Emperor Valerian
First Post
A Happy Day as Darkness Looms Ahead... and An Unhappy Empress
Within seconds they had their chance to tell the first person to wander into their room... Tess. She carried in her hands the beautiful dress she had worn to the concert... clean and fresh. The only way Lucius and Siabrey were able to figure out it was her glammered armor was by the fact Tess seemed to need effort to carry it in one hand.
“Here!” she said with s smile, “use that for your wedding dress. I’ll stay and help you pick out one.” Siabrey took the armor, and looked it over, confused.
“How do I change it?”
“You just have to think about what you want it to be... then it’ll change,” Tess calmly explained. Lucius meanwhile had dashed out of the room, and momentarily returned with a drowsy looking Shaun and a giddy Elenya!
Siabrey and Elenya both squealed when they saw each other, and rocked as they collided and hugged. Lucius took a look at Shaun, who was looking fully conscious now.
“So...” Shaun started, and Luke grinned, “You’re tying the knot tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” Lucius sighed, “Things are going to get rough, and I wanted to make sure I did everything I wanted before...” his voice trailed off, and Shaun put a hand on his shoulder.
“Oh, you’ll be back,” he grinned, “the question is... will you survive your honeymoon then?” Shaun raised an eyebrow at Luke, who punched his shoulder playfully.
“The question, my dear man, should be whether you’ll survive yours!” Luke laughed. “I saw what was scribbled in the back of that Sune book... and it was Elenya’s handwriting... speaking of which... when are you getting the deed done?”
“I dunno... wait...” Shaun’s eyes lit up. “I have an idea!”
“What?” Lucius looked a little concerned, as Shaun dashed over to where the three girls were excitedly talking, and slid into the middle of them. He grabbed Elenya and pulled her till he could whisper in her ear, and Luke saw her eyes go wide and a giggly, ”Yes!” burst from her lips. The girls talked for only a few seconds, before the squeals came again, and Shaun walked back over, looking exceedingly proud of himself.
“What did you do?” Luke asked.
“I proposed a joint ceremony...” Shaun grinned.
Thanks to Alexander, the group had access to couriers, and now they used that information to send messengers to Alexander himself, Siabrey’s mother, Pellaron, Xanadu and Alisandra, inviting them to the ceremony. Additionally, a messenger was sent to the local High Priest of Pelor, requesting use of a side chapel early on the morrow for the ceremony, as well as his presence as a witness (Tess’ idea, to prevent machinations from the Empress). Lucius then got an evil grin, and proposed after the ceremony that the union be formally announced in the Imperial palace to the Empress, before the two couples went off for their 18-20 hour “honeymoons.” Siabrey especially loved the idea, and plans were made.
Alexander was the first of the messaged to arrive, and even though he was still in his nightie (and likely had gotten perhaps three hours sleep since the party came to the palace), he dragged Lucius off with the statement, “Son, this calls for a celebration! You need some fine brandy! And I’ll get you some proper clothes for the morning!”
Xanadu was the next to arrive, beaming like a proud father looking at his children. Pellaron and the other paladins arrived next... clad in full armor. Their message, for security reasons, had not stated what was happening... merely that they were needed at the Palace. They came expecting trouble, and instead found themselves in the middle of a growing occasion...
...and of course, Pellaron agreed to officiate the ceremony.
Early the next morning, before the sun even rose, the party awoke from their curtailed sleeps, and began preparing.
Tess took Siabrey into her room, and helped the girl select a rich, vibrant dress...a very pale yellow, once again backless so her wings were free. Tess then gave her most of her jewelry... earrings (which magically helped Siabrey look even better), her rings, bracelets, and finally, her eversmelling rose. After Siabrey’s hair was formally put up in an elegant manner, and the tiara she’d worn to the gala placed on her head, Tess pronounced her, “heart-stopping.”
Then it was Elenya’s turn. The barmaid had her own jewelry, unlike Siabrey, so Tess’ assistance was not required there. From somewhere (Neither her, nor Shaun would say where... Tess imagined some tailor was now possessing an extra broken window and missing a clothing item) she had obtained a snow white gown. Tess recommended she needed some diamonds to go with it, and Elenya casts a minor illusion on her dress, causing the appearance of numerous fine gemstones in all the appropriate spots. After her dark hair was properly done up, Tess fetched the tiara Elenya had worn to the gala so long ago, and set it on her head.
The three then left the palace in a carriage Alexander himself had set up, and rode towards the Temple of Pelor. The red rays of the rising sun glinted off of the gilt parts of their formal carriage, as the three held their breath, and the Temple loomed into view, its columns and marquees blazing bright in the morning glory.
Footmen help them out of the carriage, and the three walk into the cavernous foyer of hte Temple, only to be surprised; The High Priest, in his glorious yellow and white robes of the Sun Disk, greeted them in person, and led them away from the main public sanctuary to a private chapel to the side. The chapel was rather plan compared to the glories of the main sanctuary, but it had well apportioned pews, an elegant wooden pulpit to the front , elegant candlabras and incense burners, and walls decorated in bright, colorful tapestries.
As they entered, Siabrey saw a familiar face, and dashed over to give Stodiana a bear’s hug. Lady Sipner did not bearhug her child as normal... her hug was loving but careful, meant to not disturb the angelic being that her child had been transformed into.
To the front stood Xanadu, clad in robes that, while not formal, were far better than anything they’d ever seen him wear in half elf form. Sitting in the front was also the small dwarven form of Alisandra, her eyes bright but bleary from lack of sleep; she’d clearly come straight from studying. Finally, to the front, was Pellaron, his armor gone and replaced by the white robes of a priest of Hieroneous... a most unusual sight in the Temple of Pelor. The robes hung thin, revealing how small his true elven form was when he was not clad in bulky armor.
Tess took a position to the side of the chapel, and with her harp began gently playing melodies of love and happiness. The two brides went to the front, and looked over their spare audience... Siabrey’s mother, Alisandra, Pelee, Aristophle, and the newly healed Igbar, and surprisingly, Hidalas, who clasped Siabrey and Elenya close, congratulating them and thanking them for making sure his charge was safe.
A few minutes passed, before they heard the small murmur of morning worshipers in the foyer outside suddenly hush. The High Priest opened the doors of the chapel again, and both brides had barely a chance to gasp, as Lucius and Shaun walked in, side by side, Alexander himself behind them.
Shaun was clad in an elegant set of white clothing... a cloak as pure as morning snow, a snow white tunic and laces. He wore a large chain, decorated with diamonds and necklaces (clearly an item on loan from Alexander), as well as all the proper jewelry one would expect from a high ranking noble. Elenya couldn’t help but give a small gasp at seeing him dressed as such.
To his side, Lucius was clad in white armor, the front of his breastplate being adorned with the form of a massive golden dragon, standing on its hind legs. The same dragon also adorned his shoulder pieces, and along the sides of his armored legs. Ik Mataar hung from his hip, a sign of thanks to his future wife and his friends for helping him.
As both brides beamed expectantly, they could see Shaun whisper something to Lucius that caused the young man to give a nervous laugh. Both Siabey and Elenya instantly wondered what it was... and by the mischevious grins the boys held, they decided it was something they would ask about after the ceremony was over.
As Luke and Shaun reached the front, Alexander broke off and took a seat in the front row. The brides and grooms knelt on their knees, as Pellaron stood to the front, and delivered a short sermon on the need for love and kindness in the world, before motioning to Tess to play.
As the bard’s haunting music filled the chapel, Pellaron dipped his hands in a basin of holy water beside the pulpit, and touched his dripping hand on the head of each bride and groom. He then asked for the couples to clasp hands. He produced two pieces of silk, and after having dipped them into the holy water as well, he bound the couple’s clasped hands together.
“In the name of Hieroneous, and Pelor,” he added, with a slight nod to the High Priest, “fate has seen fit to have you here this day... and to have these witness your devotion and union. May this silken bond serve as a reminder,” he began, removing each bond, and splitting it in half so each person could have a piece, “of the bond that holds you together... your love and devotion to each other.”
“Illi ani... Ariso Philatine, Santiri Mes Opos...” he said in the priestly tongue, as his newly dipped hands made arcane passes over the heads of each of them, “May the gods watch over each of you, and preserve your love till they see fit to call you home. Amen.”
“Amen,” the rest present repeated, as the two couples stood, and kissed. Tess openly cried, as did Siabrey’s mother, while Alexander took the route of applauding. As the happy couples went by, down the center of the chapel, he slipped close enough so his whisper could be heard by all four.
“Now comes the real fun,” he chuckled.
Empress Zoe Paleologus, Divine Protector of the Eastern Watch, etc. etc. etc. was rather giddy this morning. She’d spent all night in deep talks with the Imperial commanders... who’d advocated marching as soon as possible... yet another headache and roadblock to her plans for socializing, and civilizing this city which she regarded as “frontier.”
She was giddy despite this... for last night, her agents should have removed a gnat from her eye... the red eyed woman that had captured Lucius Caladron’s heart, and publicly embarrassed her. Now that a sufficient demonstration of Imperial power had been made, Zoe had no doubts that Lucius would see her point, and soon he would lie in her bedchamber, instead of with a mere common harlot.
She had little time to gloat... even at this early hour, petitioners crowded around her throne, asking for her attention as the Chamberlain struggled to keep an orderly line and keep those who weren’t supposed to speak quiet. Even as Lord Thortwith made his case about three acres of land, she mentally sighed and counted how many more were in line... some fifty... which would mean she would be stuck here, in her uncomfortable formal robes, for another three hours at least...
Her mental brooding was interrupted when the massive bronze doors to the hall were opened, and she heard the familiar cadence of boots hitting the hard marble floor. Even though the glare from the outside windows rendered the man a mere silhouette, she recognized Alexander’s approach.
Excellent she smiled, He’s probably going to come wimpering and snithering about how his godson’s love died last night... and I’ll grant her a basic funeral... and only later, after Lucius is bound to me, tell him what really happened... it will be my...best revenge against him following her instead of his station! Her grin grew even larger as more silhouettes came into the room... Zoe reasoned they likely were the harlot’s friends...
”My Empress!” Alexander’s voice echoed in the room, and the petitioners respectfully stood aside. “I have an announcement!”
“Please, dear brother?” Zoe motioned for him to continue, while signalling she wanted the massive entrance doors closed. The glare was keeping her from seeing their faces... and as impolitic as it was, a huge part of her wanted to see their tears...
“I am happy to announce, that this day, Shaun Dice and Elenya Barachis, servants of Count Lucius Caladron, have decided to wed!” The glare was still too bright, as the doors continued to close slowly. She still couldn’t see their faces, and she motioned for them to be closed faster. Why is he announcing this? Unless he’s going to add an ‘unfortunately’ about now...
“Additionally,” Alexander called, “I bid you congratulate, Your Highness, the wedding of Lucius Caladron and Siabrey Sipner, which happily took place this morning as well!” The loud rumble of the doors closing echoed through the hall, as the happy, jubilant faces of the party... especially Luke and Siabrey, came into her view.
WHAT!? Zoe’s mind screeched, and she paused... she couldn’t move, she couldn’t think, save for confusion.WHAT!? How!? My assassins! They were trained fighters! There was a crowd, there was confusion! She should have been poisoned! Her eyes flashed disbelief at the smiling Siabrey, who now had an army wrapped around Lucius’ resplendent armor. How could the Black Roses have failed?! They said they picked their best for this operation! How could she and her friends have beaten them all!?
“I do not congratulate you,” Zoe finally said, her voice low and rumbling, “As I would never congratulate a pureblood hound that mates with a lame mutt, I shall never congratulate a well born noble who marries desert rubbish!” Zoe’s mind was focused on three things... disbelief, anger, and vengeance, three emotions that blazed easily through her eyes.
Her anger rose to even greater hieghts when she saw the red eyed one... Siabrey... deliver a devastating smile at Zoe’s words.
“Your Majesty, nothing pleases me more than...” she looked at the man Zoe thought should be in the Imperial bedchambers right now, “...enjoying the company of something you’ll never have.” The impudent statement was delivered in a cheerful, infuriating tone.
The bard... the one who kept trying to tell Zoe what she could and couldn’t do, then spoke up, in a voice that was far less than cheerful, “Your Majesty, perhaps you should start realizing its rather less than Imperial for an Empress to concentrate on... affairs,” the word was delivered with a deliberate ironic twist, “she cannot control, instead of saving her Empire!?”
How DARE she?! Zoe’s mind roared. How DARE she come in here, in front of MY petitioners, and tell ME how to run MY Empire!
“NONE OF YOU CAN LECTURE ME ON AFFAIRS OF STATE! NONE!” she snapped at the impudent bard. “I WILL NOT HAVE IT!” Zoe slammed her foot down for added effect... not realizing it merely made things look like she was having a temper tantrum. “I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT!” Her infuriated eyes started to blur with tears, before she realized the crowds of petitioners were edging away from her... and towards Alexander.
“GUARDS!” she barked, now staring at her own brother. Before her very eyes, he gave a slight waving gesture, and the guards that moved forward went back to their posts. The smirk on Alexander’s face drove her over the edge.
“TRAITORS!” she screamed, “ALL OF YOU! TRAITORS! ESPECIALLY YOU, HARLOT! TRAITOR!”
“There is no law against an unmarried man expressing his love to a woman by marrying her, now is there, Zoe?” Alexander smiled, as Zoe felt all the blood leave her face at his condescending use of her given name. She could hardly see from the tears in her face now, and she nearly tumbled off of the dais in her fury.
“YOU TRAITORS!” she bellowed, even as her political mind screamed at her, Get out of the throne room... you will only embarrass yourself worse! As she stumbled towards the private, rear exit to the room, the only sounds were of her sobs, and her feet stamping on the floor as she vented her rage on chequered marble...
“Your Majesty... a bit of advise from an ex-thief!” she heard the impudent rogue shout as she opened the door to leave the scene of her political devastation, “I know five year olds that respond more maturely than you did!”
She slammed the door behind her, tears of defeat welling in her eyes. How did a mere commoner beat me!? How?! I am Zoe! Of the Imperial line! How did a mere rat pack of commoners beat me?!
Calm, her political mind chimed in, as she continued to mew softly in her tears, stumbling back to her apartments in the palace, Today Alexander and his cronies pulled a small political coup... they made you act like a fool in front of the nobility. You have lost ground to retake.
March swiftly, and destroy the Countess’ forces... then the army will side with you... then... you may deal with Alexander and the other harlots and bastards as you see fit...
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Which bring’s us to the end of that session... our next session had the party headed north, to find the key to the hidden artifacts in the villa of Baron Tor, while the Imperial armies, headed by Empress Zoe, march south to meet the oncoming demonic hordes...
Within seconds they had their chance to tell the first person to wander into their room... Tess. She carried in her hands the beautiful dress she had worn to the concert... clean and fresh. The only way Lucius and Siabrey were able to figure out it was her glammered armor was by the fact Tess seemed to need effort to carry it in one hand.
“Here!” she said with s smile, “use that for your wedding dress. I’ll stay and help you pick out one.” Siabrey took the armor, and looked it over, confused.
“How do I change it?”
“You just have to think about what you want it to be... then it’ll change,” Tess calmly explained. Lucius meanwhile had dashed out of the room, and momentarily returned with a drowsy looking Shaun and a giddy Elenya!
Siabrey and Elenya both squealed when they saw each other, and rocked as they collided and hugged. Lucius took a look at Shaun, who was looking fully conscious now.
“So...” Shaun started, and Luke grinned, “You’re tying the knot tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” Lucius sighed, “Things are going to get rough, and I wanted to make sure I did everything I wanted before...” his voice trailed off, and Shaun put a hand on his shoulder.
“Oh, you’ll be back,” he grinned, “the question is... will you survive your honeymoon then?” Shaun raised an eyebrow at Luke, who punched his shoulder playfully.
“The question, my dear man, should be whether you’ll survive yours!” Luke laughed. “I saw what was scribbled in the back of that Sune book... and it was Elenya’s handwriting... speaking of which... when are you getting the deed done?”
“I dunno... wait...” Shaun’s eyes lit up. “I have an idea!”
“What?” Lucius looked a little concerned, as Shaun dashed over to where the three girls were excitedly talking, and slid into the middle of them. He grabbed Elenya and pulled her till he could whisper in her ear, and Luke saw her eyes go wide and a giggly, ”Yes!” burst from her lips. The girls talked for only a few seconds, before the squeals came again, and Shaun walked back over, looking exceedingly proud of himself.
“What did you do?” Luke asked.
“I proposed a joint ceremony...” Shaun grinned.
Thanks to Alexander, the group had access to couriers, and now they used that information to send messengers to Alexander himself, Siabrey’s mother, Pellaron, Xanadu and Alisandra, inviting them to the ceremony. Additionally, a messenger was sent to the local High Priest of Pelor, requesting use of a side chapel early on the morrow for the ceremony, as well as his presence as a witness (Tess’ idea, to prevent machinations from the Empress). Lucius then got an evil grin, and proposed after the ceremony that the union be formally announced in the Imperial palace to the Empress, before the two couples went off for their 18-20 hour “honeymoons.” Siabrey especially loved the idea, and plans were made.
Alexander was the first of the messaged to arrive, and even though he was still in his nightie (and likely had gotten perhaps three hours sleep since the party came to the palace), he dragged Lucius off with the statement, “Son, this calls for a celebration! You need some fine brandy! And I’ll get you some proper clothes for the morning!”
Xanadu was the next to arrive, beaming like a proud father looking at his children. Pellaron and the other paladins arrived next... clad in full armor. Their message, for security reasons, had not stated what was happening... merely that they were needed at the Palace. They came expecting trouble, and instead found themselves in the middle of a growing occasion...
...and of course, Pellaron agreed to officiate the ceremony.
Early the next morning, before the sun even rose, the party awoke from their curtailed sleeps, and began preparing.
Tess took Siabrey into her room, and helped the girl select a rich, vibrant dress...a very pale yellow, once again backless so her wings were free. Tess then gave her most of her jewelry... earrings (which magically helped Siabrey look even better), her rings, bracelets, and finally, her eversmelling rose. After Siabrey’s hair was formally put up in an elegant manner, and the tiara she’d worn to the gala placed on her head, Tess pronounced her, “heart-stopping.”
Then it was Elenya’s turn. The barmaid had her own jewelry, unlike Siabrey, so Tess’ assistance was not required there. From somewhere (Neither her, nor Shaun would say where... Tess imagined some tailor was now possessing an extra broken window and missing a clothing item) she had obtained a snow white gown. Tess recommended she needed some diamonds to go with it, and Elenya casts a minor illusion on her dress, causing the appearance of numerous fine gemstones in all the appropriate spots. After her dark hair was properly done up, Tess fetched the tiara Elenya had worn to the gala so long ago, and set it on her head.
The three then left the palace in a carriage Alexander himself had set up, and rode towards the Temple of Pelor. The red rays of the rising sun glinted off of the gilt parts of their formal carriage, as the three held their breath, and the Temple loomed into view, its columns and marquees blazing bright in the morning glory.
Footmen help them out of the carriage, and the three walk into the cavernous foyer of hte Temple, only to be surprised; The High Priest, in his glorious yellow and white robes of the Sun Disk, greeted them in person, and led them away from the main public sanctuary to a private chapel to the side. The chapel was rather plan compared to the glories of the main sanctuary, but it had well apportioned pews, an elegant wooden pulpit to the front , elegant candlabras and incense burners, and walls decorated in bright, colorful tapestries.
As they entered, Siabrey saw a familiar face, and dashed over to give Stodiana a bear’s hug. Lady Sipner did not bearhug her child as normal... her hug was loving but careful, meant to not disturb the angelic being that her child had been transformed into.
To the front stood Xanadu, clad in robes that, while not formal, were far better than anything they’d ever seen him wear in half elf form. Sitting in the front was also the small dwarven form of Alisandra, her eyes bright but bleary from lack of sleep; she’d clearly come straight from studying. Finally, to the front, was Pellaron, his armor gone and replaced by the white robes of a priest of Hieroneous... a most unusual sight in the Temple of Pelor. The robes hung thin, revealing how small his true elven form was when he was not clad in bulky armor.
Tess took a position to the side of the chapel, and with her harp began gently playing melodies of love and happiness. The two brides went to the front, and looked over their spare audience... Siabrey’s mother, Alisandra, Pelee, Aristophle, and the newly healed Igbar, and surprisingly, Hidalas, who clasped Siabrey and Elenya close, congratulating them and thanking them for making sure his charge was safe.
A few minutes passed, before they heard the small murmur of morning worshipers in the foyer outside suddenly hush. The High Priest opened the doors of the chapel again, and both brides had barely a chance to gasp, as Lucius and Shaun walked in, side by side, Alexander himself behind them.
Shaun was clad in an elegant set of white clothing... a cloak as pure as morning snow, a snow white tunic and laces. He wore a large chain, decorated with diamonds and necklaces (clearly an item on loan from Alexander), as well as all the proper jewelry one would expect from a high ranking noble. Elenya couldn’t help but give a small gasp at seeing him dressed as such.
To his side, Lucius was clad in white armor, the front of his breastplate being adorned with the form of a massive golden dragon, standing on its hind legs. The same dragon also adorned his shoulder pieces, and along the sides of his armored legs. Ik Mataar hung from his hip, a sign of thanks to his future wife and his friends for helping him.
As both brides beamed expectantly, they could see Shaun whisper something to Lucius that caused the young man to give a nervous laugh. Both Siabey and Elenya instantly wondered what it was... and by the mischevious grins the boys held, they decided it was something they would ask about after the ceremony was over.
As Luke and Shaun reached the front, Alexander broke off and took a seat in the front row. The brides and grooms knelt on their knees, as Pellaron stood to the front, and delivered a short sermon on the need for love and kindness in the world, before motioning to Tess to play.
As the bard’s haunting music filled the chapel, Pellaron dipped his hands in a basin of holy water beside the pulpit, and touched his dripping hand on the head of each bride and groom. He then asked for the couples to clasp hands. He produced two pieces of silk, and after having dipped them into the holy water as well, he bound the couple’s clasped hands together.
“In the name of Hieroneous, and Pelor,” he added, with a slight nod to the High Priest, “fate has seen fit to have you here this day... and to have these witness your devotion and union. May this silken bond serve as a reminder,” he began, removing each bond, and splitting it in half so each person could have a piece, “of the bond that holds you together... your love and devotion to each other.”
“Illi ani... Ariso Philatine, Santiri Mes Opos...” he said in the priestly tongue, as his newly dipped hands made arcane passes over the heads of each of them, “May the gods watch over each of you, and preserve your love till they see fit to call you home. Amen.”
“Amen,” the rest present repeated, as the two couples stood, and kissed. Tess openly cried, as did Siabrey’s mother, while Alexander took the route of applauding. As the happy couples went by, down the center of the chapel, he slipped close enough so his whisper could be heard by all four.
“Now comes the real fun,” he chuckled.
Empress Zoe Paleologus, Divine Protector of the Eastern Watch, etc. etc. etc. was rather giddy this morning. She’d spent all night in deep talks with the Imperial commanders... who’d advocated marching as soon as possible... yet another headache and roadblock to her plans for socializing, and civilizing this city which she regarded as “frontier.”
She was giddy despite this... for last night, her agents should have removed a gnat from her eye... the red eyed woman that had captured Lucius Caladron’s heart, and publicly embarrassed her. Now that a sufficient demonstration of Imperial power had been made, Zoe had no doubts that Lucius would see her point, and soon he would lie in her bedchamber, instead of with a mere common harlot.
She had little time to gloat... even at this early hour, petitioners crowded around her throne, asking for her attention as the Chamberlain struggled to keep an orderly line and keep those who weren’t supposed to speak quiet. Even as Lord Thortwith made his case about three acres of land, she mentally sighed and counted how many more were in line... some fifty... which would mean she would be stuck here, in her uncomfortable formal robes, for another three hours at least...
Her mental brooding was interrupted when the massive bronze doors to the hall were opened, and she heard the familiar cadence of boots hitting the hard marble floor. Even though the glare from the outside windows rendered the man a mere silhouette, she recognized Alexander’s approach.
Excellent she smiled, He’s probably going to come wimpering and snithering about how his godson’s love died last night... and I’ll grant her a basic funeral... and only later, after Lucius is bound to me, tell him what really happened... it will be my...best revenge against him following her instead of his station! Her grin grew even larger as more silhouettes came into the room... Zoe reasoned they likely were the harlot’s friends...
”My Empress!” Alexander’s voice echoed in the room, and the petitioners respectfully stood aside. “I have an announcement!”
“Please, dear brother?” Zoe motioned for him to continue, while signalling she wanted the massive entrance doors closed. The glare was keeping her from seeing their faces... and as impolitic as it was, a huge part of her wanted to see their tears...
“I am happy to announce, that this day, Shaun Dice and Elenya Barachis, servants of Count Lucius Caladron, have decided to wed!” The glare was still too bright, as the doors continued to close slowly. She still couldn’t see their faces, and she motioned for them to be closed faster. Why is he announcing this? Unless he’s going to add an ‘unfortunately’ about now...
“Additionally,” Alexander called, “I bid you congratulate, Your Highness, the wedding of Lucius Caladron and Siabrey Sipner, which happily took place this morning as well!” The loud rumble of the doors closing echoed through the hall, as the happy, jubilant faces of the party... especially Luke and Siabrey, came into her view.
WHAT!? Zoe’s mind screeched, and she paused... she couldn’t move, she couldn’t think, save for confusion.WHAT!? How!? My assassins! They were trained fighters! There was a crowd, there was confusion! She should have been poisoned! Her eyes flashed disbelief at the smiling Siabrey, who now had an army wrapped around Lucius’ resplendent armor. How could the Black Roses have failed?! They said they picked their best for this operation! How could she and her friends have beaten them all!?
“I do not congratulate you,” Zoe finally said, her voice low and rumbling, “As I would never congratulate a pureblood hound that mates with a lame mutt, I shall never congratulate a well born noble who marries desert rubbish!” Zoe’s mind was focused on three things... disbelief, anger, and vengeance, three emotions that blazed easily through her eyes.
Her anger rose to even greater hieghts when she saw the red eyed one... Siabrey... deliver a devastating smile at Zoe’s words.
“Your Majesty, nothing pleases me more than...” she looked at the man Zoe thought should be in the Imperial bedchambers right now, “...enjoying the company of something you’ll never have.” The impudent statement was delivered in a cheerful, infuriating tone.
The bard... the one who kept trying to tell Zoe what she could and couldn’t do, then spoke up, in a voice that was far less than cheerful, “Your Majesty, perhaps you should start realizing its rather less than Imperial for an Empress to concentrate on... affairs,” the word was delivered with a deliberate ironic twist, “she cannot control, instead of saving her Empire!?”
How DARE she?! Zoe’s mind roared. How DARE she come in here, in front of MY petitioners, and tell ME how to run MY Empire!
“NONE OF YOU CAN LECTURE ME ON AFFAIRS OF STATE! NONE!” she snapped at the impudent bard. “I WILL NOT HAVE IT!” Zoe slammed her foot down for added effect... not realizing it merely made things look like she was having a temper tantrum. “I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT!” Her infuriated eyes started to blur with tears, before she realized the crowds of petitioners were edging away from her... and towards Alexander.
“GUARDS!” she barked, now staring at her own brother. Before her very eyes, he gave a slight waving gesture, and the guards that moved forward went back to their posts. The smirk on Alexander’s face drove her over the edge.
“TRAITORS!” she screamed, “ALL OF YOU! TRAITORS! ESPECIALLY YOU, HARLOT! TRAITOR!”
“There is no law against an unmarried man expressing his love to a woman by marrying her, now is there, Zoe?” Alexander smiled, as Zoe felt all the blood leave her face at his condescending use of her given name. She could hardly see from the tears in her face now, and she nearly tumbled off of the dais in her fury.
“YOU TRAITORS!” she bellowed, even as her political mind screamed at her, Get out of the throne room... you will only embarrass yourself worse! As she stumbled towards the private, rear exit to the room, the only sounds were of her sobs, and her feet stamping on the floor as she vented her rage on chequered marble...
“Your Majesty... a bit of advise from an ex-thief!” she heard the impudent rogue shout as she opened the door to leave the scene of her political devastation, “I know five year olds that respond more maturely than you did!”
She slammed the door behind her, tears of defeat welling in her eyes. How did a mere commoner beat me!? How?! I am Zoe! Of the Imperial line! How did a mere rat pack of commoners beat me?!
Calm, her political mind chimed in, as she continued to mew softly in her tears, stumbling back to her apartments in the palace, Today Alexander and his cronies pulled a small political coup... they made you act like a fool in front of the nobility. You have lost ground to retake.
March swiftly, and destroy the Countess’ forces... then the army will side with you... then... you may deal with Alexander and the other harlots and bastards as you see fit...
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Which bring’s us to the end of that session... our next session had the party headed north, to find the key to the hidden artifacts in the villa of Baron Tor, while the Imperial armies, headed by Empress Zoe, march south to meet the oncoming demonic hordes...
What a fantastic story! I can practically see you guys gaming this in my head. I appreciate the fun and life you put into the telling of your gaming sessions. If this is truly your first outing as GM... you're destined to become legendary. Muddling through many arch-typical D&D campaigns, yours stands out as a distinct gem. Very original.
Glad you enjoy it. And honestly, there's no offense taken to the spelling and grammar note (it annoys me when I read back through sometimes), which is mostly the result of late night typing and hectic schedule. Someday, I'm going to go back through and do a proper editing job, when time and lack of updates permits. 