675-08-07 - The Queen's Council Meets
| The Queen's Council Meets | |||||||
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| Summary: Princess Madalyn calls together the Queen's Council to discuss matters about the Kingdom of the Isles | |||||||
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The Fourth is one of the highest powers in the Kingdom. Rumors say, that sometimes their words are even more important than the Queen's. So it is no surprise that the Fourth is surrounding a smaller imitation of the throne, where the Queen should be seated.
However, today the Queen Abegayle Onimus is missing. Princess Madalyn Onimus is taking her seat. Two of the Fourth are sitting to her left. They are less vivid and barely seen figures, former ladies, who chose to spend the rest of their lives serving the true Patrons and the Queen faithfully. They are wearing the proper clothes of a priestess, in the colors of red and gold. They keep their hair hidden under wimples and their dresses have quite high necklines.
To the right of the young princess the other two of the Fourth are seated. A bit farther away is Eleora Machuri, who used to take care of the things in the Queen's absence. She was the most important of the Fourth, until Nimoria showed up. The pale beauty is sitting beside the princess. However, differently than her companions, she is barely wearing anything, not more than a transparent pale cloth in order to show her pure innocence for everyone as if that should prove she is not dangerous and came in peace.
Mostly, Eleora Machuri watches other members of the Council, seated in front of her. However, she can't stop herself from peeking at Nimoria and a keen eye could notice disgust and some kind of disappointment, while Nimoria's look can't be understood by anyone. At some point, she may look as if she is somewhere else, not in this room.
The Mistress of the law is sitting beside Lady Adara Zorich. The Mistress of the law is an old woman, who always keeps her salt and pepper hair tied into a bun, letting just one strand sway freely over her left eye. Even the eyes of this women are louring at some point, as if a mist would cloud them. Maybe it is a mist of wisdom and long hours spent somewhere between the piles of old and dusty books. The woman keeps her wrinkled thin lips tightly pressed together. She observes the young princess intently, turning her look to Nimoria and then peeking at the mistress of Whispers beside her. Though, then she lowers her gaze to a huge parchment in front of her. Tired bony fingers are firmly clenching the quill, beside a bottle filled with ink. The old woman seems to be prepared to draft and sign any documents of importance, while in the corner of the room a quiet scribe is seated with a pile of empty parchments, waiting to write down every word that will be said during the meeting.
Lady Adara Zorich sits in the customary seat for the Mistress of Whispers as her gray eyes idly moves about the room at the partially assembled Queen's Council. This was Moadalyn's first Council, and one she called, time to see how she would fare with so much at once and the limits of her responsibilities. Not to mention how well she will listen to advice.
It isn't often Nathan will bother with this type of situation, but some things require proper investment, beyond his own ample means. Exploring the oceans with the intent to map, colonize, and conquer? That requires more then his means..or at least, if he decided to do so honestly. Thus, Nathan is going to be present for this council meeting, to make his case, and hopefully, not find his sister being an airhead.
Even before the council was started, a young woman knocks on the door and slips inside. She moves, brushing her shoulder across the wall, being scared even to look at the other members of the council. When she reaches Nimoria, the girl leans closer and whispers something. The pale beauty shakes her head a bit and sighs. She stands up, Princess Madalyn Onimus and lady Adara will have to lead this council. The Fojrth is in the need for the Queen." That is all, what she explains. Four women stand up and leave together with the maid.
A middle-aged woman in her later years with dark hair and an almost regal bearing sits among the Duchesses. Duchess Kelyn Machuri, sister-in-law to the Queen carefully studies each individual silently, taking special note as the entire Fourth stands to depart to attend the Queen.
There there is Abbey Blackrobe, seated in the seat of the Mistress of Common Affairs, who has notes prepared in front of her. A bit of the odd duck as she is a bastard, though doesn't seem to be troubled by it. After all the Queen herself picked her. SHe too watches the entirety of the Fourth depart quietly.
Madalyn sits in her mother's chair, her back stiff and straight, and looking just a bit too rigid with nerves. When the fourth leave this only seems to get worse, but takes a deep breath and begins. "While my mother is resting, I will be hearing issues on her behalf. What business do we have today, councilors?"
Nathan's eyes track the four leaving, how interesting..and how much easier it makes securing funds for his expedition, not that he had envisioned many problems to begin with. After all, why hold the most powerful navy of all kingdoms, if not to flex the muscle. Still, it'll pay to see if urgent 'the kingdom may end' business is there to deal with first.
Adara watches the Fourth depart then looks to Madalyn and says, "There are a few issues I believe, though it would seem Prince Nathan has something planned. Perhaps we should start with him."
Abbey Blackrobe looks to Adara, then to Nathan as the Mistress of Whispers says her peace and waits to see what the Princess decides before bringing forward her own information.
Kelyn looks less then pleased by Adara's lead but remains silent for the time being as she awaits word from madalyn about how the meeting shall proceed.
Madalyn nods to Adara, quite happy to have someone help direct things, before turning to her brother. "Very well, what business do you have to bring before the council, brother?"
Nathan hardly had time to settle before he was to speak now did he? No matter. "An expedition." He says, dropping long formal long winded speeches in short order. Which to be fair, with the Four gone, suddenly seem un needed as there's hardly any one left to address. "I've determined that we should excercise our formidable naval strength in seeking out where corsairs base them selves, to discover their unknown lands, and map them in part. This will allow us to better react to the threat they pose, and in due course, expand our holdings to include new lands and their wealth. To this end, I've determined a group of four stout ocean going vessels will allow us to carry out such an expedition, and upon the return of them, decide if we should proceed with establishing a colony."
Adara listens to Nathan's proposal and says, "I have checked our records well enough to know there is no threat to us from the lands to the east of the Kingdom o the Isles. To redirect such an expedition elsewhere however could potentially have some merit."
The Mistress of Law doesn't seem to say much, seemingly more concerned with recording matters of importance as scribes record the details of the event itself.
Kelyn Machuri listens to Nathan then looks to Adara and says, "While I agree there is nothing to fear from the east, why should we waste resources on an expedition like this?" in an irritated tone to the Zorich.
Abbey then asks, "Why not pursue more avenues of wealth and resources? Besides that, why not map out the Unknown World?" in a casual voice.
Madalyn listens carefully to everything that is said, but just waits for Nathan to respond to the querries and concerns of the councilors.
Nathan narrows his eyes a bit at Abbey when she asks that. "It may have escaped your notice, but the only people we have encountered -from- that region, are Corsairs, and we need only follow in their general paths of retreat from raiding to eventually find where they make port. I for one, would greatly prefer to at least have a notion of direction then sail aimlessly. I hold to my theory, we find where they hail from, map the lands we find, and decide from there, if we send an expedition to form a colony."
Adara nods to Nathan and says, "It hasn't escaped notice, but our records speak of the pirates to the east, and rest assured they are no threat to the Isles. Our records tell us enough about them to know that. As to where to start on an expedition, perhaps north of the kingdom of the two Rivers, or south of the Kingdom of the Golden Lion. I do not recall any maps of those areas. You could start there."
Madalyn perks up a bit. "Those two kingdoms might not like us trying to explore and claim land so near their borders. Do we want to risk that?" Madalyn points out. "The uncharted isles to our east don't have anyone that we might upset interested in them other than these pirates that you assure us are no threat."
Kelyn says, "Forget the east, there is nothing there to concern ourselves with. As to the west, I agree with the Princess, it could spark problems with the other kingdoms, so why risk it?"
Nathan's blood will slowly rise as people annoy him. "The east is where I speak of, if there is pirates of an unknown culture, that means there may be valuable trade chances with a proper people, failing that. We may yet put every last of them to the sword, and form a colony to harvest the wealth of a yet, unknown world."
Adara looks the Kelyn's outburst, then back to the general assembly, "I agree the east would be a waste of resources. As to the west. It is true claiming lands could pose a problem, however to my knowledge none of them have explored those lands so the risk isn't too great. Besides that, the Prince himself said he wished to map the lands, and if a suitable area for settlement was found so be it. There is no promise of suitable land however, and if nothing else the maps would be valuable." in a casual tone.
Abbey looks to Nathan as he grows frustrated and says, "Putting them all to the sword is impractical as their numbers aren't fully known. As to trade, that can be discussed at a later time. Regardless you would need to speak with Jaquetta Onimus about acquiring ships whether we agree to the expedition or not. If you can't secure the ships, the entire matter is pointless to discuss."
Madalyn frowns as she looks between the councilors and Nathan. "It would seem that the council does not have much interest in the east, brother. Would you be willing to consider Lady Adara's suggestion of trying the west? We can likely avoid incident with another kingdom if we are careful."
Nathan gives every one an incredulous look. "Sail to the west, and we encounter The Lion in short order. Sail to the East, and nothing is known. The Unknown is the purpose of such an expedition. Why visit what is known, and already claimed? East is by far the quickest path to determine what exists beyond the sight of our Queen. If all else, we will discover the ends of the world and capture the heavens beyond."
Adara says, "We know of the lands of the Kingdom of the Two Rivers and the Golden lion, what lies beyond them? Even if there is nothing bordering either kingdom, simply start at the last known map location and head from there. Worse case scenario you encounter more water and a border we don't have maps of. Best case you find more of the Unknown World then we knew existed. Perhaps starting with the Kingdom of the Two Rivers would be a good start. Follow their northern coast beyond their coastal settlements and map out what you find. If I am wrong about anything being north of them, then you will simply find the unknown northern border and eventually find yourself along the northern border of Estoria."
Madalyn nods to Adara. "See there are many other options for exploration, brother, if that is your wish. Is there some reason you feel it has to be the lands to the east or is proximity the only issue?"
Nathan shakes his head slowly, women do not understand logic it seems. "Navigation -back- would be easier, and we would not be straying close to other kingdoms. But, if you wold prefer to arrange an expedition through -other- kingdoms, by all means Lady Adara, you may do so. I have no interest in this further then." he says, and turns to leave.
Kelyn looks to Adara with a smug look and says, "Seems your interest in causing issues with our allies are ruined."
Adara seems to ignore Kelyn and looks to Nathan as he departs and says, "I was simply offering alternatives, it was your idea not mine." She then looks to Madalyn as Nathan seems set on leaving and asks, "Do you wish to continue?"
Madalyn frowns as Nathan turns to go, clearly wishing for a better resolution, but instead she sighs slightly. "Thank you for you proposal, Brother. I am sorry that it did not work out," she tells him before he goes, then turns to Adara. "Continuing is probably best. What's next on the council's agenda?"
When Nathan turns to leave, the doors of the room open widely and Royal high Mother comes back. She walks in with so much grace and some kind of pride. However, when she almost bumps into the prince, the young woman offers a curtsy, "Your Highness..." Then she glances at the princess and others, "The Queen is alright..." She adds smiling and moves to her seat, "What did I miss?"
Nathan shifts to one side when he's almost bumped into, as to avoid being ran over. "Oh Sister dearest, it is hardly a surprise. What would they say if a young man found glory and fame when they dared not?" He says in parting shot.
Adara nods respectfully as the Royal High Mother enters, and after a glance to Nathan says, "Prince Nathan was proposing an expedition to map out and possibly settle the Unknown World to the east due to the rumors of pirates there. I informed him there was no point given there is no threat to the east and suggested the west. He feels the west would be pointless and has decided to rescind his proposal." in a calm, casual voice.
Madalyn looks quite relieved when the royal mother returns and says her mother is well. "We were just about to move onto the next item of business when you arrived."
Nimoria gives a glance to the Prince again, "Oh, sad to hear... I would think, that a map of the east would be very valuable. After all, pirates come here and they know, how our lands look like. We should learn more about them too..." The woman nods a bit, "However, without our Admiral, we can't take any decisions. The Prince should speak with her about vessels and poasible crew. Maybe, she even would share with the knowledge she has?" Nimoria glance at lady Adara now, raising an eyebrow curiously. Then she settles in her chair and smiles at the Princess, "And what is next today?"
Duchess Kelyn mutters, "And away from Zorich's mad ideas to cause problems with our allies."
Abbey looks to the Duchess then back to the Royal High Mother and offers, "There is the issue of the recent assaults and murders among the Cult of Asmenachia. It has been creating a great deal of distress and there is growing distrust among the common people.
Adara looks to Kelyn and says, "I seek knowledge of what we don't know, not complications with our allies, any of them." She then looks to Abbey and says, "I have received some reports of them, though I'm not surprise by such a reaction. Evene my Whispers have had trouble figuring out who is behind it, does anyone else know anything further beyond the rumors?"
The old Mistress of the Laws, who was sitting all quiet for now, finally, speaks too, "I had some reports from Chief Constable and some constabkes abkut this trouble. Though, they are not able to find guilty ones. They even are not sure if that is just a coincidence or a plot arranged by a group of people."
Madalyn leans forward. "If we don't have information, we probably need to find a way to get some. Is this something that could be resolved with more investigators? Maybe we could set extra whispers to the task to try to find out more?"
Kelyn says, "It wouldn't surprise me if that fool leah wasn't somehow connected, at least that might explain why she's is never here or seems to be doing her job."
Abbey glances to Kelyn, offering a displeased look for a moment before addressing the group, "Seems no one is able to find out anything solid. This just has Cult members in fear of their lives and desperate. Others among the common population are divided. Some have sympathy for them, others think they deserve what they are getting, others seem indifferent about the whole affair as long as only Cult members are targeted."
Nimoria leans back in her seat and clasps her hands on abdomen. She fixes her gaze on the princess, staying quiet and letting to handle this for Madalyn.
ADara ignores Kelyn and says, "I can spare Whispers, but the main problem is whoever finds the victims are too late to help them. In addition the trail is long cold, and the fears of the Cult members as our Mistress of Common Affairs has pointed out, seem to be so scared or angry about the matter we can't get anything useful out of them, if they even know themselves."
Madalyn frowns. "If it is creating unrest, we need to do something to restore faith in our ability to keep order. Perhaps we could increase the guard or something in the hope of catching one of the murderers in the act? Or maybe find a way to infiltrate the cult to see if they truly have no information or are just hiding it from us?”
Nimoria smiles, listening for the princess and adds, when the young girl finishes, "Your Grace," she adresses Kelyn Machuri, "Dame Leah Landos was never known as the one, who would be ver religious. She believes in her sword more than in our Patrons. So, she is not so angry on the banished Patrons or their followers..." The woman rubs her chin thoughtfully a moment, before offering, "Maybe I can get the names of the most religious people, who visits the temple regulery and are known of their disgust to the followers... Then Whispers could look into their backgrounds more?" When Royal high Oni turns to the princess and nods, "And I agree with highness here. More guards may help people feel safe and infilfration might help too..."
Adara nods to Nimoria and says, "From what I've gathered from reports it does seem to be religiously motivated. I agree that investigating such individuals would be the best option. Increasing the guard would also be helpful. I'm not so sure about infiltration. I believe the Cultists might be resistant towards anyone they haven't known for some time as things currently are going. In addition wearing a ribbon would brand anyone under the Law, I'm not sure how many Whispers would be willing to submit to such. I've also checked as best I can to get rid of any possible Cult members from my ranks after my predecessor."
Kelyn looks to Nimoria and says, "She still serves House Zorich, I wouldn't put anything past them. Just loom at our 'Mistress of Whispers'."
Madalyn nods, looking a bit uncertain. "I do not like the idea of putting suspicion on the most devout, but we need to resolve this matter. Hopefully, that combined with an increased guard to ease people's minds will bring a swift end to the unrest. Are there any further suggestions for resolving this matter?"
"Maybe then we should infiltrate someone, who they know and could trust? Maybe that girl... I don't remember her name... The one, who was cultist once and turned into our faith, later betrayed the main priestess? She could try to spy for us, or maybe she knows someone, who is willing to join the true faith? Then that person could spy for us and we would understand this help as person's salvation? What do you think, princess Madalyn?" Offers Nimoria.
Adara looks to Nimoria and says, "I don't know if this 'Abi' can be trusted with such a mission, though she might be able to provide some information about the cultists themselves that could help at least gain their trust easier."
"Well, the princess has the last word here, if we should or not use the help of that Abi," Nimoria nods and leans to whisper something ingo the ear of the young princess. Then she stands up, "If you will excuse me, I need fo go back to the Queen..." And she leaves one more time.
Madalyn smiles at what is whispered to her before bowing her head deferentially to Adara. "I think we should leave the use of 'Abi' up to the whispers. I am certain you know far more than I do about how useful she may be to the investigation. Does that resolve this matter? Is there yet more for the council to handle today?"
Adara says, "There is a rumor from the kingdom of the Two Rivers, though I believe Duchess Debrah might be the best choice on that matter. As she has been unable to join us, it can be addressed to her when possible. Simply put there is a social event coming up, and she might be able to help us to further cement the alliance with them that was recently... Complicated." She doesn't mention names, nor is there anything negative in her tone. Her voice carries more like what's done has been done let us move on and do what we can to settle things.
Madalyn winces a bit as her blunder was brought up. "Well we will wait to handle that business to when the duchess if available then - in private if necessary. Is that all that is left?"
Kelyn and Abbey both nod in agreement along with the Mistress of Law, though Kelyn looks a bit smug as though she has won some kind of victory.
Adara nods and says, "All that I am aware of to discuss in any case."
