Log:Princesses' Guard, Scene 1

Princesses' Guard 2013/03/13 	 Alion Alwen Bard Cecila Ellbeth Lorelei Scrapper Sukeban 1

''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.''

The embassy is still very much showing the damage from the assault. The new gate has not yet been put in place, though both a crane and several trolls are on hand, apparently to do that job today. Where the gate should be, several fae soldiers stand guard, now in armour gleaming in th sunlight, wear not covered by purple and white surcoats.

Also at the gate is an official directing visitors to their destinations.

Scrapper follows Ellbeth in.

Sukeban walks in, awakwardly tugging at her uniform. The pleats in he skirt are sharp, as if freshly starched and ironed.

Ellbeth opens a gate from her yacht to just outside the embassy. Sufficiently outside however that the guards will have time to see the arrival rather than react unthinkingly. Looking over at Scrapper she says, "You may find this interesting. Lorelei is intent on setting up a team of metas to deal with any further attack on the embassy, and also to assist with heroic activities in the city as needed. Just the kind of experience that will help keep your skills from fading from lack of use. Please follow me." And with that she steps through the gate.

Scrapper looks about, a bit wide-eyed and on-guard, while trying to project teenage indifference.

"How can I help?" the official asks each arrival in turn. Though he seems to recognise Ellbeth, at least.

Ellbeth tells Scrapper as they walk towards the gate, "The Fae language is rich and complex. Until you pick up sufficient to be passably fluent I suggest conversing in English. A missed syllable can change a greeting into a deadly insult."

Scrapper smirks and nods, but doesn't reply in either language.

The official gives Ellbeth a small bow before asking the standard, "How can I help?"

Ellbeth speaks to one of the guards at the gate in Fae, "May the moons watch over you. Can you direct us to the meeting place chosen by the Princess?"

Sukeban runs her hand through her hair, scattering embers, "Uh... I guess I'm here about the security job?"

Cecila got wind of a new group of heroes being formed. So she's got her own costume on which looks more like a martial arts uniform than anything as she finds her way to the embassy possibly by sheer dumb luck because it's not because she can actually see it, since she's about to walk right in, assuming the guards dont say anything or stop her.

"Of course - the princess awaits you in that building yonde." He points to a building - well, almost a palace, by the look of it - in the courtyaed." Sukeban receives a similar answer, despite tthe rather less formal statement.

Ellbeth returns the bow to the offical and leds the way to the indicated building.

Cecila is also asked, "How can I help you?" before she can get through the gate.

Sukeban bows, "Ah, arigatou gozaimasu," She heads off in that direction.

A gardener is bent over flowerbeds in the courtyard, also damaged in the assault.

Scrapper says, "I'm with her," and jerks a thumb toward Ellbeth when stopped. After being allowed through, she mutters, "Perhaps I should have rethought those matching robes."

Lorelei - the Princess Stephanie - appears at the doorway of the building as the heroes approach, in a long white dress trimmed with silver. Despiite the formality of her clothing, she smiles in friendly fashion and says, "Come in! I hope you weren't too put off by the soldiers at the gate. Everyone's a bit on edge, I'm afraid."

Ellbeth smiles. She waves a hand at one of the flowerbeds, and the trampled flowers rise up and regrow to their former glory, "Perhaps the gate keeper should have realised that we were together since we arrived through my gate." she tells Scrapper.

Cecila probably looks more like a lost kid than anything if it wasnt for the costume "Oh yeah... I was lost but I think I'm in the right place" she admits with a grin "Someone told me there were people who were looking for people to pummel bad guys. I like doing that so I figured might as well help out" she offers to the guard in question

Sukeban waves, "Uh, yo?"

The guard also directs Cecila in ths same direction.

Scrapper says, "Right after an assault, people tend to look for people to blame and any security guard worth his salt is going to be extra careful, even if he was off that day.""

Scrapper says, "..,. I don't blame him."

Cecila doesnt really see what the guard is doing but figures she's fine to follow everyone else and catches up with the others who already passed the guards.

Ellbeth smiles a greeting, "Lorelei. You look radient." She says to the Princess, "Allow me to present my apprentice, Jo Hopewell. Jo, meet Princess Stephie."

A pink streak of light appears over head, then slows down and drops towards the ground, stopping about 2m above the ground and disapating, to reveal Toby outside of the gates. Toby seems happy, floating in place while glowing with pink light.

Scrapper curtsies formally, head bowed. "I am pleased to meet you." she says as if they had not met before.

Lorelei grins. "Stephie, or Princess Stephanie. Come in, please. I'm so glad you could make it, Ellbeth...."

Ellbeth says, "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Lorelei."

Beyond the front door is a large, richly appointed room. "I wasn't sure who would turn up so I was unsure what sort of decoration would make people most comfortable - I ended up gooing for sort of English stately home...."

Sukeban gingerly enters, as if she's afraid of breaking something expensive.

Ellbeth nods, "Well it makes me feel at home. Reminds me of our Professor's room at Oxford."

Scrapper, after the assault, looks about to see how many 'attendants' the princess has been saddled with... both obvious and unseen.

Lorelei says, "Please, take a seat, while we wait for any others. If you want anything to eat of drink, just ask."

There are only two servants in evidence, both fae. One is a powerful-looking man of seeming middle-age, but with a limp. The other is a girl, young, slender, and very shy, mousy almost. But there is a similarity in their faces.

Sukeban sits down carefully, "Uh, I'll have some tea, if that's OK?"

Ellbeth nods, "My yacht is back in habour, Lorelei. You must come over for dinner soon. Harry is eager to impress with his new range of South Amercian recipes."

Scrapper takes a quick sniff of the available drinks, wrinkles her nose at the caffinated ones, then joins the servants in passing out drinks, eager for something to do.

Lorelei says, "Wouldn't miss it." She greets the others too as they arrive.

Ellbeth tries a strong sweet Fae wine, sipping with evident enjoyment.

Cecila follows the others in stretches a bit as she tilts her head "Decorations, well you dont have to worry about that for me" she says as she navigates her way a chair to sit down "Place is pretty big isnt it?"

The main sends the girl running to get tea. Cold drinks he serves himself. "There is no need to help," he informs Scrapper.

Lorelei smiles. "Well, one thing I can promise this group in a good headquarters."

Scrapper nods to the man and says, "Apprentice" as if that explains her position at this gathering.

Sukeban nods, "It looks like a nice place ya got here, it would be a shame if anythin' happened to it." She thinks for a second, "Ah! I meant that really, not like a threat!"

Lorelei laughs. "I didn't take it as one. Come in. Does anyone know if we're expecting anyone else? Marcus Bard has expressed an interest but can't make it today."

Ellbeth thinks .oO(Probably must to Jo's relief.)

Lorelei says, "Well - let's get started. Everyone have a drink if they want one? Have a seat, please..."

Scrapper hangs back with the servants unless told otherwise.

Ellbeth sits, and looks around. Catching Scrapper's eye she gestures to the chair beside herself.

Lorelei sits herself in an armchair. "I suppose I should introduce myself, in case anyone doesn't know who I am. I'm Princess Stephanie of Undermoon, granddaughter of King Zoramin. I'm also the superhero Lorelei - and I'm really here today in both those capacities. Less formally, I'm Stephie, and you're perfectly welcome to call me that within these walls, though in the rest of the embassy more formality is advisable."

Scrapper nods silently and takes the indicated chair. She's still looking around for those hidden watchdogs.

Lorelei says, "By the way, if at any point you have any questions or such, do ask! I don't want to make this too formal, despite the circumstances. Now, let's see,. which hat shall I wear first? Lorelei."

Cecila relaxes a bit as she listens to the information and idly rubs her feet on th floor "That's fine...formal tends to suck anyways" she admits "Everyone walking around like they got something stuck up their butt or something"

Lorelei says, "I've long wanted to get a new superhero team going here in Colonial Bay. Why? Partly because this city will always need such teams. But just as much because my own time with such a team was so much fun! Fighting alongside people who are also friends - well, it make being a hro so much more rewarding. And I hope that something like that might happen here.""

Lorelei says, "And now, the official side - speaking as Princess Stephanie:"

Lorelei says, "The assault on the embassy - the deaths of the guards to cold iron - shook Undermoon to its core. They never dreamt that humans might be so dangerous or so barbaric to carry out such an assault. You have to understand that to the fae the use of cold iron is every bit as horrific as chemical and biological weapons are to humans. Luckily, we were able to avoid a major international incident over this. But - as you will have seen coming here - security has been stepped up considerably."

Lorelei says, "As part of this, we have the authority and resources to form The Princesses' Guard - that's the formal title, though maybe some other name might be used on Earth. This is to be a group of metas whose formal duties are the protecton of the Undermoon royal family on Earth - normally, me and my parents - and the embassy. Informally - well." She grins. "Time to put my Lorelei hat back on."

Sukeban wrinkles her brow as a mental image hits her of herself in a pink magical girl uniform, "P-princess Guard? Uh, do we get to pick our own costumes?"

Scrapper looks about at the all female group seating and smiles at the name.

Lorelei says, "Put simply. we have at our disposal a generous budget to put together a superhero team whose official duties aren't very onerous, and so should have plenty of time to do *real* superheroing, if you see what I mean."

Lorelei says, "Costumes, as are normal for superheroes, are, within reason, a matrer of personal taste."

Sukeban gives a sigh of relief.

Scrapper nods, "Off the shoulder green doesn't work for everybody."

Lorelei says, "This group is to be answerable directly to me and my mother, Princess Liandere. It does not form part of the army - so there are no complications on that side."

Cecila smirks a bit "So plenty of time for kicking ass and taking names" she comments and replies to Scrapper "Well, I've been told green looks good on me but I wouldnt know... All I know is it seems to 'feel right'"

Sukeban huhs, "So, uh, what are the comnplications, if, uh, we don't want to do sonmethin'? Can we just quit or do you cast a spell on usor somethin'?"

Ellbeth says quietly, "I would class the offical formal duties of the Princesses' Guard as *real* superheroing as well. The need for such duties being, sadly, all too evident given recent events."

[To Lorelei] Scrapper says, "Given the name, officially, I believe we would be bodyguards ... for you. Correct?"

Lorelei nods to Ellbeth. "Well, but you see what I mean. The point I'm making is that this is not to be just a bodyguard. I want this to be a proper hero team. But yes, officially," she turns to Scrapper, "Correct."

Scrapper smiles, "That is a very neet way to meet some politicians demend that you be properly protected without getting some stuck with a bodyguard that will actually limit your activities."

Sukeban raises her hand, "Uh, do we need to fill out anapplication, or take a test?"

Lorelei says, "Well - that's a little up in the air. Obviously we want to rule out people who would jjust get hurt or such. But I don't thnk we want to be too formal about it, especially given what a diverse lot metas are. If you're. shall we say. established heroes. then that's enough, at least on a trial basis. So no need to worry about that. Ultimately. the hiring and firing is done by Mum and me, officially. Which means we neednt worry about red tape too much."

Lorelei says, "If youre not - well. some tests may not be amiss, just to make sure you're up to it."

Lorelei says, "Now.... let's see - what can we offer you?"

Ellbeth says, "Another glass of this wine?"

Ellbeth smiles.

Lorelei says, "Firstly - this building is dedicated to the group. So the team has a headquarters. Secondly - yes the wine certainly - if you woul;d. Alion? - access to the kitchens and cellars here. Well., indirectly, of course."

Cecila laughs and ponders "Well you know tests sounds like they might be fun... You know. At least as long as they're not like reading tests"

Scrapper hops up and pours Ellbeth a glass before sitting back down

Ellbeth nods to Scrapper, "Thank you. Remind to show you the Invisible Servant Spell."

Lorelei says, "If you need sleeping quarters. that too could be arranged. A salary too is offered - I won't go into details now, because that *will* depend on level of experience, ability, and time committed, so we'll have to come to individual agreements with each member. And other resources....."

Lorelei says, "Firstly, Alion and Alwen here -" the two sevants bow - "are assigned to the team - I'l; introduce them properly later. You'l; have access to the library here - I'm sure that will interest you, at least. Ellbeth! If you wish to visit Undermoon, someone will escort you. For certain missions. we may be able to supply specil equipment - and rather different sorts of special equipment that most backers on Earth can supply, I might add!"

Lorelei says, "One thing we *can't* offer, I'm afraid, whicch is useful to a superteam, is communicators - I'm afraid fae magic is poor at telecommunication. But I'm sure a standard technolgical solution will work for that, at least when on Earth."

Ellbeth says, "Starguard owes me a few favours, Lorelei. I'm sure I can get hold of some SG model communicators on a separate channel. Would you like me to make such an approach to Starguard?"

Scrapper says, "How about a redundant communicator? A wireless device for outside with a magical device for Undermoon attached to it?"

Lorelei says, "That would be great, Ellbeth."

Lorelei says, "Now... hm... are there any questions?"

Scrapper says, "I remember wages being mentioned."

Cecila hmms and thinks "So what everyone here is already picked then?" she asks, after all noone asked her what she was capable of and she's not really been in the news... Plus she kinad looks forward to possible tests where she could actually show off a bit.

Lorelei nods to Scrapper. "As I said. they will vary according to ability, experience and level of commitment."

Sukeban nods slowly, "I'm a college student, so I can't be full time, but I'm basically here for the money so I can stop moochin' off my fiancee all the time."

[To Cecila] Lorelei says, "I didn't ay that. I'm afraid I don't know what you are capable of, for instance. But on the whole we'll give people the benefit of the doubt and allow for a trial period."

Lorelei nods to Sukeban. "That's not a problem. And being here mostly for the money is fine, too, so long as you show reasonable dedication. Though I hope this will come tp be more than a job to you. If this can become a true team - well, as I said, I've experienced it and I know how wonderful it can be."

Scrapper waits for Ellbeth before adding her two cents.

Ellbeth abids her time.

Lorelei says, "I'm not, incidentally, asking people to decide right away necessarily - the point of today is to make it clear what's on offer. In a moment, I'll give you a tour of the embassy - oh, right. I knew I'd forgotten something important!"

Cecila laughs "Well I'm here mostly for the fun of it... That being beating down bad guys. Though I guess a couple extra bucks couldnt hurt either" she admits "But I'm usually in school during the daytime too"

Lorelei nods to Cecila. "Understood. Learning is important!"

Lorelei says, "As some of you may know, this embassy is actually built on an exclave of Undermoon - this is Undermoon soil, and under Undermoon law. This mostly shouldn't be a problem so long as you bear it in mind."

Scrapper says, "i.e. don't walk on the grass under penalty of death?"

Lorelei grins. "Walking of the grass doesn't carry the death penalty. But trampling the flowers will incur the wrath of Randion the gardener."

Lorelei says, "Undermoon law and etiquette are vastly complex matters, but a few simple rules can avoid most problems."

Cecila rolls her eyes a little at that "Yeah, more rules, hopefully it's nothing worse than dealing with snooty rich types on Earth" and that would be something she's got experience with.

Ellbeth smiles, "It's very much like that. If you encounter issues with the Fae speak to either Lorelei or myself."

Sukeban hmmms, "What do we do if we screw up and do somethin' stupid? Can they tell America to send us back toya or somethin'?"

Lorelei says, "Above all - be polite. I can't stress this enough. With the staff here - human and fae - there shouldn't be much problem - they all have training in each other's cultures. But some fae may be visitors. And if you're rude there's always a chance that someone will invoke some ancient right to combat for your insilt and run you through with his sword before you can act - and yes, some of them are that good with a sword. But they're not stupid, they understand that you won't understand all their customs, and if you try to be respectful they'll be reasonable. Well, 99 times out of 100."

Sukeban frowns, "I'm not likin' the sound of that. Workin' with a bunch of touchy aristos that can legally kill ya on the spot would make me feel like a bad guy."

Lorelei says, "Currently there's no standing extadition treaty with the US, of that was the question."

Scrapper smiles, but doesn't comment.

Ellbeth says, "The consolation, Sukeban, is that would make Lorelei very angry. And she is a Princess of the Royal Blood. Of course some of them would happily see Lorelei dead too, So they'll try to kill Lorelei first before attacking you. Unless they are very very annoyed."

Cecila nods a bit and cant help but ask "Soooo... if someone tries to stab ya with a sword are you allowed to beat them to a pulp to knock some sense into them?"

Lorelei says, "It's not like that - well, not mostly. It would take pretty extraordinary circumstances for anything like that to occur. I was making a point, largely. Also - the law here is the ambassador - my mother. So unless you're *really* messed up..... Well. You know. Anyway, you'll get more of a sense of hpw things work after a while. Also..."

[To Cecila] Scrapper says, "(sarcastically) No, stand there and let them stab you."

Lorelei says, "Actually being klilled in a duel pretty much isn't gping to happen to you. Firstly your female and those traditions pretty much only appy to me - yeah, the older traditions tend to be rather more sexist. And secondly these days duels to the death are pretty much always fought with someone about who can bring you back again if she's quick. It's more of an honour thing."

Sukeban nods slowly, "OK, I guess. But it any bastard tries to stab me, I'm goin' to fry them first, and ask who they were later. Me and polite are kind of not that familiar with each other."

Lorelei says, "And yes, in a duel situatiipn one can fight back, by definition - look - I can't exp;an every law and tradition of the last few thousand years in ten minutes."

Lorelei says, "And if somoene's trying to stab you, my all means."

Lorelei says, "The politeness is more to stop thngs from getting that far in the first place."

Scrapper says, "So if somebody got pissed at one of us they would probibly duel Marcus as our male representative?"

[To Scrapper] Cecila says, "Well depends on how hard they're stabbing. It might just be polite to stand there and let them try"

Sukeban snerks

Ellbeth says, "If you are challenged to a duel, which is unlikely, I believe you are entitled to request a champion to fight for you?"

Ellbeth looks at Lorelei.

Lorelei says, "Generally, yes. I believe there are some really obscure cases where this isn't the case. But honestly, don't worry about those. It's like arguing you have the right to shoot Welshmen in Gloucester catheredral close on a Sunday. You really have to piss someome off severely before they'll start trying to invoke a law that silly."

Scrapper says, "American women are known for that"

Scrapper says, "Even simple rules like 'wear a scarf over your hair'."

Sukeban thinks for moment, "Oh, uh, just to get it out of the way, do Fae have any issues with lesbians?"

Lorelei says, "Anyway, if that's *really* a problem. maybe this group isn't for you. Which is why I mention it. But - well, I've found it's not a problem, just a biit weird. I guess that's half of what I'm doing these days - trying to convince the humans and the fae that each other are ok. Just weird."

Lorelei says, "Actually - not so much. I hae the impression it's not so common among the fae, but - well, I'm aware of some quite public examples."

Bard enters from Sandy Bottoms Island.

Sukeban nods, "Cool. Then, uh, I guess I'm in, at least as a trial. Not swearin' any eternal oaths or nothin'."

Lorelei says, "I'm not asking for that. Anything else, or shall we go on to a quick tour?"

Cecila smirks some "Well I'm interested..."

Scrapper glances to Ellbeth, "My studies would come first and I have some other conditions, but it is all paperwork stuff."

Arriving unstylishly late Marcus bard slowly opens the door with an embaressed look on his face and goes to sit down in the back, hoping people might fill him in.

Scrapper spies Bard, "Ah, here comes our duel target now."

Lorelei says, "Marcus! You made it! Good to see you."

Bard perks a brow. "Dueling to the death already. So I assume taht means I got the job?"

Sukeban looks back and waves casually, "Yo, Bard. I guess yer a Princess Guard like us."

Bard says, "So we're gaurding who then?"

Scrapper says, "Women aren't allowed to engage in duels. We need a male to get run through on our collective behalfs. I'm thinking of getting you sex-changed so we don't have to worry about that. How do you think you would look in a pink dress?"

Lorelei says, "No problem with you. Marcus. I l know you're easily capable. Officially, Bard, me and my parents and the embassy. Unofficially. this is your basic superhero team give or take."

Lorelei says, "I'll fill you in later, Marcus - we were about to go on a quick tour."

"I'm not partial to dresses." Bard says from experience. "Okay." He nods to Lorelei though seems slightly disappointed to be basically a superhero team.

Lorelei says, "Well - firstly, as I said, this building is for the team. It's a bit sparsely furnished at the moment, if you strip away the glamour, but we'll fix that once we have more idea what the team needs. And now, let me introduce the servants more formally - this is Junior Spearman Alion and his daughter Student Harpist Alwen."

Alion bows and Alwen courtseys, the latter distinctly shyly.