Nimora Orlbereth's page

That Chicken of the Sea chick is hawt!

*glares*

Where's my sister? Lousy b!tch got me killed ...

Hey! I pulled your sorry ass out of that battle and dragged you back to safety thank you very much. And helped get you named Prince Regent of Sandreef. Would a little gratitude kill you....Oh. Um. Sorry, Joren. ;)

"Perhaps you should be in charge of my schedule all the time," he breathes as he takes her hand.

She laughs and draws closer to him, trailing kisses along his neck.

"Well, that would be too much to hope for, dearest. You have too many responsibilities, but I can manage to free up a few hours here and there."

Fade to black

Nimora Orlbereth wrote:

Mirathan wrote:

Just UNDER 2 years?! *sigh*

"I know, dearest. I don't like it either. But we were looking at three to four years before my father took a hand in organizing things, so at least this is some improvement. State weddings are complicated," she said, wrinkling her nose in distaste. "But it's what we need to do, so I guess we'll just have to put up with it."

"At least some things don't have to wait," she added, giving him a long, passionate kiss.

after catching his breath "Better, but you're quite sure we can't sneak away and elope?"

"You're the one who wanted the state wedding," she reminded him. "Besides would you really want to explain an elopement to your subjects? And my parents?"

Just UNDER 2 years?! *sigh*

"I know, dearest. I don't like it either. But we were looking at three to four years before my father took a hand in organizing things, so at least this is some improvement. State weddings are complicated," she said, wrinkling her nose in distaste. "But it's what we need to do, so I guess we'll just have to put up with it."

"At least some things don't have to wait," she added, giving him a long, passionate kiss.

Nimora was both happy and relieved when her father was able to spare the time for a visit. Even if he did tend to unnerve people who didn't know him well. Imagine Professor Snape as an elf and you've got a pretty good idea of the first impression people tend to get of Nerion Orlbereth. By the end of his visit, he had helped her come up with a plan for improving the city's financial situation so that the wedding wouldn't add undue strain to their coffers, a plan for diplomatic visits to get annoying things like seating charts and arrival times arranged, the promise that at least half of those visits would be taken care of by her mother, and after a protracted visit with the chamberlain Nerion had a comprehensive list of things that were necessary for the wedding. And insisted on providing most of the more difficult to obtain items as well as paying for at least half of the required entertainments. He was in fact quite offended at the suggestion that this wasn't necessary.
Before he left he presented Nimora with a gift from her grandmother, a large trunk full of fine silk and beautiful handmade lace with a water lily pattern knotted in and a smaller box full of tiny seed pearls to be used to make the wedding dress. "Apparently she's been saving these for you for quite some time."

After her father had gone back home, Nimora brought the plans they'd been working on to Mirathan. She did her best to explain them, but she could see his eyes glazing over involuntarily when she got into the economics.
"Hey, you, pay attention. This is important," she said playfully. "Okay, I know. The chamberlain gets that same slightly panicked look when I start asking questions about money and trade. I know not everyone was taught this stuff from the cradle, but it is important. How about I sum up? After figuring out how to cut every corner possible timewise, it's still going to have to be a long engagement. Just a few months less than two years. That was the absolute best we could do."

They were all too soon swept up in the maelstrom of planning a state wedding. Nimora was starting to feel like all she ever said was, "But surely we can get that done a little bit faster." She felt like she was being buried in details. And she knew exactly who she needed to help make things a little more manageable. If he could spare the time. The plan to get Joren declared the royal heir had worked beautifully, but there were a few more rip tides to steer through to have King Orca officially declared incompetent to rule, nevermind that he hadn't come out from under his throne for a week because of fear of the pancake menace. She sent a message anyways, hoping that her father would be able to spare the time to help her.
In the meantime there was an endless round of parties and dinners and other events to attend as she had to be introduced to more people than she could possibly remember. She studied the history of Pearl in her free time and had her maids quizzing her on who was who in the vain hopes that she would remember at least half of them.

Will add more later. The dogs and boy have decided to be clingy because of a thunderstorm.

Well, it's a good thing elves are long-lived. A royal wedding is such a laborous thing to plan, especially so soon after a coronation. State dignitaries to invite, assigning quarters at the castle, reserving hotel space for those you can't fit, catering, flowers. Oh...the wedding gown, the bridesmaids and bridegrooms. Maid/matron of honor, best man, the parties. Rehearsal dinner, parties to keep the guests straggling in occupied 'til everyone is there. Security. The honeymoon, the parties thanking guests for travelling here...how about 3 years? Even with Nimora's family helping. Is that enough time? ;)

You leave it that long and you might have some problems with the gown not fitting. ;)

"This is so complicated. Duty sure messes up people's lives doesn't it?"

She chuckled. "Yes, I suppose it does. But somehow I don't see either one of us ever swimming away from it either, so we may as well learn to live with it."

"I'm...I'm not sure. I wasn't born yet when my parents got married."

"Oh, you mean...I doubt that would work. A state wedding is a big deal. Wanna elope? Nah. I want to show you off to the whole world."

She smiled at him. "Well, then that necessitates going through the whole ordeal of a state wedding I suppose. We should probably ask your mother for some advice."

with vacation starting do you want to write a narrative Princess Nimora engagement/wedding, or wait for me to do it justice? If I could.

"So, dearest, how long do people have to wait to be engaged in Sandreef? I'm not sure I can be patient."

"How long will it take to make the arrangements for the wedding? Because that's about how long we have to wait," she said, smiling. "My family will be thrilled, and most likely want to expedite things before anything else can go wrong," she added with a little laugh. "But what are the usual customs here in Pearl?"

Sure I can write up the narrative sometime in the next couple of days while you're enjoying your vacation. :)

Oh well. With Lake St. Clair by us, submarine races were a popular event. o.O

lol. Well, they weren't so popular by Lake Superior I guess. Something about the cold and mosquitos most likely. :)

Nimora Orlbereth wrote:

Mirathan wrote:

Then for a long day of 'watching' the waves. Not as boring as this job usually is. Followed by a view of the setting sun, before they teleport back to Pearl.

Nimora still doesn't figure out what 'watching the submarine races' means, but she doesn't care.

watching the submarine races??? Trying to figure out if this has to do with an activity or is just the weirdest euphemism ever. :)

Well, if you're watching the submarines race (underwater) there's not much to see...so, you may as well smooch. Didn't grow up by the water, did ya? Or watch Happy Days? ;)

Didn't see much Happy Days, no. :)

Then for a long day of 'watching' the waves. Not as boring as this job usually is. Followed by a view of the setting sun, before they teleport back to Pearl.

Nimora still doesn't figure out what 'watching the submarine races' means, but she doesn't care.

watching the submarine races??? Trying to figure out if this has to do with an activity or is just the weirdest euphemism ever. :)

"Both sunrise and sunset are beautiful, but different too."

"Neither as beautiful as you."

"I don't think that I could ever possibly be as wonderful as you make me out to be, but I still like hearing it."

"If I were any happier I think I might explode."

in between smooches

"After sunset, we'll head down and tell everyone."

"Not that I think they'll be surprised. It's been like I have 'I luv Nimora' written on my forehead or something."

"I don't, do I? looks for something to check his reflection

"No, dearest, there isn't anything written on your forehead," she said laughing.

"Neither of us has been very good at hiding our feelings."

"Sunset? But the sun just came up....Oh. Mmm. Yes, I see. After sunset."

Nimora Orlbereth wrote:

Mirathan wrote:

Mirathan watches her closely as she enjoys the repast.

"Nimora?, he asks tentatively.

"Yes?" she says, smiling at him.

"I know we haven't had much time to be us, simply us...."

"But...if you would have me...I would...would you marry me?"

he flushes, and adds quickly "I'm sorry. I practiced and practiced, and still couldn't help sounding like a fool. But I forget to breathe when I look at you."

Her eyes got wide as she heard what he was asking her.

"Yes! Yes, of course I'll marry you!"

She flung herself into his arms, hugging him tightly, not quite sure if she was laughing or crying she was so happy.
"My dearest love," she murmured and kissed him.

Mirathan watches her closely as she enjoys the repast.

"Nimora?, he asks tentatively.

"Yes?" she says, smiling at him.

Behind the couple, a blanket has been spread out on the ground. There is a basket with assorted goodies, and several bottles on ice. Two settings have been laid out. Surface utensils, salvaged from ships or traded for, metals that would corrode in the sea. Bread. Still fresh, and impossible to enjoy beneath the waves.

Breakfast?

She smiled. "It is a beautiful place. The sight of a sunrise above the waves, I miss it sometimes even though I still love the world under the waves. Thank you for bringing me here."

She smells the bread, savoring the aroma, before putting a piece in her mouth and chewing slowly. "Mmm. It's delicious."

In her room she finds a new sketch of herself standing proudly, a figure of power and beauty. And a note

** spoiler omitted **

time warp when your'e done in the hall.

She gasps when she sees the sketch.

She hummed absently to herself, thinking happy thoughts about the man she loved as she was helped out of her dress. The servants exchanged even more smirks than before, but this time she wasn't particularly noticing them, her eyes going back to the sketch every few moments.

"There is more than I can teach you in one century about our home. Fear not."

"As for the Furies, they are ancient beings. Deadly in their power. Most believe them to be myths, worshipped by fanatics."

"No, they are not myths," she said, thinking of the cocoon and the baby within, and the note she later received. "I don't know exactly what they are, but that they are real, of that I am entirely certain."

"And I look forward to learning. I'm afraid I'm driving the chamberlain a bit batty," she added apologetically. "I'm just so eager to know everything right this moment. I will try to work on my patience."

"These are heavy things to discuss so late at night. Let us walk."

It's a bit weird that they don't run into any servants on their walk, which ends at Nimora's doors.

"You have a sharp mind, Nimora. And strong allies. Be careful that you do not attract strong enemies. And watch. Always. So that you may learn to spot a shark in a dolphin's skin. The Sea Furies may be either."

"What are the Sea Furies?"

"I am trying not to step on the wrong toes, but it's so much to learn. It is...interesting going from a place where I knew everything about everyone and all of the history to a place where I know virtually nothing. The political structure of Sandreef may be unconventional, but I knew it. Here I am constantly afraid that I'll make a terrible misstep that will cause no end of trouble."

"But why would Tempest fight for you...did fight for you, when she refused so many others thru the year?"

"I don't understand. She never really told me much about herself. She always sidestepped my questions when I tried to ask. She introduced herself to me after Mirathan's coronation, and after that she was pretty much there everywhere I went."

As Nimora heads out of the library she just happens to run into Mirathan's mother.

"Well, hello dear. I didn't get to greet you when you returned to our fair city, or to congratulate you on your military victory."

"Hello, your majesty. It's good to see you again. I'm sure you've been very busy, and I was er, rather occupied my first few days back," she said, blushing deeply.

She stretched as best she could in her tightly fitted dress. It had been a long time since she had spent so much time poring over books. She had grown more accustomed to battlefields than libraries. And it was definitely time to pause her research. She could hardly read an entire library in an afternoon, she reminded herself, smiling a little at the absurdity of it. Not really knowing where else to go, she heads back to her room.

Please to be not dropping anything more in here!

*splashes El-lina and swims away*

Nimora Orlbereth wrote:

After several hours of poring through the ledgers, she has about a dozen of them open in front of her. She keeps checking and rechecking figures, frowning a bit at her results.

"Are there any expenses that don't get recorded in these books? Because unless there are your accountants are robbing you blind. I expect a little skimming, sure, but this is ridiculous."

"Also, could I get some more information on the city's trade agreements? Based on what I'm reading here they seem...inefficient. But I could be missing some vital pieces of information by looking only at the numbers."

"Err? I'm sorry, but accounting is not something I'm very proficient with. Only moderately so. The Guild usually handles these things..."

"Sorry," she says apologetically. "I'm so used to hearing my family talking about this sort of thing that I forget sometimes that not everybody knows this stuff." She shrugs. "I'm just trying to get to know Pearl better. Mirathan loves this city and I want to be able to understand what's going on. I'll talk to him about it, but I think at some point I am definitely going to have to speak to someone from the Guild, make sure I'm seeing the whole picture."

After several hours of poring through the ledgers, she has about a dozen of them open in front of her. She keeps checking and rechecking figures, frowning a bit at her results.

"Are there any expenses that don't get recorded in these books? Because unless there are your accountants are robbing you blind. I expect a little skimming, sure, but this is ridiculous."

"Also, could I get some more information on the city's trade agreements? Based on what I'm reading here they seem...inefficient. But I could be missing some vital pieces of information by looking only at the numbers."

"Is there some sort of records storage around here? My father always says that the quickest way to learn about a place is to look at their ledgers. And I could use a crash course about Pearl. Histories of the city would be good too, and perhaps something that talks about the noble families and their histories. Would that be possible?"

Presuming the answer is yes, Nimora will soon be immersed in reading.

A message had arrived for her from home while she had been...otherwise occupied. It was nothing urgent, thank goodness. She appreciated her grandmother's wry tone as she read the letter. It was something she had missed while she had been estranged from her family. Hopefully sometime in the next century she'd be able to repair things with her mother, but they both needed some more time apart first. She folded the letter up and put it away. She was glad that everything was fine back in Sandreef. It let her feel free to begin settling in here now that she didn't have to worry about being responsible for there as well. She just wasn't quite sure where to begin. Well, aside from having made a public spectacle of herself and then spending several days closeted away with their king. She blushed and smiled to herself as she thought about that.

Nimora keeps catching smirks out of the corner of her eye as the maidservants help her into her coral dress. She can't seem to stop blushing. She wasn't entirely sure what she was supposed to do now, what was expected of her here. She was more likely to know visiting foreign diplomats than residents of the city. She was going to have to change that. Somehow.

Nimora Orlbereth wrote:

Mirathan wrote:

what you think about the new avatar?

I like it. I think it suits him better.

Thanks :) Are you sure you weren't just little worried about how the children would turn out? o.O

Ummmmm....I was hoping they would look like me? ;)

what you think about the new avatar?

I like it. I think it suits him better.

he looks straight into her eyes,
"You won't have to. I love you too."

"Let's head back to the castle. Unless you've gotten used to being the center of attention."

She blushed deeply as she remembered that they were standing right in front of the omniportal in plain view of anyone.

"I think going back to the castle is probably a good idea right now," she murmured.

Nimora Orlbereth wrote:

Nimora swims through the omniportal into Pearl.

"General Olbereth...Nimora...aw,

screw it." Mirathan grabs Nimora and kisses her hard. For a long time.

The guards around the portal look studiously away.

When the kiss does end, (soon? a long time? She's not really sure since she can't seem to think straight.) she looks up at him, perfectly content.

"I love you. And I'd just as soon not leave you again anytime in the near future if that can be managed," she blurted out, a little surprised after the fact that she had actually said that out loud. She blushed.

Nimora swims through the omniportal into Pearl.

Having said as many of her goodbyes as she could manage today, Nimora headed for the omniportal.

"I came to say goodbye. I'm leaving for Pearl. I...I'm not sure I want to go back to the Temple. For a lot of reasons. But...please just tell mother that I don't hate her and I really, really want to stop fighting with her. I just need a little...room to organize my own life just now. Does that make sense?"

Nimora hugged her grandmother goodbye and headed towards her parent's house. Maera greeted her at the gate with a crushing hug.

"I was so afraid something would happen to you out there," her old nursemaid said, voice choked with emotion. "Oh, look at me, making a fuss. Come in. I'll bet your parents will be glad enough to see you this time."

Nimora let Maera lead her through the house to her mother's favorite sitting room.

Having finished her conversation with Mirathan, Nimora heads out of her room in search of her grandmother. She found her, with a little help from the servants, sitting in the courtyard.

"I'm so glad you're safe. hurriedly And your city too."

"Things seem to be calm at the moment. The nomads have withdrawn. You are always welcome here."

"We might even be able to talk for more than a few minutes."

"If you want to...you know..."

"I would love a chance to talk. I...I've missed you. I have to talk to my family before I go. I don't want them to think that I'm running away this time. I should arrive in Pearl in an hour or two."

Nimora Orlbereth wrote:

About mid-morning the next day.

She sat beside the window, looking out at the city. She pulled out her comm crystal.

"Mirathan? Can you hear me? If now isn't a good time, I can talk to you later."

Mirathan fumbles with the crystal, dropping it then picking it up quickly.

"Nimora? I'm here."

"Hi. I...I'm not really sure where to start. I was planning to come back to Pearl today, and then I realized that I should probably make sure it was okay first. I mean, I don't want to show up at some politically inconvenient moment and make things difficult for you...." her voice trails off.

About mid-morning the next day.

She sat beside the window, looking out at the city. She pulled out her comm crystal.

"Mirathan? Can you hear me? If now isn't a good time, I can talk to you later."

She woke late the next morning. She wasn't exactly feeling energized and chipper, but she seemed to be recovering. She dressed quickly. Now that her brain didn't feel like it was tangled in seaweed, she was much more prepared to face things. And she thought she had a pretty good idea who had taken Tempest.

She sat beside the window, looking out at the city. She pulled out her comm crystal.

"Mirathan? Can you hear me? If now isn't a good time, I can talk to you later."

The funeral was long. It was depressing hearing the list of all those that died. The price of failed diplomacy. She wasn't sure she would ever stop feeling guilty for their deaths. She did have to speak of course. It's pretty well expected when you're the General, regardless of competence. She managed to get through it. It seemed to go over well. She wasn't entirely sure what she said. Something about courage. And some other stuff. And then there was the endless standing around talking to people. Alternating between those looking for political favor and trying to provide some words of comfort for the recently bereaved. She was in a complete fog by the time it ended. Her father didn't even bother to ask what she wanted, just ordered a carriage to take her back to her grandmother's house. And she was too tired to bother objecting.

In her chambers, on her bed a bouquet of sea flowers rests. Fronds of golden kelp adorn the bouquet. The servants have no idea how it got there.

A note ** spoiler omitted **

She admired the scent of the flowers. After she had cleaned up, she pulled a water lily out of the bouquet and pinned it in her hair. She still wasn't entirely sure who they were from, but it was someone who knew her well enough to know she bit her lip when she was worried. The answer would probably be obvious later, but her mind seemed to be moving sluggishly at present. She thought about leaving the shield behind, but changed her mind. She would make one stop on her way. She strapped the shield on and headed for the Temple of Aventurnus.

Within the Temple, it didn't take long for her to locate her brother's room. She walked in. It felt odd to see Joren just laying there like that. She unstrapped the shield and laid it on top of him.

"There. You two may not be a perfect match, but you're just going to have to adapt. You both belong here. And I have somewhere else I need to go."

She looked over at her mother. "Grandmother borrowed it out of the vault, and you know how much it doesn't like being put back there. It should heal him. And it will be good for him to have. It's the sort of symbol that can really help one consolidate political support. I'm going to the funeral for the fallen soldiers now. I'll be leaving in the morning."

Without waiting for a reply she left. She didn't have the strength for another argument with her mother just now. And they didn't seem to be able to speak to each other without fighting these days.

Nimora swims back towards Sandreef. She should be exhausted as she hadn't slept in three days. The shield was sustaining her for now. It troubled her that the image of Telestial had lashed out at the baby with his dagger. She had been standing right there, holding an artifact whose entire purpose was protection, and hadn't felt so much as a twinge. Even if there were things she didn't know, she should have at least noticed some uneasiness if the baby had been tainted. But she hadn't.

She headed for her grandmother's house to get cleaned up for the funeral ceremony. She should just have time to wash and to clean her armor. She hoped she wasn't going to have to speak. She was terrible at public speaking. She wondered if there had been any change in Joren's condition since the last communication. Mother was going to be a basket case if he hadn't improved.

"Err...excuse me Lady?"

The Knights seem to have just come out of a stupor, and are just noticing that the cocoon has opened

"The cocoon is open. No boom. Tempest is gone. She has a chance to start over after a fashion. I think. The elf with the green eyes took her with him."

Nimora breathes a sigh of relief.

"It's done then. No boom. Today."

She looks back towards the city.

"The funeral ceremony for the fallen soldiers is today. I'm glad I didn't have to miss it. I should be there, to show respect for their sacrifice."

"What troops are left here from Pearl are free to go home whenever you wish. Personally, I am hoping to return to Pearl tomorrow, but that does depend somewhat on how much family drama ensues in the meantime."

on the 2nd day and image is added to the silent vigil. He stands at the head of the coccon.

Nimora nods to the image, acknowledging his presence and continues to wait with the others.