video; un: lodge (with special guest alucard)

[refashioned]

[Happy Valentine's Day, Club Ophelia! Naturally, this guild is neither a club nor really in a place to pass around cute Valentine's with fantastic puns, but one could consider this a spectacular day to publicly broach a specific issue: marriage.

No, not among the various members of the lovely guild, but the Empresses themselves. Love is in the air, isn't it? Or it could be. In time.

As it is, incoming Veronica and a beautiful vampire man by the name of Alucard. Thankfully, no one will be announcing any murders here, accidental, in self-defense, or otherwise.]

Hello, Guild Ophelia! [That's Veronica. She's as chirpy and confident as ever.] Alucard and I have a proposal to make. Let's just say "proposal" is a fitting way to talk about precisely how we want to approach the rest of this mission. Some of you have already heard what I have to say about this, but I think it's fitting if we hear it from another party.

[Alucard, on the other hand, is calm and keeping his usual regal approach.] In addition, I thought it best to ensure everyone heard what we had to say. Veronica’s idea is a wise one: there will be persistent unrest with all people in both regions. If they are unable to agree to one ruler, there is no reason to not revere both as ruling parties. It would be an ideal resolution.

This could be arranged easily by marriage between both Empresses.

[Veronica is seen nodding in response to this, pleased that this is coming together.]

I know a number of you think a peace treaty might be the answer. I don't disagree, but we're here to ensure that there's a more permanent solution moving forward. The union of these two women is the best way for both of these societies to have their cake and eat it, too. Their combined resources and culture can only make them both better. And we're not left desperately trying to make Doro be the one in charge … or someone like him. We know he just doesn't suit the unique nature of this world. [One that Veronica herself is rather fond of!]

So, let's discuss team.

Comments

@z ; voice }

[hackedhistory]

Obligatory "arranged marriage is kind of archaic and people deserve to be with people they love" comment.

[She is making a face but there's a reason why she's doing voice not video. But she also doesn't seem like she can't be convinced, depending on what Veronica and Alucard have in mind.]

I'm not saying it's not the right political move, but arranged marriage is generally a tool of a world that cares more about power than happiness, so I'm not sure how pragmatic we want to be here.

But who knows. Maybe the empresses are secretly star crossed lovers.

audio; un: aloy

[datapoint]

I agree. We can suggest it to them, but we shouldn't count on it. They're people, too, not our toys.

[refashioned]

They're both grown women being influenced by advisors who don't have their best interests at heart.

And if you have an issue, I'd like to hear an alternative. A permanent one.

[A beat.]

Not that I'm here to argue. I'm genuinely asking.

audio; un: alucard

[reposing]

I would hardly make the suggestion as an arrangement, but there is a certain political advantage to having them marry.

But I would prefer it with their consent, not by force.

audio; un:kyouken

[justbeingknife]

I gotta agree with ya on that first bit. But since they're the ones who're actually gonna have to live with this, maybe the best move here is to present 'em with what options we come up with and letting 'em make their own decision.

If they're old enough to rule a country, I figure they're old enough to decide if they wanna get hitched or not.

audio; un: wellsuited

[ofobedience]

Just to confirm...you're suggesting they should marry each other?

[refashioned]

Yes. A political union.

video; un: ginko

[tenthousandmiles]

[Well, this is interesting, to say the least.]

If we went forward with this idea, what would be done about the matter of an heir?

[Being from a version of feudal Japan akin to this one, himself, it's the first concern that immediately presents itself. And while he's lived his life detached enough from society that he's not affronted or disturbed by the idea of two women marrying, he does have the logistical concern of how the peace would last without an intermingling of the blood being possible.]

[refashioned]

[For her part, she's definitely thought about this.]

Empress Nama was appointed to her position. Since neither of them are married already, we can assume that finding an heir is hardly the first matter of significance. In fact, it might be more of an issue down the line—should the heir come from the Sea or Mountain nation?

But that's not up to us to decide.

AUDIO. un: LOKIOFASGARD

[selfimage]

[ there's a curious tone to his voice. ]

A party does calm the tension—however ... there may still be those whose tension overrides the opportunity for peace.

Not everyone seemed happy about the truce, what makes you think that there won't be backlash from those who feel that their voices have been squished?

audio; un: ren

[sololoquy]

I believe a political marriage and a truce fall in two different categories.

If I understand this culture, marriage arrangements are common tradition. That may speak on more solid ground than a mere decree of peace, built on nothing tangible.

audio; @laphicet

[rhinostagros]

...The fishermen often talk about Empress Youmi, how she's been ruling for ten years without picking a suitor.

[ That's all he's got, but he's throwing that out there in case it helps with the discussion??? Neither saying whether he's for the marriage or not. ]

[reposing]

Hm. That is a helpful detail.

Do you think suggesting they marry would assist in the tenseness of their countries?

audio; un: aloy

[datapoint]

I'm concerned they won't go for it, but if they do -- Kylo Ren and I have two very large pearls that the, uh, pearl divers... gifted us. [For some reason. She doesn't get it, but she's not about to look a gift Strider in the mouth.]

Apparently, it's traditional to offer a kind of dowry to your perspective mate or partner; something that represents your clan.

audio; un: ren

[sololoquy]

[Yup. Gifted. With no mind tricks involved whatsoever.]

We would need to obtain an audience with Empress Youmi to propose the idea. Though I am concerned she might question our interest in the matters of her kingdom.

[Because lets be real, if anyone walked up to most of the rulers he knew and tried to suggest they marry someone to calm everyone else down, that person would probably be dead.]

audio | un: RHY5-W1NZ

[dbag]

Huh. Do you think they'd, like... beee okay with that? Like, how would we— it would be kind of weird to be some foreigners going up to them and telling them to get married with no preamble, right. So how do we go about that, exactly.

[reposing]

How often have you spoken to nobility?

[because NO IT DOESN'T GO LIKE THAT]

voice; un: tama

[tormado]

Do.

Do we know if they like each other?

Or if they even....go that way?

[reposing]

It would theoretically be a political arrangement. Preferred sexuality and romance helps, but it is not needed. The marriage could be in name only.

audio; un: eraserhead

[eyedrop]

It's not romantic, but that's not our job here. It's a logical solution.

[ Of course, Veronica is already aware that he thinks this. Just affirming it. ]

[reposing]

Agreed.

Romantic chemistry is ideal, but not required.

audio; un: simonprime

[theseuschip]

[ he already mentioned it to Veronica, but ]

I’m pretty sure Nama already wants to meet Youmi. The second letter she had us deliver was a ‘personal’ note to Youmi that she’s been anxious to hear back about.

[refashioned]

Honestly, all this debate and she might already be a step ahead of us.

video, un: altea

[juniberries]

[she is likely in the 100% 'unions should be between people who love each other blah blah blah' romantic camp on a personal level, but...

well the last time two people got married for love they went Crazy with power, so.]

My father used to tell me of troubling times when unions and marriages between Nobility of warring planets managed to create peace in otherwise war-torn spots of the universe--

I believe such a resolution is ideal. [a pause.] And if we agree, and more importantly they agree...should we offer to assist with the festivities?

[TRANSLATION: I LOVE WEDDINGS.......]

[refashioned]

Are you suggesting that we take on the role of Jennifer Lopez for our fine Empresses?

[This is a reference that poor Allura won't get ...]

video; un: white_lotus

[pummelling]

[He's not super sure about arranging a marriage, per se... but there's no denying that it's an idea that might just work.]

Not saying this won't work, but I'm not joining in on playing matchmaker.

And what Z said, too. We can't exactly force them into it if they aren't willing. It wouldn't feel right.

[refashioned]

God, I didn't think I'd need to inform everyone that I know the meaning of consent. But I do. Trust me.

[She's ... noticeably frustrated.]

video; un: sharpshooter

[ceruleo]

Whoa. Marriage, that's--[ wait. ]--that's actually a great idea! All the people trying to start stuff can simmer down, they'll both keep their legitimacy, and the Flowerlands can host!

[ TRANSLATION: I ALSO LOVE WEDDINGS BUT AM TOO MUCH OF A DUMB BOY TO SAY SO ]

Um. I mean. [ COUGH. ] That's if they agree, but c'mon. Who wouldn't marry Youmi, right?

[ LANCE...... ]

[refashioned]

Agreed. Honestly, if I were actually high-born enough and from this world, I'd be trying to court her myself. She's gorgeous.

[A beat.]

Which is to say—Nama's definitely bound to be in luck.

audio■ un: virtuoso

[fourscores]

While I don't think it's something that will put everyone to rest, that could solve most of the issues... Provided the Empresses can tolerate each other for that.

It would certainly hold more weight than any written word of peace.

If it works all there's left to deal with would be those that disagree with the entire thing.

[reposing]

I doubt we can force everyone to fall in line, but if the action can prevent civil war, then I would deem that a success.

audio; un:kyouken

[justbeingknife]

Whatever we end up goin' with, unifying all three regions makes more sense than trying to get 'em all to get along as separate players. Even if Nama and Youmi manage to whip everyone into shape and keep the peace for their lifetimes, we're talkin' two queendoms with their backs to a natural barrier, and a big, fat prize in the middle. It's a pressure cooker that's gonna explode sooner or later, and it's gonna ruin a lot of lives when it happens.

But if those Empresses don't want to marry each other for whatever reason, there might be another way. It'd require all three rulers to cooperate pretty heavily, though: Nama takin' oversight over the Flowerlands and the Crashing Wave, and namin' Youmi her heir.

I'd recommend some measures to defang Nama's advisors, either way. Back in Japan, during the Tokugawa, they had somethin' called the 'hostage system'. Long story short, the shogunate reigned in problem players by requiring either the big shots or their families live under their thumb at all times. If the Crashing Wave and Celestial Mountains traded their advisors' families, for instance, they might think twice about calling for war.

[refashioned]

Your suggestion doesn't involve a whole lot of balance of power. Doro can't be considered in this arrangement for a number of reasons. And the hostage situation sounds ... questionable, given what brought about this mess.

I'm not saying we don't consider it, but we might need to go back to the drawing board on that one.

text; un: bortz

[abortz]

Ruling together sounds like a simple, obvious solution. I can't believe these people need complete outsiders to suggest it.

[There is, uh...one part of this that is just flying straight over their head. They've been looking through the other responses for context clues, but the context they're finding is only confusing matters further, so...]

What does any of this have to do with romance?

audio; un: alucard

[reposing]

You would be surprised what seems to be an obvious resolution that escapes people.

[He feels, he really does.]

Very little. Romance would only help the matter, but it is not required.

audio; un: fiona

[cachemoney]

Assuming they're both into it, we should also figure out what to do if Nama's advisors are still thirsty for war. She seems pretty hamstrung by them.

So... maybe. We... can figure out a way to persuade them. To back off. [A "way" to "persuade" them.]

[reposing]

A fair point.

I think perhaps if we have an economical proposal for the advisors, they would be willing to listen. Most people are motivated by money, after all.

video, un: steelsamayarai

[feytality]

Woah! We'd be like... royal matchmakers! Maybe we can make them fall desperately in love!

[refashioned]

Be careful with your verbage here. Someone might think you intend to actually compel them to do our bidding.

[moneyballer]

Look, personally? I'm all for team ladyboner.

[cue douchey shrug and nose crinkle]

I think it's a good idea. Two hot bawse ladies get together and nobody dies! Plus, it'd totally solve the land ownership beef and get Doro's shady ass outta the picture.

[Any peaceful solution that prevents further loss is one he'll agree with.]

Now, that bein' said, how're we gonna make sure that this won't blow up in our faces? I get that the empresses probably wanna do the best for their loyal peeps, but...

They've got advisors on advisors on advisors, yo. How're we gonna make sure that one of those knuckleheads doesn't mess them up?

[refashioned]

The best that I've determined is that we provide them with what we think may work and leave the Empresses alone. Perhaps with a chosen guard on each side. No advisors, and no outside voices.