(2/9/02)
Nisan, City of Peace-- and that's what one would hope to accomplish on a day like today. The long bridge is empty and bare-- not even the sounds of the sister's hymns can be heard today, feeling almost like an omen... Save one at the end, next to the cathedral, the most that blows across is dust in the breeze, signaling a new wind from the south. That one at the end of the bridge, she stands leaning against the last post, arms folded snugly with her eyes drifted closed. A nap? Yeah, that'd be tempting. Unfortunately, Kaori lacks that option today as she waits for the Holy Mother to appear, and also expecting to deal with whatever entourage she appears with. The pilot leans a bit to one side to compensate the sheathed weapon hidden under her jacket-- of course, not for any other reason save, 'just in case'.
The ominous feeling of silence, of a Cathedral gone still. The sounds of hymns are supposed to drift from the Cathedral, just as purely and naturally as the wind does blow, that soft and distant echo of rhythm and music, that comforts simply in it's procession of calmness in sound. As Margie approaches the Cathedral, it takes her quite a while to register this ever so faint difference in the air, the small note of something quiet that is -missing-. And goodness knows... The last thing that she willed was yet another softly odd, somewhat strange thing to happen. The peculiarities of this event already are trying the extent of her nerves. This is just yet another thing to face. So. Fear aside, Margie knows enough of politics to know that one does not come to a meeting with an ambassador with a small army at hand. The others are nearby, the others will be there to help if anything goes wrong. But for the moment... She has done what she believes is the most appropriate thing to do: Bringing along but one other person. Her features are calm for all that her steps are slow--Not enough to be hesitant, but pushing it--And she is trying her outright to handle this calmly. For the most part, she is succeeding. And yet... There is that faintest worry that clings to those bluest eyes of hers. Uncertainty, uneasiness. Something which does not reach outside of those orbs of blue.
Now this is odd. Usually you have at least one nun singing her larynx hoarse at any time during the day. It's what these nun's like to do most. And what Bart grew up hearing. ...Why is there no singing? Bart looks to Margie for a moment, almost frowning as he walks. He KNEW he didn't like this at all. So he's gonna keep at the ready. He's gonna defend Margie, and the nun's rights to lose their voice. Ha! "...Uh, you think they're all sick today?"
They're tied up in the attic. HA HA HA! Actually, today, they're gathered in the town council chambers, left to wonder just the same things themselves that the pair are-- what /is/ this all about? What's going on? Movement on the bridge? Leisurely digging her thickly-gloved hands (or more specifically, her thumbs) into her pockets, she steps out, more or less, to a centerpoint at the end of the bridge... indeed, she'll wait for them to come to her, let them have time to think and ponder-- she's got her own job to do in a bit of time, anyway... Kaori lets out a bit of a sigh and briefly mutters, "... and so, it begins..."
That forced calm to Margie's expressions falters a little at Bart's question, as she glances over to him at that, a tiny frown playing at the edge of her features, "Maybe..." And maybe not. Whatever could be keeping them from singing? It's just about the time of day that they ought to be doing so, and yet... She blinks away then, turning her gaze back towards the road before her, as if that could hide the worry in her eyes from her cousin. No. Margie is all right, Margie is fine. But this is very, -very- odd. And she certainly does not like it either. And yet.. That is when those eyes find the person at the end of the bridge, moving to stand right in the center, right in their way. An obvious sign. And Margie tries to banish the frown from her features at that.. Even as the worry in her eyes only grows deeper. And her words are quiet yet to Bart, "I wonder what she wants...?" It's certainly not the traditional way to greet someone coming to meet an ambassador. It lacked in formality. And sense in general.
Bart tilts his head a bit, looking at the woman now in the middle of the bridge. "...I don't like this. Hey, I know! You wait here, i'll go see what she wants!" he smirks. "...If anything, if she tries to knock me out or anything, you'll have a chance to run," this is all said in almost a whisper, loud enough to reach Margie's ears. "Think it's worth a try?"
Step, step, step... she's coming. Down the center of the bridge, her steps are brief, deliberate... isn't it wonderful how in tense situations like this, it seems like minute sounds like boots on a road become so much louder and nerve-wracking? However, as she draws close enough, her hand raises in a sort of wave. "Good day!" Kaori shouts, in that same strange, thick, and severely-foriegn accent. Well, she seems friendly... and tall enough to look eye-to-eyes with Bart.
Blunt and to the point as always, isn't he? And yet that sort of offer is oddly comforting for the moment. Certainly, there is the ever constant reminder from Margie's rational side over how this could all be one huge and incredibly overreaction: This could be a perfectly innocent meeting with an innocent, albeit yet unknown, country, this could be a perfectly well meaning person, and the nuns could just be taking a break from singing. It's possible. All of it. But as time goes on, worry is making her less and less certain of this being perfectly, entirely innocent. Still, a flicker of a smile touches Margie's face as she glances over at that comment, and gives a nod so faint that is quite nearly capable of being missed. And her words are just as quiet, "Could you? That might work.." She hates to ask something like that, to put him on point like so. But this isn't an obvious threat as much as it is just.. Strange. And there is always the risk that this woman does not even have a thing to do with Margie being called here. And so her steps draw to a stop, about halfway down the bridge, letting Bart stand between her and the approaching woman. And she casts a faint smile over to him. Forced. But it's still there. Margie is simply assured to get through this seeming as calm as she can be. Even as she adds, so faint that even Bart might miss it, a touch puzzled, "Odd...What accent is that...?"
Bart blinks slowly, shrugging. "It sounds familiar, but I don't remember it too well. Don't worry. I'll go see if everything's ok!" she sounds...kinda friendly. But this looks so...it's hard to place. It seems to him like she knew he was coming. He starts up to her, a bit of a serious look on his face- A rarity for him. "Hey, what's up? Something special happening at the cathedral?" he greets her with, upon reaching her. His tone becoming a bit more friendly. If this turns out to be nothing, he's gonna feel SO stupid.
"Indeed, there is." Offering a bow, Kaori smiles a bit and gestures toward the cathedral. "I was merely sent to welcome Mother Margurite to the proceedings as an assistant to our ambassador." Turning away a bit to lead on, she assumes a bit more of a serious posture, the sort she should've taken originally. "Come, there's much to discuss." she adds, returning toward the House of God.
If this turns out to be nothing, Margie's going to feel just as stupid. She -knows- somewhere within her that she has -got- to be overreacting. But who can really blame her? Unknown people from an unknown country making an unknown request for her to come here to talk about who knows what... The sheer state of ignorance is enough to make her worry. And wonder just why they were being as vague as they were. But better safe than sorry, right? And if this turns out to be nothing, it can be worth a great big laugh later on. And yet.. She listens to Kaori speak, with that friendly tone and foreign accent.. And she wonders, for that brief moment, if she's just done exactly that. Is this all just nothing? Kaori seems friendly enough. Although Margie still seems uneasy about this entire development, this entire state of affairs. However, this is where she realizes that this is likely her cue to do something. Even if she is a few worried feet away. And she clicks to responce at that, responding in a tone that is as formal and calm as she can manage. "There is quite a great deal to discuss. I must say that I am very curious as to what has brought you to the City of Peace.." And yet.. That seems all that she can manage, these little stiff lines of formality. She wants so very, very much to just out and ask: Who are you and where have you come from, so I can put my fears to rest? ..And yet she can not. She can not. And so, she takes her first step after.. Wondering. Well. If nothing else, at least Bart will be there with her. And he'll laugh at how worried she was about basically -nothing- later... But better safe than sorry.
Bart sweatdrops, "Ah, you're an assistant sent to welcome Mar-," he coughs. "The Holy Mother. Ah, right," I don't believe you, what do you -REALLY- do?! He'd never admit it, but he felt the same way Margie did, and now...he feels like a true moron. Oh, well! Better safe than sorry. "Ah, you don't mind if I tag along, do you?" he asks, a bit more sheepishly.
As they walk, she pauses to scratch her cheek. "Ah, the Holy Mother's guardian angel, eh?" she asks with a bit of a grin. No, just let that one go there. Kaori gestures ahead, and, as they near the doors to the cathedral, she takes grip of the latch and gives a bit of a stiff push to open them a bit... sure, yes, indeed, allow the Holy Mother all the access she wishes... but the moment Bart attempts to cross the threshhold, she'll grab him by the braid, most definately. "I for one cannot speak for our ambassador, but we hope that things will conclude well." Go on, Pirate! Try to go in! See how far it'll get you...
Well, so far so good... And Margie must admit that this is doing a little good for her nerves. See? Kaori seems friendly enough, and she's being formal and polite about it all... This is enough for Margie to even manage a little smile to. As she smiles to that comment, moving towards the opened doors, "Thank you. I can only give my hopes as well that this will turn out for the best." Whatever this is and whyever it's happening. Arg. And she barely stops a blush at Kaori's note of 'Guardian Angel'.. Pah! She just brought her good friend and cousin along to make sure that nothing went wrong, a precautionary effort entirely. Really! Really. And Margie isn't aware that Kaori intends to block his progess as she casts a light glance and a light smile towards Bart, "I wouldn't mind at all." No.. Actually, she'd very much prefer that he came along. After all, she still is completely in the dark as to what is going on... And with that, she moves to enter the Cathedral.
Well, Bart will just to go in! Bart nods at them both. "Alright, after you, Holy Mother," he says, letting her pass by him into the cathdral. Then he starts on his own path in. This didn't turn out so bad! He's gonna be there, and she's gonna finish all that buisiness with this foreign country or whatever. Then they'll celebrate their relief with a good old big Maison dinner. And Maison cooks good dinners. What was Bart THINKING?
Pausing for that brief moment, the heavy-- and surprisingly warm-- hand drops onto Bart's shoulder. "Hold it. We for one, are not allowed to be present for this preceeding." she states, and seems rather firm on the topic. "I also, cannot enter. We must wait here for the Holy Mother and our ambassador to complete their talks." Kaori comments, gaze strict and narrow. Nope. No swaying, on this one...
"...What?" Margie comes to a very sudden stop at those words, as she pauses, a few steps into the cathedral, and turns around at that, blinking those blue-and-blue eyes of hers in an expression that is a little surprised. What? She's going to have to do this.. Alone? That is oddly disconcerting. "I'm sorry, did I hear you correctly? Are no witnesses permitted to this discussion?" Don't sound worried or surprised, Margie. It's not like you'll be in any sort of risk in the Cathedral, of all places. And this can be finished up quickly. But she still wonders why on earth such a requirement like such was put into place. Generally it wasn't an issue for other people to sit in on discussions of this sort...
Bart sweatdrops, "Eh? Why not?" he turns to Kaori, crossing his arms. He's never heard of a meeting that didn't allow visitors that didn't have something weird about it. "...I've gotta accompany the Holy Mother at all times, you know. I'm her, uh, Guardian!" yes, there's no arguing that. Bart's lack of thought put into this excuse is almost laughable, but it's at least a semi-noble attempt on his part. "You know, Guardians always have to be with their Holy Mothers, you know. So they can...uh...," he thinks for a moment.
"I understand your feelings on the subject. However, sir, I cannot allow you in, as I also am not allowed to enter." Kaori says, attempting to sound as apologetic as possible to both. "We may remain outside the cathedral in the event of an emergency, however, to protect our 'ward' as needed. I would rather stay by the ambassador's side, but as I just said-- I also, cannot."
Margie does not like this. At all. In the least. There is something just... -Strange- about this. Why are they being so secretive? Why are they turning this into such a private and secure event? Shouldn't a meeting with a foreign country be an open and public affair, so that all people involved can be aware of the innocent sincerity of all sides? So it is obvious that no one has anything to hide? Why is this so.. -secretive-..? And yet.. For all that there is a worried frown on Margie's face, for all that she wants to argue for Bart's behalf and have -someone- nearby in case things go oddly... Well. It's true that no one's being unfair here. The ambassador is--Hopefully--Going to be alone, too. And Margie can easily deal with the politics of this all, although it still just seems.. Odd. And yet, her voice is much more quiet... And it echoes of that particular tone of being resigned to one's fate. "I don't really understand why, but.." She shakes her head lightly, "If that is how this needs to be conducted.." Still. Her frown is worried. Concerned. But she still tries to cast a faint smile to Bart, "If I must...I'll be all right, then. If you want, you can take her idea and wait here, then...? I'm sure this wont take too long." Margie does not like this. She doesn't want to agree with this. But.. If she has no choice.. She might as well be professional about it. Whoever heard of a Holy Mother being blatantly insecure in a political situation relevant to her country?
Bart turns to Margie, "Hey...are you really sure?" he frowns. "Crap. Alright. You go on, then. But if anything happens, i'll be in there right away. Nomatter what the agreement is," he looks a bit warily towards Kaori.
"Forgive me, it's a matter beyond my control." she offers to Margie with a bit of a shrug. Good, yes-- she bought it. And the pirate, as well... Nodding at Bart, she seems to fully understand his concerns, and what he'll do if something happens... or is that, what he'll /try/ to do...? Perhaps this is what the weapon under her jacket is for, that 'just in case' clause... Her head lowers respectfully once more toward Margie, "I apologize for this. And, our ambassador is waiting for you. I hope things go well."
Is Margie sure? The answer is very clearly: Absolutely not. She -does not like this-. And it shows. She is quite, quite reluctant to go on into the Cathedral by herself, to handle this strange, strange situation alone.. And part of her just wants to drop all this strict formality and just stomp her foot and demand to know why on earth they were being so stubborn about an issue that shouldn't be of importance at all. Let Bart in! It's no harm to anyone! What on earth are they trying to hide, after all? ...But sigh. Margie does not want to make a scene. And so she very lamely nods in response, "Thanks, Bart... I'm sure, though, yes. I'm certain that things will go well." And yet there is not a -drop- of sincerity in Margie's words at that. And there is everything of blatant doubt within them. But what else can she do? "But... I've kept the ambassador waiting long enough." Although she still looks reluctant to go, somewhat, despite how she tries to keep that out of her expressions. Please... Can't you change your mind at the last minute, Kaori? Please? Bleh. "I... hope this turns out to the best, then." And with that, she turns, and walks into the Cathedral. Come now, Margie.. Put on your good face. It wont do to meet this mysterious ambassador with doubt and unease in her expressions. Calm. Yes. Look calm. Even--And especially--If Margie does not feel that way in the least.
Bart nods, "I hope so too. But don't worry about it, just go on!" if they wont let him in, then he'll just have to leave- and maybe look for another way in? Nah, that wouldn't work. This lady'd probably keep him from doing that. Hrm. What to do.
Kaori settles onto a cornerstone, drawing one knee up toward her chin and lacing her gloved fingers around her ankle, the length of her braid falling over one shoulder. The damn thing has a mind of it's own, it does. "... Worry not. Everything will be fine..." ... in the long run, anyway. Hopefully.