“I gave you fair warning.” She shrugged, giving him another chance to run off.
“Fair warning of what?” He found courage somewhere and straightened. His next words sounded menacing again. “Kneel or fight, your choice.”
“Of you imminent demise if you persist to test my patience.” She really should not be arriving back at the Palazzo late. Making the Prince wait just wasn’t done.
The young man laughed loudly. “You're a girl remember.” Generously he offered another choice of weapons. “Are you any good with dueling pistols?”
Topaz swept a bow. “An arch mage, senior Baroness of swords dueling and Commander of the Guardians. You really should learn to pick easier targets. I'll give you a bit of advice, too: the winged ones are not easy targets.” With a laugh she added, “What do I want with pistols? Silly.”
”Demise...you aint gonna kill me...you wouldn't. And you can't duel a knife against a rapier, can you?” He grinned then. “I knew you were bluffing.”
Well, she was bluffing, sort of. She really did not want to end this one’s life. He was much too young to die. “I'm not in the business of killing, but I will do so if I find myself forced to. Quite honestly, you'd not have a chance, and this is certainly not a situation in which I would let you choose the weapons.” It would be safer to make the spells less effective than to hold back swings with the rapier, she decided.
He swung a fist at her midsection and raised a brow: the girl had not moved at all. “Okay, you choose the weapons. I shall have my first kill.
“As you pointed out earlier, I'm female, and as such known to not fight fair.” Well, at least he wasn't standing there like a stick anymore and now whatever she would do, would be in self-defense. She’d have to hurry this up, too. She sent a smallish wall of flames racing toward him.
He managed to doge out of the way. “Is that it?” He was clearly unimpressed and attempted to swing at her again.
She stepped back and out of reach even as she cast a mild ray of greenish negative energy at him. Then she threw a bit of fairy dust aimed at his face and fluttered up. Topaz surveyed the effectiveness of her actions. The nether ray had slowed him down without inflicting any serious damage and the fairy dust had clouded his vision. He looked at his blade as if he expected it to turn into a viper. Topaz smiled, it was more of a challenge not to hurt him too much than to defend herself. She sank a cloud of noxious smelling fumes down around him. That should provide enough cover for long enough for her to slip through the portal unnoticed.
There had better not be anything or anyone else trying to delay her further. The sun was already dipping toward the horizon. For a moment she contemplated to turn around and just ‘think’ herself properly garbed. But she dismissed the idea just as quickly. She’d feel better garbed in close that wouldn’t disappear at a mere thought and she wasn’t at all confident that she could think up something in enough detail to begin with.
Discoveries
Moderator: Michelle Montoya
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Aerol Mathius
- Adventurer
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:11 am
Breath coming in heavy gasps, his legs moved at a ground eating pace. All the while keeping the group of fleeing Daimons in his sight. For three days they'd run, and for three days he had given chase, only hiding during the day as they had to; lest he find out what it meant to be a walking torch.
After ascending a low bluff, a quick look around left him in confusion as the terrain was no longer the natural park it had been, but seemed to have become a sort of valley. Something was not right in the state of Seattle.
"Where the...alright...they're screwing with me now."
A deep scowl clouded his brow as teeth were ground making his elongated canines pierce into his lower lip partially. But the quick pain was ignored as he sprinted on for another mile or so, only to find the Daimons he'd been hunding in a similar situation he had been earlier.
"Looks like we're all lost. But at least you boys won't have to worry about finding your way home."
Without further adue or banter, his srad came to hand with the summons of his will and flew forth catching the first Daimon in the chest. With their comrade evaperating into dust, the others did the smart thing. They ran.
"I miss the days of the Spathi Daimons. Those boys didn't run like these cowards, they fought till the bitter end. This new breed are a shadow of their former selves. Makes my job easier."
With a sadistic laugh that rang through the woods he set out a hunting his prey. Every last one.
After ascending a low bluff, a quick look around left him in confusion as the terrain was no longer the natural park it had been, but seemed to have become a sort of valley. Something was not right in the state of Seattle.
"Where the...alright...they're screwing with me now."
A deep scowl clouded his brow as teeth were ground making his elongated canines pierce into his lower lip partially. But the quick pain was ignored as he sprinted on for another mile or so, only to find the Daimons he'd been hunding in a similar situation he had been earlier.
"Looks like we're all lost. But at least you boys won't have to worry about finding your way home."
Without further adue or banter, his srad came to hand with the summons of his will and flew forth catching the first Daimon in the chest. With their comrade evaperating into dust, the others did the smart thing. They ran.
"I miss the days of the Spathi Daimons. Those boys didn't run like these cowards, they fought till the bitter end. This new breed are a shadow of their former selves. Makes my job easier."
With a sadistic laugh that rang through the woods he set out a hunting his prey. Every last one.
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Aerol Mathius
- Adventurer
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:11 am
All but the last Daimon still eluded him and of course the pock mark of a boy had to find a populated area. Just lovely. Nostrils flairing, the Dark-Hunter moved through the streets quickly to keep on the trail, but soon his attention became diverted as he stopped to watch an interesting display.
Moving about agilely, this diminuitive woman was giving some whelp the thrashing of his life. Despite the task at hand it was amusing to watch. Arms crossed over his chest, a lean against the nearby wall offerd ample support to watch the bashing. Of course he raised a brow as a green fog came from nowhere to cloud what was taking place. Thinking it a cheap shot on the kids part, he was moving towards the cloud. For multiple reasons other than protecting the woman: he'd be able to get himself a snack and he'd learn about this new place he found himself in.
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The Beacon
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As soon as the Commander had made her way across the hall to the stairs, Josh stepped away from the pillar that been hiding him from the Commander's notice and walked into the portal room. She had looked to be in a hurry, and hiding would not have been neccessary to avoid some detail or other. But one never knew ahead of time, and he certainly did not want to be late for his meeting with Father Marcus. He nodded to the guards in the portal room before he made use of the portal to Rhydin.
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Feeding Frenzy
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A hand shot out to wrap around the boy's throat and jerked him back to a thicker part of the fog. The feeding began. With his neck pulled so far to the side, it should have broken by rights. Breath whispering against the lad's skin, the Hunter plunged his fangs in deep. All of that life essence infusing him with knowledge of where he was along with the memories the boy had. This was someone that wouldn't be missed. Now the lad was of no further use, and he'd trouble no other soul ever again. A single hand held the boy up against the alley wall while the other plunged a piece of pipe that had been left on the cobblestones, through the wanna-be slaver's ribs. Impailing him to the wall. Though he would have liked to admire his handywork a bit longer, the ancient hunter had a Daimon to find and end its existance. He dissolved out of the visible spectrum never to be seen by mortal eyes. The hunt could now resume in full.
He gasped at the sight that greeted him as he stepped from the portal into one of Rhydin's back alleys. Though the pale-gray kid was rather obviously impaled by a pipe and it was getting dark fast, Josh did not miss the telltale twin holes in his neck. There was no blood seeping from the wound in the kid's chest; he was completely drained. His skin crawled as he realized just how horrible a creature their Commander had become. He had suspected it before, but now he had undeniable prove. Something would have to be done about the Commander. With a fast stride he walked toward Badside, even more eager now to meet with the priest.
Moving about agilely, this diminuitive woman was giving some whelp the thrashing of his life. Despite the task at hand it was amusing to watch. Arms crossed over his chest, a lean against the nearby wall offerd ample support to watch the bashing. Of course he raised a brow as a green fog came from nowhere to cloud what was taking place. Thinking it a cheap shot on the kids part, he was moving towards the cloud. For multiple reasons other than protecting the woman: he'd be able to get himself a snack and he'd learn about this new place he found himself in.
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The Beacon
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As soon as the Commander had made her way across the hall to the stairs, Josh stepped away from the pillar that been hiding him from the Commander's notice and walked into the portal room. She had looked to be in a hurry, and hiding would not have been neccessary to avoid some detail or other. But one never knew ahead of time, and he certainly did not want to be late for his meeting with Father Marcus. He nodded to the guards in the portal room before he made use of the portal to Rhydin.
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Feeding Frenzy
-----------------------
A hand shot out to wrap around the boy's throat and jerked him back to a thicker part of the fog. The feeding began. With his neck pulled so far to the side, it should have broken by rights. Breath whispering against the lad's skin, the Hunter plunged his fangs in deep. All of that life essence infusing him with knowledge of where he was along with the memories the boy had. This was someone that wouldn't be missed. Now the lad was of no further use, and he'd trouble no other soul ever again. A single hand held the boy up against the alley wall while the other plunged a piece of pipe that had been left on the cobblestones, through the wanna-be slaver's ribs. Impailing him to the wall. Though he would have liked to admire his handywork a bit longer, the ancient hunter had a Daimon to find and end its existance. He dissolved out of the visible spectrum never to be seen by mortal eyes. The hunt could now resume in full.
He gasped at the sight that greeted him as he stepped from the portal into one of Rhydin's back alleys. Though the pale-gray kid was rather obviously impaled by a pipe and it was getting dark fast, Josh did not miss the telltale twin holes in his neck. There was no blood seeping from the wound in the kid's chest; he was completely drained. His skin crawled as he realized just how horrible a creature their Commander had become. He had suspected it before, but now he had undeniable prove. Something would have to be done about the Commander. With a fast stride he walked toward Badside, even more eager now to meet with the priest.
A Meeting...
The Shade, all that was left of A'Madrel, honed in on A'Elbara. The other sister had been welcoming and open to AnAkbar's plan. The Shade hoped - inasmuch as a shade can have such an emotion, that this sister would be as well.
Leaned back, a coy smile toying at the edge of A’Elbara’s lips as a finger trailed the neckline of one of her pretties… a handsome man, and once holy. It was such a delight to subjugate those who thought themselves above such things. Her voice was velvet, and as she spoke, it was almost as the gods themselves were speaking to the man before her. "Go and fetch me a drink." The man was quick to prostate himself before he scurried back and away into the darkness that lined the edge of the room she was in. She watched him go for but a moment before her gaze turned the...thing... that approached.
The shade paused but for a moment until A'Elbara's toy had left to do her bidding. Only when he was no longer looking at the Sister did the shade seep closer. The shade, one without an object to block light to cause it, moved over the floor and wall. The movement was alluring, mesmerizing even. Then it touched A'Elbara's shoes and moved with a soothingly cool touch up her legs.
That coy smile that had previously touched A’Elbara’s lips turned to one of loathing and distain. Her voice, too, had changed to one of power. "That is far enough."
The shade was not to be stopped by mere words. Words of power were particularly attractive. Tantalizing and seductively, the shade crept further up A'Elbara's body in a cool caress, touching the sister with the lure of evil and chaotic energies. It was the same lure AnAkbar touched his favorites with.
There was but a moment that A’Elbara’s body froze, feeling the filth of the one before her, then it relaxed, and her voice was velvet again. "You cannot have it, though I know it is what you desire"
Only when the shade touched A'Elbara's ears and lips did A'Elbara hear the whisper. "AnAkbar sends his favor." The voice was at once tinny and rich; and though it sounded nothing like A'Madrel, she was reminded of her. The shade quivered gently over her lips as it repeated the whisper.
"Does he now? Then perhaps he would send something other than you."
"You decline his favor?" A soft note of hope was in the tinny yet rich whisper.
"I decline yours, retch."
The shade's quivering caress stopped abruptly, bereaving A'Elbara of the pleasure. A fraction of a moment later the shade had accepted A'Elbara's hostile invitation and sunk into witch's mind. There it transferred the knowledge of AnAkbar's hatred for the Guardians' leader, the pesky gnat of a fairy, and for the two ancients who had done so much harm recently and stolen the good as dead fairy from his grasp.
As the thing entered A’Elbara’s mind, she gave a gasp, and her body jerked. She had heard... rumors only... but it all made sense now. Yes. The path that needs to be taken. But she would not stand for this filth to be within her. Taking hold of her mind once more, she shattered the invasion that had seized it, withdrawing her thoughts behind locked barriers.
"Idiot!" The shade was furious and left the impression of an earsplitting screech as it was expelled before it completed AnAkbar's message.
Her voice was once more coy, and the smile that came was toying. "No, child. You are the idiot. You let yourself be caught."
The connection was effectively broken and there was no reply from the shade. The Shade retreated the same way it had come, taking with it the touch of AnAkbar.
The Shade, all that was left of A'Madrel, honed in on A'Elbara. The other sister had been welcoming and open to AnAkbar's plan. The Shade hoped - inasmuch as a shade can have such an emotion, that this sister would be as well.
Leaned back, a coy smile toying at the edge of A’Elbara’s lips as a finger trailed the neckline of one of her pretties… a handsome man, and once holy. It was such a delight to subjugate those who thought themselves above such things. Her voice was velvet, and as she spoke, it was almost as the gods themselves were speaking to the man before her. "Go and fetch me a drink." The man was quick to prostate himself before he scurried back and away into the darkness that lined the edge of the room she was in. She watched him go for but a moment before her gaze turned the...thing... that approached.
The shade paused but for a moment until A'Elbara's toy had left to do her bidding. Only when he was no longer looking at the Sister did the shade seep closer. The shade, one without an object to block light to cause it, moved over the floor and wall. The movement was alluring, mesmerizing even. Then it touched A'Elbara's shoes and moved with a soothingly cool touch up her legs.
That coy smile that had previously touched A’Elbara’s lips turned to one of loathing and distain. Her voice, too, had changed to one of power. "That is far enough."
The shade was not to be stopped by mere words. Words of power were particularly attractive. Tantalizing and seductively, the shade crept further up A'Elbara's body in a cool caress, touching the sister with the lure of evil and chaotic energies. It was the same lure AnAkbar touched his favorites with.
There was but a moment that A’Elbara’s body froze, feeling the filth of the one before her, then it relaxed, and her voice was velvet again. "You cannot have it, though I know it is what you desire"
Only when the shade touched A'Elbara's ears and lips did A'Elbara hear the whisper. "AnAkbar sends his favor." The voice was at once tinny and rich; and though it sounded nothing like A'Madrel, she was reminded of her. The shade quivered gently over her lips as it repeated the whisper.
"Does he now? Then perhaps he would send something other than you."
"You decline his favor?" A soft note of hope was in the tinny yet rich whisper.
"I decline yours, retch."
The shade's quivering caress stopped abruptly, bereaving A'Elbara of the pleasure. A fraction of a moment later the shade had accepted A'Elbara's hostile invitation and sunk into witch's mind. There it transferred the knowledge of AnAkbar's hatred for the Guardians' leader, the pesky gnat of a fairy, and for the two ancients who had done so much harm recently and stolen the good as dead fairy from his grasp.
As the thing entered A’Elbara’s mind, she gave a gasp, and her body jerked. She had heard... rumors only... but it all made sense now. Yes. The path that needs to be taken. But she would not stand for this filth to be within her. Taking hold of her mind once more, she shattered the invasion that had seized it, withdrawing her thoughts behind locked barriers.
"Idiot!" The shade was furious and left the impression of an earsplitting screech as it was expelled before it completed AnAkbar's message.
Her voice was once more coy, and the smile that came was toying. "No, child. You are the idiot. You let yourself be caught."
The connection was effectively broken and there was no reply from the shade. The Shade retreated the same way it had come, taking with it the touch of AnAkbar.
After the Meeting...
She sat there, a small frown creasing her forehead. So this was the reason for the foul things demise, was it? Perhaps she had her uses after all.
During the short time the thing had been within her mind, she had gleamed that her sister had already been visited and informed of much the same as she. Good, her sister would be useful. There would be…
Her thoughts where interrupted as the priest-slave stumbled and dropped the crystal goblet. That only caused the frown to deepen, and with it, the man dropped further to the stone, spreading out to look much like he wanted to make love to the cold floor beneath him. It would not be the first time she had made him do such.
But no… she was in no mood to toy with him today. With a wave of her hand, blood erupted from the priest-slaves ears. Standing, she stepped down from her seat and moved across the hall’s floor, stepping over the prostrated corpse.
As she left the hall, the body-slaves that had lined the hall in the shadows scurried into motion, striving to clean the mess before the Mistress returned.
She sat there, a small frown creasing her forehead. So this was the reason for the foul things demise, was it? Perhaps she had her uses after all.
During the short time the thing had been within her mind, she had gleamed that her sister had already been visited and informed of much the same as she. Good, her sister would be useful. There would be…
Her thoughts where interrupted as the priest-slave stumbled and dropped the crystal goblet. That only caused the frown to deepen, and with it, the man dropped further to the stone, spreading out to look much like he wanted to make love to the cold floor beneath him. It would not be the first time she had made him do such.
But no… she was in no mood to toy with him today. With a wave of her hand, blood erupted from the priest-slaves ears. Standing, she stepped down from her seat and moved across the hall’s floor, stepping over the prostrated corpse.
As she left the hall, the body-slaves that had lined the hall in the shadows scurried into motion, striving to clean the mess before the Mistress returned.
The sun was still up in the sky, but the air around Venom Bros. shipping still seemed to carry a chill. Josh looked skeptical as the building came into sight. No lights, barely a sign telling that this was the place, and as far as he could determine, there was no sign of activity in or around the place. Still, he and Father Marcus walked up to the front door and rang the buzzer. Much to his surprise, he got an immediate response.
"Marcus. Door's open. I'm in the office. Oh, and be careful, Candy's in a mood this evening. So make sure your friend there doesn't do anything stupid."
Josh looked at Marcus with a slightly dumbfounded look as he whispered, "How did he know? We could've been anyone."
Marcus just gave a shrug as he opened the door. "He knew we'd be here at five, and it's five now. As for how he knew that I'd be bringing you along, I'm not sure. Just shows how good the guy is at getting info."
Once inside, the warehouse was just as dark as it looked from the outside, broken lights covering the ceiling, with only a few of them still working. Crates stacked up on top of each other, streching the length of the place. The only bring light in the place came from a door up on the second floor. The two headed up that way, figuring that it had to be the office.
Just as soon as Josh reached for the door, a voice spoke up from the inside. "Both of you, pull up a chair and we can get down to business. I'm hoping this won't take long, 'cause I have a hot date for dinner tonight and I don't want to keep her waiting."
"Marcus. Door's open. I'm in the office. Oh, and be careful, Candy's in a mood this evening. So make sure your friend there doesn't do anything stupid."
Josh looked at Marcus with a slightly dumbfounded look as he whispered, "How did he know? We could've been anyone."
Marcus just gave a shrug as he opened the door. "He knew we'd be here at five, and it's five now. As for how he knew that I'd be bringing you along, I'm not sure. Just shows how good the guy is at getting info."
Once inside, the warehouse was just as dark as it looked from the outside, broken lights covering the ceiling, with only a few of them still working. Crates stacked up on top of each other, streching the length of the place. The only bring light in the place came from a door up on the second floor. The two headed up that way, figuring that it had to be the office.
Just as soon as Josh reached for the door, a voice spoke up from the inside. "Both of you, pull up a chair and we can get down to business. I'm hoping this won't take long, 'cause I have a hot date for dinner tonight and I don't want to keep her waiting."
The three sat in silence for a moment, with Eddie eventually breaking it. "Here's the deal. You tell me what you want, I tell you how much it's going to cost. What you plan on doing with it, I don't want to know. Although I'm sure I'll find out somehow anyways."
Marcus coughed as he tried to get his thoughts together. "In short, we're looking for financial backing and some weapons. Specifically anything that may work against creatures of the night."
"Ok, the weapons are easy enough to get. The whole warehouse is stocked with them, including some extra junk I've got stashed around somewhere. That's the easy part. And since you seem to be short on cash, as you're asking me for financial backing, we're going to have to figure out some other form of collateral. I just don't give out things on credit. Bad for business."
He put a finger to his lips, trying to put together what would work out best, for him anyways. "Now, get out of here and come back in two days with some form of collateral. Family heirlooms, priceless artifacts, a cute redhead, I don't care what. You do that and I'll have the weapons and cash the day after."
Marcus coughed as he tried to get his thoughts together. "In short, we're looking for financial backing and some weapons. Specifically anything that may work against creatures of the night."
"Ok, the weapons are easy enough to get. The whole warehouse is stocked with them, including some extra junk I've got stashed around somewhere. That's the easy part. And since you seem to be short on cash, as you're asking me for financial backing, we're going to have to figure out some other form of collateral. I just don't give out things on credit. Bad for business."
He put a finger to his lips, trying to put together what would work out best, for him anyways. "Now, get out of here and come back in two days with some form of collateral. Family heirlooms, priceless artifacts, a cute redhead, I don't care what. You do that and I'll have the weapons and cash the day after."
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Topaz
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 1283
- Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2004 5:31 pm
- Location: The Beacon
- Contact:
Meeting Prince Mikhail
It was already slightly after night fall when Topaz arrived, garbed a waist long, long sleeve, jade green jacket adorned with black frog closures and golden buttons. The stand up collar with the golden Grand Commander insignia gently hugged her neck. Two beribboned medals adorned her chest and a full length shiny jade skirt with a black stripe from waist to hem on each side completely hid her legs. A jade hat with a black shade and golden cord covered her head; her silver-blond hair was bound at the nape of her neck with a narrow jade ribbon. White evening gloves, the Commander's and the Barony's rings, and a black rapier in an equally black sheath completed the ensemble.
Lucien glanced at Topaz. “Are you ready?” Lucien glanced at Topaz, his black eyes locked on her countenance and he was a presence in her thoughts, trying to keep a calm stillness. He'd felt her nervousness for some time, and finally the time had come to meet the Prince of their people. He took in her choice of attire, while she was beautiful as always, this would bring comment from Mikhail, but his mate was not dumb, she knew that.
“No.” Her whisper, though soft, was nervous. She briefly glanced at Gabriel and the other man standing with him, but no introduction was forthcoming. This did not bode well.
Gabriel leaned against one of the columns outside the Great Hall. He felt the tension radiating from Topaz, and he too took note of her choice of attire. It would be a rough night.
Gregori stood with his older brothers and kept a watch over Gabriel to monitor his health. And Gabriel shot him a telepathic rebuke for his over protectiveness. The shorter male heard the rebuke from his much older brother and took note of the attire of his other brother's Lifemate.
Lucien leaned closer to Topaz and offered his arm. “You look beautiful.” He wanted this over with so he could take her away, into the desert.
Topaz placed her gloved hand on the offered arm. “It's been a while since I wore this.”
Gabriel turned his obsidian eyes on Gregori, then shook his head, ‘Shea declared me fit enough.’ And then moved to the right side of Topaz. The three brothers would form her escort to Mikhail.
Lucien chuckled. “Too late to change your mind now.” She had made her bed, she would have to lie in it.
With a wan smile to Gabriel Topaz whispered. “It's good to see you up and about again.” She spotted Azjah and Klinton and would have nodded a greeting to them, but they were looking toward the doors. Then she responded quietly to Lucien. “You mean I could have changed my mind earlier?”
“Thank you.” Gabriel gave her a slight nod.
“Yes.” Lucien laughed softly.
“About being here?” Topaz wondered if she could still escape. None of this felt right.
“No, you need to meet Mikhail. But, you could have changed your attire if you had wanted to.” His eyes swept over the clearly military dress meaningfully.
Gabriel reached for the door. “Ready? It is not good to keep him waiting too long.” He straightened his coat and checked his cuff links before pulling the door open for them.
“Oh, but no, I couldn't have” Topaz chuckled softly, thinking that she really had nothing else remotely suitable to wear for a court function. The closet and drawers of their room at the palazzo were now very empty.
“Well, you are the one who will have to answer all of the questions.” Lucien smiled and stepped toward the door Gabriel had just opened.
Topaz took a deep breath and put a friendly smile on her lips. “Oh joy. Do I get to ask any, too?”
“No.” He lifted a brow at her. She had been to many Court functions, and certainly understood that one did not question nor argue with the royalty one was visiting.
'That's a lot to ask of a fairy.' She responded in his mind, not wanting the strangers to overhear that as they made their way toward the dais.
The Great Hall had been decorated. Candle light predominated and there were flowers in abundance. On a small dais stood a set of ornately carved chairs and seated upon them were a couple who had to be Prince Mikhail and Raven. His gaze strayed often to his Lifemate who sat at his side awaiting the presentation.
Gabriel fell in beside Topaz on the right as they walked down the central aisle toward the royal couple. The shorter, more heavily muscled Healer fell in behind the trio as his gaze sought out his Lifemate who was standing off to the side of her mother beside the dais but not upon it.
The Prince shifted his gaze to the back of the Great Hall in anticipation of his first view of one of the twin's Lifemate. He was glad that one so great had found the other half of his soul to keep him anchored within the light.
‘I did warn you about that earlier, but you will do just fine.’ Mikhail would do the questioning, and if he desired, he would invite her responses, that was the way of Court.
It was already slightly after night fall when Topaz arrived, garbed a waist long, long sleeve, jade green jacket adorned with black frog closures and golden buttons. The stand up collar with the golden Grand Commander insignia gently hugged her neck. Two beribboned medals adorned her chest and a full length shiny jade skirt with a black stripe from waist to hem on each side completely hid her legs. A jade hat with a black shade and golden cord covered her head; her silver-blond hair was bound at the nape of her neck with a narrow jade ribbon. White evening gloves, the Commander's and the Barony's rings, and a black rapier in an equally black sheath completed the ensemble.
Lucien glanced at Topaz. “Are you ready?” Lucien glanced at Topaz, his black eyes locked on her countenance and he was a presence in her thoughts, trying to keep a calm stillness. He'd felt her nervousness for some time, and finally the time had come to meet the Prince of their people. He took in her choice of attire, while she was beautiful as always, this would bring comment from Mikhail, but his mate was not dumb, she knew that.
“No.” Her whisper, though soft, was nervous. She briefly glanced at Gabriel and the other man standing with him, but no introduction was forthcoming. This did not bode well.
Gabriel leaned against one of the columns outside the Great Hall. He felt the tension radiating from Topaz, and he too took note of her choice of attire. It would be a rough night.
Gregori stood with his older brothers and kept a watch over Gabriel to monitor his health. And Gabriel shot him a telepathic rebuke for his over protectiveness. The shorter male heard the rebuke from his much older brother and took note of the attire of his other brother's Lifemate.
Lucien leaned closer to Topaz and offered his arm. “You look beautiful.” He wanted this over with so he could take her away, into the desert.
Topaz placed her gloved hand on the offered arm. “It's been a while since I wore this.”
Gabriel turned his obsidian eyes on Gregori, then shook his head, ‘Shea declared me fit enough.’ And then moved to the right side of Topaz. The three brothers would form her escort to Mikhail.
Lucien chuckled. “Too late to change your mind now.” She had made her bed, she would have to lie in it.
With a wan smile to Gabriel Topaz whispered. “It's good to see you up and about again.” She spotted Azjah and Klinton and would have nodded a greeting to them, but they were looking toward the doors. Then she responded quietly to Lucien. “You mean I could have changed my mind earlier?”
“Thank you.” Gabriel gave her a slight nod.
“Yes.” Lucien laughed softly.
“About being here?” Topaz wondered if she could still escape. None of this felt right.
“No, you need to meet Mikhail. But, you could have changed your attire if you had wanted to.” His eyes swept over the clearly military dress meaningfully.
Gabriel reached for the door. “Ready? It is not good to keep him waiting too long.” He straightened his coat and checked his cuff links before pulling the door open for them.
“Oh, but no, I couldn't have” Topaz chuckled softly, thinking that she really had nothing else remotely suitable to wear for a court function. The closet and drawers of their room at the palazzo were now very empty.
“Well, you are the one who will have to answer all of the questions.” Lucien smiled and stepped toward the door Gabriel had just opened.
Topaz took a deep breath and put a friendly smile on her lips. “Oh joy. Do I get to ask any, too?”
“No.” He lifted a brow at her. She had been to many Court functions, and certainly understood that one did not question nor argue with the royalty one was visiting.
'That's a lot to ask of a fairy.' She responded in his mind, not wanting the strangers to overhear that as they made their way toward the dais.
The Great Hall had been decorated. Candle light predominated and there were flowers in abundance. On a small dais stood a set of ornately carved chairs and seated upon them were a couple who had to be Prince Mikhail and Raven. His gaze strayed often to his Lifemate who sat at his side awaiting the presentation.
Gabriel fell in beside Topaz on the right as they walked down the central aisle toward the royal couple. The shorter, more heavily muscled Healer fell in behind the trio as his gaze sought out his Lifemate who was standing off to the side of her mother beside the dais but not upon it.
The Prince shifted his gaze to the back of the Great Hall in anticipation of his first view of one of the twin's Lifemate. He was glad that one so great had found the other half of his soul to keep him anchored within the light.
‘I did warn you about that earlier, but you will do just fine.’ Mikhail would do the questioning, and if he desired, he would invite her responses, that was the way of Court.
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Topaz wished that she had some of Lucien’s confidence as she glanced at the unfamiliar faces. Their auras were powerful ones and she could sense their curiosity. Her wings moved and shimmered slightly as they walked toward the dais. She halted her steps when Lucien and Gabriel paused and offered formal mirror bows to their prince.
‘A curtsey would be good mate.’ Lucien's thoughts caressed her jumbled thoughts as he waited for her to follow suit.
'Now you tell me.' Usually leaders did not bow to each other, and had she had time to think on it all, she’d probably have opted for a courtly nod. But she didn’t have time to think and she did want to please Lucien. So she did offer the formal form of a courtesy.
Mikhail and Raven both smiled as they approached. Mikhail’s gaze took in everything about the new Lifemate to one of his people before he moved on to Lucien, Gabriel, and Gregori to whom he nodded while standing, and then stepped down from the dais he bowed regally to Topaz. "Greetings."
“Greetings, your royal highness.” Topaz spoke as she rose. It did not escape her notice then that Gregori had not bowed to his prince.
The twins rose in unison, but only Lucien replied. “Welcome Mikhail to Rhydin.”
Mikhail extended his hand to Lucien in a warrior's greeting while his gaze returned to Topaz in a friendly smile. Raven came down to join him and with an arm around his waist gave a warm smile to Topaz.
Lucien returned the greeting and then wrapped one arm around Topaz’s waist. “May I introduce to you my Lifemate, Topaz Datrazanov?” He held her closely and protectively. There were too many males in the room to suit him.
"Hello Topaz. I am happy to see that Lucien has found his Lifemate at last.”
"Topaz. It is a pleasure to meet you at long last. We had prayed that Lucien would find you." Raven and Mikhail spoke at the same time.
“Mikhail, Raven, I am relieved to finally meet you.” Topaz could not bring herself to say that she was pleased. “May your prayers for Gabriel be answered as well.”
Lucien flashed a smile at the royal pair. “She is the light to my darkness, and I am most fortunate Mikhail.”
Gregori moved to join Savannah and draped an arm possessively over her shoulders as she chuckled at the move but readily moved to stand close to his side and smiled to Topaz.
"Topaz it is nice to meet you. We had hope." Savannah glanced up to her love as Gregori glanced to check on Gabriel while greetings were being exchanged.
Gabriel turned to slide a glance at Topaz. “We are here to celebrate Lucien's mating and your acceptance into our world.” He did not want his lack of a mate in a room full of mated pairs to distract from the purpose of the Prince's visit.
Topaz turned her gaze toward the woman and offered her a friendly smile even as she squeezed Lucien’s arm. 'Does the pretty lady have a name?'
‘Savannah, she is mated to Gregori, poor girl.’ Lucien pulled Topaz closer to him. He loved his brother dearly, but Gregori would be a difficult man to live with. Not fussy like Gabriel, but still, difficult.
“I'm pleased to meet you, Savannah.” Then she acknowledged Gabriel’s words with a quick smile. Obviously their definition of a celebration differed widely.
The Prince had noticed the weapon that Lucien's Lifemate was wearing and concern for him was uppermost in his thoughts although not visible on his face or audible in his voice when he next spoke. To lose one Lifemate was to lose them both for their people so should Topaz be killed it meant the loss of Lucien as well. "Topaz I notice that you are armed. An explanation Lady."
Lucien lifted a brow fractionally while Gabriel took a step away from the couple. This was the moment he knew was coming. Appearing before a Prince armed with steel was not something his people would look favorably upon.
“The Krondonian rapier is part of the Atreblan uniform, Mikhail.” If he called her by her given name, she would take the same liberty. She had her fae shields up, too. Anyway, they all were capable of great magic and therefore a rapier as part of a uniform should make little difference. With a little impish grin she added, “I did not wish to insult you by appearing anything less than fully clothed.”
Azjah glanced at Topaz, knowing being armed in the presence of the prince was a serious offense. Then she gave Brigath a relieved smile, who had quietly stepped into the back of the Great Hall, and motioned for him to join them. Gabriel’s attention, too, was on Brigath’s arrival.
"The women of our people do not fight Topaz. Has Lucien not told you of this?" Mikhail glanced to Lucien then back to his Lifemate. His thoughts continued on the same path that were they to lose Lucien and Topaz one of their unmated males could possibly be lost as well if she were capable of having female children.
‘A curtsey would be good mate.’ Lucien's thoughts caressed her jumbled thoughts as he waited for her to follow suit.
'Now you tell me.' Usually leaders did not bow to each other, and had she had time to think on it all, she’d probably have opted for a courtly nod. But she didn’t have time to think and she did want to please Lucien. So she did offer the formal form of a courtesy.
Mikhail and Raven both smiled as they approached. Mikhail’s gaze took in everything about the new Lifemate to one of his people before he moved on to Lucien, Gabriel, and Gregori to whom he nodded while standing, and then stepped down from the dais he bowed regally to Topaz. "Greetings."
“Greetings, your royal highness.” Topaz spoke as she rose. It did not escape her notice then that Gregori had not bowed to his prince.
The twins rose in unison, but only Lucien replied. “Welcome Mikhail to Rhydin.”
Mikhail extended his hand to Lucien in a warrior's greeting while his gaze returned to Topaz in a friendly smile. Raven came down to join him and with an arm around his waist gave a warm smile to Topaz.
Lucien returned the greeting and then wrapped one arm around Topaz’s waist. “May I introduce to you my Lifemate, Topaz Datrazanov?” He held her closely and protectively. There were too many males in the room to suit him.
"Hello Topaz. I am happy to see that Lucien has found his Lifemate at last.”
"Topaz. It is a pleasure to meet you at long last. We had prayed that Lucien would find you." Raven and Mikhail spoke at the same time.
“Mikhail, Raven, I am relieved to finally meet you.” Topaz could not bring herself to say that she was pleased. “May your prayers for Gabriel be answered as well.”
Lucien flashed a smile at the royal pair. “She is the light to my darkness, and I am most fortunate Mikhail.”
Gregori moved to join Savannah and draped an arm possessively over her shoulders as she chuckled at the move but readily moved to stand close to his side and smiled to Topaz.
"Topaz it is nice to meet you. We had hope." Savannah glanced up to her love as Gregori glanced to check on Gabriel while greetings were being exchanged.
Gabriel turned to slide a glance at Topaz. “We are here to celebrate Lucien's mating and your acceptance into our world.” He did not want his lack of a mate in a room full of mated pairs to distract from the purpose of the Prince's visit.
Topaz turned her gaze toward the woman and offered her a friendly smile even as she squeezed Lucien’s arm. 'Does the pretty lady have a name?'
‘Savannah, she is mated to Gregori, poor girl.’ Lucien pulled Topaz closer to him. He loved his brother dearly, but Gregori would be a difficult man to live with. Not fussy like Gabriel, but still, difficult.
“I'm pleased to meet you, Savannah.” Then she acknowledged Gabriel’s words with a quick smile. Obviously their definition of a celebration differed widely.
The Prince had noticed the weapon that Lucien's Lifemate was wearing and concern for him was uppermost in his thoughts although not visible on his face or audible in his voice when he next spoke. To lose one Lifemate was to lose them both for their people so should Topaz be killed it meant the loss of Lucien as well. "Topaz I notice that you are armed. An explanation Lady."
Lucien lifted a brow fractionally while Gabriel took a step away from the couple. This was the moment he knew was coming. Appearing before a Prince armed with steel was not something his people would look favorably upon.
“The Krondonian rapier is part of the Atreblan uniform, Mikhail.” If he called her by her given name, she would take the same liberty. She had her fae shields up, too. Anyway, they all were capable of great magic and therefore a rapier as part of a uniform should make little difference. With a little impish grin she added, “I did not wish to insult you by appearing anything less than fully clothed.”
Azjah glanced at Topaz, knowing being armed in the presence of the prince was a serious offense. Then she gave Brigath a relieved smile, who had quietly stepped into the back of the Great Hall, and motioned for him to join them. Gabriel’s attention, too, was on Brigath’s arrival.
"The women of our people do not fight Topaz. Has Lucien not told you of this?" Mikhail glanced to Lucien then back to his Lifemate. His thoughts continued on the same path that were they to lose Lucien and Topaz one of their unmated males could possibly be lost as well if she were capable of having female children.
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“I have endeavored to convey that, yes.” Lucien replied before Topaz could. He had winced inwardly at her lack of courtesy to the Prince by calling him by name before being given leave to do so.
“The women of your people are not commanding armies, either, Mikhail. Nor - I have to assume this, though - are they making a career of sword and spell dueling.” The friendly smile resolutely remained on her lips.
Lucien coughed and spoke into Topaz’s mind. ‘You do not 'have' to.’ He had indeed tried to convince her to cease such activities.
'I have a sense of duty and honor as well, love.' Topaz did not think this the time or place to discuss such.
Lucien’s black gaze held Mikhail's a moment. “I am working on this point.”
A black brow arched on Gregori’s face as he listened to Topaz and his gaze moved between Mikhail and her.
Mikhail held Lucien's gaze then nodded slightly to him before his gaze shifted back to the armed female and he spoke in a black velvet voice. "You would do well to listen to your Lifemate Lady as he can not lie to you and wishes for your protection above all else."
“In all things, that is my purpose.” Lucien could feel Mikhail's mild chastisement.
Topaz managed a polite nod and kept tight reign on her rising temper. His pretty words did not mask the insult in his words, not the one directed at her nor the one directed at Lucien. She chose her next words extra carefully, reminding herself to give the Carpathian the benefit of the doubt. He was after all not from this world and probably had never seen a fairy up close, much less talked with one. “Perhaps you would understand better if I were to tell you that the conversion was unsuccessful.”
Brigath’s eyes darted from person to person before he stepped up to stand next to Azjah, remaining silent.
Azjah slipped one hand into Brig's and leaned closer to whisper, "glad you could make it." Things were more tense than she'd seen in the presence of Mikhail, and knew it was the military stand Topaz was taking.
“Will you take her away so she can learn our ways? It would make things easier for her.” Gabriel glanced at Mikhail. He had indeed tried to convince Lucien that such would improve the fairie's understanding of their people and expectation.
Lucien winced visibly. ‘One does not argue with a prince mate, please cease.’ His private path to her closed his words off to the others.
Topaz shoot a dagger-like glare at Gabriel. If she didn’t know better she’d call him malicious. And she was sorely tempted to call him out, even though she knew she had no hope of besting him in a fight. Lucien’s mental communication was similarly hurtful and left her speechless – temporarily at least.
"She has much to learn of our people and our ways still. Perhaps some time spent with Raven and I would be of assistance if you would allow it Lucien?" Mikhail arched a brow and he stepped back up onto the dais even as Raven stepped forward toward Topaz.
Lucien pulled Topaz beneath his shoulder. “Would you allow Raven to remain with us? Your assistance in helping her learn our ways is appreciated, but I do not believe the answer lay in returning to Auriga now.” He would not force Topaz to go to their homeland, it would be her choice.
Short, sweet, and to the point Mikhail replied. "No. But we shall stay in Rhydin rather than continuing on as we had planned." He would never leave Raven's side no more than he would expect Lucien to leave his Lifemate's so instead the two of them would stay so that Raven could spend time with Topaz.
Lucien gave Mikhail a formal nod. “We are most pleased to hear that.” He gave a wry smile at Mikhail's answer, which was as he knew it would be.
Gregori’s ebony eyes passed over those gathered as his fingers traced a caress over Savannah’s shoulder where they rested. They were already staying in town until Gabriel was fully healed.
Topaz was anything but pleased. In fact she felt insulted and betrayed. She gave Raven one of her best sugary smiles, but in her light blue eyes was the sparkle of ice. “I would be happy to show Raven the duels and The Beacon. Do you wish to see them, Raven?” She put a particular emphasis on the word 'wish'.
Lucien pinched Topaz’s waist lightly and very softly whispered. “Stop that.” The last thing he needed was for her to lure Raven into making a wish.
'They act like I was a rebellious teenager. It was irresistible.' Topaz was remaining nice for his sake, but she knew she would not be able to keep this up much longer. She wondered how soon it would be at least barely polite to leave.
‘To us, that is how it appears, you know that.’ Lucien was struggling between respect for his mate, and utter shock at her nearly rude temerity in the presence of her new Prince. She was not his equal in their world, and she seemed to be forgetting that.
Lucien’s ‘us’ only served to remind her that she did not belong and now her life mate was excluding her, too. Topaz suddenly felt very alone.
“The women of your people are not commanding armies, either, Mikhail. Nor - I have to assume this, though - are they making a career of sword and spell dueling.” The friendly smile resolutely remained on her lips.
Lucien coughed and spoke into Topaz’s mind. ‘You do not 'have' to.’ He had indeed tried to convince her to cease such activities.
'I have a sense of duty and honor as well, love.' Topaz did not think this the time or place to discuss such.
Lucien’s black gaze held Mikhail's a moment. “I am working on this point.”
A black brow arched on Gregori’s face as he listened to Topaz and his gaze moved between Mikhail and her.
Mikhail held Lucien's gaze then nodded slightly to him before his gaze shifted back to the armed female and he spoke in a black velvet voice. "You would do well to listen to your Lifemate Lady as he can not lie to you and wishes for your protection above all else."
“In all things, that is my purpose.” Lucien could feel Mikhail's mild chastisement.
Topaz managed a polite nod and kept tight reign on her rising temper. His pretty words did not mask the insult in his words, not the one directed at her nor the one directed at Lucien. She chose her next words extra carefully, reminding herself to give the Carpathian the benefit of the doubt. He was after all not from this world and probably had never seen a fairy up close, much less talked with one. “Perhaps you would understand better if I were to tell you that the conversion was unsuccessful.”
Brigath’s eyes darted from person to person before he stepped up to stand next to Azjah, remaining silent.
Azjah slipped one hand into Brig's and leaned closer to whisper, "glad you could make it." Things were more tense than she'd seen in the presence of Mikhail, and knew it was the military stand Topaz was taking.
“Will you take her away so she can learn our ways? It would make things easier for her.” Gabriel glanced at Mikhail. He had indeed tried to convince Lucien that such would improve the fairie's understanding of their people and expectation.
Lucien winced visibly. ‘One does not argue with a prince mate, please cease.’ His private path to her closed his words off to the others.
Topaz shoot a dagger-like glare at Gabriel. If she didn’t know better she’d call him malicious. And she was sorely tempted to call him out, even though she knew she had no hope of besting him in a fight. Lucien’s mental communication was similarly hurtful and left her speechless – temporarily at least.
"She has much to learn of our people and our ways still. Perhaps some time spent with Raven and I would be of assistance if you would allow it Lucien?" Mikhail arched a brow and he stepped back up onto the dais even as Raven stepped forward toward Topaz.
Lucien pulled Topaz beneath his shoulder. “Would you allow Raven to remain with us? Your assistance in helping her learn our ways is appreciated, but I do not believe the answer lay in returning to Auriga now.” He would not force Topaz to go to their homeland, it would be her choice.
Short, sweet, and to the point Mikhail replied. "No. But we shall stay in Rhydin rather than continuing on as we had planned." He would never leave Raven's side no more than he would expect Lucien to leave his Lifemate's so instead the two of them would stay so that Raven could spend time with Topaz.
Lucien gave Mikhail a formal nod. “We are most pleased to hear that.” He gave a wry smile at Mikhail's answer, which was as he knew it would be.
Gregori’s ebony eyes passed over those gathered as his fingers traced a caress over Savannah’s shoulder where they rested. They were already staying in town until Gabriel was fully healed.
Topaz was anything but pleased. In fact she felt insulted and betrayed. She gave Raven one of her best sugary smiles, but in her light blue eyes was the sparkle of ice. “I would be happy to show Raven the duels and The Beacon. Do you wish to see them, Raven?” She put a particular emphasis on the word 'wish'.
Lucien pinched Topaz’s waist lightly and very softly whispered. “Stop that.” The last thing he needed was for her to lure Raven into making a wish.
'They act like I was a rebellious teenager. It was irresistible.' Topaz was remaining nice for his sake, but she knew she would not be able to keep this up much longer. She wondered how soon it would be at least barely polite to leave.
‘To us, that is how it appears, you know that.’ Lucien was struggling between respect for his mate, and utter shock at her nearly rude temerity in the presence of her new Prince. She was not his equal in their world, and she seemed to be forgetting that.
Lucien’s ‘us’ only served to remind her that she did not belong and now her life mate was excluding her, too. Topaz suddenly felt very alone.
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Raven chuckled quietly as she glanced up to Mikhail then looked to the newest Lifemate. "I am sure that a visit can be arranged at some point after Mikhail has been to both places to ensure it is safe for me to attend.
Lucien smiled at Raven's answer. “Our Prince is truly blessed.” A truly fine Lifemate, perhaps having Raven around would help Topaz understand his people.
Gabriel moved silently toward Brigath. Azjah glanced up and took note of Brigath’s expression as he watched Gabriel’s approach: his face was a stoic mask. “Trouble is brewing.”
“I would love to visit both Topaz if the offer is open.” Savannah said and Gregori looked to his Lifemate with something like horror on his face and tightened the arm around her shoulders.
'You all should get out more and learn open-mindedness.' She thought at Lucien and inclined her head slightly toward Raven, conceding the slight victory to the queen. She had refused to wish. Between Lucien’s telepathic and verbal comments and Gregori’s rude reaction she no longer thought of showing the women the town or her fortress as an amusing idea. “I am certain he will find no fault with my fortress. Though Mikhail may like to accompany you to the duels. They are anything but safe.”
Lucien groaned. “The duels are perfectly safe. There are wards for healing, and the combat is controlled. Ask that one. He pointed at Brigath.
“Aye, but the people are not. Just imagine what may happen should they run into Vanion on the isle.” Topaz rolled her eyes. Had Lucien already forgotten all about Obsidion’s appearance at the arena? And since when was it acceptable to point at people in a court setting?
Brigath’s eyes darted back to Lucien.
The Prince looked to the human with a brow arched. "The Duels are safe for my Lifemate to attend?"
“Mikhail, Brigath Cedran is my assistant Coordinator for the Duels of Magic.” Topaz insisted on an introduction.
Brigath nodded slowly. “Indeed, your Highness. I have had a hand in maintaining the wards myself.”
Lucien gave Brigath a long look and Gabriel paused just behind Brigath’s left shoulder.
Topaz did not at all like what she saw. She wondered if they would they attack an invited guest. They certainly had not shown capable of polite manners so far. 'You know he'd risk his life to help get me out of trouble alive, should the need ever arise again. Despite all your misgivings.'
Lucien smiled at Raven's answer. “Our Prince is truly blessed.” A truly fine Lifemate, perhaps having Raven around would help Topaz understand his people.
Gabriel moved silently toward Brigath. Azjah glanced up and took note of Brigath’s expression as he watched Gabriel’s approach: his face was a stoic mask. “Trouble is brewing.”
“I would love to visit both Topaz if the offer is open.” Savannah said and Gregori looked to his Lifemate with something like horror on his face and tightened the arm around her shoulders.
'You all should get out more and learn open-mindedness.' She thought at Lucien and inclined her head slightly toward Raven, conceding the slight victory to the queen. She had refused to wish. Between Lucien’s telepathic and verbal comments and Gregori’s rude reaction she no longer thought of showing the women the town or her fortress as an amusing idea. “I am certain he will find no fault with my fortress. Though Mikhail may like to accompany you to the duels. They are anything but safe.”
Lucien groaned. “The duels are perfectly safe. There are wards for healing, and the combat is controlled. Ask that one. He pointed at Brigath.
“Aye, but the people are not. Just imagine what may happen should they run into Vanion on the isle.” Topaz rolled her eyes. Had Lucien already forgotten all about Obsidion’s appearance at the arena? And since when was it acceptable to point at people in a court setting?
Brigath’s eyes darted back to Lucien.
The Prince looked to the human with a brow arched. "The Duels are safe for my Lifemate to attend?"
“Mikhail, Brigath Cedran is my assistant Coordinator for the Duels of Magic.” Topaz insisted on an introduction.
Brigath nodded slowly. “Indeed, your Highness. I have had a hand in maintaining the wards myself.”
Lucien gave Brigath a long look and Gabriel paused just behind Brigath’s left shoulder.
Topaz did not at all like what she saw. She wondered if they would they attack an invited guest. They certainly had not shown capable of polite manners so far. 'You know he'd risk his life to help get me out of trouble alive, should the need ever arise again. Despite all your misgivings.'
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Mikhail carefully weighed the tone of voice used by Brigath and the look on his face before giving a short nod. "This one speaks truth. I am Mikhail Drubinsky and this is my Lifemate Raven."
‘It is no longer his role to protect you Topaz.’ Lucien reminded Topaz. He was appauled by Topaz's comments to the Prince, but they could not leave before they were dismissed.
'Ah, now he introduces himself, and I had to guess.' Another insult directed at her, to be sure, but she was relieved of his acceptance of Brigath. At least now Gabriel and Lucien were less likely to attack Brigath, or so she hoped.
Brigath slipped his hand from Azjah’s as he made a deep bow before them. “I am honored to be in your presence.”
‘It was pretty obvious.’ Lucien gazed down at her a long moment.
'The last name was not.' Even if it had been obvious, introductions would have been polite. Topaz moved closer to Lucien without taking as much as a step.
Brigath used the motion to step to the other side of Azjah as he straightened, placing her between Gabriel and himself. The action earned him a fanged smile from Gabriel.
Mikhail inclined his head in acknowledgment of the bow. "Raven and I are happy to have made the trip here to see Lucien and Gabriel and to meet Lucien's Lifemate for ourselves. This place is very strange in its ways. We are pleased to meet you, Brigath Cedran."
Gabriel whispered very softly with a pointed look at Brigath. “Some ways more strange that even the Prince knows.
Brigath turned his head slightly to look at Gabriel, but the retort he was about to make stayed behind a close lipped smile. Having Azjah in his view as well reminded him where he was. Azjah slipped her hand back into Brigath's with a gentle squeeze.
“We look forward to your presence in Rhydin Mikhail, Raven. There are many things to see that are very different from our home land.” Lucien needed to get Topaz out of the Prince's presence. Her temper was rising, and she clearly was not understanding old world Royal protocol.
'Well, at least he's nice to Brigath. Do you think he'll bow to me when he comes to visit the Beacon?' She was thankful for the prince’s polite greeting to Brigath.
‘The Prince is gentility itself Topaz, do not be unkind.’ Lucien was troubled by her snide remarks. She was a smart woman, she knew she courted this response by deliberately dressing in a manner that was not understood, nor accepted by his people. Additionally, she was new to the Prince's subjects, and she provoked him at every turn. With any luck, they would be released soon.
“Mikhail, we should speak of the vampires here as well.” Gabriel still was giving Brigath an unblinking stare.
'Gabriel is being less than kind to Brigath.' Topaz was tempted to walk over there. Nonetheless, Lucien's rebuke hurt.
Lucien pulled her close. ‘Brigath can take care of himself. And you were not speaking of Gabriel, you were speaking about Mikhail.’ She had provoked their response, and now they would have to deal with the outcome.
Topaz refused to comment on Brigath’s ability to defend himself against six Carpathians. 'He took me in dislike.' By that she meant the Prince, Gregori and Gabriel.
Mikhail looked to Gabriel and nodded to him then turned his gaze to Lucien and his Lifemate. "I must speak with Gabriel. It was an honor to meet Lucien's Lifemate at last Lady Topaz. I hope to speak with you again one day. If you ever have need call. I will hear you and come."
Though the dismissal had come much earlier than she had expected, it was welcome. But his words surprised Topaz for another reason than their timing. They were not just formally polite, but downright kind. She wondered about that. She respectfully inclined her head to Mikhail. The friendly smile had never left her lips, but now she actually felt like smiling. “Thank you, your royal highness. The honor was mine. May you and Raven enjoy your stay in Rhydin.”
Topaz remained close to Lucien as he made his bow. As soon as the prince had turned his attention to Gabriel, Topaz mind-spoke to Lucien. ‘Would it be acceptable to leave now?’ Though the last exchange with the prince had been on a more positive note, all in all the evening had been disappointing at best.
Lucien pulled her closer again as he made their farewells and moments later they were out of the Great Hall.
‘It is no longer his role to protect you Topaz.’ Lucien reminded Topaz. He was appauled by Topaz's comments to the Prince, but they could not leave before they were dismissed.
'Ah, now he introduces himself, and I had to guess.' Another insult directed at her, to be sure, but she was relieved of his acceptance of Brigath. At least now Gabriel and Lucien were less likely to attack Brigath, or so she hoped.
Brigath slipped his hand from Azjah’s as he made a deep bow before them. “I am honored to be in your presence.”
‘It was pretty obvious.’ Lucien gazed down at her a long moment.
'The last name was not.' Even if it had been obvious, introductions would have been polite. Topaz moved closer to Lucien without taking as much as a step.
Brigath used the motion to step to the other side of Azjah as he straightened, placing her between Gabriel and himself. The action earned him a fanged smile from Gabriel.
Mikhail inclined his head in acknowledgment of the bow. "Raven and I are happy to have made the trip here to see Lucien and Gabriel and to meet Lucien's Lifemate for ourselves. This place is very strange in its ways. We are pleased to meet you, Brigath Cedran."
Gabriel whispered very softly with a pointed look at Brigath. “Some ways more strange that even the Prince knows.
Brigath turned his head slightly to look at Gabriel, but the retort he was about to make stayed behind a close lipped smile. Having Azjah in his view as well reminded him where he was. Azjah slipped her hand back into Brigath's with a gentle squeeze.
“We look forward to your presence in Rhydin Mikhail, Raven. There are many things to see that are very different from our home land.” Lucien needed to get Topaz out of the Prince's presence. Her temper was rising, and she clearly was not understanding old world Royal protocol.
'Well, at least he's nice to Brigath. Do you think he'll bow to me when he comes to visit the Beacon?' She was thankful for the prince’s polite greeting to Brigath.
‘The Prince is gentility itself Topaz, do not be unkind.’ Lucien was troubled by her snide remarks. She was a smart woman, she knew she courted this response by deliberately dressing in a manner that was not understood, nor accepted by his people. Additionally, she was new to the Prince's subjects, and she provoked him at every turn. With any luck, they would be released soon.
“Mikhail, we should speak of the vampires here as well.” Gabriel still was giving Brigath an unblinking stare.
'Gabriel is being less than kind to Brigath.' Topaz was tempted to walk over there. Nonetheless, Lucien's rebuke hurt.
Lucien pulled her close. ‘Brigath can take care of himself. And you were not speaking of Gabriel, you were speaking about Mikhail.’ She had provoked their response, and now they would have to deal with the outcome.
Topaz refused to comment on Brigath’s ability to defend himself against six Carpathians. 'He took me in dislike.' By that she meant the Prince, Gregori and Gabriel.
Mikhail looked to Gabriel and nodded to him then turned his gaze to Lucien and his Lifemate. "I must speak with Gabriel. It was an honor to meet Lucien's Lifemate at last Lady Topaz. I hope to speak with you again one day. If you ever have need call. I will hear you and come."
Though the dismissal had come much earlier than she had expected, it was welcome. But his words surprised Topaz for another reason than their timing. They were not just formally polite, but downright kind. She wondered about that. She respectfully inclined her head to Mikhail. The friendly smile had never left her lips, but now she actually felt like smiling. “Thank you, your royal highness. The honor was mine. May you and Raven enjoy your stay in Rhydin.”
Topaz remained close to Lucien as he made his bow. As soon as the prince had turned his attention to Gabriel, Topaz mind-spoke to Lucien. ‘Would it be acceptable to leave now?’ Though the last exchange with the prince had been on a more positive note, all in all the evening had been disappointing at best.
Lucien pulled her closer again as he made their farewells and moments later they were out of the Great Hall.
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Topaz
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After The Introduction
“I expected the prince to be more interested after having made the trip all the way to Rhydin. Did he really travel all that way just to complain over what I was wearing?” Topaz asked with all the disappointment and frustration she felt over how that official introduction had turned out as soon as Lucien had settled on the leather couch with her on his lap. She knew that Lucien was upset with her, too, and that bothered her even more.
“He came to meet you, to speak with Gabriel and me about the Vampyres. Your in-your-face attitude about military position you held derailed things.” Lucien brushed his hand up and down her arm. Lucien was torn, he was proud of her for some of what she said and did, but absolutely scandalized by other parts. He had expected some of this when he'd seen her choice of clothing, but it had gone less well than even he had anticipated.
“I really expected more.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. The excitement prior to the visit and the near disaster of the introduction left her drained and close to tears.
“Well, put yourself in his shoes. You've just met the mate of one of your top people, but she didn't convert 100% into their world, she insisted on a clearly military presentation, which is something that his people resist with every fiber of their being, AND she did not exhibit an understanding of her place in their world. She is NOT his equal, yet she treated him as such. What would you have done?” He phrased his explanation carefully, not wanting to add to her grief but to make her feel better as well as understand. The old world views of Carpathians were clearly not something the people of Rhydin understood, nor respected, and he had underestimated that.
“Ask more questions, most likely.” Lucien had warned her to expect to be asked a lot of questions. Azjah had said so, too. Yet the only question the prince had asked was about her dress. A silly and insulting question that was, too. “I asked you what to wear, and you said anything would be fine. I asked a lot of questions so I might be prepared and received little answer.” In fact, she KNEW she had no place in their world and she had resigned herself to that fact. She had expected a meeting of equals.
“Why? You are the sovereign, and are being treated discourteously. Why would you ask anything more? Your newest subject has rudely called you by your first name without being given permission, she has flaunted something you do not want or understand, and she's told you that you need to get out.” He had not mandated what she wear for the introduction because he wanted it to be her choice, but he had hoped his stand on her fighting had been clear enough that she would not choose to be so very blatant. But,
she had chosen to show her world, and he had underestimated what being experienced in being at Court was like in relation to his world. All in all, he had failed her in that respect.
“I did not tell him that.” Topaz lifted her head from Lucien’s shoulder, aghast that he accused her of that. She would have posted questions, because she was curious as to what had gone on in the prince’s mind. She had felt his curiosity and dislike, but not any intent to be insulting. Her shields were alarmingly weak in comparison to the strength of the emotions of so many Carpathians in close proximity.
“Didn't tell him what?” Lucien gazed down into her eyes.
“He called me by my first name first, and I didn't tell him to get out.” She had never called any of her subjects by their first name without first inviting permission to do so, nor had she ever witnessed any other leader having done so until this evening.
“Most sovereigns claim such rights. And you did tell him that in so many words. You told him that in his world women did not lead armies or fight with swords or magic. In short, his world is cloistered and not current with real life.” He smoothed a stray lock of hair. How could he make her see things from his world and the point of view of their prince? She had in short told him that his world was behind the times. Not that these
times were the sort of thing they wanted, but that was a different matter.
Topaz thought on Lucien’s words before replying. She had not intended her words as such an insult, but had meant to let him know that these things were part of who she was and that in her world that was something to be respected. It had been rather obvious that he had no intelligence on Rhydin. “I guess that meeting was under a bad star from the start.”
“So you're the sovereign, with a new subject that has no respect for protocol, or their ways, why would you continue questioning?” He wanted her to try to walk in Mikhail's shoes a moment.
“I see your point now. He expected a subject and I just didn't act like one.” She certainly did not feel like a subject.
“Precisely. You crossed him at every opportunity.” He was pleased that she could at least see his point, even if she did not agree with it. That was a good start.
“I in turn expected a meeting of one ruler to another.”
“You didn't get that.” Lucien gave a velvet soft chuckle. Mikhail had no interest in the outside world, and the Great Hall had been a foreign zone, it was a bit of Carpathia in Rhydin, and in Mikhail's view, was his realm, and Topaz was being introduced as a new member of his world. She was not a sovereign in the world of the Carpathians.
“No, and you didn't explain anything.” She couldn’t help but grin at the comedy of the misunderstanding, despite the seriousness of the result. Lucien had not explained anything more about what to expect in order to keep her from getting any more nervous about the visit than she had been already.
“I expected the prince to be more interested after having made the trip all the way to Rhydin. Did he really travel all that way just to complain over what I was wearing?” Topaz asked with all the disappointment and frustration she felt over how that official introduction had turned out as soon as Lucien had settled on the leather couch with her on his lap. She knew that Lucien was upset with her, too, and that bothered her even more.
“He came to meet you, to speak with Gabriel and me about the Vampyres. Your in-your-face attitude about military position you held derailed things.” Lucien brushed his hand up and down her arm. Lucien was torn, he was proud of her for some of what she said and did, but absolutely scandalized by other parts. He had expected some of this when he'd seen her choice of clothing, but it had gone less well than even he had anticipated.
“I really expected more.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. The excitement prior to the visit and the near disaster of the introduction left her drained and close to tears.
“Well, put yourself in his shoes. You've just met the mate of one of your top people, but she didn't convert 100% into their world, she insisted on a clearly military presentation, which is something that his people resist with every fiber of their being, AND she did not exhibit an understanding of her place in their world. She is NOT his equal, yet she treated him as such. What would you have done?” He phrased his explanation carefully, not wanting to add to her grief but to make her feel better as well as understand. The old world views of Carpathians were clearly not something the people of Rhydin understood, nor respected, and he had underestimated that.
“Ask more questions, most likely.” Lucien had warned her to expect to be asked a lot of questions. Azjah had said so, too. Yet the only question the prince had asked was about her dress. A silly and insulting question that was, too. “I asked you what to wear, and you said anything would be fine. I asked a lot of questions so I might be prepared and received little answer.” In fact, she KNEW she had no place in their world and she had resigned herself to that fact. She had expected a meeting of equals.
“Why? You are the sovereign, and are being treated discourteously. Why would you ask anything more? Your newest subject has rudely called you by your first name without being given permission, she has flaunted something you do not want or understand, and she's told you that you need to get out.” He had not mandated what she wear for the introduction because he wanted it to be her choice, but he had hoped his stand on her fighting had been clear enough that she would not choose to be so very blatant. But,
she had chosen to show her world, and he had underestimated what being experienced in being at Court was like in relation to his world. All in all, he had failed her in that respect.
“I did not tell him that.” Topaz lifted her head from Lucien’s shoulder, aghast that he accused her of that. She would have posted questions, because she was curious as to what had gone on in the prince’s mind. She had felt his curiosity and dislike, but not any intent to be insulting. Her shields were alarmingly weak in comparison to the strength of the emotions of so many Carpathians in close proximity.
“Didn't tell him what?” Lucien gazed down into her eyes.
“He called me by my first name first, and I didn't tell him to get out.” She had never called any of her subjects by their first name without first inviting permission to do so, nor had she ever witnessed any other leader having done so until this evening.
“Most sovereigns claim such rights. And you did tell him that in so many words. You told him that in his world women did not lead armies or fight with swords or magic. In short, his world is cloistered and not current with real life.” He smoothed a stray lock of hair. How could he make her see things from his world and the point of view of their prince? She had in short told him that his world was behind the times. Not that these
times were the sort of thing they wanted, but that was a different matter.
Topaz thought on Lucien’s words before replying. She had not intended her words as such an insult, but had meant to let him know that these things were part of who she was and that in her world that was something to be respected. It had been rather obvious that he had no intelligence on Rhydin. “I guess that meeting was under a bad star from the start.”
“So you're the sovereign, with a new subject that has no respect for protocol, or their ways, why would you continue questioning?” He wanted her to try to walk in Mikhail's shoes a moment.
“I see your point now. He expected a subject and I just didn't act like one.” She certainly did not feel like a subject.
“Precisely. You crossed him at every opportunity.” He was pleased that she could at least see his point, even if she did not agree with it. That was a good start.
“I in turn expected a meeting of one ruler to another.”
“You didn't get that.” Lucien gave a velvet soft chuckle. Mikhail had no interest in the outside world, and the Great Hall had been a foreign zone, it was a bit of Carpathia in Rhydin, and in Mikhail's view, was his realm, and Topaz was being introduced as a new member of his world. She was not a sovereign in the world of the Carpathians.
“No, and you didn't explain anything.” She couldn’t help but grin at the comedy of the misunderstanding, despite the seriousness of the result. Lucien had not explained anything more about what to expect in order to keep her from getting any more nervous about the visit than she had been already.
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Topaz
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“I expected that your background at Court, that meant Old World Court.” He had asked her if she had experience at Court, but he had not been specific about it being old world protocol, and clearly there had been a misunderstanding on that point.
Topaz lifted her hand and tenderly cupped his cheek. “Apparently they are very different old world courts: the court of the Tuatha De Dannan, the Emperor of The Black Throne, King Dalton’s, and King Krollon’s. Everywhere swords were part of the uniforms, even the dress uniforms worn at balls.”
“Right, but Mikhail comes from Eastern Europe, and even King Henry II was subject to King Louis when Henry was in France. Henry had to pay obeisance to Louis.” Any sovereign on the soil of the Leige Lord owed fealty and obesance to the ruler there. He had never expected her to believe she should be treated as an equal on Carpathian soil.
“Then there are all those kings and queens and gods running around in Rhydin.” She grinned to him. Here the titles held off-world meant nothing. “I never used her titles in town, Queen Luthian, King Vanion, Queen Destre, King Gavilean, King Leto, and so forth. Never once have any of them called me your royal highness or your Excellency either.”
“You noticed though that Azjah does, and so do Xenograg, and Cara de Winter. Azjah doesn't know them. But she was introduced to Xenograg as Xenograg Bey. She was introduced to Queen Teleperien, and always addresses her as Your Majesty.” In point of fact, RhyDin had little comprehension of titles and their importance, but he was not going to point that out right now.
Topaz nodded slowly. Some of them used titles for each other, be it out of courtesy or to tease. But Xenograg had been introduced to her as The Sorcerer and as three-time Overlord and no one even seemed to remember that the Gnome was an Emperor. “Come to think of it, it is a rather select group that makes use of each others’ off-world titles. I can’t remember any of them ever having called Krollon or Dalton Kings either.”
“That's one of the failings of Rhydin, people don't understand the protocol of using titles properly. They don’t' understand that seating the wrong person in the wrong place was a major offense in royal circles. They don't understand the titles importance.” There were many things he hated about Rhydin, and the complete lack of understanding what titles meant and how they influenced life was just one of those things.
“There are all those gods and demy-gods, too.” She chuckled softly. “Where would you seat them and would that seating arrangement depend on there being anyone believing in their deity status or not? And rarely is one the subject of another.” But what was common in Rhydin did nothing to make the introduction to Mikhail anything less than the disaster it was. She took a deep breath.
“I am sorry. I would have behaved differently had this all been explained earlier, but it wasn't.” She did sincerely regret having so completely misunderstood the situation. With a sad sigh she continued, “Though I may have embarrassed in different ways. As much as I desire to please you and may want to belong somewhere, I cannot be a true subject to Mikhail. Atrebla cannot become part of his Empire.”
“Mikhail would not expect Atrebla to become a subject land, but he did expect you to be a subject entity due to you being my Lifemate. That you didn't see things that way is the issue.” Lucien slid his fingers through her hair. “I assumed where I shouldn’t have.” On Auriga, he would never have needed to explain the expectations, and that was something he needed to try to remember.
“Agreed. I want to set things right, or at least try.” She rested her head against his shoulder again while thinking on a course of action with which to accomplish that. “Do you think that it is possible to make amends by me writing a letter to Mikhail, expressing my regrets at having misunderstood the situation and an explanation?”
“Perhaps.” Lucien considered the options. There was never a second chance at a first impression though. But, perhaps it would make his mate feel better to try.
“Will you help me, please? You could prove read it to make sure I didn’t say too much or too little.” She certainly did not want to make things worse by using an innocent phrase that the prince could mistake for something other than what she wanted to express.
He smiled at her. "I think you've already said much mate." He lowered his head and kissed her until she couldn't breathe.
Topaz lifted her hand and tenderly cupped his cheek. “Apparently they are very different old world courts: the court of the Tuatha De Dannan, the Emperor of The Black Throne, King Dalton’s, and King Krollon’s. Everywhere swords were part of the uniforms, even the dress uniforms worn at balls.”
“Right, but Mikhail comes from Eastern Europe, and even King Henry II was subject to King Louis when Henry was in France. Henry had to pay obeisance to Louis.” Any sovereign on the soil of the Leige Lord owed fealty and obesance to the ruler there. He had never expected her to believe she should be treated as an equal on Carpathian soil.
“Then there are all those kings and queens and gods running around in Rhydin.” She grinned to him. Here the titles held off-world meant nothing. “I never used her titles in town, Queen Luthian, King Vanion, Queen Destre, King Gavilean, King Leto, and so forth. Never once have any of them called me your royal highness or your Excellency either.”
“You noticed though that Azjah does, and so do Xenograg, and Cara de Winter. Azjah doesn't know them. But she was introduced to Xenograg as Xenograg Bey. She was introduced to Queen Teleperien, and always addresses her as Your Majesty.” In point of fact, RhyDin had little comprehension of titles and their importance, but he was not going to point that out right now.
Topaz nodded slowly. Some of them used titles for each other, be it out of courtesy or to tease. But Xenograg had been introduced to her as The Sorcerer and as three-time Overlord and no one even seemed to remember that the Gnome was an Emperor. “Come to think of it, it is a rather select group that makes use of each others’ off-world titles. I can’t remember any of them ever having called Krollon or Dalton Kings either.”
“That's one of the failings of Rhydin, people don't understand the protocol of using titles properly. They don’t' understand that seating the wrong person in the wrong place was a major offense in royal circles. They don't understand the titles importance.” There were many things he hated about Rhydin, and the complete lack of understanding what titles meant and how they influenced life was just one of those things.
“There are all those gods and demy-gods, too.” She chuckled softly. “Where would you seat them and would that seating arrangement depend on there being anyone believing in their deity status or not? And rarely is one the subject of another.” But what was common in Rhydin did nothing to make the introduction to Mikhail anything less than the disaster it was. She took a deep breath.
“I am sorry. I would have behaved differently had this all been explained earlier, but it wasn't.” She did sincerely regret having so completely misunderstood the situation. With a sad sigh she continued, “Though I may have embarrassed in different ways. As much as I desire to please you and may want to belong somewhere, I cannot be a true subject to Mikhail. Atrebla cannot become part of his Empire.”
“Mikhail would not expect Atrebla to become a subject land, but he did expect you to be a subject entity due to you being my Lifemate. That you didn't see things that way is the issue.” Lucien slid his fingers through her hair. “I assumed where I shouldn’t have.” On Auriga, he would never have needed to explain the expectations, and that was something he needed to try to remember.
“Agreed. I want to set things right, or at least try.” She rested her head against his shoulder again while thinking on a course of action with which to accomplish that. “Do you think that it is possible to make amends by me writing a letter to Mikhail, expressing my regrets at having misunderstood the situation and an explanation?”
“Perhaps.” Lucien considered the options. There was never a second chance at a first impression though. But, perhaps it would make his mate feel better to try.
“Will you help me, please? You could prove read it to make sure I didn’t say too much or too little.” She certainly did not want to make things worse by using an innocent phrase that the prince could mistake for something other than what she wanted to express.
He smiled at her. "I think you've already said much mate." He lowered his head and kissed her until she couldn't breathe.
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Topaz
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To Your Royal Highness, Prince Mikhail Drubinsky Of Carpathia At His Current Residence In Rhydin
May this note find him in perfect health and in enjoyment of his stay in Rhydin.
Revered Prince Mikhail,
It is with the hope to express my sincere regrets regarding last evening’s events that I am writing to you this day.
Only afterward have I been able to gain the correct intelligence of the proper court protocol of the beautiful Carpathia. Now, that I am familiar with the part of the protocol that describes the introduction of a new subject and now, that I have been informed that you were expecting to have a new subject introduced to you, I am aghast at the way I conducted myself. Please permit me to assure you that I would have behaved differently if I had obtained this knowledge prior to last evening.
I further sincerely regret my choice of garb for the event. Though it was certainly in keeping with having been under the mistaken impression of meeting as the leaders of two people, it was completely out of place for a new subject to wear to the introduction to her sovereign.
I would also like to express my gratitude for your parting words. The sentiment would have been most generous under perfect circumstances. In light of what I know now, it is even more so. Thank you very much for the honor of your offer and outlook.
All that being said, it is with some sorrow that I must admit that the introduction would have to have been a disappointment for you either way in more than one aspect. Though I originally made mention of it completely out of turn, and I do apologize for having done so, the fact remains that the conversion result deviates from the expected outcome. This by itself may not make all that much of a difference, but my first loyalty and duty must be to Atrebla, which leaves me with only the fealty, allegiance, and loyalty to give that does not conflict. What I am at liberty to pledge to you is given freely and without reservation.
It is my hope that His Majesty will accept this offering and explanation for the events of our first meeting, and that we may have another less formal opportunity to speak. Perhaps His Majesty would be inclined to bestow the honor of accepting the invitation to accompany Lucien and me on a tour of Rhydin and Atrebla to provide such an opportunity.
Signed with wishes for your health and prosperity,
Topaz Datrazanov
May this note find him in perfect health and in enjoyment of his stay in Rhydin.
Revered Prince Mikhail,
It is with the hope to express my sincere regrets regarding last evening’s events that I am writing to you this day.
Only afterward have I been able to gain the correct intelligence of the proper court protocol of the beautiful Carpathia. Now, that I am familiar with the part of the protocol that describes the introduction of a new subject and now, that I have been informed that you were expecting to have a new subject introduced to you, I am aghast at the way I conducted myself. Please permit me to assure you that I would have behaved differently if I had obtained this knowledge prior to last evening.
I further sincerely regret my choice of garb for the event. Though it was certainly in keeping with having been under the mistaken impression of meeting as the leaders of two people, it was completely out of place for a new subject to wear to the introduction to her sovereign.
I would also like to express my gratitude for your parting words. The sentiment would have been most generous under perfect circumstances. In light of what I know now, it is even more so. Thank you very much for the honor of your offer and outlook.
All that being said, it is with some sorrow that I must admit that the introduction would have to have been a disappointment for you either way in more than one aspect. Though I originally made mention of it completely out of turn, and I do apologize for having done so, the fact remains that the conversion result deviates from the expected outcome. This by itself may not make all that much of a difference, but my first loyalty and duty must be to Atrebla, which leaves me with only the fealty, allegiance, and loyalty to give that does not conflict. What I am at liberty to pledge to you is given freely and without reservation.
It is my hope that His Majesty will accept this offering and explanation for the events of our first meeting, and that we may have another less formal opportunity to speak. Perhaps His Majesty would be inclined to bestow the honor of accepting the invitation to accompany Lucien and me on a tour of Rhydin and Atrebla to provide such an opportunity.
Signed with wishes for your health and prosperity,
Topaz Datrazanov
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