06.14.3013: Percival's Den
Summary: Ariana speaks with her father about various topics in his awesome den.
Date: 14 June 2013
Related: Of Black Sheep and Botany
Ariana Percival 


Lord Captain Percival's Den — Sky Palace, Nubilus
Like other spaces in the Sky Palace, the patriarch's den features a large arcing window displaying an exceptional panorama of Summit's domes and towers, laid out behind the desk at the center of the room to frame anyone seated at it amidst that sight. The room itself is very modern in its style, its surfaces and furniture (the desk included) all brushed metal and glass, with most of the later panels able to serve as displays as well. Where the windows give way to walls on either side of the entrance, a number of personal keepsakes and mementos are on display: a small bookshelf, a case with military medals and honors, an antique sword in its own little stand, and detailed replicas of several ramships, including both his first assignment and his present command, the latter somewhat larger than the other vessels represented. There is some spare seating in several couches and recliners in these side areas, and all of these, as well as his desk, face toward a central point where a holographic orrery floats, slowly turning, displaying the planets of the Haven system.
14 June 3013

Like other spaces in the Sky Palace, the patriarch's den features a large arcing window displaying an exceptional panorama of Summit's domes and towers, laid out behind the desk at the center of the room to frame anyone seated at it amidst that sight. The room itself is very modern in its style, its surfaces and furniture (the desk included) all brushed metal and glass, with most of the later panels able to serve as displays as well. Where the windows give way to walls on either side of the entrance, a number of personal keepsakes and mementos are on display: a small bookshelf, a case with military medals and honors, an antique sword in its own little stand, and detailed replicas of several ramships, including both his first assignment and his present command, the latter somewhat larger than the other vessels represented. There is some spare seating in several couches and recliners in these side areas, and all of these, as well as his desk, face toward a central point where a holographic orrery floats, slowly turning, displaying the planets of the Haven system.

As for Percival, he is seated at his desk at present, a flick of his hand scrolling images across the glossy surface of his desk.

Dressed in a soft sky blue gown, complete with a full set of skirts and a tight bodice, the youngest of Percival's children practically glides into the room, her feet hidden beneath the volume of fabrics. Her long blonde hair is done up in an intricate style with several ribbons and bows tied into her locks in the same sky blue as her dress. Obviously, the young woman is enjoying her much needed day off and has finally found time to dress in something lovely rather than the medical sterile outfits of her profession. Sweeping across the floor, she makes her way to her father's desk, easily spying the man seated behind it and lightly, she graces him with a ghost of a curtsey, "Lord Father, I was hoping to find you in your office today. Mother and I have been busy getting the guest suites ready for the arrival of some visitors from House Arboren. The Young Lord Declan was interested in seeing our gardens and I believe he will be bringing some of his siblings and relatives in tow for this visit. I expect them to spend at least one full day and night in our care."

Although somewhat wrapped up in his work, easily missing the first of Ariana's gliding steps, Percival looks up as she draws nearer, the holographic display in the middle of the room automatically dimming as she passes through that space and then resuming life behind her. "Ari," the man notes, as he spots her, with a tone of pleasant surprise. "Oh look at you. That's a lovely dress. So, what is it, dear?" Another casual flick of his hand dismisses the images from the screens before him, banishing their soft glow. "Oh, we'll be entertaining? Fortuitous timing. The Wake is still being refit, so I have yet a while before we will sortie again. House Arboren, you say?" This seems a little more genuinely surprising and unexpected. "Well, if that is their pleasure, we will endeavor to be good hosts."

"It does seem a little odd, but not terribly so. Remember, the youngest son of their main line, Lord Keanen, did stay with us for a time… before he crashed his glider into some mountains and was then whisked away back to the Spine. He lost an arm in the process and now has a cybernetic one." Ariana recounts this, though she assumes her father knows all about this information, as it certainly did add just a tiny bit of political tension between the Houses. Twirling on her feet, the hems of her skirts floating around her, she curiously turns to look at the holographic display, the one which she interrupted, just to see what her father may be working on. "I was thinking we would give them a grand tour and maybe even show them around Summit, to all of our hotspots."

Percival is not really the sort to linger on sentiment, and when his daughter brings up the young Arboren, his brow creases in thought. "Lord Keanen? Oh. Ah, yes. Unfortunate, but young men do enjoy getting up to trouble and sometimes it has its costs. How did it come to be that the Young Lord expressed his own interest in a visit? I am sure we have a great deal more to offer in terms of entertainment than their forests do, but their visists are seldom nonetheless" There's clearly a touch of suspicion, or at least inquisitive curiousity over the suddeness of the whole thing, if not actual resistance. If they're to host, they'll be impressive hosts, as he's already stated! As for the display, it shows the planets and other stellar bodies of the system, as well as a number of additional glowing, arcing lines in various colors: red ones indicating hostile approaches, and various others showing what can presumably be the movements of different ships of the Royal fleet - or theoretical future maneuvers. "I'm sure they would enjoy that. A tour of the sights, a show… its unfortunate that a glider outing might be considered in poor taste. But there is more than enough to do here."

Ariana's graceful steps take her around the holographic display in a form of light dancing. She expertly keeps to the border of the actual display as she twirls and shifts around its entirety, all the while speaking now in a whimsical tone, "Oh, but we /must/ take them on a glider outing. Perhaps reserve one of our cruise liners for this purpose. It wouldn't do for them to leave without seeing the world from the skies!" Returning back to something which her father inquires about, the young maiden does her best to explain, "I was at one of the Arborenin gardens the other day, as I was in need to speak with Lord Keanen when I met with the Heir to Arboren there. I pointed out a specific poisonous, yet beautiful flower in his garden and he inquires of my knowledge on such things. That is when I brought up my love for botany and flowers which stemmed from my love from our own gardens here!" That wasn't quite a terribly long story, was it? "And so, he was curious to see our gardens." Thinking further on this, she then says, "I'm sure they will be entranced at the views from our Great Hall."

Percival leans back slightly in the large and comfortable desk chair, watching as Ariana swirls around the display with a faint smile on his lips. Oh, such an angel! "As long as it won't bring up any ill-will or awkwardness over their brother's injury, I suppose it will be alright. I am sure you can feel them out on how sensitive the subject still is first, to make sure we do not offend." Although their dark and dreary tree-land might be far removed, the Larent lord still displays a certain sense of circumspection regarding the situation regarding any Paramount's good graces. He turns slightly in his chair as she recalls the story of her and the Arboren's meeting, but then swivels back at the end of it, eyebrows just slightly upraised. "Curious of our gardens, hmm? Well, they do like their trees, so I suppose there is some sense in that." However, some thin air of uncertainty remains: he is not entirely sold on this! No, he knows young men, and gardens are probably the last thing they go to great effort to see. Beautiful young daughters, on the other hand…

It's more than clear that Ariana has everything completely scheduled out. Obviously, her training in running a noble Household did not go to waste and her mind is set on ensuring that these important guests have a memorable visit. "I shall bring up what I have planned to the Young Lord via message before he and his family even arrive. Basically, to gauge how he feels about everything scheduled." While she does not stop dancing, her twirling does lessen as she brings herself forward and back to her father's desk in a graceful, airy manner. "Perhaps, he just wants to see how different our gardens truly can be. Or, maybe he's curious to know what had inspired me to get into botany. There's so many reasons." A quiet, thoughtful pause soon follows, before she decides to ask, "I was also hoping that we could discuss my serving as a medic aboard the Titan's Wake."

That seems to satisfy Percival, that Ariana will double-check her itinerary with the Arboren heir. "Good. It sounds like you have it well in hand. I we will all look forward to entertaining them here after the tour. I am sure the Young Lord and I can speak on military matters, at least." He also assumes this is the sort of thing all young men should be interested in. However, it is also very much NOT the sort of thing he prefers his daughters to be interested in. Of course, the eldest is already a lost cause in that regard, but Ariana is quite another story. "Dear, it's quite a different matter, to serve as a combat medic on a ramship, as it is to work at the medical bay on the Ring. You do not have any sort of military training, and you never know what might happen on one of those ships." He shakes his head. "It's an unnecessary risk, when there are others better trained for it. You want to help, and that's admirable, but the Ring needs its full-time staff as well. You help people there."

As the main focus of their conversation has come to the matter of her working as a field medic, the young woman's already piercing eyes hold such an intensity within them, almost as if she believed this to be some sort of challenge her father were putting forth. "From what I heard, the Hostile will be touching ground at any moment and even Lady Sir Ellinor Sauveur informed me that I may, or perhaps should, be learning some sword skills from Veryna because no one will be safe." Her lips form a quiet pout now, though she continues on, "I was thinking that this would be a wise idea, so whether I have any military training or not, I do believe that I should be able to help at some point." Her features soften, before she asks, "Are you concerned that something will happen to all of us if we are all aboard one single ship?"

"Some self-defense training would not be unwise," Percival agrees. Sure, he might not prefer it, but there is an aspect of practicality at work that he recognizes. "So if you want to begin lessons of that sort I wouldn't disapprove. But it's a long way between beginning that training and being fit for the very front of the war effort." Her question draws a small nod as well. "There is also that. Many or all of us on the same ship puts much of the family line at risk at once. Even having us all in active duty. There must always be someone who can remain in Summit and oversee the family interests. With both your elder sister and brother in the military, that responsibility may fall to you."

Ariana looks content enough when allowed to begin some form of martial training at the very least. She, however, is not too convinced that she is unprepared to assist as a medic out on the field. It's her father's agreement to her own concern that shifts her attention and thoughts to the importance of preserving their line. "I see. I thought that would be the case. You are right, though, there should always be someone here to look over things." These are all somber ideas, but her mood picks up when she asks, "I do wonder if Veryna will have enough time to train me or perhaps, I should seek out someone else."

Percival slowly nods, as his chair again swivels to allow him a view of the cityscape on one side. "Nubilus is our strength, our wealth, and our legacy besides. So yes, we must always preserve our rule here, or see everything we have built unmade and our name forgotten." It is a serious moment, but the man does not dwell on it too long, since she seems to understand the point. "Your sister would be the logical choice," he agrees, turning back, "But otherwise I am certain we can arrange to find you a proper tutor."

With several topics ticked off in her mind regarding what she wished to ask her father, Ariana does decide to inquire, "Has there been any arrangements made for a match for Veryna? … Just out of curiosity. She is the Heir, after all, and these are dangerous times." Soon enough, her own gaze seems to follow her fathers, as she, too, stares off into the distance to observe the clouds and the clear skies of Nubilus. "I think talks of marriage are stirring up once more, especially regarding the Heirs of each noble House. Veryna tends to keep to herself, so I never know if anything or anyone has sparked her interest."

Percival shakes his head, a mild irritation seemingly passing over his features. "No, unfortunately. You are right that it is more than time for her, and that her social habits have not really helped things along. Though her tournament performance may have. Surely more than a few eyes were on her then. Maybe you could investigate things a little? My duties hold me from playing socialite, day to day, while you are surely quite popular." He just assumes she would be, although it possibly being true is a nice coincidence.

Her father's words seem to bring his daughter great delight and Ariana practically beams with radiance. "I believe that I assist in this matter, I'm more than sure." Taking out her datapad, she jots a little note down of their conversation today, before she states, "I have sent an updated record for our current patients at the triage to your files. Our numbers have dwindled considerably… though, I heard that there was an attack at the Waygate of Phylon recently, though I have no further news of that report…" Her gaze lifts, concern on her features grows when she adds in, "And Niveus." Their fellow Lash and moon of Oculus. "Among many other places. They draw near so quickly…" Once those words are spoken in a near whisper, yet still audible enough for her father's ears, she graces him with another gentle curtsey before stating, "I will continue with the preparations for the Arboren visit and shall keep you informed of everything which we have spoken of today, Lord Father."

When she mentions the updated files, Percival once more waves a hand over the glass of his desk and the previously-dimmed screens again come alive. A few more quick gestures bring up the revised report. "Wonderful dear, thank you." Notably, he shows less interest in the reported attack. Non-naval casualties are not really his department, although any threat to Nubilus obviously is. "We have gliders patrolling, as best we can. Unfortunately there are all too many places to hide on the surface, but conversely it should be difficult for any landed forces to move around quickly." The serious talk echoes her own concerned whispers, but his tone lightens again soon after. "Good, good, it sounds like you have it well in hand. I have a bit more work, but I will down for dinner."

The glow on the surface of her father's desk now captures Ariana's attention briefly, her eyes alight on what she can make out from her angle. Then quietly, she turns and drifts once more through the holographic image of the solar system in the center of the room, "I shall inform Mother of this. She's always so concerned that you bury yourself in your work." And before she disappears from his office completely, she pauses to say, "You work far too hard, Father." And with that, she is gone.

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License