675-09-10 - Love Bites
Love Bites | |||||||
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Summary: After rumors of the disagreement between Imma and Vandrik reach the ears of Adara, a meeting is called for a talk that ends with a bit of Isle fauna getting a taste of Vandrik as he tries to return to his ship. | |||||||
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Following the rumors and past issues between the kingdoms, Lady Adara Zorich decides to try and help mediate matters. After all she knew Imma as a young girl and knew a bit of the Two Rivers from her travels. Sending a messenger out to the boat to request Vandrik to come speak with her in the Queen's Council chambers, Adara asks Imma to do the same in person, her tone serious and passive.
Making sure to arrive first Adara moves to take a seat at the Council table itself in the customary seat of the Mistress of Whispers, though as the seats aren't marked its unlikely Vandrik at least will recognize this. She simply waits quietly for her two guests to arrive so their issues can hopefully be worked out.
Vandrik is summoned and glowers as soon as the page arrives. Having been loafing about in regular work clothes, it will take him several minutes to put on his finest regalia once more before heading out into the storms. Miraculously, there isn't anything /too/ disasterous in the air right now, so he's able to make it into the castle largely in one piece, save being fairly windblown by the time they reach the sanctity of the walls.
Finally being escorted to the doorway, Vandrik straightens out his attire one last time and sweeps his hands through his hair before the door is opened and he enters. He has on his light armor, again, polished and gleaming, with the House Yldon cape affixed under the pauldrons on his shoulders. He enters the council chambers and looks around a little, frowning, before he notices Adara. He approaches and bows, stating, "I received your summons."
With a sigh, Imma agrees to meet with Adara within the Council's rooms later, unknowing what the Master of Whispers has planned. Followed by her handmaiden, the young Grunhaid lady finds herself walking down the hall and entering this room she has been in only once before during the meeting between she, Vandrik, and the Queen after the tournament in which he won her hand. She enters only a few minutes behind the knight as he bows before Adara.
Hearing his voice a moment before she actually sees him, Imma stalls at the door. She's already opened the door and started to step inside, so it's not like she could ignore and run off! Composing her features, she moves into the room with a swish of her skirts to curtsey before Adara, "As did I.."
As the two enter, and already clearly don't want to be sharing a room even this size Adara returns the greetings with a polite nod of her own. She then states, "I understand there have been issues between you two that have created a rift in your relationship. I want to know what is going on so this matter can be settled." She then looks to Vandrik and says, "As you are our guest here, you may go first. Tell me your perspective on the dispute so I can try to understand." She then turns her gray eyes to Imma and says, "You will let him say his piece, then you will have your turn to do the same."
When Imma enters behind him, Vandrik's face betrays him. His first expression is almost hope and excitement. But then she offers that curt greeting and his jaw clenches again, his face returning to an /almost/ neutral grimace. "There is no dispute," he says. "Lady Grunhaid merely informed me that the Queen has seen fit to alter the terms of our betrothal. My reaction was ...," he says, pursing his lips for a second as his fists tighten "Inappropriate. I did not mean to cause a disturbance. I apologize," he says, bowing deeply.
Imma's gaze slides over Vandrik, the blush returning to her cheeks, gaze falling towards hands clasped before her. At Adara's words, she but offers a single nod of her head, not speaking until commanded to do so. As Vandrik offers his explanation, her gaze lifts to peer towards him, taking in his words.
Adara nods to Vndrik and says, "A man that can admit he is wrong is a good thing, ego is the most common failing of men, and the one that leads to ruin of not only them but their subjects as well. That said your words still do not strike at the heart of the problem. What alteration of the terms caused the issue?"
Vandrik's jaw remains tight as he stands there, rigid. It's pretty obvious to anybody who has eyes that he's fuming. But, he keeps himself in check and counts to three before responding, allowing himself just enough time to calm down and not say something damning. "According to the betrothal, I was to be head of the household on a probationary basis; I could be removed at any point if they thought I was not doing the job. I will no longer be given that chance."
Adara nods and asks, "Forgive me as I've not gone over the details of the betrothal, but if I am correct you will be moving to the Isles correct?"
Vandrik nods. "Yes. Haylid, to be exact, I believe," he responds.
Adara nods and asks, "What do you know of the Isle's governmental system and laws?"
"Not much, save that women are in charge and inheritance and all lines of rite pass through the female of the family," Vandrik answers.
Adara nods and asks, "It seems odd they would have extended such a deal to you at all then is it not? That aside, think about it. To rule a people properly one must know those people correct? You have just admitted yourself you know almost nothing about our people, so how could you rule any of our people when you don't understand them?" her tone is gentle and more thoughtful. Not judgmental.
"Because I believe there are qualities that make one fit for leading in any situation. And I believe I possess those qualities," he says. One of them being the fact that, while Vandrik is very clearly chomping at the bit to say more or something else, he's holding back. Instead of shouting or saying anything improper, he instead just clenches and tenses his fists, keeps his mouth closed, and waits for something less emotional to come out. "It does not matter where someone is born. It only matters what they will do with what they are given. Or what they will do when that is taken away." And as this last little bit is said, anyone paying close enough attention might see Vandrik's eyes shift over towards Imma for the briefest moments, an almost involuntary slip of his self control.
Adara nods to Vandrik and says, "There are universal traits that mark one as a good leader yes. Consider it from the perspective of people other then your own however. If you start to try to rule over another people without a proper understanding of their ways you are more likely to offend or insult without realizing it. If my guess is correct you are more for strict military-style discipline, yet also you are one of the rare few men who show a capacity to understand your limits and have the integrity to admit your flaws and failures. Not to mention the honor to try and make amends when insult or offense is given, even if you don't agree with it on a personal level. These are all good qualities."
She then gestures with a passive hand to Imma and says, "Yet even you must admit she knows our ways far more then you ever could as she was born into them. The same could be said if we were in the Kingdom of the Two Rivers. If you are not permitted to rule yourself then why not compromise and co-rule if your future wife is willing to do so?"
She then looks to Imma and asks, "Do you have anything more to add on this, disagreement beyond what has been said, from your own words?"
Imma has been quiet, as told to remain until it is her turn to talk. She fidgets a little, hands squeezing one another as they remain clasped before her. The questions and answers given back and forth has her attention, gaze turned from Adara to Vandrik and back again as they talk. There are a few instances where her lips press together as if to keep her from speaking up. His words, at least the last, seem to make her want to speak up further, though not a sound comes from her.
Adara's quiet, calm words that end in her suggestion, has Imma glancing back towards Vandrik briefly with a look on her face that says plainly - see?!? Ahem. She turns back to Adara when addressed, "Only that I wish him to understand that I had /nothing/ to do with this decision of the Queen's as he implied to me last night. And that I'd already offered to co-rule... but that was not enough for him."
Vandrik refuses to look at Imma. Even when she speaks, he won't let his eyes stray in her direction. When she tries to repeat that she isn't to blame, Vandrik's jaw clenches again, but he doesn't react further than that. He simply stands there in his glinting armor, silent, as it appears his turn to talk has ended.
Adara nods to Imma and then looks back to Vandrik and asks, "Given what your betrothed has just said, does your behavior sound more like a just and reasonable leader who will do anything for his people, even at the expense of his own desires and ego, or the sound of a man behaving like a child for not getting the toy that he wanted? I understand the frustration, perhaps even anger over the matter, but how is blaming your betrothed helping matters? After all if the situation was reversed would you have the power to be reasonable or compromise when he has his mind set on something, whether its the right thing or not?"
Vandrik's lips press together for several seconds as he glares at the wall at the back of the room, collecting his reply from the scattered shouts and accusations that abound in his head. Finally, he just bows his head from a moment and responds, "As you have said, ma'am." He then straightens back up and goes back to his silence. Which is probably the smartest thing he could do at the moment.
Imma is quiet once again as Adara directs her words and questions towards Vandrik. She watches him, frowning just a little at his answer, sighing then as he bows and straightens back up to stand there so quietly. "As I said last night.. our home, our family, our people. Not yours, not mine. Ours." Her words are said softly, gaze to linger on him before turning back to Adara. "I understand his frustration - I felt it when I was told that I would not be head of household to begin with. And yes, I acted childish for a few days in not talking to him. But I changed my thoughts. I reached out to him. We went to Hailyd together. I thought... I thought we were together in our plans for the future."
Adara nods to Imma and says, "You are still very much a child yourself Imma, it is good you recognize you were acting like a child and have made efforts to change." She then looks to Vandrik and says, "To be clear, by co-rule I am suggesting you play on each others weaknesses. You have the experience where Imma does not, she knows the ways of our people where you do not. Combine those. Use your experience to guide her decisions and she can use her understanding of our people to guide you. If you were allowed to rule, yet ruled by the standards of the Two Rivers, our people would resent it, they would likely accuse you of trying to turn the Isles into the two Rivers, they might even go into open revolt depending on the choices and actions you take. I admit I know some of the culture of the Two Rivers from my time there, but I don't know all. Of course I am not attempting to rule them either. Marriages are a compromise, you must give of yourself as much as you take from your counterpart. To disregard Imma entirely just makes you a bad husband and a tyrant, I know you are no such thing, you are angry and feel cheated, you are not a bad man."
She then looks to Imma and says, "That goes for you as well, women may rule the Isles, but you must take your husband's desires into consideration if you wish to have a happy, or at least a tolerable marriage." She then looks to both and adds, "You both will never agree on everything, it is better you both learn from this and find a way to compromise if you will ever be able to marry and have children. I get the impression Lord Vandrik won't be much for raising children, but he might make a prime option for handling military matters within your lands. Get to know each other, learn, and find your strengths."
Vandrik just remains there, solid as a rock, not flinching and not reacting to Adara's words. As she finishes, he bows his head once again, and repeats himself. "As you say, ma'am."
Imma nods once, then a few more times at Adara's words, seeming more than happy to agree to everything the older woman says. Again, she looks to the knight at her side, frowning once again at his utter quietness and the single line answer. Shoulders droop a little then, her head bowed. "Of course, ma'am." Well, this one thought they were starting to do that!
Adara frowns at Vandrik and asks, "Are you set to prove me wrong in my assumptions about you? I took you as a man of integrity who can admit his flaws and errors and a man of honor who will do what is best for his people. When you two marry our people will become yours. I am not here to give you orders or tell either of you what to do, I am simply trying to help you both understand what is ahead of you, and also to help you have the most enjoyable marriage you can." Pausing a moment she then adds, "I will admit I am not thrilled with the idea of a man in charge, as the male ego and lust more often then not results in men taking actions that are a detriment to their people then anything else. I admit women can cause harm to their people as much as men, but women make such mistakes due more often to ignorance or apathy then lust or ego."
Pausing a moment she adds, "That being said, the choice isn't mine, and who knows with time, learning of our people, and proving yourself a man to be trusted and intelligent enough you may well convince the queen to change her mind and allow you more direct rule. The queen likely changed the conditions based on recent events I will not go into detail on."
Vandrik is /about/ to respond and tell Adara just what kind of man he is, but ... he refrains. Which probably says at least a little something, in and of itself. Instead, he just forces himself to clasp his hands behind his back and stand there, letting the women talk.
Imma likely should refrain from commenting, but cannot. She turns to him, soon to speak after he stops himself from doing so as well. "We talked about what we wanted to do upon Hailyd. How I knew more of running things, and how I would help you learn. As she pointed out, I do not know anything about the military, and you do. I will not back out of this, as you have already told me you would not. We have to set a wedding date.. I want to make things work between us. I'm sorry that things changed, and that you are upset at me.. I wish I knew what I could do to make things the way they were when you left."
Adara sighs heavily and says, "The ability to hold one's tongue is of benefit in formal matters, though to do so at all times is a sign of being under the rule of a tyrant. I did not get that impression from King Barret when i was his guest. Your betrothed is trying her best to make things work and show a desire to prove she had no part in the change of terms. Argue if you must, but I am asking that you be the man of honor and integrity I believe you to be and admit to your flaws, and actually listen to what she has to say so you both, together, can work through this and find a solution." She then stands finally and makes her way around the table to the couple and says in a soft, passive tone, "Now enough foolishness, work things out and I will remain to keep you both in line. Words said in anger are those most often regretted later and most hurtful so I will work to try and negate as much of that is possible, however words said in anger can also yield true sources of problems as well as long as those involved are willing to listen."
She then looks to both of them with an equal degree of seriousness, "Now will you both agree to work this out and listen when I try to help things from getting too explosive, and also point out when either of you says something that is unreasonable? If so then you two work things out here and now, get everything out of your system and we'll see if we can't find the root of the problem and work out a reasonable solution for it, whatever it is."
Vandrik has to look down at Imma when she first turns to him, but then he tears his eyes away from her, forcing himself to look straight ahead through great martial training and no small amount of locking his jaw. He listens to both Imma and Adara. When they have both finished, Vandrik looks first at Adara, then at Imma before responding. "As it didn't-," he starts, but then stops himself, closing his eyes for a moment and then returning to stare at the wall when he responds. "I will do whatever is asked or required of me, to the best of my ability, that the house will succeed and prosper."
With Adara offering to mediate, Imma actually turns towards Vandrik, to stand facing him as he looks to her and away again. HIs words bring that hint of anger to her expression, to spark in her eyes leaving hands to unclasp and finally move - almost - to her hips, "Would you /stop/ pretending that you are not upset? She gave you right to speak plainly. Do so now, while you have the chance, or I do not wish to EVER hear anything about it again, or I swear to Onimoria..."
Adara sighs once again, then reaches up to slap Vandrik's cheek. Its not very hard, and likely won't even leave a red mark, as she seems more trying to get his attention as she snaps, "You want an order fine. Then work this matter out with your betrothed, whatever you both need to do and I'll keep you both in line and you will respond to what I say understood? Now look at your betrothed and work out your issues with each other. If you want to hold your tongue and follow orders fine, do so when you are around a superior such as the queen." She then gestures to Imma and adds, "THIS is your betrothed and with luck your wife, she is your equal when it comes to matters of your marriage. Matters concerning the rule of your people, that is what you are to work out, understood?"
Vandrik again refuses to look at Imma when she starts to get upset with him. Then, really out of nowhere since he's staring so intently at the wall, a hand reach out and brings a sting to his cheek. Of course, he's a knight, and has had worse, but the surprise is very quick to register on his face. He blinks and then glares at Adara. But, of course, he can't really /do/ anything to her. Then, he glares at Imma. Back to Adara. Then back to Imma. Then, he resets himself. Although, there's the slightest tremor to his lips and he is blinking a bit more than he was before.
Imma is riled up, starting to say something more before the slap comes. It not only surprises him, but she as well, and when he casts his gaze in her direction, she's likely staring at Adara like - woa! When he does nothing but that, the young woman sighs and turns to Adara, "IF he doesn't want to talk right now.." She's not going to push him any further. "I have other things to discuss with him about Hailyd, but.." Hey, if he's not going to talk, then she will merely handle it herself!
Adara looks to Vandrik then Imma then nods to her husband's niece and says, "Very well." she then looks back to the pair and says, "Then a compromise. When you feel you both can speak on these matters reasonably then let me know and I'll mediate then if either of you feels there is a need. Otherwise I leave it to the two of you to work out. One way or another I will expect this matter to be settled in the most civil way possible. Is this acceptable terms?" looking to each to await their answers.
Vandrik's features waver for several seconds. Finally, he regains his composure and purses his lips for a moment, then shakes his head. "I do not believe I have anything further that I would like to say," he states. "As I said. I will serve to the best of my ability. You have my word. But, if you want the truth? Then I am quite content to /not/ lead a house in a land such as this. You were right. I would be /terribly/ suited for it." And while the words may sound more accusatory, the way he says them sounds more pained than angry.
Imma waits, and when he finally replies, she seems quite disappointed in the knight. Another sigh, shoulders drooping further. Turning, she offers a nod to Adara, "I promise to speak to you if need be.. but if you will excuse me.." The young lady is ready to turn tail and head back to her room. Something has her upset now.
Adara smile softly at Vandrik and says, "You prove my judgements are not entirely flawed." as he admits his failing, even if its hard for him to do so. If allowed she then leans over to give a light kiss on the cheek she slapped and says, "I apologize for striking you, though I find it the best way to get the attention of someone who is acting overly childish, man or woman. Forgive me for that. I do ask that when you both do speak, whether I am there or not, do so as equals, enough of this talk of doing as told." She then looks to Imma and nods saying, "From what I've witnessed so far, you might have one of the better men as your betrothed. I hope you both can work this out and have a long and happy marriage together." She doesn't attempt to kiss her niece as well as she seems to be too upset, and gestures she is dismissed.
Watching Imma turn and go, Vandrik just glares coldly at her back. Likewise, Vandrik would not allow his cheek to be kissed, stepping back quickly when Adara moves closer. Her words, however, just cause him to clench his jaw tighter. "As you say, ma'am," he repeats again, tersely. "If I may be dismissed?" he asks, bowing and glaring harshly at the floor.
Adara nods to Vandrik and says, "Very well, though I meant what i said, take your time but settle the matter when you are able." dismissing him.
Log fades briefly, and picks up again down in Entrance Hall
The storms had picked back up during the ill-fated meeting of the unluckier-by-the-day couple, howling winds and driving rains hammering the castle. It's not a night fit for anyone to be out. But, within an hour of making it back to her room, Imma would be disturbed by a rapid and anxious knocking on her door.
Escaping to her room is all that Imma could think about where she fell into bed crying. So, at first, she tries to ignore the knocking that comes to her door, and eventually, when it does not stop, she wipes at her face, blows her nose and goes to answer it. "What do you wish??" Her face is blotchy, nose and eyes red.
Standing at her door is a soppping wet young page who looks nearly as distraught as Imma might. "Lady Grunhaid! Please, come quickly. The knight, your betrothed? He was bitten," by some highly dangerous and nasty critter, "on his way back to his ship. He was only just discovered, collapsed beside the road. They sent me to fetch you, if you would come?" the boy says hurriedly.
Frowning as she finds the page there, Imma begins to question him again, though at his words, her face falls and she's already picking up her skirts to run. Nevermind she's barefoot, and her face look horrible right now! "Where is he?" She asks of the young page who also gets asked, "Have you found the healer?" If not, she sends the boy off after the healer as well. Her knowledge is only novice compared to what a healer might know.
The boy turns and runs down the hallway, as well. "This way, Lady!" he calls, leading her in the right direction. "They're still bringing him in, I believe. They've sent for the healer, too, but it's late so he was probably asleep!"
The boy leads the Lady to the main entrance hall, where two men are carrying the stricken form of Vandrik, still in his armor and convulsing slightly. They get him in out of the weather just as another pair of servants brings a bench to lay him on. Once he is laid down, the men stand back and watch as Vandrik does what most people suffering from poison do: he suffers.
"Good." At least there is that. Imma hurries down the stairs, and along the passage, scrambling towards the entrance and then coming to a stop when she sees him being carried in by the others. Eyes widen, her breath catching in her throat before finally she steps forwards after they've laid him on the bench. "His armor needs to be removed. Where's the bite?" The questions come hurried as she steps forwards to start tugging on his greaves if he's wearing them.
The men stand there looking between themselves as Imma starts telling people what to do. They just look largely confused, until she starts pulling on the gauntlets he most suredly is wearing. Thankfully, the young boy is a little less prone to shock and helpfully scans Vandrik's body. "I dunno, ma'am, I can't see ...," he trails off. "There! His thigh," the youth exclaims, pointing at a tear in his pants that shows some bloody skin.
Imma shows then that she's had the training, for as the men stand there, staring, she looks up at them, "Remove his armor. Now. The healer cannot treat him with it on!" HEr voice is strong, commanding. At least, as commanding as she can make it! With the page's help, the wound is discovered, and she shifts, looking it over. She only knows the basics, but knows getting the armor off will be the best thing for her to do right then and there, and so she continues, with or without the help of the other men.
At the second command, the men start, shaken out of their shock and set to pulling at his armor. It isn't complicated, really, the greaves simply sliding off once the bands are loosened. The pauldrons take a little figuring, as they are hinged to the breastplate, but once the hooking system is discovered, they lift off quickly. One of the men then props him up so they can lift the breast plate and then chain mail off of his torso.
There's a bit of a bustle further into the hall, and a clamor on the steps as the healer grumbles at the boy tugging on her robes. "I /am/ hurrying, boy! If it's this urgent, the fool will probably die before we can do anything, anyway!" But, she does appear to be hurrying as best she can for being an old woman. "Now, now, where is he? Have you got him inside yet?"
Nimble fingers help the men figure out the armor and get it removed piece by piece. Aside to the page, Imma tells the young boy, "Keep track of his armor, and take it to my room for now once it's all removed. You will clean and oil it as needed." Once the boy understands and is seen to keep track of it all, she turns back to business.
With the entrance of the healer, Imma calls out, "He is here, Master. As far as I can see, the bite is upon his thigh. Likely the snake fell out of a tree.." Indication of where the wound is made, then she steps back to allow the old woman to move forwards and do her exam.
The boy listens intently to Imma's instructions. Once all of the armor pieces are removed, he gathers them up into an armfull (and then some) and carries them back towards her room as quickly as possible. Which means frequently dropping one piece or another and making a lot of noise, as he has to get back to see!
The healer approaches and frowns, looking the man over. She moves and spreads his legs, frowning some more and muttering. "Well. Have we any idea what bit him? Any idea how long ago?" she asks, looking around. Of course, nobody answers. "No? Of course not. Well, it's probably too late for a tourniquet, but we might as well try. What was the fool doing out in the rain, anyway?" the healer asks, moving to try and pry Vandrik's eyes open, even as he continues to shake on the bench.
Imma seems to trust the page to do what he's been told to do, even if it comes with much noise when armor is dropped. She'll send another servant to help him get it to her room so the poor boy doesn't have to make two trips!
When the questions are asked, Imma looks to the men who carried him in, "Did you ride out with him, or...?" But she's already shaking her head, "He's from Two Rivers, so he wouldn't know what snake it was." A sigh escapes, "He was going back to his ship at the docks." Fool man, goes unsaid.
All Vandrik can do at this point is shiver and convulse, as it's clear he's not doing very well. The healer frowns more and shakes her head. "What in the world would drive even a Two Rivers man to be out in weather like this?" the healer muses to herself. "No matter! The situation is grave, but he is not dead yet," she announces, reaching into her robe and pulling out an apothecary's satchel. "Good Lady, if you would be so kind as to try and hold his head up a little? We'll need him to drink this, and it's not going to go down very easy," she says, pulling out a vial. "But! It should at least slow the venom from moving through his system. I don't /think/ it's reached his heart year."
Oh, does Imma look guilty in some way when the question is asked of what might have driven him out into the storm? Maybe a little. Certainly the summons and talk with Adara didn't help matters, right? Shifting around till she might kneel at his head, she reaches out to hold it still, leaning over till se might look into his face, "Vandrik, you must drink. Please.." Hopefully he hears and understands. And doesn'tt hink she's trying to poison him, right?
Vandrik's in a bad way, so whether he hears or understands is not really going to be evident right away. But, as Imma holds his head, the healer pinches his nose, forcing him to open his mouth so he can breath through it. She slides a piece of bark into his mouth then, to keep it open, and deftly poors the liquid past the bark and into his mouth, quickly snatching the twig out and hold his mouth shut. "You know him, dearie?" the healer asks, smiling at Imma pleasantly while Vandrik sort of chokes on the liquid, and quite obviously wants to spit it back out. The healer doesn't seem phased at all, though, simply holding his mouth shut like this is all completely normal.
Imma watches the healer do her thing, working so quickly to get the vile concoction down his throat. While he struggles to swallow or spit it out, she blinks, hearing the question, and looks up to the old woman, "Yes, Master. He is Sir Vandrik Yldon of Two Rivers. My betrothed." Worry colors her voice now, and her teeth find her bottom lip to worry.
Log fades due to RL with him being taken upstairs after he passes out, the healer concluding if he makes it through the night, then he would live.