Empire - Scene 41

Ada

(Ada) It's normal enough for the palace to receive foreign visitors. There have been fewer in recent years, certainly, since the cessation of normal diplomatic relations with Intis, and the expansion of Rin has left rather fewer places in central Elthos that engage in regular diplomacy. Still, visitors are regular enough, and the Divine Assembly maintains a permanent embassy here. The ambassador is a reasonably well known figure to those who frequent the palace. Ilona Medrow -- a priestess of Siegfried, although her function in the empire is strictly that of a diplomat -- is agreeable, as the hierarchy of the Assembly go, and aware of the sensitivities of dealing with the empire. When it comes her turn to be received, she steps forward to bow to the empress, then gives her message. "Your imperial majesty, the Lightbringer bids me inform you that he shall call all faithful of Siegfried to accompany him and the warriors of the Divine Assembly on a great pilgrimage to Rin, so that we might rid it of the evil that dwells there." There had been rumours for some time, but it's the sort of statement that still provokes murmurs among the gathered nobility.

Irreth

(Irreth) Standing among the gathered nobility is the Exalted Sufet Irreth Anadun. The presence of so many noble Hadashi in Sanctuary since before the coronation has likely made their presence less notable, but they still stand out. In this case, Irreth is dressed in resplendent, expensive and finely decorated silken dress, fitted tightly to her body -- twilight blue highlighted with golden embroidery that must have taken months of work. She wears a gold shawl around her shoulders, her fingers decorated with glittering rings, and a head dress with blue sapphires. When Ambassador Ilona makes her intentions known, Irreth is not among those who murmur, but it //does// capture her attention. Rather than looking immediately to the Empress -- who she knows well by now has excellent mastery of her own expression -- the Sufet keeps her gaze on the Ambassador.

Erika

(Erika) Polished armor, gleaming glaives, and the colors of the Imperial House decorate an array of armed figures whose proximity from her Imperial Majesty is one of layers. The space itself is littered with their presence, but a retinue is concentrated around the Empress. Those closest to her bear no glaives at all, but have shields decorating their arms, ready to be raised in defense of the Empire's most important figure. They are arranged in layers, an outer ring and an inner one, but their presence does not obscure or hinder the court's view of Koline II. Her Imperial Guard look nonetheless adamant in their duty and steeled in their resolve: impassive faces and held postures that speak to a discipline one might expect out of those trained to protect the lives of all who call Sanctuary home and all who come to it under auspice banners. One figure alone stands near the Empress herself, hair done in tight braids and face revealed in foregoing a helm, like the others. Courtiers and those in the know will no doubt recognize Erika Otrese, Princess of the Empire and Commander of the Imperial Guard. She, too, bears no glaive, but a finely polished shield inlaid with elegant, intricate detailing of metalwork raised in the symbol of the Empire. Dark eyes observe the proceedings with an astute intensity. Their wandering is measured: the only hint that the stoic, tall woman near the Empress is not some life-like statue. They settle on Ilona Medrow as she steps forward to the spot to be received by the Empress.

Arrival

Orestes arrives.

Sabine

(Sabine) Sabine, simply is. For indeed, there she is. Straight backed with watching eyes. Stiff, observant, a black arming doublet, a white cloak with Valon's symbol on her back. And a singular axe. Her gaze swings over to the ambassador, and for a moment there is a twitch of something nearing a frown at the edge of her lips. But other than that, nothing, not yet.

Koline

(Koline) If Empress Koline looks at all relaxed and comfortable sitting on her throne, it's entirely to the credit of the Imperial Guard. Dressed in a fitted, stylish gown of royal purple, and adorned with fine jewelry, Koline seems at peace. There have been several times during the session that she's seemed to actively resist playing the role of 'charming hostess' rather than 'overseeing Empress.' Growing pains. Ilona Medrow, priestess of Siegfried, is next up, and Koline listens attentively, just as she's listened with every other petition or proclamation. This is the first one that hasn't been met with witty repartee or some effortless bon mot. This one, Koline seems knocked a little off-kilter by. Granted, being 'a little off-kilter' means that Koline can recover her poise in as little time as it takes for people to start murmuring. Would that Koline could murmur, too, but Erika's standing too far away for that. "And to what end does the Lightbringer offer me this information?" Koline asks, after a moment. It goes without saying that the Divine Assembly doesn't need her permission. They could just go on a crusade anytime they like and that's their business. So what are they angling for...?

Orestes

(Orestes) With a keen gaze, Orestes watches the proceedings from the wooden gallery. On this occasion, he is wearing a turquoise tunic and a pair of indigo silk breeches, much of it obscured by a plain grey cloak draped over his shoulders. As the ambassador is received, he inclines his head toward an attendant beside him to whisper a few words, though his eyes - and ears - remain attentive to the discussion taking place on the floor of the great hall.

Ada

(Ada) Ilona keeps her hands clasped neatly before herself as she answers Koline, her manner measured and mild, though she speaks up enough that the whole hall can hear. "It is a courtesy, your imperial majesty," she claims. "We have many preparations yet to make ere we depart, and we would not wish the purpose of the armed assembly to be mistaken for other than what it is. The Lightbringer expects that we shall be joined by pilgrims from across the continent." The general murmuring along the sideline continues. The court can be raucous, but people tend not to interrupt the empress unless invited to speak.

Irreth

(Irreth) Irreth's gaze shifts from the measured expression of Illona: too litte to be gleaned from her controlled expression. Instead, her eyes shift among the crowd, getting a measure of responses to the Ambassador's words, wincing just a shade when pilgrims are mentioned. Her eyes finally land on Orestes, close by in the gallery. "Prince Orestes," she murmurs, once the Ambassador stops speaking. "I trust you have been well?"

Erika

(Erika) Keen and unwavering, Ilona's bearing has its measure taken by Erika with each passing moment that dark gaze lingers. It spends no few moments dipped downwards, not quite aligning with the woman's face: a fact and detail only distinguishable to those in closest proximity, for such subtle signs require the most discerning of eyes and distance provides obfuscation. The neutral set of Erika's mouth and the line between her lips expresses a hint of movement. That line draws itself barely wider, hinted at by the expression of muscle in the noble angle of the Princess' jaw line. The figure of the Guard's Commander remains otherwise undisturbed; her right arm remains tucked in against her body, with her left angled a hair more forward and out of alignment with its sibling. Positioned on the Empress' left, one might assume her peripheral vision gives her view of the Empress receiving her guest.

Sabine

(Sabine) Sabine watches, for she is always watching. And her eyes sweep the assembly like a battlefield, picking out pieces of terrain. A hand stretching out, then slowly, one by one, wrapping her fingers around the haft of the god's axe at her side, only to pause and then repeat the process again. Gears turning, but her thoughts yet unspoken, nor written on her face.

Orestes

(Orestes) Orestes' head whips around when he hears his name, and upon identifying Irreth, bows in greeting. "Exalted Sufet," he murmurs in response. "I'm glad to see you here. I have been well enough, though with recent events, I find myself as busy as I can remember. I doubt things will slow down anytime soon, especially after this." A pause, a slight smile. "And how is everything going for you?"

Koline

(Koline) "The Empire is grateful for such courtesy," Koline says, because she can speak for everyone now. The Empress shows no sign of being intimidated, which is probably a good thing when one is an Empress speaking with a foreign dignitary. The task of invading and scourging Rin of 'evil' is such a huge thing for the comparatively small Divine Assembly that many probably would guess that, in her head, Koline's next question is a thought along the lines of 'and what happens to the Divine Assembly when your crusade is ground down by attrition...?' Koline doesn't /say/ such a thing. It would be unspeakably rude. "Where Rin has conquered," Koline begins, "trade falters... borders become tense... fear spreads among neighbors... and, most importantly of all, the innocent among this world pay the dearest price. If the Lightbringer's quest to scourge evil succeeds, then it will be remembered not just as a mission in service of Siegfried, but also a contribution to peace." Eagle-eared listeners will note that Koline never says anything that implies that the Empire would be willing to contribute from its armies.

Ada

(Ada) The ambassador hardly seems surprised by the empress' reply. Very much the diplomat, however senior in the church and the Assembly's hierarchy, she answers, "I shall ensure that your words are conveyed to the Lightbringer, your imperial majesty." She bows her head and then withdraws a step. There are no more petitioners due, and the murmuring rises. Followers of Siegfried among the imperial nobility aren't that common, with Valon being far more popular, but there's certainly some sentiment in the hall of 'we should go'. Others have commentary to the effect of 'too soon' or 'that's far beyond our borders'.

Irreth

(Irreth) Irreth's smile at Orestes' greeting turns sympathetic -- wholly understanding. "That I can't immediately discern //which// event you might be referring to is probably a bad sign of that, yes." At the mention of //after this//, she glances from Koline, to the Ambassador, gaze lingering a bit, then back to the Prince. "Just as busy. I suspect that won't end any time soon, though." And as the whispers from the hall of others intending to commit themselves, Irreth's smile falters. "I don't believe Rin //negotiates//. I fear for those -- especially the pilgrims -- choosing to go."

Erika

(Erika) It is only when the Divine Assembly's ambassador withdraws that Erika lifts her gaze to the woman's face. It does not leave Ilona, but there is no mistaking the angle, now, if the Ambassador were to glance in her direction. The subtle increase in the breadth of that neutral line run between her lips does not ease, however. It states something, but its meaning is known only to the Princess. All others must derive their own interpretation. Despite what some might consider to be a crack in her stoic facade, the Princess seems otherwise undisturbed and calm; the gentle hints of her nostrils widening and relaxing as steady breaths create near imperceptible shifts in her shoulders and the cuirass in its fit around her lean torso.

Koline

(Koline) Koline meets Ilona's step backward with a respectful nod. The ambassador is dismissed, and with no other petitioners there to step forward in her place, Koline allows herself a moment to look to her left and cast eyes toward Erika. There's a faint smile (but then, when does Koline NOT sport a faint smile?), but overall a silent question of 'what do you make of all this?' Probably expecting an equally silent answer.

Sabine

(Sabine) Sabine shifts as Koline speaks. A slow motion, at ease, followed by unhurried steps. Straight shoulders, straight face coupled with soft footsteps. Left arm crooking behind her back, her destination clear, she approaches the Majordomo, nodding to them once, before plucking whatever quill there may be available. Just to add her name to the petitioners list.

Ada

(Ada) The ambassador withdraws, not removing herself from the hall just yet, not until the session is formally dismissed (this doesn't stop people at the back from slipping in and out as they will, but they haven't come in to tell everyone that their small realm is going to embark on an almost assuredly impossible fight). Sabine's name is added to the list and she is promptly announced. "Lady Sabine Lindner, First of the Companions!"

Erika

(Erika) Koline's adjustment of her posture on the throne receives immediate attention from Erika. Her gaze doesn't snap, but flows, fluid, across the gap from Ilona to the Empress. Their gazes lock: an inky abyss of depthless emotion melding with the beautiful shade of a tropical sea. For an instant, the soft pull at the corners of her mouth eases, allowing her lips to settle back into their natural state. There's a breach. A subtle hint of the soft, unadorned pair parting to offer a fleeting, maybe imagined glimpse of white beyond their gentle slopes. Erika's breathing adopts a deeper pull, as if gathering the necessary ingredients to alchemize words. That almost infinitely soft gaze adopted by the Commander towards the Empress in that moment vanishes a heartbeat later when the loud voice proclaims another petitioner, and Erika's attention divorces from Koline, with the Princess' face resuming its passive mask and her gaze snapping, this time, towards that open space left for people to approach the Empress in seeking their audience.

Orestes

(Orestes) Orestes nods as he listens to Irreth. "I fear that you are right. Of course, I would prefer a diplomatic solution to... whatever shall transpire in due course." He speaks somewhat more loudly now so that he can be heard over the various pronounced sentiments rippling through the onlookers. "Nevertheless, I feel that our Empress has done admirably until now to keep our realms removed from the inevitable. Whatever happens next, I hope this ends well for us." As Sabine is announced, his attention turns for a moment toward the court before returning to Irreth.

Koline

(Koline) Koline turns back toward the front. Is she surprised at the sudden addition of Sabine to the list of petitioners? If so, she doesn't show it. She looks more curious than anything. "You have my attention, Lady Sabine," she says. "Speak." Koline has enough skill and control of her tone that she can make a command sound like an invitation.

Sabine

(Sabine) Sabine finally allows herself a small sigh, and the drooping of her shoulders from long years of exhaustion. It is gone with the next inhale, her gaze rising once more, her shoulders back to straight. A step forwards, then another. Pausing only when she reaches the center of the recieving area to tip herself into a low bow for several seconds before speaking. "Empress Koline Otrese, daughter of Empress Constanze Otrese, direct descendant of Ulrich Otrese , Duke of Firstbridge, most trusted of Valon." A small tilt of her head there, a pause, as if to remind the room the full import of Koline's title and lineage. "We stand here of what we call the city of Sanctuary. I believe we have long enough to forget that title is incorrect, these walls around us were never built as a city. But as a fortress, as a bastion to protect those who could not protect themselves by the hands of men who fought and died to protect the people from those who would prey upon them, in the worst cataclysm this world has ever seen." A second small nod, and softly a look around before she continues. "It is no secret that I consider the Dominion of Rin to be an existential threat. Not based on its strength of arms, its ability to corral monsterous forces, or any such measure of what it /is/. But rather what it represents." "For if we stand here, and we allow it to happen, we allow the slaughters, the rapine, the sorrow and death. And we do not stop it, because it isn't in our interest, because we see no gain, because it is hard, because it isn't our problem..." "Then we cease to be Valon's Empire. And when the sun rises the next day, it sheds its light on just another set of kingdoms. I have a duty, my Empress, bound deeply in my oaths, my honor, and the love of a man who saved us and showed us." There, another bow, low and sweeping. "As such, I formally petition the Empire for the assembly of military aid to support The Companions of the First King in deployment against the Kingdom of Rin."

Irreth

(Irreth) "As would I," Irreth responds with a wistful smile to Orestes' wish for a diplomatic solution. "If you want to know how well the Rin respond to diplomacy, I'd suggest speaking to my acting general, Umberto. He has personal experience with them." Her expression suggests it's not good. "I agree. And that is also my hope." For things ending well. Yet that wish might be in doubt, with Sabine's petition to send an armed force alongside the pilgrims. She tenses, back stiff, glancing to Koline.

Ada

(Ada) The murmuring in the hall rises to a sudden din in the wake of Sabine's petition. It's not a completely agreeable din, either. Some minor nobility from Firstbridge and Inethmeet and -- conspicuously -- Greenwood, even if they are of Intisi origin, are all for it. The people of the Commonwealth are generally all for fighting a good fight, but theirs is very much to the north, and one Commonwealth noble, in fact a man who owns land totalling ten farmsteads and wanted to see Sanctuary, is very vocally concerned about the Expanse. The Dyrians present mostly refrain from voicing any strong feelings. As for anything conspicuous from Hadash? A few well-to-do commoners are in attendance, but the number of Hadashi nobility is so, so tiny that Irreth Anadun is the only one in the hall.

Orestes

(Orestes) "Thank you for letting me know. I'll do well to remember that." Orestes pauses, then exhales softly as Sabine speaks, before his attendant catches his attention with a meaningful glance. "Yes?" The attendant leans in to whisper in Orestes' ear, whose owner nods in response, brows creasing. "I see... please excuse me," he smiles apologetically to Irreth. He has to almost shout to be heard. "I must be away, sadly, but it's always a pleasure, and I hope our paths shall cross again soon." He bows his head before moving toward the doors, disappearing into the anonymous crowd.

Depart

Orestes departs.

Erika

(Erika) The line between her lips had been a crack. Princess Erika Otrese loses the marble facade of her impassive mask the moment the words are finished leaving Lady Lindner's lips. It is a ripple through the firmament of her beautiful face, first as slightly widened eyes and a subtly agape mouth. It hardens, and the aftershocks are the harsh wrinkle between the fine, dark curves of her brows as they knit closer together. That gap between her lips persists, showing off teeth and allowing a pointed exhale of breath that goes unheard by the masses, but teases at the edge of Koline's hearing in such a way as to be near impossible to miss. That forceful exhale expresses itself in ways that can be detected by others, though. The push of her breath comes with the subtle dip in her shoulders and a shift of her cuirass. It is clear in that moment that Lady Lindner's words have provoked a bare faced reaction out of the Commander of the Imperial Guard, and from the frown on her face, it is at least suggested that the First's words are not cause for celebration with the Princess. That Sabine has Erika's undivided attention is without question: her gaze is anchored even more intensely than it had been with the Divine Assembly's ambassador. The only thing about her that remains still is her general posture. And her tongue. Her outward display of emotion is not enough to loosen the leash kept on her words.

Koline

(Koline) After Sabine speaks, there is a pregnant pause on the part of Empress Koline. Her hands press together, index fingers touching her chin. Is it a serenity prayer, or just a moment of silent consideration? "Lady Sabine," Koline begins, her voice calm, but with a firmness that's easily spotted. This is 'Empress mode' Koline, not 'jovial hostess' Koline. "Your commitment to your duty and to your cause is commendable. With that said, your moral certainty is not the same thing as a strategic urgency." Koline pauses for half of a beat, but not so long that anyone might think she's done speaking. "I have no doubt that you believe in what you say with every fiber of your being. But right now, belief is not enough. Not for me, when I have all of the Empire to consider. We could funnel every resource available to us into a war effort -- leave Hadash with shattered bridges going unrepaired because the able-bodied and capable are directed elsewhere. We could spend every coin we hold, put ourselves in debt to our neighbors..." Koline gestures elegantly. "...and we have no idea if it would be enough. I have no interest in committing us to a war unless we know we can win it, my Lady. Not think, not feel... /know/, and be able to /prove/ through facts and evidence. Then, and only then, will I consider your petition."

Irreth

(Irreth) \"I hope so, too," Irreth murmurs to Orestes, dipping her head toward him. Truthfully, she looks like she might wish to follow, but being the only Hadashi noble makes it a little more difficult for her to simply slip away. But it's a good thing she doesn't. Koline's words has the Sufet gazing at the Empress with undisguised approval, something others are sure to take note of.

Sabine

(Sabine) Sabine listens, Sabine watches. And when all is done Sabine nods. Rising up and setting her shoulders once more, her right hand moves over to tap her left shoulder once. There, a bow again, before she takes two steps back to clear the invisible barrier of the speaking area. No arguments, no further words, just a soft turn after a polite distance from her dismissal. Hand wrapping back around the axe of Valon's hilt with a soft squeeze before it drops away and locks with her other hand behind her back while she returns to the sidelines.

Ada

(Ada) The hubbub continues unabated. As there really are no more petitioners this time, the general din rises all the further. It doesn't even stop within the palace. The day's meeting continues to be the subject of discussion across the city that evening. And the following evening. And for some more thereafter.