Meri and Callum in the general vicinity provide ample distraction from that situation, as presumably Lita and Meri engage in some kind of woman seeing other woman shrill noise reaction. Introductions occur. "I'm literally a random person she met at a bar," he says, about himself, and then immediately questions whether that comment hit. He has obtained a glass of the hoppiest beer on tap, and is drinking that. He quickly inquires how Lita and Meri know one another, to discover the SoulsKin connection. "I dig that you're mixing up the dress code a bit," he says to Callum, pulling the other man into a sidebar as the women discuss... women matters.

Hildegarde offered a polite smile to Larewen, “Ah, Larewen, it’s good to see you. You’re looking… well, looking as if you’ve been having some adventures!” she said with a little smile. What else can she say? ‘Hey, you look dead’? It seems impolite. As she scans the room, she spots Macon. She’d rather not talk to him if she can avoid it, but… she did promise Josleen she’d make the effort. Excusing herself but not stepping too far away in case she is called into conversation, Hildegarde offers Macon a warm greeting. “King Macon,” she had never called him ‘king’ before. She always tried to avoid calling him by his title. “You are looking well.”

Xzavior kept an even look when he saw Macon here as well. However, looking between the few here, noticing Meri as well, he'd have to talk to her. Looking back to Reginae, he bobbed his head side to side before saying, "I've been well. Had a few rough moments on my trip but other then that, I'm glad to be here." Not a lie. He was. But he was still going to make sure everything went well.

Larewen glances in Pilar’s direction as she comes near, embraces Reginae, and then slips off once more. Were she corporeal, this would likely be where the elf clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth in that vexing way she expresses disappointment. But then… Can she blame the younger vampire for not seeing her? No, not really. Macon’s Kingsguard’s comment does not escape her hearing and a faint twist of her lips upward precedes Reginae’s greeting. Her head lifts slightly and a spurt of dark ectoplasm oozes from the gaping wound in her neck. “You will hear all about it once the Crown of Alithrya sits in its rightful place,” she replies. To the Queen of War, an amused smirk is offered. “Adventures, yes. A few of which we may need to discuss at a less important time,” the necromancer replies. After all, this is Reginae’s day and if anything, somewhere in that shriveled up, currently intangible heart of hers, Larewen does feel joy - or some semblance of it - for the naga’s new Queen. No greeting is offered to King Macon. It probably has to do with the witches, if the twist of her ghastly features are anything to go by.

Kenzie only saw public postings of the ball and coronation of the new Alythria queen. The young homeless elf figured this would be a good opportunity and invited herself. Red is her color choice, from red knee high boots to crimson leather short shorts, and a short crimson leather corset with sleeves. Her midrift is exposed for all to see, yet she shows no care in the world. Her red hair is pulled back into a ponytail, to keep her blue eyes from hiding behind locks. "This is going to be easy. They will be distracted, making this a childs game," she said to herself as she took in the sites and culture of this strange place.

Macon ’s nod was not enough to keep the dragon away, so when Hildegarde comes over to greet him, he deposits a half empty glass onto the tray of a waiter passing by and puts on his best polite smile, making sure not to call her ‘Dragon Queen’ or something similar out loud, “Queen Hildegarde. As are you.” He says, reflecting the mild complement/standard social opening back at her. No sense avoiding it now that she is here in front of him, “Josleen tells me there is somethin’ you wish to discuss…”

Reginae turns to also greet Macon, King of Larket with a respectful nod of her head in kind. They exchange proper introductions and Reginae offers her well wishes and apologies for the Queen's absence. Poor thing, hopefully she feels better soon. As they get to discussing Muzo, Reginae can't help but look a little happier as the name drips off her painted lips with such life, Larewen might well get another body for it! During a lull in their circle of conversations, she gestures towards the beautiful and talented Brennia. "Marvelous harp, I just can't believe we're so lucky to have her here." There would time and place to thank Brennia proper when things calmed down. For now, business before pleasure.

Meri internally sighs. Why yes, Cal. Thanks for showing up here and looking hot. Meri so appreciates! ....but she manages to maintain her composure and behave herself. As in, she is trying very hard to not be a flirty birdy. Callum can pretend to be a gentleman, Meri will pretend to be a lady, they both know the truth. Those whispered words are met with a half-grin but nothing is whispered back, let's not be too obvious with this little gossip session. The flower that she is given is sort of met with a perplexed look, like what is this for? What are you doing? Stop being so nice..but ultimately Meri finds a nice home for this sprig she has been given. It is ticked away within her blonde hair so that she does not have to carry it around with her. This is what she was supposed to do, right? Hopefully, because it was happening. Callum's arm is taken, those rounds are made. "Hello, Pilar! It is good to see you again." A few more pleasantries probably before Callum and Meri do end up with Lita and Samson. There is no shrill greeting though. Both of these women are too cool for that, it is probably a kiss on the cheek sort of exchange. The side bar Samson tries to have with Callum still gets some womanly interjection. "I happen to think he looks quite good tonight." Blue eyes drift toward Reginae, as if Meri was half contemplating making her way closer to the naga hosting the ceremony.

Reginae said to Xzavior, "I'm glad you made it though, I'd love to hear all about it when you have the time and you've gotten everything sorted with being back."

Callum blinked as he was pulled away from Meri by the guy that Lita literally just randomly met in a bar. “I, um, well--” Yeah, he doesn’t know how to finish this sentence. This was unexpected. Whhhhyyy did Meri have to know people here? How -does- she know so many people? This is unheard of! (Okay, actually, Cal, you’re just weird because you don’t know anyone. Sheesh, maybe you should get out of the botanical garden more?) Also, what’s with these SoulsKin girls and randomly meeting dudes in bars? There was a silently pleading side-eye given to Meri, but he did manage a forced smile at Samson. “Right. Erm. I’m Cal...and you are?” Yes, make conversation like a good boy. That’s it. But also keep an eye on these naga too--especially Reginae and Xzavior. Discreetly! Don’t stare at them, you idiot. Oi. There’s actually a bit of blushing too as Meri interjects with her compliment. WHAT ARE YOU DOING, WOMAN?! Don’t say things like that. Frakkin’ she-devil. Sheesh.

Hildegarde turned her head to smile at Larewen, “Yes, of course,” now wasn’t the time of course, so she merely promised to discuss it at a later date. As Macon states Josleen had told him she had wished to discuss something, Hildegarde shook her head, “It can wait. It would be impolite of us to discuss it here, now, wouldn’t it?” she said with a smile. No need to rain on Reginae’s parade. “Josleen has said she wishes for us to get to know one another a bit better, given what we mean to her,” Hildegarde knows she has some kind of importance to Josleen. Not a lot, but it’s there!

Xzavior gave another nod to Reginae before leaving her to do as she would with the other guests. She, after all, would be more inclined to talk to them after all. Instead, Xzavior left to talk to some of the few he knew around here. Firstly, catching up with the artist. Who happened to be close to Pilar. Two birds eh? Making his way over, he put on a more cheery grin and said, "Well hello there. Been a time now hasn't it?"

Samson is actually just as weird as Callum and if he could read Callum's mind, would be like, 'lol same.' As it is though, Samson is likewise donning his Hello My Name Is smile and trying to make with the man conversation while the women converse. "Samson Bumgarner," he introduces himself, shakes Cal's hand, and then follows his gaze to the snake people. Say something, Sam! Say something not stupid! Something manly! "Do you like sports?" he asks Cal. A beat. "Actually, I don't know why I asked that, because I hate them." He reaches for what appears to be chicken on a stick that is being passed around by wait staff. Like an embarrassed cat cleaning itself after it's taken a tumble, Sam pops the food into his mouth, chews, looks around. Someone nearby crows, regarding the alleged chicken on a stick, "The salamander kabobs are SOOOO good!" and Sam bug eyes immediately, almost chokes.

Pilar was alone again. She drained her glass, placed it on the table, and slipped away into the crowd. Macon was given a glare from across the room, while Hildegarde got a more mournful look. Regret? Speaking of, she finally spotted Larewen, and froze in her tracks at the sight of her. How had she not noticed...? It was then that someone bumped into her, sending her tumbling to the ground. The person in question continued on their merry way, not even bothering to help the vampire up or ask if she was okay. Pilar took longer than was strictly necessary to get back up, as she fought back tears. Larewen... Oh, Larewen... “Pilar, you okay?” The vampire looked up. Yozenra had found her again. “I... Yes, I'm fine...” “You don't look it,” Yozenra said. She had deposited her trident somewhere, and held her empty hand out to Pilar. “Come on. Let's dance.” “Wh-what?” Pilar was beyond surprised. “D-dance? I... But, aren't you busy?” “I can spare the time for a single dance,” Yozenra replied. Pilar hesitated another moment before taking Yozenra's hand. The naga smiled and led Pilar to the dance floor, a light blush across her dark cheeks.

Reginae nodded at Macon and Hildegarde, like she was in the know of their private business without saying a word. She was a lover of secrets, but not a rude one! Instead she pats Xzavior gratefully on the shoulder and offers him a smile and Larewen a bow of her head. "There is a special section for you during the coronation part." She winks, directing this statement to Hildegarde, Larewen, and Macon (of course the absent Josleen will have a seat as well!) Now then! There are some dance moves to unleash for the big day! She leads a group of people in dancing, it's traditional and older than her by centuries (isn't everything naga related anymore?). You put your tail here, and your hips there...What's that? A little harder with feet, oh boy, of course it can be altered and before long she's got a semi decent group of dancers on her tail (not literally, ouch). She waves at Callum, who might not recognize her, and swings by Pilar's table to give her an encouraging hug. She didn't know the details but she looked down, moments after Yozenra appears and the two went off to dance. How sweet.

Macon will return to Larket with a detailed account of how Reginae says Muzo’s name and something that is akin to an ‘I told you so.’ This much is certain. For perhaps the first time ever, The Rage Knight agrees wholeheartedly with The Frostmawian Queen in regards to not discussing the witchy situation here on Reginae’s special day. No foreign leaders came to his coronation, by the way! A fact that normally would have made him irksome while attending this, but not today, for some reason. “I agree. Best t’leave it for another time. Soon, I hope.” The topic shifts to Josleen’s desire for the two monarchs to stop loathing each other and the king nods, “We owe the queen at least enough t’try.” He says, meaning the Larketian Queen. “You two are close. Were even before you made her Thane. Yes?”

Kenzie has no interest in greeting the soon to be queen. She could care less about royalty, the young elf thinking all were nothing but snobs. No, she stuck to the outskirts until she focused on a distracted guest, slowly making her way to them. Kenzie knows about the queen of Frostmaw, Queen Hildegarde, but she has never seen the monarch, and has no idea the queen is her first victim of theft. Now that she is close enough, she takes a few moments to examine what goods can be lifted from her, as well as the others around her. Strange. Nothing of worth is seen, except maybe a little pouch or bag of something. Has to be coin. No one would carry spices or jewels around. Slowly she reaches for the little pouch, trying to work quickly with shakey hands to lift it off without its owner finding out.

Hildegarde smiled as Reginae spoke of a special seating area for her and her fellow crown wearers. She didn’t mind sitting amongst everyone else, she quite preferred it! But she’d follow out her Queenly duty and sit somewhere posh. As Macon asks about Josleen and Hildegarde’s relationship, the Silver nods her head. “Indeed. We were not always very close, but we bonded over our friendship with Skylei and during a mission. Josleen snuck me into an exile camp, disguised as a giantess with me as her prisoner,” the Silver smiled fondly at the memory. “We’ve been through thick and thin.” Because she is so distracted talking to Macon, she fails to notice Kenzie

Callum just kinda blinked even more at Samson. “Sports? Oh gods, no. I hate them. They’re too… physical.” That’s not to say that Cal can’t get physical, though just not in the way Meri wants. Sorry, Meri. He watches as Samson then chokes on his salamander kabob, giving Lita and Meri ALL of the side-eye. Oh good. Someone that actually might be weirder than Callum. What a strange thing to happen to the Catalian. While he may not have exactly recognized Reginae, just the fact that it was obvious that -she- was the Reginae that was getting crowned and that the name ‘Reginae’ didn’t seem to be a very common one, it didn’t take Cal much to put two and two together. He looks a little pale for the moment, as he watches the soon-to-be queen wave in his direction and he’d offer a silent one in return. Oh great. She knows I’m here.

Meri could make it worse, Callum....and she knew this too. That temptation was there to fake a pout and fuss about how Cal should dance with her. Oh joy. Thankfully the she-devil has the decency to behave herself. It is right when Sam starts questioning Callum about sports that Meri checks out of this conversation. Disinterested. And while Callum may be trying to keep an eye on the nagas in question, Meri seems more intent on keeping an ear on them. Away from the men Meri goes, leaving Callum to fend for himself with Samson, while tattooed blonde tries to meander closer to Reginae. She was hardly she about her attempts to keep the naga within earshot, so much that she would actually go right on up and greet Reginae with a warm smile and a compliment. "Lovely event that you are hosting." And from there on our, Meri was going to try and stick close. Like some chick trying to brown nose her way to fame.

Callum just stares all wide-eyed at Meri as she GOES TO TALK TO REGINAE. Damn it, woman. Cal gave you pretty flowers and everything. Can’t you ever stay put?!

Reginae stares at Meri with a surprised smile. "Why hello there, are you a friend of Cal's?" How pretty is she? Like a little water lily, all dressed up and ready to dance. "May I?" she asks, bowing carefully before Meri before escorting her back to the dance floor.

Samson recovers his composure, chews very slowly, and swallows. "They look and taste just like chicken," he says to Callum, in case the other guy's curious. Callum appears to have gone pale, possibly at the prospect of eating salamander. Can't blame the guy. Samson hopes that the women reenter the circle of their conversation and begin directing conversational traffic away from the awkward small talk of Sam-Cal but Meri suddenly pulls away and Lita has wandered away to speak to a random person whom she apparently knows. Sam looks after her, and then at Callum. "This is what happens when your date is literally a random person you met in a bar," he says. "I haven't the foggiest who she's talking to, but at least she's not trying to make me dance. It's the little things." He reaches for another salamander kabob and eats it. Whatevs.

Kenzie safely picking the coin pouch, she takes a deep breath of relief. She didn't think she would actually eable to pull this off, "I can't be believe that worked," she whispered to herself. This one being successful, she looks around for the next, sliding the coin into a pouch of her own, a red one, to blend in with the rest of her clothing, as skimpy as it looks. Least it still covers. Actually, she had a few pouches of her own, on her. Samson looks like another good one to try and pickpocket. The naga look like good targets too, but she's smart to stay away from them. Snakes were not her thing. "He looks like a good one.." Booted steps carry her closer to Samson, not knowing she could be in over her head with this choice.

Macon nods briefly at the mention of Skylei, who was unwittingly invaluable to the initial capture of Josleen in Cenril. (Did she ever even apologize for that? Oh well.) And who Macon has only met during the preparations for his wedding, and the wedding itself. He cannot recall her visiting Larket since. The Rage Knight grins (grins!? Macon!?) at the reminiscing Hildegarde does about his wife and fires back with a tale of his own. “‘As she told you about when we were trapped in a Dryad’s ‘edge maze?” The accent makes that sentence difficult to follow, but the story clarifies all. He leaves out the political intrigue that led them into the mess in the first place, and embellishes the tale to make himself and Josleen sound very heroic, while leaving out several of the parts where they were all in very mortal danger. The story is full of literal and figurative twisting turns, a mad cow, and a legendary staff the king used to beat the evil dryad over the head with.

Meri cannot stay put no! Special instructions must be provided at all times...If talking to the Snake Queen was a no go it probably should have been explicitly spelled out, Cloud. And even then there is a high probability she is going to do whatever she wants to do anyway. Like dance with Reginae! She will do that in addition to talking to the woman. "How can I refuse?" comes Meri's answer before moving to the dance floor with Reginae. She was not familiar with this dance but a valiant effort is going to be made to learn it on the fly, hopefully quickly enough to impress Reginae. Sorry, Cal?

Larewen :: The commotion of Pilar being knocked into garners the younger vampire a glance from the elf, but hardly more than that before Reginae’s words have drawn her attention back to the Queen-to-be. A surprisingly pleasant… okay, let’s not lie. Larewen’s dead right now, and given the state of her ghostly form, there’s nothing pleasant about the way her lips twist into a smile. It’s creepy, okay? It’s the best she can muster, though the news is pleasant enough. There’s not much sitting for the specter to do, honestly. “Thank you,” is offered quietly before Reginae is slithering away. Unlike the others present, there is little merriment for Larewen to join in. Not having a body gets in the way of those things, and so the necromancer moseys on over to the designated seating area to take up her chair. At the same time, the banshee fades from sight: there is no point in maintaining a visible appearance. Hopefully, she is spared being sat on by the Dragon Queen and the Larketian King.

Macon also gets into making nice with Hildegarde too much to notice Kenzie until she is well into her escape. He can't be sure she actually took anything. His kingsguard, who are watching from the outskirts do notice, but don't bother to tell the dragon queen due to their Larketian grudge holding.

Hildegarde is absolutely unaware of Kenzie holding onto her coin and sneaking away as she speaks to Macon. She seems shocked at the mention of the hedge maze and the subsequent crazy story of how they escaped and survived it! Hildegarde nods here and there, gasping when appropriate. “Josleen is certainly incorrigible,” she smiled, “and nothing will ever stop her.” When Macon wasn’t radiating some kind of crazy evil rage aura, he was actually quite decent and likeable. Maybe they could actually be friends? “I hear that Larket breeds some of the finest horses. I’d like to have a proper look at them one day, the last time I saw them it was very brief.”

Throne Room

The elegantly crafted stage remains in place as the crowd is ushed from the ballroom into the throne room. It's clear the nagas take their politics very serious. While their methods are partially tribal, relying on conquest in battle to sit upon their throne, the palace is immaculate minus the small layers of waters that prevent the friction of scales against rough tiles. Large Banners of Gold and White are draped from the surrounding pillars. Rows of chairs have been assembled for creatures of all sizes and shapes. Just like the previous meeting of the citizens, held in the Water Gardens, there are warm stones in place of chairs for those naga attending. The row of chairs more befitting Giants and Dragons make up the farther rows, the chairs shrinking the closer they are to the stage. Of course, there is a special section afforded for the other area leaders; King of Larket, Macon and his Queen Josleen as well as Queen Hildegarde of Frostmaw and Larewen of House , who’d been invited as a representative of Vailkrin. Everyone else is invited to take their seats among the various races and creeds represented here today. One of the naga hosts whispers something to Brennia, asking her to politely make an announcement that will send people in the direction of the throne room.

Samson barely notices that a woman in hot pants has bumped into him, he's being bumped into by all manner of people around the bar. For the record, he has, in the wallet he's keeping in his pocket: the stubs from the tickets to the ferry, an unchewed-in-the-wrapper slice of chewing gum, some change, business cards for himself/the funeral home in Cenril, and a folded up, half-finished RP between himself and a female RPer of certain repute in his space wizard game. Its content is x-rated, i.e., space-wizard Magnus is getting it in with an improbably hot babe who is yet somehow President of the lunar colonies. Whatever. Sam'll have some awkward feelings when he realizes that this scene was pilfered. In any event, he takes the jostling by Kenzie as reason to excuse himself from Callum - under the guise of keeping track of the women - and he rejoins Lita, who has left the random person to whom she was speaking. "Hey, who was that? Should we get some seats?" he asks her.

Callum recovers from his shock of Meri doing Meri-things (what else is new, amirite?) and returns his attention to Samson who, despite nearly choking on the first one, was shoving another kabob down his throat. “I’m not sure who she’s talking to either. I really only know Meri and Lita. Okay, and I guess the new Queen too. If only Josleen was here, I’m sure I could talk to her about plants or something.” Yeah. That’d be nice. Plants were always nice to talk about. -Always-. Kenzie and her approach towards Samson was noted, of course, as Callum was a rather perceptive dude. But, he said nothing. He just watched, without making it obvious that he was watching and attempted to keep his attention on Sam. “So what bar did she meet you in?” That’ll do as conversation for now, I guess. Well, no, it seemed like this was an amazing time to get away from Sam because Cal can’t make small talk to save his life--ask Meri. She knows this. And so, when Meri was finished sweeping the naga queen off her feet, he’d interject with a clearing of his throat before a hand was held out to lead the tattoo artist to their seats. He’s being polite as hell. It’s kind of weird, really.

Samson before he leaves Cal, of course had bobbed his head as if talking about plants was totally normal. "Whaler's," he'd said to the other guy, as if that revelation contained a world of meaning. It doesn't. They just don't know what to say to each other.

Brennia stands aside from the members of her guild in order to use her bardic powers to project over the clattering of the crowd after three simple notes from the harp indicate for an announcement. Everyone would hear the sultry alto timbre of the Avian as if she were standing right next to them, “Merry meet everyone. Welcome. The regal Reginae will have your audience due south to the throne room for the ceremonies.” With this she bows slightly in a sort of curtsy with her fist over to chest towards Reginae and quietly instructs her bard guild members to sit among the crowd until they are further needed.

Macon continues his talk with Hildegarde as they make their way to the monarch+Larewen seating area. If there is even a fraction of a chance that the king is about to sit on the vampire’s spirit, his bodyguards will stop him and make sure that does not ever happen. They are pros. The very recent treatment by the alchemist Muzo to dampen, and eradicate the king’s Rage Infection is clearly working wonders, and this is definitely the reason for the difference in The Fury Knight that Hildegarde is seeing. The smokin’ hot topic of conversation probably doesn’t hurt his demeanor either. ‘Nothing will ever stop her.’ Well said, Dragon Queen. Indeed, he goes on to insist that Larketian horses are the absolute best in the whole world, and that she must come to take a test drive with one very soon, perhaps they can set up a date for that and their little witch discussion to kill two birds with one stone.

Meri eyes that hand for a split-second, she is clearly not used to Cal behaving in such a way with her. Are you sure you are not going to freak out on me? This is allowed right now? She would take that offered hand, be escorted to her seat, and probably whisper some sort of commentary to Cal about how he was being so nice tonight...and how frakkin' weird is was. Frakkin' was used this time because she is making fun of him. Nothing abnormal there.

Lita is grateful to be rescued from random conversation about some political happenings going on in some far-off corner of the world. She'd tried mentioning she was from Rynvale and that she didn't always keep up with affairs from other cities but that had only caused the stranger to launch into a whole other political satire. Lita was trying to be polite and not roll her eyes. She made a big show of Sam showing up again though, reaching for his arm as she excused herself rather pointedly. "No idea." she murmured to Sam, squeezing his arm gently, a silent thanks at having been 'rescued'. "Seats, yes. That's a plan." Her feet were killing her in those boots.

Hildegarde practically feels like any other noble lady being escorted by a noble lord to the sitting area! She agrees that a test drive would be fantastic, insisting that Macon joins her on such an adventure. The Queen takes her seat, Lisbeth joining her eventually and talking quietly to her about the impending coronation.

Kenzie having bumped into Samson, reached for anything of value, like his wallet, hoping to find something good in it. When and if she isn't caught, she stops to take a look in the wallet, unimpressed with her findings. The change she pulls out for herself and stuffs it in an empty pouch on her left side, then she notices the folded up paper, curiosity getting the best of her. She slowly opens it and starts to read it, unsure of what it is she has stumbled across. But then she smiles, "This could be my ticket to get more. I doubt he would want the world to see this." She stuffs the paper into one of her actual pockets, and attempts to move on, not realizing she is being watched.

Callum is pretty damned good at blending in when he needs to, Meri. Gawd. Haven’t you discovered this about Catalians yet? Then again, Lionel and Brand are the worst Catalians. But, also, what? Cal’s not Catalian. Nope. Nuh uh. Perfectly normal Royal Botanist plant dude.

Kenzie also adds in that she quickly takes a seat in a chair when the time comes for the coronation. Pick pocketing during that is not a good idea.

Samson does a double take at Lita. "I thought it was a former client, that was a random person?" he asks her, glancing back in the direction of the guy, who has vanished in the sea of people seating themselves. He and Lita manage to refresh their drinks and snag a seat on an aisle that's as good as it can be for non-VIP-VIPs. He peels off his suit jacket, as it's warmed up now that the room is full.

Lita elbows Meri a little and eyes Callum with a wink.

Yozenra takes her place on the stage alongside Reginae, and two elder naga, to call everyone to their seats. While everyone moves to their respective seats, an elder naga takes the stage, his scales a dusty brown and face sinking with age. He pulls a large book from the podium and begins reciting an ancient passage that describes the naga’s creation. “In order to see our future, we must remember our past!” His voice is all gravel and wheezing but he refuses to stop speaking until the entire story is conveyed. “Aramoth created the perfect warring race!” He shouts, a passion believer in the god’s influence. “For an oncoming war between dwarves and sauron! Naga were created to balance the realm in times of crisis! But, we fell pray to the cruelty of the Trinity!” His face contours dramatically before shouting “Vakmatharas! Delisha! Spider Goddess!” His old fingers shake with rage as he turns the page in the tome. “They infected some with their own vile greed and lust for power. Even in these dark times, our skills thrived, and nagas were frozen in time to protect ourselves from further corruption!” More likely protect the other races from facing extinction at the hands of the greedy, self obsessed breed. “But! We have returned and found clarity in our new lives! To serve Aramoth and carry this message of folly, we strive to unite ourselves with the world beyond our humble seas.” The old man, now winded, offers a slight bow to the crowd before taking his seat once again. Yozenra moves back to the enchanted podium to thank the elder and present the Royal Necklace on a crimson and gold pillow. She explains with fluid confidence that in lieu of a crown, the naga ruler must bear this artifact as a symbol of power and be recognized by all who dare challenge her reign. The bib style necklace is magnified by magic overhead, to show it’s detail to all present. The necklace looks more like armor than jewelry. It’s a bold, golden ‘V’, center set with a large lapis lazuli gemstone into which the entire Kingdom, building for building, has been etched in very fine magically detail. The stone is flawless, without seam or vein and recently polished by the shine of it. “But before that...Queen Hildegarde? Could you please join us on the stage?” The necklace is set aside on Yozenra’s empty chair and the ebony tailed naga gestures graciously to her left for Hildegarde to approach. Reginae looks around nervously. This was not part of the plan.

Hildegarde listened with rapture to the Naga elder as he spoke of Aramoth and the creation of the Naga. While she and her people did not necessarily agree that the naga were the perfect warring race, she could not question Aramoth’s wisdom. She could question the stories written by these naga, but no need to get into a theological debate and upset a fellow warring nation. They all loved the same god, so what did it matter? They were bonded by that mere fact alone. Once Yozenra herself invites Hildegarde to the stage, the Queen of War dips her head and graciously accepts the invitation to the stage. Rising from her seat, the Queen slinks past those who might be in her way, gently passing her ‘excuse me’ ‘terribly sorry’ ‘pardon’ and so on until she successfully made it to the stage. “Thank you,” she says softly to the royal bodyguard, her own royal protector hanging back in a bid to let the crowd witness the events without her massive body blocking it out. Poor Lisbeth. “It is to my understanding,” the Silver begins, her voice loud and commanding though she is not shouting, “that the fine people we stand by today had lost their ancient crown. That because of this devastating loss, they have made do with such a fine necklace.” Hildegarde offers a little smile to Reginae now, as she takes a small step closer to the Naga Queen. “I conducted a pilgrimage not so long ago, as I am a devout follower of our beloved god, Aramoth, and I was able to find an ancient crown. It was battered and in need of care. I spirited it away to Frostmaw with me for repair and inspection, thinking it only a bauble of some long forgotten people.” Hildegarde pauses here for dramatic effect and so she can find the package that had been hiding behind her snow lion pelt cloak! “To my surprise… it was the crown of your people. The crown that was once held by Varuna, the crown that was lost. I only discovered it recently, m’lady. With your coronation due, I thought it would be a pleasant surprise to… well, have it restored. Plus a little gem from Frostmaw upon it, so that we never forget our bond,” she said with a smile, revealing the serpent-encrusted circlet and holding it aloft for all to see. “I, Hildegarde the Silver, Queen of Frostmaw, hereby proclaim you Reginae Naginis, Queen of Alithrya.” The circlet is lowered onto Reginae’s head.

Macon ’s people will talk with Hildegarde’s people and they will get this horse riding afternoon all set up for them. Josleen will be pleased. Maybe. Muzo is the greatest scientist to have ever lived, and may have just inadvertently eased tensions between two nations that were at war about a half a year ago.

Pilar was escorted to a seat by Yozenra before the naga left to fulfill her duties. She sat, alone in the crowd, and listened to the story, one that Reginae had told her before (though this version was a bit... different). When Hildegarde revealed the circlet, she gasped. How marvelous!

Meri is elbowed and given a wink but that wink is met with a light frown. Yesss Lita. It is painfully obvious Meri has a sweet spot for Callum. But no Lita! He has already told her no once! Don't go encouraging her bad ideas and making her think they are good ones. She is trying to move on, stawp it. It is right about at this point that Meri decides to free her hand from Callum's and sets her baby blues on the stage. Reginae and Hildegarde and everyone else that were not Callum or Lita were all just so fascinating to watch. That was definitely it. Yup. Her gaze may stray to make subtle observations of Kenzie, for Callum was not the only one who had noticed her. Meri was keeping equally quiet, though red lips did twitch up into a faint but knowing smirk.

Kenzie goes wide eyed at the crown. That would set her life. She sits in the very back, picking pockets here would go unseen. She waits and bides her time.

Syrri snuck in just as things were getting interesting. There's talk of naga history, but it was specifically the mentions of Aramoth which inspired a curious spark to the halfling's dual-colored eyes. Azure-and-chestnut rounded with wonder as she crept into a seat near the front, climbing into the chair that, despite its best efforts, is still just slightly too big to be truly comfortable. Nevertheless, Syrri of the Darkfoot clan had been invited to the fancy shindig and she would do her best to offer up her rapt attention. With more royalty showing up to bestow gifts, Syrri ooh'd and aah'd with the best of those gathered, clapping her hands together excitedly following the Silver's proclamation. Out of respect for the coronation, she was without Fate or Luck this day, and had, no offense to Reginae, considered bringing them in case this was some kind of trap (one hears these things about nagas feeding on the lesser folk in bedtime stories passed along from halfling generation to generation|), but in the end she had decided against it. Now, with her legs dangling off the edge of her seat, she clasped her hands in respectfully reverent awe in the wake of the crowning.

Lita has no idea there is Tension between Meri and Callum. She's only met him the once! She's not sure what to make of Meri's frown just yet but she'll have to wait to bug her about it later because there are people on the stage and important happenings going on that demand attention and according to Sam this is a big deal Historical Event so she should probably pay attention. But really, part of her brain is just counting minutes until she can kick her shoes off.

Xzavior looked over to The Silver as she made her way up. Still not a huge fan of how egotistical his race was about being the greatest warring race but so far, it didn't seem like it was being over embellished. The elder did admit to their faults as well so there was that. When he saw Hildegarde pull out the coronet, he raised a brow and sat up a bit before smirked a bit and shaking his head, Always a nice little surprise in these events it seems.

Callum sighed at Lita and Meri. He could only imagine what was going on in their heads. His own lips twitched into a frown and remained that way for the remainder of the crowning of the new queen. Coming here was starting to really feel like a mistake, especially coming here with Meri. Why did Lita have to be here also? When Meri released his hand finally, he had to try reaaaally hard not to starting wringing his own together with that anxiety that was creeping up on him. But, he resigned himself to sitting there in silence with that slight frown of his, ocean-blue eyes fixed on the stage.

Samson is following this old man naga's speech, because he's a history buff. He whispers a little to Lita to fill in further details because the old man speech is really for people who already know about naga history. Samson is like a lowkey sports color commentator, in short, during the speech. His eyes widen as it is revealed that in fact the naga crown exists, and that Hildegarde had uncovered it. "That's crazy," he whispers to Lita. It's then that he notices that the rather young seeming couple next to them, on his right, who are just making out. They can't be more than 18. Dude, ...history is happening, children. Sam clears his throat and looks to Lita, inclining his head in their direction. 'Whaaaaaat,' he mouths at her. He doesn't say anything to them, though, that's not his style and in any event it's unnecessary because an older woman a row behind them takes it upon herself to police this young people behavior. "Excuse me! Excuse me! It's disrespectful," she is hissing at them, increasingly at a louder volume. Now people around them are looking. Oh jeez.

Brennia keeps to herself for the most part in catching sighs of Meri… No can’t sit there. Another half smile at Samson sitting with Lita, can’t sit there either. Pilar seems to have company as well while Xzavior seems to forgot she even exists. That kind smile now turned to her fellow Bard’s Guild members as she finally decides to sit in the middle of them and listen intently to any speeches going on while in the back of her mind she starts to wonder to herself why she even attends these things anymore. Her facial expression expertly remained neutral though.

Macon would have this entire throne room seething with Rage Aura had the infection not been separated from his being just a few days prior. The combination of the fact that the woman who brought an ancient crown to the incoming monarch is the same one who had someone sneak into his home and literally steal his own crown, and that the guest list of his own coronation was not nearly as exquisite as this one would have him silently fuming, normally. But the Fury Aura is no more, for now, and so now he just sits and watches, glancing every now and then at the outline of the apparition sitting nearby and shaking his head. Vailkrin, am I right?

Larewen sits quietly and invisibly as she watches the crowning of Queen Reginae. Like the others witnessing the event, she too is surprised to see the Alithryan Crown produced and proffered by Hildegarde. As the history of the naga is explained, her lips press into a thin line. Not that anyone can see, but she is making an expression of some sort. It is this history, Alithrya’s fall in the wake of the Archmosian Empire, that allows Larewen the ability to speak politics with Reginae - after all, Vailkrin wasn’t an innocent bystander. The banshee fades in and out of sight, wavering spasmodically. Really, there’s the faintest tinge of awkwardness here. Just faintly.

Lita finds Samson's commentating whispers about the event to be a nice addition. Until he gets distracted by some youths next to him and what, did he want to trade seats? She shrugged a little as he nodded towards them and rolling her eyes a little she disentangles her arm from his to reach his arm around his shoulders, all nonchalant like 'cause she's cool and has probably done this once or twice or before. Maybe. Her fingers linger on his shoulder for a moment and then she's reaching out to smack the head of the boy next to Sam. Then when he turns she moves her hand back to Sam's shoulder like what, she didn't do anything, she was just sitting here paying attention to History going on. Then the older woman behind them interjects with the young couple and she'll blame that slap on her probably.

Samson is starting to wonder if this situation is going to escalate, and then it does, because Lita stealth smacks the guy. He of course blames it's the older woman, and all of a sudden there's quite a bit of angry whispering and then the nearby rows watch as the youthful couple is escorted out of the coronation. People stare, although they're trying not to, because the coronation is happening in the background and the whole thing is just rude and nobody can even, so to speak. Samson adopts an expression that suggests he and Lita don't know these jokers despite somehow sitting next to them and are entirely engrossed in watching History.

Kenzie manages to pick a pocket or two while a scene seems to be happening. She stops to watch, finding entertainment in it.

Meri was not entirely sure what she had done, but clearly it was something -- at least in her mind she presumed she has managed to do something. It almost always seems to be the case with their interactions. Brennia may presume that she could not join Meri but honestly right now it would be a welcome distraction. And so apparently Meri and Callum are taking another trip to awkward town despite her best efforts to behave herself. Okay so she had one little slip up and went and talked to Reginae. Big deal. Can't try and claim Callum's hand again, he might freak out more, can't just sit here and let him wring his hands the way he is...it is starting to make Meri anxious. So how about a middle of the road approach, a whisper, "Stop fidgeting, you're starting to make me nervous." Meri kind of wanted to find an excuse to bail but seats were claimed and she was trapped now.

Reginae had to restrain herself from approaching Hildegarde before it’s officially time. The crown? The lost crown? How could this be?? Tears spring to her eyes as she bows low for Frostmaw’s Queen to place the crown on her head. How could this be? Then she rises, a passion backlighting her brilliant blue gaze as she moves to embrace Hildegarde grateful. Then the naga moves to the podium to look out at everyone gathered today. It’s a moment she’ll never be able to take for granted. For the rest of her life, she’ll look back on this celebration of Unity and Alithrya with the fullest of hearts. “Twice now, Frostmaw has offered back to the Naga of Alithrya a token of ancient times. First, Lionel, Knight Commander of your guard granted us a piece of a long forgotten mosaic. And now this...Words cannot express our gratitude. May our bond be forged in Aramoth’s battlefield.” Yozenra reappears with a smile to lift the Royal Necklace off it’s pillow and lay it upon Reginae’s neck so she might begin offering her fully prepared speech for the crowd. She launches into it passionately, discussing her plans for the future and how the support of all present has shown her that Alithrya’s bias can be a thing of the past. “The naga of old could never dream about this coming together. To feast and fight alongside each other will only make us stronger for it!” A cheer goes up in the crowd, and If Reginae had known Macon's thought, she too would agree he's the best 'doctor' for any job. In fact, she shots Muzo a careful grin, wherever he is in the crowd just before her vision goes blurry. Her eye lids flutter, hands grasping for balance against the podium while Yozenra tenses and looks out at the crowd. No random naga illusions strutting down the aisle. Maybe it’s just jitters? “Reginae?” The body guard calls her name softly, below the noise, just as Reginae Naganis eyes flutter closed. Her hands limply releases the podium and her lifeless body falls with a sickening thud onto the tiled floor below.

When Reginae's limp body hits the ground, a wail pierces the throne room from the back of the crowd. A diamondback-tailed naga woman rushes forward, and soon her wail takes shape and forms into a breathy, delighted cackle. "Aaaaaaa-hahahahahahaha!" The naga rolls her shoulders back sultrily, striking a pose most often reserved for catwalks, meeting the gazes of the gathered, especially the other monarchs, as she shrugs off her shawl and with it goes her illusory enchantment. The red-and-black diamond tail morphs into snow white scales, and the black hair blanches to platinum. Reginae's doppleganger, the former naga queen Jaize, stands between her fallen sister and the crowd. "Dear little sister, you'll never be fit to lead the strongest race in existence. But you are an excellent party planner, dearie." Her tail bends to lower her to her sister's side and pat her cheek condescendingly. "I'll have that engraved on your tombstone." The former queen's body is more lithe, and her face more angular, than her sister's, because evil sucks the softness out of every inch of a mind and body. Jaize laughs breathily at the crowd's shocked faces, her striking blue eyes darkened by the wickedness of her intentions. The Alithryian guards are unsure who to obey. This is, afterall, the rightful Queen by birth. "Alithrya has only one queen," she reminds the crowd. The end of her tail snakes under Reginae's necklace and gently coaxes it free. Jaize doesn't pause in her speech as she fetches the necklace of power. In Jaize's grasp, the crystal clouds and its edges become brittle and flake. "Foreigners and naga alike do well to remember two things: This matriarchy bows to only one Queen, and that is I, Jaize Naginis. Second, no race is peer to the naga, not elves, not humans," she looks to Macon, "not vampires," she looks to the banshee, "and not even dragons," her gaze lingers most intensely on Hildegarde whom she assumes would be more eager to confront her. Not now, Silver, you're in naga country. "Aramoth made the naga after all the other races and abominations to improve on you lot, and none are more improved than I. My favor upon your little kingdoms requires your subordination. Welcome to my coronation. You deference is non-negotiable."

Brennia had no idea what was happening. She was only invited here to perform. Hurriedly she stands while pulling her members, a couple of them mere students up and to a corner or wall to protect them like her baby cubs. They are just as confused, but Brennia knows evil and this one is just drenched in the stuff the makes villains and she makes a quick effort to only look after her own without even a glance to anyone else. They uneventfully make their way to the exit and when a fellow member tries to save their instrument she said in a whisper only to them, “I’m sorry. Leave it. We must go.” It doesn’t involve them after all.

Hildegarde , being on the stage and quite close to the now collapsed Queen, is swift to dismount the stage and crouch by Reginae and gently pat her face to try and coax her from unconsciousness. But she appears to be very lifeless. “Reginae?” the Silver asks quietly, patting her before giving her a little shake. But then it happens. Then Jaize is here and she announces that she is there Queen now. Jaize is very much correct in believing Hildegarde would be more keen than most to engage in combat, her hand already wrapped around the hilt of her short-sword and ready to draw it. Though she says nothing for now, she stands near Reginae’s fallen body: uncertain about whether or not she should draw her blade.

Macon ’s coronation wasn’t so bad, the king thinks this to himself now as Regi goes down and Jaize makes herself known. He stands reflexively and grasps The Rage Axe, which was really just brought because it goes with his outfit, in one hand at his side. It is a good thing The Queen of Larket couldn’t make it as this suddenly seems to have become a dangerous event. The pair of kingsguard rush to stand beside their king, the battle mage preemptively throwing up a semi-spherical protective bubble around the three of them. The Rage Knight turns up his nose as he and his race are addressed by the snake. The trio of Larketians make no move to intervene at this moment, Alithrya’s own guard is hesitant to act, no sense in starting an international incident by joining the wrong side here...

Larewen is breathless as Reginae falls, a rare show of emotion from the otherwise cold-hearted bitch. Well, as breathless as a ghost can be, anyway. In this horrid state between words that she currently resides in, the necromancer is nearly stripped of power; she is unable to simply leap to her feet and throw curses around. There are benefits to be had, were Larewen to simply float away and let Jaize seize that throne that was rightfully hers, but as her azurite stare meets with the banshee’s mismatched eyes and proclaims her superiority, the necromancer’s pride is only a little bit damaged. Reginae’s fall is a unique predicament, and perhaps it is the mere fact that Larewen considers the Queen to be among the few she truly counts as friends that finally spurs her to act. There’s also the whole alliance thing she’s been working on, and the fact that political agreements made with Reginae, not Jaize, are geared toward her rise to the Vailkrinian throne. She’ll be damned if she allows that (pun totally intended). Through sheer rage, the banshee manifests once more in that translucent, ghostly state. What remnants of her magic exist in this otherwordly body writhe and reach outward with siphoning desperation to those that are magically inclined, seeking to be lent power that is not hers to command. Larewen, being the self-centered, pride-ridden witch that she is, is not so hesitant to act, it seems. “The Dead bow to none,” her disembodied voice proclaims, even as she’s seeking to leech off of others.

Xzavior noticed something was wrong the moment Reginae started swaying. Now, it was an exciting time, sure, but he doubted that she would be the type to faint at such events. Already starting to stand, he launched up as soon as she started to fall, rushing on over to see if she was alright, stopping as Jaize made herself known in front of them. Hissing in disgust he clenched a fist. Much like Hildegarde, he was ready to fight. But at the moment, there was a more pressing matter. There was a lot of people in one area. Frost forming at hand, he growled, "Well how about I do what I do best and screw things up." He could practically feel the tension in the room building with both Macon. Larewen and Hildegarde all looking for blood. So was Xzavior, but this was not the time nor the place. Throwing his hand up, a ball of ice shattered with a loud icy snap, trying to gather the attention of everyone here, "Listen and listen well, now I doubt any of you would look to me for any sort of command or order. However, you don't have a lot of choices. Anyone who does not belong here in this city needs to leave! Do not worry about what happened here, this is for the naga to deal with. As backwards as it seems, it needs to be done. For this once, I'm asking everyone to trust me!" Looking back to Hildegarde he mouths the words, "I need to talk to you." before shouting out to the crowd once more, "Leave! Come back when this has settled."

Samson is attentively following Reginae's first royal speech -- yes, a change in foreign policy for the naga! -- and just getting over CoronationMakeoutGate when It happens, It being the apparent and unexpected assassination of the new queen and sudden unmasking of Jaize. Samson is like pretty much everyone in the audience, he gasps. And then suddenly the heads of state, and their guards, have assumed postures suggestive of combat. Alright, History time is over. Suddenly Samson, generally a man of inaction, is a man of action. "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon," he is saying to Lita, no further explanation, he's just pulling her elbow and urging her to her feet. Other people around them have the same idea, a sense of panic has seized the ballroom, at least those who don't have personal guards and/or political power are seeking to get out. And fast. There's no telling where the Alithyrian guards' alliance lies, whether with the fallen Queen or Jaize or otherwise. There's no telling what kind of example will be made of Reginae's casual supporters. There's no need for Xzavior's announcement - but it drives the risk of danger home all the more savagely. People are darting chaotically around the chairs, knocking them over and knocking themselves over. There's the frenetic warble of hysteria as people call out to each other and shout to Move, move, move. Samson has Lita by the hand and is pushing with the other against the panicked mass of people who are trying to disperse.

Lita wishes things could be normal, just once. That just one wedding or party or coronation could end in something close to 'the happy people left and no one was eaten'. But no, apparently this is too much to ask. She's making the decision to forget about shoes at any event from now on because what was the point in trying to dress up nice if someone was going to wreck the party anyway! Suddenly SO glad she let Samson drag her to this event- though maybe he was trying to get back at her for the cliff thing? Fine. Well played. She doesn't really know any of the royal parties assembled, more by name than face or some personal relationship but she knows enough to be concerned that a Queen everyone liked has suddenly just fallen to what she can assume to be family, based on physical appearances alone. Sam is mostly dragging her to her feet by her elbow, her curiosity leaving her more inclined to linger and see how things might play out. But he was right, they probably shouldn't stick around. Dark eyes are suddenly searching for Meri in the crowd, and Callum along with her, the only other people she knows at this event. She's not trying to hinder Sam's attends to drag her towards the exit but she's tugging back on his hand, a little insistently, trying to get his attention. "We have to find Meri and Cal!" she manages over the people dispersing around them. Find them, make sure they get out and are safe, all that jazz.

Meri about made it out of the coronation ceremony in one piece. They were all adults though and Meri often puts them before herself, or so she tries to do anyway. Not today. Reginae hits the ground and reactions are abound. Some gasp in horror, some are planning to flee and leave behind their instruments, others are rushing to the Queen's aide. Meri is going to be amongst the crowd trying to leave and she would do so without much regard for Callum or Lita. In fact if neither of them actually noticed this disappearing act, all the better. There would only be one person that Meri would speak to on her way out and surprisingly that one person was Kenzie. She got one word uttered to her in passing before the tattooed blonde is on her way: SoulsKin. With no invested interest in the crown here Meri would rather ghost than play hero. It looks like Lita will only have to try and find Cal, Meri is good.

Callum surely wished that Meri’s mental powers had the ability to read minds and perhaps even allow them to converse so that ~maybe~ things wouldn’t be so weird. He even turned to say something to her, until the sight of Reginae falling to the floor catches his attention. And then this Jaize appears and he’s left to spew nothing more than a “What the frakking hell?” This wasn’t right, not at all. That bit of do-gooderness that ran rampant in the other two Catalians that roamed Lithrydel (yeah, even Brand. He’s not always a jerk. Just mostly) stirred a bit in Callum. But what about that pacifist nature he was trying to keep? Using his magic just to help plants? Surely this wasn’t something Larket’s newly appointed botanist should get himself into. Well, he doesn’t necessarily go on the attack like that heart of his was telling him to, but he does summon up a protective bubble of water around Reginae, the aquatic shield aiming to keep her from further harm and maybe even bring the seemingly lifeless naga to her senses with its soothing nature--hopefully it actually works and she’s not dead-dead. When he finally turned to speak to Meri, she was gone. A deep frown creases Callum’s lips and another sigh uttered before he too makes his way towards the exit. There’s no rush, though, on his part, but he does try to keep up with the various guests that tried to hurry towards the exit. The buttons to his coat are undone and that mask he’d had up to blend in gone now in the meantime--what’s the point anyway? The party was over. Back to being Cal, getting caught up in situations he shouldn’t be, with another awkward Meri problem weighing on his mind.

Kenzie stood frozen in place at the sudden turn, just as she was about to pick the pocket of one of the ladies. When the shout to leave is made, her heart starts to pound against her chest as she tries to find the quickest way out without being trampled. Picking was not worth this trouble and Kenzie leaves without hesitation, dropping Samsons now empty wallet on the way out.

Syrri had no bloody clue what was going on. She didn't know enough about nagas or politics to want to end up in anyone's crosshairs, but the fact of the matter was that she, lowly halfling warrior, had been invited to the coronation despite her relative anonymity. Perhaps she and the would-be queen had shared a moment in the tournament all those months ago, compelling the petite silver-haired female to now push off of the chair she occupied, landing on the floor with a slight grunt. Jaize had made her declarations, and all heck had broken loose with all the taller folk jostling her around in their hurry to depart the almost-assassination. Syrri pushed and shoved and grimaced as she wove through the frantically-stomping legs of anyone between herself and the podium, finally coming upon the makeshift protective bubble Callum had enveloped the naga in. Whether or not she could see its barrier, it would have no effect on her, enabling her to surge forward out of some misplaced sense of heroism. Lacking her karmic handaxes left her rather at a disadvantage (not even counting the significant height difference), but nevertheless, the scarred woman brought herself as close to the inert form of Reginae as she could manage, ignoring, for now, the warning bellows of Xzavior. "Oh no oh no oh no oh no--" Syrri panted under her breath, mercurial brows forming a deep furrow as she looked over the queen's body, a familiar crackle of magic surrounding her and causing the frown to grow more pronounced. Looking up at the Silver, azure-and-chestnut eyes were wide with worry. "We should get 'er outta here," she said to the dragon, relying on her greater size to lift up the naga as she spared a sharp glance back toward where Jaize remained. Syrri was suddenly looking around - perhaps for a weapon, or really anything - and settled on a shoe that had been discarded in the chaos. It was just barely in arm's reach, and feeling a mixture of spunky and probably a bit suicidal, she plucked up the abandoned shoe, and launched it at Jaize's head as hard as she could. "Take that you big ol' meanie--" Granted, these were muttered under her breath, and hoping Jaize wouldn't catch the plucky culprit, Syrri hunkered down beside and behind the podium, close enough to offer any assistance as needed to cover the queen's exit, especially since any magical attacks would do nothing to her.

Pilar listened to Reginae's speech, enraptured. Things were looking up, for once! And then it happened. Reginae fell, and wasn't getting up. Gasping in horror, Pilar rushed towards the stage, only to be stopped by two naga guards. She tried to muscle her way past them, but these nagas were strong. “No! Let me through! Reginae! REGINAE!!!” she screamed. She wasn't moving. Why wasn't she moving?! Tears began to spill down her cheeks, and she could only whisper, “No...” The cackling drew her eyes towards Jaize, and the naga guards stiffened in shock. Pilar watched Jaize take the necklace and the truth hit her like a blow to the chest. Reginae was dead. Pilar sank to her knees, her face in her hands, and sobbed, Xzavior's order ignored.

Hildegarde leans down to pick up Reginae’s water encased body gingerly, her eyes glaring in Jaize’s direction before meeting Syrri’s eyes. Next to catch her stare is Macon, then a gentle shake of her head. This was not the time for battle. Larket and Frostmaw were both war weary countries that must understand the importance of falling back and regrouping. May Aramoth see that Macon agreed. Xzavior was shooting ice and commanding people to leave. The Silver was glad someone else thought along the same lines. She nodded her head in his direction, they would be in touch with one another but for now, more pressing matters. Jaize scuffs when Hildegarde picks up Reginae. She flicks back her snowy tresses and chortles. “Thank you ever so much for taking out the trash Dragon.” And with that, Jaize ascends the throne to wrap her endlessly long white scales around it as she sits atop the crimson pillow and watches her subject to be scurry like vermin. Her eyes narrow on the exits as several more nagas dressed in dark robes enter through the crowd. Her followers, her illusionists. They look identical to the naga that tried to kill Reginae with a lightening bolt months earlier. They all crowd around the base of the throne and bow mechanically to their new Queen. Her sickening laughter drowns out all sounds of escape and frenzy. “Pilar!” She called to the Vampiress with her rousing voice and like a bolt, the Dragon and the Naga were gone.

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RP:Naga Coro'NO'tion

Exquisite Ballroom

Throne Room