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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 3191327" data-attributes="member: 3448">A guard politely rapped on the door and then spoke quietly with Dame Brionna.She turned to Alistair, a quizzical expression on her face.  “We have a message from the chamberlain.  The Royal Cousin approaches.”“The Royal Cousin?” asked Kit.“Lady Mathilde Ashberry, the Regent for the Crescent Cities Alliance on Khamista,” replied Alistair. “I’ve never met her, but she was my grandmother’s first cousin.”“She is approaching the capital in three human-made vollers.  One is quite large, the other two are between the size of battlebarges and schooners.”“I’m surprised she missed the funeral,” said Kit.“That was probably deliberate,” replied Dame Brionna.  “By arriving this late, she ensured that her presence will not create any difficulties with the succession.  Due to the awkward nature of Alistair’s birth, she would have been able to assert a fairly decent claim if she had wished to, especially with her military support.  This way, there is no difficulty.”The entire group went to the air dock to await Lady Mathilde’s arrival.  The banners on the skyships depicted a moon surrounded by a crescent of seven stars, clearly showing the influence of elven symbology.  And as the ship approached, it became clear that much of the crew was half-elven, with a handful of full elves as well.An elderly woman, with the same marks of old age that Amelia had had, descended the gangplank.  Based on her tentative movements and a guide beside her, she appeared to be blind.  A bird with bright plumage also attended on her with an oddly attentive manner.  A small entourage, including a Glor’diadelian bishop and several knights descended after her.“Welcome, cousin.  You honor us with your presence.”“Alistair?” Lady Mathilde turned in his direction and reached out a hand.  “It’s so good to finally meet you, although I wish it could have been while dear Amelia still lived.  You worried us all so much when you ran off.”“And I am sorry for that, cousin.  I, too, wish that you were visiting under happier circumstances.”“And I suppose you’ve been dealing with the extra difficulty of having Amelia’s servants killing themselves in a misguided display of loyalty?”“Yes… we’ve tried to discourage them, but…  My only hope is that I will be able to prevent the tradition from continuing when I pass.”“We must hope.  With the current group, if Amelia couldn’t convince them not to, there is nothing you could do.” Lady Mathilde paused.  “It will not be long before my realm goes through a similar tradition-- the heirs are almost of age, and it is tiring.  I have absolutely forbidden any displays of loyalty to me when I pass.   I think I confused and horrified them when I gave that command-- I don’t think they have that tradition in their land.  But it made me feel better to give the command, nonetheless.”A very young knight from Lady Mathilde’s entourage coughed quietly in a lull in the conversation.  “From the people of the Crescent Cities Alliance.”  He handed an unadorned wooden case to Dame Brionna.  “The gem within is effective but three times a year, but its power is unavoidable.  It can compel anyone but a Noldar or an Eldar to speak the truth for a full minute.”“We thank you for this most generous gift and will think of your realm whenever we have call to use it.”“We must have tea later,” said Lady Mathilde, “but I think I must rest now.”Alistair offered her the use of one of the familial guest quarters, and she retired with her entourage.  The Archducal Council set off towards Alistair’s chambers to continue its work.</blockquote>

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