503-05-06 A bit later - private council on Avanna
From Crossroads Wiki
May 6th, 503
The Emperor calls to attendance his council, to discuss how to deal with the accusations of Avanna to the Admiral Hasdrubal, and the close relationship between the Avannese and Tyr.
It's Sunday, May 06, 503 A.G.
Mena is within the audience chamber, sitting at the head of the table, though not in the Emperor's seat. There are some papers stacked before her that she is quietly looking over. A large fire burns within the hearth, keeping the chill of the rainy evening at bay in the room.
Dorian comes into the audience chamber, looking about with a puzzled mein. "I musd be early," he says softly, walking forward. He spies the Empress and he bows low to her. "Good ebenink, Empress," he says, sounding rather congested. "Am I early?" His face is a bit flushed, his eyes glassy, but he has come armed with a handkerchief and such.
Mena looks up from her study of her notes as Dorian is shown in. "Just a bit, but it's quite fine," she insists, inclining her head and gesturing to the table. "Please, do be seated. Are you quite well, Marquis? You look a bit under the weather."
Aileana comes into the audience as well, dipping into a slow curtsey for the Empress. She smiles to the two already there, "Good evening. We are having a meeting, yes?"
"We are," Mena assures Aileana, giving the woman a smile. "Do come in and be comfortable. As soon as everyone is here, we can start."
Aileana walks over to take a seat, a journal removed so that she can take notes if needed.
Dorian moves to the table, but remains standing. "I think I caught more than fish last night, Empress. It'd a code, nofink more." He swipes at his nose with a handkerchief and bows to the new arrival. "Duchess. Good ta see you. I trusd you are well?"
"Do either of you wish something to drink?" Mena offers as she waits for others to arrive. "How about some hot tea for you, then," she offers Dorian.
Asha steps briskly into the audience chamber, brushing a hand over her skirts. As usual, she brings nothing with her. "Your majesty," she greets first with a precise bow, nodding to Aileana and Dorian as she rises. "Your grace, marquis." A smile flickers, and she moves to drop into her usual chair.
"Good evening, Your Grace," Mena says with a tip of her head and smile toward Asha. "Something to drink before we begin?" she offers. There is a servant standing by to fill any orders given.
Aileana nods to Asha, "Good evening." She then looks to Mena and shakes her head, "No, thank you. Not now. I've had a little too much to eat before arriving."
Dorian bows to the next Duchess. "And good eve to you, Duchess, " he says politely, albiet snuffly before turning to the Empress. "Tea wode be mosd welcome, tank you, Majesty," he says with a greatful smile.
Duchess Meredith makes her way to the audience chamber, likely wondering where that husband of hers is. "Good evening your Magesty." she says offering a polite curtsy to the empress, "Your Graces." she adds with a smile towards the others already there as she takes the seat next to the one Raziel usually sits in.
Aileana nods to Meredith in greeting, "Good evening. It's good to see you again."
Mena nods to the servant, smiling. "Tea for the Marquis, and I will have a glass of white wine, if you would be so kind. And ahh, here is Mists. That seems to be everyone for now. So, last call for drinks before we get started?"
Asha reclines comfortably in her chair, granting a bare nod to Meredith's arrival. Absently, she chews at the side of her thumb, inspecting a hangnail.
"Oh tea would be lovely thank you, with just a small dollop of honey if you would please." Turning the Duchess Mists directs her attention towards the door, and then admits, "I'm not sure where the Duke is, hopefully he will be here shortly."
"Yes, indeed," Mena agrees, then looks around the table. "His Majesty should be here soon, he was visiting the prisoner. So, on his behalf, I shall start. The first order of business to bring up is the marriage of Duchess Guardian," Mena starts, nodding toward Asha. "It is her wish to wed Sir Phaedrus Forester. Your Grace? Have you anything to say on this before discussion opens?" she offers to ASha.
Mena is sitting at the head of the table, next to the Emperor's empty seat. It seems the meeting has already started by the looks of things.
As the doors open to admit the Duke Regent of Mists, he can be seen shooing a page away, in some annoyance. He turns, and enters in bowing low to those gathered as he slips within. Seeing that the meeting has already begun, he says nothing, instead choosing to silently take his place.
Asha straightens somewhat as Mena brings up the topic of marriage, smoothing a hand over her skirts and looking from face to face. "Not much, really," she answers, quiet. "But Guardian needs an heir. It is my belief that Sir Phaedrus will do an admirable job as Duke of Guardian."
Ah the power of thoughts, there is her husband. Meri turns, greeting Raziel with a smile before turning her attention towards Asha.
Mena silently inclines her head to the late arriving Raziel, though it is brief before her attention returns to Asha. "Very well. Does anyone wish to raise any objections to this match?" she asks, looking around the table at the others present.
Aileana smiles to Asha and then Mena, "I only have one question. He is a knight? Are they permitted to marry? Has the Emperor already said he would agree to this if we agree? Will he remain a knight?"
And so Ana's one question turns into more than one. She is from Green Fields after all!
Asha opens her mouth as though to respond to the questions, but instead gestures to the Empress, letting her answer.
"He will not remain a knight, no," Mena answers the question with a shake of her head. "Upon his marriage, he will relinquish the title of Sir in favor of Duke. And yes, the Emperor finds it a fine match. He will be sorry to lose such a faithful knight, but due to some physical difficulties Sir Phaedrus is facing, His Majesty believes this is a good course for him."
Aileana nods then, "I have no objections to the match."
Duke Raziel observes then, quietly, "Then, if the Emperor conceeds to the match, and if Sir Phaedrus understands the weight of the situation and accepts what must change, and the Duchess desires it, I see no reason to object at all," he offers thoughtfully. He nods his head to Asha, then, belatedly, offers Meredith a small smile.
Mena inclines her head in the direction of the Mist delegation, then looks toward Dorian curiously. "Marquis?"
Dorian nods over his cup of tea. "Conciderink those observations, Draught habs no objections to th' marriage," he says, looking from one to the next.
Asha lets out a rush of breath as the last note of approval comes through, a relieved and reluctant smile easing across her features. "Thank you," she says in a low voice, tucking a curl behind her ear.
Mena smiles, then. "Very well, then that is settled. With the council's approval in hand, the Emperor sees no reason why the wedding should wait until after autumn. Perhaps a wedding in October?" she suggests toward Asha. "The betrothal is yours to announce at your will, Your Grace. Congratulations."
"I wish you the best, Your Grace." Aileana replies with a warm smile towards Asha and then looks back to Mena to see which topic will be next.
"October sounds fine," Asha nods, still just a little bit tense, as if she's waiting for the thunderous objection. "Thank you, your majesty." That part over, she slowly leans back into the corner of her chair.
Another incline of Mena's head is joined by a smile as she looks toward Asha. "His Majesty has also given his permission for a small affair on your home isle. Well, with that done, I suppose... we should move on, I suppose? His Majesty truly will be here any moment, now."
Duke Raziel inclines his head again to Asha, "Congradulations, Your Grace," he says, with a faint smile. He nods to the Empress, "As you wish, Majesty. A small matter made me late, and I do ask forgiveness for that, but, I have the rest of the evening quite clear. As you prefer, of course." That said, he leans back to wait.
"Yes congradulations to you both." Meri says politely before directing her attention towards Mena.
Red follows after Rourke and Hasdrubal, keeping her hands clasped behind her as she enters the room.
Rourke enters the audience and glances about, a swift inventory of the room taken in with a glance as he moves toward claiming a seat.
Aileana rises to curtsey for the Emperor and then reclaims her seat as her gaze shifts to Hasdrubal and Red.
Duke Raziel rises and gives the Emperor a slow bow, arching a brow in thought as Hasdrubal and Red both arrive with him. Yet, he seems more intersted, than anything else as he settles back into his seat.
Dorian nods. "May you bod be berry happy, Your Grace," he adds, surrupiticiously wiping his nose with his handkerchief and stifiling a cough. He bows to the Emperor."
Asha pushes up to execute a precise bow at Rourke's entrance before reclaiming her seat again, waiting for the next topic as she chews on the side of her thumb.
At the arrival of the Emperor, Mena gets to her feet in order to curtsey deeply to her husband's arrival. "Good evening, Your Majesty," she greets as she rises. The Keeper's usual seat is empty, of course, the Empress standing in front of the one to its side.
Hasdrubal walks in with his typical lazy gait, casting a slow eye about the room; a half-sneer tugging at his expression upon sighting the ornate, and elegant chairs for the four Duchies, and Emporer. The bastard-admrial is mercifully silent.
Red stays by the door, curtseying low to those present, and holding the position for a moment before straightening. She stays relatively near the door as well as the Admiral, staying quiet as she watches the Dukes and Duchesses. Mena gets a half smile sent in her direction as does Meredith and Aileana, then she goes back to retaining a polite, neutral expression.
"My apologies to all for my delay. It was unavoidable," Rourke says, as if such a thing were actually true, and he inclines his head to those already present. "I trust that nobody will object to a change of topic to Avanna?" It is pitched as a question, but it is not truly a question. Rourke reaches toward the papers before Mena and slides one toward himself without really looking.
"We had just finished speaking of Her Grace's impending betrothal," Mena tells Rourke as she settles back into her seat one he's in his. "You have excellent timing, Sire. Good evening, Admiral," she then says, tipping her head in Hasdrubal and Red's direction. "And to you, Ambassador."
Phaedrus steps in, wasting no time before bowing low to the Emperor and Empress. He moves to the side of the door, standing at attention.
"Majesty," Hasdrubal rasps deep and slow to Mena's aknowledgment, rolling his head forward to dip his chin and shoulders to the Empress, before his black regard slips aside to Asha, "Better luck with this one, little sister," he bids dryly.
"I'll do my best," Asha drawls to Hasdrubal, though she pushes out the chair next to her when Phaedrus enters, arching a brow in invitation to the knight. Because of course he'd like to sit there after being reminded of the fate of the last few occupants.
Duke Raziel offers simply, "Admiral. Ambassador." Then, "No objections, Majesty," to Rourke's suggestion of change of topic. He remains seated, reclined, and attentive.
Aileana doesn't appear to be objecting to anything either, just waiting for the conversations to continue.
"You did? Ah, then I suppose I should not keep Sir Phaedrus standing here waiting." Rourke shifts slightly in the chair, a subtle tension lingering with him. "Sir Phaedrus, I will regret your departure from the brotherhood of knights, but I am certain you'll adjust to being Lord Forester once more, and joining the side of your betrothed." The words have the cant of an imperial edict. Rourke gives a short nod and moves on. "I trust that everyone found time to read the brief summary of our interaction with Avanna. Does anyone here have anything to add to it?" The sweep of his eyes includes the ambassador and Admiral.
Red stays standing near the door, as 'at attention' as Phaedrus was. Or close, at any rate. She remains quiet for the moment, looking to the others present to speak first.
Phaedrus gives a sober nod to the Emperor, moving to take the indicated chair with only a slight appearance of tension. He sits and folds his hands in his lap, features almost obsessively focused.
Once the Emperor has taken over the meeting, Mena falls silent, taking the time to reach for her wineglass and enjoy the white wine within. Her gaze moves over the faces at the table as the next topic commences. Her free hand leaves the arm of her chair briefly, touching the Keeper's forearm for just a moment before it settles once more.
"Isn't he Duke Consort now?" Aileana asks for clarification briefly before she sobers at the sinking in of the topic of Avanna.
"Only that holding thier ships means naught. It's no leverage at all- Not when Avanna's already replaced them," Hasdrubal rasps to Rourke in reply, as he settles unhurried into a vacant chair.
Rourke gives a twist of his lips to Aileana. "When it's announced, which will be shortly, I imagine it will be." He tips his head to consider Hasdrubal. "Ah, the replacement was that fast, was it? Well, two new ships for you, then."
Asha leans back in her chair, looking between Hasdrubal and the Keeper as the subject turns to Avanna. "Just to clarify. They know that Hasdrubal couldn't have written the letter, yet they're still insisting on trying him?" she asks, arching a brow curiously.
Phaedrus steeples his fingers, listening intently.
Red's jaw tightens for a moment, lips pressing to a thin line as she looks from Hasdrubal and then back to the Emperor. "I think what the Admiral is trying to say is that by keeping their ships, Sire, that they are not paying any sort of price for their actions," she says carefully. "And yes, your Grace," she says with an incline of her head to Asha. "The Emperor informed them of such at the meeting we had."
Mena looks as if she's about to add something to the conversation, but bites it back at the last moment, instead taking another drink of her wine.
Red's attention flits towards Mena then back to Asha. "But then, to their way of thinking, we could also be lying," she adds. "THey have no way of knowing."
Dorian listens, sipping his tea, dabbing his nose and trying to look the part of the responsible representative of his island rather than a kid with a cold.
"Well, it's kind of hard to prove a negative," Asha grimaces. "Logically speaking, they should have more of the burden of proof to prove that Hasdrubal /did/ write it than we did that he didn't. Not that I'm advocating handing him over, of course. Looks to me like they're willfully stupid because it puts them in the situation Tyr rewards them for." She pulls out a small bloodstone, idly starting to weave it between her fingers. "Do we have anything to be afraid of?" she asks then, looking to Rourke and Hasdrubal.
"I don't think that it's leverage, but the cost of a ship isn't negligible, Lady Ambassador," Rourke comments toward Red. "Do I think it's truly a bargaining chip? No, but I'm particularly glad we didn't give them back. Much depends upon whether they truly desire to get to the bottom of things, or if they're simply in league with Tyr."
Mogur Imperius sneaks in late. He would use time traveling dimensional magic to have appeared on time, but that's recently been outlawed.
For which we are all glad.
"Apart from Avanna firing on Gateway's banner, and killing some of my lads- being protected by Tyr? No, not a thing to worry about," Hasdrubal rasps to Asha's inquiry, with a half-sneer tugging at his lips, as he adds aside to Mena, "And the answer is maybe: Mayhap you can burn one of them, if'n thats the message folk want to send.." A drawn breath as he rasps to the room at large, "Question is, what message are you lot wanting to send. A body smashed half Avanna's Armada in battle, but they're already stronger than they were before.. Five of Tyr's older ships are in Erreabor flying Avanna's banner."
Red nods towards Rourke, taking another small step forward. "I think that's the point, however, your Majesty," she says carefully. "That the Admiral was trying to make. If I am understanding him. They tried to kill him and succeeded in slaughtering a number of our people, and we have nothing on them. And no way to exact revenge for what they've done." She looks back to Asha. "It all really depends, your Grace, on information we still don't have. They are obviously in league with Tyr - Tyrish ships were present for the meeting. It was an obvious show of..." she trails off, looking towards the Admiral as he speaks, and she falling quiet once more.
Duke Raziel listens to all of this with a careful, attentive ear. He's hardly a tactician in these particular affairs. He watches, between Red, the Admiral, and Rourke, remaining silent for the moment on his thoughts as he listens to the different points, and perspectives.
"So Tyr wants a proxy war." Asha leans into the corner of her chair, pensive. "Seems to me if we want to get in a fight with someone, we get in the fight with the person we actually want to fight, not their puppet. But a war with Tyr's not something to jump into for fun. And unless I miss my guess, it's something that'll involve currents and the navy, not my legions," she adds, looking to Hasdrubal and Rourke again.
Mena's lips quirk with some amusement at Hasdrubal's comment to her, subtly tipping her head in the man's direction. But she remains silent on the matter, regardless.
Rourke considers Hasdrubal with a placid expression, except for a brief smirk at the mention of burning ships. "Admiral," he queries, "How many of their men were killed in your rather heroic and timely escape?"
Aileana's nose just wrinkles in distaste at the whole situation though for now she doesn't comment..just absorbs information.
Red clears her throat. "Actually... I think Tyr wants something far beyond that," she says, words still being carefully ennunciated. She glances towards Rourke and the Admiral, rolling her shoulders back.
Dorian tries hard to weigh all that's being said, his brow furrowing as he matches names and what politics he's learne about and the current events.
Hasdrubal rasps flat and low aside to Red, "A body can speak for myself, boy. Use your words, and quit trying to say what you think mine are." To Rourke's query, he considers a moment, "Figure mayhap a hundred shoreside. Another three hundred on the water, plus the hundred lads we made prisoners. What of it?" Aside to asha he adds flatly, "No proxy. Tyr will go to war on us if we threaten Avanna. Proxy would just be thier excuse for it."
"And our own losses were significantly less than theirs. They tried to strike at us, and found that we are not as simple to defeat as they would expect. I dare say that is a message we want people to be aware of, in and of itself," Rourke comments as he lays a palm flat upon the table. "Tyr knows we can merely close the Barrier, were it to come to war, and that we're very hard to attack. If they seek something, then, it would be with the expectation it would end with us becoming isolationist once more."
Mogur Imperius listens with interest to the discussion, but remains quiet on his opinion.
Red shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot, jaw tightening again. She bows her head for a moment, studying her toes rather intently. Yup. Still there. "Tyr would like a war," she says evenly, looking up again. "But that's not their /goal/. What they're doing right now is political. At least for the moment. They're using other people against us. Avanna was just the first." She pauses to look at each of the Duchesses and Dukes before her attention rests on Mena and finally Rourke. "And I guarantee to you, they won't be the last, Sire. What they want us to take away all our options. What they /want/ is to force us back inside the Barrier." She glances down at Hasdrubal for a brief moment. "There. My own words," she mutters in an aside to him before looking back up towards Rourke. "Avanna is the first. As I told you, they're going to be spreading the other nations, a united face agaisnt us - Avanna and Tyr. But it's going to go beyond that, your Majesty. Because when they are spinning this tail of theirs, it's going to be obvious that we did nothing else in retaliation. And unless we do /something/ - which you and I have already spoke over, Sire - then we're going to find the entirety of Outsiders are goign to be /against/ us. And will eventually force us to do just as Tyr is trying - to force us to close the Barrier again and leave them alone. I'm sorry, your Majesty. I disagree with you. They tried a strike at us... and found we have done /nothing/ except kill a handful of their men, and then later /apologize/ for it."
Asha listens, then tips her head back against the bast of the chair. "What I'm wondering, then, is /why/ Tyr wants to drive us back behind the barrier. Clearly we're not going to die off or suffer from it. We've done just fine for the last century and a half." She looks up then, arching a brow. "Are they afraid of us?"
Hasdrubal slowly turns his head aside to fix a black eyed stare upon Rourke at the Keeper's words. An evenly drawn breath, before the admiral rasps, "In case it's slipped your mind, Keeper- Gateway were wrong in this. A body can win battles, but unless this lot of Flowers-" A motion about the table, "Can manage to muster enough spine to USE those victories, it's bloody well wasted." As Red orates for a long moment, the admiral goes silent, rasping thereafter, to asha, "Bloody well right they're afraid. Thier every action reeks of it."
Duke Raziel frowns more, observing thoughtfully, "So, the question becomes what it is they want." He pauses, "Perhaps they are seeking to assuage their pride. We did - push them out of our Empire quite quickly, afterall. A move that few nations of Ikol have done. No doubt, they weren't pleased by the fact." He notes gently, "No doubt, they might also beleive us in part to be responsible for the death of their King."
Rourke comments mildly to Red, "You're saying that because we don't attack them and make them pay, other nations will turn against -us-?" he drawls, gaze half-lidded. "Check me on this, but what these nations would be spreading is that we're out to harm other countries, like Avanna, and that we're belligerant and greedy for land. They present evidence it could be the case. Then, we play right into that by doing so, and give other nations a reason to believe it and to fear us more?" He shakes his head slightly, but says no more on the prospect, now giving a nod to Asha. "They likely find some threat to us, and why shouldn't they? And tell me, Admiral, what is it that you want to see done with those victories?"
"We've made them look bad at every turn," Red points out with a nod towards. "They've hated us from the moment they've /met/ us. I'll remind you, historically, it was because of Tyr that we closed the Barrier the /first/ time... I think this goes back alot further than immediate politics and hurt feelings." She looks back to Rourke, shaking her head. "No. It makes us look weak. Avanna and Tyr will come up with all the other excuses. I'll also point out that my suggestions had nothing to do with /fighting/ them, Sire, but communicating with other lands Outside adn telling /our/ side of events. I don't want to start a war, not by any means. I want to /prevent/ one."
Mena's gaze moves between those who speak, paying close attention to everything said. "Of course we tell others of our side of things," she replies to Red, eyebrows furrowing. "It would be foolish of us not to present our view as they present theirs. But we do not want to be seen, as His Majesty states, as conquerors that merely opened the barrier to extend the Empire."
Asha laughs sharply at Hasdrubal's comment. "Brother dearest, we've all got spine here. Thing is, we like to think before we snap it. Personally, I'd like to know what Tyr's so scared of. Seems a bit odd they'd be all aflutter over us picking up a pirate's landing."
Phaedrus finally speaks, brows furrows. "If it were vengeance they sought, they would not merely seek to pen us behind our barrier. If they fear, then they value their status in the world, and they will seek to slander and discredit us, to force us to hide behind our barriers and keep the world safe for them to seek dominion over." he pauses. "And if it is pride, mingled with fear, then it is not just the rulership of Tyr that will pose problems. We have slapped the face of the greatest bully the rest of the world knows, and I suspect they are done holding their breath in shock. Now may be the time to act, but not with violence."
"A victory is more leverage than any captured ships, lad," Hasdrubal rumbles in answer to Rourke. "When a victory is won, politics use to to cut treaties, or take hostages, or do something else to end future fighting on good terms. Make a treaty, or draw a promise, or some such in order to cut thier ability to hit us in the future. Otherwise, you give away any gains we made in that battle. Because they'll still hate us, they'll still fear us, and if the Fleet is the only thing of Gateway they have cause to fear, then next time they wont fight on the water. They'll strike you another means." Aside to Asha, he sneers, "You do nothing and call it 'thinking' little sister. You want to talk of Tyr, we can manage that for a nonce.." A slow turn aside as Phaedrus speaks up. "By the bloody abyss, sense from a noble. You ought keep this one alive, Asha.."
Aileana finally has to roll her eyes and add, "I don't think it's much more than them having enough sand in their crotches to create a pearl. They were high maintenance and pathetic at tactics, and then when they didn't get their way, they acted worse than my toddler with the kicking in screaming. Honestly, they got taken to the woodshed and just want to try to point out to everyone else that they didn't deserve it." She pauses then, "Jerks."
Red keeps her hands behind her back, looking towards Mena. "That's exactly what I mean," she agrees with a nod. "I haven't heard of any communicatiosn as of yet having been sent out to the other nations. That means over a month has gone by with Tyr filling their ears with lies when we could have been trying to balance with the truth. By doing this, it does /not/ make us seem as conquerors. Not when we respond rationally and without immediate violence. What casaualties occurred on Avanna were directly from self-defense of our people. Anyone can see that, Majesty. Lord Forester is correct in this - they're using politics to get us... that means we should do the same." She quiets, looking again to Hasdrubal as he speaks, giving a nod in agreement before looking to Aileana, flashing a momentary grin.
"I'm all for doing, Hasdrubal, but not for the sake of just doing. I /do/ something, I'm going to do it smart so I don't end up with my nose bloodied and my eyes swollen shut getting dragged away from someone who's in much better shape," Asha drawls dryly to her brother. "I've been there, learned that lesson. I'm not looking to get in a face to face fight with someone twice my size." Phaedrus' comment earns a wry smile, satisfied. "Phaedrus is right. We have to do something, yes, but not go in full force picking a fight, and probably not running around to everyone else trying to tell our side of the story like a sibling asking for a fair hearing from parents. Trewat them like the toddlers they are."
Hasdrubal's lips curls in a half-smirk, half-sneer at Asha's words. "Well, great and wise Nobles of the Empire, a body is all ears: What do you mean to do about Avanna, and Tyr?" Leaning lazily back in his chair, the Bastard of Barca cants his head to a lazy angle and waits for an answer.
Rourke tips his head toward Phaedrus. "I did already say that I agreed with that, Lady Sared, and that it would happen," he comments toward Red. He glances to Hasdrubal with a twist of his lips. "I think that you have misunderstood me. We are keenly aware that there are conversations to have with other nations, we're just careful in the message we are going to craft, and a decision on how we handle Avanna at this juncture is a part of it. I intended to seek opinions on how to handle -Avanna-. A nicely worded letter telling them to kiss our posteriors about the Admiral? Send a ship back to them burning?" He flicks a glance at Mena and back to the table. "Or a cynically worded response that, while we're certain of their neutrality in this situation, we've seen enough treachery that we're not interested in complying with sending our Admiral to their care? Is there another country that we could suggest everyone meet in to discuss this?"
Mena's lips quirk. "How about Maedhros? It is a pity sometimes that they don't allow outsiders upon their land."
"I think they'd make an exception for the Admiral," Red returns to Mena from the corner of her mouth. "Then they'd get rid of anyone else who tried."
"Pais de Leuvier? They are hospitable." Aileana replies with her offering of a suggestion.
"Does anyone out there actually send their people to other countries for trials?" Asha asks with a cynical arch of her brow. "Because if not, pointing out to them that we're aware of the unspoken rules of the rest of the world might not be a bad idea. Sounds like a con to me."
Mena shakes her head to Aileana. "They are also protected by the Tyr navy."
Hasdrubal rolls his shoulders in a lazy shrug. "Mayhap Pays would serve, but the Empress is right.. Still, what do you mean to gain by going and talking to the lads, no matter the place? You talked with them once, and it did us little and less good."
"Though, Tolek is a possibility," Mena says, looking at Rourke, then. "If you do plan on meeting them, I mean."
Phaedrus scowls at Hasdrubal, but doesn't rise to response. Whent he Keeper poses his question, Drus thinks visibly on it. "Whatever we tell Avanna, we tell the world. If we wish to have allies, we must present a face that is inspiring enough to make another join us -- and bear in mind, these people do not have the protection of the barrier, so they are far more vulnerable than we. While I, personally, would like to send them a demon in a cage with a note tacked to it reading something to the effect of 'Kiss My Ass', that may not be what we wish to tell the rest of the world. However, there may be a grain of answer there: Need we talk to them at all? Perhaps a public show of nonrecognition?"
Duchess Aileana groans a bit at that, "I didn't know that. Sorry." At Phaedrus's suggestion, she can't help but chuckle a bit.
Mogur Imperius mutters, mostly to himself in response to Phaedrus, "Where did we put that demon in a cage that I brought back from Landry..."
Mena looks again to Rourke. "You could always tell them that if they get the other nations of Ikol to agree, then you will revisit the issue. But no one placed them in charge of policing the seas."
Asha flicks another faint smile in Phaedrus' direction, folding her hands over her stomach. "If we meet them on neutral territory, we meet them with representatives from everywhere, and we start forming our own inter-kingdom organization. Rules and all. We'll play our own games."
Red bows her head again to study her toes as she listens to the others speak.
Duke Raziel listens to all of this, still, having waxed quiet since his initial thoughts. Whatever it is he might say, is shut closed as his attentions are drawn to the Mogur's mutterings. That causes him to frown, some.
"What Gateway *can't* do is let Avanna keep on coming to the table as the ones what were wronged," Hasdrubal opines. "Whether or not they got the worse end of the fight, it would'nt hurt none to show up with a few demands to balance the scales." A low rumble, as he adds, "Instead of offering apology."
Asha presses her lips together suddenly thoughtful. "We pull the rug out from under Tyr. Century and a half they've been the de facto enforcers of the world, no?" She looks up again, from face to face. "So we show up and suggest to /everyone/ - particularly people who might be a bit miffed with Tyr's attitude - that they might want to be part of an organization. And organization where they all count the same. And we extend the invitation to Tyr and Avanna, too. And if they choose not to join in, then /they/ look like toddlers pitching a fit, while we're just playing nice with everyone."
Rourke listens to each person in turn, his hand sliding the parchment before himself closer. He smiles slightly at one point, brief, before he gives a slow nod to Phaedrus and then Asha. "The reason to potentially meet with them again, in front of others, is because until then they can say what they want, we can say what we want, and no other nation has any chance to observe interaction directly. Also, Tyr has their hand upon many of the nations in some way or another. It has always been foolish to oppose Tyr." He releases a breath. "If we can draw others together for this, to witness the interaction and our stand against it, then that begins to open up the possibility for... hmm... not true alliance, but the notion that Tyr is not unstoppable." He smiles at Hasdrubal. "We aren't apologizing. We're going to it claiming we've both been wronged, and allowing the possibility, however vague it may be, that they have been manipulated into this unknowning."
Aileana looks to Asha in consideration of her suggestion, her brows lift a bit at that and she asks a question, "So you are saying that this organization defends each other if troubles arise with one of the member nations?"
"Mmmm, maybe in the future," Asha muses to Aileana. "I was thinking more just a general forum for now, rather than an alliance. An alliance like that's a little more confrontational. We can let one of the weaker kingdoms bring that up. If /we/ bring it up, we'll sound like we're reaching for empire. But hell, we've already lost men for Landry. Might as well for something that could pay off."
Rourke sidelongs to Asha with exasperation, "Landry is going to be a payoff, your vision is just too narrow to see it."
Red shifts again from foot to foot, looking up as the others speak now. She glances towards Rourke before looking to the others.
"Yes, yes, Landry will pay off," Asha agrees with a nod, even if it's a little placating. "The point wasn't really about Landry, though. It was about making alliances with /people/. Other kingdoms."
"Treaties," Red says. "We need to start making treaties. With /alot/ of people. If nothing else, to keep future incidents like on Avanna happening. Or that to be the intent..."
Mena shifts in her seat a bit, not voicing an opinion at this point. But her attention remains rapt.
Hasdrubal sniffs once dryly. "Good a place to start as any, that. Tyr has allies, Tyr has lackeys. Tyr and it's alckeys already have decided to come after uss.. Seems a lot of foolishness and folly to wait for them to pick the field to come at us alone, again."
Phaedrus chews on his lip, brow furrowed. He is silent, thus far.
"That's the whole idea of bringing many nations together, to have some sort of unified front, even if we aren't all allies. Tyr is bigger than any of us alone, but not able to deal with everyone. The trouble," Rourke grimaces faintly, "Is really that we need to find out if other nations feel overly oppressed by them. If everyone thinks that Tyr is grand, or at least that they're not a problem, then our position is much more tenuous."
"We've made our point, not backing down from Tyr," Asha notes, flipping the stone between her fingers. "If it pisses Tyr off, at least it should make us somewhat attractive to the people who don't get along with Tyr. Aquilarco seems to be a shipping nation. I doubt they're all that close with Tyr. Maehdros doesn't seem to like them, but they don't seem the alliance-making type, either. Tolek? I don't know much about them, save that they keep to themselves and that oversized cat makes the men nervous. Khelek's not likely to bother, but we might be able to get Norgaard more for our sake than to be against Tyr." She takes a breath, then swallows her pride and looks to Red. "Ambassador? Suggestions?"
"Aquilarco is close with Tyr," Rourke comments idly. "Much like Pais de Leuvier."
Hasdrubal rumbles flatly, "Actually.. if folk were stupid enough to go at them directly, Tyr just might be able to beat the rest of the world, for the nonce. Seems to a body even if Tyr is the problem, focusing on them is a mistake.." A slowly drawn breath, "That one's sister-" a motion toward Phaedrus, "Heard some as such that Avanna has taken hostages for ransom in the past. If Tyr is staking it's name to Avanna, then it seems a bloody fine way to cut down thier good name by finding the fault in Avanna."
"But we won't know this until we actually find it out, yes?" Aileana asks those in the know, "And are they close with Tyr because they feel they have to be?"
Phaedrus looks up. "Very few of them will think Tyr grand, when they are in a closed room with you. They will speak differently when Tyr can hear them talk." he purses his lips. "Some will hate us just as much as they hate Tyr. The subtle trick will be to make us the lesser of whatever percieved evil they regard the world."
"Which can be a difficult road, what with Tyr calling us demon-lovers," Mena opines.
"I think Aquilarco would form a treaty with us, though," Red says to Rourke with a bob of her head. "If nothing else, they like us as well. Or, at least, fond of us. Their Queen and Senate all reacted favorably to us. I think they would would probably sign something say they wouldn't attack us. Same with Pais, actually. They won't ally with us /against/ Tyr - Tyr's been working with them for too long. But I think other nations, even if they won't ally with us /against/ Tyr, they would be willing to sign soemthing stating that they would agree not to fight against /us/, either. Which is, honestly, a huge step," she says with a bob of her head. "Maehdros is the only one I can think of who doesn't care either way. The only person from Gateway they even like is the Admiral. And Mena," she adds. "And as Duchess Aileana said - we don't know unless we ask. And start with a treaty specifically requesting no violence... we haven't been out there enough to find who else might hate Tyr. So perhaps another expedition might be in order..."
"So we invite everyone to join in. We get everyone to this neutral meeting place, wherever it is, and say that, as a gesture of good faith, we suggest the formation of a community of kingdoms. To...prevent future such misunderstandings as the tragedy in Avanna," Asha muses aloud. "A council for discussion, a forum for complaints. No one nation ahead of another, no real enforcing power in the group itself. For now, at least."
"Most folk like Gateway well enough," Hasdrubal rasps. "The grass skirts, the fops, the barbarians, the harpies. They'd most like back us against Tyr, so long as it does'nt come to a fight. There's the cut: need to keep from a fight."
Rourke comments, "Something of a mutual nonaggression statement would be ideal, but there's a point here that's worth making... even if any of these nations enter into something like this, Avanna could have had the exact same thing. Their aggression was supposedly 'justified' because of our actions. We also have that perception to deal wit." Rourke looks over at Red then, a brow arching. "I believe, Lady Sared, that you might wish to address my wife as the Empress."
Mena's eyebrows do lift a bit toward Red, though she says nothing as Rourke makes the correction.
Rourke comments, "Something of a mutual nonaggression statement would be ideal, but there's a point here that's worth making... even if any of these nations enter into something like this, Avanna could have had the exact same thing. Their aggression was supposedly 'justified' because of our actions. We also have that perception to deal with." Rourke looks over at Red then, tilting his head to one side. "That is why I'm not particularly impressed with the notion of lots of treaties of not attacking. If they want to go to war, they'll break them anyway, and if Tyr leans on them or they think we've done something to harm them, same thing. It's real friendships that have to be fostered."
"I agree, Sire," Red returns. "But when I suggested that last week, you told me you didn't wish to do such a thing because we haven't been 'out in the world' enough, and have no idea who we should take on as such friends."
"And so it is the treaties that I suggested instead," Red says with a bow at the waist.
"And how does the Keeper think it best to manage 'real friendshipss'?" Hasdrubal rasps, with a dry half-smirk. "And whether they'd keep the treaty isnt the point. Folk would see the paper promises, and mayhap think less of Tyr's words that we're out to conquer the world. If any folk Outside put stock in paper promises, then it's something what can be used."
"If we're going to start friendships, we have to have grounds on which to start them," Asha suggests. "A council of sorts would give us a chance to get to know them. It would put us in a position to make a better move in the future."
"I said I don't want to make alliances, formal ties," Rourke says dryly to Red. "Only that. We're finding out just now that Avanna isn't really someone we can trust, so who else fits that bill? And the point remains that we can treaty until death, but what nation -wouldn't- have supported Avanna in their action, had we indeed been plotting against them?" The last is given to Hasdrubal with a roll of his left shoulder. He eyes Asha and gives a nod to her. "It can even be a council ostensibly to talk about something else altogether. The attacks that have been going on of those creatures that look like slee'mo'ray."
"You're throwing away a potential advantage, even if it's a slight one," Hasdrubal points out. "That's a mistake." As the talk goes on, he listens to the fresh subject.
"I also suggest friendships to start moving to alliances," Red murmurs, shifting from foot to foot as she looks about the table, studying those present before her attention rests again fully on the Admiral. "And I'm afraid I feel a combination of treaties along with the council idea would be the best combination. If people are going to lie, they will do it regardless. But there needs to be a foundation, a start. We already have friends out there. It's a matter of who would be willing to be honest and try to work together."
Aileana is silent for now, just listening to the conversation as it continues, the wheels of her mind churning even if no suggestions are coming yet.
Mogur Imperius steeples his fingers together, lips pursing as he considers what's been said. Having arrived late, he's following the ten minute rule to avoid putting his foot in his mouth.
"I don't believe hurrying into any treaties is a good idea," Mena agrees with Rourke. "We can form friendships without anyone signing anything. As it was pointed out, no one would stand by a treaty if they truly thought it was in their right to break it. So, what would be the use of forging one at all?"
"We should use this mess with Avanna," Asha persists, grimacing. "We say it's a misunderstanding, with a few significant looks toward Tyr, and we want to avoid future misunderstandings resulting in such tragic losses of life. Being the new kids on the block, and a bit confused, we'd love to be a part of an organization of a whole, where all the kingdoms could work together. If nothing else, I bet you'd be able to get support from Tolek for that. They're new out there, too."
"I don't think most of the nations /would/ work together," Red says with a small shake of her head. "The only thing most of these places have in common /is/ Tyr and their alliance with them."
"Then we find some other common ground," Mena opines, reaching for her wineglass again. "And we build on that."
Rourke eyes the Admiral. "I didn't say that we won't bring the matter with Avanna up, but it can be in a bit more subtle fashion than claiming it's the whole basis for gathering people together. That is more inflammatory than we need to be." He glances at Mena and Asha, then suggests, "We can go base it on the attacks those creatures have been doing to nations. It's a good common enemy that -nobody- might be on the side of."
Red bows at the waist, head inclined. "As your Majesties desire," she murmurs before straightening again.
"All fine and fancy to say, but where does it start?" Hasdrubal prompts with a snort. "A body will be blunt: unless we walk out of this room with some notion of how to approach this mess, chances are good Tyr or Avanna will manage a war. Bloody Abyss, we fought a battle with the bleeders- maybe someone ought to announce that we *are'nt* at war- has anyone told the Outside even that?"
"A little out of the blue, though," Asha muses to Rourke, shifting her weight in the chair. "Speaking of battles, though, we might be more in place to start with concerns about the sharks. It'd be odd if we mentioned the slee without an immediate, precipitating attack from them. Unless we're of a mind to fabricate one. One on us and one on someone else, if we want a real solid start."
Dorian : nods. "We can't make friends if we don' try. I'b sure some of the others would come to the table out of curiousity, if nothink else. I'm sure they would like to hear where we stand as well." He sneezes, and wipes his nose. "Pardon me."
"We have placed a notion upon the table," Mena says to Hasdrubal. "But it seems you and the Ambassador consider the only two options to be a war, or signing worthless treaties with people we hardly yet know. Neither of which are of any advantage to us."
"I did not say that, your Majesty," Red murmurs.
Hasdrubal snorts, "You're wrong. Plain and simple," he ntoes to Mena's words. "A body is saying that words like 'building real friendships' sound pretty, but mean little. This gathering of nations is a notion I would'nt mind hearing more of- But time is important. Over a month with bnaught from this Crown but a few clipped words with some Avannese Prince? That's bad."
Rourke gives a mild look at Hasdrubal. "I think that is what we are discussing, Admiral," the Emperor comments. "And why we are discussing it now, although I'm not as inflamed over the notion of a month's time passing as you, apparently."
"Then plain and simple tell Avanna that we are not handing over the Admiral for trial when they have no solid evidence to support their charges against him," Mena says, placing her glass back upon the table carefully. "And if they wish to further discuss it, they can bring it up in front of all of Ikol so we can have it all out in the open. We have nothing to hide. At least not in this."
Hasdrubal turns a flat eye to Rourke, "No, you're not. But you bloody well should be," the admiral rasps. "Quiet makes you look weak. Makes Gateway look timid. Silence is blood in the water." A nod to Mena as the Empress speaks. "That, for example. That would be better than nothing."
"Exactly," Asha nods to Mena. "We use Avanna and these charges to set up the council of kingdoms. Two birds, one stone."
"A tribunal?" Red suggests, voice still low. "Because if we deny asking people to gather because of this, they'll see right through it as a lie. If we have a tribunal of some sort amongst the nations, and then bring up the other threats... such as the were-sharks and those lizard-things attacking the other nations."
"I think the world is already patently aware that we're not weak. A nation so afraid of consideration that it has to react in haste is no different from a person who has to shout to defend themself immediately," Rourke answers Hasdrubal, the words spoken with conviction. "As for council, there has to be some other motive as well, because it's a reasonable possibility that Avanna will ignore us, as we have considered ignoring them. The were-sharks and lizard-creatures would be a good list of things to add. We could offer invitations with the premise being that there are dangers in the seas we all seem to be facing, and that this isn't a time to be having misperceptions between nations, so in addition to discussing those troubles, we'd like to be certain we clear up the matter with Avanna, for all to see."
"Mmm, tribunal sounds like we're actually going to put him on trial," Asha hedges. "I don't want to give Avanna and Tyr too much ground to think they're getting a trial out of this. But saying we'll discuss it with them there should be fine. We still don't know if it's common practice to hand people over for trials by other kingdoms out there, after all." She nods to Rourke, letting out a slow breath. "That works."
Mena also nods her agreement to Rourke.
Aileana remains silent as her attention turns to each speaker individually, a nod offered to the Emperor.
Hasdrubal snorts again. "The world is aware that your Fleet is'nt weak," the admiral states to Rourke. "It's to your benefit AND harm that the rest of Gateway's strength, and worth isnt judged entirely by me and mine." to the rest of Rourke's words he simple inclines his head lazily, before looking aside to Asha, "Aye."
"Then it sounds like we've come to an agreement...?" Red says carefully, looking from one to another. "It seems we're all sayign the same thing at the moment in regards to bringing the others together..."
"If we're inviting other nations to a forum of this nature, it makes the most sense to do it here. If Avanna or Tyr won't come, let other nations make of it what they will," Rourke says, perhaps replying to Red, perhaps not.
Red gives a slight nod. "If all nations refuse, then, I would suggest Pais de Leuvier as a secondary consideration. More neutral ground for everyone else, so to speak, Sire. /If/ all of them refuse, that is. I do not know how many diplomats will be fond of travelling inside of our Barriers where you have ultimate control of the currents..."
"I wouldn't come here," Asha says bluntly. "After hearing we maybe tried to attack another nation, send diplomats inside our barrier? Not likely."
Outside of the Audience Chamber's doors, two squires have been standing vigilantly since the beginning of the Court's session. Now, with two others taking their place at the door, Caspian and Alexia arrive with silver trays in their hands, both holding pitchers of cold water and mugs, if needed. Caspian leads, keeping both his and Alexia's entrance as unobtrusive as possible, and he leans over to her, murmuring quietly as he gestures to those who are seated with his head.
"A body agreesss.." Hasdrubal rasps in a sure sign of the Gateway's collapse. "Best have another choice at hand."
Mena nods a bit as she listens. "But on the other hand, we have had Ambassadors from other lands for quite some time now without anything bad happening to them."
"And have some currently," Rourke observes. "But yes, Pais de Leuvier might be an acceptable alternative. Or Tolek. Tolek seems much less tied to Tyr than Pais."
"I was simply suggesting a second option in case they refuse, your Majesty," Red offers with a bit of a bow. "We weren't accused before of aggression against another nation before, either. And they were Ambassadors - not decision makers..." She turns her bow towards Rourke as well at his suggestion.
"If we want it to be on our territory, make it Landry," Asha suggests. "It's practically no man's land anyhow. Yes, we own it now," she adds quickly. "But in their minds, it's still the place that belonged to the pirates. And it reminds them of the good we've done."
Hasdrubal rumbles under his breath, "Apart from that near riot the Tyrish touched off.. And the Norgaard Princeling getting half his arm bit off.. In less than a year." A dry chuckle. "Gateway is'nt the safest of places." As the notion of other places comes up, he again lapses into silence.
A female squire enters with Caspian with silver tray in hand. Their entrance quiet and in effort of trying to be unobtrusive. At Caspian's whisper, the young woman nods her head slowly in agreement but provides no words. She starts to part from him after them to take one side while he takes the other.
Duke Rhyse slips into the Council chambers, bringing a finger to his lips to hush the announcing page. He then walks over to Dorian, placing his hands on his shoulders, looking proudly at him with a smile. "Please forgive my tardiness, but one of my research experiments went longer than I planned and I didn't want to have to build another tower..." he says, before looking to Rourke. "If we stand accused of causing trouble, then in any forum we must be accomodating. As accomodating as possible, but from a position of strength. We will do all to be kind and good and helpful, but we will not be pushed iver like a sapling in a strong wind." There's his two cents.
"We saw the carnage in Pais de Leuvier," Mena points out to Hasdrubal. "So, it isn't as if other Kingdoms do not have their own dangers as well. I will admit that I would be very nervous coming here if I were an outsider, but I do not think I would pass up the opportunity. With that said, I think Tolek would be an excellent second choice, if they would be amenable."
Rourke looks toward Rhyse's arrival and angles a nod to him. "They are the ones who attacked us, but to the world it is only because they thought we were trying to plot against them, so it does behoove us to take the high road on it in most ways. It won't take much talk from us for it to be obvious to everyone who the guilty party likely is," he comments to the Claremont duke with a slight nod. "Very well. Gateway, then Landry, then Tolek. Are there any other relevant comments on this topic?" He glances around at the table.
Caspian keeps his tray held in both hands and keeps to the outskirts of the room as he moves in the opposite direction of Alexia. He makes eye-contant with no one, save his squire-esque companion, though even now as he draws nearer to the Emperor's seat he keeps his eyes set forward. He pauses when near the man, though does not block his view or anyone's view of him as he wordlessly pours him a drink of water.
Red shakes her head. "I have nothing further, Sire."
Asha shakes her head to the question of comment, though she does twist a brief, approving smile towards where Phaedrus sits, clearly satisfied. Keep this one alive indeed!
"Aye, but other Kingdoms are'nt built atop the Lord of the Bloody abyss," Hasdrubal rasps in return to Mena. To Rourke's prompt, he rasps only, "Nah. Would like words later, but for the nonce, a body has naught more on thiss.."
Mena does chuckle softly. "Well, you do have me there, Admiral. I can see how that might make some just a little uncomfortable."
Rourke reaches out to accept the water with a brief nod toward Caspian, a slight swallow taken. "I believe that is all of the business we have, unless anyone has something they wish to bring up?"
"Were we going to discuss taxation at all? I don't have any further comment on it, but were we?" Aileana asks as the topic passes on.
"Only if anyone has a comment," Rourke answers Aileana.
Alexia keeps to the outskirts in a wide arch from the assemble to make her way towards the Empress. Her eyes casted to the ground politely and respectfully. Off to the side, out of sight or view, making sure to keep back - the woman pours a glass of water quietly for the Empress.
"Alas for the loss of profits. A moment of silence in their name," Asha deadpans, ducking her head in a gesture of respect that doesn't quite hide a smirk.
Mena's lips quirk at Asha as she murmurs, "Thank you, Squire," when the water is poured.
"Do you require anything else of me, Majesties?" Red asks, looking from the Emperor to the Empress then back again in query. "Otherwise, I will leave the Council to the rest of it's business."
Duke Rhyse shakes his head slowly. "Nothing from this corner, unless Dorian has a comment."
Caspian gently bows to the Emperor before he moves away from him, continuing a quiet circle around the room to pass out drinks. Pitstops include Hasdrubal, Duke Rhyse, and the pleasant Duchess Asha whose water he pours slowly and fills just centimeters from the brim.
Dorian shakes his head, his glassy eyes looking up at his father. "No, sir, I'b fine wid my questions,,,"
Rourke notes dryly to Asha, "You'll manage. And Duke Claremont, you missed the note that Duchess Asha wishes to be betrothed to Lord Phaedrus Forester, and I have lost a knight." There's a moment of regret tinging Rourke's smile.
Aileana shakes her head, "I have no comment."
It's unfortunate for Caspian the way Asha's knee bumps the table just as he's making those final crucial drops to get the water quite so high. The bump causes the water to spill toward the squire. The Duchess' smile, when she looks to the squire, is sympathetic, as though she understands just how /hard/ it is to learn to pour without spilling.
The woman bows slightly forward at the Empress' thanks before she takes a backstep into the background. The next person Alexia moves to is Duchess Aileana. Contionously, she pours silently a glass of fresh water to offer. Always in the background, out of the way, and trying to be out of sight when she serves.
Red clears her throat. "Majesties? May I leave...?" she queries.
Aileana nods silent thanks to the squire that pours her drink though doesn't reach for it.
Mena does look at Red, but then her gaze turns to Rourke. She's not taking it upon herself to dismiss anyone.
Duke Rhyse hrms and nods slowly to Rourke. "Thank you for the information, Your Majesty," he says before he bows deeply. He then looks to Dorian with a smile. "More chicken soup... And some hot chocolate afterwards," he comments softly.
Caspian makes a face as the drink is spilled. Though none gets on him it does splatter upno the table, and his eyes quickly lift to the Duchess Asha in reponse. His gaze narrows, but he dips his head in a bow of apology. "How clumsy of me. I apolgize, Your Grace," murmured with a faint touch of frost to his quiet tone. Lowering his tray, he goes about cleaning up the sloshed water with a rag.
Duke Rhyse looks to Caspian with genuine sympathy... And peers at Asha briefly.
A glance about the room ends with a slight nod. "Very well. Thank you all for your time and attendance. I do bid you all a good evening, and Marquis, I hope you feel better soon." Rourke's lips quirk. "Yes, Lady Sared, you can go."
Red curtsies low to the room at large, head bowed low before rising, then turning about to depart, hands clasped behind her still has she heads for the door.
Alexia nods her way back into the scenary while shifting to her next serving target: Dorian. In the background she moves until she emerges behind the seat of the young man to serve him, like the others, a silent glass of water.
"Get some sleep," Mena suggests to Dorian. "It does worlds of good."
"Oh, it's quite all right," Asha assures Caspian with a sweet smile. "Stressful in here, I know." She reaches out a hand to Phaedrus' shoulder, giving it a squeeze as she rises. "Thank you, your majesty," she says with quiet sincerity, the words weighted for more than the dismissal.
Dorian stands finally and bows to the Emperor, his nose running anew as he does so."Thank you, Emperor," he says softly, "Empress,." He looks at his father, then notes the glass of water and takes it thankfully. "Thank you," he says, downing half the glass in one long pull.
Caspian keeps his mouth shut as he pulls the rag away from the table now that the spill is dried, and his eyes flit to Phaedrus, showing a flash of something brief, before he pulls away from their area to pour his last drink to the Mogur (That is .. if he's here ICly and all!), even though the Council seems to be departing.
Aileana stays seated a little longer, apparently summoning the energy to get herself to her feet with all of the extra weight she's carrying, "Have a good evening then, Majesties." And she means that as soon as she finds her feet!
Duke Rhyse looks to Rourke and smiles gently. "Unless there is anything you need from me, I have to get my son home and see about taking care of his cold."
Mogur Imperius is, of course, here ICly. And takes the drink, pausing to look at it briefly before sipping.
Mena smiles and inclines her head to those departing. "Good evening, and thank you, all."
The woman takes a polite nodding step backwards at Dorian's words. When it appears that Caspian is getting the Mogur, she steps backwards until she is out of the way, holding the tray with drink and glasses. Her eyes skimming to make sure none need refills.
Rourke inclines his head toward Dorian, then returns a matching smile to Rhyse. "You take care of that, Your Grace." A sidelong look might take note of the trouble betwen Asha and Caspian, or might not.
Dorian looks up a his father. "I'b fine, really." But he voices no protest, collecting himself to go home and find his bed.
Asha bows precisely to Emperor and Empress, then turns to depart, in a much better mood than she's left just about any council previous.
Caspian nods to the Mogur and moves back to set down his tray, disrgarding Asha even s she mvoes to depart. But who he doesn't seem to disregard is Duchess Aileana, who is .. still sitting despite the departure and rising of others. Without his tray, he moves towards her. "..Do you need assistance, Your Grace?" murmured softly to her once near.
Duke Rhyse smiles and bows deeply to Rourke. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Please take care," he says as he starts for the exit, his hand on Dorian's shoulder.
Aileana extends her hand to Caspian, "Can you just support me while I stand? I feel a little tired tonight. Maybe I should have a bite to eat."
The woman watches while the people start to depart leaving the glasses recently pour. So, the woman goes around in the background picking up the unowned glasses onto her tray.
"Of course, Your Grace," answers Caspian with a bow before he takes her hand to place on his shoulder while he bends down a bit. "Just press on me, Duchess. I won't cave beneath you," he assures with a vague smirk. "And yes, perhaps you should eat. It can only help find your strength," he says as his eyes drift to the other squire as she begins to pick up.
Mena watches Aileana accept the assistance from Caspian, her eyebrows drawing together. "Perhaps you will allow one of the Squires to escort you home, Your Grace? Or at least to your kitchens?"
Emperor Rourke glances from his wife to the door, drumming his fingers on the table. He mutters to Empress Mena, "... little friend... bitch quite often.... just disappear."
Aileana nods to Mena, "Of course. I don't mind the help. Thank you, Squire Caspian." She utilizes the help he offers and smiles to the royals, "Good evening again. It was nice seeing both of you even if for business." She does at least bend knee to a small curtsey.
Mena glances at Rourke, lips quirking before looking at Aileana. "Rest well, Your Grace. We'll see you again soon."
"Good night, Duchess," Rourke says, a warmer smile given to Aileana.
When it appears that Aileana is departing, Alexia slides into a bow to the woman while plucking up the last unowned glass onto her tray. Her eyes finally starting to actually venture around the room curiously.
Caspian straightens once the Duchess is standing, and he also bows at the waist to both the Emperor and Empress, though he speaks not a word other than, "Good evening, Your Majesties," to either. To Aileana, he offers his arm. "To your kitchens, or home, Your Grace? I'll be happy to escort you to either place."
"Thank you, Squire," Mena says to the departing Caspian when he escorts Aileana.
"To my home with word sent to the kitchen on the way." Aileana replies warmly, "It's getting close to time for the babies, I think. I hope."
"Eh...oh, well.." says Caspian with a wary look to the swell of Aileana's stomach. "To your home them," said quickly, as it seems to doesn't want to be anywhere nearby whenever that massive stomach ... explodes, which in his mind, could be any second. And with her in tow, he moves off, sparing a light smile to the Empress in response, and a nod to Alexia before he goes.
