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haphazardly parked Vice Captain
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 Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 8:47 am
[ PRINCESS ELSINA ]
Elsina smiled and made noncommittal replies to Madi's steady stream of chatter, and glanced sharply at Ser Rosfir occasionally to remind him to stand down. The Kerthess knight was staunchly loyal, and perhaps a touch too protective to realize that no harm was going to come to Elsina in Talquis, and least of all from Prince Aerik.
The princess dipped into a courtesy before Lord Martyn when he met them at the gate. The death of his wife and coronation of his daughter seemed to have aged him ten years - where before he looked ten years younger than he was, now he looked every minute his age, and then some. He was looking serious and more harried than when she had last seen him; his words, however stern, did bring her comfort and ease her worries. "My lord - thank you for sending to my father. I know he was worried."
Madi bid Elsina to show Prince Aerik to the Grand Hall, and left (probably to make herself presentable for a formal audience. Ser Stalwart still carried her commonday circlet with him.)
"Your highness," Elsina said to Prince Aerik once the queen and the lord regent had left the small entrance hall. "This way."
The north doors were the entrance to the Grand Hall, and the throne faced the north, and Saayeri. The other three halls had smaller entrance halls with carved oak chairs, like the one in the hall they were in, and beyond those halls were smaller audience chambers and council rooms. Elsina led Prince Aerik through hallways with Ser Rosfir trailing the pair of them, more respectful and less protective now that they were within the palace walls themselves.
The Grand Hall was high-ceilinged, lined with tapestries of blue and silver depicting all sorts of things. It was carpeted in pale blue and silver, from the door to all the way up the two steps of the dais and to the foot of the throne. The throne itself was made of crystal, and light reflected off it brilliantly. The walls of the Great Hall were lined with torches, but the ones near the Crystal Throne were rarely lit; a skylight covered in glass opened up the circle of ceiling above the dais.
"Queen Madeira should be here soon," Elsina assured Prince Aerik as they stood to the side of the dais, waiting for the young queen.
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:51 am
[ SER STALWART ]
Stalwart's heart fell as he saw the Lord Regent waiting for them, looking ever as stern as usual lately. Though he never made a habit of seeking eye contact due to his station, he was especially avoiding it in this particular moment as his steps suddenly felt weighed down. The Lord Regent had once been a knight and even now he was still an imposing figure, and when he expressed disappointment or disapproval it always cut deeper than other nobility for he had once been the guardian to the throne, the Queen's Knight, and the finest.
Of course, Stalwart could argue that he had done his best to stop her highness, and had even managed to be one of the few to keep up to her during her jail break, but Ser Stalwart would not. He resisted the urge to wring the tiny, bright circlet in his hands nervously and followed behind the Queen silently as she was led away by her father.
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 11:10 am
[ PRINCE ÆRIK ]
Openly admiring the architecture and form of the palace as led to it, the Prince stopped with the rest and studied the man that they halted for. Though his clothes were well tailored and from rich cloth, he wore no distinguishing markings or adornments to announce a noble lineage, at least none that Ærik could tell. As the man spoke to the little Queen, Ærik assumed that this man was the Lord Regent that Elsina had told him of. Lowering his head in respect to the older man, Ærik tried to recall the scattered and few lessons of diplomacy he had learned from his mother but failed. His mind was too exhausted to recall even the smell of her hair, and that realization pained him.
So he followed silently as Elsina led him to the 'grand hall' and kept his eyes on the walls and ceilings. Losing his thought in the eloquent decor was easy and convenient. He hardly even noticed the moment that Elsina's Knight relaxed his guard.
The moment he was in sight of it, the Crystal throne captivated his eyes. He'd never seen something so resonant, nor finely crafted, and a new appreciation of the peaceful nation bloomed within him. A country that did not face war over and over was a country that could uphold higher ideals of beauty, and bring those ideals to birth in the physical world.
"So much splendor.." the Prince said, nodding to Elsina's words. Finally here, on the first step that would decide his people's fate, the Prince felt all the weariness of the journey, the hardship of his retreat, and the memory of his mother and sisters burning in his mind. He suddenly wished that Finn had come with him, been there to give him strength, as his adolescence caught up to him. Doubt flooded his mind, the epiphany that there was nothing that his people could offer this Queen and her rich nation in return for her aid, and with doubt came doom.
Clenching his jaw and the doe skin that he still carried, Ærik stared stony-faced at the throne and banished all thoughts from his mind of dark clouds and death.
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:24 pm
[ QUEEN MADEIRA ]
"The city, Madeira, unattended?" Lord Martyn began as soon as they were out of the prince and princess's hearing.
"Ser Stalwart was with me," Madi complained, instantly objecting to the accusation in her father's question.
"Oh, yes," Lord Martyn replied sardonically. He looked back at the First knight without breaking his stride and admonished, "And you should have carried her back, if needs were."
"Father, I just"-
Lord Martyn stopped suddenly and turned to Madeira. "I know what you just, sweetling," he said, gentler. "But you are a queen now, and must needs act a queen. What if it had not been Princess Elsina you met today, but Lord Dartmeir, or Prince Artyr who would have been mortified, or anyone else?"
To her feet, the queen managed, "I'm sorry father."
Lord Martyn sighed and bent to kiss the crown of his daughter's head before sending her off. "Now, go, ready yourself to act a queen. Ser Stalwart - to her rooms, and then the Great Hall. Nowhere else; and I'll take that crown."
He left no doubt to inform the others of the council that a formal audience for a prince would be held, and left Madi to return to her rooms to dress more appropriately. The queen walked in silence until they reached her rooms.
"I'm sorry for running today," Madi mumbled before disappearing inside her rooms and leaving the First to stand guard outside her door.
She emerged a queen ten minutes later in record time, dressed in a pale blue gown with a silver overrobe. The crown she wore was not the ill-fitting circlet she was told she would grown into, but the formal crown of the queen: it looked as though it was woven of many thin, silver threads rather than the silver everyday circlet. It circled her small head, dipped at the forehead and strands of silver dropped onto auburn hair. "Okay, let's go," she told Ser Stalwart, heading for the Great Hall.
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haphazardly parked Vice Captain
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haphazardly parked Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:34 pm
[ PRINCESS ELSINA ]
"The Talquisians have a monopoly over the ice bridge, granted by the Saayi themselves," she told Prince Aerik as an explanation. A boy in in a white shirt, blue tunic, and silver belted livery of the palace came to offer them a cool fruit juice from crystal glasses; by the way his clothing fit and the quality of it, Elsina guessed he was a page rather than a servant boy.
"And they are a queendom of peace - no one dare attack them, and the queens of Talquis have made war but once, unprovoked." The queens sometimes aided others in their wars, but they only in the War of Thorns had they ever mounted an attack when their young queen when she fell under the thrall of a handsome young wizard. The Saayi king had ended that war.
She had finished her juice and set it back on the serving page's tray by the time Madi returned to the hall, dressed formally and adorned with the crown of queens.
Lord Martyn and three others attended her.
"Princess Elsina, of Kerth," Madi said as soon as she took her seat on the Crystal Throne, her three lords and Ser Stalwart standing on the dais around it. "You are always welcome to Talquis, of course, but for now we turn our attention to Prince Aerik, of the Valihiri clans. To what do we owe the honor of your visit, my lord prince?"
Elsina didn't know of Lord Martyn, Ser Stalwart or either of the other two spoke fluent Ro'gan. She knew Lord Martyn had a few words, but naught else.
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:33 pm
[ SER STALWART ]
Red shame colored Ser Stalwarts cheeks at the Lord Regent's reprimand, and he nodded solemnly in recognition. He wondered momentarily if, had he done just as the Lord suggestion, he would have retained his position in the Knights before the end of the day. But, perhaps he worried too often of his position, the youngest Knights, and should take more cue from the Lord Regent's example.
Saluting at the Lord's orders with a "As you command, Lord Regent," and turned with the Queen. In the silence that ensued, his soft heart felt as if he should say something and when she herself broke the silence with an unexpected apology, he smiled behind the door. In the time it took the Lady to dress, Stalwart decided against words. Anything he said now would seem inadequate, and the Queen was becoming a fine young lady without comfort from those who served.
He bowed low to the impressive court-ready Queen, and followed her with a guilty thought to how difficult it would be for the Queen to escape him in her court ensemble.
Taking his place on the dais by the Queen's seat, Stalwart lowered his gaze first to the Princess Elsina, who seemed remarkably calm considering the circumstances, and then to the Prince. Under that bear-skin, the boy still looked dark and formidable, but midst the Great Hall's finery it was not difficult to imagine him a child at play, filling shoes too big for him and, from the look on the Prince's face, he appeared to be thinking the same.
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:03 pm
[ PRINCE ÆRIK ]
"My people have nothing so fine, nor allies so grand." He said to the princess, declining the offer of refreshment from the young boy that attended them.
Ærik watched the Queen enter with her royal assembly, feeling suddenly what most every one of the people in this kingdom must have thought of his appearance when he laid eyes on the Queen's formal attire, he did his best not to show it.
Approaching the dais and the Prince knelt before it and lowered his head. He knew nothing of court protocol, or the manner in which to address a Queen or least of all to ask for aid, but he hoped that speaking honestly, and from his heart, would be enough.
"My Lady, Queen of Talquis and Princess to the Saayi, I come before you to represent my people." The inertia of his weariness came to an abrupt halt as the Prince searched for the right words to continue. "We seek your aid, you majesty."
Reaching under his fur cloak he withdrew a small satchel and, slowly, withdrew a long, silken piece of violet cloth. Taken from the corpse of one of many men that had tried to stay Ærik and Finn's escape, it was the standard of the people that had come over the mountain with thunder and lightning. It took only a moment for him to unfold it deftly and lift it for the Queen to see.
"My land is under attack by men that wear these colors, and wielding magic that has slain any rider and dragon that oppose them. Already they control my family's Keep and the rest of our clans are scattered. We -- I -- come to implore your aid, and the aid of the Saayi."
Ærik did not move, did not even breath, waiting for the Queen, or the Regent, to respond.
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:21 pm
[ QUEEN MADEIRA ]
The Crystal Throne was not a quarter as comfortable as it was impressive, and it took all of Madi's willpower plus the fear of disappointing her lord father a second time today to keep herself from wriggling about in her seat.
When Prince Aerik brought his request before the throne, Madi had to listen carefully and well. Her father didn't speak Ro'gan, nor did the lord spymaster Renthi or lord treasurer Maneri. And Ser Wart knew only a few words, and none were any Madi would repeat. It was up to her alone then to treat with this foreign prince -- but it was good to know if she messed up, her father wouldn't know.
"The Talquisians are not warriors," the queen said slowly. She'd studied history, as well as former queens' words and responses for a request for militaristic aid. "And we do not raise the call to arms frequently, and never have we aided any kingdom beyond Terrini soil. As for Saayeri, I do not speak for their king." Madi felt terrible, knowing that she had to deny Prince Aerik Talquisian arms, especially since he was so nice and Princess Elsina seemed to like him well enough. "But I can speak to him. I must consult with my lords before I may reach a decision."
To a servant in Terrini, Madi said, "Show their highnesses to rooms in Corriander's Castle." The castle was named after a Prince Corriander, who stories said had been so in love with an unwed Queen he built himself the castle and entertained the lords who had traveled with him there, so as never to be too far from his Queen. His love did not go unrequited, and his castle remained.
"I offer you every hospitality I can, however; my hearth is yours for as long as you choose to stay."
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haphazardly parked Vice Captain
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haphazardly parked Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:27 pm
[ PRINCESS ELSINA ]
Elsina drew in a sharp breath as Prince Aerik told of his clansmen. She knew there was a sadness about him, but to see his men killed and be ousted from his own lands was. She drew in a sharper breath still when Madi was forced to deny the Prince Talquisian aid, and then dismissed him and Elsina both with a promise to consider speaking with Saayeri on Aerik's behalf.
Had Elsina known what Prince Aerik intended to ask for, she would have warned him. Talquis did not fight; it mediated. It kept the peace but did so without bloodshed, for the threat of Saayeri dragons was enough to make other kingdoms fall into line. The Saayi fought, of course, but...
"I am so sorry," Elsina told the prince quietly as the servant meant to take them to Corriander's approached. "The queen will at least send word after the council has met - there is still hope she will send word to Saayeri and speak on your behalf."
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:42 pm
[ PRINCE ÆRIK ]
Blood rushed away from the Prince's face and left him very pale as the young Queen responded and he closed his eyes to reign in the emotions roiling within. He could almost hear Shiva baying from somewhere beyond the castle walls, though he was sure it was only through the Vhenan. "Gratitude, Queen Madeira." He managed to say hoarsely, and then rose.
Balling the violet banner in his fist, the doe skin in his other, he followed after the servant with Elsina. This time, he had no eyes for his surroundings. "You have no reason to be sorry, Princess. In fact, he lifted the doe skin thoughtfully and then held it out to her. "I have no way to thank you properly for your help."
Apologies, gratitude, and proper customs were difficult for him to remember, and even as he offered the doe-pelt to the Princess his eyes did not meet hers. In truth, he was indecisive in what to do next. "In truth, I am not sure that I am sorry. After seeing this land and its beauty," Ærik hesitated and finally met Elsina's eyes, "I would not wish it marred by war. Whatever the Queen's decision, I will return to my people with or without her help."
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haphazardly parked Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:50 pm
[ PRINCESS ELSINA ]
Elsina accepted the doeskin with a smile, which was followed by a sigh. "But still - I am sorry for your people, and for your lands, lord prince," she said with a sad look. It was more than sympathy or pity; she could imagine the sorrow and heartache and the sting of shattered pride, and it hurt.
The princess learned quickly and well, and she had learned too well to feel others' pain. Prince Aerik's ran deep. As the left the Grand Hall for Corriander's, following the servant, she couldn't help but catch one of the prince's hands and offer what support she could. "Talquis will not fight, but Saayeri is powerful and their rulers supposedly have sworn to the gods to keep the peace. Talquis keeps Terrini peace, but ice dragons wake for kingdoms beyond our soil, my lord prince. Do not as yet give up hope."
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 8:04 pm
[ QUEEN MADEIRA ]
The queen, her First, and her lords left for a smaller council room through a door behind the dais, and it did not take long for Madi to repeat Prince Aerik's request and her own reply for her lords. "What say you, my lords?" she asked afterwards, the words more formal than anything else. Madi knew what she wanted to do, and matters involving Saayeri were hers to control. And the stubborn girl meant to control them.
"How can we be sure his tale is true?" the Lord Spymaster asked, broaching the subject.
"We cannot," Lord Martyn replied gravely, and Madi frowned. Couldn't they tell? And Elsi trusted Prince Aerik, and Elsi knew people and things better than anyone else. She was a learner; if she'd been born Talquisian, she'd probably be a full-fledged mage at the Citadel already.
"But still, I can speak on his behalf," Madi suggested, and the Lord Treasurer looked dubious. Her father and Lord Renthi probably were as well, but both had the control to keep it from their expressions.
"Majesty, I believe that is unwise." Madi usually always listened to what her father said, but in this case... she didn't want to, nor did she think it was right to.
"No," the queen protested. "I think we should aid Prince Aerik much as we can."
"That is not advisable, my queen," Lord Martyn said sternly, seeking to end the conversation before it could really even begin. The other lords of the council would listen to him, and he misliked the idea of helping foreign prince treat with Saayeri. Continuing the meeting would only make Madi more upset; turning to Ser Stalwart, Lord Martyn said, "Ser, if you would escort the queen to meet with our foreign prince to give our condol-"
"No," Madi said forcefully, standing abruptly. Her cheeks were red with anger but she kept her voice steady. "The Queensguard are the queen's, my lord regent," she said, speaking more sharply and firmly than she ever had before. The crown of queens was said to carry the experiences of all the queens who ever wore it, and if there was any proof to the truth of the myth it was most likely now. "We ride for Saayeri with Prince Aerik tomorrow, after we break our fast. Lord Maneri, if you could see to the preparations. Lord Renthi, if you could send word to Prince Aerik. Thank you."
Turning, Madi left the room pausing only for Ser Stalwart to catch up with her at the door.
Once gone from the council chamber and out of the Great Hall, too, Madi stopped in her tracks and turned to Ser Wart, paler than usual. "Do you think he speaks true, Ser?" she asked. There was no need to say who the he was. Suddenly less sure of herself than she had been before the council, Madi asked, "Do you think this is a good decision?"
The queen was all of eleven again, and uncertain.
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haphazardly parked Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 8:16 pm
[ SER STALWART ]
Surprised and impressed at the show of clarity and confidence in her actions, Stalwart said nothing and did not look back as he hurried to follow after his Queen. If ever there was a time that he truly believed in his heart that this girl was worthy of every drop of respect and loyalty that he had to give, it was most certainly now.
So, when the Queen stopped and turned to him as a girl, the queen's strength not yet caught up to her, he risked a single moment of familiarity with her and knelt before her. Resting a gentle hand on her arm, he spoke warmly, "My Queen, I do not need to think; I believe in you, and I will follow you." And he truly believed that all of Talquis would follow her even if her desire was to jump off of the ice bridge simply to test the waters. At least, if they had seen what he had just, they most certainly would.
Standing, he added more formally, "As you lead, your Majesty."
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 8:25 pm
[ PRINCE ÆRIK ]
Ice dragons, the Prince echoed silently. If they rode to war, then they would surely be a sight to see. He lowered his gaze to his hand where Elsina fit hers and, though he would have thought himself beyond the comfort of such a simple gesture, he did feel a slight lightening of the weight on his shoulders. He squeezed her hand lightly and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
"You are wise, Princess. It is a trait that is not common among my people," He looked up again, thanks in his green eyes, but did not speak it. Following the servant still, he raised his eyes to the ceiling. "In Roeghenon we have few places of stone, and none that are lived within. Our places are made from the red-oak we harvest from our forests. The Dragon Temple is the only place I know made of stone, and it is said that dragons themselves hollowed it, not man." It was partly a struggle to speak of his home, especially after the audience with the Queen, but also strangely relieving. "I do not doubt those stories. For as long as any Ghen can remember, the Dragons have bonded themselves to us though we cannot say why."
He stopped then, approaching footsteps heralded his attention and he turned to the messenger that spoke quickly, in Terrini. Looking to Elsina, he asked quietly, "Has the Queen decided so quickly?" He did not release her hand for fear of news.
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haphazardly parked Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:58 am
[ PRINCESS ELSINA ]
Elsina scarcely waited for the servant to bow and leave before she turned to Prince Aerik, and held his hand with both of hers. "Tonight you must rest well, my lord prince," she told him joyously. "For on the morrow we ride for Saayeri, with the Queen."
The princess could not say she was surprised -- there had been a look to Madi when she dismissed them, something stubborn and more... queenly than Elsina had ever seen from the child ruler. Perhaps the myth of the crown were true, or perhaps it was simply Queen Madeira growing into her birthright. Eleven years old was not so very young, when one remembered Madi would be queen in full when she turned five and ten.
"When we dine with the queen, it will no longer be a somber affair."
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