nysalogs | (mini-event) THE COALITION OF REFUGEES

(mini-event) THE COALITION OF REFUGEES

THE COALITION

On the day of the council, there are markers tied with ribbons in the colors of both Olympia and Wyver that line the paths from the cities to the South Outpost, meant to guide anyone with an invitation to the first meeting of the Coalition of Refugees.

While during the previous festivities of the gala the Great Hall was sharply divided between Olympians and Wyverns, the differences between the factions are not so apparent now. Inside, the hall is decorated with a more subdued mix of the white and gold of Olympia and the red and black of Wyver. Banners, pennants, and bunting drape from the ceiling and wind around wooden pillars. To one side of the hall, there are tables set up with drinks and finger foods — refreshments for the guests, for after the opening speech. A raised platform has been set up at one end of the room, flanked by contingents of both the Royal Guards and the Knightryders standing at attention side by side, differentiated only by the make of their armor and the colors they wear.

Ashti, Shenya, and Heryn stand waiting for the arrival of their monarchs, pointedly ignoring each other; notably, Raysc, Shanrian's son and the leader of Mythi's Fangs, is conspicuously absent.

Staff members cluster to the side of the stage, waiting for the speech to begin. A whisper drifts over from a woman in one of the Olympian groups: Do you really think the Empress will try to negotiate for Nithor's skull?

The man she's speaking to shakes his head and scoffs, answering: Ha! Not a chance. She thinks it's too soon, who knows if this peace will last. Besides, there's no way she's willing to give up Ysevrai's heart.

A horn sounds, and the staff members subside, glancing around to see if anyone's overheard. A moment later, and Simwe and Shanrian make their appearance, walking together to the stage for their speech.

Aha… we have quite the gathering here, do we not? All of our heroes in one place… This may be an unprecedented meeting, but it seems as though it will be a productive one. Let us begin by thanking all of you for your contributions to our cities in recent times.

Since your arrival, you have weathered the plague that swept through our cities and aided us in finding its cure; you have withstood the scorn of those who were meant to shelter you turning against you, and helped us quell riots in the very hearts of our homes; you have been taken right off the streets and endured hardships too terrible to tell, and have proven heroes in bringing our people safely home. You have done much for us, and shown yourselves loyal beyond many who were born within our walls. We will allow your voices to go unheard no longer! Today—

Today, we will hear you. You have demonstrated both strength and valor in equal measures — it follows that you will be wise as well, and it is that wisdom that we wish to hear brought in council to our cities. You are gathered here to look beyond our history of violence and hostility, to see beyond the prejudices we hold. We hope that with your clearer sight, you'll keep in your hearts the betterment of both of our fair cities, rather than allow pettiness to hold sway and lift one over the other.

Those gathered here are deemed worthy by action and by the trust of your brethren: a council. Amongst yourselves, decide what matters most to you about your lives within the cities. Discuss what changes you wish to see, and how those changes should come about. Reach an agreement, put your motions to us, and should they be feasible, we will see what sort of effect your ideas will have. The two proposals with the most support among your fellows will be those we implement, so argue your reasoning most convincingly!

And remember, this is your chance to impress us. If your advice is sound, we will look to you again.

At this, both rulers fall silent, and withdraw to a balcony to oversee the proceedings. This is not their meeting, after all — this is something that only the refugees can determine the outcome of.

FINAL OOC NOTES

Welcome to your first chance to have a voice in the NPC governments, Players! Your task is, as a group, to decide the two most important IC issues you would like to see Olympia and Wyver address, and then put forward a plan of action for how to improve whatever those problems are, which will then be implemented in May.

Since these are strictly Olympian and Wyvern issues, topics should still adhere to the Natha's policies of not revealing anything about the Storm or the Natha's existence, but beyond that, you're free to propose any topics you think should be addressed about your characters' way of life in the cities — after all, haven't the Orbiters sent you here to make a difference and improve life on El Nysa in their stead?

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"I heard that too, and that Wyver has warmer weather year round."

His face scrunches up, and John hesitates before adding --

"Which doesn't make much sense, considering how close they are. I dunno. Olympia has better beaches, apparently, for surfing. Flona Cove? Sounds nice."

John's lived so long in Atlantis that he misses the constant sound of the ocean, it's strange. It had been a little disconcerting at first, but now it's a reassurance he misses. The low hum of the city, the crash of waves against metal and glass.

Ianto shakes his head at the idea of it, not knowing quite how it's possible himself either. They really aren't that far apart, so unless it's something to do with the jungle...?

"I can't say that I've ever been," Ianto replies. "Surfing. You may be surprised to hear as much, but outdoor sports are not exactly my specialty." Which he doubts. Anyone who looks at him will hardly be shocked to hear as much.

"I'm guessing Wales isn't normally warm enough for beach visits. Not even hiking, though? I thought it was full of hills."

Or that might just be his mental image. He frowns in thought.

"I can teach you to surf. Well -- if I can find some some surfboards. And beach clothes."

You know, given those two previous things.

He raises an eyebrow at the other man. "Well, it's certainly no California," Ianto replies. Because yes, he does remember you told him that's where you're from. He remembers everything, so long as he's seen or heard it the once. "We enjoy the beaches well enough, but more as part of the scenery than for swimming in. It's never quite warm enough to want to take that sort of a plunge."

As for the rest of it -- well there are hills alright, but. "Look, I've always just been more of a city boy, yeah?" he replies. "But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try. You'd better hope this planet has some equivalent to sun lotion as well, though. Otherwise the deal is off." Do you see the color of his skin, John? He will literally light on fire if you make him face the sun without any protection.

Exactly. Many of the citizens in both Wyver and Olympia are still very cautious in regards to the sudden favor both leaders have taken towards us refugees. I do not with to tip the kettle further and cause an even larger backlash than the kidnapping incident or the riots which have occurred over the past couple of months. Especially since the political climate has been tense between both countries as well.

This sort of situation requires a delicate and understanding touch that will heed the opinions and concerns of all civilians, refugee and native alike.

It will take longer, yes, but I feel the outcome will be much more to everyone's satisfaction.

[If Justice had a nickel every time he overheard someone thinking about how they had to be careful about their thoughts...]

Yes. We found the hostages kept in the Sanctuary.

[The guards open the doors at the sight of his brooch, and he gestures for them to allow his guest in as well as he leads her inside.]

Did you work with this sort of conflict often before the Storm?

Your mother must be proud.

[She finished her drink, enjoying the warmth she felt in her fingers, reaching for the bottle to pour another.]

Lotion? He studies Ianto sideways, trying to gauge how quickly he'd burn based on experience with Rodney. Probably not as quickly as he imagines, but still quicker than you'd want. He'd definitely need something on his face and probably his shoulders to keep from going red.

"We could get you a wetsuit," he offers, "if they have those. Or one of those full body swimsuits. With the stripes."

A Victorian bathing costume, Ianto. You'd look charming.

Ianto makes something of a face but then he supposes it wouldn't be that impractical of an idea, all things considered. It's why the Victorians did wear bathing costumes, after all. Even if he'd feel a little ridiculous in the moment. Better to look ridiculous than suffer the burns that might come out of it otherwise.

"With the stripes," Ianto repeats, shooting the other man a look, before he moves to take another sip of his drink. Just what sort of an image are you conjuring here anyway, John.

"Are you any good?" he asks. Finding it easier to focus on a conversational topic other than himself. "You must be, to offer lessons so freely." He tilts his head at the other man, trying to picture it. "I wouldn't imagine there are that many others with such a passion running off to join the military," he hazards.

"You think surfing and the military don't mix?" John prompts. "Why not?"

Sure, you can't regularly surf while on active duty but one of the draws is the adrenaline kick. There's plenty of adrenaline kicks in flying or entering a warzone, it doesn't seem so big a divide for him.

"Anyway, if you just want to paddle in the shallows you go ahead. Make sure you roll up your skirts a little so you don't get them wet."

He takes another casual sip of his drink, darts his attention back out into the crowd.

[ There's a slight hesitation here, one that is just enough to reveal discomfort before John smooths over it. Family is deeply complicated for John, and not something here's nearly drunk enough to get into. ]

You gonna tell me yours is?

[ When in doubt, deflect. ]

Exactly. And I don't know about everyone else here, but frankly I'm sick and tired of saving everyone's asses over and over again. It has been twice in the past three months that we've have kidnapping incidents within Wyver that were strictly targeting the refugees who have taken up home there. Considering we're all being thanked as great warriors and heroes these days I would rather see some progress made so that something like that doesn't happen again over a shiny looking medal.

[Huff.]

[She follows. It's an interesting dynamic, as she tries to think of what to say, knowing that he's going to get all the potential options: Wanting to congratulate him, wanting to inquire more about the specifics, and the like.

She shakes her head.] I did not.

But my mother was a very accomplished mediator when she was alive. [A faint thought, of a much younger Diana sitting in a large four-post bed next to a frail-looking woman with a smile on her face; the family resemblance is obvious.] I may not have her silver tongue, but I'd be disappointed with myself if I didn't at least try to live up to her example.

[Oh you are such a butt-face. He has quite the stern talking built up for you once they are out of this meeting mister.]

That's correct.

[But for now, this is a professional setting and he's going to be perfectly professional, thank you.]

As I would much like to do the same. I am also aware that the reason such enforcement of the legal system doesn't exist is due to many of the people's reliance on magic. But as much as that may benefit, it still has its flaws. Human perspective can be skewed after all, which is why you need a multiple witness and evidence-based system which in turn deserves to be thoroughly examined by multiple sources.

[Let us lawyers have a place in which we can practice law!]

[ if you can catch him... but nah he'd deserve it. ]

Magic or not, I still believe the fundamentals of law and order can be present, even with different law systems. We can work with the locals to make sure it's as fair as possible to everyone.

[ yes?? ]

[Family was also a sore spot for Jessica, but maybe she'd had longer to let that wound scar over.]

Nah. She's dead. Not really feeling much these days.

Ianto shrugs slightly at the question, and is about to explain to the other man that the whole image of American surfer dude, long hair and a tan, just really doesn't fit with the straight lines he knows a person has to walk to be in the military. But then John makes his comment about skirts and any polite conversational train of thought Ianto might have had goes flying out the window.

Eyes narrowing he turns to frown -- or perhaps glare might be a better word -- at the other man. The comment was hardly warranted, as far as Ianto is concerned. Just because he can't surf? Because he isn't outdoorsy? He had thought better of John, but the truth will out, as they say.

"It's good to know you think so highly of me," Ianto comments, and with a final swallow of his drink, turns to set it back on the bar and leave.

Whoa there. John blinks as Ianto turns away sharply, trying to work out exactly what happened. He's used to Rodney snapping back at him, and Ianto making to walk away is so abruptly unexpected he's lost for a second.

"Hey --" he prompts, and sets aside his drink. "It was a joke! Ianto, c'mon --"

He tries to think of something helpful to say. He doesn't care if he can't surf? He doesn't care if he just wants to paddle? It all sounds weirdly disingenuous all of a sudden.

[ Um.

Great. Cool, cool, cool.

This is awkward. ]

Yeah, mine too. Give me that --

[ He needs to refill his own drink now to get through this awkwardness. ]

Just a joke.

"Comparing me to women and children in the same breath? Hilarious," Ianto mutters to himself. John has started after him and Ianto's not upset enough to have the other man chase him through the room. But the comment still stung, and so does the fact that John has obviously no clue as to why it did. Just a joke.

He turns back to the other man. "You can make what you want of me and of my thoughts and opinions but I won't be your punchline. Colonel." He knows that he's an emotional wreck at times. He's already cried on John once, but after everything, he hadn't been able to hold himself back. He had thought John understood. He thought John to be a friend, even if he'd only just met him. Had John been playing him the whole time? Ianto supposes he's been a poor judge of character before, but.

"I wasn't--"

Only okay, he was. A little. He cuts himself off, takes a breath and winces slightly.

"Listen, I get it, I'm an idiot. Okay? I have a bad sense of humour, and a bad filter. I thought --" What did he think? That it was funny? Clearly it wasn't funny, though John isn't exactly sure why it's gone quite so spectacularly badly. Must have hit a weak point. "Never mind," he says instead. Then, after an awkward pause. "I like paddling. And, skimming stones."

Paddling isn't bad. Maybe the... skirts comment was just too much?

Ianto glances aside, away from the other man once more. Wishing he hadn't put his drink down, because he would really love some more alcohol right about now.

"I like the cinema," Ianto replies, after a long moment. "I like fast cars, and eating fried food, and wearing nice things." He looks back to John. "I like a good lager, and the color red, and I really like coffee, so long as it's been brewed properly." He lets out a long breath at the other man.

"I told you I'm a city boy, and I made no allusions otherwise. But I fought aliens for a living. If you take me to an honest to god beach, I'm sure as hell not going to sit there skimming stones."

Okay, well, this is progress. Probably? Ianto is talking to him, that's progress.

"You don't have to," he offers. Awkwardly. "You can watch me skim stones instead."

... He really does like that. There's nothing wrong with skimming stones, he thinks? Unless it's secretly some kind of coded insult he's been oblivious to all along.

[Welcome to conversations with Jessica Jones. They tended to land in very awkward subjects.

She slid the bottle over towards him, grinning as she took another sip.]

Unless you're some kind of alcoholic or metahuman, I'd watch your drinking rate. I'm not going to feel obliged to make sure you get home okay.

Ianto simultaneously sighs and rolls his eyes at the other man, before stepping back towards the bar area again. Assuming that John will follow him. The idea had been for them to get drinks together, after all.

"You offered to teach me surfing," Ianto says, though his tone of voice suggests there may be an affectionate, 'you idiot' added silently on the end of the sentence. "Don't tell me that you're rescinding it now."

He reaches for another pseudo-ale, taking a long drink of the amber liquid before turning back to the other man with an assessing glance. As if to say, 'well?' John deciding Ianto might be better off paddling had been what set them off the path in the first place here after all.

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(mini-event) THE COALITION OF REFUGEES

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