Prologue: The Commission

[Halbarad]

It's been a long road. Two long years of applications, testing, interviews, panels, and all other manner of bureaucratic nonsense. But finally, the final selections have been made and the finalists for the great survey mission have been chosen.

Rowan Lammermuir, a young student of summoning from the prestigious Royal Mugen Institute.

Arkian, a geomancer trained by the elves with a long history of civil service on the Moon and an extensive background in geology.

Christopher Dunham, a computer genius with a thorough knowledge of ancient Lunarian and a (slightly dubious) expertise in computer security.

Maya Kitagawa, a well-traveled half-elven botanist with a passion for plants in all their forms.

And Michael Watson, a late addition - a young student of Silver Millenium archaeology, added to the survey team at a special request of the head of archaeology at New Denver University.

The five have been summoned to the Royal Palace in the Lunar capital from their homes across the planet, for an audience with the Queen as well as to receive the details of their mission. And on March 23rd, they begin to arrive at the palace gates for their meeting.

[Ebiris]

Dressed in formal (but comfortable) robes of dark forest green, a slight, pale young woman with coppery red hair walks across the plaza before the palace, coming from the subway station she used to reach this place from her own home in the capitol.

Approaching the guards on duty at the palace gates, she gives them a tentative smile. "Hello, I'm Rowan Lammermuir, Summoner Second Class, Fi-" she pauses, blushing, "Third Category, Unlimited." She ducks her head in a bow, presenting a business card detailing what she just said along with a few other letters on her various credentials. "I have an appointment?" she adds, meekly.

[Halbarad]

"Of course, Ms. Lammermuir," the guard at the gate replies, giving the woman a slight smile. "You're the first of the team to arrive - if you'll just follow me, I'll escort you up to the waiting room - her Majesty will be meeting with all of you in the throne room today."

He steps out of his booth, waiting for Rowan's affirmation.

[Ebiris]

"Of course, thank you," Rowan agrees, falling in step with the guard. "What's the Queen like in person?" she asks, making conversation. "I've never actually met her."

[Halbarad]

The guard smiles. "A lot friendlier than you'd expect, actually. She actually stopped to talk to me while I was still new - I was surprised. She even knew my name, although I can't figure out for the life of me how."

As the two converse, the guard leads Rowan on a long, winding path through the hallways of the Royal Palace - the hallways mostly of polished white marble and lavishly decorated with various paintings and sculptures.  About ten minutes' walk brings the pair to a small sitting room a short distance from the throne room, with a number of comfortable antique chairs arranged around the walls.

"If you'll just wait here, Ms. Lammermuir, the audience will start as soon as the other members of the team arrive," the guard says, giving Rowan a bow. "It was nice meeting you - and good luck!"

With that he turns on his heel, leaving Rowan alone in the sitting room. A small tray of refreshments has been left in the center of the room, presumably for the team members while they wait for the Queen.

[Ebiris]

"Thank you," Rowan replies as the guard leaves, going to take a seat in one of the chairs, forgoing any refreshments for now.

My, I'm so nervous... she thinks, trying to settle the butterflies in her stomach. I hope I don't blow things, now... Mum would never forgive me if I offended the Queen or something.

[Carthrat]

Arkian strolls towards the front gates of the palace, clad in a similar style to the woman who just passed in; glad in slightly lighter robes of green, tied together with five buckles in various places, each symbolizing an aspect of his craft; a rock, a flame, a pool, a lightning bolt, and a leaf.

Pulling his green hair out his eyes, he approaches one of the guards, introducing himself.

"Excuse me? My name is Arkian, and I believe I am to attend a meeting at this time.."

[Halbarad]

The guard in the booth checks a sheet of paper in front of him, scanning it quickly. "Ah, here it is. Welcome to the palace, Master Arkian. You're a bit early, but if you'd care to follow me I can escort you up to the waiting room that's been prepared for you."

With that, the guard steps out of the booth, waiting for Arkian's reply.

[Carthrat]

Arkian chuckles. "Just Arkian," he says, his hands clutching tightly a rather tall black staff, inscribed with various wounds. "I fear I'm a long way off from such an honorific.. but, oh, yes, a waiting room? Very well."

He moves forward, intent on following the guard.

[Halbarad]

The guard nods in assent to Arkian, leading the geomancer in through the massive silver doors of the palace. The walk to the waiting room is uneventful; the palace hallways are relatively busy, at least on the route the guard is taking, but most of the officials you see scurrying to and fro pay you little mind. After a fairly lengthy walk - for inside a building at least - the guard takes Arkian into a small sitting room, where a red-haired woman, also in green robes, is sitting.

"There are refreshments on the cart," the guard says helpfully. "Someone will be here to take you to the queen as soon as the other members of your team have arrived."

[Carthrat]

Arkian gives a short bow. "I see. Thank you," he replies, impressed by the interior design of the palace.

Well, Sho, here I am. I'll certainly come back with a good story to tell you..

Moving over to a seat across from the woman, he plants himself down and gives her a friendly glance.

"Good morning," he says. "I suppose you're here for the same reason I am?"

[Jon]

Dashing round a corner, across the plaza, and up to the guard post, Michael rests for a few moments to catch his breath. After that, he straightens and motions to get the attention of one of the guards.

"Uh, hello? I'm Michael Watson. I think this is where I'm supposed to come? I hope I'm not late."

He holds out a letter for the guard to examine. An astute observer would notice that he doesn't seem quite used to using his left hand for such activities; perhaps he's using it because his right hand appears to be some sort of glossy black stone.

[Ebiris]

"Oh!" Rowan is startled out of her reverie by the arrival of her companion, glancing up to look him over. "You're on the planetary survey team?" she blurts out, before recalling her manners, "I mean, hello," she stands up and bows hurriedly, presenting a business card like she gave the guard earlier. "I'm Rowan Lammermuir."

[Carthrat]

Arkian returns the bow, accepting the business card with an amused smile.

"A pleasure, Ms. Lammermuir," he says. "That is indeed why I am here. I'm, uh, Arkian," he continues, sounding faintly embarrased. "Nice to meet you."

His eyes are slightly disconcerting; one green and one blue. However, his tone sounds a little shy.

[Ebiris]

"Oh, just call me Rowan," the redhead offers, relaxing. "We're going to be co-workers, after all."

Sitting back down, she adds, "I don't suppose you know anything about anyone else who's going to be on the team? I'm nervous enough about meeting the Queen without meeting all my new co-workers at the same time."