[indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][indent] [sup][h1][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/dQjIHRb.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/h1][table=bordered][row][cell][/cell][cell][/cell][/row] [row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/HcDIa6Z.jpg[/img][/cell][cell][center][color=2e2c2c]__________________________________________________________________[/color] [color=2e2c2c]__________________________________________________________________[/color] [img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjQ0LmZmZi5Wbmx6YTJFZ1RHa2dUVzl2YmcsLC4wAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/signoria.regular.png[/img] [right][i][color=gray]...is on her way to the Lower Ring.[/color][color=2e2c2c]___[/color][/i][/right][/center][/cell][/row][row][cell][color=2e2c2c]__________________[/color] [color=2e2c2c]__________________[/color] [color=2e2c2c]__________________[/color] [color=2e2c2c]__________________[/color] [color=2e2c2c]__________________[/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/24tsnTN.png[/img][/cell] [cell][center][color=bca346]Morning[/color]   [color=white]·[/color]   [color=bca346]Clear Skies[/color]   [color=white]·[/color]   [color=bca346]Slightly Chilly[/color][/center] [color=gray][i]happening now...[/i][/color] [color=silver]All of the Republic is gearing up for the centennial celebration of the end of the Great War. The middle ring will be hosting a majority of the day's events including special performances from a number of artists and celebrities and a large scale parade. Because of ongoing organizational efforts, security has been beefed up heavily in all of the Middle Ring and while not as clearly apparent as it is there, the Lower Ring has received some of the same. This presence [i]is[/i] however felt more strongly around the neighborhood that hosts The Lotus Room, thanks in no small part to a recent raid and reports of individuals who have frequented the business and are allegedly sensitive to Spirit Energy and potential Benders. As it is an ongoing investigation, the business has been temporarily closed and is usually occupied by the RSF or, if not currently occupied, being monitored. Sakani, a protégé of the incarcerated Gran-gran, owner of The Lotus Room, has inspired some to action against the RSF.[/color] [/cell][/row][/table][/sup] [/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][color=silver] Vyska watched the jagged edge of the skyline crawl by outside her window, the light of the morning sun catching the features of her face and casting their reflection against the glass pane in front of her. A girl stared back. A girl adorned in jewels and family sigils. In golden garments and tassels and red frills wrapped in black wool. Her perfect blonde hair fell to either side of her face and cupped gently at her jawline. The dark brown of her irises looked as if they were emboldened by the softness of the make up on her cheeks and lips and around her eyes. All of it the visage of a girl meant to look as business [i]and[/i] casual as she could manage. Almost five years in and she still found the balance of it all rather awkward. [color=bca346][i]...Just like mom was supposed to be...[/i][/color] The warm of the sun was interrupted by the shadow of a towering structure that pierced through the distant horizon. It was quickly followed by another and then another and before she had time to adjust to the way the cabin had begun to lean into an incline, the clearer skies of the middle ring had been replaced by the ever present muggy haze that was the lower. Columns of smoke billowed violently into clouds that hugged the top of every skyscraper. The buildings themselves were packed so tightly together that it was often impossible to see unobstructed to the street below. It was these same spaces that often never saw the light of day. The stark difference between here and the place she called her home was all too apparent and even in the safety of her own airship, an air of claustrophobia was strongly felt. She tried to shrug it off. Although this would be her first time here without her father, this feeling of throwing herself into a crowded pit was something she had expected. She'd found herself in similar situations many times during her youth and as added comfort, she wasn't travelling alone. [color=white]"Five minutes."[/color] Came a voice over the intercom. An abrupt mechanical whine followed by an abrupt silence signaled the end of the message. [color=lightblue]"I still stand by this being a terrible idea."[/color] Jack commented from across the aisle. Besides having voiced his concern before boarding the train earlier, he'd been content with keeping to his usual brooding silence. The entire ride had seen to him with legs and arms crossed and eyes glued to the monitor he'd opened up on the table in front of him. A body present but not really. A tall and pale thing with short hair and a plain suit. He seemed able to fold himself into dark corners with ease and turn from a stark white to shadow if need be. The only thing giving him away now was his unusually chatty self. [color=lightblue]"We could be at the parade."[/color] [color=white]"Ms. Moon."[/color] Another man addressed her now, standing straight and tall and wearing dress pants and plain black shoes with a white shirt and a bow tie. He held a towel in the crook of his elbow and folded his other arm behind his back. He gave a short bow. [color=white]"We will be arriving shortly. Would you like another coffee?"[/color] [color=bca346]"No, thank you."[/color] [color=white]"Of course."[/color] He took the empty mug in front of Vyska and gave another short bow before turning to leave, stopping only momentarily in front of Jack to which he had received a dismissive wave. [color=lightblue]"Jie Xiao is supposed to sing. I do enjoy that voice of hers."[/color] [color=bca346]"You've said as much."[/color] Vyska pulled herself away from her reflection and turned toward the man. [color=bca346]"You'll have to make due with the broadcast... and [i]after[/i] we're through."[/color] Jack smiled but kept his eyes on the dimly lit screen. [color=lightblue]"Don't worry. Plant is secure and the perimeter is solid. There's been little to no vandals recently or activity in the area so I suspect, besides what's being discussed during the meet, there will be little else that happens."[/color] He then glanced up at her and gave a nod toward her hip. [color=lightblue]"You still have it on you, yeah?"[/color] [color=bca346]"Of course I do."[/color] [color=lightblue]"You'll be fine. Ms. Xiao needs me."[/color] [/color]