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Post by Sigi Winter on Sept 21, 2022 23:14:28 GMT
By the time Sigi rolled out of bed, she had missed breakfast and was close to missing lunch. They had recently arrived in Earth Orbit, but there hadn't been any orders yet. She had to make sure to use this precious time to sleep in as much as possible. Still, she was hungrier than she was tired at this point, and wasn't about to wait until dinner to eat. She tossed her pajamas on the floor, then threw on whatever was in the top of each drawer in her dresser. It all matched anyway. Mostly. She'd worry about showering and her morning exercises after getting some food in her belly.
The hallways were mostly empty as Sigi made her way to the cafeteria. Her room was on the opposite end of the ship from it, so it had taken her almost a week to get there without getting lost. As a result, she usually ended up eating alone. She had tried to work her way into a few groups, but it seemed like most of the other volunteers knew each other already. Somehow, she had ended up on a ship without anyone she had ever worked with before. It was exciting to have so many new faces, but slow going as far as making new friends. She knew it would just take a little more time than normal -- once they started going out on assignments everyone would get to know each other better.
This time proved to not be any different than before. Sigi walked through the cafeteria doors to find everyone had already gotten their lunch and formed up in their little cliques. She sighed, but shook off any dismay and made her way over to the menu for the day. "Hmmm... let's see..." It was a hard pick today. Of course, she wanted meat, but they had pork AND chicken to choose from. She could get both if she didn't get any vegetables... But then there was the a la carte section. There was still one parfait left. They were expensive-- it would eat up all her budget for this meal-- but she had never managed to snag one before and had heard they were impossibly good. She inched toward the parfait, but her stomach grumbled in protest. It begged her for meat. But the parfait was right there, mocking her with its fruity, sugary goodness. She clutched her stomach in both hands, "Quiet, you! I may never get this chance again. I promise I'll give you lots of meat for dinner, so just... this... once..." She moved toward the parfait again. "No! I mustn't. I need FOOD. That's it, Sigi. Remember your training. You need a balanced diet if you want to be strong. YOU CAN DO IT!"
Sigi sat down at an empty table, a single, giant parfait upon her tray. Tears of joy and defeat streamed down her face simultaneously. "I couldn't do it..." she sobbed, clutching her spoon in her right hand. Now that she was this close to it, the parfait seemed even bigger. She wasn't even sure if she could finish it. But she had to. She had used every penny of her lunch money, and she was going to make it count. One way or another, this would be a lunch that she would remember for the rest of her life. Slowly, she reached out a shaky hand, trying to scoop off a chocolatey, ice cream-covered raspberry from the top of the monstrosity. She gripped her wrist with her free hand, steadying it, her sole focus on that first perfect bite.
[600/600]
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Post by Lorie Zetros on Sept 22, 2022 10:48:30 GMT
DNS Hegemon. MF-class Intervention Cruiser. Crewed by over a thousand sailors and hosting a complement of over twice as many troops and a number of Aces, Enforcers, and aspirants with high mage ranking, she was by herself capable of stopping most incidents barring those requiring outright invasion. Even a nuclear war on a primitive Unadministered World could be averted by something as simple as sending down a single emissary with a combat escort and broadcasting their arrival, as well as the stern threat of orbital bombardment. They didn't even need to mention the Augusto Cannon, and especially not its compatibility with an Arc-en-Ciel retrofit, because that would be excessive. Or even the vessel's shields calibrated to comfortably deflect a large stockpile of nuclear missiles striking at them from below. The mere fact that they could strike anyone on the surface of the planet anywhere from the cold comfort of space was enough to shake most governments into docile peaceful states that would renounce war forever. And yet, such a vessel was not worthy of Lorelei Z. Hechingen, Archon of Gullintanni. Neither were the measly tenders, shuttles, or planes used by the administered worlds. Certainly none of the rabble she had put up with for the past three years as a mercenary. No matter how luxurious her father had them decorated. No, the only vessel worthy of Lorelei Z. Hechingen, Archon of Gullintanni, was that shining beacon, the moving throne of the Old Empire. The Saint's Cradle. Or, now that the Bureau had destroyed it, something of a similar prestige. But no, the accursed Volunteer Commission and that bureaucrat had deigned to place her quarters on anything but Hex Hammer's flagship Iskandar. She didn't know anything about it because it was apparently the greatest Bureau warship and so most information was classified. But it looked like a sufficient stand-in for the Cradle. It must have had some section that was at least meaningfully luxurious. Like the officers' and captain's cabin for example. Oh, well. At least they had tolerable food. The trip had been relatively short, as far as jumps were. Yes, it was the longest jump she had ever taken, but a few days on this glorified tin can was made bearable by just one thing. The cafeteria crew actually knew how to make good dessert. Specifically, the parfait's quality was something that vaguely reminded her of home. And so, as she strutted down the hallway to the cafeteria for her second parfait after lunch, the dispossessed heiress was actually in good spirits for once. Around this time, there shouldn't be any peasants to disturb her. Not that they ever did even when she ate on schedule, but the crowded mess hall made her skin crawl with the mere presence of so many undignified plain bloods sharing the same room with her. The self-proclaimed Archon stepped into the cafeteria and announced her arrival with a hearty, dignified laugh. "Ohohohohohoho~ Herr Süßspeisenköchin! We have returned for our second serving of your humble offering!"She strutted her way to the frozen dessert section, eyes closed in anticipation. "You should be honoured that your talents are appreciated by one such as ourse- huh?"Her hand swept through where "her" parfait would normally be. It was only air. She opened her eyes. The tray was empty. "Explain yourself Herr Süßspeisenköchin!"Lorie crossed her arms and looked up at the dessert chef with as much disdain as you could muster without having the height of a throne to stare down at someone. He shrugged and pointed at the only other person in the cafeteria. Some commoner who didn't even bother to fix her hair, from the looks of it. Nobody really reserved parfaits for her. There just so happened to usually be a few left over after a mealtime. Perhaps those people were lactose intolerant or something. Nobody really explained why. "Hmph!" Lorie turned around, snubbing the dessert chef as she made her way to the table, giving the commoner a call in as commanding a tone as possible. Just as she was about to defile the parfait too. "Halt! We are not amused by this sacking of our Parfait reservation. Fräulein, you are to defer this treat to its rightful possessor, Archon Hechingen of Gullintanni!"[718/718] Sigi Winter
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Post by Sigi Winter on Sept 22, 2022 21:28:15 GMT
Sigi started as Lorie's sudden shout broke her concentration, driving her spoon up under the raspberry and sending it flying across the room. "Nooooooo! Come back!" she cried, reaching out with her free hand to try to catch it. As she turned in her chair, her legs got tangled in each other, and she toppled to the ground, the ruined raspberry landing inches from her face. She whimpered, then picked herself up off the floor and turned to the girl who had startled her. She was shorter than Sigi, and looked to be a little younger, but had an air about her that made Sigi feel like she had been called to the commander's office.
Sigi was mostly embarrassed from having been so clumsy in front of someone else-- there was plenty of parfait left even with one raspberry on the floor-- but dread crept into the back of her mind as she began to compose herself. Didn't she just say this was her parfait? But I paid for it... She seems so serious though, so I don't think she's lying... And she acts like someone important... OH NO! Did they accidentally sell me the parfait when someone else had reserved it? I bet she's a commanding officer. What if I get court martialed? "I DON'T WANNA GET FIRED! I'M SORRYYYY. I'LL DO ANYTHING--" She started to scoot the parfait toward the girl, but stopped as her stomach roared in protest. She still hadn't eaten anything all day, and now she was out of money.
"Ahem. Like I said, I'm really sorry I took your parfait. No one told me it was yours, and they let me pay for it and everything. Maybe we could... um... share it? I could go get another spoon if that kind of thing bothers you." Her stomach groaned again, obviously not happy to be losing out on half of this mountain of calories. Shhh. I'm trying, but if we lose this job we have to go back home and be a princess again. Mom'll put us on a diet. She shuddered, remembering her childhood days of strictly regimented, mostly green, meals. She hadn't even tasted sweets before she left home.
"I'm Sigi, by the way. Sigi Winter of House Winter, knight of the Church of the Sanktkaiser. I know you're mad at me, but I'd much rather be friends." She grinned and gave a nervous chuckle.
[402/1002]
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Post by Lorie Zetros on Sept 23, 2022 16:35:07 GMT
It was embarrassing to watch. Not because of any pity that was invoked by the peasant's clumsiness. It wasn't even that a raspberry had been lost to the filth of the floor - oh yes, it might have looked clean, but how could Lorie be sure of the quality of the disinfectant used aboard this ship? For all she knew the Bureau cut corners on cleaning material. No, it was embarrassing because she was within the immediate vicinity of this incident, and any undignified behaviour and its consequences was radiating onto her like a gamma ray burst. How could somebody be so clumsy? And so... childish? The peasant groveled even while making her way toward her, and it took nearly all of Lorie's willpower to stand her ground as a sovereign should, rather than instinctively step back and away from this monstrosity radiating embarrassment. The audible growl of her stomach did not help things, creating a new point of focus that distracted the Archon from a lot of what presumably amounted as an apology. Yes, yes, a lot of people apologised to her all the time. Those could be waved aside if she could help it, and as long as they performed better next time. What followed was some preposterous proposal to share the parfait - something only a peasant would say, as well as an offer to get an untarnished spoon. Why was this annoying? She was so... unapologetically nice. It wasn't even that she was acting like a servant caught in the middle of a massive clusterfrak - pardon the Midchildan. It was more of how she was acting so... equally... despite Lorie having already declared the difference between them! A peasant was not on any terms to share the parfait! The Archon quietly listened as this clumsy peasant introduced herself. A Knight serving the Church, albeit one of an elevated upbringing if she deigned to name her House at all. House Winter. House Winter... House... Winter... She brought a gloved hand up to her chin, stroking it in thought. Never heard of it. It couldn't have been a Great House. Certainly nothing on the magnitude of Imperial Dynasties like Hechingen, Sägebrecht, Ingvalt, Dahlgrun, or even that Hades of Galea sleeping at the Grand Cathedral on Midchilda. Nowhere in the vicinity of Great Noble Houses like the Duchess aboard Iskandar presently answering to the style of "Admiral". No, it must have been one of the smaller vassal houses of no particularly great repute apart from their estate. Still... Imperial protocols demanded that she at least show some modicum of respect. But it was so hard! How did her parents raise her to be so disheveled, so clumsy, that without her noble garb, she looked no different from a filthy peasant? That she was mistaken, repeatedly, for a peasant by someone who was raised with class and poise to determine that one was a lord or even a vassal when she saw one! Lorie bit her lip. Maybe her eye twitched too, if one looked close enough. Even a vassal merited more worth than a peasant. But! But she was still a vassal, was she not? Then even within the confines of Belkan Imperial protocol... there was room. The Archon took a deep breath before exhaling. Though strained at first, she composed her words. "Well met... Lehnsmädchen Sigi of House Winter. We are Lorelei Z. Hechingen, Archon of Gullintanni." There. Done. That was all she needed to acknowledge, right? Yes, Gullintanni was one of the old kingdoms on Belka. By the time Sanktkaiser Albrecht discovered House Hechingen, Belka itself had been reduced to dust, and they wandered aboard the Cradle. By that point, each dynasty had claimed the name of their new capital planets. Hegemon of Shutra. Hades of Galea. If one were to follow that protocol, she was Archon of Vindler. But she never accepted that. Vindler was a backwater where her family had hidden for centuries. No. The Archon was ruler of the Belkan kingdom of Gullintanni. No less than that. Which was why she never accepted the pitiful title her father saddled himself with. Archon of Vindler. Pah! Imperial Protocol dictated the proper decorum. And even a vassal was protected under this. While it was true that only the Houses themselves actually even cared about Imperial Protocol anymore, following it was something that kept them centred on their glorious past. That didn't mean there was nothing she could do to get the whole of the parfait, however. Lorie stretched her arms open, as if she wore a cape. "In accordance with Imperial Protocol, you may now kneel, and present us with your tribute." She pointed at the parfait cup on the table. "And in return, we grant you the right of service in our retinue, and the privilege of vassalage under our wing."Which was a fancy way of saying, "Yes, we can be friends, but not equally so". If she actually took it, it would mean Lorelei would have some form of servitude now. Maybe even the beginning of a new kingdom. If the Vice Admiral was wrong, and fighting for Hex Hammer did not prove her worth to her parents, then she could always take Vindler by force if she built a big enough army... [881/1599] Sigi Winter
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Post by Sigi Winter on Sept 23, 2022 21:50:08 GMT
Oh no she keeps speaking Ancient Belkan. Sigi racked her brain, trying to remember her lessons on the language. It sounded like she was mostly using titles when talking about Sigi, so that probably didn't matter much. She said her name was Hechingen. And what the heck was Gullintani? Where had Sigi heard that before? She was sure they were important names, and Lorie kept saying 'we' when she talked about herself. She remembered that's how royalty is supposed to talk, but still couldn't quite place the name. She began to panic. She really had stolen this parfait from a bigshot. She was sure to get fired now.
Tears welled up in Sigi's eyes as she thought about having to return home. Her parents were sure to be furious-- they had spent a lot of money sending her to the Church to become a knight. She lamented not having tried harder to be an upstanding soldier. If only she had been able to do as she was supposed to, she might have landed a cushy desk job by now and have her own personal chef to bring her parfaits so she wouldn't have to steal them from proper rich ladies!
But Lorie did not fire Sigi, much to her own shock. She offered to let her off with an apology! She used some more big words, but it also sounded like she wanted to be friends! Could it be? One of her friends had told her about this kind of thing before. What did she call it? Tsubaki? Tsunami? Something like that. Apparently, some girls don't know how to be nice unless they're a little mean too. It made sense, with Lorie being royalty and all. Not thin-blooded, no-name royalty like Sigi either-- a real life Ancient Belkan noble. If even Sigi had heard of her name, sort of, she must be the real deal. If that was the case, she probably couldn't really reach out to other girls in the expedition. She'd be expected to keep a respectable distance, as an untouchable paragon of Belkan culture.
But if she had a "vassal"...
Sigi didn't let her grin reach her face, but her eyes sparkled as she realized what Lorie was trying to do. It all made sense now! Why else would she come to the cafeteria at this hour? The same reason as Sigi, of course! She didn't know anyone on board. She was just being shy and using the parfait as a reason to talk to Sigi. It must have taken so much courage for her to approach someone beneath her rank, not knowing if they would understand her true intentions. Sigi felt bad for her, and resolved to live up to being her first friend on Hex Hammer.
But there was still the matter of the parfait. Sigi wanted to give it to her, but she also didn't want to starve. Maybe if she bought something cheap with some of her dinner money, she could just have a smaller dinner and skate by? Vegetables were the cheapest thing on the menu, and she could probably get a whole plate and have enough for at least a little meat at dinner time. It would be a sacrifice... but it was for a friend.
Now, for the apology. She needed to keep up the act in case anyone walked in. It wouldn't do for others to see them acting informally with each other. She channeled the courtly etiquette teachings her mother had given her as a child. "OH GREAT ARCHON OF GULLINTANI, YOU HUMBLE THIS LOWLY KNIGHT WITH YOUR GENEROSITY." It was forced, and poorly acted, but she thought she was doing a pretty good job. She dropped to one knee, dropped her gaze, and raised the parfait above her head, presenting it like a holy relic. "IF THIS MEAGRE OFFERING PLEASES YOUR... um... YOUR... oh no what's the title... YOUR ROYALNESS, THEN I WOULD BE PROUD TO CALL MYSELF YOUR LOYAL VASSAL."
She was starting to breathe heavily at this point. Maybe shouting it was a bad idea. It felt right in the moment though.
[687/1689]
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Post by Lorie Zetros on Sept 24, 2022 16:08:20 GMT
It worked? Oh, of course it worked! Though her face maintained the stoic reservation one would expect from someone who claimed to be of such a high station, inside, Lorie was spastic. She had met a gaggle of other nobles before, but at the time she was nothing more than the little princess. They treated her as such. Some deference, but the highest politesse was reserved for her parents. Now, she was on her own, and taking ownership of that title she had been set to inherit. Now, she had names from other houses kneeling before her. The recognition and acclaim from another of standing - even if small - was electric. And now, her brand new vassal, Sigi of House Winter, was paying her tribute. No, a cup of parfait was no relic, or even a dish fit for the Archon. It was merely a decently prepared dessert, something to satisfy her taste buds for a few minutes out of today. But for Lorie, the value was not in the object itself. Rather, it was in the acquisition of the vassal holding it up as an offering. It didn't matter how small Sigi's House was, it was what the House represented. The young Archon took hold of the small sword-shaped amulet on her necklace, parfait still in sight. The fruit and ice cream and chocolate beckoned, but she learned enough self control to set it aside for just until the ceremony was completed. "Hofud..."MEIN HERR?"Anfang." It was a simple command. Normally, such things were reserved for battle. As the mana readings in the cafeteria spiked, silent alarms in certain secure locations went off, alerting a score of guards to investigate the situation. JAWOHLThe necklace broke into bits, releasing golden light as it reassembled into an equally golden sword. At the same time, its master was enveloped in her full regal garb, armour, cape, crown and all. The latter two were left out for battle. But this was no battle. Lorie placed the flat of her sword on top of Sigi's head, between her raised arms and beneath the parfait cup. Runes swirled about as she spoke. "Sigi of House Winter, we receive this tribute with open hands. And as Archon of Gullintani, we grant thee vassalage within the power and care of House Hechingen." With her free hand, she took the cup, and set it down on a nearby table. It wasn't precisely nearby, causing some discomfort as Lorie had a sword in one hand and the cup in another, and she had to bend backward to set the parfait down on the table. Worth it though. Quickly regaining her composed posture, she continued. "Arise, Dame Sigi of House Winter."Lorie removed her blade from atop Sigi's head and raised it above her own, the shining light filling the room. That was when a cadre of armed troops burst into the cafeteria, combat devices charged up. Their voices overlapped, yelling. "Drop your weapon!""Volunteer! Stand down!""Release the parfait!"Well she wasn't sure about that last one. Nobody would be so petty as to demand a parfait at devicepoint, right....? [522/2121] Sigi Winter
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Post by Sigi Winter on Sept 24, 2022 21:20:47 GMT
Sigi raised her head and squinted into Lorie's blinding radiance. Her own device seemed insignificant in front of the Archon's. Hers was a relic of the family, disused for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years. Her parents had had it retrofitted when she was accepted into the church, even had its personality altered to speak common, since Sigi struggled so much to speak it. She was grateful to her parents for all the work they had put in to make sure she had what she needed, and it had served her well. And yet... Lorie's device was so regal, just another marker that she was of a much higher station than Sigi could ever hope to obtain.
Before Sigi could gawk any more, however, armed men rushed into the cafeteria with weapons drawn. She nearly broke her neck turning to look at them, stammering like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. What the heck was she supposed to do now? She couldn't tell the guards they were just playing around-- she had worked so hard to make it look like she knew what she was doing. Did they think Lorie was trying to fight her? Sigi looked around, panicked, trying to think of a way to show the guards they weren't fighting without making Lorie look bad.
It was impossible. If she told the truth of what happened, they'd know she stole the parfait and she'd be fired. Unless... "Oh!" She pounded a fist into her open hand, an idea suddenly popping into her head. She was supposed to be Lorie's vassal now! Yes, she was a volunteer for Hex Hammer, but Belkan nobles walked all over people all the time! Surely Lorie would be able to get them out of any trouble. All she needed to do was act her part. She stood, grasped the cylindrical red gemstone hanging at her neck, then put on her best serious voice again.
"I'm counting on you, Gungnir!"
READY~
Light bled from between her fingers, then her device expanded, creeping across her body like a living thing and assembling itself as it went. As it it finished covering her, the giant gauntlets locked into place with a metallic clank, and Sigi pounded them together. She glared at the soldiers, commanding her scarf to flow dramatically for effect. She stepped in front of Lorie, striking a defensive posture. "Your orders, my lady?"
She immediately regretted the decision.
What the heck am I thinking? Forget getting fired, they're gonna kill me! No no. Have faith in her. She's somebody super important. She'll turn them away with a word.
Sigi's stomach growled again, and she struggled to keep up her tough façade. No matter what happened, it was looking like she wouldn't be eating lunch anymore.
[468/2157]
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Post by Lorie Zetros on Sept 26, 2022 1:30:46 GMT
To call this a conundrum was an understatement. Lorie was just minding her own business, initiating her new vassal. And now, an armed cadre of Bureau grunts were pointing charged up mass produced Devices at them. The nerve to even consider using such undignified weapons, not even forged by a proper Device Meister, on a sovereign and her vassal. A sovereign and vassal who might as well have been guests, as well! Interfering with Belkan business with loud and brash actions and words, threatening violence in response to an honourable ceremony. Sigi had quickly taken up her own Device and stance, jumping immediately into the new skin that had been given to her. Yes, she might have been very clumsy, but this dedication was admirable. Perhaps there was hope for her yet, so long as she didn't goof up too many times in battle. "You may rest at ease, Dame Sigi. We both know that whatever it is these gentlemen are prattling on about, it is but a misunderstanding, ohohohoho~" Materialising her sheath around her blade and planting it tip down on the floor, Lorie eyed the squad leader with her typical cold condescension. Her words of choice were diplomatic, but her tone held an underlying sternness. "Herr Gefreiter, you have our permission to have your men lower their arms.""W...what?" The squad leader's confusion was palpable. Especially considering how what first appeared to be some sort of execution had turned into... Well the apparent victim was now protecting the.. attacker? Still, the primary offending Device was now presumably combat locked, if that scabbard was anything to go by. "Volunteer... Zetros." He read the name from his HUD. "Could you explain what's going on here?"Lorelei Z. Hechingen was a free agent. She operated at her own discretion, and entered into this voluntary agreement after an earlier persuasion. Having read the fine print, she knew what was and wasn't allowed. There was nothing that said you couldn't bestow a vassalage upon someone. And the wording was strictly "no sparring outside of the gym". Nowhere did it say you couldn't activate your Device outside of the gym. And besides... it never said you couldn't perform royal ceremonies either. The young Archon nodded lightly. "We and our subject Dame Sigi were just finishing her endowment of vassalage. That is, she has sworn her fealty to us in accordance with Ancient Belkan tradition.""From what you're saying, I get you're doing some kind of... ceremony. I just don't understand why it needs you to be in full combat gear."Lorie casually brushed aside a stray strand of hair. "Because our culture is built on loyalty, especially in combat. A vassal's prime duty, in return for her privileges, is to fight by our side. Is it then not the proper thing to perform this ceremony in full garb? The agreement we signed made only prohibitions to combat outside of the designated rooms. Not on summoning one's Armour."Before the squad leader could say more, someone appeared on his HUD. Whatever they said was out of earshot, but from the affirmative responses, one could tell they were well above the troopers' paygrade. The call ended just as quickly. "Captain Jansen says he'll let this one slide, but any future... "ceremonies"... requiring Set Up will have to have his go-ahead." With a hand gesture, the troops lowered their arms. Huh. So... that was it, then? Lorie held back sighing in relief. Couldn't let her new vassal know that she was also somewhat rattled. Though she was also annoyed in equal measure. "Also, the Captain would like to speak to you once you're done. That's it. Alright, boys. False alarm. As you were!"The troops filed out of the cafeteria. Lorie's chest compressed as the air left, that sigh eventually escaping, albeit successfully disguised as a thoughtful hum. The captain would no doubt chew her out after this... Well as long as it was in private, she didn't mind too much. People on top chewing her out was nothing new since she got dispossessed of her inheritance... For now, though, she was at the beginning of a new kingdom, so to speak. "Well done, Dame Sigi. You've only just received your endowment, and already you serve with distinction. Maintain this performance, and we are sure to become the best of these Volunteers! Ohohohoho~"[730/2851] Sigi Winter
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Post by Sigi Winter on Sept 26, 2022 19:45:04 GMT
Sigi's legs were starting to cramp up. She had tensed every muscle to stay as still as possible, but she was starting to shudder from the effort. She was so focused on keeping her composure, she almost missed that the guard commander referred to Lorie as 'Volunteer Zetros'. That was weird. Not only was that a way too unfamiliar was for him to address her, but she hadn't even used the name Zetros when introducing herself. Shouldn't she be at least Volunteer Hechingen? Was Sigi supposed to get mad on her behalf about it? Lorie didn't seem mad, so maybe it wasn't a big deal after all. Either way, she seemed to have the sway to make them back down.
She waited for the last guard to leave, then blew out the breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Her device shattered and reformed back on her necklace, and she collapsed onto one of the cafeteria tables. Lorie was complimenting her, but she didn't feel like she had done much of anything. She sighed in relief and nearly melted onto the table as she continued to relax all of her built up tension. "You can just call me Sigi, Lady Hechingen. Dame sounds like a title for an old lady, ehehe."
Sigi sighed again and rested her hands on her empty stomach. "That was pretty tense though, wasn't it Lady Hechingen? I'm sorry I caused you all this trouble. You were so COOL though! That poor guy didn't know who he was messing with, did he?"
She beamed at Lorie, stood up, and stretched her back. "Well then, I'd better go get some food before--" Sigi's heart sank. The shutters to the kitchen were closed. Slowly, her head turned toward the clock. Lunch had ended five minutes ago. She slumped over, barely keeping herself from falling to her knees as her stomach let out another defeated rumble. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she held them back and wiped her face clean. Getting upset wouldn't do any good at this point. This wasn't the first time sleeping in had gotten in trouble-- she was an expert procrastinator and would make it through this just fine. She thought she remembered seeing some vending machines near the gym. If she hurried, she could probably scarf down some snacks before afternoon training and fill up on water to tide herself over until dinner. She'd leave the fact that she was standing off with guards and surviving on potato chips out of her next letter home.
"Well, it was nice meeting you Lady Hechingen, but I still need to go get ready for afternoon training. They said if I'm late again they're going to reduce my pay. If you need anything, just give me a call and I'll do whatever I can. I'm your vassal after all, hehe." She gave a wink, then turned to head back to her room, dragging her feet as she walked.
[494/2653]
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Post by Lorie Zetros on Oct 1, 2022 4:09:16 GMT
"Sigi it is, then." For Lorie, it was more out of convenience than any serious attempt at getting friendlier. It was an extra syllable, and "Sigi" honestly had a suitable ring to it when spoken by itself. She tapped the tip of the scabbard against the floor, and her Armour dispersed in a flash, Hofud returning to its place on her necklace. Sigi went on a short roller coaster of emotions, so to speak, as she said one thing after another regarding what had just so quickly transpired. The tense situation. An apology for causing trouble for her new liege, and then praise for how she handled it with such awesome. Lorie could not help but puff her chest and bask in that praise. "Yes, well they were lowly Mid folk who needed to be put back in their station. It was only proper of our duty as Archon. And on your part, for standing your ground by our side, you have earned pardon for the trouble. We are a forgiving suzerain, after all."Perhaps it was that understanding of Imperial Protocol. Although Sigi was below Lorie, Sigi was also above peasants and servants and proles without blue blood. And given that stratification, it was obligatory to be more lenient... Although in theory, Imperial Protocol was harsher on vassals who messed up, as they were bound by a bilateral vow, the path to redemption was also easier. No, one did not need to split her belly to regain her honour, but they did need to stand by their suzerain in times of conflict. This... technically was that. As it was now, being a suzerain to a vassal was far more complicated than simply being a sovereign over a domain and its subjects. A delicate line one would have to learn if she were to truly accede to a throne. Why did Sigi have to have blue blood? Lorie wouldn't have had to bother with all these protocols otherwise and scrapped her after getting the parfait. And yet, she was making herself useful, as earnestly as a newly minted vassal could. Now that they were in a covenant, she couldn't just get rid of her! Well... that's why she was going to be in Lorie's new army, no? She had to at least treat her somewhat right, in order to maintain that loyalty. So be it. Sigi muttered something about the food, but then sank in disappointment as the kitchen had shut. Instead of letting that get to her, though, she simply pulled up her proverbial bootstraps and said her goodbyes for now. "Fare well, Sigi. We will remember to call upon your service when the time is right."The knight winked and dragged herself out of the cafeteria. And now, Lorie was alone. Alone in this empty mess hall with the lights slowly going out. But at least, she got the parfait. It was starting to melt, but beauty is never tarnished when it is the prize of a conflict well-fought. The young Archon went over to the food line, picked up a spoon, and sat down with her treat. Now, she had the parfait. Scooping a lump of ice cream, chocolate, and raspberry, she stuffed it into her mouth. The first bite was ecstatic. Truly, parfait was one of the few pleasures on this miserable journey! [557/3408]
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Post by Ichibey on Oct 14, 2022 9:10:56 GMT
THREAD COMPLETE. LOCKED.
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