Entering Heaven

[Fae NPC]

Having gone through the Path of Gates, Erato was a bit excited to finally travel outside Dream Realm. Her escort and herself reached the door that led into the heavens and Erato felt like it was about to burst with excitement. She would finally see this Kouzetsu Gin that she had heard about and she how her daughters were doing. She look towards Chrysett, brushing a long strand of purple hair from her face, "Come, let's go see the Ha-ou shall we?"

The door opened up and her eyes were graced with a foreign city with celestials busy with their usual daily activities. None of them seem to mind their presence except for a guard that approached them. "Chrysett, show the guard the parchment that your queen have given you."

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin's guards were there to meet the Fae royalty on the outskirts of the city, cordially accepting their paperwork and providing them with transportation to a grandiose feast that awaited them at the Ha-ou's estate. Although Gin did not require sustenance from food being a Celestial, he was understanding enough to provide an air of hospitality to his guests, importing chefs from outside his kingdom to prepare the finest of delicacies for the Fae ambassadors that arrived at his place of residence. The guards escorted the ladies inside of the manor, allowing them to walk inside the secure environment without the presence of the watching eyes of hired hands, pointing into the direction of Gin's meeting room which would serve as a dining hall for today.

The Ha-ou waited inside, standing near the window with his hands behind his back, adorned in his finest robes as he waited for them to enter. He hoped the could find comfort in his dwelling, no where near as extravagant as the dwellings of the Fae queen, but his long tapestries, artisan architecture with sculptures of Celestials, pillars and hanging flora, and high ceiling dotted with the finest in crystal chandeliers that let the room as if the were suns stored inside of diamonds provided a very beautiful atmosphere for their meeting.

[Chrysett and Chrysanthemum]

Chrysett's journey to the Realm of Heaven had been one that kept her mouth open the entire journey. She knew that it was rude to gawk, but she couldn't help it. Even the Heimenkai, with it's dazzling white walls, seemed to put everything that she had known to shame. She could not believe that there was anything possibly as grandiose as the gates of Heaven, sparkling and gold and overwhelming. It was not as overwhelming as being in the presence of the mother, the Queen, Na'ame, but that was because Chrysett could feel her magic working itself inside of her, sustaining her very essence. Being with Erato felt the same way, and Chrysett was blessed with the experience of seeing the gates of Heaven as well as feeling Erato beside her. It a joy like no other she had experienced before.

After entering through the gate, Chrysett felt like fainting. The world of Heaven was such a wonderous place! Tall buildings reached sky high, and oh! The Angels with their feathery wings! She wished that she had wings like that, not the blue-green dragonfly wings that she possessed now. She was counted amongst the most beautiful in the Dream Realm, but she pale in comparison next to Erato, and now that she was in Heaven, she felt bested in a way that made her feel as though she was both in awe and also sad. She was not good enough fit in a place like this. What was she doing here? This must have been why she was turned down the first time she requested to come. She was not worthy of such a place.

But soon enough Erato called for her to show the paper work that she had been handed by the Queen to the guards who met them, and Chrysett dutifully did her job. They were led to a building that looked more lavish than them all. The inside was a maze of intricate designs and beauty. It was almost like looking in to the eyes of the Queen herself; she could not wait to tell her mother about it. They were shown gracious hospitality, and were even offered food for the meeting. She was surprised to discover that they had even prepared the food with Dream magic so that she could actually gain energy from it. Chrysett felt so good, however, she did not think that she would need to eat very much at all.

Last but not least, they were ushered in the direction of the Ha-ou, and Chrysett was amazed. He stood tall and proud, a leader like no other that she had seen. He wore fine robes that much better than anything that she had to wear, even for being in the presence of the Queen. He emanated a regal nature, and just as she did when in the presence of her mother, the Queen, she quickly knelt and fell prostrate, in reverence of this great King that she, a lowly handmaiden-in-training, was being allowed to see. A blush graced her cheeks as she realized just how out of place she was in this room with the King of Heaven.

[Fae NPC]

After the papers were shown and being lead to where they would meet with the Heaven King, Erato was please that there was no problems. She curtsied and lowered her head a bit for the Ha-ou. She noticed that everything was set up just to entertain a faerie. Gin himself was presented very nicely to which she could see why her daughter Amelia had an interest in him. "I see that you have been expecting us. I am Erato, sister of Queen Na'ame. I please to finally have met you. I heard about you from Na'ame and from my daughter." She made her way to the table, gesturing for Chrysett to do the same.

"You have such a lovely meal set up, you didn't have to go so far to please us." She took a small sample of the food and moisten her pallet with the drink they had set by the plate. "The food is delicious. But I'm not here to feast, there are some important matters to discuss about whats going on back at home."

[Kouzetsu Gin]

As they entered the room Gin found himself captivated by their beauty, the usually stern but nonetheless enamored Celestial growing a preference for the fae, their graceful and almost dreamlike features seemed to demand his attentions every time he laid his eyes upon them. The first of which bared a striking resemblance to both Mei and Amelia, the two fae Gin knew more intimately than any others, one more so in this context than the other.

Her beauty seemed to flow from her as light does from a candle, and Gin deduced that this had to be Erato, sister to Na'ame the Fae queen and only other being of their race more pristine in physical beauty, as well as the mother of Mei and Amelia. She thanked Gin for his hospitality, to which he was much obliged to do so, and said despite her thankfulness as to the food, matters of state came before those of stomach, something Gin could agree with.

It was after this she summoned the cloaked accompanying young women accompanying with her, the fact that she attempted to hide her beauty only unintentionally made it show more so. She was the equivalent of a rare and gorgeous flower, her eyes and face the petals that luridly grabbed Gin's eyes, her thin body beneath the robe that Gin could see and interpret the stem that held up the petals, and made the flower stand out amongst the other foliage, despite her desire to humble herself before Gin.

"Please dear, no need for such formalities here, I am a great manner things, but in the presence of guests I remain just as humble a host as I would if the roles were reversed and we visited your nation instead of my own. I cannot express with words alone my fortune in being able to provide you both with par lodging in my kingdom. Nevertheless, I High King, Chobatsu-ou, and the fourth Ha-ou officially welcome you to the Nation of Tenjoukai, the Kingdom of Heaven." Gin said as knelt down to grab Chrysett by the hand gently, lifting her up as he looked upon her face and smiled, turning back to Erato. He kissed than delicate hands of both women, the scent of flowers filling his nose, and a softness and sweetness that can only be found on the skin of a Fae left on his lips.

Smiling, Gin motioned them to follow him into the room adjacent to the dining hall, furnished with plush chairs and a fire place, "Agreed, we shall relocate in a more private place, away from the distraction of food and drink to talk, their will be plenty of time to indulge later." Gin said, guiding them by his slow walk, his words smooth and flowing, his speech enhanced by both his Law magic as well as his skills as an orator.

The room had a more personal feel to it than the large and inviting room that housed the food, and it was here they would discuss things, Gin offering them seats before he took his own. "What is it that you seek to discuss, and please inform me of any way that I can provide you aid." Gin said in a regal tone, his warm smile aimed at his guests.

[Fae NPC]

"Come Chrysett." Erato beckoned Chrysett to follow them to the other room where they could have their discussion. She sat down softly, barely sinking into the comfortable cushions of the seat she was gestured to. "I was sent by Na'ame because of some issues we are having back at home. We have concerns about the elves located in Exile within our realm. The Yami-ou of Hell had visited them without any detections from us and even though they claimed to be neutral, they have allowed some of their people to side with him. Na'ame feels that there is an unsettling amount of energy swirling about in the realm as well and she is unable to tell if it is from the elves or just her people being nervous about the war."

She turned more towards the young fae so that she would know that what she was going to say next concerned her as well. "Queen Na'ame has talked about either moving Exile out of our realm or moving our realm away from Exile to quell any nervousness and to prevent an attack with our realm. If either can be done, both would require a lot of energy. Moving a portion of our realm might be easier but it might result an attack on us from the elves which, leaves us to leave that said portion behind. However, I do not think that this has been done before and might be impossible.

"I have heard how Sanada Tomo made a realm with some assistance but it was basically a mirror of the Heavens thus limiting it. We don't want any limitations on us or have it where the elves are able to enter our realm as I heard how the hellion people have during the Kouma-Senou. We want a Dream Realm that is ours." She looked to Chrysett before continuing her conversation with Gin.

"The Queen has some concerns about this plan though, she wants Heavens help in anyway they can provide and we may need the mortals help in this as well to ensure that the people will not get harm from this. What are your thoughts on this? You think this plan is possible? You think Heaven can help us?"

[Chrysett and Chrysanthemum]

Chysett, on her knees at the time that Erato had gestured for her to join them in another room, did not rise until she heard Gin's kind and very humble words. He was very gentle in addressing her, and responded with all that Chrysett would imagine a King would offer a guest. But instead of making her feel more comfortable, his fluid language and polite demeanor only made her feel as though she was more unworthy of being here, and taking part in this meeting at all. The Mother was most merciful to have answered her wish. Chrysett knew that she did not have to.

Erato and the Choubatsu-ou began a conversation concerning all of the Dream Realm, and whether or not they should risk moving a large portion of it. Chrysett was perplexed as she followed them into another room, one without all of the accommodations that she had seen earlier, although the decoration was just as formal. She wasn't sure whether or not she should take a seat while they were discussing such important things, so she remained standing, not sure what to make of their subject of conversation. They spoke of magic that would have to be beyond anything that Chrysett had ever seen, and the city of Exile--the city of Elves. Chrysett had never met an Elf in person, although she had seen one of them when they delivered a message to the Mother. They seemed very pretty, and perfect in the few ways that Fae were not. She had heard from many people that they were very evil, but Chrysett wasn't sure. She had always been taught to see the real thing for herself. Many of the Fae at one point had called Heaven evil--or at least one of the rulers that they had at that time. Fae used to say that Humans were all evil. But Chrysett wondered to herself as the two older beings continued to speak--could anyone truly be evil? Why would anyone choose to be that way? She realized that her opinion on the subject wasn't important, and she wouldn't dare voice it, but...should they speak to the elves of Exile before jumping to conclusions?

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Yes, it is true, the construction of the Realm of Hell, where the Yami-ou resides was made possible due to the aid of the Elves and their magic, using a portion of the Celestial realms to do so. I completely understand the need for action, to my understanding the Fae have been at war with the Elves on and off again for sometime, and speaking from experience I can attest to the discouragement of having your enemy stationed in one's own backyard to speak freely, has a large and negative effect on the populace as a whole. I have given some thought as to remedy both my problems as well as those of the Fae queen, but the randomness of events that seem to appear, demanding my attention has resulted in my visiting Na'ame to have gone long overdue.

I am scheduled to meet Sanada Tomo soon, in a formal meeting to discuss the actual terms of a Celestial peace accord, and as such, the Fae being so strongly allied with Heaven will have a great influence on the policies of Realm expansion she may seek to implement. If at all possible, I will move to have the city of exile completely removed form the dream realm all together, Sanada's secret support of the enemies of my allies will be argued as a breach of security, and I shall make the suggestion that she house her allies on her own, her unannounced presence in the realm of a true sovereign ruler a disgrace that not even she would abide. If this does not move her to action, I shall have no choice but to personally see to making the environment for the Elves less than hospitable, with either scenario the Fae can be assured that that are backed fully by Heaven both militarily and diplomatically." Gin said, addressing both of the Fae, focusing on their concerns as well as giving them insight as to his future foreign policy.

[Fae NPC]

Erato looked over to her traveling companion and she seemed concerned about what was being said. She had every right to be concerned, Dream Realm was her home too. Her attention went back to Gin who assured her that Heaven would help them. "I'm sure Na'ame will be happy that you make the trip to see her soon and I'm happy that you'll be discussing this with the Yami-ou. We have tried to discuss our concerns with the Elves but they claim that they are neutral and that anyone is permitted to stay with them no matter what side their on. We feel that only leaves us open to attacks whether its Hell or some other opposition. So far, despite having our army and aviation split between home and the Heavens, we have whatever troops that are left in the Dream Realm surrounding Exile and around the realm for some security."

She noticed that Chrysett was still standing and she motioned for her to sit next to her. "Come child, don't be bashful." The comment made her think of her children. "By the way, how are my children doing. I was sad to see one go and now their both gone. I hear that Amelia can be rough towards her men but she gets results. In fact, don't tell her I said this, but I heard that she is very impressive in battle. She is an idea leader to have on the battlefield, its just too bad that she never became a Heaven King..." She stopped herself, she didn't want to go into about why her daughter wasn't a Heaven King.

She cleared her throat before she changed the subject. "Where are the faeries located? Are they here? Are they doing alright? I want to make an inspection for the Queen and report back to her."

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Yes, I apologize for the inconvenience of dividing the forces, despite the desire to better equip one portion of them, I understand the fact that it would seem that forces are indeed spread thin if a crisis were to occur. As far as the Elves are concerned, neutrality is a very coy way of conveying cowardice, there is no shame in making alliances, the distaste lies in there inability to openly claim their alliance to an outside party, whom the ruling power of the realm has not been properly acquainted with. If the Elves place so much stock in Sanada, surely there is no shame in moving their population to the Makai, the supposed interment of their people has to have a major impact on Fae/Elf relations I must say." Gin said to Erato, straightening his cuffs, as he moved to switch the topic to address Erato's inquiry as to her daughters welfare.

"Ah yes, both Mei and Amelia are well, I've acquired a fondness for them both I'm embarrassed to say, I find Fae beauty an exquisite and exotic treasure I am more than fortunate to behold. Mei is the ruler of the Third Layer, which is where Amelia resides as well at her estate, if you wish to go there, a transport will be summoned and I shall accompany you both there, although your more than free to lodge at my estate during your stay. As for the Army, many have since taken lodging in the Sixth layer, which has been refitted to accommodate guests of state during there stay, some remain in the First layer to polished there skill in warfare and such." Gin said turning his attention toward the shy young women, her face a dead give away to the deep train of thought she was immersed in.

"It seems your beauty and silence are equally matched my dear, Chrysett, did you have something to add, your face screams for the need to address an issue you have on your mind." Gin said, reading here subtle body language with his Law magic, as if she were speaking to him loud and clear as day.

[Chrysett and Chrysanthemum]

Chrysett was so intent on listening to their conversation for experience. These were two powerful beings, both literally and in position. It was very unlikely that she would witness such a sight again in her life, and her ears strained to catch every word, forcing herself to be unnoticeable. She wasn't supposed to be here in the first place. She was going to disappear.

She was determined to not be inconspicuous, through that she didn't notice Gin speaking to her at first. there was a silence in the absence of her answer, and it took her more than a moment to realize that she was supposed to be filling it. "Oh, I'm so sorry!!" she said, her skin turning bright pink with embarrassment. She did a mental replay of what had just been asked of her, gasping when she registered the inquiry in her thoughts. "I'm not important enough to answer a question like that..."

But he had asked her, and she would not refuse the King of Heaven. "I...simply thought...perhaps we should speak with the elves first. In all the millennia we have been in our kingdom, we have never been attacked by them. If we condemn them without talking with them first, we could lose useful allies. I don't think that they are aggressive...for example, not all Fae believe we should participate in the War, but this does not mean that we all secretly aid infernal beings." It was only an opinion, something that shouldn't be taken seriously. "After all, in all of our years of interaction with them, we don't have any documentary on what their neutrality policy actually is..."

She didn't want to step on any toes, and she knew her logic was very flawed--she wasn't a ruler. She was barely even a handmaiden!

[Fae NPC]

"Well young one, as I have said before, we have tried talking to them before. In fact, we wanted to directly talk to the King and Queen but they wouldn't talk to us directly. I could have talked to the them along with Thalmia and Clio, but Queen Na'ame wanted to speak with them as well. It would have caused a great effort for her to go to them since she spends most of her energy in keeping the realm functioning.

"With the them claiming neutrality, it is true that they have not attacked us, but that doesn't mean that we are safe from them. They have said that within Exile it is suppose to be a neutral and safe zone. However, that it is only in Exile. If an enemy decides they want to take that advantage against us, then they could, because they would have an easy access to us through Exile. Na'ame does have troops stationed around Exile to control traffic coming in and out, though that can only last long until the elves grow increasingly tired of our troops. Now do you see why they could be a threat to us?" Erato was quite impress by the young fae's answer though, she felt that she should be at least weary of the elves considering they have a lot of power that they can potentially wield. It was very reason why they have been banished to exile. "You are still young so you have much to learn." She pat Chrysett on her head before rubbing her head as if she was her daughter.

"Gin, I would like to visit the Sixth layer to check on the army. You did say it was the Sixth layer of Heaven right?"

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Erato has a point Chrysett." Gin said to the young Fae handmaiden, a warm smile on his as he looked toward her, graciously including her in a very exclusive conversation given her position. "Speaking can only go so far in delegations in which which nation harbors sovereign leaders of the opposition. Talking would be ideal in discussing matters of foreign policy, but the Elves lack the authority to dictate what the queen does in a realm bequeathed to her by her very creators, the creators of all he have and hold dear. This logic, along with other sleighs against the Fae must be taken into account, especially when considering the Yami-ou, the enemy of The Fae's ally nation, and my newly appointed Kingdom, was recently a guest of Eleven royalty, without the Queen Na'ame's knowledge or permission."

"One can only assume the large base of power Sanada Tomo acquired in such a short time, was in indeed precipitated by Elven intervention, a pretty bold and ostentatious action for a suppressed people claiming neutrality. Since this, she has cut out a massive swath of power and influence, to the point where her might posed to topple the nation she originated from. This aspect, among so many others key..." Gin said, addressing both Fae women respectively, "For it may only be a matter of time before the Fae stand to be subjugated by the Elves, something with Sanada's influence may be a frightening possibility."

Gin continued to smile at Chrysett, impressed by her beauty, her subtle charms and naivete drawing him in, much of her beauty lie in her quaint and humble demeanor. "But then again my dear, I am king of this nation, and I am in no way attempting to over stepped my bounds, dictating to you the histories and troubles of your nation, pardon my rudeness, it is just so immersed with my concern, I often find it hard to separate the two." Gin said, touching her pale hand, looking over to Erato. "They are in the Sixth during their time away from military exercise, but many of the commanders are still in the First. Well, then, shall I arrange transport for you to see your daughters, and would it be a bother if I accompanied you?" Gin said, his charm exuding from him like a fragrant flower as he turned his smile and deep black gaze to Erato.

[Chrysett and Chrysanthemum]

Chrysett nodded silently at the words from both Erato and Gin. They were both right. She had a lot to learn. She hadn't bothered to think that perhaps they were only pretending to be neutral. The King of Heaven seemed to know a lot about their Realm, and although he was very modest about it, it was true that he seemed to know about it a lot more detail than Chrysett herself. But then again, she was a lowly servant. It was the luck of the Queen that she had even gone on this expedition in the first place. She didn't deserve here, let alone to have her uninformed suggestion considered in such a kind matter by those who were clearly her superiors.

She blushed deeply as Gin very gently touched her hand, a gesture that she knew was supposed to reinforce his self-reproach at his statement. Chrysett bowed her head a bit more deeply to him in response, trying to hide her face. Blushing was rude and inappropriate, and she had already spoken out of turn; she didn't need to be reprimanded for anything else. It was just too overwhelming an experience to be there, standing in front of the King of Heaven, the one whom all the other Fae in the Queen court and swooned over during his visit. If she had bothered to go back and tell them that he had touched her hand and spoke to her so respectfully, they wouldn't have believed it. The only thing that could have made this experience any better was if her sister had been able to come with her. But that was another issue and she wouldn't let it detract from this moment.

Chrysett then realized that she hadn't moved since she bowed, and she quickly retreated to stand behind Erato, fiddling with her garments as a good servant should. She straightened the hems on her attire, trying not to look at Gin or reveal the blush on her cheeks as she did so. She remained silent, preparing to leave at a moment's noticed. She tried to focus her mind on the prospect of seeing a military camp. She had never seen anything like it, and she wasn't sure what it would be like at all...

[Fae NPC]

Pleased with how everything was said so far, Erato rose from her seat. She gazed upon the Kings handsome features while she responded to him, "Arrangements for transportation would be nice and it would not bother us at all if you accompanied us to the Sixth Layer. Should we wait in the dining room and finish eating while you are busy with the arrangements?"

She felt as if both Chrysett and herself should eat before they set off so that they wouldn't be too drained of energy by the end of the day. She looked over at the young fae to make sure she was ok and saw that her face was a bit pink. Briefly, a worried look came across her face as she wondered if Chrysett was feeling feverish. But the look the young one's face said otherwise and it gave relief to Erato.