A Meeting with the Imperator

[18:06] Just the person she was expecting to encounter. It was a bit different being in this city after so long but the Taiyang would deal with it.

Yoshiko would, however, respectfully greet the Imperator as they approach.

"Good afternoon, Walter. May we speak?"
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[18:12] The full length of a third cancer stick becomes fully consumed in one dismal, furious drag of Walter's lips once he lays eyes on the Illuminated Kitsune's mien. A sneer grows subliminally less forgiving in its vicious flare.

And as the fry textured baritone chants back in response, a darkened nimbus projects itself in the general vicinity of the Nysean's face. Heterochromatic hues lain down upon her with a certain air of aloofness all the same.

"Well hello there." It sounds pushy. Almost smugly seductive in his approach. Walter's tonal gamut nears that of a chuckle, though becomes not quite one.

The stub of his victim piece of tobacco is flicked off to the side. A second cigarette plops between his lips, being set alight on its own, seemingly by virtue of casual, somatic magic.

"It depends. What about?"
(Walter Docro)
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[18:18] A fair blink was given as the smog from his smoke flew around her face. As a fire magi, smoke was an everyday occurrence.

But as Yoshiko's greeting was met with her own. She didn't appear to notice the way it was side as there were more pressing matters to think of.

".. I'm glad you asked." Yoshiko looked around for a moment. The air around here was much different from when she was little but there was no use thinking on it. Something she'd have to get used to.

"As I was travelling.. I came across a mouse who relayed your announcement. It's mostly about the part on nobility."
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[18:29] He makes guesswork of her passive demeanor.

"Ah. Nysean, are you?" A longer, less dauntingly theatrical drag of his cigarette, as the pearl and jade gaze of the Imperator scours Yoshiko's visage up and down. His ever present menacing air seems to die down, there's nothing that explicitly denotes threat from his behavior.

"So, are you considering taking up our offer?" There's an overall civil air about him. Deceptive, considering most of his interactions with their westward kinsmen were incomparably more overbearing and imposing in character. Now, he seems almost tame, as if he had moved his temperament on to newer ideas.

"I would recommend it. Though we shan't aggress anytime soon, you'd still have Theria and the Coven to worry about." He confides, though mostly as a negotiation tactic. Every word carries naught the smell of intoxicating nicotine, but phosphorus.

There's no mention of Alexander. There's no extensive speech or demonstration of superiority.

That much is not even subliminally implicit.

Something seems to denote that the schism's wick had ran out. A lack of disinterest lay therein in its stead.

"Cutting one's losses is hardly a dishonorable option. It has done wonders for both our homesteads prior."
(Walter Docro)
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[18:30] Walter Docro says, "Plus - having beauties like yourself treading these treats is hardly something I would /gripe/ with."
[18:31] Walter Docro says, "Tcha-tcha-tcha."
[18:31] Walter Docro says, "streets*"
[18:44] There was a slow nod that was offered over to the Docro.

"It's not me that has accessed your offer. Moreso the one I retain for. Anastasia. Seeing as she holds the name of one of the Great Nobles," she stated. Yoshiko couldn't really accept an offer that held little to no benefit for her. She just followed wherever she was loyal to and avoided anything that was not.

But as Walter mentioned Theria and Coven, the kitsune closed her eyes and sighed at a sluggish pace. "Theria is less likely a problem for me and the others.. I'm not sure if you still house demons and the like here but Theria is a skeptical location that I tend to be wary of. Albeit, they are afraid of someone like, I think."

Her tail, it waves to the side where head hand could comb through the hair and fluff it out as she speaks. The warmth they she held like she was a piece of sun would release that toasty glow.

"... I suppose. I'm not sure if Anastasia would agree or think the same but I would've preferred to know if this offer was safe," she let's safe roll for a bit. "I know some tensions are still alive. I won't mention but I'm sure you know what I mean..."
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[18:46] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "Beauties.. Kind of you, surely."
[19:05] Anira says, "Ance.. Are you still here."
[19:05] Anira exclaims, "Thanks!"
[19:33] "Ah."

Another contemplative interval, as the more imperious kitsune idly observes her tail wag off to the side and linger. Being without his hat, a pair of pointed ears of his own could be made out from behind the scruffier, darker tint of his silver mane. No tail to be seen, however.

At the very least, one could imagine it as much less carefully groomed as Yoshiko's own.

Needless to say, Walter's gaze, though apparently aloof, is shrewd enough to take note of every inflection and emote cast his way. In spite of the lack of aggression or interest from his behalf, he's still being reserved and studious of the exchange.

A brow quirks upon mention of Anastasia. A name he knows well. One he identifies as a barer of character. He recalls their mishaps and disagreements in Myllenoris; their exchange in Starfall Tower. How they'd both pull at each other's collar in bold discrepancy.

Her mother's blade rests at Walter's back. Both of his brothers' blood stains his hands.

This was her retainer.

It changes little.

"We'll talk about the demons soon enough. I'm sure our new batch of policies to be appointed will be much more appealing to you all." Part of it remains consciously disclosed. Though the simper that curls at the edge of the imperator's lip speaks miles of it. "We're planning to hold some of these matters on a much tighter leash." Alas, the hint is spared all the same.

Walter's heel pivots his posture off to the side, so that his gaze may lackadaisically lose itself between bystanders once more.

What Yoshiko pokes at is obvious. He shares no guilt nor remorse.

"Such is war. There are bound to be casualties. Your mistress, as a radiant, surely knows as much." Perhaps Walter doesn't know of her promotion. Perhaps he simply doesn't care. His point stands all the same.

"If you're not ready to make peace with them like an adult, perhaps you shouldn't be in the frontlines at all.

There are better things to be concerned about."

Smoke is puffed, Walter's pearly gaze shares an unnaturally solemn to itself.

"This offer represents more safety than your fate, were you not to take it. At least, you'll be granted sanctuary, and an opportunity to live on without a timer over your heads."

The imperator doesn't blink. His stare punctures with imperious intensity.

"Trust that there is no deception in our offer. We do not care enough to slight you further."
(Walter Docro)
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[19:44] (hekhak, test!)
(Elizabeth mir Amor-Dayndros)
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[19:44] godspeed doesnt add things to flees or pursues end me
(Thalis Avitus)
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[19:45] Thalis Avitus says, "S'weird ta think Osrona turned out int' this. Not gonna lie."
[19:45] Walter Docro says, "unnaturally solemn air*"
[19:45] Walter Docro exclaims, "You're welcome!"
[19:45] Thalis snickers.
(Thalis Avitus)
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[19:49] Elizabeth mir Amor exclaims, "Yeah.. Osrona feels and seems so different, but life continues as it does with all things! The streets albiet less full, are still traveled upon and the merchants still trade their goods for gold!"
[19:50] Thalis Avitus says, "... Yea', 'spose tha's true. S'not somethin' I've e'er been good at but-- S'life."
[19:51] Thalis Avitus says, "'ow've y' been though ma? S'been a while."
[19:56] Elizabeth turned her head to look up and down at the tall figure in black next to her. Who exactly was this again? Surely Alzheimer's hasn't kicked in. Their visage was distorted with all sorts of odd mechanical contraptions, but one thing gave away the man!

His horribly broken speech! It seems some things truly never change regardless of time or place.

"It's been quite a journey, Little Thalis'. I see you've grown! Though I never took you for an admirer or wearer of gothic-styled clothing." Elizabeth said teasingly, extending her arm over to pat the mans back.

"I guess I was in Los'tal for longer then intended. Next thing I know, the waters have flooded all of Ilburg, and a new settlement rose from the grounds next to Osrona!"
(Elizabeth mir Amor)
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[20:00] Letting out a light chuckle the Ookami just gave a gentle shake of his head. 'Little'. Holding a very light smile the Avtius soon tilts his head to the side.

"'aven't 'eard Los'tal in a lon' fuckin' while. Ain't seen tha' Sanctum lad in fere'er… 'Spose I'd be settlin' on tha' island as well given th' current state o' thin's." Giving a gentle nod of his head he'd straighten himself up.

"Yea', tha' new place's Alabastre. Ain't welcome there m'self, but tha' ain't 'urt m'. I'm up in Theria these days in a lil shack-- S'omely. Needed tha' place with all th' lil feet runnin' 'round." Holding a light pause he'd cock a brow above the cyan-lit visor. "Any places y' ain't visit yet?"
(Thalis Avitus)
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[20:02] Elizabeth mir Amor says, "Well.. Haven't been to this Alabastre-- Ever! Nor have I really visited Theria since my return."
[20:02] Thalis Avitus says, "Yea'? Wanna go 'n see Theria then? Can't show y' tha' book-place but I can at least show y' up there."
[20:05] Elizabeth mir Amor asks, "Hmm.. While I would've loved to, I actually heard a few rumors about Albastare-- Specifically regarding Kofe! I should really visit him before anywhere else, how'd you even get banned from an entire city?"
[20:06] Thalis Avitus says, "Mmm..."
[20:07] Thalis Avitus says, "Well. I ain't t' keen on lettin' th' dead king rule my city up in Theria. So I fought in th' war."
[20:07] At anyone else's sight, there'd be a slight vision of tension between the two kitsune. However, there wasn't a single pint. Yoshiko never treated one of her own ill but she wasn't sure if it was the same for Walter.

There was just a slight nostalgic feeling when she stood in front of him.

But seeing as the little conversation... Discussion rather, they were having was nothing but a talk of two adults about the recent changes upon this country that they lived on was going just fine, the kitsune had nothing to be bothered about.

"... I suppose I shall wait when that talk arrives. I'm sure it will be a sublime amount of words to take in." Yoshiko was content with this. Patience was always something that needed to be respected. And she was one to wait no matter how long. "Seeing as how... you analogize it, I'm sure it is beneficial." She was certain.

Her tail rests behind her once more as she lets off her hand. Said hands moving to her front and sitting just above her waist; digits intertwining with each other like a web birthed by a spider.

"Lightbringer… I have no fear to say this, even as her retainer... Anastasia is akin to a loose bolt. A slight disruption and she could screw out just like that.." There was no sign of a screw or a movement from the kitsune but there was a audible sound of a screw releasing from it's hole. Must be the work of illusionary magic.

"I'm all for making peace.. Peace is what is needed and it what I do according to my religion. But that doesn't mean there shouldn't be a balance... to preserve said peace. It's only natural... But there cannot be a flux of both." Yoshiko closes her eyes once more and takes in a relieved breath. A smile as faint as she could muster would emerge on her features.

"Well, if what you say is true.. Then I can accept that it will go without trouble. Worry not.. I believe sole-heartedly. It's just... who else will?"
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[20:07] Thalis Avitus says, "So-- Y' can figure 'ow tha' ended up when it came t' me bein' banned."
[20:08] Elizabeth mir Amor exclaims, "Pfft, I have a clue or two. But how about you at least take me there? I'm sure no guards can get mad over a good child giving their old and weary mother some company on a trip!"
[20:09] Thalis Avitus says, "Mmm..."
[20:10] Thalis Avitus says, "I'll take y' t' th' outskirts. S'bout as close as I can get."
[20:28] A transparent smile sits atop his facial features effortlessly once Yoshiko reproduces the sound of a bolt unfastening, complementing her analogy. Needless to say, it's clear that the often taken for sadistic imperator finds the interaction genuinely pleasant. A rare adjective to attribute, considering the context explored by each of their pleas.

"Ah-hah-hah..." Eventually, his unwavering façade allows for him to break into idle chuckling. In spite of all the rumors and bad reputation, Walter comes off as no less mortal and vulnerable as the flimsiest of them all. He's a man. He's malleable. You could tell.

"Would she not scold you for spreading such ill rep on her name? O loyal retainer?" He more openly teases her, particularly fixating on her status as a servant as a platform. She could be so much more. "Mayhaps your words would be better spared coercing her to come to terms with the inevitable. There's still salvation for your people. Agreeing to our terms would make Osrona no less yours than it was twenty years ago."

There is, by all means, a starkly marginal change in regards to who would head it, however. Yet, is the parallel that nefarious in comparison? Had the royalists not been hosts to similar sins, albeit under a different pretext and ethical visage?

"Peace has a price. But it is all if not a fair one. Some things must be left behind. In turn, we can only expectantly look forward, bring our hands together in labor and await a better future."

Walter diverges from his more casual crooked verbal patterns, and instead speaks like a king. Something simply sat right about the exchange, though it would still be too early to pinpoint what.

His heavy, wide and elegant treading brings the imperator to stand next to Yoshiko. As if the formal topic ofconversation at hand would be meeting its end.

"If you think her capable of seeking a better outcome for her people? Tell Anastasia to come and discuss it with myself and Tanya personally."

He leans closer to her ear, subtly and slowly brushing his shoulder against hers, as if to whisper sweet nothings. A prepotent smirk morphed along his smile's torque accompanies the fryish .

"Oh, and by all means, don't feel bound to come just for diplomatic purposes. I'm sure you and I could have more fulfilling conversations outside the realm of politics anytime."

Apparently, he has found her pleasant enough. A rare sight indeed.

"Come visit soon, you're more than welcome."

He beams, before treading away, unless stopped.
(Walter Docro)
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[20:39] Voráz squinted...
(Voráz)
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[20:48] "I do not expect Anastasia to scold me for speaking the truth. She's a kind soul but even so, there is a bit of.. discrepancy within that soul. It's the same for everyone."

She was fine with speaking the way she did about Anastasia. She would still be loyal to the Astor no matter what. But Walter did have a point on the matter. Yoshiko could very well speak with said Astor to persuade her into accepting the offer. In hindsight to the kitsune's ears, it wasn't a harmful offer with more to come in the near future.

"I will relay what spoke of here today with her.. I'm sure she'll at least agree to a mutual conversation with the both of you. She is at least reasonable.." Blue hues follow Walter as he sways towards her side. Her head didn't turn but a mere corner glance was resting upon him. Her ears twitched when his breath came in contact with them.

The Taiyang beamed. She didn't know or rather expected this much from the Imperator. She did not deflect him from his advances.

"I will keep note of that when I come close to Osrona's walls. I also fully expect for no one to assault me when I enter through the front gate..

If anything Jiuweihu has taught me... I only engage in battle in defending myself and others. Her light is used for protecting the people of Esshar." She turns on a heel. Facing towards the exit near the park. She'd begin to step but she'd stop merely as Walter made his departure.

"... Of course. I'll make a return soon."
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[20:49] Walter Docro says, "Mhm. I assure you there's nothing to be worried about. Be safe."
[20:49] Walter Docro says, "Ah - I almost forgot."
[20:49] Yoshiko Taiyang asks, "I will try..-- Hm?"
[20:49] Walter Docro says, "Your name."
[20:49] Walter never asked anyone for their name. It was rarely important.
(Walter Docro)
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[20:49] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "Yoshiko.."
[20:50] Walter Docro says, "Pleasure making your acquaintance."
[20:50] Walter Docro says, "Farewell."
[20:50] Walter tips fedora.
(Walter Docro)
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[20:50] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "Likewise and goodbye for now..."