JeVondair Family/Selenia/Masquerade of Monarchs
Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair (2 days, 2 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Isadril (31 recipients)
THE XERARCH APPEARS
As High King Zinar passed the stepped past the threshold to the Balcony at last, Royal Guards appeared to close the floor-to-ceiling window entrances, their mountainous, crimson-clad forms cordoning the entire balcony.
Although everyone who chose to could see through the glass windows, this was clearly to be a private affair.
If Zinar was disturbed by the sounds of the doors closing and suddenly cutting off much of the noise of the Ball behind him, he did not show it. Instead taking a moment to take in his new surroundings. The Balcony was large masterwork of stone spanning 50 feet at least and overlooking the Bay of Isadril. He could here the crystalline music of fountains to either side of him routed through plumbing hidden in the walls on either end of the balcony where the great window-doors gave way to stone. Finely crafted iron tables and chairs dotted the space. Four potted pushes shaped to resemble avian forms dotted the balustrade evenly, and the railing itself was inlaid with candle-light lanterns that lit the area with a warm glow.
At the center of the balcony overlooking the bay stood a woman in a ruby-red velvet dress worked with subtle patterns of gold to resemble feathers. She was not a tall women, perhaps about 5'4. Blonde hair cascaded, pinned in the back by a golden, ruby-eyed Phoenix whose wings stretched around the the sides of her head like a laurel to rest gently on her ears, holding back her tresses, which were cut to reveal bare shoulders that were no strangers to sunlight. She wore a shawl that wrapped around her back to tuck into the crooks of her elbows and Zinar could see that it too was worked with the golden feather motif, like wings, that shimmered in the firelight as he approached, the footsteps from his fine boots clearly audible as he came to a halt a respectable distance behind her. Zinar started to announce himself, but she spoke first.
"What is there to do," she began, "when half the world brings fire and death to your gates?" Zinar could tell by her tone that it was a rhetorical question and waited and sensed approval from his host. "You have a party," she continued turning toward him at last. A golden mask was razed to her face, intricately worked into a visage resembling a screeching eagle. "You celebrate, big and bold, to show them that you are far from finished." She made a gesture that took in the whole of Isadril. Zinar had not noticed before as this was his first time outside since sunset, but it seemed as though every lantern and candle in the city had been lit to fight of the gathering darkness. It must have been visible even all the way from Leibo!
"What do you do," The Xerarch continued, "when half your people think of you as god-touched, while half the world see's you as monster?" She tilted her head towards him, a curious expression with the mask on, it reminded Zinar of how a bird of prey looks when offered a treat right before snatching it up and gobbling it down. That is, until she lowered the masque and faced him squarely. "I am still seeking the answer to that one."
Selenia JeVondair, Xerarch of the Imperium of Greater Xavax, whom some were already calling the Phoenix incarnate, allowed herself to be appraised. She was altogether smaller than her larger-than-life reputation might suggest. Her skin did not glow gold. Thunder did not roll as she spoke, but there was a spark in her ordinary blue eyes, or was that just the reflection of the firelight? Trick of the light or no, her steady gaze was nevertheless unnerving as Zimar contemplated all that she must have seen if even half of the stories about her were true. She appeared to be about 30 years old, but Zinar already knew that was due to a Fountain of Youth scroll and that in reality she was quite a bit older. She was no legendary beauty, but not unlovely. Her lips were full and made for smirking, her features were evenly spaced, and there was a dignity about her that commanded respect. It was the bearing of a true Queen, a Mother of Empires. That feeling of her presence contrasted sharply with her otherwise unassuming appearance. Her garments, however, matched her station in every respect. First there was the Phoenix Laurel, which he now realized served as her crown...was the only mark of status on her. Her dress left her arms and shoulders bare, cut in a V-shape in the front.
Even in candlelight, Zinar could tell that she was powerfully well built, indicating to any with eyes to see that she was clearly a practiced swordswoman, and if her tone alone was not enough, the light white of faded scars would reveal her for the warrior she was. Zinar noticed that one of those scars, what he assumed was a sword wound, was still fresh and raw, the newest mar on the canvas of her skin appeared months old, but if the rumors were true, it was less than a week old. By rights, it should still be in stitches, but it was closed and well on the way to being fully healed. It clearly did not disturb her. That must have been the wound that brought her down at the battle of Xavax. A hit like that...maybe the rumors are true...Abrubtly, the High King realized the mark was right over Selenia's heart, just above the swell of her breasts. All of this he registered in moments, Zinar was too professional to let his gaze linger longer, but Selenia was definitely not unlovely, possessed of a unique attractiveness all her own. And from the shape of her hinted by the curves and planes of her dress, she was clearly in top athletic form, despite the fact that he knew she'd had a son. Zinar was left wondering how much of her aura was due to who she was compared to how she carried on. His eyes continued their mission down, but hung on to two truly massive paw prints that could only have belonged to the mother direwolf he'd seen trotting gleefully from the balcony earlier.
"I bid you welcome to Isadril and Greater Xavax, High King. I am sorry to have kept you waiting. As you might imagine, this has been quite a week and I've had much to do in order to win this time alone with you. I am glad you finally found me; I'd wondered how long it would take. But it seems you've made a sufficient-enough impression on the nobles of my court that they felt inclined to help you?" She gestured again, indicating the balcony." This is my favorite spot in the city. It's easier for me to think in the quiet." She said into the silence, observing him as he returned his eyes to hers. Zinar realized she had been appraising him just as he had her. And when his eyes dropped again to the paw marks, so to did hers...
Zinar realized then why Lupa, Viscountess Gia's pet mother direwolf, had looked so very pleased with herself, tail waggling furiously when Gia had called her from the balcony just before he arrived...and the stream of pure invective that streamed from the Xerarch's mouth in that moment would forever be branded into his memory as Selenia spoke new and creative curses he'd never heard in all his noble-born life. "Damn it I liked this dress!" Selenia finished, her poise forgotten as she walked to the side pulled one of the iron chairs in one hand and table in the other to where she had been standing. Either she was stronger than her small form would suggest, or the tables were lighter than they looked, or booth. Zinar decided not to find out which as the Xerarch sat with an irritable huff and tried to wipe the mud from her otherwise flawless dress. She was so consumed with the task that when she looked up again, she seemed surprised that Zinar had remained rooted to the spot. "I...imagine this was not quite what you expected. But I promise I've no wish to eat your heart or liver or whatever nonsense that Perdanite lioncub manchild of a boyking is spouting these days." Her smile was a wry one as she pointed to another iron chair father off then open her palm in invitation.
Now there was no mistaking the sparkle in her eyes. It was mirth. "Won't you sit with me?" She invited.
Zinar lingered for a moment, before him, was the very woman who his ally called enemy. The very being who many denounced, with words like "Witch", "Litch", "undead" and most interesting of all, "Daimonic". However, what he saw was not a demon, nor corpse, not even a witch. Instead, before him, was a person with an interest in architecture.
With that he decided he'd delayed enough.
Zinar began towards the steel chair, questioning whether he'd be able to lift it over to the table. Zinar was not a strong man, with a height of only 5' 11", he'd definitely outclass a few regarding strength, but no one with strength training, by any means. As he looked the chair over, he proceeded to knock upon the surface, coming to the conclusion it was a solid structure... No doubt. However, what he was seeking was not of the exterior, but of the interior; whether it be hollow, or completely steel. To his dismay, the knock indicated no air within.
The king proceeded to do the only logical thing.. he'd not lift it, but drag it upon the floor. He used both hands and pivoted the chair into the proper position and dragged, unleashing pure terror upon the ears of those attempting to listen in on the conversation.
With his seat now in place, he have a grin, sat, and said his words simply, "You've quite the personality within your kingdom, Xerarch Selenia." Zinar stopped a moment to gaze at the bright city before he continued, "Beyond the lights, lies Vix, my friend... And your enemy. They and Perdan, as well as a few others, have asked my opinion of you, to my discomfort, of course. However, I've yet to truly respond."
Zinar paused a moment as he pondered whether politics was the best thing to discuss right now. Zinar looked towards Selenia, "You look lovely tonight, even with the prints upon your dress. I never expected the 'Evil' Xerarch to contain beauty." His eyes locked upon the wound with an apparent freshness, "Did you truly die?"
Perhaps to both of their surprise, Selenia paused her grooming and laughed. It was not a light sound as one might expect from a woman of her size. Nevertheless, I had its own music to it.
"My apologies," she said as she ran out of steam. "I should have expected that to be your first question. I thought perhaps you'd ask me about the Vix. In answer, I am told I did indeed die. And this, she placed her fingertips gingerly on the scar as though in remembered pain, "is my constant reminder. I've already sent you all the facts I know." She placed her hands in her lap, an oddly demure gesture for her, before looking him straight in the eye. "You are a King. Your realm survives on your good judgment. Perhaps you should tell me what you see?."
Selenia waited. These were but the opening steps in a dance she knew well. And she seemed content to let her younger counterpart lead.
Zinar thought for a moment regarding what she meant. Was she regarding towards herself, the war or maybe even the city itself? He couldn't tell anf he felt that it was the intended purpose. He leaned back upon his chair and lookird up to see blackness, the bright lights had shrouded them, and left the sky as an apparent abyss.
Zinar looked towards Selenia once again, gazing into her eyes, "I see a picture that has not quite been finished. A statue that has not been chiseled." He gave a slight smile, "They say, because I am young, that I've no true understanding of things. However, it takes no smarts to see that things are not finished." He looked towards the land of Vix and continued, "We are told what we should see, and explained things from the eyes of another. 'It is the right thing to do.' " He then raised his gaze towards Perdan, "However, how much of it do we really see? What is withheld... 'It is the only thing to do.' " He turned towards Selenia again, "How much do we place confidence in that we believe to truly understand? 'It is the best thing to do.' "
Zinar inhaled slowly as he readjusted his masque, pausing for a moment before asking the question, "So please do tell me Xerarch Selenia, What is it that you have been watching?"
"You, High King Zinar. I have been watching you. I wanted to know how the ruler of one of the oldest nations in the world and the strongest realm on the continent conducted himself. Would you be arrogant? Paranoid? Superstitious? Compassionate? Intelligent? Borish? Timid?" I have seen these traits, good and bad, in all our peers on this continent. I exhibit a few of them myself. I wanted to know who would ride through a warzone and risk the wrath of his 'allies' just to visit me. I wanted to find out just what you were. And Paragon's help me, I've fond a poet!" She said, having given up on her once pristine dress to focus the entirety of attention on him. With a woman like her, such attention might be unnerving, like a hawk before its screeching dive, but Selenia's lips were curled in a sardonic grin, which warmed her expression considerably. She leaned forward, her voice somewhat hushed as though they were two conspirators that had known each other forever. "And I still want to know why."
She allowed him to contemplate his answer for a moment, but did not wait for him to finish. She leaned back, hooking one leg over the other and steepling her fingers over her knee. She rested her head on the back of the chair, which allowed her to look up at the stars. The pose was a relaxed one, but Zinar noticed that it was a display. It certainly showed off her wound to better light, but he throat was exposed, and the way her arms rested deepened her cleavage.
With a deep breath, Selenia spoke to the sky. "Age has no bearing upon aptitude. Experience has no bearing upon ambition. Your coming gave me an excuse to throw a party, which is an opportunity know Xavax should miss. After all, life is short and we could be dead tomorrow..." She lifted her head to look at him and readjusted her shoulders to be more comfortable. "I live, therefore I celebrate. I celebrate, therefore I live. You might imagine that I have...I renewed respect for the time I have left, it is the most precious thing I have and I cannot afford to spend it unwisely. And so I ask you plainly, High King, Why have you come here? What decision could possibly rest on your seeing for yourself whether the rumors were true?"
She leaned forward, but this time the gesture was more business-like. He could tell because a tension had crept into the Xerarch. She seemed relaxed, yet she was anything but. Zinar's poetic mind was suddenly struck by the similarities between this woman and this beautiful city...seemingly relaxed, but powerful and long at war. It was clear from her bearing that Selenia wanted a straight answer this time. The intensity of her expectation was heavy indeed. Firelight glinted off the gold of her dress and the Phoenix Crown Laurel on her head. Behind her, the Bay of Isadril spread out under and beyond the balcony, reflecting the crescent moon that had risen to its zenith and escorted by stars.
Given her memoir, which he and all the rulers had by now received, he considered what the imagery of stars against the night black must mean to this woman now, and wondered that she did not cower in terror...His mind flew back to the pose she'd struck. The poet in him couldn't help but to compare the display to options. The wound, near at hand and clearly shown off for his inspection. Her exposed throat, symbolic but not in a way that acknowledged dominance, as with wolves, but more like a test to see if he were a friend who would protect it, or an enemy that would slash it. Then of course there was the swell of her breasts as well. Hard to ignore, these were all in the same neighborhood. But he cut off that train of thought before it lead somewhere...
NOW she was looking him right in his eye, reading him with a practiced expression he could tell she'd done many times. It was something of a relief to know that other people had been in this sort of hot-seat before him. Though Zinar wondered what had happened to those people. How was he going to answer this monarch's seemingly simple, but extraordinarily heavy question?
Zinar sighed, "You attempted this already, Xerarch." He paused a moment, "Am I truly perceived as easily intimidated...?" Zinar looked a little disappointed, however, that was to be expected towards someone who couldn't even spot a simple stairway...
"Xerarch, Let's be friends. However, stop trying to manipulate me and my people. I know you asked about our elections and tried to have Ramon, 'speak for you'."
He stood from his seat, "I'm sure we've both matters to attend to, so let us hear your response."
"High King, if I wanted to intimidate you, I would not be sitting here in muddy dress. I'd like for us to be friends, better friends than I was with either of your predecessors, but I am also uninterested in wasting your time or mine with flowered words and verbal dancing. We Xavax are a direct people. I asked only for a straight answer, High King, and I thought I was being both clear and polite. I'd prefer to get to the business of how our nations may help one another. But if you have more interesting places to be then I wont keep you..."
There was a silence as the two rulers evaluated each other, but Selenia did not let it stand for long. She put two fingers to her lips and let out a loud, shrill whistle. In moments, a servant appeared with two decanters, one containing a spiced cidar while the other had more of the fine wine that had been freely flowing all night. Selenia helped herself to the latter, nodding to the servant in silent thanks as he bowed his way back to whence he came.
She rubbed gingerly at the wound over her heart as she sipped, clearly cherishing the wine's pallet. "Of course I asked Ramon to speak for me. Consider yourself in my place and decide if you wouldn't do the same. It's hardly manipulation when he's the only member of your court that's even met a Xavax outside of battle before, and the particular Xavax in question just so happened to be me. Which reminds me, there's a member of your court who HAS met Xavax before...on the battlefield. I think I've been very good natured about your bringing none other than Saradomin Warchief as part of your entourage. Or was that meant as an insult to me and to my court?"
She'd left the other cup untouched for Zinar to take or ignore as he saw fit. The ball was again in the Caligan's court.
Zinar gingerly lifted the cup to his chest. "Xerarch Selenia, I can see that you don't know much of what happens in Caligus." He sniffed the contents, "However, if you wish the assistance of Caligus, you need to trust me, for trust is the sole being of Caligus, it is what makes us... Caligus." His gaze shifted to the Xerarch, "As for your history with Saradomin, I've no knowledge of it."
He paused and gazed into the cup,
"I will be honest, this is an interesting place. Do not confuse my duty, with my opinion. We both have a conflict that we must attend to." Zinar's looked into Selena's eyes, "Caligus cannot enter the Southern War yet, we will be conquering Fallangard first. So, our friendship must remain unknown to the rest of the continent for now." He paused and cleared his throat, "While we are here, we can discuss what we can provide for one another, if you wish."
"Caligus needs a true friend, someone that does not believe that land is an 'inheritence'. Someone that is willing to pursue grudges and reform lands. An ally that is worth more than all the allies we have now, and not built on false kindness." He swished the cup and finally took a sip, "For, a Caligus intervention is truly, just the kindness of Caligus, if we went to opposite direction and opposed you, we'd be reinforcing our existing alliances and creating stronger bonds. All we ask is for the same kindness after in our later plans. To be able to do the many things we want to do, we need a good ally to support it. I am sure that you were going to put forth the same offer as before, ' we'll take Hamadan without a single drop of Caligan blood '. It is a fine offer, however we'll accomplish that task ourselves."
Zinar took another gulp, "If you are willing to make a long term friendship, then I shall ask what Caligus can do for you in the meantime."
Selenia sipped as Zimar finished, smiling behind the rim of her cup. At last, he was speaking her language. She was about to respond when garrison horns sounded across the city. Selenia rose, leaving her mask on the table to face the balustrade behind her. Far below, she could see the light of torches as runners disseminated orders to every military command stationed in the city. She imagined she could hear leather-lunged sergeants shouting orders as soldiers scrambled into gear.
Her armies were on the move...
"High King," she said, turning to face him. "If it is a friend you seek, you will find none stronger or more stalwart than I and my Xavax warriors" She jutted her chin over her soldier, the gesture indicating the sudden activity below. "One after another, we have beaten the armies of every nation that dared to try us, even nations that were thought invincible...the vaunted White Lions of Perdan. We will fight anyone, and we will win. Friendship with Xavax, with me, I assure you, will be a powerful thing indeed."
She walked back to the table picked up the decanter of wine, and refilled his cup, serving him herself before refilling her own. "Tell your people this for me: For friends, we will provide aid. For allies, defense. For brothers, we will conquer. There can be no finer blade, no stronger shield, no more powerful tool of dissuasion, than that of the Imperium of Greater Xavax."
She lifted her chair and placed it next to his before sitting down. Now both of them had their backs to the ballroom windows as they watched the bay and the activity of Isadril at night. "Be honest with me, and fair. Mirror the respect I and my warriors give to you and yours, and in my mind, we will be friends. That is a good beginning. Now-" she leaned over to him, "-let me tell you what I have in mind...
[A FEW MINUTES LATER...]
Saradomin entered the Black Swan.It was a magnificent building,an inter-woven structure of marble,iron and glass,and indeed a breathtaking sight.Saradomin made his way into the Grand Ballroom,ignoring the smirks on the guards' faces,similar to those at the castle walls.To his displeasure,he could not find Selenia.Upon questioning a waitress,he was notified that King Zinar and Selenia were engaging in private conversation at the Balcony.His eyes narrowed upon realising that Selenia had returned from the dead."I,need to see that abomination with my own eyes,"he told himself.He soon reached the entrance to the balcony,and through the transparent doors he could see two figures engaging in conversation,one of which he recognised."Stand aside,"he ordered the guards.They did not budge."Stand aside,or I'll have to dispatch the both of you,"he told the guards.His battle-worn features,aura of blood and intimidating presence probably helped,as they moved aside to allow Saradomin entry.Upon his entry,the two fïgures turned around.As Selenia and Saradomin's gaze met,they unanimously scowled at each other."Has the high and mighty Xerach stooped to using necromancy to reanimate your corpse?"Saradomin snickered.
Lord Rebec became aware that something was wrong. He knew what that meant. Sir Saradomin. No one else would have thought to interrupt the meeting like that. Outwardly, he maintained his composure, but inwardly he wanted to throttle the man. He quickly considered his options, whether he should go to remove Sir Saradomin himself. He quickly decided against it; he would let the Xerarch handle Sir Saradomin in her domain, and he would handle Sir Saradomin once in his own. Not all of his fellow Caligans, however, were prepared to do the same...
A firm, unwavering hand clasped the shoulder of the 'intruder', a one mister Warchief.
"Not sure how much you've had to drink, big fella, but as much as you'd like an audience with the Queen, you'll have to wait in line." Rowan sipped a small bit of wine or juice with his bluejay mask still on. Old habits died hard- he'd meant Xerarch, but oh well- maybe it was wine after all. Or maybe he was especially impatient or agitated tonight. After all, he'd been interested in the game, but as that same balcony had been one the spots he'd thought he scouted before the party, he was accutely aware of the presence that barred him entry.
Indeed, though for a while, it was not barred. That would have given up the goose so to speak, which at one point, ironically, had wandered in and put its giant paws on who he had assumed was her majesty. But Zinar drew closer, and he could tell her majesty was too concerned with first real impressions to be distracted now- she'd have to deal with it, or risk giving up the game and/or her countenance. Both of which she'd deemed to risky, in the end. He'd had a small chuckle, and stepped forward a single step, deciding this was the event he might make an introduction of himself through, but no, that wasn't to be. The King had figured it out and made his appearance.
He sighed again. Another missed chance. The silver crown did not exist, and he was no prince, just another name, another Knight, for now. So when another of his 'compatriots' quite literally shoved his way up the stairwell, he took it a little bit personally, as well as professionally. Curiosity turned to caution as he watched him, mostly heard, him confront the guards. Very bad idea and Very bad manners.
Especially considering the timing. Perhaps he could salvage it. And thats when his hand fell on the mans shoulder, his own mask still on, drink in hand.
He flashed an especially convincing smile towards the royals present and squeezed on the shoulder again a bit, for emphasis.
"Maybe it'd be better to talk with your lovely, long forgotten friend when you're not Representing Caligus abroad, Right?" he knew as well that the other Xavaxian nobles couldn't be too far behind, one or two had surely seen the man thrust himself up the stairs, and the guards would respond to their Xerarch's call immediately if need be. He wasn't armed either, not that he'd defend Warchief at this point, anyway, but still, it was a good 'point' to make. He casually wondered what the connection between the two was. Was Warchief from Vix or something originally, possibly? Maybe other Xavaxian nobles might have recognized him then... wait, surely... he hadn't forced his way past any nobles? That would be utterly unsalvageable if so.
"This is a party, after all,"he raised his mug,"come, come, let's party, and leave the Careful Diplomacy to the level-headed Royals, shall we?" offering him a last chance to leave quietly, or maybe with a scathing few words if he was so foolish enough. Speaking of, If there was any resentment in him saying Royals, he'd hoped he'd masked it, but if not, perhaps he could blame the wine, despite not having enough to be even buzzed yet.
Zinar advanced upon the two, with eyes of a man who had been disappointed to the extent of anger.
"Both of you, LEAVE." He commanded. His anger was focused on Saradomin, to the King... what he was seeing was not a man unworthy to be a part of his court, he'd dare to disgrace his countrymen. First this man asked for gold, then war. He was receiving both, and would be receiving no shortage of both for several months. Yet, he desired to be banished quite obviously.
The King was not pleased and would make this one crawl all the way back to Domus to be killed if he did not vacate the balcony.
"To disgrace your land is one sin, Saradomin. To violate the trust of your realm is another. However, to violate MY trust is worthy of punishment that whatever god you believe in would not dare go near. You have betrayed me. I have brought you along, and you have spit in my face. Leave this balcony and leave this city before I show you the extent people are willing to go to have even a small drop of Caligus support."
Zinar pushed Saradomin and Rowan out of the balcony and closed the doors. He looked towards Selenia, "You've my permission to kill him if he tries to come through again."
He was surprised, however, to find that she had entered the ballroom as well, her masque left on the table behind her as the entire court fell silent. At last, the Xerarch had appeared, torchlight glinted from the gold Phoenix Laurel she wore. This was the first time she had made a public appearance since her ordeal.
"My my," she cooed, "what an awkward situation..."
"ANNOUNCING HER MAJESTY XERARCH SELENIA OF XAVAX," bellowed a royal guard, his tectonic chest expanding with the force of it, "HERO OF THE IMPERIUM!"
As one, every Royal Guard saluted, fist clanging to their breasts, the gesture flaring their crimson capes as they fell to one knee before their monarch. Selenia touched the nearest on his shoulder pauldron, encouraging him to rise and, taking their cue, the rest of the Royal Guard followed suit. She decended the stairs from the balcony while the Royal Guard closed the great window-door behind her, pausing briefly to rest a hand on Zinar's forearm as if to request that he let her handle this. No one missed that touch, it was as good as a public declaration By Selenia that she and Zinar were friends now. It was the smallest of signs, with the largest of implications.
Selenia smiled as she approached the pair. There was a languid, predatory grace to her movements, and her expression held none of the warmth she'd shown Zinar. When she reached the two, she did not stop, but circled them as the nobles of her court gave way. "My thanks, Sir Bluejay," Selenia said as she completed her circuit. "I think I owe you. But for you, my favorite spot in the city would have been...tainted..." The way she said it was was laden with more than simple displeasure.
It was rage.
Rowan took the hint and backed away, leaving Saradomin alone to face the Queen of the Xavax as knights of two kingdoms watched in captivated silence. While her expression, her facsimile of a smile, never changed, everything about her body language was plain to see to those who new her, particularly those who had seen it before. Selenia had been like this when Uthred was killed.
"Saradomin Warchief, I presume?" Her voice was inflected with chips of ice as she noted his his battle-worn features, aura of blood, and intimidating presence. "How good of you to finally accept my invitation...seven years late. I must award you points for boldness for your daring, fallen first King of Minas Nova. I remember years before I took your throne from you, you wrote to me privately, almost desperately, asking me for an alliance against King Robb Starfall of Alara in hopes of securing some leftover scraps of land. I declined, because I do not make deals with people I have not met. So I invited you here, to my home, to drink and sup as friends. But instead of receiving your delegation, I received a declaration of war. After that treachery, soldiers under your command raped and marauded across the western provinces. You worked your people into a frenzy of hatred against mine. You are directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Imperial citizens and indirectly responsible for the deaths of thousands. Yet you have the gall to come into MY HOME and demand an audience with me of all people after deceiving your own High King by not revealing who you were."
Selenia's voice rose as she spoke, projecting throughout the ballroom. "Fortunately, you were too late to disrupt my business with the good High King. But my business with you is not through. Your presence has damaged my calm."
Zinar descended the steps behind the Xerarch, her men seemingly crumbling before her at mere sight. She gave him a comforting hand, but nevertheless, he was still worried for his noble's life...
Zinar skirted around the space between the Xerarch and Saradomin and pulled Rowan along. "We shall await you by the gates", whispered Zinar into the ear of Saradomin.
With a bow, he and Rowan exited through the front door. Rebec and Ramon had already moved ahead as a vanguard to scout the road home.
As Zinar made it down the steps with Rowan he said, "I have a quick affair to attend to Rowan, assure that Saradomin receives medical attention if he becomes unconscious." With a turn, the King walked towards the market with the same thought in his mind: "Toast..." He removed his mask, hoping his face had not been learnt by the common folk yet.
Saradomin calmly gazed into the Xerarch's blazing eyes.In contrast to the Xerarch's unconstrained rage,he seemed calm and collected."Selenia,as you have said,all that happened seven years ago.Today,I am merely a knight in Caligus,a part of King Zinar's Guard.There is no point in us arguing over the past,as nothing will be changed by doing so.My aim this trip was to see you with my own eyes,to ascertain your death,and to accept your invitation you sent me 7 years ago.Unfortunately,it seems that you are very well alive and kicking.I have done what I came here to do,and it is in everyone's best interests that we let bygones be bygones,"Saradomin spoke calmly,but firmly.
"Let bygones be bygones?" Selenia repeated, the calm in her voice fooling no one as most of the Royal Caligan entourage filed quietly from the ballroom. The moment seemed to stretch between Saradomin and Selenia. The former stood stoically with a controlled demeanor. The latter visibly attempted the same...
And just as visibly, she failed...
The CRACK of the Xerarch's open palm smacking across Saradomin's face might have been audible from the street outside the Black Swan. There was a lot of pain, a lot of seething rage, behind that sound, which was outmatched only by the second, meatier CRACK as Selenia reversed her strike and backhanded him as well. Selenia was an accomplished swordswoman, her lithe body built for speed. Most of the shocked crowed barely registered that she'd hit him twice, even the closest onlookers.
"I have run out of forgiveness." She said into the silence that followed, her chest heaving not with effort, but with unambiguous anger. Striking him had been clearly cathartic, and as straightened as she strained to get herself back under control. "But..." she exhaled, her voice trembling with effort of her emotions as she rubbed her raw knuckles, "I have also no longer have the bloodlust to take satisfaction in watching anyone die. I know now what waits after that last breath, a harrowing maelstrom, and its a trial I don't wish for anyone...even you."
She walked passed Saradomin then with her head held high as Dame Kin, infamous Champion of Xavax and Selenia's personal bodyguard, fell in step behind her monarch after treating Saradomin to a frosty glare of her own. The parade of masked onlookers parted before the Xerarch as she strode onward and ascended the steps to the exit. Before she left, though, she turned back as if remembering something. Kin paused a few steps below, hand resting idly on her dueling blade. Her gaze washed over the crowd and pinned Saradomin, prompting the crowd to fall back from him as well.
Every eye was on Selenia as her voice swept the room. "What we do in life stays with us forever. Be it sin or virtue, we are eternally marked and the only thing that survives us in the minds of mortal men is the landscape we left behind." she boomed with characteristic fire. "Saradomin Warchief, whether you have any contrition or shame for yourself at all is of no consequence to me. What you do and where you go with the rest of what life remains to you is of no consequence to me. Whether you despise me or think me as some absurd undead thing is of no consequence to me. But from this point, from this very room, you have but two choices: Leave. Go back to your new home in Caligus and never return to the lands beneath the Phoenix banner under any pretense or circumstance. "
No one in the room was surprised at this pronouncement. It was a banishment and only to be expected, given Warchief's history as an enemy of the realm. If anything, many were still surprised she didn't just challenge him to a duel and be done with it. But what Selenia said next turned her audience right on their ears.
"Or-" she continued, much to the surprise of her own nobles that knew her well. There was a collective, in-drawn gasp, barely perceptible even in the hushed quiet as the Xavax held their breath waiting on her next words, "-Or...you can dedicate yourself to renewing and restoring the lands and people of ours that suffered in the wake of your decisions. Our people, the Xavax, who venerate their heroes more than any other place or people in the world. After all, I have made Xavax, above all else, a meritocracy. Perhaps, by bending the knee to the Phoenix Throne and spending time focused toward noble enterprise, you may equal our even counterbalance the sins of your past. "
The Xerarch did not wait to witness the effect of her words or actions. A carriage, flanked by a quad of mountainous Royal Guards astride equally titanic coal chargers, was already waiting outside to convey her to the Ducal Palace where her general, Talon Kinsey, was do to arrive from the field soon to report on and plan the continued war effort. Besides, it was nearly sunup, and her two-year-old son would want his mother.
After Selenia's departure, Saradomin Warchief was left alone with his thoughts and what nobles remained in the Black Swan as the Masquerade of Monarchs died down with the onset of dawn.
Saradomin's face was still red from the Xerarch's slaps.He had been humiliated openly,in front of every single human in the Black Swan. However,he knew better than to make a scene and get himself arrested.He gathered his men,and left the city,perhaps,never to return.
