A Royal Visit [Mari]
Jul 8, 2016 9:07:31 GMT -7
Post by Queen Vivienne of Avalon on Jul 8, 2016 9:07:31 GMT -7
Vivienne prepared her horse, savouring the moment of peaceful silence before what would undoubtedly be a tiring journey. She was glad to be leaving for Yalanze at last, the constant wittering of the court far behind her for the first time since the peaceful irresponsibility of her youth. A Queen must not go armed into delicate political situations, a Queen must not ride alone at the head of her party, she must be protected, and in fact a Queen would send an advisor and not travel so far at all. She had withstood their criticisms for a time, before announcing in no uncertain terms that a Queen could, and would, do all of these things and that perhaps it was not the rightful role of the court to seek to control the actions of their monarch. She would attend all political negotiations herself, she always had. She had been crowned the matriarch of her nation and as a mother would for her children, as Vivienne did for her own child, she would as a Queen assure the safety and happiness of her subjects. Additionally, she had not gone without Excalibur since Raven’s birth, and though it may cause offense to appear armed before her potential allies, she would not release her sword for the comfort of others. She was Queen of Avalon, Head of the Seelie armies, and though she had exchanged her battle helm for a crown, her armour for the softer gowns of the court, she would never allow herself to be perceived as weak.
Vivienne had studied the new world of Yalanze closely since the end of the bloodshed that had torn Avalon apart, observing from afar its potential for trade negotiations, and had maintained her distance even as war had erupted amongst her potential allies. It was difficult, to simply ignore such conflict, but her people were in no position to fight another war, and her court was divided still even while its members spoke words of supposed peace. The separation of the courts had angered many, but had saved many more, and still she knew there were doubts as to her suitability as monarch. One could only hope, she mused as she saddled Nimueh with confident, fluid movements, that those she intended to break bread with were sympathetic to the cause of her inaction. She paused, breathing deeply the fragrant air of her homeland, and then signalled a nearby guard.
“Inform the party we are to depart within the hour.”
“Yes, your Majesty.”
“Thank you.”
She watched as the group prepared themselves, a select party of her most trusted advisors and guards, noting their unease. The Fae had not had dealings with the Vampire Folk in many years, and the court of Slythanus was not without its own dangers, but Vivienne remained stoic. She would be meeting with the Queen Mother, who sources informed her was perhaps the most diplomatic of the Vampiric royal family, having explained to her advisors that so soon after the war, the King was occupied in containing and rectifying the damage done to his nation. While this was true, Vivienne had her own reasons for selecting the former Queen as her host. Surrounded as they both were by courts as fickle as pits of vipers seeking to control and intimidate them, Vivienne felt that the Queen Mother would perhaps see not the differences between them, but what they had in common with one another, and would provide a valuable ally in the political negotiations between their two kingdoms.
“We are ready, Your Majesty.”
Vivienne merely nodded, urging her horse onwards and beginning their journey.
Vivienne had studied the new world of Yalanze closely since the end of the bloodshed that had torn Avalon apart, observing from afar its potential for trade negotiations, and had maintained her distance even as war had erupted amongst her potential allies. It was difficult, to simply ignore such conflict, but her people were in no position to fight another war, and her court was divided still even while its members spoke words of supposed peace. The separation of the courts had angered many, but had saved many more, and still she knew there were doubts as to her suitability as monarch. One could only hope, she mused as she saddled Nimueh with confident, fluid movements, that those she intended to break bread with were sympathetic to the cause of her inaction. She paused, breathing deeply the fragrant air of her homeland, and then signalled a nearby guard.
“Inform the party we are to depart within the hour.”
“Yes, your Majesty.”
“Thank you.”
She watched as the group prepared themselves, a select party of her most trusted advisors and guards, noting their unease. The Fae had not had dealings with the Vampire Folk in many years, and the court of Slythanus was not without its own dangers, but Vivienne remained stoic. She would be meeting with the Queen Mother, who sources informed her was perhaps the most diplomatic of the Vampiric royal family, having explained to her advisors that so soon after the war, the King was occupied in containing and rectifying the damage done to his nation. While this was true, Vivienne had her own reasons for selecting the former Queen as her host. Surrounded as they both were by courts as fickle as pits of vipers seeking to control and intimidate them, Vivienne felt that the Queen Mother would perhaps see not the differences between them, but what they had in common with one another, and would provide a valuable ally in the political negotiations between their two kingdoms.
“We are ready, Your Majesty.”
Vivienne merely nodded, urging her horse onwards and beginning their journey.