What a Catch... (Wedding/ Open)

[Lucille "Lucky" O'Donnovan]

She strode with one hand in her pocket and another holding a dainty glass. She felt like a fucking lady, classy as heck. Her shoulders were straight and she grinned happily with the vibe that would be spreading around the room. Usual chatter and ambiance held up like the ocean waves, melting into one sound and bouncing where it may travel. She could leave, gods know she has projects she would be working on but she decided to stick around and enjoy the outing. They happen so rarely for her, she was all work and no play. Today she would take a break

[Preston Salabim]

Preston was in his element at events such as this. Balls and weddings, gatherings of all types were held back home for the aristocracy to mingle and talk. In many ways these were the events where things really got done, these were the most dangerous battles that he had to face. And no spell could protect him from the dangers that swam in the sea of political will. His suit was his armor, and his wit was his sword. Even here in a foreign land, no especially here he needed to be on guard. A single misstep or wrong word could spell disaster and complicate potentially decades of diplomacy.

Today was his battle, and the King of this land had decreed that commoner and nobility alike would be as equal within this celebration, and while many balked at such a thing. Preston would not give ground so easily, he was not so afraid of those below his station that he would refuse to engage and sequester himself away among his own kind. No, he would march headlong into battle and engage. And so it was that he would approach one of the commoners, which was obvious by her state of dress when compared to nobility.

"It was a beautiful ceremony was it not?" Preston said, sliding in to solidify the engagement, a flute of champagne in hand while his other move to his heart, his head declining slightly in respect.

"I am Preston Salabim, Lord of House Salabim and High Chancellor of Ayatlan. If it pleases you."

[Lucille "Lucky" O'Donnovan]

She blinked a time or two seeing someone she had not but heard the name of in this day and age. She would mime his gesture but then realized maybe that wasn't right... and switched mid greeting to better suit one like herself might introduce herself.

Lucky actually somehow thought to bring her professional hand forward for a firm shake to the Chancellor was a better idea... only to make her mental question ask just how that was better than a bow to have The Preston Salabim shake your dirty pauper hands. However, she made up her mind and would make the introduction trying not to be as obviously uncultured as she already would be making herself.

"Absolutely Static, High Chancellor Salabim." If by this moment he had or hadn't shaken her hand she would retract it and flow with the conversation as best as she might. "I am Lucille O'Donnovan, aka Lucky, Inventor and researcher in Qi Crystal and Energy utility. The pleasure is mine Ayatlan's advancement in Qi, or Mana, research is above and beyond my wildest dreams but certainly an inspiration for me."

[Preston Salabim]

Preston had to stifle back a chuckle as she extended her hand, it was an unorthodox and completely inappropriate way to greet him. But he was partnered with someone who was unorthodox and completely inappropriate. He could handle it. And so he would take her hand and shake it twice with a bemused look on his face.

"Is that so? I am fortunate indeed to be meeting a researcher in your specific field, and one who is so passionate about our own advancements at that. How long have you been working with Qi crystals and energy utility?"

[Lucille "Lucky" O'Donnovan]

She exhaled a bit of relief as he was able to roll with it.

"Qi crystals are a bit difficult to come by but I have been reading and have worked with a handful with mixed results and testing in the last few years. Coming here they are quite plenty as far as being used in Aurora's everyday life but getting a hold of smaller and more ready specimens to seem to still be a challenge on some level. They are quite the commodity. My lack of state of the art equipment and paid hand have actually lead to some unfortunate results from my last bit of research material. Since then it has been tweaking my original designs and making commissioned weapons for those who can bring me the materials I seek."

[Preston Salabim]

"So you primarily construct arms from Qi crystals then?"

[Lucille "Lucky" O'Donnovan]

She nodded in agreement. "Since joining with Aurora some of ours have developed a taste for the strength of their culture. So to stay true to our own we use what we can to give us an extra advantage to even the odds against the Qi-users. I, as someone without a Qi, have found that the crystals can be used in our favor if we harness them correctly."

[Preston Salabim]

"Forgive me, I was not speaking of Aurora as an entity. I meant to ask if you personally construct weapons. You mentioned before that you were an inventor."

[Lucille "Lucky" O'Donnovan]

She was a bit confused at his clarification. It was not quite as if she misunderstood him but as she thought she had answered the question.

Still, she would make a better answer for him. One that she hoped would better suit his question. "Yes, I invent weapons using primarily Qi crystals as a power source. Blades, gauntlets, projectiles, etc.

[Preston Salabim]

"Ah, I see. I suppose that would make sense given the culture surrounding the founding of Aurora, and the personal history of your territory prior to its consolidation. What, if I may be so bold as to ask, sparked your passion in the creation of Qi Crystal based weaponry?"

[Lucille "Lucky" O'Donnovan]

She raised a finger as if he asked the perfect question. "My inspiration came from growing up as a mechanic, and the harsh environment that I grew up in. We worked with crystals that powered everyday machinery but there was just something of an idea that I might use them as almost... standard issue for self-defense. Sometimes us Normies can't match up against a Qi-user, powering our own strength with the same energy, such just seemed logical. Now so to say using Qi crystal weapons isn't anything new of an invention. Though my end game is I am trying to invent a better way to... create the energized Crystals for common manufacturing, bolstering armies and enhancing the betterment of those who need them."

She shrugged. "I have actually found out that creating refillable crystals or channeling too much into a natural crystal... might actually be a little... dangerous."

[Preston Salabim]

"You would be correct. It is a dangerous thing to stumble on blindly and can cause erratic accidents. My advice would be to take it slow and take notes. A lot of notes."

He wouldn't mention it but he had three such crystals on his person right now, though his people have already learned how to reuse and refill Qi crystals. They have had a headstart in such things thanks in part to the accords and the protections granted by 259.

[Lucille "Lucky" O'Donnovan]

She nodded in agreement as she folded her arms confirming with utmost respect and confidence to take his words to heart and absorb them to memory. Little would he know his advice might have been better used before she had a crystal exploded on her. When she was full steam ahead on a breakthrough with her Projects there were no brakes on the normie's ambitions.

"I am taking a good long look with my designs and the uses they might be able to have. Maybe when I actually get a restock on my own quality Qi crystals I will have a better result than the last."

[Preston Salabim]

"Does the state not supply your research?"

If not that would mean she was independent and not state sponsored. Interesting.

[Lucille "Lucky" O'Donnovan]

She placed hands on her hips trying to not to show her sheepish self. I was going to be a disappointing answer she felt.

"Not... yet..." And that would confirm his assumption that she was an independent and certainly not sponsored... for now.