675-11-20 - The Queen Holds Court

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The Queen Holds Court
Summary: Some interesting developments, log posted while scene is still in progress.
Who: Abegayle Onimus, Zephan Onimus, Nimoria, Eleora Machuri, Arif Sefu, Samuela Sefu, Adara Zorich, Ralph Fennim, Edris Alachri and Pureal; some followers of Asmenachia and an emissary of the pirates, as NPCed by Teddybear.
References: re:Luanda Brais, re:Madalyn Onimus, re:Nathan Onimus
When: 20th of November
Related Logs: Later!
Date of RP: 29/11/2014
Where: Great Hall - Castle of the White Dove, Isle of the Crown, The Isles
Room Desc: The Great Hall is a large one-room structure with a loft ceiling which is located in the Inner Ward. The light through high windows fills the room fully. The interior is similar to the rest of the castle with walls of white, blood red curtains with some golden threads, and furs on the marble floors. Fresh flowers and plants are kept in vases and pots scattered along the walls of the room. On the wall to the right as one enters are the portraits of all Queens who have ruled the Kingdom of the Isles since Onimoria. The wall to the left is adorned with paintings and tapestries of momentous occasions in the kingdoms history and religion which frame a set of huge doors that lead from the great hall to the throne room. On the far end of the hall, there are three heavy doors. The one on the left leads to the stairs to the main tower and dungeons, the one on the right leads to the passage of the council, and the one in the center leads to the Queens Council Chamber. At the end of the Great Hall is a raised platform upon which sits the high table covered in an elegant red tablecloth. It is lined with several ornate chairs for the royal family and honored guests and is carefully set with brightly polished gold flatware, goblets, and plates. There are several vases of fresh flowers adorning the table as well to add to the decoration. The space from the raised platform to the doors is filled with two long rows of trestle tables with benches on both sides of them. These tables are not set as elegantly as the high table, but still sport red tablecloths, flowers and more mundane flatware and cups. The space in the center of the tables is left clear for use by entertainers. Flanking the doors of the main entrance are two basins filled with water.


The Queen of the Isles is holding court for the first time after a long hiatus. And so the Great Hall of the Castle of the White Dove is filled with courtiers and petitioners, the highest born of nobility as well as some of common birth. For now the murmuring stops, when several gazes flit to the door to the Queen's Council as it is opened and the ruler of the Isles enters at a measured pace with several of the Royal High Onises following in her wake, as well as other members of the council.

The Queen looks splendid today, if but a bit thoughtful. Her dress is a dramatic affair of dark tones of bordeaux red and sports a high collar, her dark hair is arranged into the twist of a conch at the back of her head, while the crown of the Isles rests on top of her head. There is an odd flicker in her eyes - maybe showing some light concern - as she lets her gaze drift over those assembled, a mere nod given before she lowers herself onto the throne, her dress giving a light rustle as she takes her seat.

The Royal High Oni Nimoria was already standing close beside the Queen's Throne on the right side. The woman may look a little bit worried, even tired, as if she did not had sleep for over a week.

However, even if she is tired, the woman still remains all straightened up, proud, even haughty and full of elegance at the same time. She's almost naked again, being rolled in just a lucid pale scarf made out of silk.

The three other Royal High Onises are surrounding the Queen too, but they are wearing usual clothes for the priestesses of the Isles, hidding even the tiniest curls of their hair.

Adara Zorich stands in the Great Hall, dressed in her typical formal attires, bearing the blue and green of House Zorich as her eyes are on the Queen, awaiting proceedings to officially begin. Silent for now, but that may very well change soon enough.

Somewhere to the side stands a woman, her fiery red hair not the most striking about her appearance, as she is obviously already quite far in her pregnancy. Edris Alachri stands there nonetheless, one hand resting on the impressive curve of her belly, that is covered with the dark green fabric of the modest dress she wears. Grey-green eyes flit to the queen once she enters and follow her till she takes a seat. The redhead's cheeks have a healthy rosy look to them. A handmaiden stands beside her, as well as a guard. She is still enjoying the hospitality of the castle, a fact that might strike some as odd, given that Edris is the former Madame of the Night's Dream, a refined brothel in the village of Steelea - and more importantly, a woman of common birth.

The redhead's gaze shifts briefly to Nimoria, her eyes narrowing, then progressing to Adara, spotting her there in the colours of House Zorich. There is a light twitch at the corner of her lips, before her gaze returns to the queen, brushing the Royal High Oni Eleora Machuri, and a faint smile curls her lips.

Eleora watches the Queen enter, finally standing to Abegayle's left as the Queen reaches the throne. She offers a polite nod to Edris, catching her smile, but does nothing further for the time being.

Far away from the center of attention, a little more to the side where most of the other chairs have been moved, sits one of the princes. The expression on Zephan Onimus' face hovers somewhere between boredom and a hint of annoyment - but there is also an odd glint in his pale blue eyes as well, mischief? Leaning casually against the backrest, he holds a cup of wine from which he occasionally sips in one hand - while the other is engaged with dark tresses of hair, those of Pureal who sits at his feet. His gaze lingers on his mother, the expression cold, and maybe holding a bit of resentment.

When the Queen comes in and makes a gesture with her hand for the herald, he quickly invites the first delegation.

The first delegation to walk into the Great Hall is quite a bunsh of people, who are looking for audience at once. Five of these men are Guardians of Onimoria, dressed, as usually, in their armor, with cloaks of black color and embroidered symbol of the religion they defend.

These elite guards are leading a few lines of men and women, who are chained to each other. Each of these men and women have bruises, are a bit dirty, hisses and spits at each other, when they can. When that happens, one of the Guardians of Onimoria quickly appears to the worrywarts and sends them a strong poke to the ribs.

The oldest Guardian of Onimoria steps forward and kneels on one of his knee in front of the Queen, "Your Highness," he starts speaking, "The Day of the Damned, as you know, is comming. City of Piradin slowly becomes full with people from all islands. Preparations for the feast are started. City becomes full of Followers of Asmenachia and curious people of the right faith. We are guarding the city a bit more during these days, as always. Everything was great..." The man speaks with his head lowered to the ground, "But then... some kind of turmoil started from nowhere. People started to attack each other. A true brawl, I would say, in the center of Piradin. They even attacked us with knifes. Some of these people were Followers of the Cult of Asmenachia. Some of these people were of our True Faith. Followers tell, that they were offended by our people. That they started first. However, our people tell, that it was followers, who showed disrespect."

"LIERS! You all are just LIERS! The day of the Damned? For us? To be free? It's just one of the ways to-," the Guardian of Onimoria comes closer and strikes the follower of the cult of Asmenachia.

Then a younger Guardian of Onimoria steps out and bows to the Queen adding, "We know, that we shouldn't bother you with these questions. We remember, that The Day of the Damned is a day, when followers are free to walk in our island and have their own feast. But now, it's just preparations and the riot is too much. However, we are not sure, who raised it. We tried to find Chief Constable, but he is busy, I guess... We were not able to find him. Then we tried to find The Oni of the Law, who is busy with a few trials today. She tossed us out of the Castle of Onimoria, ordering to find Chief Constable. So, we decided to approach you. We are lucky that today you decided to meet with people. We caught these," he shows to the chained people. There are about 40 of them, "and now we don't know what to do..."

"You all must be dead, traitors!" Shouts one of the believers to the True Faith at the other line of chained people, who happens to be followers of the cult of Asmenachia, before the shouting one gets "gentle" poke from the guard.

Something odd happens when the first petitioners step forward - or rather those Guardians of Onimoria that bring in some of the captive followers of Asmenachia. Prince Zephan's fingers let go ot Pureal's hair and head and he frowns, staying seated for now, whilst shooting his mother a very probing glance that some might even call a glare.

Adara looks to the collection of 'prisoners' but says nothing, this isn't her field anyway. The Guardians and the Oni can handle this one.

The Queen straightens, her eyes may have widened a touch for a merest fraction of a second when the eldest Guardian spoke. When he falls silent she will wrinkle her forehead with slight indignation. She seems tempted to say something at once, but then she hesitates, and shoots Nimoria beside her a glance, encouraging her to give her some counsel before she gives her verdict.

When the man speaks, Nimoria even does not glance at the Guardian's of Onimoria. Her look is fixed on the Followers of Asmenachia and believers of the True Faith. She studies them for a moment, before feeling that gaze of the Queen.

Then Nimoria leans closer to the Queen and whispers to her something for a few moments.

She whispers: "My Queen, I understand, that sometimes we might want to be just. However, sometimes the Kingdom requires to sacrifice the justice for the sake of the peace. Situation is hard, after all, but if we will decide to investigate it, people of the True Faith might think, that we distrusts them, that we choose cultists over them. Of course, if we will chose to believe in our people, cultists might revolt again. But they are minority of our Kingdom. Whatever decision you will take, it will be justice. We all know, that your heart feels what is best for the Kingdom. Onimoria chose you for a reason, my Queen. Though, if you will allow... It may be best to release everyone and show kindness, or to punish everyone in order to show firmness."

Eleora looks to Nimoria as she is given preference but says nothing until the Queen asks for her advice.

Abegayle tilts her head just enough to catch those whispered words. Her gaze is lowered when she nods, although the proud way she holds her head indicates she is aware of her regal responsibility and duty. Her attention shifts to Eleora Machuri next and she raises a brow, encouraging her to give her opinion on the matter as well.

One man of the True Faith tugs on his chains nervously, maybe even aggresively, "Let me out! Let me out! I pay taxes, I believe to the right Patrons. I defend our faith against these traitors, whose Patrons burned our house!"

The man looks up at the Queen, "Your Highness! Have you forgot? There was a flood a few weeks ago! The storm without end! It was that fucking Dalimina, who tried to drown our Kingdom! And you allow these bastards to have a feast on our lands?!!!"

"STOP US!" The follower female shouts, "And Dalimina will drown you in the bath next time!"

Eleora looks at those in chains, then back to Abegayle and says, "It is true the Day of the Damned is sacred, and there has been cause for hostility given the string of murders months ago. That said however, such violent behavior cannot be allowed, for it to go unpunished only encourages it to continue. Perhaps some should be freed to show we are merciful, yet execute others to show this behavior will not be tolerated." by way of advice, she doesn't specify if one group should be freed and the other released, though she may also mean to have individuals from both groups punished and freed equally..

A soft chuckle leaves Zephan's lips and he shakes his head when he hears the comment of the Guardian of Onimoria. There may even be a vivid gleam in his eyes at the mention of one of those patrons of the followers of Asmenachia. The amusement fades however, when his gaze meets that of Pureal and he shrugs. Fingers will find her head again, playing with her hair, as he takes a good sip from his goblet of wine. Arching a brow at his mother who seems to prefer to listen to her counselors instead of taking actions. Oh yes. Contempt for her is clearly visible in his narrowing steel-blue eyes.

Pureal leans lightly against Zephan's legs, her head tilted against his knee and into his petting hand. She glances up at him now and then, measuring his thoughts from his expressions though her own is fairly neutral, content to allow the larger matters of the world slip over her head and to soak up the Prince's affection.

Queen Abegayle nods, her lips curving faintly in acknowledgement of Eleora's words. "Very well then," she turns, addressing both the captured followers as well as those of the true faith. "I am the Queen of the Isles. I have listened and I have decided, that you shall be treated according to our laws. The Day of the Damned is not yet here, unbelievers.", she turns towards the followers of the forbidden cult, "which you should keep in mind. No way can I let you go free, for engaging in brawls with our citizens." She clears her throat as she straighens, every inch the queen, and it feels hard to picture her as the victim of recent ill health. "The same goes for you, alas," Abagayle adds, her attention now on those of the true faith that had been brought in as prisoners as well. "To engage in violence is a crime, and you should have been aware of them preparing their big day. It is their right to do so, it is written in the Book of Lotingus. So you broke the law as well. And such must be punished."

The queen leans back in her chair as she addresses the court. "Those that engaged in brawls will be punished by spending a night and a day in the royal dungeons. Take care to have the followers separated from the others. This is a last warning, however. Those who will be caught, showing that same behaviour again will be executed. This is my verdict."

Many shoutings raise from these chained people. Now it doesn't matter if some of them are followers of the cult, if some of them are followers of Onimoria. Now they all unite against the Queen and start sending hisses at her. None of them are pleased by the Queen's decision.

However, Guardians of Onimoria bow deeply, giving a proper thanks for the Queen. Then they turn to the prisoners, starting to slap them, tug by the chains and drag into the dungeons.

It will be a slow process. After all, there are about 40 people. The voices will become more and more muffled by the thich walls of the castle, when prisoners with their guards will move downs into the dungeons.

Herald looks up to the Queen, when noise fades, waiting for the order to call others.

Pureal's cheek rubs against Zephan's knee lightly as she watches the prisioners be dragged out. She allows herself a very faint smirk, if only at the enjoyment of seeing 'free folks' in chains, but this vanishes quickly.

There is a bit of tension that leaves Prince Zephan when he hears his mother's verdict. Even though Pureal may have perceived a slight tightening of his fingers about her hair when Queen Abegayle Onimus announced her decision in regards to the followers. A bit of air leaves his nose when he hears the second part of the verdict and he cannot help but laugh, a sound that rings through the Great Hall, but is mostly drowned in the tumultuous chatter that follows.

A gentle stroke to Pureal's head is the reaction to the slave rubbing her head against his knee, however. A gesture that would be also appropriate for a good hunting dog, receiving a pat to its head.

The look of the herald is noticed, and Abegayle's hand goes up, giving an affirmative gesture to the silent question of the man.

"Hunters!" The herald shouts, when the Queen gives permission, "Amm..." he caughs, "I am sorry, they presented themselfs as Sea Hunters... Hunters of the Sea. No, Sea... Well... Just... OTHERS!" The herald blushes a bit and withdraws into the shadow.

When others are invited, Ralph is lead into the Great Hall by a company of sailors of the Kingdom of the Isle. These sailors look pretty simple, as very common and usual sailors. The smell of fishes spreads from their clothes, and their skin is a bit tan from the time spent on deck.

All sailors will bow deeply. Some of them will look even scared, worried, uncomfortable. So, just one of them will speak stammering, "M-my, Qu-Queen... We f-f-found this ma-ma-man in the sea. He was... atta-attacked by..." He looks around the place and if allowed will move a little bit closer to the Queen to whisper just for her and Royal High Onises, "... these creatures..." He nodnods slowly and then moves backwards, "He... He has a lot of th-things to tell..." And sailors move into the background, pushing Ralph forward.

The Royal High Oni Nimoria watches the sailors with curiosity. Especially, when they whisper about the creatures. The grin flashes in her pale features as if she perfectly knows, what sailors have in mind. Pale woman, a true image of Onimoria herself, raises her hand to brush with the finger across her lips. Some may think, that it is just a random gesture, but basically, she tries to show sailors, that they shouldn't speak anymore about these creatures.

Then she finds Ralph with her look. The woman may look quite amused. Maybe she remembers, how he feels uncomfortable, seeing almost nude body of the priestess.

Adara remains silent to the side, whatever she thinks of the verdict she gives no response to it. She studies the sailors, Ralph, and the mention of the creatures but continues to remain silent for now.

Pureal's head lifts, looking a bit more curiously towards the voices, not that she can see them well from her place on the floor. Still, sailors are of infinately more interest than uppity religious folks.

Ralph is led into the Throne Room, and this time he does look in a much worse state than on his previous visit to these halls. His mien may be sombre as usual, yet it is his attire that looks strikingly tattered, the black doublet torn in places. When he is brought before the queen he offers a deep bow, and his dark gaze is drenched with sorrow and regret. "Your majesty. I am sorry to tell you that your daughter, Princess Madalyn has gone missing." Said in a low grumble of a voice that carries the sentiment of regret quite well.

"Who?"

"What name he said?"

"Daughter? What daughter?"

"Princess?!"

"Is he joking?"

Murmuring ripples across the Great Hall in the crowd.

Zephan's gaze grows distant when the new arrivals appear in the Great Hall. The accent of the man does strike him as foreign though - and the mention of his sister has him raise his gaze, and study the man attentively.

Ralph's words do draw Adara's attention, looking almost like a concerned mother. Madalyn might not be her's, she still cares for the girl, however idealistic she might be.

Pureal's gaze flicks up towards Zephan at this news. Her body stiffens a little uncertain what this means.

Nimoria frowns and first time she speaks loudly, "What do you mean by Princess Madalyn is missing? How she can be missing?" Some kind of anger apears in the eyes of the young priestess. She does not turn her gaze away from Ralph. "Why it's always the Kingdom of Two Rivers related to something really bad?.. Where is our Princess?"

The Queen sits upright, and there is hardly a flinch to be noticed when Ralph greets her and offers the startling bit of news.

"Lord Ralph." She recognizes him, of course. "What is the meaning of this? What has happened?", Abegayle inquires flatly. She may look a bit pale, but that maybe due to over-exertion. Her brows furrow at Nimoria's interjection, but nonetheless she seems to take it into account, as her gaze sparkles with hardly contained ire when it meets that of the Fennim lord. "Pray. Explain."

The Fennim in question lowers his gaze, his hands are folded before him. "Your daughter arrived in Two Rivers, she suggested a delegation of Two Rivers should accompany her back. One of them being with them was our Princess Luanda Brais, your majesty. On the second day of our sea voyage we were caught in a storm, the ship sank... Last time I saw Princess Madalyn she was with Princess Luanda. Next thing I remember is that I woke up on some abandoned rock in the ocean. I will not speak of what I encountered there..." He shudders. "But... I haven't seen either of the princesses, your majesty..."

Adara listens to Ralph then turns to the Queen and says, "I will of course provide any I can to help act as spotters and scouts if you wish to send ships to try and find the princesses." in a solemn tone.

Pureal's hand curls around Zephan's leg, her brow furrowing a little. Her head leans down again and she pushes on her content slave smile again, hiding troubled thoughs.

"So, you decided to come to us and announce that two princesses are gone?" Nimoria inquires, "Instead of just trying to keep both of them safe in the first place?" She looks quite shocked, "Why you were there, then? How could you just leave them in the storm?"

Adara looks to Nimoria and asks in a calm, serious tone, "Forgive me, but when was the last time you survived a shipwreck in a storm and was able to help others? There is only so much one can do, man or woman, from any kingdom. I stayed in the Kingdom of the Two Rivers for years under the care of King Brais, I do not believe they would seek to harm Madalyn, especially wth their own people involved." likely trying to be more of a voice of reason.

Nimoria frowns, eyeing Adara, "Who was telling, that I blame them of a wish to hurt princess Madalyn? I am just telling, if you serve for the Kingdom, you keep leaders safe. I wouldn't dare to come back, if I would be the one, who loses the princesses. I wouldn't come back till I found them." Nimoria's voice sounds really firm.

The queen takes in the information with an unmoving face. Almost. A brow lifts as she remarks: "Madalyn was supposed to be back for her birthday five days ago. She never came. And now we know the reason."

Ralph raises his dark gaze to Nimoria, astonishment at her rebuke clearly showing in his features. "Forgive me, Royal High Oni, but since when do simple lords have the power to command the wind and calm the storms...?" A bit of hardly concealed indignation is there in his tone. "Forgive me." His gaze is lowered, his tone now more subdued than before. "And it is at least my duty to report, is it not?" He adds pointedly to Nimoria. "I am not a coward. I am not to blame. I did what I could to help the princesses, I provided them with an empty barrel to hold onto. Your Majesty. With all due respect, I need to inform the King Barret Brais."

Nimoria takes a few deeper inhales to calm herself down, before quickly adding, "Your Highness... If you allow me to offer, we could send a word to the King. It will be way more quickly. The lord is in the need of a rest for now and our people could travel to the kingdom of Two Rivers right now?"

Then she looks up to Adara, "With the help of our True Patrons and Mistress of Whsipers we will find princesses very smoothly."

Pureal rubs her cheek against Zeph's knee lightly, "Why does your sister go to Two Rivers but you must stay here?" She asks quietly.

Adara nods to Ralph and then to Nimoria says, "There you have it. What benefit is one man left on a rock in the sea trying to find two Princesses when he has no idea where to start? Better to inform those in power, those with resources so that they can take real action. Why have a single set of eyes looking desperately when you can have two fleets or more. Not to mention this could be a way of creating an even stronger bond between our respective kingdoms, after all we are both missing princesses, and we both want them back I am certain." She nods in agreement to Nimoria's words about sending word back so Ralph may recover, but adds nothing to the words about the help mentioned.

"Quiet!", the queen commands, her voice cutting through the Great Hall, when the Mistress of The Whispers and one of the Royal High Onis engage in a battle of words. She sighs when her attention shifts to Ralph. "I will see to it that you can send a message to your king, Lord Ralph," she assures. "As for Madalyn... She may be dead by now. Or she has been saved, through Onimoria's kindness. Either way... we will inform all captains heading towards the sea to look for her. And that other princess." The latter added with a shrug. "Lord Ralph may remain our guest if he so chooses. As for other suggestions...", here her gaze finds Adara. "I am open to dicuss any of such after this audience has concluded, in the Queen's Council."

The sailors are all gone by now. They were moving deeper and deeper into the crowd and out through the door. Court matters are not for them and they are ready to go hunt for some more waves.

Zephan shakes his head at Pureal's question. "She's the heir," he states, a truth that has bothered other brothers of his more than himself, obviously. "And a fool. But such a cute one, I'd hate to hear she's drowned." His tone is kept low, still, there is an odd smile on his face when he adds: "I almost drowned as well once." His gaze shifts to his mother once again.

Adara simply nods respectfully to the Queen.

The herald steps out of the shadow and looks at the Queen slightly confused. Maybe he ponders why the Queen is so calm, when princess is missing. Maybe he is just shocked. The man waits for her orders.

It is after all not a herald's place to ponder such things. "See to it that Lord Ralph can write his letter and is provided with new clothes, as well as quarters for his stay," Queen Abegayle states with a firm voice. Dismissing the Fennim with a nod in his direction. "Is there anything else?", the queen inquires, her regal gaze shifting back to the herald.

"Your Majesty," is all that Ralph replies, offering a deep bow to the Queen of the Isles before he is directed to the castellan.

The herald nods and goes back to his work, inviting others to step forward.

One of these, who came to get an audience is a small delegation of the Kingdom of Golden Lion too. These people came to participate in the weeding between lady Samuela Zorich and Nawaab Arif Sefu. However, they just forgot to get back home. Likely, they pretty enjoy the surrounding of the Kingdom of the Isles. After all, it's all blooming, it's always summer and no desert. Or maybe they are just still waiting for something. These nobles always have their own reasons to be in the court.r There is Nawaab Arif Sefu himself in that delagation. Strangely for everyone, his wife Samuela Sefu has her arm wraped around his. The woman's belly is already a bit visible. She is obviously with child. Also, there are a few more nobles and that shiny young princess Zuhur Nuru. r They were standing somewhere at the back of the room, away from the Queen, waiting for their turn. Just sometimes, they managed to hear one or the other word of what was going on, how the Queen handled the troubles of her people. Though, when their names are announced, the delegation starts to move deeper into the Great Hall.

They walk slowly across the hall, when suddenly, they are stopped and interrupted by the fuss near the exit and a bit later in the crowed.

Edris, the redhaired woman is also with child, although the curve of her belly is far more impressive than that of the Sefu lady. Her grey-green eyes spot Nawaab Arif Sefu, and Edris backs a little away, afraid perhaps to be spotted by the man of the Golden Lion. One hand goes to the wall as she almost stumbles and falls, before she heads towards the exit, right into the tumult that unfolds there.

Pureal sits up a bit to look at the new comers though something about them makes her look down again. She frowns a bit to herself, knowing better than to move from the spot her owner has put her in, though her fingers tighten just a touch where they rest on Zeph's thigh.

A few more moments and the man steps out without any invitation. He is the one, who raises a real fuss near the door, making the guards to try to stop him. Though, he has something in his appearance, in his manners or even eyes, what makes these guards not to do their best to stop the only one man, what makes the crowd to split and make a way for him.

When the pretty redhead hurries to the exist, the man, very smoothly grabs the girl, wraping his free arm around her shoulders. She wants it or not, he will drag her out into the public with himself.

He is full of mischief. There is a very strange grin on his face, when he passes by the freezed and confused delegation of the Golden Lion and together with Edris gets closer to the Queen. He leans there on the redhead, squeezing her shoulders firmly.

The pirate is as bald as he is tall, towering over even the tallest of these gathered in the Great Hall by a few inches or more. He's hair hang in thick black dreadlocks about his haggard face. His skin is thick and bares the creased that comes with age. The man is thin but sinewy muscle on his limbs makes him look strong nevertheless. His face bares scars and his nose has a chunk missing.

His clothes have bright colours and the finest fabrics money could buy. At his side he carries a fine sword and about his neck he wears heavy gold adornments. He certainly is successful. And the most important thing is his beard, which he wears with pride. The man brushes it gently with his finger, while others are squeezing something in the palm. Soon he drops it on the ground under his feet. It's a small chest. Then the man just kicks that chest to make it slide across the floor, closer to the Queen.

"Best wishes from my Captain," he tells arrogantly and then caughs a little bit.

When Nawaab Arif Sefu notices a stranger, dragging Edris towards the Queen, his hand slides to the pommel of flachion near his side. Just a gentle grip of his wife stops him for a moment, and Arif decides to listen.

Edris cheeks turn pale when she feels her wrist grabbed and pulled towards the center of the hall. "Let me go, you piece of scum," she hisses, trying to pull free from the man's grasp. "I don't know you." Her grey-green eyes drop to the small chest that is slid over to the queen, with both curiosity and bewilderment.

Adara steps forward, seemingly unfazed by the stranger's look or words and says, "If you would, release the woman I am sure a man sure as yourself would prefer one not so heavy with child after all." in a calm, serious tone. She seems to always try to defuse situations when she can, besides like it or not, the Queen has given her instructions about Edris' child.

Pureal can't ask questions, so she doesn't, she strokes slowly, lazily along Zeph's leg as she tries to peice together what's going on.

The queen rises from the throne when the strange man approaches, her royalty clearly visible in her bearing. "Noone dares to act like that in my throne room," she says with a glare, and a hand goes up, half a dozen guards closing in on the man in the next moment. "Let Mistress Edris go." Her eyes flit down, when the chest comes to stop before her feet. "What is this? A gift? Some sort of tribute? Who is this captain you speak of...?" And with a sigh she moves to pick the chest up, wrinkling her nose a little from the odour it emits.

Her eyes will be locked on those of the stranger when she opens the lid, until the smell forces her gaze to shift to what is inside of the chest - and it falls from her hands, the chest hits the ground, breaking into several pieces, and something tumbles from its insides, a tiny thing really.

The Queen has suddenly turned very pale, and a hand moves to the pendant she wears about her neck, her eyes wide with terror. "What... is the meaning of this...?", she inquires, her tone shaking just a tad.

The man just waves his hand at Adara as if she wouldn't be so important. The same is done for all these guards.

He speaks looking at the Queen, "Listen to me very carefully..." The man speaks quite mannerly, looking over the crowd as a true orator, "How many fingers a healthy person may have? Ten, right?" He laughs, "So, we will wait ten days, but not more. Today is the day first and we ask one island for the person we have, but you love the most." The man grins proudly, wraping his arm around Edris shoulders and leaning on her casually, "Second day, we will give you one more finger. That's tomorrow. And we will ask two islands for that one person you love so much. The third day..." He looks the crowd over as if hopping to hear the continuation of the story, "third finger - three islands. Finally, when the 10th day will come, we will ask 10 islands. You can quess, what will happen to the person you love if we won't get what we want by the 11th day." The man laughs again and leans in to sniff Edris' hair.

His eyes are just gleaming with amusement and madness, "Though, the question is, who the Queen loves the most?!" He shrugs a bit, "Of course, dearest Queen, say hello to the tiniest finger of your..." he makes a pause. Oh, definitely a sweet pause, "youngest son, Prince Nathan! Thank you for sending him to us."

Adara speaks up, perhaps not her place, but she says, "An island for him? We are the Kingdom of the Isles, we care little for men." perhaps trying to bluff, perhaps hinting at a bluff for the Queen to use if she so wishes. He might be her son, but he was also basically exiled. Ultimately it is her choice, and either she can take advantage of the offered bluff, or she can be called out, either way Adara will serve the realm.

Edris tries to wiggle free of the man. "Get off me, will ya!" Her distaste for being brought into the spotlight is soon joined by her contempt for the man, who despite his fine clothes seems to be of quite a lowly kind. Her grey-green eyes come to linger on the queen, imploring her to do something, when the man continues to speak, her lips twitching in distaste when he buries his nose in her fiery red hair. However, the words reach her through all the unpleasantness of the situation, and Edris' face turns paler, as her gaze comes to linger on that tiny object that has rolled before her feet. When Prince Nathan's name leaves the villain's lips so close to her ears she freezes, her gaze coming up to lock with that of the queen and her eyes are wide with terror.

Pureal looks up to Zeph, her brow knitting a bit, her fingers wandering to the back of his leg, settling near where she's sure his dagger is in the event things get troubling.

The hand holds onto that pendant, the knuckles white from the strain. The queen stands there like a statue, her face white as a sheet of paper, her eyes easily giving away the shock of the words the man has just said. "Nathan...", she mutters, before a cough leaves her lips, and her eyes widen again, this time without focus, her hand letting go of the pendant as it moves over her chest, clawing there as she gasps for air. A glance is shot towards the man, contempt replaced with fear and the realization of the inevitable, before her stare turns glassy and the queen falls. Slowly. Not moving anymore after her body has touched the ground, and air is drawn in a very audible painful sounding breath.

"YOU, BASTARD!" One of the first to draw his sword is Arif Sufu. He smoothly gets out of his wife's grasp, "RELEASE THE WOMAN!" And the man starts moving through the people, closer to the pirate. He will push anyone on his way, just to get closer. The way he stares at the pirate totally says, that if he will get close, he will slice that man in a few pieces.

"MY QUEEN!" Nimoria shouts and quickly runs closer to the old woman, floping on the ground, on her knees, chekcing for pulse.

Zephan shifts, his hand urges Pureal gently away from him as he comes to his feet. His dagger is drawn as he closes in on the man in the fancy clothes threatening his brother's whore. His gaze is cold, his manner confident and calculating.

Adara watches the Queen drop and steps forward, summoning all that is within her and snaps, "You will release her NOW, and you will surrender or else!" putting in all the command and authority she can muster into her voice.

Pureal pulls the blade free, folding it back against her forearm and curls, her feet drawing under herself and she rises Zephan does but her gaze is not on the thrashing queen or the pirate, it's on Edris as things have started to click into place and there's something that shifts in the pliant slave's demeanor, it's not nice, it's not soft, it's not pleasing, instead her lip pulls back from her teeth in a hiss worthy of a wild cat.

People in the room start shouting too, some start running and everything turns into a true chaos. Using this opportunity, the pirate notices Arif Sefu, running closer, claiming for the woman in his arms. So, he just shouts, "Take your whore!" And pushes Edris very firmly towards Nawaab Arif. And then he withdraws his own sword. He tries to get out of the room, but faces Zephan instead.

Arif tosses his falchion to the side and is just in time to catch Edris, if needed. He will do everything to wrap his arms around the redhead and keep her and her baby safe, "Are you alright?" He will asks and first time in his life, he will be honestly concerned.

People in the room starts shouting too, some starts running and everything turns into a true chaos. Using this ooportunity, Pirate notices Arif Sefu, running closer, claiming for the woman in his arms. So, he just shouts, "Take your whore!" And pushes Edris very firmly towards Nawaab Arif. And then he withdraws his own sword. He tries to get out of the room, but faces Zephan instead.

Arif tosses his falchion to the side and is just in time to catch Edris, if needed. He will do everything to wrap his arms around the redhead and keep her and her baby safe, "Are you alright?" He will asks and first time in his life, he will be honestly concerned.(repose)

Adara notices Edris safe and snaps at the guards, though she has no authority over them, but with the Queen in her state she orders, "Take the pirate prisoner if at all possible, We'll question him and find out more whatever it takes, and get Edris and the Queen to safety!"

Edris will try to use the opportunity to get away from the man, when Arif decides to come to her aid. Even if it means she looses her balance and falls as well, stumbling over her own feet that are hardly visible for her - just to be caught before she really falls and comes to harm. "No, I am not," is her reply to Arif's question, the word breathed rather than said, when her eyes focus on the pinky finger that had rolled out from the small chest when it hit the ground. A pinky finger in a state of several days of decay. The smell overwhelming, as well as the associations that go with it. At first she feels the urge to throw up, forcing that feeling back down as she shakes her head. "No!" The cry coming just before her body tenses and she gasps, her eyes going wide. "No! Not now."

Some kind of a scared man (if possible to call him a man), who was spending his time not so far away from Zephan, starts to run. He definitely is caught by the feel of the crowd. Everyone are moving towards the exit, or closer to the Queen, or fight that one pirate. So, he has to move somewhere too, right?

But the man is a Queen of Failures. A few stepcs and he stumbles over that hissing cat, little slave of the prince, falling under her feet.

Pureal stomps her foot down on the running man who trips over her, it feels good to hurt something a little even if she can make it look like an accident. Her gaze is fixed on Edris... and then snaps back towards her prince, she starts to stalk that way, towards him and the pirate.

If allowed, Arif will wrap his arms around Edris, cuddling her tightly to himself, trying to turn her away from that finger, "This Kingdom is not for you, it does not welcome you, it's falling apart. You still can use my offer and get back with me. I could promise you a different life..."

He is calm about his actual wife. She was with guards, with princess and after all, it's just one pirate and a finger.

The queen still breathes, even though her eyes are glassy and do not focus. She does not show any reaction to anything going on about her.

Eleora waves to some of the guards to help with the Queen, taking her into another room, along with Nimoria. A few guards moving over to lift the Queen to take her out of the room, as another goes to take care of the rotting finger.

Adara simply shouts, "I want him alive if possible! in the most authoritative voice possible pointing to the pirate, leaving the guards to handle it as she goes to see to the queen as well.

Edris is not in a state to be cuddled. "Gah." Her body tenses again, and she pulls away from Arif. "No..." is muttered as her arms are wrapped about her belly and she stumbles away, breathing with some effort. Her handmaiden is soon at her side and offers her assistance to move towards the exit.

Zephan blocks the way of the pirate, and his lips twist into a feral grin. "What a fool you are," he taunts coldly. "Walked right into the snake pit - with /that/ gift there? Seems your captain wants to get rid of you, huh?" And with that said he will drop the dagger and jump at the man, trying to wrestle him to the ground with his bare hands!

Arif just rolls his eyes a bit irritated. Then he moves to take his falchion.

The young Nawaab will try to find his real wife then, when Edris is taken by the handmaiden. He will move with all delegation of Golden Lion out of the Great Hall.

<FS3> Zephan rolls Unarmed: Moderate Success

Pureal is padding up behind the pirate, book ending Zephan. She stands there watching the Prince wrestle the pirate, the dagger still held loosely in her hand, an intent look in her eyes. When she sees the prince manage to get the man under control she reluctantly lets the blade slip from her hands and onto the floor.

Zephan's words makes the pirate just laugh, "Or maybe she just sent me here to get rid of your Queen? She is old woman after all. The Gods were kind for us taking the princess Madalyn too! I heard that, right."

And then Zephan jumps on the pirate. He struggles. He is a bit of a challange. Though, at the end Zephan will manage to pin him down. The pirate just will add, "I am ready to be sacrificed if that will leave one kingdom so vulnerable!"

Zephan's efforts will suffice to pin the villain to the ground until he is taken care of by the guards. That will not keep the prince from punching the man into the face while he gets tied up. "Damn you. You will regret the very day you set foot on the Isle of the Crown," he hisses into his ear. "And make no mistake... The Isles are not vulnerable. It seems your captain is in for a surprise." The dark look he sports when he turns towards Pureal gives away he may not be as assured of that as he'd like to be. Although. That remark.

Zephan turns. His tone is soft when he inquires: "You took whom as well? Princess Madalyn?" The tone might be outwardly calm, but there is a certain menace to it. And after all, the man could not have heard what Ralph had told earlier.

"Take the man to the dungeons," Prince Zephan decides, towards the guards. "He shall be questioned. And when he has told us what we need to know, I will sail and get my dear sister and brother out of there. Burning everything down afterwards." The sound of the falling dagger has his head turn and seeing Pureal, he smiles faintly. "You will take care of it," is said towards Adara Zorich, before the prince gestures for Pureal to follow as he turns to leave as well now. "And do it thoroughly."