39.3: Expect to Win

Featuring: Ellis, Kazama

Not long after her talk with Salveon, Ellis is visited by her loyal ninja Kazama, who asks to accompany her to the festival while Joshua is away. He takes her to his favorite dumpling stand, fetches her some water (since she's still one day too young for alcohol), and reports his successful efforts in apprehending Ariana. Discussion on a reward for Kazama shifts to the subject of the election. Ellis candidly remarks that she deserves to win over her sister, and both agree that Salveon's low birth makes his coronation virtually impossible. With Ellis short on time, and Kazama eager to talk with his "friend" Elwyn, the two part ways.

[3:36 PM] Uni: Morning of the party. Ellis stood on the balcony of the castle, watching the energy and excitement of the election party in the distance. She sighs as she rests her hands on the balconies railing, taking in the fresh air around her.

[3:37 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama appears, a column of smoke entering with the ninja. He nods. "Princess Ellis."

[3:38 PM] Uni: "Ah, Kazama. I thought you would have gone to the festival by now." She turned and smiled at him.

[3:39 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama nodded again, leaning on the balcony. "My first service is to you, milady. Have the festivities been to your liking?"

[3:40 PM] Uni: "I, ah...I have not visited yet." She turned away from the ninja.

[3:41 PM] AOMRocks20: "I see. Do they appear to be proceeding well?"

[3:44 PM] Uni: "Possibly. I took great effort in preperations, so I assume everything has been going smoothly."

[3:46 PM] AOMRocks20: "I see. Where is Joshua, if I may ask?"

[3:50 PM] Uni: "Working on the business side of todays election party. I believe he is somewhere in the north ward right now, with the other advisors." She giggled lightly at Kazama. "Funny, is it not? My own retainer will know who won the election before I do. Ah, I believe even Mana is there too."

[3:55 PM] AOMRocks20: "Ah, I see. So I am the only one relatively free, it seems."

[3:57 PM] Uni: "It looks like it."

[4:00 PM] AOMRocks20: "Miss Ellis..." Kazama adjusts his mask.

[4:00 PM] Uni: "Did you have something to tell me, Kazama?"

[4:01 PM] AOMRocks20: "... I would... like to accompany you to the festival."

[6:32 PM] Uni: Ellis paused, looking at Kazama for a moment before turning her head to the festival. "Ah, yes, I suppose I should be visiting my own birthday party." She nodded to herself, and turned back to Kazama. "Very well, I accept your proposal."

[7:00 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama raised his eyebrows. "...truly?"

[7:05 PM] Uni: She smiled at him, "perhaps just an hour or so, before I must return to the castle."

[7:07 PM] AOMRocks20: "Of course. I'll bring you to all the delightful attractions, milady. I'll also ward off any untoward lowborn individuals who would touch you."

[7:08 PM] Uni: Ellis nodded, "it sounds fun, Kazama. Very well, let us be off. I believe I have some time before...preparations need to be made for the election results later."

[7:08 PM] Uni: And begins to leave the balcony.

[7:10 PM] AOMRocks20: "Preparations, milady?" Kazama follows, close to her side.

[7:12 PM] Uni: "Why, yes. For the ceremony and such." Ellis nods at the castle guards as the pair walk outside. "There is one rehearsal before it begins this afternoon."

[7:24 PM] AOMRocks20: "I will be watching, correct, milady?"

[7:26 PM] Uni: "Exactly, yes. I will be counting on your eyes, Kazama."

[7:36 PM] AOMRocks20: "Of course, milady."(edited)

[7:43 PM] Uni: "Now then, what shall we do when we get there, I wonder...mmm, I would be beelining for the food stalls if I were my sister." She giggled at her own joke

[7:44 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama does not laugh. "Funny. Although, there is this dumpling stand just outside the castle I like."

[7:48 PM] Uni: "I believe I know the one. I hear that you frequent it quite often."

[7:49 PM] AOMRocks20: "I do! The dumplings are very good there."

[8:00 PM] Uni: "Then I assume you will not mind treating me to one?" The sounds of the festival draw louder as the pair approach the plaza.

[8:06 PM] AOMRocks20: "Of course not, milady. Up on your right."

[8:10 PM] Uni: "Sounds like a plan, Kazama. Please, lead the way."

[8:11 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama leads the way to the dumpling stand, ordering a plate and nonchalantly mentioning it was for the princess.

[8:17 PM] Uni: Ellis smiles innocently at the flustered worker as she stands beside Kazama.

[8:18 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama stands at attention, waiting.

[8:19 PM] Uni: Ellis doesn't speak as she waits for the food, looking curiously inside the stall.

[8:21 PM] AOMRocks20: Eventually, the server comes with the dumplings, placing them on a table and pulling chairs out for the two of them.

[8:22 PM] Uni: As bystanders and other customers gossip around them, Ellis takes a whiff of the dumplings before her. "Ah, they look fantastic!"

[8:23 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama stands in front of the table, not looking at her. "Of course."

[8:23 PM] AOMRocks20: "They taste fantastic, too."

[8:34 PM] Uni: "Mmm, are you not going to try some, Kazama?"

[9:08 PM] AOMRocks20: "I would rather milady try it herself."

[9:14 PM] Uni: Ellis nodded. "If you insist." And moved to pick a dumpling up with a pair of chopsticks, blowing on it before taking a bite.

[9:23 PM] AOMRocks20: "How does it taste, milady?"

[9:25 PM] Uni: "Mmm...it is...very well made!" Ellis responds, after swallowing her first dumpling.

[9:25 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama grins, as does the dumpling man. "I am glad you like them."

[9:35 PM] Uni: Ellis nods, "yes, I do enjoy a nice dumpling. The chicken in here is very nice."

[9:35 PM] Uni: She continues to eat a few more, before turning up at Kazama again, "are you sure you do not want any?"

[9:36 PM] AOMRocks20: "Only if milady permits it."

[9:36 PM] Uni: "Please."

[9:36 PM] Uni: She gestures at the plate

[9:38 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama tentatively pops one in his mouth, quickly removing and resetting his mask.

[9:40 PM] AOMRocks20: "...delicious."

[9:43 PM] Uni: "It is a pleasant stall. I see why you visit often, Kazama."

[9:44 PM] AOMRocks20: "Yes. I love it."

[9:48 PM] Uni: Ellis continues to eat her plate of dumplings quietly, eventually cleaning off the whole plate.

[9:51 PM] AOMRocks20: "Did you enjoy it, milady?"

[9:57 PM] Uni: "Mmm, yes. Only, I am quite thirsty now." Ellis wiped her mouth off and set the chopsticks on the plate. "Any suggestions, Kazama?"

[9:58 PM] AOMRocks20: "I know some places that serve alcohol. Or we can just get some water, if you'd prefer."

[9:59 PM] Uni: Ellis laughed. "Kazama! I am not of age yet!"

[10:01 PM] AOMRocks20: "Yes, but you are royalty, aren't you?" He chuckles.

[10:04 PM] Uni: "Haha, oh Kazama. Surely you can wait one more day, right?"

[10:06 PM] AOMRocks20: "For what, milady?"

[10:08 PM] Uni: "Well, I will be eighteen tomorrow!"

[10:10 PM] AOMRocks20: He chuckles. "That is true. But if anyone were to get away with it, it'd be you."

[10:15 PM] Uni: "Perhaps, but this is not a day I want to be...not of a right mind so to speak. Water is sufficient."

[10:17 PM] AOMRocks20: "I see. Shall I vanish?"

[10:21 PM] Uni: "Ah, you have to get back to your duties guarding the plaza?"

[10:23 PM] AOMRocks20: "Oh, no. I can just vanish, get the water, and return."

[10:26 PM] Uni: "I can never tell with you. Very well, I will wait here."

[10:27 PM] AOMRocks20: Kazama vanishes.

[10:27 PM] AOMRocks20: After a minute or two, he reappears, holding jug of water in one hand and a cup in the other.

[10:27 PM] AOMRocks20: "Fresh water, milady."

[10:34 PM] Uni: "Thank you, Kazama." Ellis calmly accepts the glass of water, unfazed by the ninjas tricks.

[10:34 PM] AOMRocks20: "I am more than delighted to serve you, milady."

[10:36 PM] Uni: Ellis slips the glass slowly. "What do you think of the festival so far, Kazama? I admit, it is a bit quiet from here, near the castle, but..."(edited)

[10:37 PM] AOMRocks20: "Couldn't have gone smoother, milady. Everything is going exactly as plan, and all criminals that could be potential threats have been dealt with by myself." ...although returning that woman's dragonstone was a bit of a gamble...

[10:40 PM] Uni: "Reports of your deeds have reached my ears, Kazama. I have not commended you properly for such good work yet."

[10:43 PM] AOMRocks20: "There is no need. The knowledge that those criminals will get what they deserve is commendation enough."

[10:47 PM] Uni: "Nonsense. I am sure I can find a suitable reward for you."

[10:48 PM] AOMRocks20: "Oh, I couldn't... what do you have in mind?"

[10:51 PM] Uni: "Oh I wonder...you do not seem like the sort of man to highly value money." She leans forwards on her hands. "Or...do you?"

[10:51 PM] AOMRocks20: "I..." He shrugs. "I already get paid for my job, milady."

[10:52 PM] Uni: "Silly, I meant a bonus! Oh, I know, perhaps I can make some dumplings for you sometime."

[10:54 PM] AOMRocks20: "Ah, perhaps, milady. It would be a delight. ...although a bonus would also be much appreciated...."

[10:57 PM] Uni: "Ahah, so you do value it highly. Very well, I will see to that immediately." She smiled at him. "Though, if I am corronated tonight, I might be a little busy."

[10:58 PM] AOMRocks20: "Oh, of course, milady. You know old dragons like me, always hoarding their gems." He chuckled. "Yes, of course. I can wait."

[11:00 PM] Uni: "Excellent. If everything goes as I expect, I believe I can be coronated tonight. Ah, an exciting thought, is it not, Kazama?"

[11:00 PM] AOMRocks20: "Of course. Do you expect to win?"

[11:01 PM] Uni: "I do. For my tireless work in these eight years my sister has been absent, I believe the people will acknowledge it and choose me."

[11:03 PM] AOMRocks20: "I see. And if your sister wins?"

[11:08 PM] Uni: "...Well then I cannot go against the will of the people."

[11:09 PM] AOMRocks20: "Well..."

[11:10 PM] Uni: "Hmm?"

[11:10 PM] AOMRocks20: "What would your next course of action be, then?"

[11:11 PM] Uni: "I would support my sister in her endaveours to the best of my ability, of course. As any responsible member of the royal family should."

[11:15 PM] AOMRocks20: "I see. And I would continue to serve until one of our deaths."

[11:17 PM] Uni: "As I expect of you. Kazama, sometimes I feel like I take you for granted." She giggled at him. "Thank you for being by my side for these years."

[11:19 PM] AOMRocks20: He nods. "Thank you for accepting me, milady. Doing so has brought my family great honor and pride."

[11:22 PM] Uni: Ellis looks off towards the plaza. "Everyone seems like they are having such fun. I admit, I would like to join them, but it would be rude to show myself there for a moment before I must leave again. Ah, I suppose I will be there later after the ceremonies, anyway."

[11:24 PM] AOMRocks20: "Are you quite sure, milady? There are many attractions one can peruse."

[11:26 PM] Uni: "A tempting offer, but I must refuse," she looks up towards the sun in the sky, "I believe I must return to the castle soon." Her eyes suddenly light up, as she turns her head back to Kazama, "oh, but have you seen lord Salveon earlier?"

[11:29 PM] AOMRocks20: "I may have noticed him entering the plaza to enjoy himself. Why do you ask?"

[11:30 PM] Uni: "I see, I saw him earlier too. Which was quite confusing, considering us election candidates were supposed to be in the castle this afternoon." She sighed, "most likely my sisters doing again. Oh well."

[11:31 PM] AOMRocks20: "Perhaps he's simply wanting to get away from it all. Remember, he is a lowborn. He's the least likely to inherit the throne."

[11:33 PM] Uni: "A possibility, yes, but he should still be in the castle later. ...I suppose it does not matter." She finishes drinking her glass of water. "I do not believe he has a chance to win anyway."

[11:34 PM] AOMRocks20: "I have little belief as well. His lack of noble birth is the nail in the coffin."

[11:36 PM] Uni: "Regardless, it would be proper for him to at least be at the ceremony when the time comes. Are you going out to the plaza after I am gone, Kazama?"

[11:37 PM] AOMRocks20: "Yes. I have a friend I'd like to meet."

[11:38 PM] Uni: "That is unfortunate."

[11:40 PM] AOMRocks20: "That I have friends?"

[11:42 PM] Uni: "A-ah, no, that was not what I meant. Umm, I meant it is...unfortunate that I am taking up your time that you could be spending with your friend."

[11:43 PM] AOMRocks20: "Ah. I see. It's no problem, milady."

[11:45 PM] Uni: "Ah, but I must get going. There is a long day ahead."

[11:46 PM] AOMRocks20: "Of course. Good day, milady."

[11:48 PM] Uni: She stands and nods, handing Kazama back the glass. "Farewell, Kazama."

[11:52 PM] AOMRocks20: "Yes..." Kazama takes the glass, leaving. He fills it with wine on the way through the plaza, and spots a group of nobles. Ugh... I wish Elwyn was here. Then maybe I could talk to him about our relationship... Reluctantly, he begins approaching the mass...

[11:53 PM] Uni: Ellis watches Kazama disappear into the crowd in the plaza. She gives a friendly nod to the dumping vendor before walking back to the castle.

[11:53 PM] Uni: "..."

[11:53 PM] Uni: ==END RP==