Scene #6329: A Royal Invitation!

Owner	Pose
Bahamut	The city of Bevelle, the shining jewel of Spira. It is the biggest, most advanced, and most gawdy city by a large margin. Above it, several airships of somewhat steampunk design float about, most trailing streamers of clearly ornamental purpose. There is only one road into the city from the mainland, but a number of platforms are available for those that fly in on an airship of some kind. Today is a bit special, since Bahamut has invited King Rhongomyniad to his temple, merely to socialize. He has a duty to try and raise the public opinion of dragons in general, and of himself in particular. If Rhongomyniad gave any sort of notice about when she would arrive, Bahamut himself is waiting for her at whatever access point she utilizes. If not, well...the temple is not difficult to find. The entire city is built around it, tiered and bevelled much like the name suggests in a pyramid-like design. The entrance to the temple is on the middle tier, with a grand plaza in front of it.
Samus Aran	A new priestess initiate is there. A tall blonde woman, hair in a ponytail, who looks a bit uncertain, but is following the lead of the others. She is checking on the buffet table. Rhongomyniad is coming soon. One of the first people Samus met in the multiverse. But in this state, just wearing the Zero Suit with priestess robes over it, it'd be very unlikely that she'd be recognized. She is curious as to what the reception would be. She didn't tell Bahamut that she knows the impending guest.
Rhongomyniad	The Goddess Rhongomyniad arrives by land, astride a great white charger clad in armor. She herself is also armored in a fashion that Samus will doubtless recognize; the shining silver plate, the great white furred mantle, the lion-themed helmet with the mane trailing behind it. She also appears to be unarmed, as she was that day on the starship. Upon entering Spira and encountering Bahamut waiting for her, she draws Dun Stallion to a halt, beholding the dragon through the black visor that fulfills the role of the lion helm's open mouth. "Lord Bahamut of Spira, I presume," the goddess states evenly. Her gaze shifts to the entourage, passing over Samus, before returning to the dragon himself.
Bahamut	Bahamut stands tall and proud, his arms crossed over his broad chest and his wings half spread behind him. When Rhongo approaches he lowers to on knee and bows, and his entourage does the same. Said entourage is made up of a collection of priestesses in robes mirroring his colors, and four armed guards in thick armor also much like his own. "King Rhongomyniad of Camelot, I presume?" he says in return, an amicable but somewhat proud smile upon his face. "I am honored you accepted my invitation. If you will follow us, we shall lead you to the Temple of Bahamut, where a small dinner has been prepared in your honor." The 15 foot tall dragon then turns and leads the way through the city, his footsteps causing a steady thudding. "This is Bevelle, the largest city in Spira, rivaled only by Guadosalam to the south." He does not introduce his guards or priestesses, but also does not seem opposed to them speaking to the goddess. "If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them." the dragon adds as they go.
Samus Aran	Samus Aran smiles as she follows along. This isn't exactly undercover - but she just started this priestess thing and has decided to stay in character for now. She might walk over to Rhongomyniad and re-introduce herself later. But the buffet is ready at least - she checked it before coming to greet the guest, and now is following along with Bahamut. The dragon's right - this is very calming - just... being peaceful.
Rhongomyniad	A kneeling bow was unexpected. Rhongomyniad however does not outwardly act surprised. She does dip her head in acknowledgement, "I am she, the King of Knights." The size was also unexpected, but she simply rolls with it as well. The woman stands in her saddle, then dismounts Dun Stallion in a single motion. Her mantle closes in around her body briefly, when she comes to rest. This ends when she moves, keeping pace easily with Bahamut and his priestess, "A large and properous city is certainly one to examine closely." There's only a slight pause before she adds, "Such that it may be learned from. Improved upon. And lead to even greater prosperity for the region." Her helm turns slightly towards the dragon, "So long as the peace is maintained justly and the laws are fair to the citizenry. Which appears to be the case, upon surface inspection."
Bahamut	Bahamut glances back at Samus every now and then, just to see how she is doing, but otherwise lets her do as she pleases so long as she stays nearby. "Do you have a title you prefer, King Rhongomyniad? I failed to ask when we were talking on the comm." he says as they walk. He listens to what Rhongo says, then nods. "I am an avid proponent of justice and law. I cannot claim one begets the other, however. My people were persecuted for a long age due to their use of technology, which was taboo in the Church of Yevon. Only in the last few years have we been able to not only openly utilize technology, but to see it start to spread as people realize that it can make their lives better." He rumbles with displeasure. "...there is a large population of the world that still believes technology could bring ruin upon us by somehow summoning powerful fiends, but that was proven to be untrue. It merely takes time for people to change." They reach the temple soon enough. It might not be noticable from a distance if one doesn't know that the entire city is built around the temple, but the entrance is a very tall set of gold and gunmetal blue doors. They open as if automated upon Bahamut's approach, and reveal the interior to be a vast spherical hollow criss-crossed with flowing hover paths of electric blue connecting a few platforms and eventually to the large sphere floating in the middle of the empty space. "As you are the guest here, M'lady, I will ask whether you would like to utilize the paths or fly to the temple proper upon my back? It is a singular pleasure that one may not experience often." He grins rather confidently at that statement, and his priestesses offer various encouraging words to try it.
Samus Aran	Samus Aran smiles faintly as she finally can't resist anymore. After checking the table one last time, she walks up to the king and offers her hand. "Long time no see, Your Majesty. You might not recoginze me like this - but I think I can trust you." The glasses she's wearing turn opaque for a moment, displaying an image of her in her usual armor on the lenses. "I came here... and... maybe being away from my usual routine might help me find my center again." She smiles faintly. "I'm going by Virginia here."
Rhongomyniad	"I have no preference," Rhongomyniad states evenly when questioned, "Rhongomyniad. King Arthur. Artoria Pendragon. King of Knights. Whichever suits you, address me as you wish." She ruminates on the story of technology while taking in the interior of the temple. After a few moments, she reaches up and collects her helmet, removing it with both hands. As she lowers it, the helmet flickers and then disappears in a wink of white-gold. "I agree. It will take time for the peoples' hearts to become open to something previously seen as villainous, regardless of its benefits." Her eyes travel to Bahamut when he makes this strange offer. While she considers it, her gaze turns to Samus, narrowing slightly. It seems to be the fake name that she takes exception to, responding simply with: "His Word Speaks Only Truth." in a tone that conveys authority. She then turns and ascends the pathways to the dining area. It would seem that the rare pleasure of riding a dragon does not appeal to her, for some reason. It is, naturally, because she is so emotionally detached that she doesn't see the 'rare pleasure' as overweighing the downside of inconveniencing a colleague.
Bahamut	Bahamut seems a bit disappointed when Rhongo declines the ride, but tries not to be insulted. The glowing pathways take the party to the central sphere and there it is a short walk to a long grand hall worthy of a castle. The table is made of gold and dark metals, and looks as though it could seat at least 20. At its head is a fire pit with an expertly polished barbeque spit over it, upon which is an entire boar that has obviously been roasting for many hours. Beyond that is Bahamut's throne, made of the same gold and dark metal as the table and he himself, along with a wing-like crest above it with a semblance of his head at its apex. The table is covered with local delicacies consisting of fresh seafood of all varieties, as well as beef, chicken, and other meats. There is even a selection of caviar available. And plenty of delicious looking vegetable dishes and sides are available as well. "Please, take whichever seat you like, and feel free to have your entourage join us. My priestesses always make more than even I could eat in one day." he says. He remains standing until everyone else is seated before he finally takes a seat on his throne. "I understand your aversion to assumed names. I myself would prefer if they were not used. But, I also recognize that many have a past which they fear might haunt their new life as a priest or priestess. I hope you will not judge me or my priestesses too harshly for allowing such a thing. Second chances are important to me, as you might imagine." Once Rhongo is seated, a Bahamut's guards return to the gates of the temple and his priestesses await Rhongo's orders. One even acts as a sommelier, asking if Rhongo would like any wine or champagne to go with her meal.
Samus Aran	Samus Aran just frowns, not expecting that answer. "It's for the safety of everyone here. In my home universe my name was known far and wide. I have enemies. I don't want this place ruined by my reputation so... the false name. I'm sorry it offends you, but I have my reasons." She then steps a bit away from Rhongo, a bit less certain of her place here.
Rhongomyniad	"I have no entourage," Rhongomyniad states as she assumes her seat opposite the head of the table. She instinctively slides into a Throne Slouch, and after a moment, recovers to a more appropriate seated posture. "If the intent is not deception, than I have no opposition to the practice. My apologies for the assumption. Virginia." Her eyes wander to Samus for a moment during this apology, then back to Bahamut, "The intention thus would be to leave one's past behind and begin a new life. This is something that...does not quite settle well for me, and yet, I cannot say is wrong. Merely not the solution I would choose." "Red wine," she indicates to the Sommolier without hesitation.
Bahamut	Bahamut nodds to Rhongo. "I encourage them to share their pasts and make amends if such is necessary, but to require it might disqualify some of those who wish to devote their lives to service, honor, and justice." he says. He motions at Samus for her to relax. "But, enough of that. Tell me of yourself, Lady Rhongomyniad. I heard it created quite a stir when you appeared and took control of Londinium for a time." He notices the shift in posture as Rhongo gets settled, but doesn't make much of it. The wine priestess nods at the choice given and takes her leave. Others begin asking which of the food items Rhongo would like to try, if any. And of course, all the priestesses including Samus are welcome to any of them as well. Even some of the roasted boar, if they are brave enough to ask. Bahamut has claimed a shank and is eating it much like a chicken leg, though with as polite and regal an air as one can manage when doing such a thing.
Rhongomyniad	"Repentence," Rhongomyniad identifies the practice. She seems to accept it at that point with no further discussion. Her acquisitions for the meal are modest at first. Although as the conversation goes on, her plate never seems to empty and foodstuffs within reach begin disappearing. It's not magic, it's just the nonchalant way she replenishes her dish that doesn't really draw attention to what she's doing. "I am Rhongomyniad. I am also King Arthur. I feel as if there is not much else to expand upon." Her gaze lifts, "The matter of Londinium has since been resolved, at least to some semblance of satisfaction. I have relinquished my kingship until I am properly in tune with my humanity."
Bahamut	Bahamut nods again. "Correct." The wine is brought out and poured into a crystal goblet with gold etching in the shape of a dragon coiled about the stem. "Ah, but there must be more to you than that. What are your hobbies? What are your interests? What are your impressions of this thing they call the Multiverse? And perhaps most intriguing, how is it you came to be? What little I know of Arthur suggests he has either been dead a long while or did not exist at all." He pauses for a moment there, then chuckles. "And also that he was a he, rather than a strong woman." He finishes off his pork quarter after that and takes up the other, severing it expertly with his massive talons before enjoying it politely as he did the first.
Samus Aran	Samus Aran just sits there, considering. She has heard of the legend of Arthur and Bahamut's spoken queries about the king... queen.. of Camelot is of interest. She remembered reading the books when she was young; the Chozo had access to a human library. She just eats at her food for now, deciding that nothing else needs to be said in the middle of dinner - she doesn't really have any pressing queries.
Rhongomyniad	Collecting her wine, Rhongomyniad swirls it gently in her outstretched hand, while in thought. After a moment, she simply comments, "I am fond of lions." as if that addresses the interest and hobby questions all by itself. "As for the Multiverse, I find it interesting. An opportunity for growth. I have already had chance to take lessons from my exposure, here." "King Arthur, in the timeline that belongs to me, was a woman who concealed her gender due to the conventions of the time period. A female king is not one that would be accepted, but the child of Uther Pendragon is what Britain needed to survive." Her gaze lowers slightly, "The current era is far less concerned with such things, and so this is no longer necessary." "I am alive," she states, "And have been for a very long time. I am also no longer what you would define as human."
Bahamut	Bahamut lets out an intrigued rumble after listening and nods lightly. "I see. That would make sense. It is rather unfortunate that so many worlds held such low regard for women at one time." He sits up a bit more as he hears that she is not quite human. "Oh? And why do you say that?" he asks. He also looks over to Samus. "And what of you, Virginia? How has the Multiverse treated you thus far? Are you finding the life of a priestess as fulfilling and peaceful as I implied it would be?"
Samus Aran	Samus Aran sighs softly. "Honestly - not so much," she states softly. "It's a nice respite from my day job. But I don't think it's for me long-term. I was grown to be a force for justice. Yes, I'm technically a bounty hunter," she states, using finger-quotes. "But... well... I only go after bad people who deserve it." She fidgets. "I might not be staying very long."
Rhongomyniad	"The history is what it is. It cannot be changed. Merely learned from," Rhongomyniad states evenly. When the question of what she is is pressed, she responds without hesitation: "I am the goddess Rhongomyniad. While once human, I am now a Divine Spirit. A living god among men." Her head tilts forward, casting her eyes in shadow-- and their glow becomes more apparent. "This is why I am unfit to rule men. As of current, I am too much like a god. My grip on my humanity is tenuous. Only when it is more firmly my own shall I be fit to be King." She lifts a hand to gesture, "Through exposure and self control, this shall be possible." Her eyes travel to Samus, then, and she makes a thoughtful 'mm', but says nothing further on the bounty hunter's comment.
Bahamut	"I see..." Bahamut replies to Samus. "Well, we would all be sad to see you leave the priesthood, but I believe I have mentioned that being a priestess requires nothing but the commitment to be pure of heart, honest, and just. You do not have to stay here in the temple, and it is only here in the temple or when actively representing me in some way that I require the use of the robes. We could give your armor an appropriate color scheme." he says, just offering options. The dragon turns his gaze to Rhongomyniad when she explains further, and he raises an eyebrow when she displays the glow of her eyes. "And, have you any ideas about how to best regain your humanity?" he asks, then ponders a moment. "Perhaps the arts. Music especially seems to invoke emotions, though paintings and sculptures can also be powerful tools to awaken the soul. Or perhaps theatre would be more to your taste.
Rhongomyniad	"Mm," Rhongomyniad makes that thoughtful sound again, "I have already stated my intended resolution to this challenge. Exposure to others and the need to reference my humanity will make the connections stronger. The King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, has alerted me to this method through some of his behaviors and questions directed towards myself. This is the method I will pursue."
Samus Aran	Samus Aran raises an eyebrow. "That would be something to consider. I mean - I do tend to follow those rules - but I cannot just... stay here. I am a warrior, and have to return to the battlefield. The murderer of my parents is still out there." She thinks. "Perhaps just a badge I put on my armor instead. There are some times I have to do unsavory things to solve my missions. I've even destroyed a moon once... or... accidentally rendered it uninhabitable."
Bahamut	Bahamut raises an eyeridge at Samus. "Hmm." he says, nearly mirroring Rhongo's thoughtful sound. "Well, while I hope you will be more careful in the future, sometimes such catastrophes happen when attempting to stop a great evil." he says, shaking his head. "As long as you did everything you could to save the moon, or at least the people upon it if any." "Hmm...the King of Heroes. I have heard conflicting reports about him. That he is dangerous and perhaps too much of a loose canon in some situations, yet quite generous and amicable in others. I have yet to meet him, so I cannot yet form my own opinion." Bahamut notices the time and chuckles. "Where do the hours go when conversing with pleasant company? If you wish to utilize the guest quarters tonight, you are quite welcome Goddess Rhongomyniad. They are well furnished and so should be able to accomidate you. Your steed can be kept in a nearby chocobo stable overnight, courtesy of the temple."
Rhongomyniad	"Mm," Rhongomyniad's sound emits once more, "King Gilgamesh has been very helpful in my integration. Although there are times where I disagree with his methods, he has proven most amicable. A fascinating King I should like to know more about." After a pause, she leans forward and rises to her feet, "My gratitude for the generous meal, Lord Bahamut. The conversation was also stimulating. However, I must return to Camelot. There is much yet to be done." She dips her head towards Bahamut, then again towards Samus, before she turns from the table and takes her leave.
Samus Aran	Samus Aran just smiles as she watches Rhongo leave. "I have much thinking to do regarding my future," she muses as she looks down. She just can't see herself staying here long-term after all. But perhaps we can do a part-time thing. Live here when not on mission. The possibiliteis are endless."