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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1362179" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>This next section was typed up mostly by drag n fly... who had tons of fun reenacting the next meeting between the Princess and Siabrey...</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Of Princesses, Shouting Matches, and Old Friends</strong></p><p>A few hours later, the four rather happy lovers returned from their cleaning, smelling fresh and light. Lucius and Siabrey were clinging to each other, as for only the second time she could remember, Tess caught the scent of roses and lavender from Siabrey.</p><p></p><p>Shaun and Elenya giggled into the room as well, obviously in a good mood, also smelling to high heaven.</p><p></p><p><em>I hate to be the spoil-sport in this,</em> Tess thought sadly as she drew up alongside Lucius, and handed him the scroll. <em>Sorry, Luke... the Princess wants to bother you again.</em></p><p></p><p>Lucius took the scroll from Tess’ hands, his frustration and a hint of anger playing on his face, as he saw the large red wax seal, the face of Princess Zoe staring out at him..</p><p></p><p>“What is it, Luke,” Siabrey asked, sliding next to him. She peered around his shoulder, and her face went deep red with fury.</p><p></p><p><em>That… utter…wenching…</em>her mind snarled.</p><p></p><p>“That jackass of a tart!” she snapped as she scanned the contents of the summons.</p><p></p><p><em>My Dear Lord Lucius,</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>You and your “consort,” are hereby summoned to appear before Her Majesty, Princess Zoe Paleologus, at 8 PM on this day, the 15th day of the month, to give answer to questions and information Her Majesty doth wish to pose to you.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Hereby signed,</em></p><p></p><p>And the bottom was filled with a flashy, arrogant signature, that Siabrey could only make a “Z” out of.</p><p></p><p>“That complete and utter…” she began to snarl again, before Lucius began to shush her down. It didn’t work, as Siabrey’s red eyed fury then turned to Tess.</p><p></p><p>“Tess,” she asked, her voice harsh with anger at the unseen royal foe, “would you like to go in my place? I fear I shall say something… untowards? Vicious? Blunt?” she asked around for words before raising her arms in exasperation.</p><p></p><p>“And deal with that sad sack of crap for a woman? No, that’s your battle, dear,” Tess said quietly. <em>The summons demanded you, silly, I can’t go anyways!</em></p><p></p><p>“Siabrey, love… it’s an imperial summons… you must go,” Lucius said quietly. He then crumpled up the letter, and with his own fury, hefted the mass across the halls before storming off to his room. For the briefest moment, Siabrey caught a hint of magic fly between his fingers, before it vanished as he clenched and unclenched his fists.</p><p></p><p><em>I should go after him</em>, she thought quickly, before a strong arm on her shoulder caught her planned forward movement.</p><p></p><p>“Let him go for a bit, Siabrey,” Tess said quietly. “I have something important I must tell you… rather… Xanadu does. Please… it is about Lucius.” Siabrey stopped pulling forward, and spun around.</p><p></p><p>“Lucius?” her suddenly quavering voice asked. <em>What is wrong with him? What has his mother done to him now?</em> Tess nodded sadly, and slowly led Siabrey into the library.</p><p></p><p>“Xanadu?” Tess asked quietly, “I have Siabrey here… she… she should know.”</p><p></p><p>The wizard turned around, by now his eyes barely slits as lack of sleep had drawn them closed so close. He blinked hard, and then motioned for her to come closer. Siabrey came closer, and he patted a seat, in which she sat down.</p><p></p><p>“What is wrong with my Lucius?” she asked quietly. <em>Siabrey… assume the worst. Steel yourself. Is he dying? Is he hurting? Is he going evil…</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Will he hurt us?</em></p><p></p><p>“Siabrey,” Xanadu said very quietly, “Lucius is a very kind, very gentle boy. But… there are things I have discovered about him…things that are dark. And you have the right to know them, as his closest confidant,” the half elf’s voice said. His eyes were more open now, though it seemed he was focusing himself to try and keep them that way.</p><p></p><p>“I will be brief… Lucius has demonic blood in him.”</p><p></p><p><em>What does that mean?</em> Siabrey’s mind asked. <em>Will he at some point try to kill us? </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Does he still love me? Can he still love me?</em> Her mind began to enter a panic, as Tess gently laid a hand on top of hers.</p><p></p><p>“Do not panic yet, Siabrey… please… hear the wizard out.” Siabrey’s shaking heart slowed just a little, and she steeled herself to try and make her face one of blank understanding… an attempt that failed.</p><p></p><p>“Siabrey, do not be disturbed… all is not lost,” Xanadu said, looking deep into her eyes with a smile of hope. As Siabrey’s heart relaxed a little more, Xanadu continued on in a gentle voice, “while his blood means his instinctual calling is towards evil, you and your friends have helped hold him to the side of good; keeping him balanced while he learns to properly harness and control his sorcerer’s powers.”</p><p></p><p>“Controlling his powers?” Siabrey asked. <em>I don’t understand…</em></p><p></p><p>“Young sorcerers don’t have full control of their powers… they release them on instinct… when they are frightened, when they are hurt or scared. And as he leans towards the darker magic by nature…”</p><p></p><p>“He tends to release dark magic when he becomes scared or frightened,” Tess finished. “Especially when he is scared for <em>you</em>, Siabrey. He doesn’t do this intentionally… its his instinct.”</p><p></p><p><em>So… he’s going evil because of me now? I’m confused….</em> Siabrey’s mind wanted to cry.</p><p></p><p>“And that, dear lady, is what we need to harness and control,” Xanadu finished. “And fortunately,” he smiled, “there is a way to do that!”</p><p></p><p>“How!?” <em>Tell me how I can help Luke… I’ll do it! Tell me!</em></p><p></p><p>“To sum things up, we need a sword,” Xanadu began.</p><p></p><p>“A sword that has the soul of his friend imbedded in it,” Tess interrupted. Xanadu scowled at her, and she shrank back with a slightly embarrassed smile. Satisfied, the wizard continued.</p><p></p><p>“The sword has the soul of my old friend Ik-Mataar imbedded inside of it… he was a noted demon fighter. He’s very… um… opinionated? And controlling, and…well…” his voice trailed off for a second, before returning, “if we can get him… I mean him inside the sword, to Lucius, not only would your lord have a powerful weapon, but one that could guide him sharply towards the paths of righteousness.”</p><p></p><p>“Paths of Righteousness?” Siabrey asked. </p><p></p><p>“Staying on the good side of the street,” Tess offered, and Siabrey nodded. The fighter’s mind was now swimming with concepts she barely understood or didn’t know, and she sat confusedly for a couple seconds.</p><p></p><p>“Can I… should I tell Lucius?” she asked quietly.</p><p></p><p>“No… not yet,” Xanadu said, “though we should take him with us when we ride out tommorrow… or the next day, my dear. Likely the next, considering you have a princess to argue with…”</p><p></p><p><em>Right</em> her mind growled. “Well, I guess I better go get Lucius and get ready. Although it’ll take more time than we have to be dressed up enough for <em>Her Highness</em>.” The last two words were sneered as Siabrey turned and marched out of the room.</p><p></p><p>Tess and Xanadu exchanged a look. <em>Man, she REALLY doesn’t like the Princess.</em></p><p></p><p>After several hours of primping, grooming, and shining armor, the couple was ready to go. As they waved goodbye Siabrey’s sarcastic comment of “If we don’t come back by midnight, we’re probably in jail” echoed in the parties ears.</p><p></p><p><em>I wonder if the Princess will even be grateful that we saved her life</em> Siabrey sighed. </p><p></p><p>“Hey Lucius? Should I be blunt?” She ventured as they clanked down the street, both being clad in full battle armor.</p><p></p><p>He gave a wry grin. “Yeah, more gets accomplished when you’re less diplomatic. Remember the ball?”</p><p></p><p>She gave a short barking laugh. “Yeah, but somehow I doubt Zoe’s going to give you 500 archers if I mention peacocks.”</p><p></p><p>It was only a few minutes later when the two arrived outside the massive edifice of the Governor’s palace… its marble, bronze, and gilt spires and statures glinting in the moonlight.</p><p></p><p>“If she were a man,” Siabrey quietly commented, “I’d say she was overcompensating.” Lucius giggled quietly, and nodded. “You know what? She is a woman, and I <em>still</em> think she’s overcompensating,” he added. Siabrey gave him a playful shove before they came close enough to be seen. After their identities were announced, trumpets blared, and Siabrey’s mind grumbled:</p><p></p><p><em>Here comes stupid pomp and circumstance…</em></p><p></p><p>It was after several minutes of passing through receiving lines, overdressed guards, and lines upon lines of stern faced, Casalad Rangers that they arrived outside a set of large, bronze doors, the moniker of a massive dragon, its mouth agape, faced out from the center of each door.</p><p></p><p>“Her Imperial Majesty will see you now,” a robed chamberlain said in a stiff, formal accent, his bow full towards Lucius, and stunted towards Siabrey’s less than regal combat armor.</p><p></p><p><em>Stupid pompous…</em> her mind started, before being interrupted as the doors opened, and the true target of her annoyance and fury came into view.</p><p></p><p>Princess Zoe was sitting alone upon The Golden Dragon Throne, the gilt beasts head arching over her head, her hands drumming lightly upon one of its paws. Her dress was shimmering, iridescent, the very peak of Imperial flash and power.</p><p></p><p><em>Too bad that dragon can’t come alive and eat her. Then all our trouble would be over…</em> Siabrey hid her smile at the thought of Zoe being gobbled up by the gilt dragon.</p><p></p><p>She followed one pace behind Lucius, and bowed when he did. The Princess glared at that, as if she resented the fact that she had to converse with an obviously lower being such as Siabrey. The Princess leaned towards the left side of her throne, and continued drumming her fingers in an obviously annoyed gesture.</p><p></p><p>“I suppose I should say thank you.” Her voice echoed in the empty hall. “Keep in mind, however, that we are but temporary allies….after this affair with the Countess’s Rebellion is over, my memory is long and my vengence is swift.” She turned sharp brown eyes onto Lucius. “Are you still sure of your choice, My Lord.”</p><p></p><p>“Quite.” He extended an arm across Siabrey’s shoulders. She for her part continued glaring at the Princess. </p><p></p><p>“I have to admit, eventually I was going to force your Lordship to command the army, and after you had <em>lost</em>, I would take command and glory for myself. However, instead I will send you with a full force for your ‘desert’ mission on the morrow…” </p><p></p><p>Siabrey bristled. For some reason, the normal restraint she held for Lucius’ sake was very weak today. It probably had something to do with Lucius’ permission for her to be blunt.</p><p></p><p>“I have to admit, <em>Your Majesty</em>, that you are not nearly as much of a bitch as I first thought.”</p><p></p><p>The Princess turned steely brown eyes to the blonde-haired warrior. “And I must admit that you have skills other than those of a harlot. Although I still believe that you are a worthless tramp, and nothing less.”</p><p></p><p>“A worthless tramp that has stolen your political marriage from under your nose,” Siabrey took a step forward. The battle of wits was on.</p><p></p><p>The Princess’s eyes narrowed. “Let me remind you, <em>my dear</em>, that the only reason that I am not marrying Lord Lucius is because the betrothal papers were voided due to his mother’s rebellion.”</p><p></p><p>“And because he loves me.” Siabrey cocked her head with a nasty smile. “Something that perhaps you have never experienced, Princess?”</p><p></p><p>If looks could kill, Siabrey would have been drawn, quartered, and buried in the deepest foulest smelling pit in existence. “Love has no place in the Emperor’s Palace!” Zoe yelled.</p><p></p><p>“Oh really.” Siabrey appraised the Princess carefully. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I disagree. I believe that this Empire could be run much better if the heads of it were bound by love, rather than just a marriage for the sake of a pretty ‘mantlepiece’.”</p><p></p><p>“You seemed to have plenty fun with your ‘mantlepiece’ in the bathhouse this morning.” The Princess screeched, her face livid.</p><p></p><p>Siabrey blinked at that, but recovered quickly. “I see you must have spies everywhere. Tell me, after you read your report this morning, Your Majesty, I am guessing you wished you were in my place?”</p><p></p><p>During this entire exchange, Lucius had been looking rather like a turtle trying to draw into a shell. <em>My love having a verbal contest with the future ruler of the Empire…over me?</em> His head swam, and he was glad that they had forgotten him for the moment.</p><p></p><p>The Princess’s mouth hung open, but nothing but a few gasps escaped from her flapping lips. Siabrey watched for a few minutes, then smiled, satisfied that she had won the battle, and winked contemptuously.</p><p></p><p>“In the meanwhile, Your Majesty, I am guessing you had another reason for calling my lord and I here this evening?”</p><p></p><p>Zoe’s mouth hung open for a few more seconds, before she managed to swallow and find her voice.</p><p></p><p>“Ye..Yes. I have found advisors for you as a thank you for the other night.” She made a motions over he right shoulder, and a door at the far end of the hall opened, revealing two familiar figures.</p><p></p><p>“Hidalas! And is that…Dingalas!”</p><p></p><p>“Ah! Yes! It’s the pretty lady from Holstean!” the old man shuffled over, shaking slightly as he came. He held his hands out, and clasped hers within his.</p><p></p><p>“You are still as pretty as when I saw you in Holstean, when we… um… went out to see… the goblin?” He cocked his head to the side in confusion, “We saw a goblin, didn’t we?”</p><p></p><p><em>He is going to be our advisor?</em> part of Siabrey’s mind asked as she smiled quietly. “No Dingalas,” she smiled sweetly, “we fought some goblins.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah… yes,” the old man muttered with a smile. “Yes we did… I had to leave from my farm… orcs came in and tried to harass me. They found out the hard way that gardening hoes have sharp ends!”</p><p></p><p>Hidalas in the meantime had made a quick move towards his former student, and the two were clasped in an embrace. Hidalas then pushed away from Lucius slightly.</p><p></p><p>“So boy! I hear you fought demons and assassins, and monsters of all kinds! And you have maintained yourself in a regal manner!” he pulled Lucius close again. “I’m proud of you!”</p><p></p><p>The smile Lucius had one his face was a mixture of happiness and relief as he finally earned a large chunk of praise from his normally stern tutor. “Thank you, Hidalas,” he said quietly. <em>Regal? What?</em> Lucius’ mind thought quickly. <em>I hope he doesn’t find out about me and Siabrey…</em></p><p></p><p>Hidalas’ then turned his attention towards Siabrey, and then shook her hand warmly. “Siabrey, great fighter of Mephys… it is good to see you are safe and sound!” he smiled genuinely.</p><p></p><p>“I am glad to see that you survived the fight at Kulloden, Hidalas,” Siabrey said in return, her smile nervous as she looked at Lucius. <em>I hope that he doesn’t find out about me and Lucius…</em></p><p></p><p>Hidalas saw the look between the two, and his brow furrowed for a minute, just as Dingalas shuffled over to Lucius. The war cleric’s mind evidently suspected something, but didn’t fully accept what his instincts were telling him. Siabrey saw the momentary look of confusion.</p><p></p><p><em>Oh no!</em> her mind panicked, and she quickly drew Hidalas aside as Dingalas began to harass Lucius in an absent-minded, well meaning manner.</p><p></p><p>“Hidalas?” she asked hurriedly, hoping to distact the cleric from his suspicions, “is Dingalas really an <em>advisor</em> to Lucius?” She was rewarded as the cleric’s brow unfurrowed momentarily. </p><p></p><p>“No… he’s more of a… moral support,” Hidalas said after a few moments of thought. Siabrey breathed two sighs of relief… one that Dingalas would not be rendering any military advice, the other that Hidalas had been distracted. The cleric then turned from the greeting towards Her Majesty, and Siabrey’s second sigh of relief was stolen as by a gust of wind.</p><p></p><p>Zoe’s face was still pale, and anger still held within her eyes… anger pointed directly at Siabrey. </p><p></p><p>Hidalas looked at Zoe, looked at Siabrey, and finally put two and two together. “Are you and Lucius…”</p><p></p><p>“um… well…” Siabrey began to stutter. <em>How do I explain to his </em> TUTOR <em>that I…</em> “I… um… well…”</p><p></p><p>“Have you two?” Hidalas began, his voice trailing off ominously. Lucius heard the growing concern mixed with anger in Hidalas’ voice, and he slinked away from the old man towards Siabrey. Dingalas meanwhile wandered towards the throne, and the Princess found herself the target of his absent minded “friendliness.”</p><p></p><p>“Um… Hidalas?” Lucius said quietly. “I need to tell you something…” Lucius began, and Hidalas went white.</p><p></p><p>“Does she know?” he hissed to Lucius, his voice quiet and sharp. Lucius nodded, and Hidalas’ face became more pale than a full moon.</p><p></p><p>“How could you!?” he hissed in Lucius’ ear. “The Imperial throne?! For one time, on a whim! How…”</p><p></p><p>“It wasn’t one time,” Siabrey said, not as quiet as Lucius on purpose. <em>I want the old witch up on that throne to know HOW MUCH she has been missing!</em> “There was the time in the Temple… then the other Temple… then…”</p><p></p><p>Hidalas covered his ears, muttering, “we will discuss this after we get outside!” </p><p></p><p>AS the party made hurried bows, Lucius pulling back Dingalas from the Imperial throne. The Princess gave a curt nod, the closest that anyone would ever get her to being grateful, as Hidalas practically dragged Siabrey out into the hallway.</p><p></p><p>“You did what with Lord Lucius!” he snapped at her. “How could you, you little… ah! I don’t know what to say! You know you cost him an Empire! An EMPIRE! Do you realize this!? I don’t understand! I don’t know why… or how!? How old are you?! He’s so much younger than you!? How… AUGH!” Hidalas shook and threw his hands up in the air in exasperation, his mind not able to wrap around the concept.</p><p></p><p>“Siabrey,” Lucius said quietly to Siabrey, “I think he’s going to keep reminding me about this for <em>years</em> and <em>years…</em>….” </p><p></p><p>“You aren’t even a noble!” Hidalas cried again as the party was almost leaving the Palace. At this remark, Siabrey had enough, and spun around to face the older man.</p><p></p><p>“I will inform you… <em>sir</em>,” she said curtly, “I have noble blood in my veins… from the Sipner family in the Eastern parts of the Empire!” </p><p></p><p>Hidalas shook his head viciously, and held his breath for an ungodly long amount of time before he finally blurted out, “I won’t talk about it anymore. I won’t,” he declared. “I won’t talk about you and Lucius sleeping together or making children or anything of the sort!” he said in annoyed resignation.</p><p></p><p>“What about beeping weather and Mildred?” Dingalas said quietly, looking as confused as everyone else.</p><p></p><p>The group then went back to the temple, where Dingalas and Hidalas found themselves surrounded and introduced to many they had not yet met. As the greetins died away, Hidalas cleared his throat.</p><p></p><p>“I wish I could come greeting old friends with happy news... but sadly I cannot...”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1362179, member: 15043"] This next section was typed up mostly by drag n fly... who had tons of fun reenacting the next meeting between the Princess and Siabrey... [b]Of Princesses, Shouting Matches, and Old Friends[/b] A few hours later, the four rather happy lovers returned from their cleaning, smelling fresh and light. Lucius and Siabrey were clinging to each other, as for only the second time she could remember, Tess caught the scent of roses and lavender from Siabrey. Shaun and Elenya giggled into the room as well, obviously in a good mood, also smelling to high heaven. [i]I hate to be the spoil-sport in this,[/i] Tess thought sadly as she drew up alongside Lucius, and handed him the scroll. [i]Sorry, Luke... the Princess wants to bother you again.[/i] Lucius took the scroll from Tess’ hands, his frustration and a hint of anger playing on his face, as he saw the large red wax seal, the face of Princess Zoe staring out at him.. “What is it, Luke,” Siabrey asked, sliding next to him. She peered around his shoulder, and her face went deep red with fury. [I]That… utter…wenching…[/I]her mind snarled. “That jackass of a tart!” she snapped as she scanned the contents of the summons. [I]My Dear Lord Lucius, You and your “consort,” are hereby summoned to appear before Her Majesty, Princess Zoe Paleologus, at 8 PM on this day, the 15th day of the month, to give answer to questions and information Her Majesty doth wish to pose to you. Hereby signed,[/I] And the bottom was filled with a flashy, arrogant signature, that Siabrey could only make a “Z” out of. “That complete and utter…” she began to snarl again, before Lucius began to shush her down. It didn’t work, as Siabrey’s red eyed fury then turned to Tess. “Tess,” she asked, her voice harsh with anger at the unseen royal foe, “would you like to go in my place? I fear I shall say something… untowards? Vicious? Blunt?” she asked around for words before raising her arms in exasperation. “And deal with that sad sack of crap for a woman? No, that’s your battle, dear,” Tess said quietly. [I]The summons demanded you, silly, I can’t go anyways![/I] “Siabrey, love… it’s an imperial summons… you must go,” Lucius said quietly. He then crumpled up the letter, and with his own fury, hefted the mass across the halls before storming off to his room. For the briefest moment, Siabrey caught a hint of magic fly between his fingers, before it vanished as he clenched and unclenched his fists. [I]I should go after him[/I], she thought quickly, before a strong arm on her shoulder caught her planned forward movement. “Let him go for a bit, Siabrey,” Tess said quietly. “I have something important I must tell you… rather… Xanadu does. Please… it is about Lucius.” Siabrey stopped pulling forward, and spun around. “Lucius?” her suddenly quavering voice asked. [I]What is wrong with him? What has his mother done to him now?[/I] Tess nodded sadly, and slowly led Siabrey into the library. “Xanadu?” Tess asked quietly, “I have Siabrey here… she… she should know.” The wizard turned around, by now his eyes barely slits as lack of sleep had drawn them closed so close. He blinked hard, and then motioned for her to come closer. Siabrey came closer, and he patted a seat, in which she sat down. “What is wrong with my Lucius?” she asked quietly. [I]Siabrey… assume the worst. Steel yourself. Is he dying? Is he hurting? Is he going evil… Will he hurt us?[/I] “Siabrey,” Xanadu said very quietly, “Lucius is a very kind, very gentle boy. But… there are things I have discovered about him…things that are dark. And you have the right to know them, as his closest confidant,” the half elf’s voice said. His eyes were more open now, though it seemed he was focusing himself to try and keep them that way. “I will be brief… Lucius has demonic blood in him.” [I]What does that mean?[/I] Siabrey’s mind asked. [I]Will he at some point try to kill us? Does he still love me? Can he still love me?[/I] Her mind began to enter a panic, as Tess gently laid a hand on top of hers. “Do not panic yet, Siabrey… please… hear the wizard out.” Siabrey’s shaking heart slowed just a little, and she steeled herself to try and make her face one of blank understanding… an attempt that failed. “Siabrey, do not be disturbed… all is not lost,” Xanadu said, looking deep into her eyes with a smile of hope. As Siabrey’s heart relaxed a little more, Xanadu continued on in a gentle voice, “while his blood means his instinctual calling is towards evil, you and your friends have helped hold him to the side of good; keeping him balanced while he learns to properly harness and control his sorcerer’s powers.” “Controlling his powers?” Siabrey asked. [I]I don’t understand…[/I] “Young sorcerers don’t have full control of their powers… they release them on instinct… when they are frightened, when they are hurt or scared. And as he leans towards the darker magic by nature…” “He tends to release dark magic when he becomes scared or frightened,” Tess finished. “Especially when he is scared for [I]you[/I], Siabrey. He doesn’t do this intentionally… its his instinct.” [I]So… he’s going evil because of me now? I’m confused….[/I] Siabrey’s mind wanted to cry. “And that, dear lady, is what we need to harness and control,” Xanadu finished. “And fortunately,” he smiled, “there is a way to do that!” “How!?” [I]Tell me how I can help Luke… I’ll do it! Tell me![/I] “To sum things up, we need a sword,” Xanadu began. “A sword that has the soul of his friend imbedded in it,” Tess interrupted. Xanadu scowled at her, and she shrank back with a slightly embarrassed smile. Satisfied, the wizard continued. “The sword has the soul of my old friend Ik-Mataar imbedded inside of it… he was a noted demon fighter. He’s very… um… opinionated? And controlling, and…well…” his voice trailed off for a second, before returning, “if we can get him… I mean him inside the sword, to Lucius, not only would your lord have a powerful weapon, but one that could guide him sharply towards the paths of righteousness.” “Paths of Righteousness?” Siabrey asked. “Staying on the good side of the street,” Tess offered, and Siabrey nodded. The fighter’s mind was now swimming with concepts she barely understood or didn’t know, and she sat confusedly for a couple seconds. “Can I… should I tell Lucius?” she asked quietly. “No… not yet,” Xanadu said, “though we should take him with us when we ride out tommorrow… or the next day, my dear. Likely the next, considering you have a princess to argue with…” [I]Right[/I] her mind growled. “Well, I guess I better go get Lucius and get ready. Although it’ll take more time than we have to be dressed up enough for [I]Her Highness[/I].” The last two words were sneered as Siabrey turned and marched out of the room. Tess and Xanadu exchanged a look. [I]Man, she REALLY doesn’t like the Princess.[/I] After several hours of primping, grooming, and shining armor, the couple was ready to go. As they waved goodbye Siabrey’s sarcastic comment of “If we don’t come back by midnight, we’re probably in jail” echoed in the parties ears. [I]I wonder if the Princess will even be grateful that we saved her life[/I] Siabrey sighed. “Hey Lucius? Should I be blunt?” She ventured as they clanked down the street, both being clad in full battle armor. He gave a wry grin. “Yeah, more gets accomplished when you’re less diplomatic. Remember the ball?” She gave a short barking laugh. “Yeah, but somehow I doubt Zoe’s going to give you 500 archers if I mention peacocks.” It was only a few minutes later when the two arrived outside the massive edifice of the Governor’s palace… its marble, bronze, and gilt spires and statures glinting in the moonlight. “If she were a man,” Siabrey quietly commented, “I’d say she was overcompensating.” Lucius giggled quietly, and nodded. “You know what? She is a woman, and I [I]still[/I] think she’s overcompensating,” he added. Siabrey gave him a playful shove before they came close enough to be seen. After their identities were announced, trumpets blared, and Siabrey’s mind grumbled: [I]Here comes stupid pomp and circumstance…[/I] It was after several minutes of passing through receiving lines, overdressed guards, and lines upon lines of stern faced, Casalad Rangers that they arrived outside a set of large, bronze doors, the moniker of a massive dragon, its mouth agape, faced out from the center of each door. “Her Imperial Majesty will see you now,” a robed chamberlain said in a stiff, formal accent, his bow full towards Lucius, and stunted towards Siabrey’s less than regal combat armor. [I]Stupid pompous…[/I] her mind started, before being interrupted as the doors opened, and the true target of her annoyance and fury came into view. Princess Zoe was sitting alone upon The Golden Dragon Throne, the gilt beasts head arching over her head, her hands drumming lightly upon one of its paws. Her dress was shimmering, iridescent, the very peak of Imperial flash and power. [I]Too bad that dragon can’t come alive and eat her. Then all our trouble would be over…[/I] Siabrey hid her smile at the thought of Zoe being gobbled up by the gilt dragon. She followed one pace behind Lucius, and bowed when he did. The Princess glared at that, as if she resented the fact that she had to converse with an obviously lower being such as Siabrey. The Princess leaned towards the left side of her throne, and continued drumming her fingers in an obviously annoyed gesture. “I suppose I should say thank you.” Her voice echoed in the empty hall. “Keep in mind, however, that we are but temporary allies….after this affair with the Countess’s Rebellion is over, my memory is long and my vengence is swift.” She turned sharp brown eyes onto Lucius. “Are you still sure of your choice, My Lord.” “Quite.” He extended an arm across Siabrey’s shoulders. She for her part continued glaring at the Princess. “I have to admit, eventually I was going to force your Lordship to command the army, and after you had [I]lost[/I], I would take command and glory for myself. However, instead I will send you with a full force for your ‘desert’ mission on the morrow…” Siabrey bristled. For some reason, the normal restraint she held for Lucius’ sake was very weak today. It probably had something to do with Lucius’ permission for her to be blunt. “I have to admit, [I]Your Majesty[/I], that you are not nearly as much of a bitch as I first thought.” The Princess turned steely brown eyes to the blonde-haired warrior. “And I must admit that you have skills other than those of a harlot. Although I still believe that you are a worthless tramp, and nothing less.” “A worthless tramp that has stolen your political marriage from under your nose,” Siabrey took a step forward. The battle of wits was on. The Princess’s eyes narrowed. “Let me remind you, [I]my dear[/I], that the only reason that I am not marrying Lord Lucius is because the betrothal papers were voided due to his mother’s rebellion.” “And because he loves me.” Siabrey cocked her head with a nasty smile. “Something that perhaps you have never experienced, Princess?” If looks could kill, Siabrey would have been drawn, quartered, and buried in the deepest foulest smelling pit in existence. “Love has no place in the Emperor’s Palace!” Zoe yelled. “Oh really.” Siabrey appraised the Princess carefully. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I disagree. I believe that this Empire could be run much better if the heads of it were bound by love, rather than just a marriage for the sake of a pretty ‘mantlepiece’.” “You seemed to have plenty fun with your ‘mantlepiece’ in the bathhouse this morning.” The Princess screeched, her face livid. Siabrey blinked at that, but recovered quickly. “I see you must have spies everywhere. Tell me, after you read your report this morning, Your Majesty, I am guessing you wished you were in my place?” During this entire exchange, Lucius had been looking rather like a turtle trying to draw into a shell. [I]My love having a verbal contest with the future ruler of the Empire…over me?[/I] His head swam, and he was glad that they had forgotten him for the moment. The Princess’s mouth hung open, but nothing but a few gasps escaped from her flapping lips. Siabrey watched for a few minutes, then smiled, satisfied that she had won the battle, and winked contemptuously. “In the meanwhile, Your Majesty, I am guessing you had another reason for calling my lord and I here this evening?” Zoe’s mouth hung open for a few more seconds, before she managed to swallow and find her voice. “Ye..Yes. I have found advisors for you as a thank you for the other night.” She made a motions over he right shoulder, and a door at the far end of the hall opened, revealing two familiar figures. “Hidalas! And is that…Dingalas!” “Ah! Yes! It’s the pretty lady from Holstean!” the old man shuffled over, shaking slightly as he came. He held his hands out, and clasped hers within his. “You are still as pretty as when I saw you in Holstean, when we… um… went out to see… the goblin?” He cocked his head to the side in confusion, “We saw a goblin, didn’t we?” [I]He is going to be our advisor?[/I] part of Siabrey’s mind asked as she smiled quietly. “No Dingalas,” she smiled sweetly, “we fought some goblins.” “Ah… yes,” the old man muttered with a smile. “Yes we did… I had to leave from my farm… orcs came in and tried to harass me. They found out the hard way that gardening hoes have sharp ends!” Hidalas in the meantime had made a quick move towards his former student, and the two were clasped in an embrace. Hidalas then pushed away from Lucius slightly. “So boy! I hear you fought demons and assassins, and monsters of all kinds! And you have maintained yourself in a regal manner!” he pulled Lucius close again. “I’m proud of you!” The smile Lucius had one his face was a mixture of happiness and relief as he finally earned a large chunk of praise from his normally stern tutor. “Thank you, Hidalas,” he said quietly. [I]Regal? What?[/I] Lucius’ mind thought quickly. [I]I hope he doesn’t find out about me and Siabrey…[/I] Hidalas’ then turned his attention towards Siabrey, and then shook her hand warmly. “Siabrey, great fighter of Mephys… it is good to see you are safe and sound!” he smiled genuinely. “I am glad to see that you survived the fight at Kulloden, Hidalas,” Siabrey said in return, her smile nervous as she looked at Lucius. [I]I hope that he doesn’t find out about me and Lucius…[/I] Hidalas saw the look between the two, and his brow furrowed for a minute, just as Dingalas shuffled over to Lucius. The war cleric’s mind evidently suspected something, but didn’t fully accept what his instincts were telling him. Siabrey saw the momentary look of confusion. [I]Oh no![/I] her mind panicked, and she quickly drew Hidalas aside as Dingalas began to harass Lucius in an absent-minded, well meaning manner. “Hidalas?” she asked hurriedly, hoping to distact the cleric from his suspicions, “is Dingalas really an [I]advisor[/I] to Lucius?” She was rewarded as the cleric’s brow unfurrowed momentarily. “No… he’s more of a… moral support,” Hidalas said after a few moments of thought. Siabrey breathed two sighs of relief… one that Dingalas would not be rendering any military advice, the other that Hidalas had been distracted. The cleric then turned from the greeting towards Her Majesty, and Siabrey’s second sigh of relief was stolen as by a gust of wind. Zoe’s face was still pale, and anger still held within her eyes… anger pointed directly at Siabrey. Hidalas looked at Zoe, looked at Siabrey, and finally put two and two together. “Are you and Lucius…” “um… well…” Siabrey began to stutter. [I]How do I explain to his [/I] TUTOR [I]that I…[/I] “I… um… well…” “Have you two?” Hidalas began, his voice trailing off ominously. Lucius heard the growing concern mixed with anger in Hidalas’ voice, and he slinked away from the old man towards Siabrey. Dingalas meanwhile wandered towards the throne, and the Princess found herself the target of his absent minded “friendliness.” “Um… Hidalas?” Lucius said quietly. “I need to tell you something…” Lucius began, and Hidalas went white. “Does she know?” he hissed to Lucius, his voice quiet and sharp. Lucius nodded, and Hidalas’ face became more pale than a full moon. “How could you!?” he hissed in Lucius’ ear. “The Imperial throne?! For one time, on a whim! How…” “It wasn’t one time,” Siabrey said, not as quiet as Lucius on purpose. [I]I want the old witch up on that throne to know HOW MUCH she has been missing![/I] “There was the time in the Temple… then the other Temple… then…” Hidalas covered his ears, muttering, “we will discuss this after we get outside!” AS the party made hurried bows, Lucius pulling back Dingalas from the Imperial throne. The Princess gave a curt nod, the closest that anyone would ever get her to being grateful, as Hidalas practically dragged Siabrey out into the hallway. “You did what with Lord Lucius!” he snapped at her. “How could you, you little… ah! I don’t know what to say! You know you cost him an Empire! An EMPIRE! Do you realize this!? I don’t understand! I don’t know why… or how!? How old are you?! He’s so much younger than you!? How… AUGH!” Hidalas shook and threw his hands up in the air in exasperation, his mind not able to wrap around the concept. “Siabrey,” Lucius said quietly to Siabrey, “I think he’s going to keep reminding me about this for [I]years[/I] and [I]years…[/I]….” “You aren’t even a noble!” Hidalas cried again as the party was almost leaving the Palace. At this remark, Siabrey had enough, and spun around to face the older man. “I will inform you… [I]sir[/I],” she said curtly, “I have noble blood in my veins… from the Sipner family in the Eastern parts of the Empire!” Hidalas shook his head viciously, and held his breath for an ungodly long amount of time before he finally blurted out, “I won’t talk about it anymore. I won’t,” he declared. “I won’t talk about you and Lucius sleeping together or making children or anything of the sort!” he said in annoyed resignation. “What about beeping weather and Mildred?” Dingalas said quietly, looking as confused as everyone else. The group then went back to the temple, where Dingalas and Hidalas found themselves surrounded and introduced to many they had not yet met. As the greetins died away, Hidalas cleared his throat. “I wish I could come greeting old friends with happy news... but sadly I cannot...” [/QUOTE]
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