Bleeding blue like the sky (Cecilia)

[Preston Salabim]

The wedding was over and now it was the reception.  The Palace was impressive with art and scrolls decorating the wall and an impressive chandelier in the main ballroom that Preston could tell was made out of Qi crystal.  A powerful catalyst it would make, as well as a breathtaking decorative piece.  Blake or whoever decorated the palace had taste, and it was clear that this new upstart of a superpower was rich.  They had to be to make it as far and as fast as they have.

Preston was enjoying himself looking over the art, a glass of champagne in hand while Roz had mozied off for the time being.  Which was fine, there did not seem to be any danger here after all. 

[Cecelia Riddel]

Cecelia was mingling with the other guests after the wedding, making connections and enjoying herself in a way that allowed her to relax for the first time since being reassigned. Her eyes sparkled and her hands remained clasped in front of her as she looked at the splendor that Aurora had grown into. It was a mighty display and tasteful; she could appreciate the decor and wondered if she could manage some of it back in a blood soaked land.

One thing she missed the most, however, was the art. With museums full of it and her Territory's pride in preserving them during the war, she found herself drawn to them. Campaign flute in hand, she bid the small group she spoke with farewell in order to take a quieter moment and enjoy what there was to see.

Apparently, she wasn't alone in this thought. A willowy young man stood with his back to her and, once she neared, she cleared her throat to announce her presence.

And immediately notice she was speaking to a king.

"Good day to you, High Chancellor." She offered a small cursory to him, one handed and not a drop of that drink spilling or sloshing about.

[Preston Salabim]

He turned to face the person that addressed him only to see an elegant blonde in front of him. The way she moved marked her as nobility. It took him a moment to bring a name to the face, but when he did he nodded his head in a small bow toward her.

"Good day to you as well Lady Riddel. How fares the fine stewardess of 235 this eve?"

[Cecelia Riddel]

Oh! He did know of her, albeit as what she was now: stewardess of a blood-soaked land. Her smile warmed with the greeting. Finally, civilized conversation without concerns about drugs or sacrifices or someone's paramour being all prickly over nothing. Not that she didn't know how to deal with the latter, but it was still wonderful to have something familiar again.

"Pleasantly, thank you. I feel most here would agree tonight. Yourself?" She would take another step forward, seeming to glide on air without effort.

[Preston Salabim]

"Agreed, it was an enchanting ceremony and the reception is just as splendid. The hosts have done an impressive job setting this all up so soon after an attack on their very walls. Not to mention the way they sprang up almost overnight from nothing."

He took a small sip from his flute.

"It is quite the sight to behold, the changing of the very fabric of the status quo that has kept us all safe for decades."

He remarked neutrally.

[Cecelia Riddel]

Celia gave a small nod, her expression polite as he mentioned such splendor after such an attack. She tried not to think of having art hanging from walls of blood. Supposedly there was wood and stone, too, but there was no way it woudln't destroy what wasn't made of the same material.

"It's true, they do seem quite resilient. Given the history of the people here, it's not unprecedented." She nodded to the art behind him to emphasize her point.

"It makes one wonder what other changes may come our way. Such a change blazes its own trail of inspiration for change." To her, that was less than grand. The Accords had been as they were for now. Aurora, at least, was a positive and thriving place with a King who seemed to focus on improvement. But who might draw inspiration or gain ideas of their own because of it, or think to use them?

[Preston Salabim]

"I would say the path that leads to this change goes even further back than King Oleander himself. The recent instability in the Neutral territories was bound to cause... developments as a result. This is just one of many."

With the Conqueror's armies marching and popping up seemingly at random everyone was on edge. The instability was balanced by the stability created here. But this would not be the only side effect to ripple from this invader. And most he feared will be far less positive.

"Speaking of change, however. How are you finding 235? I have never been but a territory founded by a Dragon must be fascinating to see first hand."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"Indeed." Celia nodded. They seemed to be on the same page. "A gem so rare would be difficult to match." At the mention of her current ward, her smile remained but she could feel the shifty of dismay. Of course, it woudl be expected to talk about, and was a rare opportunity. She just wished it had lasted longer.

"I have been fortunate enough that the late king had great foresight. We are doing well, and stand united." With a bunch of factions ready to tear each other apart and only one person who could speak dragon. It was a thrilling adventure every second that left her dizzy.

"I have high hopes for it, as do its people." Her smile warmed as she turned the question back to him.

"And how fares Ayatlan? I understand there's been quite a flurry over the past half year."

[Preston Salabim]

Preston blinked in surprise.

"The Blood Dragon had great foresight? It must be due to the connection of the Earth Dragon with my own territory coloring my impressions. But I had not been aware that was one of his strengths." He would take another sip of his drink. "I am pleased that the people are doing well. I admit when I heard of his demise I feared there would be instability. I hope that Lady Angelonia recognizes the spectacular job you have done maintaining order."

He brought a hand to his heart at the mention of his own territory.

"As always we carry on. The passing of the previous High Chancellor was a tragedy, but thankfully we were able to maintain our peaceful transfer of power prior to his passing. So while we mourn the loss of a great leader, we look onwards to a brighter future."

[Cecelia Riddel]

Celia's smile remained as he remarked on the Blood Dragon's past and unlikely foresight. It had been a surprise, to be sure, but there had been at least some effort. The break of logic of having one person to interpret was difficult, but she would make due, somehow. But she was happy to let the conversation turn towards another subject.

"I am sorry for the loss for your homeland, but I am glad to hear of your continued prosperity. Ayatlan is fortunate to have you guiding them."

[Preston Salabim]

"Your words are far too kind Lady Riddel. But it pleases me to hear them coming from such a lovely lady, and one that has traveled so far. We are a resilient people, and I do not believe there is an obstacle that we can not surpass when we put our collective wills toward it. The current problems facing the world will be resolved satisfactorily, of that I am sure."

[Cecelia Riddel]

Her expression warmed at the compliment, something she hadn't heard in ages. It was like a flower face the sun.

"I truly hope so. To have one as bright as you among them can surely only add to that resilience. It is a future many would reach for." She took a sip of champagne and only a sip, feeling of bubbles going down her throat instead of up.

"Perhaps one day we will be able to celebrate that victory as we have today."

[Preston Salabim]

"I am flattered that you think so highly of my leadership." He'd say with a small nod. "There is no doubt in my mind that we will have the opportunity to celebrate our victory. Perhaps when that time comes you will have the opportunity to celebrate on the flying island of Ayatlan."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"That would be lovely. I've heard many things on the wonders of your homeland. I would love to see them for myself one day." Bless the man for knowing his social steps. A lady never invited herself as a guest.

[Preston Salabim]

"Well then allow me to extend an invitation for a ball next month on the fifth. If you are able to attend you may consider yourself my personal guest. If it pleases you."