Log:Princesses' Guard Revived, Scene 1

Princesses' Guard Revived 2014/04/02 	 Ghost Lorelei

1

Undermoon Embassy
Atop the rocky cliff near the end of the bridge stands the tiny "fairy tale" castle that serves as the Undermoon embassy. It's no larger than a large house, and its great front gate (with drawbridge to cross a decorative moat) is only the size of a normal door. Its slender towers are topped with graceful spires from which fly pennants of many colours and designs, but chiefly of purple and silver. Over the main gate hangs a rectangular flag of the same colour.

That's the outside. As soon as one passes through the gate it's another story - the castle is vast, the walls tall, the spires tower above the courtyard! Various buildings of the same graceful architectural style are found among the gardens of exotic flora, and the place is busy with staff, both human and fae.

Intentions
Lorelei has sent word for Ghost to come to her rooms at the embassy. This is relatively unusual, since they've generally met in Undermoon of late.

Ghost has been staying in her assigned room in the PG team quarters, so complying is easy. She quickly tends to her wardrobe and appearence and then makes her way to the Princesses' suite. Nodding to the guards there she asks them to announce her arrival.

The guards duly announce the arrival and Ghost is admitted to the suite, the doors being closed firmly behind her. Lorelei appears to be in business mode, seated at a desk with numerous papers, etc., in front of her.

Ghost approachs Lorelei and drops to one knee in a punctilious observance of protocol. "You summoned me, Princess?" she says, trying to hide a slight amount of apprehension, although such an effort is not entirely successfull when facing a keen student of behaviour who knows her.

Lorelei says, "Yes, please, sit down, there's a matter I need to discuss...." Putting aside a book she looks up and sees Ghost's face. "Is something wrong?"

Ghost remains kneeling rather than rising to her feet, her usual custom after greeting you formally. "If it displeases you, your Highness, I will break off the relationship. Although I beg of you not to so command."

Lorelei says, "Oh - you thought - oh! No, it's not that at all! Please, rise! If that's what's worrying you, you'll probably want to hear what I'm about to tell you!"

Ghost comes to her feet, "Your Highness..?" she says and waits for you to continue speaking.

Lorelei says, "The official announcement will come in a few days, but so that you can assist in security I'm telling you in advance. Vanatherion and I are engaged to be married."

Ghost nods slowly, her mind clearly working fast. "The Duke is a good man, Highness. I researched his abilities and character after his actions at Sorrysgate. The match will advance both your causes. However, if I may be so bold as to ask, does this please you?" The unspoken question of course is, is this all political or do you want to marry Duke Vanatherion?

Lorelei smiles. "I can assure you, I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't! And my mother wouldn't have heard of it, as you can imagine. She'd have spirited me off to some far dimension before letting me go through what she did."

Ghost bows, "Allow me to express my congratulations, Highness. And I concur, security will be an issue. The elevation of Vanatherion to the Dukedom of Westmarch was the right choice, and a popular choice in the district. But some were unhappy, especially some of the more, lets say, inflexible traditionalists. And although the Goblin threat has been suppressed, Palanir is still out there amid the Realms, no doubt ploting trouble."

Lorelei says, "My thoughts exactly. This wedding should, on the whole, stabilise the kingdom - but only once it's over. Until then especially, anyone opposed to me, or to Vanatherion, will want to stop it - before the kingdom stabilises in some state they don't want. That's one of the things I want you to do - keep an ear to the ground and try to root out any plots or other trouble."

Ghost nods, "Of course, Highness. I shall also research the relevant lore and traditions. The traditionalists, at least, will want to cloak their mischief in a semblance of proprietary. Alas Palanir is not likely to be so constrained." She ponders for a moment, "This is one of the reasons the Princess Guard was formed. Would it be possible to gather some of the Earth metas into at least a temporary revival of that?"

Lorelei smiles. "You seem to have read my mind. That was the other thing I was wanting to talk to you about. I didn't do a very good job in forming the Princesses' Guard in the first place. I had assumed that the group would grow together, as the New Blood group I was in did, but the members of the guard were too diverse, and some didn't even seem to grasp the purpose very clearly. So I'm asking you to reform, or re-form, the guard. I won't be as personally involved, obviously - after the wedding I'll be spending most of my time in Undermoon, of course! - but the embassy still needs protection, as does Colonial Bay. I'm still convinced that a superteam based in the embassy - and so largely free from political interference - is highly desirable.

Ghost nods, "Each of the members of the original team were remarkably talented individuals. The major stumbling block was, as you noted, some of them had ideas about the role of the team that conflicted with yours. I shall strive to do as you ask, your Highness. However I've been spending most of my time on the Twilit Worlds with the army forces. My knowledge of Earth metas active now is limited. There is one, of course, who I would choose to include, without hesitation. And he will undoubtedly have more current knowledge of Earth metas than I. Would there be any objection to approaching him, Princess?" Ghost assumes you'll know exactly who she's talking about.

Lorelei says, "No - of course not. Choose who you think is best. I trust your judgement."

Ghost bows deeply, "I am honoured by your trust, Highness." Ghost is also thinking - check the traditions. How much of an army presence can I get away surrounding both with. Duke Vanatherion's forces are loyal to him. Some of the forces I've been sharing camps with for the last few decades will be trustworthy too. "I shall begin at once. This must be instigated before the public announcement is made."

Lorelei nods. "I agree. Not that the engagement will be much of a surprise, I imagine, at least to any major players. But some people may be surprised, and no one knew about the timing. We hope."

Ghost nods, "The additional threats against Duke Vanatherion and your Highness will start with the announcement. Those who already know, or have guessed, may be making preparations. But taking action prior to the announcement will be unlikely. Not impossible, and there are already threats to both of you unrelated to an engagement. However to execute action prior to the announcement would weaken the justification for such action at least as far as the traditionalists are concerned. Highness, may I have your permission to inform members of the reformed Princess Guard of the news?"

Lorelei says, "At your discretion, yes. It won't be long till the official announcement, Earth time, anyway. But make sure they know it's confidential."

Ghost says, "If I cannot trust them to keep confidential information confidential, I shouldn't have selected them to be on the team, Princess."

Lorelei smiles. "So I imagined."

(editors note: The engangement of Princess Stephanie and Duke Vanatherion will not be known to characters until such time as they are informed by either Ghost or the Princess, or there is an official announcement by the Undermoon Court.)

Ghost drops to one knee again, "May I be excused, Highness." she asks. Looking up with a grin she adds, "I'm going to be rather busy I think. Not much time for sleep during the next few days."

Lorelei says, "Nor for me. You may go - be well!"

Ghost says, "Be safe, Princess." She stands and backs a couple of steps before heading for the door.