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Post by Sir Walter Godfrey on May 27, 2005 19:44:16 GMT -5
The road was mostly quiet, save for the 'clip clop' of Sir Walter's horse, proceeding down the well-beaten path to the castle. He had thankfully approached from a different direction than the refugees from Starthra, and had been completely unmolested on his journey here. Behind him walked his faithful squire Jules, accompanied by a packmule that neither of them had the inclination to name. They just called it 'Mule', as in "Bring me some food from the Mule," or perhaps, "Hurry that mule!" Needless, the mule did not play a very obvious part of their everyday lives, but Sir Walter knew better. Over the channel there were so many wars that a man could scarce carry his own loot, so beasts of burden were often employed.
So that's what the packmule was; a packmule. The sandy-haired squire who walked beside it was perhaps seventeen in age, with a keen eye and a keener tongue (which Sir Walter was futilly trying to blunt, for the lad spoke out of turn and without being asked, sometimes offering snide remarks about another knight's mount, which got many long, dangerous, hard looks) that he tended to use quite often. Overall, the kid was a hard worker and a steady sword arm - something that was precious these days. Clad in a hauberk of mail and a coif which he had thrown back (it was a warm day), he was lightly armored compared to Sir Walter, who was wearing his full battle armor as well as carrying his pennant, which he had settled into a holster on his saddle so as to require little fuss. His device was emblazoned on his pennant, the or rose center upon field vert, which waved out proudly in the wind, its golden-trimmed edges an easy accompanyment to the pale green upon which it was sewn.
Though the saxon countryside was beautiful and he could easily stay here for days on end, he had business to attend to with the people of the castle. Pressing business that would probably start a war, but the knight looked ready for it. Jules carried his lance, though the squire was armed with much the same weaponry as his master - a longsword and another shield, carrying the arms of the knight. His shield was attached to the mule's saddlebags, so that he would not have to carry it like Sir Walter did.
As the procession reached the gates, the walls of the capitol city, the knight crossed himself and bowed his head. He would need all the divine protection he could get for this mission. Even as he looked back up through his visor at the guards, he gripped the strapping of his shield tighter with his gauntleted hand. He was sweating, but it was from the heat of the armor and not worry or fear.
A guard stood at attention, wondering at this knight (who was doubtless clad in quilting beneath that armor for padding,) who still wore so much armor on a warm, sunny day.
"Where is your queen, good guard?" the knight asked politely, "I must speak with her on a matter of great importance."
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Post by CrimsonWinds on May 27, 2005 23:26:16 GMT -5
: His dark crimson eyes fell downwards. He had sensed someone come afar, someone of divine power and great strength, however he came to find out this was true. It was indeed a knight, perhaps a paladin of sometime. His mind just drove many possibilities for who this person was, but the most direct truth he could find, was to ask him...himself.
He chuckled darkly under his breath as his long black robes just moved with the wind, drawing the dark cloth away from his body as he stood upon the top of the castle walls, staring upon the newcomers. He raised his hand, the tips of his fingers just seemed to gleam a dark light as he smiled. Bringing his right hand towards his mouth, his hand emitted a black dust, and within that second he blow against his hand hard, making the black dust expand. It form around his body as he vanished, the guards staring in disbelief as they looked at the clear sky, seeing no one there.
~ He came out of a house chuckling as he drew a cup of water to his lips, walking to the gates. His form was very tall, and quite intimidating as his ebony skin was concealed by his hood that was drawn up, so he could not feel the sun upon his skin. His metal spear was attached to his back, an odd weapon for a wizard, but he did have his own tricks. He had to, he was a Drow, that was his specialty to always keep everyone off centered. He looked at the guards and waved his hand, the symbols that dealt upon his palms seemed to draw the guards attention as they backed off, seeing how he was the ArchWizard of the Kingdom. They bowed respectivly and kept quiet.
Rilith gave the Knight an ackward look, however for his doubt and confusion, it was not shown, for his hood covered all of his facial expression except his crimson eyes. He slowly nodded his head at the knight as he seemed to find him familar, someone NimRuin would have seen before. He then spoke, in his dark musical tune. " Follow me Sir Knight, for I am Rilith, Archwizard of Ulster. I have been expecting you." He said softly as he turned around and then stop. " I will show you to the queen, for I have business with her too today. " He said in a very low tone as he began to walk, the shadows seemed to quell away from him at the moment, as he turned. Dark wisps of dust seemed to rise from his hand as he shook his right hand, the blackness disappearing and faded from sight. He walked very quietly and gracefully as he looked at the palace. " It's better to follow me as well Knight, for you won't be stopped every two seconds of guards wanting to know who you are. " Chuckling after that fact he turned his attention towards the walls of the palace and slowly began his walk, making his way towards the tall building that seemed to be so strictly protected.
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Post by Sir Walter Godfrey on May 28, 2005 13:59:30 GMT -5
In his own right, Sir Walter gave the little mage an awkward look as well. He did not trust these saxon shamans as far as he could throw them, as he was of the opinion that you could, in fact, throw them very far. This was because it was rumored that they were lightheaded, and what reason had Sir Walter to doubt? Regardless, he inclined his head promptly.
"At your debt, Master Wizard. Your expecting me heartens me; I sent, by pidgeon, a message announcing my arrival, and as I was quite fond of the bird I am glad it has made the trip safely." He then directed his horse after the little dark-cloaked mage. The heavy clip of Flagon's hooves were drowned out as the pair waded further into the market streets. The crowd was, in fact, so incredibly thick that Jules had to almost swim to keep up with the shaman and knight. He was doing a right nice job of it too, up until Sir Walter noticed the undue trouble.
With but a spur and a tug on the reins, Flagon reared and struck out at the air. The horse made so much noise, and looked so fierce, that the villagers fell back en masse', and gave the knight, squire, mule, and occult shaman a wide birth after that.
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Post by CrimsonWinds on May 28, 2005 21:07:08 GMT -5
~ He could feel the mistrust within the air as his dark form moved ahead, the spear upon his back just moved with his shoulders as his darken form made his way towards the queen's throne room. He simple just chuckled underneath his robe. He walked a bit before he acknowledged the man, his mind searching for truths however it was near impossible to break someone's mind unless he knew them prior and had worked on them. That was the key of Drow intelligence. Softly his right hand raised as he drew a red rose from his robe. " You have a reason for not trusting me Knight Godfrey. I wouldn't even trust myself if Given the time to choose. And I don't trust you knight. I have seen your pigeon. Beautiful it was." He said softly as the rose just moved along his fingers. He stopped seeing the crowds muster together and it pleased him for it meant that Ulster was growing and prospering within. Internal works never really was a problem, it was all the outside help.
He looked back at the knight seeing the horse's anger. Shaking his head he scolded the horse. " Behave creature. Animals are a thing of the gods, and by rights they can be killed. It is impolite Sir Godfrey to let your animal behave in such a way. The people of Ulster are beautiful and deserve just as much respect as nobility for they are the roots of the kingdom. Perhaps you should try talking to a few, and getting to know them, before you demand passage and respect." He said softly as he lowered his head at the knight and moved along. The people seemed to get the picture and moved away from them. Upon reaching the palace gates he spoke to a guard. " Good sir, inform the queen a knight has come to get her attention. It would be wise to hurry for after this stop i will be there momentariy." Smiling he began his decend up to the top of the palace before he stopped.
Looking at a a carrier boy he smiled. " Please take care of Sir Godfrey's horse. " " Come along. " He said harshly as he began his ascend again upwards towards the palace. ....
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Post by Sir Walter Godfrey on May 29, 2005 12:58:41 GMT -5
The shaman made Walter uncomfortable, for it was quite plain they did not hold the same belief system.
"The people, Good Shaman, are in debt to their lords or ladies - their lord to the King or Queen. In giving a share of their income, they ensure that in times of trouble the lords (and for the lords, the King,) will give them grain and shelter. It is fair, though the King is not the King without the lords whom the peasentry is in debted to. That is, at least, how we have conducted ourselves for generations. This respect that I demand of them is therefore earned, for in times of trouble ere' are knights upon the front lines, risking their necks upon the field that the peasentry may continue with their lives. My Lord has died to make men holy and I shall live to make them free - never thus challenge a King's knight the respect that, by profession, he deserves." And so in the span of perhaps a minute or so Sir Walter had explained the basic Feudal system - the system which, by default, he assumed the saxon country of Ulster claimed usage of. In his mind, the shaman was speaking out of idealism and not realism.
Upon reaching where he could go no further by horse, he expertly dismounted and handed the reins to his Squire, Jules. He also gave him his shield, though he kept his longsword at his side.
"Stay with the horse, lad. Ma Foi! See that he is well cared for - and if I do not return before the sun falls ore' yonder tower, then leave before the sun sets completely, and give them this --" The knight handed to the squire a letter, sealed in red wax with his own device, "And take that mule, too."
With that, the knight turned back to the castle and followed the shaman up the stairs to the 'palace'.
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Post by Kahlan Lothair on May 29, 2005 20:51:46 GMT -5
Kahlan had barely made it out of one audience before bumping into another messenger telling her of another come to see her. Letting go of her daughter, Kahlan smiled and kissed the girl's brow once more. "Run along Aria. I will be along in due time." Nodding to the messenger Kahlan notes without words that she will greet the Knight.
Long legs carry her back to her wooden throne into which she settles herself once more. The tight modest black fighting corset and the pair of tight black pants would be enough to send the Knight into turmoil. Kahlan was the one and only High Royal next to Willow her daughter. There was no King, and in this Matriarchal society the woman's line was passed from daughter to daughter (the child of greatest want). Ah, but children were the prize of Ulster. A smile, seemingly unwarranted, appears on Kahlan's lips as she rests her head in her hands. Long loose curls spiral down to cover her face and shoulders. In the firelight the delicacy of her countenance is indeed as breathtaking as she herself is were she to look up at the Knight upon his arrival. The woman was no simple Queen and the look and feel of her presence was enough to make note of that.
When the knight would be ushered through the door, Kahlan's gaze would be averted to the fire nearby and her face would be obstructed from view. Long lashes slowly knitted together as she waited for what the man would have to say, sure that he might indeed find it odd she had no man at her side.
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Post by CrimsonWinds on May 29, 2005 21:03:39 GMT -5
" Rich man battles, Poor man's war. " He said softly as he understood well the politics and government of ulster and of the knighthood. He however was both half and half on it however as it was plainly obvious to everyone. " Funny how you say you deserve respect, but what do you not see? In war it is not only knights that die for their country? They are the heros of the battles, the shining armor of their citidals, but no one sees the underlings beneath them. The squads of peasants, who are trained till they cannot breath. made into soldiers, mere foot soldiers that make up the muster of the army. For they are the backbone of the country. They do deserve respect, for really sir Walter. Take away your squire, your farmers and your blacksmiths and you will find yourself unable to walk. Unable to do much but have silly Pride Sir GodFrey. Ulster thrives based upon this government you speak of...yes.. But Kahlan gives much respect to her people. for she knows without them, she won't be much of a queen. I know this, for that is why i work with the people. They are humans as well don't you agree. This shouldn't be so hard for a knight to understand, I'm a Drow and I concur with this. " He said softly as he did speak of the future, for no true government holds up strong forever. Sooner or later they all fall into place, to heed what the people wanted.
~ He walked softly upwards towards the main palace as he looked at the guards and nodded his head. Softly he turned and entered into the palace. " No power lives forever." He said directly towards the Knight. Softly he bowed as he continued on chuckling to himself, his spear just barly missing the floor as he waited upon the very entrace of the Throne room. Slowly he closed his eyes and touched the door, feeling the wood of it. " Tell Kahlan, Rilith is here and so is a Knight, Sir Walter Godfrey, who is perhaps worthy to speak to our queen Kahlan." He said rather harshly as he let his words set in, before awaiting the door to open.
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Post by Sir Walter Godfrey on May 30, 2005 9:22:41 GMT -5
Godfrey stopped before the doors to the throne room and turned to the little shaman who spoke so boldly.
"I believe you wrong to speak thus, Shaman, for the Lords must also demand servace of the peasents in times of war. Otherwise their homes would be sacked and their villages destroyed. Knights, might I also remind you, originate as squires, and some squires as peasents. Therefore, what are all knights but peasents knighted and trained in the ways of war? That is why we deserve respect, Wizard; Because we are not only their protectors but their directors in a field that they themselves do not understand beyond 'foot soldiering'. Someone has to control them, after all." Before entering into the queen's presence Sir Godfrey removed his helm, revealing his face which was outlined by a coif, which he also pushed back.
In his own part he was handsome, though war-hardened, and had stood up remarkably well to the toll of years. Hard features, short, blond hair, and two blazing cobalt eyes marked him as Norman by lineage. Just as he turned back to the door, he gave the wizard one more sidelong glance and said, "No man lives forever," then pushed open the doors and stepped through them into the presence of the queen. He would proceed to kneel before the throne, averting his eyes to the ground and awaiting Her Majesty's leasure.
Though he had not gotten a clear view of her face, from her clothing and the lack of a king beside her, Sir Godfrey was actually beginning to weigh the possibility of doing the impossibility that lay before him. Would it really change anything? Would the people accept the change if it did? He clipped the thoughts short - he was under orders and could not better the situation presently. It was best if the request fell through; Sir Godfrey did not want those peasents that the Wizard spoke so freely of to be thrust into yet another senseless war...
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Post by Selena on May 30, 2005 11:46:01 GMT -5
* Her entity moved gracefully as her body seemed to sway with the wind, but that was clearly shut off as she turned around a corner seeing a guard of the palace approaching. Being how she was robed she drew back into the deep recesses of the shadows. Her emerald eyes just slowly shut as they were indeed impressive with a very strong sense of color. With her eyes shut she let the shadows conceal her image, hiding her from the world. They guard spoke of many thing, first being his duty of watching the hallway, in which he did like since he would not have to attend other things.
* She waited only about ten minutes before she moved, her eyes looking around for familar faces, her hands gripping a few bronze items that were placed along the halls. She felt no need to steal, but it was always nice for her to keep practice, but knowing she might be caught, the idea came to her that she need to be weight free. Chuckling softly she drew her form ahead into a side door, in which it indeed opened. She looked ahead for guards and found two, but also she say Rilith. A smile formed upon those beautiful lips as she walked around the courtyard, into a position she could clearly see more of the throne room. Her eyes widened as she stared at the queen, the beauty of such a lady, was that even surpassed her own, but then again she was ageless. Slowly he looked at the Knight with a confused look as she merely chuckled. " So He is the one Rilith?" She said softly as she walked around, the guards paying more attention to the throne room then to a "Maiden" of the court, or so they thought. " What will you do Rilith. Sir Godfrey, a member of Clan Brutality and a Guardian of Ayenee is within Ulster. It is unwise to let him roam around, looking at Landscape. I'll keep an eye on him Rilith, but I encourage you to be cautious. Guardians of Ayenee are harder to dispose of then Wizards and humans, but it can be done." She said softly as she turned her form, eyes of emerald staring upon the man with a very curious look. She laughed again as she slowly dipped into the shadows, her body melting in as she moved to a more secured spot within the castle, a very lone spot in which the guards did not know. Bracing her legs upon the wall she looked through a crack in the wall and slowly sat down, closing her eyes as she was indeed tired. In one day she managed to knot a fix in the outer walls of Ulster, climbing it with just a hook and a rope, and without harming any guards, gain assess into Ulster's palace. She was indeed tired of being a renegade but when no other occupants cared to take her in she got to be a little rest less. She grabbed a rose, a direct symbol of her syndicate, she smelt it and slowly did she reach into silence again listening to the winds. ...
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Post by Selena on May 30, 2005 11:55:02 GMT -5
~ His eyes just sparkled of interest as he heard the knight speak, but as he walked away he looked behind him, for the smell of roses was strong with in his mind. He knew it was Selena, that devil of a woman. He however agreed with her, knowing that they were orignally based from the ruined lands of Eden so they were both a bit startled when this man came, for it was truly obvious who he was and what he was. He however cared not, for he feared no man from Ayenee. He nodded at Selena and slowly fell back into the waiting hall. " Yes, Indeed this Godfrey is what you say, however don't mind him. A messenger is all he is today. I feel rather intimidated by others in that clan you spoke of. It hard vasting so much intelligence in one's abilities, but of no matter. You may watch over him like a hawk. You have never been caught to do so, however just be careful who you represent. You are not of Ulster Selena, so do not be waving their colors. Ulster does not need war right now, but then again, it might help morale." He said softly as his crimson eyes stared back at the knight, who did not even look up at the queen yet.
~ " Time of death comes for all men, but with a wizard, time means nothing. I shall be here or there when i see fit for i bow not to time, but to respect.' He said softly to himself as he didn't bother looking behind him at Selena, for her presence seemed to fall short of being near him. He bowed his head at her, and slowly made his way back towards the guards. " At ease my friends. The queen is safe." With that he smiled as he bowed at Kahlan, closing the doors of the throne room, the doors slamming shot with a sound that could rise up and make your bones shiver. With that he leaned against his normal spot in the shadows, for chairs did not suit him, and neither did the light. He looked over his hand as he knew he had much to do today, but this was only the beginning. ....... ( That was for Rilith. His comp is being a jerk to him.)
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Post by Kahlan Lothair on May 30, 2005 21:57:47 GMT -5
At the modest sounds of a small congregation collecting about her, Kahlan turns her hawkish greyed gaze toward those present. The woman was indeed striking and her features were, at best, otherworldly while being devilishly beautiful. Rising from her seat, Kahlan first greets the Knight with a bow of her head.
"Greetings to you Sir..." Glancing to Rilith Kahlan seems to seek the man's name from him before settling her gaze back upon the Knight, "I was ill prepared for our meeting kind Sir, so do forgive me for not knowing your name before hand. Will you grace me My Lord with a name, that I may call you by it?" Offering the Knight her hand in a gesture of peace, Kahlan offers the man a light smile.
Letting her eyes flicker to Rilith, Kahlan greets the Drow as would be customary for her to do so. "Rilith, I chance to say Morrigan treats you well. She is greatly served by you. And who is this young woman?" Quirking a slender brow, Kahlan offers a greeting to Selena all the while waiting for the Knight to state his name and the business in which he finds himself here to speak to Kahlan about.
Not forgetting her manners, or her ability as a host, Kahlan motions for everyone to take a seat in the chairs set before the dais upon which the throne of wood was erected. Settling down on the stairs of the dais herself, Kahlan looks to those gathered but focuses on the Knight. "I am honored by your visit Sir Knight. Before we waste the day, tell me of that which has brought you to the shores of my humble kingdom." Another smile graces Kahlan's elegant features as she rests idly on the stairs before her throne.
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Post by Sir Walter Godfrey on May 31, 2005 8:40:16 GMT -5
"I am Sir Walter Godfrey, of Westmarch. If it would please your grace, I must remain as I am, for once this matter is done I must also attend to other, equally pressing matters." He did, however, raise his head to look upon the Queen. His expression was deadly serious, locking on her and her alone - the rest of the congregation did not seem to matter at the moment.
"I come to you with a proposal from my Lord, Dorian Riggs, who lays claim to the throne of Ulster, having his lineage traceable to the Celtic Parthanon, giving him the right to ascend to the throne if he so desires." The knight allowed this to sink in, for when a new lord claimed the throne there was almost certainly war at hand. His mind did not stray far from his sword, but only in self defence - many more despicable lords beheaded the messengers of such dire news, and he did not intend to let his head leave his shoulders without a vanguard preceeding him into the next world.
"However," he began again, seizing on the moment, "My Lord is kind and does not wish to war upon the state of Ulster for this claim. He would settle for a marrage to the current Queen in order to prevent the bloodshed and strife that would arise from a war that otherwise must follow. In order to prevent this war, I beg of you to consider this proposal throughly, for the people. 'And he who is greatest among you shall be your servant,' it is said, and your grace is surely great. There are rumors of war on your borders, why not serve your people in such a relationship? Boulster your armies to meet the oncoming foe instead of creating yet another?"
For the people; For the country; For a peaceful solution to a problem that would otherwise result in the deaths of thousands uninvolved. Godfrey risked his life for the people of whom he demanded respect. There was fire in his eyes, but there was also a silent stubborness that conveyed the gravity of this situation. The choice would be obvious to him, but for this Queen that sat upon the throne, dressed as a huntress in leathers and informal attire? He could only pray that these new leaders of the world still thought about their people and their peasents as much as their little wizard advisors and idealists did.
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Post by Willow on May 31, 2005 12:04:26 GMT -5
Willow was astounded at the man’s exhausted; yet colorful proposal. This man had guts, and she intended to remove each bit with forceful claws of her own doing. “My mother is not some whore you are accustomed to, Sir Godfrey.” Her eyes turned into a viperous glare. A challenge made prominent through scarred dignity, “We have put men such as you, under Ulster’s soil before…You would not be the first. My mother is not some dog you can chain and make claim to. You are treading on unfamiliar grounds and you do not understand the words you speak of.” Her mouth twisted and then pursed while she collected her thoughts. The threat was finalized. “You walk with a dagger in your belly. I would suggest taking small and thoughtful steps so you do not drive it further…” Who the hell is this man? She had the childish notion that he was some grand Knight, but with his shared words, he was now her enemy to be put on the stake. With her face filled with fear Willow looked towards her mother in question. What were they to do? Go to war? No one would dare touch this land! She would not see her mother married off to some barbarian with the intelligence of a carrier pigeon!
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Post by Averis: Shield of Honor on May 31, 2005 12:23:22 GMT -5
Averis once was the bodyguard of Kahlan...and served for several months, until personal matters became complicated. But they did leave on good terms, so there was no hostility betwen them. Still clad in the same armor, covered in the same rune covered cloth beneaht it, his face was as kind and sweet as it had always been. A strawberry blonde (haha, not many guys have it XD) tail of hair went streaming behind his head as he continued moving forward. The armor would clank as it shifted in the various positions and motions he granted for it while walking. The shield over his left arm was what he was well known for.
Strapped into it was a sword as well as several spikes jutting out from the sides of it, easily making it a massive weapon that could impale a person or simply smack them to the side and granting them a concusion, or worse. The straps beneath it were rather unique. Over his bicept, there was a strap as well. However, wheneve ryou walk, your arm bends, thus causing a problem. Either his arm would be stiff the entire time, or he had to create something. Through a portion of the shield, there is a small groove which is attached to a metal piece which is then bolted to a leather strap. The strap attaches to his arm and thus, holds on. So as his bicept moves, the shield slides slightly in order to let it feel more fluid during his movements.
Some of the guards still remembered the Shield of Honor and easily allowed him to enter within the town with ease, "Hmm...so the whispers were true. With this many refugees, how can they possibly defend their borders as well as defend these people? Hah...looks like the Shield will return," he spoke under his breath.
Yet at the same time, Aylward would like jto have a say, "You know Averis, the whole time I have been stuck inside of your form, you have thought of nothing else but this...Kahlan persona. Did you really have that much of a thing for her? Hahah!! She's just a human, you pathetic creation!"
The two of them would have an argument isnide of his head as Averis nodded to random guards, asking them where Kahlan was and so on. OF course once within the throne room, he hid out...since there was company of course. But in doing so, allowed himself to hear the conversation while simply waiting to step out from the shadows.
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Post by Kahlan Lothair on May 31, 2005 12:44:32 GMT -5
As Godfrey spoke, Kahlan's own once happy countenance is slowly drained away. The words filling the hall were strange, foreign, obscure at best. Amid the littering of protest from her daughter Kahlan sits on the steps leading to her throne and quietly contemplates what next she is to say.
"Ulster, kind lord, has no threat of war beyond the borders. I myself patrol them from time to time and there is a continuous flow of information to me from my soldiers. The only threat of war is brought by you. Ulster, Sir Godfrey, has been at peace for seventy-five years following our Wars of Succession." Slowly, and yet with deliberate grace, Kahlan rises to her feet and wanders down the steps to stand before Godfrey. The woman is tall, her form lithe, and the very air about her exudes power and authority. "I, Sir, fought in those wars."
While allowing that to sink in Kahlan turns her back on Godfrey and those in his company glancing to her daughter with a light smile. Kahlan did not want to have to let her daughter understand just what her mother was right now, but half the tale would have to be told now. "I know of your Lord Dorian. Rumors of his legendary heritage have long since found their way to my ears. I am patient, my lord, so I will tell you this." Turning, with her hands behind her back, Kahlan takes slow and deliberate care to circumnavigate Selena, Rilith, and Walter. "Dorian was fathered by the Demi God Cuchulain, yes?" Waiting for confirmation Kahlan allows her eyes to blink a few times, the grey in them deepening. "Cuchulain was fathered by Lugh, aye?" There was no doubting the directness of her statement or where she was going with it.
Kahlan wanders from those gathered to the fireplace. Allowing her grey eyes to divulge the secrets of the blazing inferno, the Queen quietly ponders how she might word what she has to say. Pressing the flat of her right hand against the deep grey stone of the fireplace, Kahlan stands propped up on the hearth. Sizzling embers pop emphatically toward her and tumble across the hearth to lay littered about her feet. The silence that follows in Kahlan's wake is one that seems final, ultimate.
"You think I have no claim to this throne do you Sir Walter?" Kahlan's voice is calm and quiet, though carries remarkably well over the ears of all those present. "You think that the Wars of Succession were a ploy for my parents to gain a footing in the Hierarchy of this land." Looking up from the fire, astonishingly, the eyes that met the Knight are changed. Quiet and sublime, the eyes that stare back at the Knight are blue instead of grey. "Do you, Sir Walter, believe that beauty holds together the seams of a nation?" The Queen's face is void of all emotion as she watches Godfrey for a response. "The beauty, kind Sir, is not in the lay of a woman's features, but in the lay of the land. A land I have known for longer years than I can count." Truely Kahlan looked no older than twenty five.
"Surely a Knight can understand what I mean?" From across the room Kahlan raises a slender brow in quiet questioning before pushing off of the fireplace and beginning her slow but deliberate return to the group assembled. "I, Kahlan Lothair, daughter of the union of Deirdre O' Cathain and Matthias Lothair have the right to be in the position I am as the High Queen of Ulster. Queen Deirdre O' Cathain was mothered by the Triad of Fea, Badb, and Macha. Life was given to her through Morrigan 'Great Goddess of War'. Matthias Lothair was spawned by none other than Cernunnos 'The Horned One' and Brigit 'The Fiery Arrow". Need I go further into the lineage I am the product of kind Knight or do you know your history well?" Coming to stand with her hands behind her back before Walter, Kahlan eyes the man quietly.
There were other secrets behind the elusive eyes of the High Queen standing resolutely on the foundation made by her ancestors. So very much more than the play of idle gods and goddesses. "I have as much claim, if not more, to the throne than Lord Dorian has." Besides, the Fae stood behind her. Pressing her fingers to her forehead for a brief moment, Kahlan continues, "I am more than your Lord Dorian thinks to behold. Indeed, Knight, I would like to meet your Lord. By chance I would like to see if the tales are as true as they are rumored to be." Coming close to Walter, so close in fact that he would be able to smell the gentle aroma of roses upon her warm flesh, Kahlan gazes deep into his eyes.
"You are an honorable Knight that does not fear death. You serve your Lord, whom could think none other than expend you on this mission, tell me Lord Knight do you fear a God?" She had heard his meager references to a Christian god previously and thought now to probe deep into that which fueled the Knight's resolve. "For, Lord Knight, a God fearing man is a safer one by far."
Moving from the man, Kahlan wanders over to her daughter and pulls her close to her body, running her fingers over the silken curls of Willow's hair. "Lesson number one, Sir Walter Godfrey, Wolf I may be but I do not kill unwittingly. You force me into a grave decision, a corner if you will, and expect an answer of me justly before I am to meet the suitor in question." Drawing Willow tight in against her body Kahlan eyes Walter to the exclusion of everyone else. "You are free to go. If you would stay the night then you may either stay at Castle Emain or somewhere in the surrounding city. I would like to discuss more of this with you, and expect you to bring to me the Lord Dorian in the next two months." Turning with her daughter safely in hand, Kahlan begins to exit the room as quietly as she had re-entered. "Oh, and Sir Walter?" Stopping in the doorway leading out of the Great Hall, Kahlan looks over her shoulder, "I am not someone to be taken lightly. Be sure to relay that to your Lord Dorian."
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