What’s in a name? I suppose that depends upon the name in question. For most of us, what is in our name defines us. It is the one thing that has power over us. Don’t believe me? What happens when someone says your name, even if it is from a great distance? What if it was just something heard across a crowded room? Most of us will look to see who is talking, we want to know if we are the person that is being called, or spoken about. Dale Carnegie wrote that a person’s name is the sweetest word in any language. But what about having a name given to you? Does it hold the same power? Can it over time be as sweet sounding to us? Does it have an effect on those around us? I for one believe it can, and in the article to follow, I will do my best to show you why.
The Empress
Jewell Ravenlock
Perhaps you start to understand what I mean now. If I’d simply said The Empress, many of you would know exactly who I meant. The name carries as much weight and recognition as her real name. The two are often interchangeable. How does this happen? Does it begin as something small that is only done by one or two people, and grow through nurturing? Perhaps some of you are under the misguided belief that it is just a nickname, and I would agree with you except that a nickname is only used by a few and rarely tolerated to extend beyond the trusted circle. The Empress may once have been one of these, but now it is closer to a household word as it pertains to Ms. Ravenlock. It extends beyond simple conversation into the advertising world. It flashes across our television screens, stands out in bold in our favorite magazines. This is fitting because The Empress wears the name well.
Are you feeling cheated? Did I not prove my point to you? Go back and read again, because I said I would tell you why I believe. I never promised to sway your thoughts. Besides, I have more to say, and a deadline to get it done in. I think it is important to note that this name Jewell’s been given is not something ordinary. She isn’t called Tiny, or Stinky, she isn’t even called Doll Face. There are arguments for two of those names. No, Jewell is called The Empress, and we should take some kind of hint from this. Maybe we need to understand it before we even look? Empress is defined as a woman who rules an empire. An empire is defined as something resembling a political empire; especially : an extensive territory or enterprise under single domination or control. An imperial sovereignty, rule, or dominion.
It may be true that Jewell is not our sovereign ruler, but what about a different sort of empire? What about the dueling venues? It is in this place that her real name is most often set aside for the one granted. It was here that I caught up to her and was graced by her presence for a few questions and answers.
Q: "This is... well quite an honor. Thank you for doing this. I've seen your name listed in the histories going back at least a decade. You seem to be a staple for the dueling community. What is it that keeps you around?" Longevity, is the hallmark of ‘the old guard’. Is Jewell among that old guard? Perhaps from those who’ve been at this for longer, The Empress is still just a newborn to the sport. To those whose careers have begun more recently, I’m sure that she’s considered to be among their ranks. I myself am only weeks into the sports, and that as a professional if casual, observer. So it would take some convincing to prove that she didn’t hold a place among them.
A: "A staple of the dueling community. Almost makes me sound a bit old when you say it like that. I stick around because I like punching people in the face. I like pain. And I have a weakness for men who fight." We’ve heard some of this before, liking to punch people seems to be a dueling industry standard. We’ve heard also, though never put quite so bluntly, of a desire to watch men fight. I’m not sure that it means the same thing from all of them as it does to Jewell, she is the only one who has labeled it as a weakness afterall. Liking pain, it’s a strange admission, and not the one which she called a weakness. Is it a weakness? Is it an indicator of something much darker in The Empress’ makeup? Perhaps, or maybe acknowledging it so bluntly, disregarding it so easily has taken what most normal societies would deem as a troubled mind and turned it into a strength.
Q: "I'd never consider you old! You're an elf, and age means something different for them. Which leads me to my next question... I've noticed that people call you Empress, is that just because of how you present yourself, or is there a story behind it?" It must be said that I can’t seem to go one interview without putting my foot into my mouth. I am as yet unfamiliar with how the extremely long lived think or feel about some subjects. Oddly enough, in trying to express that I found a way to put the other foot in my mouth as well. Some of you might have spotted it, others like me will not understand until it is explained to you. But this question is probably the most important of the interview to me. It is the one that inspired my opening thoughts, and the one that, to be quite honest, I personally wanted to know the most. If you’ve ever been a part of the dueling courts over which The Empress presides, you may know exactly how I was feeling when I asked.
A: "Faerie, actually. I know we look similar, but fae are prettier and better all around. As for The Empress, it's mainly a social title. A nickname originally given to me by my best friend, Tara Rynieyn. But you must know the importance of names. They have a power to them. There's power in the name Empress after all these years." There, now you see my mistake in all its unedited glory. In my defense, Earth isn’t home to a great deal of Fae creatures. Even the elvish are written about as though beings of imagination. In my readings no one has ever clearly defined the differences.
Some of you may be looking at her answer and nodding your head. Of course you may also be thinking that it’s too bad I wasted so much thought on my opening because it leaves nothing for my own thoughts that won’t be redundant. Rest assured, i still have some things to say on the matter. There’s power in the name empress… after all these years. Jewell reveals to us that the name was given socially, but over time has become something of strength. Her usage, to me, indicates that she doesn’t mean personal power, but rather in how it affects other people. Don’t believe that one person’s name or title can have power over you? Let me submit this as my proof and then we can move on.
Two children argue on the sidewalk. One pushes the other down making him cry. What does he cry? Mommy, Daddy? It could be either, or both. The utterance of these earned titles often causes child one to run home. This might be because he has his own mommy and daddy and knows that bad things are coming for him. You see what I mean now? We are taught at a very young age that names, titles granted have power, and we wield them like a hammer. Would it be as effective if the the crying child had said I’m going to get Steve and Nancy instead of mom and dad? I don’t believe so, Steve and Nancy, while nice names could be anyone. Mom and Dad are names that give the who and the relationship with all the protection that the names imply.
This trend extends into our adult lives as well. Terms like supervisor, manager and ranks like sergeant and captain effectively take the place of mom and dad. Think that I’m way off my mark? Consider this. Why are there ranks and titles in the dueling venue? Top dog ranks like Diamond, Arch Mage, and Overlord hold the kind of power that Jewell’s wisdom implies. In life these titles are often given by we the people, Mayor and Governor are titles bestowed through the means of a vote. In the dueling empire, titles and rank are taken, earned in spectacular style.
Q: "You are very influential, I've managed to hear a few stories about the things you've done for your community... Do you find that your place here in the dueling world is helpful, or is it a hindrance to the things you try to do beyond these walls?" How far does The Empress’ realm extend? What distance can be traveled before the influences of her name can no longer be exerted? Intriguing thoughts for me. I’m usually quite happy to have my own be recognized enough to allow me to sit down and ask questions.Though I did recently experience a boon at Rick’s Bistro, I recommend the Dagwood, it’s excellent.
A: "All that? That's just me giving back to the city that's given a lot to me. Being active in the duels, achieving the title of baroness? Those all help. They get my name out there. People know me. And when people know you? They'll do stuff for you. They'll give money to the causes that you tell them to give their money to." The answer to my question is right there and visible. No one will deny how active Jewell is inside or out of the dueling capital of her makeshift empire. My other questions, the ones left inside of me were woefully left to my imagination. Does her influence extend beyond the city, the nation? Does it extend beyond the world into the starry heavens above? I could have asked, but I don’t believe that Jewell would have given up that much. Perhaps that is for my protection as well as her own?
Q: Has there ever been a point where you've wanted to leave the duels behind, if so can you share what brought you to that point?" One of the benefits of years within the same career is experience. I’ve asked this from other people, but it was speculative because their time in the rings has been relatively short. With Jewell I was offered the chance to ask from a different angle. It is perhaps freeing in a way to know that some of those questions of what might happen can be posed and answered.
A: "No. I can't say it's ever crossed my mind. There were years when I just showed up because it was something fun to do. I showed up to cheer on my friends and be social. Then I started showing up because I loved fighting. But I've never hit a point where I wanted to walk away from it. I simply wouldn't know what to do with myself." I love this answer for a couple of reasons. The first is that Jewell, who had to consider the entirety of her time, gives us a breakdown of her advancement of activity level. It confirms for me that it’s possible to begin as a simple spectator looking for a good time, to ranked and titled duelist. How quickly, how far, these are determined by the person involved. What do you want? How badly do you want it? There is a lot of commitment that goes into these sports. The same kind that goes into writing these articles I assume. Hours spent trying to improve everything about yourself. The physical break down that’s required in order to rebuild something stronger, faster and far more dangerous.
Q: “You spoke earlier about having a weakness for men who fight. Your knowledge of it, to me, would indicate that you’re aware of other weaknesses you might have within the rings. Are you aware of them, and do you use them as invisible weapons, hint at vulnerability that while it may be real, it’s meant to trap your opponent?” It isn’t a new tactic by any means. Sun Tzu was using the same long ago, showing the enemy what they expected to see and then clamping his fist down upon them with the stratagem unlooked for. It’s a sound and proven ploy, one that has brought a great deal of success to countless campaigns. So, put to the point, how would you respond? The Empress isn’t blind, and she’s quite adroit at avoiding such traps as I may have been trying to lay for her.
A: "You're asking me to give away an awful lot of my secrets here, Cory. If I gave you mine, you'd have to give me yours." The answer seems simple, and maybe it is. The biggest problem I have when writing these articles is conveying the mannerisms that accompany the words. In a way my own tactic was successful, that portion of Jewell that affected modesty gave way to the woman that I believe she becomes when it’s time to step into the ring. Come and take from me, but tread carefully for I am all that you need, and not so easy to pin down. Mistakes will be made, and they will be yours. A definitive moment in the interview for me I can assure you. Perhaps she was correct and I would keep my own secrets, or maybe there are no real secrets possessed by this simple journalist beyond the need to have answers to my own questions.
Q:” You’ve made attempts at becoming the overlord, enough for me to wonder what is the draw of the title and perhaps more importantly, what would you do with it?” Desire, it is a thing that permeates Jewell. It manifests itself in those things she strives for, but also in those who seek to gain entrance to her extremely subtle world. Desire exudes from her, heats the blood of her opponents and imprints upon them blurring lines between personal advancement and simply to be in her good graces. While all this might be true, they speak nothing of her own determination to gain position, nor to intentions once position is gained.
A: "Overlord is best of the best. I can't be satisfied being a second-tier dueler all my life. Besides, doesn't Empress Overlady 2016 just sound so fabulous?" I am not subtle it seems, as my next question was a massive jump away from the offer she’d given me. Most of us are content to be the best at what we do within our own businesses or companies. How is that gauged though? You never truly know how good you are unless compared to people in different places whose jobs are similar. It is much easier to delineate in the martial venues. There is a top seed, a championship belt, a position that affords all others to look at it and agree that, for now, they are the best we have to offer. So, I now come to you asking, does Empress Overlady 2016 sound fabulous? If it does, if that is something you’d like to see happen I urge you to make your presence known. Come to the arena or the annex and give her your support. You never know what rewards may be earned from such efforts.
Q: “I only have a few more questions for you. You’ve likely seen some amazing fights both in and out of the ring. If you could narrow it down, what would you say was the most memorable either for you personally or that you’ve witnessed?”
A: "Oh hmm. Not many stick out in my mind. Last summer, I entered the Warlord Tournament for the first time and won it. I had to fight Melanie three times that night. That was pretty memorable I suppose. I mean, at least my picture in the paper looked fabulous. Oh! And I fought Cane and Sal in a fist fight recently. At the same time. That was super hott." I can only guess what it means to come against the same person so many times in a single night. Teams often face each other as many times during a season. By that third time they have come to know each other very well, and the victor is always something that goes to which team knows the other better. Can the same be said for two fighters going at it in the same evening? I think it not only can, but that the knowledge is so fresh that it takes a force of will to come out the winner of the final bout. Still, The Empress expressed weakness makes the second part of her answer something that we not only expect, but sympathize with. Does she remember who won that match? I honestly don’t know, I didn’t have the heart to ask, or perhaps the look on her face made me unable to speak the words. Either way, it remains a mystery.
Q: “I think you’re great to watch up there. This next question you’ll probably recognize in some form from my previous articles. Among the current duelists, who do you most, or least like to fight, and why?” I have nothing new to add about this question. By now you’ve either come to expect it and look forward to the answers, or you skim ahead to see if there might be something new in my delivery. I’m okay with either of these. For those that tread ever onward, the answer might come as a bit of a surprise.
A: "I like to fight Kalamere the most because I love getting my hands on him. He's also one of my least favorite people to fight because he shamelessly takes advantage of me. He's been training me for a few years now, so he knows my best moves." I can understand this as shocking as that might be to, you, the reader. There are parallels for me that make the sentiment similar, and I’m not talking about getting my hands on Kalamere. I’ll leave that for those who desire it. No, for me understanding comes when I consider these articles that I write and who might read them. My journalism professor for example. Here is someone whom I would love to have reading, and dread beyond belief. On the one hand, I hope to show them what I am capable of because of their teachings. On the other, I’m quite fearful that one day I’ll get a copy of a story in the mail that has been corrected and a novel’s worth of notes in the margins. Who taught you? Do they hold a similar place in your heart as what I assume Jewell and I share? Maybe this is something we all have in common, and that will bring us all a little closer together.
Q: “You’ve been ranked Warlord, taken several baronies as well. To me it seems like you’ve put much of your focus into the swords venue. You’ve also taken the Panther’s claw this season. Can we expect to see an Emerald tacked on next to your name soon? Is that something that you even want?” I managed to put a little fact in here, though admittedly I’ve left out the statistical numbers to back my claims. That doesn’t make it any less true, it just means that you’ll need to do your own homework regarding both statements. I’ve done mine, and included here what I thought necessary.
A: "Not Emerald. Opal." I’ve heard the rumors, and by the fierceness with which Jewell answered me she may know something I do not. It’s true that the opals are still second tier ranks, just in the unarmed venue, however, there is talk that their benefits may be more appealing than claiming the diamond. I may not know what it is that The Empress seeks, but judging from her previous answers it must be important to circumvent the title spot.
Q: ”You’ve acquired a new squire in Ammy Spiritor. Do you find that training someone is more or less difficult than you expected?” For the avid sporting fans, I don’t need to mention the recent plethora of tournaments that the baronesses have put on to acquire the right squire for them. For those unaware, there have been three in fewer months than that. Many of the same faces showed up to participate, but only one could ever be chosen. For Jewell this perhaps marks the first time she’s ever tried to impart knowledge on a lower ranked fighter. At least in an official capacity. (Anything else I have no knowledge of on the record.) Does it make a difference or has she always been ready to be the teacher and not the taught?
A: "A little bit of both. There's a learning curve on both sides. I have to figure out where she's at and match my teaching style to her needs. She also needs to be coachable, which Ammy definitely is. There's been a few bumps at the start as we get to know each other, but I'm sure it's going to work out fine going forward.” I wonder if Ammy understands her role in this pairing. Not the simple stuff of learning what The Empress has to impart. I speak of what comes aftewards. From here on out every squire that is taken by Jewell will forever be, if unintentionally, compared to Ammy. Success and failure, things that could have or should have been done differently. In a way Ammy teaches Jewell as well about how to proceed with future squires. Whose shoes are you trying to fill for the person that taught you?
"Was that the last question? I have a party to attend."
I include this with good reason. Throughout this article I’ve pointed to many things that would indicate that Jewell has many responsibilities. They range from within the walls of the venue to far out into the city and beyond. My questions and indeed this entire interview was stealing something from her that even the fae find precious… Time. Time to maneuver and entreat, to instruct and celebrate life. There are more demands on this one woman than someone like me can ever really understand, and yet, despite all such commitments she finds time to enlighten me. That she’s doing so for you, through me is simply logical progression. I do not hoard my experiences. I may keep numbers and data from you, but never the important things that drive people like The Empress Jewell Ravenlock, Baroness of Dragon’s Gate, and perhaps by the time this article comes to print the newest Opal of the Duel of Fists.
I know that it isn’t uncommon to see rock stars at sporting events, 
These two ladies feed of one another. Their back and forth banter is quick witted, and quite cutting though completely saturated with deep friendship. They fend off friendly attacks with hard cuts and winning smiles. It’s this camaraderie that makes them, melds them together as a band. I can only believe that it has the same effect within the rings.
We weren’t alone which was a good thing. I may have been calm, but my presence and the reason for it was far from calming. There are times when we all need someone, and for Sabine it came in the form of Josiah Aubrey. He was decent, and attentive, not to me in fact I am not sure we traded more than a few words. His focus was Sabine, though his ministrations were manifested in simply being there and available. It’s a role that I’d like to find someone for, one that I’d like to fulfill in turn. 
