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Into the Icy Darkness II: The Next Generation
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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1586446" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>“How!?” Raven hissed, altogether too loudly. Several heads turned in the direction of the small group, only to be dissuaded by a stare from Simeon. The young girl’s mind raced through the business dealings she knew her father was in, trying to find one that was in the least bit shady. She couldn’t.</p><p></p><p>“You are aware, m’lady, that there is an Imperial statute... put into effect by our beloved Emperor Lucius and Empress Siabrey, that forbids anyone from capturing and all except the Imperial family from owning dragons?” Eyrna raised an eyebrow, a smirk almost burrowing to the surface of her face, dying merely moments before it broached. </p><p></p><p>Raven stared at the woman in shocked silence. <em>Ari merely stays with my parents, and only for a few months. He ASKED to visit them. We don’t own him, no more than... Vintressa owns Valaron!</em> Harsh words threatened to explode from Raven’s mouth, but she bit her tongue. <em>I cannot give this woman more ammunition!</em></p><p></p><p>Eyrna, for her part, actually let her smile break through, in all of its sadistic glory. “Some sources tell me that currently in your father’s home is a most rare dragon... one that displays all the colors of a prism.” The lavender eyed beauty, rapped her delicate fingers along the tabletop. “And unfortunately, this information may find its way into Lord Elberron’s hands...”</p><p></p><p>“You wouldn’t dare!” Raven finally snapped. “Ari is not our property! He is merely staying with us! You have no-“ her rant suddenly sputtered to a halt, under the gaze of Vintressa and Valaron. It was then, she realized she’d made a critical error.</p><p></p><p>She’d admitted Ari was there in the first place. And Eyrna was already smiling triumphantly.</p><p></p><p>“Oh... so you admit the dragon’s presence? And his name is... Ari, you say?” her soprano purred, “Most interesting. Having such knowledge and not reporting it to the authorities would qualify as ‘aiding an offender,’” she smiled even brighter.</p><p></p><p>“What do you want?” Valaron growled, all civility lost in his mind. “It’s apparent your horrid stench wouldn’t be here and uttering threats against my friends unless you wanted something. Speak!” </p><p></p><p>Vintressa’s face winced at her brother’s words. <em>This has already entered an area of negotiation. They want something... but instead of negotiating, we’re hurling insults!</em> Glancing at the pair, she decided to take a page out of their book. Simeon Erelion was not speaking at all... and with Val’s temper, she probably shouldn’t either. She flashed Val a brief, but hard look, telling him she’d take over talking from now on.</p><p></p><p>“Oh... what do we want?” Eyrna casually swished her wineglass around, her eyes flitting above to the heavens. “Oh, I am afraid the price would be high... as the stake are high. Lady Dice,” she leaned towards Raven, “are you aware of what the penalty, according to the code, for owning a dragon?”</p><p></p><p>“We don’t own him! He is free! Merely staying with us!” Raven snarled, her eyes dangerous. <em>Don’t you DARE threaten my mother and father!</em> She felt a pair of hands grasp her shoulder, and pull her back... Vintressa once again.</p><p></p><p>The Crown Princess thanked her luck that she sat between Valaron and Raven, as she now hand hands planted firmly on both of their shoulders. While Valaron had a dress sword which could cause damage, the look in Raven’s eyes scared Vintressa a little. The girl looked as if she would be more than willing to kill Eyrna right here, on the spot.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, we know. Confiscation of estates, and twenty years in prison,” Vintressa said coolly, keeping her own violent emotions firmly under control. </p><p></p><p>The ‘Dragon Law’ had been issued to keep petchulant nobles from capturing and seizing baby dragons, and ‘brainwashing’ them into being slaves. After living beside, and serving with so many of the noble species, Lucius and Siabrey didn’t want to see their kind imprisoned and abused any longer.</p><p></p><p><em>I have no doubt that should the case go to trial, Raven’s parents would be found innocent,</em> Vintressa’s mind measured, <em>But the damage to their finances, their reputation and business would be catastrophic! Not to mention Imperial prestige!</em> her political jumped in. <em>If a close friend of the Emperor was even accused of violating such a contreversial law...</em> Her mind was already wrapping around how easy a case could be made by upstart nobles, such as the remnants of the Erelion family, to band the nobility together to try to oust the Emperor... again.</p><p></p><p>Matters were further complicated that until today, Ari had been hidden from the public. Considering how angry reaction was to the ‘Dragon Law,’ and the long history the Empire had of nobles capturing wyrmlings for their own devices, Lucius and Siabrey had thought it not wise to let word get around that the Imperial family was raising an extremely rare, and extremely powerful wyrmling dragon. Raising, in the eyes of many, would suspiciously look like what the nobles were banned from doing...</p><p></p><p>“Obviously you have evidence?” Vintressa replied to Eyrna, and the lavender eyed beauty nodded with the same damnable smile. Vintressa pursed her lips in thought.</p><p></p><p>“Well, then I am assuming that either you gave us this as a warning, or you wish to use this as a bargaining chip,” Vintressa replied, very little inflection in her voice, “and judging by our past family histories, I’m disinclined to believe that you would willingly do us a favor, no offense intended, m’lady. You are well aware that Lord Dice would undoubtedly be found innocent, however.”</p><p></p><p>Eyrna gave a small chuckle, which surprised the Princess. “You read us well, Highness. And as you are probably aware, the cost of such a trial could very well ruin them, as well as damage Imperial credibility... a great deal of damage. So,” her fluid voice continued, “you’ll understand if our demands are high.”</p><p></p><p><em>Understanding one’s enemy is paramount,</em> Eyrna heard her Uncle’s voice in her mind. <em>This is where your father failed... he doubted how strong and deep the Emperor’s support was. We shall not fail there... and thus we have strove to understand how the brain of those Caladrons work.</em> She gave a smile, as she realized how dead on her uncle’s assessment of Valaron and Vintressa was. And while this Raven Dice was an unexpected variable, her reactions seemed to mirror Valaron’s... </p><p></p><p><em>All to easy to predict,</em> was Eyrna’s present assessment of the three. </p><p></p><p>“We are... generous enough,” Eyrna’s use of the third word was twisted, “to give Your Highnesses some choices. The first, easiest choice, is for Valaron to declare his wish to be betrothed to myself,” Eyrna smiled. The Crown Prince immediately recoiled, eyes blazing fury, which caused Eyrna to laugh. </p><p></p><p>“The other option is for the three of you to go towards the North, and fetch an item for us,” Eyrna leaned towards them. Her eyes flecked towards Valaron. “If a trip is too arduous for you all, then I look forward to deflowering the Crown Prince,” she said suggestively. Her face broke into another grin as Val gave the response she expected... a string of curses under his breath, his eyes dangerous with anger.</p><p></p><p>Vintressa’s first instinct was the slap the woman, but her political mind took control too quickly for this instinct to ever come into her eyes. <em>What item?</em> her curiousity asked. Eyrna read the curiosity in the Princess’ mind.</p><p></p><p>“We’ll tell you the item at a later date... when our agents are able to inform you.”</p><p></p><p>Vintressa’s eyes narrowed, and she decided to play her trump card. “You seem to forget that we could just report this blackmail to Her Majesty,” Vintressa purposefully used her mother... the nobles feared her more, “and I guarantee you, it would be the end of House Erelion.” It was the Crown Princess’ turn to smile. </p><p></p><p>“Well then, Highness, I beg you look towards the upper balcony,” Eyrna motioned her towards a location behind her. </p><p></p><p>As Valaron, Vintressa and Raven looked upwards, they saw from one of the upper balconies of the ballroom the Emperor and Empress, watching the ball. The two were smiling at their free time, and talked and laughed. Behind them stood Hemmel, patiently waiting for an order from the Imperial Couple. The Empress’ fiery red eyes swept around the room, as Eyrna’s voice spoke again.</p><p></p><p>“I would have preferred to keep this surprise for a later date, but I suppose now is the best time to let you know of it,” Eyrna’s own face grew serious. “Your friend, Hemmel is it? Behind the Emperor and Empress,” Eyrna gestured backwards with her head again. </p><p></p><p>Vintressa’s mind quickly leaped towards the next, obvious statement, and her face fell. “No... no...” The Princess tensed her legs, ready to leap up and shout a warning, before Eyrna’s dark gaze rooted her in her seat.</p><p></p><p>“Do not motion or warn... else he will strike. I can tell you,” Eyrna leaned back, her smile one of triumph, “that when one can use one’s bare hands to remove heads, one does not need magic or weapons to be an assassin!” She then leaned forward, her face deadly. “Do not inform them of our little talk... otherwise you shall quickly find yourself Emperor Valaron... or would it be Empress Vintressa?”</p><p></p><p>The Crown Princess’ fury rose within her throat, but she quickly realized the hopelessness of their situation. Even as Siabrey’s eyes found the small group, Vintressa could see that Eyrna and Simeon continued to sit with their back to the balcony... the Emperor and Empress couldn’t see who they were. They would find out later, but who knew how long that would take. </p><p></p><p>Siabrey flashed a distant grin and gave a wave to her children.</p><p></p><p>“Wave,” Vintressa hissed, baring her teeth in the brightest smile her tense face could manage. Reluctantly, Valaron gave a cursory wave... something not out of his character when he didn’t want to be bothered. The two watched tensely as their mother said something with a smile to their father... never knowing they were under threat... the two then turned and left the balcony</p><p></p><p>“I trust we shall have your cooperation?” Eyrna watched their gaze return to her, taking joy at the unbridled hatred and fearful powerlessness in their eyes. “Or do you wish to be Emperor, or my bedmate?” she looked at Valaron again. He gave her another sneer, but before he could lunge Vintressa’s hands gripped his shoulder <em>hard</em>.</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” Vintressa said, between gritted teeth. </p><p></p><p>“Very well then... Highness, Lady Dice,” Eyrna rose and gave a smiling, demure bow that was filled with sarcasm only the three could see. “Stay quiet about this, and all shall remain well. Break out of line, and I regret what will become of your parents and families,” she added softly. “Expect to receive notice from one of our servants in the coming days for instructions. Good day,” she bowed again, and quietly she and Simeon removed themselves from the presence of the three.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1586446, member: 15043"] “How!?” Raven hissed, altogether too loudly. Several heads turned in the direction of the small group, only to be dissuaded by a stare from Simeon. The young girl’s mind raced through the business dealings she knew her father was in, trying to find one that was in the least bit shady. She couldn’t. “You are aware, m’lady, that there is an Imperial statute... put into effect by our beloved Emperor Lucius and Empress Siabrey, that forbids anyone from capturing and all except the Imperial family from owning dragons?” Eyrna raised an eyebrow, a smirk almost burrowing to the surface of her face, dying merely moments before it broached. Raven stared at the woman in shocked silence. [i]Ari merely stays with my parents, and only for a few months. He ASKED to visit them. We don’t own him, no more than... Vintressa owns Valaron![/i] Harsh words threatened to explode from Raven’s mouth, but she bit her tongue. [i]I cannot give this woman more ammunition![/i] Eyrna, for her part, actually let her smile break through, in all of its sadistic glory. “Some sources tell me that currently in your father’s home is a most rare dragon... one that displays all the colors of a prism.” The lavender eyed beauty, rapped her delicate fingers along the tabletop. “And unfortunately, this information may find its way into Lord Elberron’s hands...” “You wouldn’t dare!” Raven finally snapped. “Ari is not our property! He is merely staying with us! You have no-“ her rant suddenly sputtered to a halt, under the gaze of Vintressa and Valaron. It was then, she realized she’d made a critical error. She’d admitted Ari was there in the first place. And Eyrna was already smiling triumphantly. “Oh... so you admit the dragon’s presence? And his name is... Ari, you say?” her soprano purred, “Most interesting. Having such knowledge and not reporting it to the authorities would qualify as ‘aiding an offender,’” she smiled even brighter. “What do you want?” Valaron growled, all civility lost in his mind. “It’s apparent your horrid stench wouldn’t be here and uttering threats against my friends unless you wanted something. Speak!” Vintressa’s face winced at her brother’s words. [i]This has already entered an area of negotiation. They want something... but instead of negotiating, we’re hurling insults![/i] Glancing at the pair, she decided to take a page out of their book. Simeon Erelion was not speaking at all... and with Val’s temper, she probably shouldn’t either. She flashed Val a brief, but hard look, telling him she’d take over talking from now on. “Oh... what do we want?” Eyrna casually swished her wineglass around, her eyes flitting above to the heavens. “Oh, I am afraid the price would be high... as the stake are high. Lady Dice,” she leaned towards Raven, “are you aware of what the penalty, according to the code, for owning a dragon?” “We don’t own him! He is free! Merely staying with us!” Raven snarled, her eyes dangerous. [i]Don’t you DARE threaten my mother and father![/i] She felt a pair of hands grasp her shoulder, and pull her back... Vintressa once again. The Crown Princess thanked her luck that she sat between Valaron and Raven, as she now hand hands planted firmly on both of their shoulders. While Valaron had a dress sword which could cause damage, the look in Raven’s eyes scared Vintressa a little. The girl looked as if she would be more than willing to kill Eyrna right here, on the spot. “Yes, we know. Confiscation of estates, and twenty years in prison,” Vintressa said coolly, keeping her own violent emotions firmly under control. The ‘Dragon Law’ had been issued to keep petchulant nobles from capturing and seizing baby dragons, and ‘brainwashing’ them into being slaves. After living beside, and serving with so many of the noble species, Lucius and Siabrey didn’t want to see their kind imprisoned and abused any longer. [i]I have no doubt that should the case go to trial, Raven’s parents would be found innocent,[/i] Vintressa’s mind measured, [i]But the damage to their finances, their reputation and business would be catastrophic! Not to mention Imperial prestige![/i] her political jumped in. [i]If a close friend of the Emperor was even accused of violating such a contreversial law...[/i] Her mind was already wrapping around how easy a case could be made by upstart nobles, such as the remnants of the Erelion family, to band the nobility together to try to oust the Emperor... again. Matters were further complicated that until today, Ari had been hidden from the public. Considering how angry reaction was to the ‘Dragon Law,’ and the long history the Empire had of nobles capturing wyrmlings for their own devices, Lucius and Siabrey had thought it not wise to let word get around that the Imperial family was raising an extremely rare, and extremely powerful wyrmling dragon. Raising, in the eyes of many, would suspiciously look like what the nobles were banned from doing... “Obviously you have evidence?” Vintressa replied to Eyrna, and the lavender eyed beauty nodded with the same damnable smile. Vintressa pursed her lips in thought. “Well, then I am assuming that either you gave us this as a warning, or you wish to use this as a bargaining chip,” Vintressa replied, very little inflection in her voice, “and judging by our past family histories, I’m disinclined to believe that you would willingly do us a favor, no offense intended, m’lady. You are well aware that Lord Dice would undoubtedly be found innocent, however.” Eyrna gave a small chuckle, which surprised the Princess. “You read us well, Highness. And as you are probably aware, the cost of such a trial could very well ruin them, as well as damage Imperial credibility... a great deal of damage. So,” her fluid voice continued, “you’ll understand if our demands are high.” [i]Understanding one’s enemy is paramount,[/i] Eyrna heard her Uncle’s voice in her mind. [i]This is where your father failed... he doubted how strong and deep the Emperor’s support was. We shall not fail there... and thus we have strove to understand how the brain of those Caladrons work.[/i] She gave a smile, as she realized how dead on her uncle’s assessment of Valaron and Vintressa was. And while this Raven Dice was an unexpected variable, her reactions seemed to mirror Valaron’s... [i]All to easy to predict,[/i] was Eyrna’s present assessment of the three. “We are... generous enough,” Eyrna’s use of the third word was twisted, “to give Your Highnesses some choices. The first, easiest choice, is for Valaron to declare his wish to be betrothed to myself,” Eyrna smiled. The Crown Prince immediately recoiled, eyes blazing fury, which caused Eyrna to laugh. “The other option is for the three of you to go towards the North, and fetch an item for us,” Eyrna leaned towards them. Her eyes flecked towards Valaron. “If a trip is too arduous for you all, then I look forward to deflowering the Crown Prince,” she said suggestively. Her face broke into another grin as Val gave the response she expected... a string of curses under his breath, his eyes dangerous with anger. Vintressa’s first instinct was the slap the woman, but her political mind took control too quickly for this instinct to ever come into her eyes. [i]What item?[/i] her curiousity asked. Eyrna read the curiosity in the Princess’ mind. “We’ll tell you the item at a later date... when our agents are able to inform you.” Vintressa’s eyes narrowed, and she decided to play her trump card. “You seem to forget that we could just report this blackmail to Her Majesty,” Vintressa purposefully used her mother... the nobles feared her more, “and I guarantee you, it would be the end of House Erelion.” It was the Crown Princess’ turn to smile. “Well then, Highness, I beg you look towards the upper balcony,” Eyrna motioned her towards a location behind her. As Valaron, Vintressa and Raven looked upwards, they saw from one of the upper balconies of the ballroom the Emperor and Empress, watching the ball. The two were smiling at their free time, and talked and laughed. Behind them stood Hemmel, patiently waiting for an order from the Imperial Couple. The Empress’ fiery red eyes swept around the room, as Eyrna’s voice spoke again. “I would have preferred to keep this surprise for a later date, but I suppose now is the best time to let you know of it,” Eyrna’s own face grew serious. “Your friend, Hemmel is it? Behind the Emperor and Empress,” Eyrna gestured backwards with her head again. Vintressa’s mind quickly leaped towards the next, obvious statement, and her face fell. “No... no...” The Princess tensed her legs, ready to leap up and shout a warning, before Eyrna’s dark gaze rooted her in her seat. “Do not motion or warn... else he will strike. I can tell you,” Eyrna leaned back, her smile one of triumph, “that when one can use one’s bare hands to remove heads, one does not need magic or weapons to be an assassin!” She then leaned forward, her face deadly. “Do not inform them of our little talk... otherwise you shall quickly find yourself Emperor Valaron... or would it be Empress Vintressa?” The Crown Princess’ fury rose within her throat, but she quickly realized the hopelessness of their situation. Even as Siabrey’s eyes found the small group, Vintressa could see that Eyrna and Simeon continued to sit with their back to the balcony... the Emperor and Empress couldn’t see who they were. They would find out later, but who knew how long that would take. Siabrey flashed a distant grin and gave a wave to her children. “Wave,” Vintressa hissed, baring her teeth in the brightest smile her tense face could manage. Reluctantly, Valaron gave a cursory wave... something not out of his character when he didn’t want to be bothered. The two watched tensely as their mother said something with a smile to their father... never knowing they were under threat... the two then turned and left the balcony “I trust we shall have your cooperation?” Eyrna watched their gaze return to her, taking joy at the unbridled hatred and fearful powerlessness in their eyes. “Or do you wish to be Emperor, or my bedmate?” she looked at Valaron again. He gave her another sneer, but before he could lunge Vintressa’s hands gripped his shoulder [i]hard[/i]. “Yes,” Vintressa said, between gritted teeth. “Very well then... Highness, Lady Dice,” Eyrna rose and gave a smiling, demure bow that was filled with sarcasm only the three could see. “Stay quiet about this, and all shall remain well. Break out of line, and I regret what will become of your parents and families,” she added softly. “Expect to receive notice from one of our servants in the coming days for instructions. Good day,” she bowed again, and quietly she and Simeon removed themselves from the presence of the three. [/QUOTE]
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