“THE HORRORS OF THE GREAT TRIAL OF SUCCESSION, HAD BEEN INSTILLED MUCH TOO DEEP WITHIN THE IMPERIAL SOULS; TOO GREAT WERE THE LOSSES, TOO IRREPARABLE WERE THE DAMAGES. ‘SOMETHING, OUGHT TO BE DONE!’ WERE THE CALLS OF THE HERD. THE CALLS WERE HEEDED AND PONDERED.
AND, OH SO CLEARLY WERE THEY HEARD, THAT A MOST UNORTHODOX METHOD HAD BEEN DEVISED. THE GREAT TRIAL HAD HAPPENED, SOLELY, BECAUSE THE ROYAL HOUSE HAD BEEN ALLOWED TO DIVERGE. THE BASILISK QUEEN, CHARLOTTE, DEVISED A SIMPLE COUNTERMEASURE.
I MUST URGE THE COMMON READER, TO ANALYZE AND UNDERSTAND THAT CHARLOTTE DID NOT THINK IN THE SAME CAPACITY AS THE LEARNED MEN AND WOMEN OF TODAY; HER THINKING WAS MORE OBTUSE AND UNHINGED– MAYHAPS, A COUNTER EFFECT OF THE NORTHERN CRUSADE. EITHER WAY, THIS ALBEIT, FOUL, METHOD DID ITS WORK AND STILL HAS, FOR EONS.
THE METHOD? TO ARRANGE INTRA-FAMILY MARRIAGES EVERY, FEW DIVERGENT GENERATIONS. PERHAPS, THE WOMAN HAD INTENDED TO MAKE INBREEDING PLAUSIBLE, HOWEVER, HAD SENSE, EITHER SPOKEN OR INSPIRED, WITHIN HER.
A SITUATION AS WORSE AS THE GREAT TRIAL OF SUCCESSION HAD BEEN AVOIDED FOR CENTURIES; EXCEPT FOR MINOR STRUGGLES OF POWER.
HOWEVER, THIS TRADITION WAS FRACTURED AFTER QUEEN EVELYN'S WAR HAD ENDED. HER ELDEST DAUGHTER'S LINE HAS REMAINED UNBOUNDED TO THE ROYAL HOUSE; THE HOUSE OF ENGEL REMAINS YET. THIS IS SOMETHING, I URGE AGAINST, FOR EVEN THE BLIND CAN SEE THAT THERE IS MUCH FRICTION BETWEEN THE TWO CLAIMANTS. IT IS, BUT A MATTER OF TIME, BEFORE ANOTHER TRIAL ERUPTS UPON US.”
-AN EXCERPT FROM, ‘CHARLOTTE’S BASILISK’ BY FORMER CUSTODIAN ROKORRO.
LEYAH X
Biting back a scowl, and the harsh words that would, surely, accompany it, she acquiesced, taking the extended hand, “Very well, lead the way~”
Adolph remained ignorant, surprisingly, to the poorly hidden distaste within her. Something that she was both ashamed and shocked at.
Ashamed, for the poor facade of a polite young lady fading away. And, shocked, because the man still had yet to see through it! Not that, she was complaining, not at all! Quite the opposite, she was rather glad. And why, wouldn't she? The other's unassuming nature, made life easier.
Although, she supposed, one ought to feel pity. However, pity was of the same fabric that encompassed weakness; Calypso had taught her, this much. Weakness was death.
One would rightfully wonder, why not embrace sweet death? Afterall, Calypso is hell. Certainly, the real deal, cannot be worse!
But to these.. buffoons, love is her only answer; death would not offer the comfort of Frederick's arm, nor, would it offer her the passion and sweetness of his love.
Both of which, are her personal requirements for a fulfilled life.
Putting, the matters of love and passion, aside. There was a much more crucial matter to ponder; The Cardinal, Malice.
She could do, without questioners of her loyalty and devotion to the Reich. Afterall, the service in Calypso was statement enough; a less loyal individual would have deserted, come hell or heaven. But, she hadn't. And that? That spoke volumes.
Yet, the Cardinal's pressuring and prodding, proved to cement naught but doubt within her. Clearly, their goal was hardly just about the book. No, no, there was something, bigger at play– much, bigger than a sociopath’s autobiography!
Malice's covert agenda of questioning her loyalty went unappreciated. While, she could understand its purpose; it was unnecessary. What is a veteran to do, to earn some respect ‘round here?!
Well, it could be that there was an assumption, behind closed doors of the royalty, that the House of Engel had turned ignorant towards the claim. In truth, while she too would prefer this situation; the claim was something, too big and far too important to forget. To be ignorant of a destiny, that would, certainly, call upon oneself at a point in time– whether it be tomorrow or a century later; this call of duty and honor, will come. Of that, she was ardently sure.
Not to mention, that the Empress and her Emperor-Consort, did not curry any favors amongst the nobles– or the clergy for that matter. Even the Inquisition's, the non Brabantian ones, had their doubts of the current monarchy. And, for good reason too!
Five separatist movements had already been ignited under their regime; five! That had to be a record. For, even, the Basilisk Charlotte did not face such a quantity in rebellions– and, that is a very low bar to set.
She prefers to ignore the military. They loved their wars and attrition; even a fool could tell that they absolutely loved the Empress.
So, yes, she cannot be ignorant of this boon. Afterall, ignorance is the first step on the path of desolation.
“Have you had, your breakfast, yet?” Adolph questioned, breaking her drowning within the maelstrom thoughts that brewed within the mind.
“No, I have not. Have you?” She questioned back, shaking her head.
“Nor, have I!” He responded, jovially. Awfully happy, ain't he?
Pondering upon, an unknown thought for a mere moment, he asked, “Would, you be interested in having breakfast with me?”
“Do we not, always, have it together? Me, you and the fasting Cardinals?” She fired back.
He let out a laugh, likely amused by her poke at the Cardinal's. At least, someone appreciated humor! He replied, “Oh yes, we do, but.. since you've been busy, for the past few days; The tradition has been broken,”
“Soo, you wished to revive it? By inviting me?”
“Oh yes, of course! A very ingenuitive way of building rapport with your subordinates, is to dine with them.” He intoned. Obviously, having altered a famous saying, of course. What else, could even be expected, now? Well, except Blatant plagiarism!
“An awfully convoluted path of inviting a girl to date. Ain't it?” She spoke, cheekily.
He rose an eyebrow, affronted by the cheek, “I, assure you, Lady Engel. Courting you, is not even in the least of my priorities; romance, unfortunately, serves as naught but… distraction,” He shrugged, “And, for distractions, I have many. I am apologetic, if I had given you any indication, otherwise!
Leyah laughed, “Hahaha!... No! Not at all! It was a joke, Commandant. Lighten up, and here I was thinking you had familiarized yourself with my file!”
He sputtered- causing her, to laugh harder-, “I.. I- I have! Of course, I have! I had, merely not expected this! You caught me off guard, nothing else.”
His words were smoke and mirrors; the blush of embarrassment upon his countenance, told her all. Clearly, the man had slacked off on his duty. The posting, seriously, ought to be reconsidered! Fredrick was much better. And, no debate to the contrary, will be entertained.
“Whatever, you say, Boss,” She punctuated it with a, mocking, salute. The mockery seemed to be lost on him; seemingly, having perceived it as a joke. Well, it was one but, laced with much too mockery to be considered a joke made in good standing.
If, there was ever to be a ranking of jests– one's, made by her, specifically; this one, ought to land last place, for poor conduct.
Who cares, anyhow? Not me, that's sure, She shrugged mentally, sneaking a few giggles at the man's expense. With him, being none the wiser.
A few minutes of, pointlessly aimless, wandering passed by; in truth, while such seconds were precious– Time was precious. She.. somehow, did not feel wrathful. These moments, never to return, had been spent, yes. But, but, there was no regret.
Perhaps, tis was so because of the humorous amusement within the situation. Or, perhaps, tis was a boon of the Library's inherent beauty– the vanity, the flawlessness, the awe inspiring sights which doth did give competition to nature, itself.
Of the two, she prefers the latter. For the former was unacceptable. To believe in it, was to believe that Adolph had the worthiness of a redemption; something, incomprehensible.
At that moment; a sight of beauty, caught her gaze. A bed of resplendent flowers that under the merciful sun's golden rays swayed so lovingly, that one could gaze upon them, indefinitely!
There were many flowerbeds across the Library's humongous property; yet, none could compare. Alien, as they are, afterall. These flowers, were from Home; From, Mercia, from her own garden.
A pleasant surprise, it had been, to find them in the parcel; afterall, Leyah had hardly expected such remembrances– vehemently, they had been disparaged by her Father. Perhaps, however farfetched it may be, he had turned a new leaf.
Orrr, that's what, she had thought; the note, from her mother, had nipped such fantasies in the bud. Saddening. But, not entirely, unexpected.
The man was unbendable. The thought, had incited a smile; at least, someone had remained unchanged, she had thought. And, still did.
Regardless, she wanders amidst the memories; they lead her astray. She forgets, at times. Not always, but the thoughts doth stray too far. And, sometimes, her older lines of thoughts are forgotten. AURORA blames the fragility of human hubris; a hint at his own prowess, no doubt.
Had she not matured– abandoning thoughts of nihilism, accelerationism and delusionalism; By Lilac, does the admission make her blush in shame! Tis was akin to having been caught with a Holo of one's favorite actor! Hopefully, the ground swallows her whole....
Well… anyways, returning to the point! AURORA's comments– critiques– on human hubris and its fragile nature, would have sat agreeable with her. But, with age, with Calypso, comes strange maturity. A maturity that opens the mind; for her, unfortunately, it did much more. And now, she agrees, no more! The comments, that would have heads nodding, left and right– are, downright abhorrent for her! Disgusting critiques, that ought not to be spoken or, even, mentioned. But, nevertheless, they hold ground; no matter, it's flimsiness.
A good argument is like an obelisk. Built upon firm foundations of unmovable stone, composed of staunchly stubborn metals and rocks compounded together to form an immovable object.
AURORA's is an obelisk, alright. However, an obelisk on sand, is naught more than false promises of stability. Mayhaps, others would see the arguments as firm foundations; they are fools.
Hell, nihilism is for fucking fools! Although, perhaps, tis is better unmentioned to AURORA. Certainly an ardent nihilist, for an AI, that is.
Again, she has diverged. Most things, within the human mind, are hard to kill; this.. imperfection, within her is a good example.
She should be thinking of the flowers– the Mercian Lilac's, Belladonna's and, her favorites, the Delilah's. But, here she is, thinking of impure thoughts.
The flowers. They are a colorful bunch; so much so, that one ought to consider them as the Holy Trinity of Flowers. Or, at least, as the prime representatives of nature's bounty. They are pure. Unlike her. Unlike the Reich. Unlike the world.
She shakes her head, the breeze carrying the sweet scents of the flowers. The air, has never tasted sweeter, she admits. Looking to her right, Adolph likewise, seems absorbed within the sheer beauty.
For once, there is no mockery; only appreciation. In that moment, the innocence within his eyes makes her reflect. Adolph was young, unarguably so. Well, either that, or nepotism ran too deep within the military; truthfully, it did run too fucking deep, but, the innocence within his gaze seemed true… genuine. It fires a realization within her!
Like Charles, Adolph too, was a mere greenhorn. Too young, to grasp the true horrors of War; yet, too old to feign utter ignorance.
Mayhaps, she ought to take it easy on the poor kid. Slightly, at least; complacency breeds weakness, afterall!
She sauntered onwards; Adolph followed in her wake. Kneeling, she appraised the flowers, carefully and closely; this flowerbed was her garden and similar to the one on Mercia, this too shall bloom like the moon on a starless night. Adolph remained standing, although, from a peak, she could tell that he was just as interested. Good. In their, line of work, small pleasures meant everything.
And, sometimes, they made all the difference in the world. In the darkest hours on Calypso, it was thoughts of home… and Fredrick, that pushed her on. Well, admittedly, it was mostly Fredrick.
Lost in the ocean of broken memories and tangent thoughts, time passed with serenity. Her famished stomach had been forgotten. And, time would have passed like that, with peace and quiet, however, such events are fantasies.
A maid came upon them, with shocking haste; as if, any slower and her life would've been forfeit. Curious. The maid knelt beside her, with grace and respect owed to her station. Leaning into her, the words were spoken into the intimacy of her ear.
“The Cardinal, Agony, madame. He- he, bequeaths that you grace him with your presence and break your fast with him in the inner courtyard,” The words were hurried, tinged in the common accent prevalent on Lilith; different from the grace that Mercian had, but, hardly unpleasant.
Leyah nodded at the maid; who looked, immensely relieved. Had she, seriously, thought that the request would not be heeded? Foolish girl. It was no request. It was an order; one that, she ought to follow.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
As the maid departed, no doubt to report to the Cardinal; Leyah turned to Adolph, who raised a brow.
Sighing, she spoke, “It would appear, that I am already spoken for, this blissful morning,”
“Oh? And, by whom, if I may inquire?” Clearly, the man wished to break fast with her and thus, wished to see the importance of the invitation. Classic.
“By my grateful guest, the Cardinal, Agony.” He froze, clearly, the development was unexpected.
“Oh. Well, I would not hold you, any longer. My best tidings to you!” With a bow, an unnecessary show, and a chaste kiss to her knuckles; Adolph took his leave.
Strange. The man was usually persistent. She expected him to accompany her, or, invite himself to the occasion. But, perhaps not, perhaps, even the boyish Commandant knew better than to tickle the sleeping beast. A good sense of preservation. Commendable, undoubtedly.
The courtyard was, a little ways into the lively labyrinth of knowledge that was the library; tucked away into the peaceful depths, within its little corner of green paradise. The sun shone brightly in the sky, at its highest, no doubt, for the warmth of its benevolence– she could feel from here. Here, being a few steps away from the courtyard.
Situated comfortably in the, rather large, courtyard was a gazebo; made, surprisingly, opulently. Fine marbles inlaid with virgin gold, a conical roof made from an equally maidenly mixture of gold and marble.
Sitting within this haven of virgin peace, was a striking figure; The Cardinal. Lazing about in its demonic visage, tainting the holiness of the sanctuary with its devilish intents and impure countenance.
Paradoxical. As their gazes locked, Leyah remembered. AURORA had spoken of this courtyard tucked away; unsurprising, considering that he oft indulged in meaningless talks and ramblings. AURORA had claimed, the courtyard was Evelyn's favorite. She took his word; not that, there was wholehearted belief within them but she couldn't, very well dispute them.
At some point, there had been a statue here; in place, of the gazebo– apparently, the maidenly marble and the virgin gold, were all taken from the statue. Horrifying. However, not unexpected; a mutilated statue was nothing new, history would testify so.
The statue, when it existed, had been a place of congregation for the locals of the compound; for, what reason? AURORA was unsure. Worship? Not possible, fanaticism against God had run high during those years. Cult? Perhaps, very likely, but then again, the previous point stands firm. Tribute? Likely, AURORA leans towards it.
She, however, thinks it unlikely. Tribute is worship. For, what individual would willingly sacrifice wealth and prestige for a statue, unless, it was divine? Even the Patron Sisters that are so oft revered, are done so because of divine association. Without it, none would care. Without divinity, the Sisters would be naught but madwomen; like, oracles of old.
Although, the latter is wrong. Oracles are fairly respected– in circles of delusion, that is. Shamefully, Mercian society was one. Lilac forbid, she be ever made to hear another sermon of theirs!
A prophecy had upended so much. Never more. Never more, will she undergo such mockery.
Nevertheless, ramblings of oracles aside. She believes the congregation of the statue, to be of a non-reverent nature; mayhaps, a ceremony to honor the dead? Or, perhaps, to respect the founder of the library? Nay, that would make it worship. Perhaps, the former is correct. It seems, to be logical reasoning.
Either that, or it was a Cult.
AURORA had described it, to be a bastardized countenance of Lilac; the woman in it, based off of Lilac though she was, had an inhumane beauty to her– a beauty that far outshone Lilac's. Evelyn, apparently, had called the woman, a nonpareil and that ‘she was so familiar, that one ought to regard her, nothing short of, family,’
Astounding. Clearly, the charm had been able to melt even the unfeeling heart of Evelyn von Celeste; something, that even her husband had been unable to do. Leyah would've laughed, had she too not craved to see this.. artwork.
The line of thought, shattered. Black eyes locked with stars of hellfire. The nasty gash on the Cardinal's helm, did not give light to what lay beneath, for the veneer of shadowed malice hung thickly around the being. Tis, was as if the entity was naught but a facsimile of man made from shadow.
A Djinn. But, not quite. For, a Djinn, does not serve- does not obey- does not bow to whims, not its own. Cardinals do, therefore, they are not Djinns.
Not minding the fact that Djinns, do not laze around the mortal realm devouring innocent maidens. It was figurative; Cardinals did not indulge in carnality. At least, to her knowledge, they did not.
Then again, Agony was the most humane of them all.
A cold pit dug into her gut; it was wrong, the leering gaze was wrong, the fear was wrong, the warmth of the gaze was wrong. She felt like the Maidenly Caroline being seduced by the tainted Pleiades. It was wrong. But, then again, nothing in the world was ever right; Especially, Cardinals.
The Cardinal tore it's gaze away; content to bore holes into the lavish meal spread upon the table. A sight, that made her stomach growl; hardly, a ladylike response. However, Leyah was never a proper Lady.
Sauntering forwards, through the cobbled path amidst the green pasture, Leyah nodded in respect for the Cardinal; the gesture was reciprocated. The two Cardinals had gentile manners, a fair concession for Malice's aggression.
She palmed the choker on her neck. It did a poor job of hiding the purple bruises on her neck from last night. Makeup, thankfully, had sufficed for the bruising on the cheek. A certain numbness, persisted yet. Poor Emma had been, oh so, distraught; such a dearie!
She could still feel them, the claws squeezing down, straining her, draining the air from her poor lungs.
A shiver, and she sat on the chair, sinking comfortably into its cushioned embrace.
The Cardinal gestured benevolently towards the meal, “Mineself had no knowledge of your preferences. And the.. maid, Emma, was she? was not present for my queries, thus, improvising was the call. I trust, that the spread is to thine satisfaction, hmm?”
She nodded, gracefully and graciously. Considering, that the meal was composed entirely of her favorite dishes, the Cardinal was underplaying it's knowledge. A wise move; one ought to always sheath themselves in humble facades. But, a poor one to seek endearment, especially if it began with a lie. A bold faced lie, at that. Nonetheless, no matter of the feelings within her on such an act, the same sheet of humility and humbleness would cloak her, too.
To do, anything else, would be undesirable; if not, downright, foolish.
“I must say,” She spoke, gesturing to the generous quantity of food, “The spread is.. alarming, in a manner of thinking; everything, well almost everything, is according to my tastes. Heh, one might think that the host had been following and snooping around…”
The Cardinal grunted, unamused, “Ah, I see; well, then I apologize for my foreknowledge.” With a pause, he added, “Normally, individuals express gratitude at such benevolence, but, I expect it is not the same with you?”
“Those individuals have not had knives poised for their back, have they?”
“Hmm. Mineself supposes not; a pity, that you cannot appreciate mine benevolence with the same grace that you ought to. And, as far as accusations and suspicions go– I, too, can levy many against you.”
She nodded with a crinkly smile, “I suppose so. But, but, it was hardly an accusation; merely an.. observation,” She shrugged before digging, unsuredly, into the inviting food.
A few moments of gluttonous silence passed. “For a woman of such wild suspicions, thine appetite certainly is naive,” The Cardinal voiced; the spoonful of food froze, her mouth hung open– horror mounted within her bosom. Naive? Is.. Is the food poisoned?! She shrieked mentally with alarm.
Before the thoughts could be given voice, the Cardinal interrupted with a laugh? At least, it felt like one; gravelly and uneasy as it was to hear, a cacophony of heavenless sounds.
“Be at ease. Be at ease, girl. There is no need for alarm! Had mineself wished for thine demise, the act would have already been carried out; Suffice to say, that mineself would hardly have stretched it out this far,”
Swallowing the bite- it tasted like bloody ash-, she questioned, “An expert in silencing voices, then?”
“Oddly enough, no. Such menial tasks aren't for mineself to carry out; They are of Malice's forte, usually,”
Daringly, she asked, “And in the.. unusual cases?”
“Had this been an unusual case, thine light would have been snuffed out from, even, within the deepest pits of hell,” A silent fear descended upon her. Was this how, people near death felt? Unadulterated fear, so primal that the heart nearly gives out? Fear so chilling, that even the nerves in the confines of the body, freeze over? Fear so encompassing, that it silences all others?
Leisurely, Agony- The Cardinal- placed his hands on the table; akin to a puppet who has been granted freedom from its player, she too hunches forward– a sigh of relief exhaled through her rapidly warming body. Horrifying. Oh, what horrifying moments!
There is no threat.
I am safe.
I am safe! There is no threat.
Calmly, as if the past few moments hadn't occurred, Leyah took a healthy serving from the pitcher of juice; Mmmh! Delightful, a glass of mixed fruit is always delightful to the heart!
“You believe too easily, girl. A weakness for you. An opportunity for others; and, mineself does not believe that thineself needs an explanation of why. Yes?”
“Very true, Cardinal.”
Agony hummed– even a common sound such as it, sounded entirely inhumane, devilish and unholy. Tis was a sound that wasn't meant for beastial creatures such as it to make.
Evermore horrifying, the picture becomes as she pieces these beings together. Foul creations of man that ought to have remained, purely conceptual. But, life and by extension, humanity are hardly sensible; For example, who would've thought that she would be sent to a library? For everything that Leyah knew, this posting was as good as a Royal Pardon.
Which, yes, she was thankful for, but, feelings of wasted worth still brewed within her. And, was it so bad? To desire something greater? Something that she had achieved through toil and tears? Something that had been, rightfully, her's but taken away? Is it truly wrong?
She thinks not. It is entirely valid.
“What does thineself make of this library?” The question was sudden, but, not entirely unexpected. Fredrick had asked the same, on his last visit; a sensible question, even she would've asked the same.
“It is magnificent; a sign of human persistence, a sign of human ingenuity and smart. Notwithstanding, the fact that for a library to exist over the course of millenniums, without plunder and purges, is a testament to human mercy,” Taking another sip of the juice, she questioned back, “And, what about you? What are your thoughts on this fine architectural creation?”
Agony hummed, seemingly indulging in reminisce, “Mineself makes of this library, for what it truly is. A mausoleum,”
She laughed, disbelief coloring her fair features, “hahahahaha! A mausoleum?! Of what? History?! Haha!”
Agony trailed his, clawed, finger across the table, “Nay. Yours. Tis your mausoleum.”
“Ex- excuse me?” She asked, dumbly, with a frozen smile
“Thou art hearing correct. Tis is thine mausoleum; a magnificent facade for a burial that will see thine House pass off into the unforgiving annals of history– forever forgotten and lost amidst rotting pages of death and folly. Thine acts on Calypso were hardly unnoticed, the planet rots with a cosmical stench of death and savagery; Mineself shudders at the very thought! Mine gaze sees it amongst the Divine stars as a blight writhing in agony and shining with malice– a curse upon your kind's very existence as masters of this vast reality,”
A pause; the words sank deeply, ravaging her through, just as Calypso was.
“Thine kind are all of a piece, believing themselves to be masters of all in existence. Yet, they lack benevolence and consideration that a true god ought to possess; then again, mineself supposes that concepts of mercy, empathy and sympathy are far too detached from the debauched minds of humanity and, by extension, Accelerationism– A fouler ideology hath never existed! Calypso stands as a stalwart example of human cruelty, Mineself fears the day that thine kind stumbles onto life, alien to yours; For, if such cruelty can be ushered onto thine own species, then mineself shudders to think of the fate of aliens,”
She sat dumbly. Confused, alarmed and intrigued- all at once- by the charged words of the primordial being; Leyah had not expected for the Cardinals to ever bare hatred towards their master. Then again, a slave wishes not for love but for eternal freedom– such a wish, can hardly be alien to these enslaved beings of immortal existence whose, very existence revolves around perpetual and never ending, slavery. Pity upon their soulless selves. A worse fate, had yet to be conceived.
For the first time, she felt pitiful towards the poor beings; birthed in slavery to toil in naught but slavery and to perish enslaved. Perchance, tis is why, Agony had always been the revolter in history. Perchance, in revolution and usurpation, Agony found temporary freedom. A poor and ever pitiful existence; not to mention, a hopelessly shallow one.
To live and die in enslavement– the mind shudders at the very thought.
Mayhaps, providing freedom of choice to repressed souls, gave him freedom by extension- however temporary, it may be. Lilac, Elenore, Evelyn, Carolina- all had been like him, to some degree, an epiphany dawned upon her. To think, from a mere rant and an attentive ear, an age long dilemma had been solved.
Agony acted as he did, not because of some perverse reason, not because of some ideological notion. Nay. He acted as he did, because of pity, because of sympathy, because of deep set empathy within him; in retrospect, Agony was more human than most of her species. And, in truth, Agony showed more empathy than herself. A sobering thought, that.
His words were not spoken out of sheer hatred or cold malice or even perverse wrathful fantasies; nay, they were spoken from observed realities, they were spoken from an entity whose existence had been devoid of affection and sympathy– yet, an entity that wished, not for devastation, but for those whom he believed to be deserving, to have a rightful chance at untold greatness!
Many believed these beings to be, entirely, one dimensional. However, now, such a deduction feels wrong. Notwithstanding, the volumes of lessons to be learnt from, just, one rant alone; The Cardinal, undoubtedly, holds great wisdom behind his heavenless facade.
Mayhaps, so does Malice, a part of her whispered. She agreed, wholeheartedly. First impressions never ought to be the last, lest individuals retain overt ignorance of the complex depths of humanity and society; wise words that she, in vanity, had forgotten.
The Cardinal continued to, absentmindedly, chip away at the fine woodwork on the table; a crude design of the Ayla taking form, slowly but surely. She was sure, that if the chipping continued, the figure would come to marvelous fruition– and, in truth, look miles better than the current woodwork.
Suddenly, the delicate silence that had shrouded them was shattered; The Cardinal spoke, a certain tiredness lining his tone, “Mineself makes of you, as a woman denied of rightful opportunities and one, who is unafraid of consequences that follow the brash choices that thineself makes. A manner of bravery, lined in stubbornness and, to a degree, foolishness; however so, thineself has toiled long and hard– This, the Queen recognizes,”
A burst of elation. “Oh? She does?”
“Indeed, she does. She sees that amongst much others within thine hubris; to an extent, though mineself regrets to say it, mine thoughts and views mirror her own. Thou art an interesting persona, Leyah Engel; the word, the name, inspires much within me. None of which, mineself must feel or even comprehend,”
“That, by extension, refers to the dissent amongst the court? Oh- do not presume that I have no knowledge of Imperial bureaucracy; I have heard of the whispers, many of which source themselves from the festering ruins of Calypso,”
“A strong powerbase. One that the Queen acknowledges; Mineself assumes that the Kommandant hath informed thineself of the plan?”
“Fredrick, yes?” At Agony's nod, she answered, “Yes, yes, he did in great detail. An year or two here, does not sound all too bad. Well, considering the alternatives,”
“No, it certainly does not,” With a pause, as if the creature was attempting to recall something, he spoke, “Great things await you on Calypso, Leyah Engel. Great things, indeed,” Seemingly satisfied at some revelation– which went unknown to her– The Cardinal, abruptly, took leave.
A stranger encounter, and conversation, had never occurred in her entire military career; safe to say, she had many strange encounters, but none quite as this. Mayhaps, that was because of the presence of a Cardinal– such heavenless beings, always found a way to disrupt the flow of normality of existence. Intriguing.
Unbeknownst to Leyah, within her countenance had been found a likeness by Agony, which troubled him evermore; a ghostly likeness to Lilac von Celeste and another individual whom he could not name- not even in the secret confines of the darkest depths of his damned soul.
A primordial oath takes hold. A primordial oath, awaits diligently it's compliance. A primordial oath guides an evermore alien soul.