(Imperial Consulate - Private, Katherine L'Rodan) Wild blooms entwined...

[Mekare Taryn]

OOC: Adapted and plagiarized with permission from the always-lovable Milo L'Evienne. Many thanks!

Located within the Imperial Forum, the Consulate for the Southern Coasts was an impressive structure. The architecture of the building combined both simplicity -- with its white marble sheathing -- and the ornate, as carved pillars staggered at regular intervals along the whole of its front complimented an artfully engraved roofline. A raised veranda ran the breadth of the building, covered in a dark green carpet that ran up marble steps and ended at double doors, which had been carved of gleaming polished oak. Two Imperial Guards stood sentry there, asking all comers to state their business and relinquish their weapons before being allowed inside. The doors swung outward to reveal a short hallway, with a multi-paned skylight making the space seem a more open one... and where the hall opened up into the main atrium, two more guards stood silent sentinel.

The main atrium of the consulate was a large and airy one, with white and gold marbled floors that caught the myriad of colors cast by a large oval stained glass skylight set into the high, beveled ceiling. Directly below the colorful feature and set in the center of the atrium was a marble fountain, its elegant but simple spigot creating a soothing sound that permeated the whole of the space. The walls were painted a delicate, pastoral shade of green, and hung with large tapestries... one for each province of the southern coasts -- Prime, Sheria and Enamoria -- with each one bearing that province's motto and crest. One more had been added to these, to govern over all... the Imperial crest and motto. The wall directly opposing the door was almost entirely occupied by a long and low fireplace, enclosed by a white and gold marble mantle. Imperial guards were stationed at regular intervals within the atrium, but maintained a subtle presence. To the left of the doors was a sitting area with leather chairs and couches upholstered in dark green and tan leather, pots of native plants, along with small tables arranged on a thick tapestry rug.

That these offices were undergoing a changing of the guard was plainly evident... that its newest occupant had not quite managed a change in decor, likewise. The only thing that had changed thus far was the Consul's personal assistant... a plump and pleasant Maggie Duff had been replaced with an otherwise affable Tigroness, whose black-and-white striped hide was prized highly amongst those of her own kith and kin. Each visitor to the Consulate was greeted with a rather toothy grin, and from a gaping maw that was able to rend flesh to bits in seconds. A single silver placard noted her name as Sereika un'Ala... the same who had worked for Mekare full patterns prior, and who was now not quite so young.

"Seraa, and good brightening... welcome to the Consulate for the Southern Shores. How may I help you?"

[Katherine L'Rodan]

A brightening or so from the returned letter.

Having donned her favorite and best gown, that of silver and pale green velvet, fringed with small white beads, hair left mostly loose, with only a thin crown pulled back to stop curls flying, the young L'Rodan positively buzzed with excitement. Talking to herself over the correct forms of address, of pleases and thank yous and so forth, the cart jogged along the roads of Prime, toward the Imperial Sector. The amber eyed artisan in training clutched detailed plans, costs and the letter from one Governor of Arakmat. This venture seemed to be paying off and her father's dreams would come true, with hers to follow hopefully.

As the cart left, the lady held her visa and th card wallet of papers close to her bosom as she made her venture into the building of the consulate. She admired the guards through searching and their want to protect the lady within, so she did as instructed with no fuss, having no weapon and a letter of appointment.

Amber eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful Katta, its white fur contrasting with its black stripes flawlessly. The words that came from her mouth took the lady by surprise. Recovering herself she smiled.
"I am Katherine L'Rodan, I am here to see her Imperial Excellency.

[Mekare Taryn]

It was not often that the Lady found herself within the borders of the Principality of Prime... not often that she found much purpose here outside of visits that were either purely social or completely necessary. That this had as much to do with the somewhat ceremonial nature of her title within these lands as anything else was to be expected, given that Milo kept a careful eye on the goings-on in the capitol city, but was nonetheless cause for concern every now and then. One could argue that her friend was busy enough without being forced to involve himself in the every-brightening politicking that had become all too commonplace of late... but then, a second argument could easily be made that he had chosen it of his own volition. Whatever the case, a diminutive immortal had -- eventually -- found it less than mandatory to remain within Alleria Prime for too long... a fact which did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by one whose sorrows within this place were still too many to count. Nonetheless, the Regent well knew that he could call upon Mekare at any given time should the need arise, and that she would arrive in record time... thanks in no small part to the dubious talents of one Kesariel Kess. Yet it was not to be his summons answered this brightening...

...it was that of another.

Miss Katherine L'Rodan. A crimson-crowned ancient had spent considerable time in contemplation of this name, perhaps in an attempt to discern what sort of creature she might be. Certainly she was someone whom the Lady had never met, but that she had felt compelled to write to the one official in all of the Imperial Government who chose -- deliberately so! -- to remain as faceless as possible was a conundrum in itself. What sort of individual would choose to contact one whom they knew to be a relic of ages past? Perhaps the girl thought her old and senile... such a notion was enough to bring something of a sardonic and lopsided smile to otherwise expressionless features. If this were the case, then certainly the child was in for a far bumpier ride than she had originally bargained for!

It was time.

Sereika had been forewarned of the girl's arrival in the most unconventional manner possible... a means of communication peculiar to Mekare alone, perhaps, but one that the Katta was swiftly -- and undeniably -- growing accustomed to, in spite of herself. A furred maw was split even further by the widening of a much-toothed grin as she rose from her seat and extended a great clawed appendage that passed for a hand. This was a gesture of welcome, one which her words would further confirm as Katherine was invited into the sanctuary of the everlasting Consul.

"Ah, Miss L'Rodan... the Lady is expecing you. Please, come in!"

The agile Tigroness led the way through another set of doors at the far end of the atrium... through several other corridors, and finally, to the private offices of the Consul herself. This last entrance was flung open somewhat haphazardly, the strength of the furred secretary perhaps far more potent than any yet realized... but once done, the young human would find herself within the confines of an office that had been decorated as much for beauty as for simplicity. The walls were painted in that same cornflower hue as was reflected in the Enamorian coat of arms, though perhaps more akin to the darkening sky at sunsset for the Lady than any reflection of her homeland. A desk of polished maple lay within one corner of the room, though the comfortable leather armchair behind it was -- by all appearances -- empty. Instead, the lithe and lissome form of the porcelain beauty known as Mekare Taryn could be found perched at the edge of a magnificently carved chaise lounge. Cream brocade dominated the area that had been designated as a small parlor, partitioned as it was by rugs woven in the richest shades of ivy and baby blue, while a lowlying table at its center bore a large basket, one filled with the heartier strains of flora suited to a cold winter. Shelves upon shelves of books could be found on any wall, some ancient tomes that were outlived only by the Lady herself... and it was lost within the pages of one of these that the Consul for the Southern Coasts had been found.

"Miss Katherine L'Rodan to see you, Your Excellency."

These were the words which would break the deafening silence in the room, though the angel of Stillwater Keep -- as a beloved friend had once named her -- did not seem startled in any wise. Instead, senescent eyes had shifted their gaze to meet that of the newest guest to be welcomed to the Consulate. The girl was an interesting creature, if appearances were to be believed, but mute fascination could not hold sway within polite circles. Yes, bound to an archaic -- perhaps even long-dead -- code of manners and decorum she was, now and forever...

"Serale, and good brightening to you, Miss L'Rodan. How may I help you?"

She stood. She wore a brilliantly tailored silk dress, white as the purest snow and not much paler than Mekare herself. Its waistline was high, gathered just beneath her bosom, and embroidered with climbing emerald ivy along its seamless curved neckline and down to cover the admittedly small bodice. The sleeves were long, and form fitting until they stopped short of her elbows, where they opened up and draped down as gracefully as any willow branch... though sheer, they would provide enough warmth to accommodate the diminutive female's needs. Indeed it was a brilliant piece of work. Long, flowing skirts rested in a clean line down the front of the Lady's body, tapering towards the back and into a small train that was neither ungainly nor overburdening. Beautifully done, all in all, and semi-formal, at the very least.

It was going to be an interesting brightening.

[Katherine L'Rodan]

Smiling her thanks to the Katta, Wren was faced by the red haired beauty and was taken aback. Wren knew that gorgeous women existed but she never expected them to be such established politicians. With a deep curtsy, Wren stepped forward.
"Your Imperial Excellency, I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to see me." With a smile she did her best not to fidget with the folder in her hands. "I also thank you for your interest in my father and my venture, I must admit I did not expect such a fast response." Having walked up closer to the lady she opened the car wallet that contained all her papers.
"I have simply come to show plans of the theater, explain a few things and answer any concerns."

[Mekare Taryn]

Without further ado, the doors to the office closed surreptitiously behind the new acquaintances, and the striking Katta had disappeared from sight. Privacy, it seemed, had been swiftly and duly afforded them... as had been the Lady's wish from the beginning. That the girl had been somewhat flustered by her appearance -- singular though it may be -- was readily apparent, to the point that innate capabilities not been needed to sense it. Mekare could not blame her. Countless eras spent within the realm of mortal children had taught the ancient telepath that such responses were to be expected, and that prolonged stares were to be the norm in an otherwise extraordinary existence. That the young woman who now stood before her had recovered so quickly spoke volumes concerning her spirit and resolve, and thus had she already earned some measure of respect from the heart of the immortal. A gentle smile spread itself slowly across features of seeming stone, even as one slender hand received the sheaf of parchment so generously proffered.

Yet of the expression of both gratitude and intent, she said nothing... they had been received with little more than a cursory nod and the barest arch of an auburn brow. No, she was not deliberately standoffish or brusque. She was, quite simply, possessed of a reticent nature that few expected and even fewer understood. In silence did long moments pass, as the Lady examined the preliminary plans for the building, which when taken in context with the performances mentioned in Katherine's earlier letter and the list of goods and services offered seemed a workable foundation for a business plan. Clearly much thought and preparation had been invested in the theater thus far... and indeed, it may yet pay off. Certainly it seemed a worthwhile venture. Still, as Katherine herself had suspected, there were questions to be asked and answered, explanations given and details to discuss...

To that end, the pale Consul drifted back toward that same parlor in which she had been found, and the volume that had so engrossed her previously set upon the low-lying table there before ancient eyes turned back to Katherine herself.

"Come, Miss L'Rodan, sit and talk with me if you will. Would you care for tea or coffee? ...or perhaps ...something stronger?"

[Katherine L'Rodan]

Watching the beautiful woman as she looked over her plan, Wren studied the lady's expression with mute enthusiasm. Hopefully she would have good news to report back to her father after this day. As the parchments were flipped through with interest, Wren smiled gently as the lady Consul moved off, inviting her to join. Accepting the offer of tea with a small apprehension to weather it was polite, she took her seat and folded her hands into her lap.

Well, they were here and the discussion of business. Amber eyes took in the situation before speaking.

"I thank you for seeing my your Excellency. I ask you call me Wren, I am not fond of Miss L'Rodan, too long." She chuckled nervously. "I will go straight to business. The theater is planned to be built toward the end of winter. The play is then scheduled for the middle of spring. It will be a production of my own, one which is still in progress."

[Mekare Taryn]

"If that is your wish, very well. Wren it shall be, then."

Patience everlasting met the aspiring playwright's request, consented to it even as fluid steps carried an ageless relic toward the bar... the one remaining piece of furniture there which she had not yet had the heart to replace. It was the last remnant of this office's previous occupant, that creature whom she had loved more than any brother she might have had. Tea had been agreed to, and was soon prepared by Mekare herself, the kettle of hot water so thoughtfully provided by Sereika -- the only preparation she could not have seen to without leaving the room -- poured out into two cups of waiting leaves. Grown in Enamoria herself, the fragrant brew soon filled the private chamber with the faint scent of citrus as the elder woman returned, tray in hand, there to set it upon the table. A brace of aromatic teacups were accompanied by matching porcelain cruses.

"Cream and honey are available, should you wish it... Wren."

That gentle smile -- so cautiously given -- had grown, if only by some small measure... a clear sign that Katherine was fast proving herself an appreciable creature. Still it remained ever careful (perhaps more so than this girl could imagine); its only outward indication that Mekare had not asked the young woman to return the favor of calling her by name. No, it was not a deliberate slight, if it was one at all... bound to an ancient code of manners and decorum she was, now and forever, even were familiarity not something the Lady customarily avoided. It was a seemingly peculiar habit that would keep her with only a few trusted friends. Moreover, the very concept of amity was one which might very well bring an end to an eternally conflicted existence were she not mindful of circumstances, and a kinship was not fostered within the span of bare moments. Thus the immortal stayed to formality and her own titles... for now. Perhaps some brightening these august women might call each other friend, but that brightening was not yet.

Until then, the pale Consul kept a purposefully guarded distance.

Slender hands set about the task of preparing her own tea, akin to fluttering snowbirds as they sweetened the drink with honey gracefully -- and swiftly -- as was preternaturally possible, and soon the battery of questions had begun anew.

"So... tell me, if you will, what exactly my patronage of your new theatre would entail? Is it simply that I attend a production on occasion through the purchase of a ticket? Or is it more of an investment, a one-time donation that would have me listed on some plaque as a contributor, perhaps with the privilege of my own permanently assigned seat? I might also like to hear what this presentation of yours is about, if you are willing. Would you consider divulging the plot just a little...? "