“The Ingramarian peoples are a hardy yet strange folk. Their rugged lifestyle in the extreme cold have led them to turn to the worship of Kargathax, the Dragon Lord of Life, instead of reverent Astralis. Their worship of the dragon leads to countless bizarre rituals that might seem baffling to outsiders. An example being the 'bathing of the bulls' in which a virgin is quite literally bathed in bull's blood to celebrate the coming of a new year. ”
- Professor Oeungur von Theodosia, Arterian Academy Department of History, “Through A Different Lens: Ingramar”
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The First Minister took the sudden intrusion in stride, motioning for his guards to hold their ground. Though Sophie noted how they didn’t completely stand down, each man still maintained their defensive formation, weapons at the ready. Opposing them, the contingent of bluecloaks now blockaded the exit of the hall with a half circle, trapping the participants on one side of the room.
“Honored Lord Visprays, I hadn’t expected you to be in attendance here today.” Minister Octavian warmly welcomed the new arrival.
The two officials took stock of one another, neither willing to concede any hint of what their plans were going to be.
“The Traxian first minister. A surprise to be sure but might do well not to forget that our nations are at war. That you are here without official invitation makes you dangerously close to a bargaining chip.” Lord Visprays answered.
Minister Octavian smiled, “On the contrary, I am here on official business.”
“To sow discord? Recruit traitors to the city?”
“Be careful with your accusations.” Tharnus growled, the dwarf interrupting the two.
“And what of them?” Lord Visprays sneered, “All I see are members of the public meeting not just with any Traxian, but a direct connection to the Imperial court. Matters of discussion aside, the mere fact that you have met with him is tantamount to treason alone.”
“My honor remains untarnished. I came at the behest of a comrade and to demonstrate the unity of our people with one another.”
“Oh? A comrade? You mean this… thing?” Lord Visprays glared disdainfully at Sophie.
She looked away, unable to hold his gaze. But only for a moment before she recovered and glared back.
“On the contrary, honored lords. I was the one who extended the invitation. At least to the folk of the stone” Elaria declared with a curtsey.
Sophie watched as the minister’s expression visibly shifted to a more neutral if almost even pleasant one. The bard’s time spent performing outside of the Academy clearly working to her advantage, lifting the tense mood even if just a little.
“Lady Elaria, surprise to see you here.” He stated politely.
“Of course.” She dipped her head, her voice taking on a more melodic tone, “But I am here in support of my sister.” She motioned to Sophie, “And our comrades at the Academy.”
She did not gesture to the second person. But given how his gaze shifted to Lucinia, it was more than evident that the message had been received.
“Familial ties are important. But surely you understand the severity of this matter?”
“If I may, my lady.” Minister Octavian turned to Elaria.
The bard shrugged, motioning him to go ahead. The girl looked more bemused by the whole situation than anything, not even a hint of worry behind her poised smile. It was one of the few times that reminded Sophie that her sister wasn’t exactly fully human.
“As you said, Lord Visprays, familial ties are important. And I’m not here to cause trouble, tis a… family matter, after all.”
The Arterian was not nearly as amused as the bard or the minister.
“Explain. I have precious little time to waste on the pointless prattling you’re trying to do.”
“Now, now, no need to worry, we don’t plan on hiding anything from you. But I believe I should let the person responsible for this answer your questions.” The minister replied.
Lucinia straightened her back as the attention was now thrust back upon her. Though under the Arterian official’s withering gaze she did wilt a little. Sophie clasped a hand on her shoulder, offering what support she could.
“I organized this meeting. That is correct.” Lucinia announced herself.
“And you are?” Lord Visprays now focused squarely upon the girl.
“Lady Lucinia Gaius Trax… now former princess of the Traxian royal family.” She answered, a quiver as the reality of her new status slowly set in.
“Lady Trax… Ah, the Academy student?”
“The one and the same.” She affirmed.
“Former princess?” Lord Visprays questioned, the old man’s eyes turning to the minister.
Minister Octavian smirked and nodded.
“The First Minister is here on my behalf. Under orders from my father to ensure that I am officially and duly informed about my removal from the line of succession.” Lucinia steered the conversation back under her control.
Lord Visprays seemed less than impressed by the answer he received but appeared satisfied enough. His eyes then wandered over to Sir Taurox and the others. The question in his eyes was easy enough for Lucinia to discern.
“I do not know why, but my… the Emperor asked that I demonstrate to his representative that I could at least organize a show of support despite the circumstances. In this, I do not know if you have been informed, my lord. But a few months ago I tried to host a peace rally at the Academy.”
“The start of a sordid affair, I know. Continue.” Lord Visprays dismissed it.
Lucinia winced, hurt by the lack of care, but continued nonetheless.
“I sought inspiration from that and wanted to show that the people here were at least united. That no matter our differences we would stand together. Thus I called upon my colleagues and their allies. Of whom you see in this hall.”
The Arterian searched Tharnus and Miraevie’s expression for any hints to the contrary. But neither seemed to want to disagree. Having to admit defeat in this regard, Lord Visprays folded his arms and sighed.
“And what would you propose I do with this whole affair? I mentioned it earlier, the minister here is a high value target considering the ongoing war with Traxia.” Lord Vispray’s voice softened a little.
Whether it was because he understood her struggles or sympathized with her or something else, Sophie could not tell. She was just glad that the possibility of a conflict breaking out in this volatile situation was gradually decreasing. A welcome change from recent events, heh.
Lucinia looked to Lady Olivia, the despondent noble flashing a pained smile upon feeling Lucy’s gaze. Sophie took the moment to shoot Olivia a smile of her own. She still wasn’t truly certain about how she felt about Lady Lucinia’s company or that there was a high possibility that they would be working more closely together in the future. But she would keep her safe, and she wanted Lady Olivia to rest easy in that regard.
“I would do nothing. The Traxians, that is to say, my people were at your borders before but held themselves back. There is no need to provoke anything when the conflict is centered elsewhere.”
“And you would have us surrender such a valuable hostage? The first minister is worth his weight in gold, particularly if we get pushed to the negotiating table.”
Lucinia pursed her lips and clicked her tongue, her expression when glancing at Sophie allowing the elf to ascertain what was on her mind. Lord Visprays made sense. Even if push didn’t come to shove, having the Traxian first minister in custody was an incredible asset to keep the Empire in check. But within the fallen princess was a shred of something else, a glint of honor mixed with defiance that fought against the pragmatic desire to agree with the Arterian. Even if the latter choice was made all the easier by her own dislike of the first minister
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“Would that just not be the impetus needed for the Empire to refocus on Arteria? Loathe as I am to admit it, the First Minister is a more than capable administrator and my father’s right hand. Yet, it is by this measure, as one of his… I suppose now exiled heirs, I can also say that if the First Minister is lost and the prize was Arteria itself, that is what I would make. Perhaps it would delay the Emperor’s plans, but only delay, nothing more.”
Lord Visprays did not visibly react. The Arterian councillor instead turned to whisper to a subordinate. The two glanced back and forth between a bluecloak captain and the Traxians. Taking it as a sign that it wasn’t the answer he was hoping for and that tensions might escalate, Sophie stood a little taller and more at the ready. The imperial guard followed after, prompting the other bluecloaks to do the same.
Both sides now eyed each other like hawks, save that neither were sure on how to proceed. Lucinia fought to keep this meeting peaceful and Sophie would see to it that the job will be accomplished. However, she couldn’t account for the actions of the imperial guard, who still thankfully held their positions without provoking the Arterians.
Miraevie’s guard stood protectively over the elven girl, the lithe warrior standing a few heads taller than the dwarven rangers that flanked Tharnus. Taking his duties seriously, Taurox placed himself between the guards and the bluecloaks, the minotaurs' stature alone doing enough to cow the closest bluecloaks.
A clattering from the front of the hall broke the stalemate. Everyone’s attention turned to the new intrusion. A sight that likely surprised many, but only caused Sophie to experience a wave of disappointing despair.
Hanabi had shoved a bluecloak out of the way, causing a few of them to round up on her. Though the ex-saintess was fearless, Sophie had hoped not to involve her too deeply with the proceedings. Something that she unfortunately seemed to have no qualms about avoiding.
Behind Hanabi, Mila had also tried and failed to keep the girl from barging in. The defeated expression she wore suggested to Sophie that the inquisitor shared the same mindset that she did.
But it was this chaos that had seemingly presented a solution to their current conundrum. For instead of letting the bluecloaks respond to the intrusion, Lord Visprays held out his hands to stop them, the captains barking his command to the guards.
“I see.” Lord Visprays nodded to himself, “I was wondering why those two were just resting outside in the cold. It seems you have picked up a troublesome group of assistants.”
“Perhaps.” Lucinia declined to comment.
The councillor turned to Sophie with a menacingly glare, but this time she simply stared back. The city had interfered with her before, and had also neglected the plight of so many in an attempt to protect the reputation of the Braveskulls to their benefit. If they were seeking a fight, she wanted to oblige.
Her own emotions however, were tempered though by a quick glance to the former princess could quell her battle lust. She would fight, but not at the expense of her companions. That much she was certain of.
“Honored Lord Visprays.” First Minister Octavian finally chimed in once more, “Perhaps we simply both walk away from this having done parts of what either of us wanted. I sense no desire for outward hostilities and see no need to engage in such. My contingent and myself shall depart from Arterian shores like we arrived, without fuss or trouble.”
Lord Visprays was on the verge of giving a command when he stopped himself and sighed, “Fine. Although I think it will come as no surprise when I say that your presence is no longer welcome here.”
“Of course. That is understood to be a given.”
“And you.” He rounded back on Sophie, “Watch yourself, elf. The council tolerates your presence because you appeal to the common folk as a hero of sorts. But do not overstep your bounds. Know your place.” Lord Visprays practically spat at her.
Sophie bristled and growled, but she bit her tongue. This is Lucinia’s meeting, don’t ruin it. Everything is resolving itself peacefully, don’t start trouble.
“Hmpf. You were far more talkative at the ceremony and in court.” He snickered, “What happened? Traxians got you wrapped around their fingers?”
“That’s enough.”
“Hmm?”
“I said, that’s enough. You’ve made your point.” Sir Taurox grumbled from the corner of the room.
The minotaurs voice, though only a little below conversational volume for himself, seemed to boom across the room. Whatever worries anyone had were now directed at the bulky warrior, the grizzled veteran of far too much conflict. His tone carried a warning, one that seemed to shock Lord Visprays from the interruption.
The lord narrowed his eyes, but instead of talking back, merely huffed and moved his arms in a circular motion.
“I suppose he is correct. We’ve sent the message we needed to. Let’s move out. And I expect that the minister is to be gone within the hour or we’ll detain him and his party.” Lord Visprays tutted, turning on his heel in one swift motion.
As one, the bluecloaks formed up two separate defensive squares to escort both the councillor and other stray attendants that had followed him here. Hanabi was thankfully nudged to the side by Mila, allowing the Arterians to filter through the doorway without problem. Only when the last sound of boots clattering away outside of the hall dissipated did a few of the occupants let out little sighs of relief.
Lucinia visibly sagged as the bluster required to stand strong finally left her body. The former princess only regained some poise when she realized the first minister was still in the room. Hanabi and Mila kept their eyes on the doorway, now more vigilant than ever. The others by Taurox and the stage regrouped around the minotaur, rallying around him to get a clearer assessment of the situation that had just taken place. The Traxians continued to maintain their own defensive cordon between the others and the minister, only Lady Oliva standing outside of it, resting against the table by Lady Lucinia. Not too close to be officially associated with her, but close enough to offer a hmpf of support of her own.
“Minister Octavian.” Lucinia raised her voice a little.
“Quite so.” The man nodded, having understood an unspoken message, “I believe it is time for us to go as well, Goddess willing, those fools won’t try to stop us.” The minister chuckled to himself.
“They won’t.” Taurox reassured him.
“Oh? And how do you know that?”
“Lord Visprays is no fool. He never had the intention to take you in, merely gauge your reactions. If he did, this room would be a lot bloodier.”
“Ah, so the minotaur is insightful, or so he claims. And what makes you think that?” The minister questioned.
“Pardon my boldness, but he is a snake like every other politician. This act would earn him some gratitude but it is as discussed in this room. At the moment, Traxia has chosen not to invade in full or assail Arterian sovereignty yet. If that were to happen because of him, there is little that Lord Sigismund could say or do to rescue him from being the pariah that set the city on a course of destruction.”
“Hah, philosophical, logical and analytical. If only all the Porinthi were as eloquent as you, then the Nauticans might’ve found stiffer resistance yet.”
The minotaur ignored the jab. Merely ignoring the minister’s gaze and turning to Lucinia.
“Madam, are we done here, then?”
Lucinia looked at the minister, worried that he might be offended at the minotaur’s dismissal of him. On the contrary, the old man seemed rather amused at the turn of events and nodded at the former princess.
“We are. Thank you everyone for participating. I know that it felt like not much was accomplished or discussed… but I think we all can leave here with some thinking to do.” Lucinia announced.
“For Traxia, praise be the Goddess, praise be the Emperor.” The Traxian delegation saluted.
The imperial guard made ready to move, the soldiers forming a defensive escort around the minister and his aides.
“I trust you can make your way to the carriage and then to the port?” Lucinia shot the minister one last question.
“Don’t make me regret parting ways amicably, Lady Trax. But do think about the knowledge I’ve shared with you all, hmm? And if the Goddess is kind, may we never cross paths again.” The minister shot back, albeit coating his voice in a disgustingly pleasant timbre that oozed disdain.
“In that case, may the Goddess be kind.” Lucinia stood her ground.
The two shared a curt nod and then turned to their respective groups. Lucinia to Sophie and the others, the minister to the captain of his guards.
Watching the imperials depart brought Sophie a strange sense of relief. Though they were not overtly confrontational, she still felt the same malice for her that she had felt from the Lionhunters in Melton. They saw her not as a person, but as a threat to be put down. Worse still that she was an elf in such proximity to a Traxian. Goddess, I might be getting too used to Arteria.
A loud thud startled the last group in the room. From the rafters above, Sophia had clambered down before hopping onto the main floor, crossbow in hand.
Acting mockingly offended that people were shocked by her presence, she feigned an exaggerated shrug.
“Had him in my sights the whole time. If things went south, he wouldn’t have made it.” Sophia giggled.
Ignoring her, Lucinia tapped the table to get everyone’s attention, much to Sophia's chagrin.
“Once again, I thank you all for participating. But unlike just now, I mean it. For your time, for your support and… for supporting me despite who I am.” Lucinia admitted, “I know that some of you must have a thousand questions and I can assure you I don’t know anymore than you do.”
“That the Dark Tide is returning. Though I’m not exactly surprised someone like me wasn’t told anything about it.” Miraevie grumbled, “Hey, at least today has been quite… enlightening, shall we keep it at that?”
“Aye, enlightening sounds ‘bout right.” Tharnus bobbed his beard in agreement.
“I think… I think we all might have a lot to discuss with our various benefactors. Thus, I declare that this conference is at an end and… I suppose that’s it.”
With a polite round of applause that everything was over, the different parties made their own way out of the hall.
Unsure of her current posting since they didn’t discuss the meeting’s aftermath, Sophie simply waited for Lucinia even as her own friends were gathering outside. There were a few awkward moments of silence until Lady Olivia tapped her on the shoulder. The expression on the girl’s face suggested that whatever conversation she was to have with Lucinia would be between them and them alone.
Sophie politely bowed to the two of them. Flashing a quick smile at them.
“You can come talk to Mila or myself whenever you’re ready.” She reminded her of her offer.
Instead of sounding annoyed or indignant at the suggestion, this time, Lucinia chuckled.
“Will do. Now get out of here. I’ll let the guild know that your contract was completed successfully.”
Exchanging one last wave, she walked out of the hall to join the others.
Demons, wars, and the council is still on our tail. Somehow, I doubt we’ll be getting many more peaceful moments after this. She sighed. But that’s… that’s tomorrow's problem.