Paying respects to a Speaker

Dec 10th, 2014 05:45 AM

Fionn arrived at the place and time his Speaker had directed.

His suit was newly pressed, his shirt freshly ironed, his tie carefully knotted around his neck, the silver cufflinks at his wrists twinkling when the light caught them. His coat with his little toys had been handed into the coat check area, and the stub was safely in his shirt breast pocket.

He was glad he was a little early, he was willing himself to be calm to make a good impression.
Reflexively he patted his arm pits for dampness before the realisation that if there was any dampness it was because he wished there to be.

You're not on a first date Fionn, stop worrying about bad breath and sweaty palms. You're here to make a good impression on your Speaker. Botch this and you're spending your days in a bin somewhere.

In his arms was a beautifully wrapped bundle in black with little metallic gold snowflakes on the paper, that glittered in the light like he was holding a little bundle of stars.

He envied the natives, they didn't seem to have to follow the archaic customs he did. He could just go along with how the locals did, but he had a feeling Domina would know he had failed her and though she was nearly on the other side of the world, he'd rather walk through Elysia naked then see her raise a single disapproving eyebrow at him. The thought of it made him shudder, she had presence more then he ever did. Mind you sometimes he thought there were things that came on a breakfast plate that made a stronger impression with their presence then he did.

"Domina... your childe remembers your instruction and will bring no shame upon your... August ...name." speaking softly in the dim light, careful that even in supposed solitude he did not offend his Maker.

When the Speaker comes, I will do the Rite properly as I was taught, and if the locals think me some kind of freak then so be it. None of them had ever been to the court of his Thane.

Fionn waited for the Speaker to arrive, knowing he may be there some time. A Speaker does have a lot of responsibilities after all.

I hope you're not going to stand around here all night like bait on a hook. We could be out there...hunting...feeding...oh to feed....take our prey between our teeth and revel in our Dark Gift...You're a predator...not a pet dog waiting for a pat on the head and a biscuit from master....wag your tail at this lot and they'll put a leash on you...crush you under their stylish boots and smear you against a doormat when they're done with you...

**Daniella Sage** · Dec 10th, 2014 12:31 PM

Daniella arrives on time, and was pleased to see someone was already waiting. Perhaps this was Fionn? If so, being early was a good sign. But without a Beast, she wasn’t sure, and decided it was best to cautious.

She walks up to the gentleman and smiles, “Good evening Sir.” Says the British Shadow. This evening she wore a cream colored dress with black lacing detail on the sides and arms. Her long hair was in gentle waves cascading down her back, she wore little makeup and emitted No Beast.

“I’m Lady Au Pair Daniella Sage, Priscus of Mekhet.” She introduces herself.

Dec 10th, 2014 03:33 PM

Fionn watched as the Lady entered, the absence of a sound from the voice told him she was someone well versed in keeping things under control.

He took slow careful steps toward her, like each step was almost painful to take. One...two...three.
The he slowly placed the bundle on the ground. Then took three slow steps backward. Not saying a word, his feet not making a sound on the floor.
He kept eye contact with the Speaker throughout the whole brief ritual.
When his third step was taken there was a very feint click as his heels met.
Standing tall and proud, one of the unconquered, a childe of shadow, for a slow count of 5 he didn't move or make a sound.

This is it, we're either going to make the biggest fool of ourselves ever or show these Yankees what the Old Country are made of.

On the count of five Fionn slowly dropped to one knee, clenched his right hand into a fist and struck his chest over his heart. As the thud of the blow echoed in the silent room, Fionn broke eye contact for the first time and lowered his head;staring right between his bent knee and his left shoe.

"Most Noble Speaker of the Shadows, I come before you proud and unconquered subject of the Realm of Munster. According to the traditions of my blood I recognise the power of your office and the Duty that I owe it and my Family. I Fionn McAlister childe of Virginia Lennon, Childe of Raymond Bourke, childe of Mary Patricia O'Mahony beseech you to grant me the protection of the Thane of this realm, the right to a safe haven and the right to feed. I pledge to bring no shame upon my family or be banished from their company, to do no action that threatens the security of the Realm or the Thane or that I be driven from here or see the dawn for the last time. I bring a simple gift to show my personal respect for the office and its holder."
Fionn spoke the words with careful sincerity, like a knight swearing allegiance to his monarch or a priest his ordination vows. A strange and archaic ritual but it resonated with reverence for old traditions, the list of names almost a promise of terrible retribution if the syllables were spoken without proper respect for them and the one addressed.
Tears began to trickle down Fionns face , the words like a confirmation of a sentence passed.
Exile from home, for many years made his shoulders shake with sorrow for a few moments.

Fionn gestured at the bundle with one hand, never taking his eyes from the floor.
"I hope my humble gift pleases you Noble Speaker. Forgive my formality but my Domina would rise from gates of Hades and flay my flesh from my bones of I failed to perform that rite correctly."

Dec 11th, 2014 08:04 AM

Inside the bundle:

**Daniella Sage** · Dec 11th, 2014 11:29 AM

As he moved toward her, she watched each movement for signs of violence or anything out of the normal. She would read his Aura, but not now. And then something unexpected happened, he put a wrapped box on the floor between them and, wha….backed up? This was new, she had never encountered a Kindred doing this before. Not even in front of His Grace.

She was about to say something, when he then dropped to a knee. This was more Formal then she was used to, and not even the Invictus was this Formal. Though maybe they could learn from this show of respect. Either way, she had to make sure to remain polite. But at the second gesture to box once again, she will move to pick the beautifully wrapped box up off the floor.

“Thank you Mr McAlister, please, there is no need to kneel.” She says, her tone friendly. With a free hand she gestures to the couches, “Will you join me?” she asks as she moves to sit on one of the couches. The gift was placed on her lap as her legs crossed at the ankles.

“Before we get to the more Formal issues, perhaps you would do me the honor of telling me a little more about yourself? Where you are from, what brings you to the Domain and the such. I simply love learning about new Family members.” there was a smile on her face as she spoke.

Dec 12th, 2014 08:35 AM

Fionn kept his head down for a few moments, the mellifluent sound of the Speakers words cutting through his sorrow.

Tears, this is how you behave in front of a Speaker, be grateful Domina didn't see such weakness. Pathetic wretch, clean yourself up before you shame us even further.
The voice was disgusted with him for letting his control slip, not a good start.
Fionn kept his head down for a moment, using sleight of hand to draw a handkerchief from his jacket pocket without being seen. Wiping his eyes and cheeks with the dark fabric, wiping away his weakness and his shame. Another sleight of hand and the handkerchief was back in his jacket pocket, only a slight difference in the fold betraying it had been touched.

Fionn rose his eyes from the floor, the sight of the Speaker was like looking at a fireworks display. Such beauty, such poise, so well mannered.
I wish I had that effect on others, but we all Serve in our own way. I bet she never had any trouble hunting looking that enticing.

Speak you tongue tied fool before she thinks we're being rude.

Fionn rose slowly to his feet and nodded, forcing a smile onto his face to hide the nerves boiling in his blood.

"Thank you Noble Speaker, I will join you."
Moving stiffly across the floor, awkward like a teenage boy collecting his date, unsure of what to say to the towering presence of her father. He sank into the soft cushions, clasping his hands in front of him, stroking the knuckles of his left hand.

"I come from a place far from here, a tiny island in the North Atlantic. Ireland is a somewhat unusual place, so they tell me. My home was in the Kingdom of Munster by the Grace of His Magnificent Majesty Ruari O'Brien, High King of Munster. My home city was Limerick, under Her August Grace Thane Maebh (Spoken like may eve) the Red. As befits a city ruled by a Daeva, culture flourishes there and sporting triumphs are celebrated, as her Grace enjoys the thrills of a sporting contest. The High King places a very high value on Courtesy and Loyalty. Hence the very ornate rituals that are performed for presentation on first entering a new city in accordance with His Invictus ideals. All cities or towns are equal if they swear loyalty to His Majesty and uphold His laws. The Thanes who govern them are Peers of the realm and free to govern as they see fit, only His Majesty can over rule them though He prefers to do so discretely rather then undermine the hierarchy. The King has a retinue of counselors who mirror the court officers across the Kingdom. The Seanachai or Storytellers keep records of favours given, oath taken, promotions, demotions, courtly gossip, and all the general news of all that happens across the Realm.
The Marshal upholds the Royal laws and looks after the safety and security of the Realm. The families are represented by Speakers who ensure their members behave and become valued contributors to the Realm. The Thanes sometimes have a Steward or Tanaiste who can look after minor matters of court and they protect Elysia. The Each of the Counselors has an adjective for their post. Thanes are August, Marshals are Just, Seanachai are Learned, Speakers are Noble, Stewards are Wise. "

Fionn paused for a moment, still stroking his knuckles feeling his pride swell his chest and improve his mood.

"I served as a Shepherd or Warden of the city of Limerick. I patrolled the city looking for new arrivals to the city, those known to us in good standing would be welcomed and advised to attend court to pay their respects. Those passing through would be escorted until they left the city, though some were escorted to the edge of the Kingdom to ensure they didn't get up to any mischief. Those who were not welcome in the city would be reported to the Marshall who had greater authority to throw people out or to detain them for judgement. I loved my job, I served my August Thane and Her Just Marshall. "

Fionn shook his head sadly for a moment before continuing.

" A little over a week ago I was sent on a mission to bring two English gents to the northern border of the realm, there we were to hand them over to another would take them into the middle of the country so they could vanish from unfriendly eyes for a time.
The job was done well, the men were delivered and taken off to go to ground. We returned home expecting the approval of our superiors, I stopped at my haven to drop off some items that would not be suitable at court before reporting in the results of our efforts. Alas I found a note pinned to the door that told me the two men we'd escorted out of the Kingdom were now wanted by the King for judgement. We'd done our job too well and they could not be found, the note also said to get out of the Kingdom along with a ticket to Sacramento and a wallet with a full new identity. So I'm Exiled from my home, without friends, contacts or allies, without even a clue of who I needed to speak to in this city to avoid getting into trouble. "

"I'm a little less confident and proud then usual, but I'm going through a transitional period, moving from someone who belonged to one that is a stranger. I'm sleeping in a wardrobe, till I can set up a proper haven. I found Elysia by sheer chance. Domina installed Service and Duty in her children, so I won't be sitting around feeling sorry for myself. I have ways that I can serve the city and earn a place in this new court. The gift you're holding is a traditional one for a Speaker. The gloves represent the fact that though we may touch things we leave no trace of our passing, the pashmina or shawl means we can pass unnoticed through a crowded street should we wish it. The shadows are our friends and secrecy is our specialty."

**Daniella Sage** · Dec 12th, 2014 02:48 PM

Kind eyes watch Fionn as he sat and began speaking of who he was. And he certainly had a lot to say, but she was not rude, and listened carefully absorbing the information.

When he had finished, she nodded her head, “Ireland is a beautiful country, at least from the photos I have seen.” She praises. His choice of titles for various Kindred positions was new to her. “It sounds like you served your Domain with honor and with dedication.” If his dedication carried over to this Domain, it could serve him well.

“I am sorry to hear about the Exile, changing not only Domains, but countries can be quite a shock. And I am more than happy and willing to offer my assistance to help you settle and learn the ropes so to say of the Domain.” She offers cheerfully.

As he mentions what was in the box, she does carefully unwrap and remove said items. Fingers move over the various materials, as she takes in the texture of each.

She looks to him with a smile, “I thank you, they are beautiful and thoughtful. I have recently begun wearing gloves, but these are simply divine in style and material.” She compliments truthfully. To be honest, she had never really worn red, but she was looking to make changes, and this could be a good step towards that. “I shall surely be the envy of those around me in such a stunning pashmina.” She said as she folded the items and placed them beside her.

“I haven’t heard such a detailed past, thank you for sharing. It sounds like you have experience within an Invictus Domain, which is good because Sacramento is also such. I am the Au Pair, and can help with manners and the such, but I don’t foresee it being an issue with you. But the offer is there should you need it.” She says. “I am not chastising your choice of words, but the titles you have used have different meanings here. Such as Speaker, it is actually a position within the Invictus, and not one I currently hold. So please, Priscus is perfectly acceptable.” Her tone remained friendly and upbeat. “Our Family recently held a meeting, but I will be calling one soon to readdress some issues we had previously discussed. But we have seen our numbers growing, and a few Shadows have recently returned from departing the Domain for personal reasons. What are your personal goals while residing here? Are you looking long term?” she asks.

Dec 13th, 2014 05:37 PM

Fionn listened carefully.
Priss Kuss or was it Pree Koo?

His lips moved, silently mouthing the words to himself.

Gah answer her question you plonker!

"What do I plan for the future? I'd be lying if I said my long term goal is to return home. To see my King, my Thane, my home city. To see old friends, feel the familiar streets under my feet, to see recognition in the faces of others. To belong, to feel welcome, to be more then just some guy walking the streets alone. But exile isn't something that ends in a few nights. So my short term goal is to make a place for myself here, find a coterie, serve the city in some way. As for what I can do to serve, I'm a private investigator. I can shoot straight but prefer to use non lethal weapons. Good at picking locks or pockets. Light on my feet and good at following a paper trail in case I need to find someone. Think you have any jobs I can do to earn my keep?

Dec 13th, 2014 05:49 PM

" Ask me where I want to be in a year and I would be a little more connected to the city. Ask me in 5 years or 10 and I might just ask to stay here as am Ambassador. Ask me in 20 and this could be home with all the wonderful connotations that word brings."

Fionn had a feeling the woman's presence was making his tongue run away with itself.
When he spoke of home there was a light of hope in his eyes, that all of this might soon blow over and he could return to his old life.

"Will have to remember about the titles, I know Invictus place a lot of value on them."

Dec 16th, 2014 04:58 AM

The silence enveloped them, cold frozen fingers of fear ran their talons through his mind, Fionn remembered he'd been Very rude.

Oh gawd, my. You used the word my, three sodding times when talking about your King and your Thane. They are going to think you are some kind of uneducated, ill mannered country bumpkin. You utter twit Fionn!

Fionn paused a moment, his mind racing.
No snivelling, you spineless cretan. You served a King why are you simpering before a Speaker of your House.Look her in the eye and speak plainly. You know you're someone they would be lucky to have aboard.

Fionns hand went reflexively to his right jacket pocket, his fingers caressing the lip of the pocket.
Like he was seeing reassurance from something, when his fingers didn't find it his shoulders slumped a little.

Must remember to wear the pins when I come to court, I earned the right to wear them and they may help settle my nerves in this strange city. Hard to just call it a city, there are probably more Fianna at court in this city then in the Royal court when it is in session.

Paying respects to a Speaker

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