To Ava Bathory

[[so I know this is retardly long....I do apologize. apparently I was just in the mood to write.]]


The voice was nothing but a low hum, her mind successfully and quickly took control and the well thought out words which were strung into information packed sentences fell to her ears as a faint whisper. She took her duties seriously but there was something, something she didn't even understand that caused her to have to fight so viciously to stay upon the tasks at hand. Eyes surely held that glassy gaze, while her posture was that to be expected of royalty(some might say). Hands were placed ever so delicately in her lap, resting upon the soft silk fabrics of her dress, eyes locked straight and of course a simple innocent smile pulled the corners of her pink lips, the occasional nod given in all the right places. But not even her flawless mask could place a veil over her fidgety mind causing cracks to appear in her composed manner. A guttural clearing of the throat broke the silence that was placed between them moments before and it was that cough which almost violently pulled her attention back to the man sitting facing her. Surely if it was any other cough she would have continued in her act, quickly taking in the information, almost mindlessly but never miscounting each matter. But it was his signal to her that he was not pleased. He never yelled at her in all the years she could remember that he has been by her side. She always thought that he believed he was too composed for such barbaric behavior as raising one's voice.

His tactics were simpler but still oddly effective. He would cough almost abruptly, but a deeper pull from the diaphragm then most coughs. His vocal signal coupled with the expression upon his usually impossible to read face always lead to a long lecture. And surely there it was upon his face, it seemed in a instant he had flushed that rare expression of feeling in his stoic facial features. His head was slightly turned down, obsidian eyes peering above silver rimmed glasses which inched ever so slightly down the bridge of his nose. Brows were raised causing his forehead to display off the many wrinkles he had collected during his life time thus far, wrinkles he always said were given to him by her, for the undue stress placed upon him due to her rebellious ways. He would neatly stack the pieces of parchment together upon the grand cherry wood desk which he sat at before one hand would simply rest upon the dark chocolate leather arm chair motionless, the other tapping rhythmically, his finger tips falling one after another and then back again. But such a hand gesture lasted only three taps before a finger was raised to his glasses pushing them back into their proper place. Letala almost let out a giggle as he did so, but her own throat was cleared and a sigh escaped instead. There was something endearing about him, there always had, even the way he scolded her held a high place in her heart. Most thought that she did not respect the King's right hand man but it was quite the opposite. She would easily lay her life down for him the way she would her family. Her respect for the man was immeasurable. He was as much her right hand man as well as the Kings.

"Your Highness, I can come back another time if you so choose seeing as you are fairly distracted and surely exhausted from your trip back home but His Majesty wished that we speak of this as soon as you returned."

Her head titled ever so slightly in a child like manner, her posture became less formal now as a hand was raised, the palm of her hand catching her chin, her head now latent within her cupped finger tips.

"Now Jethrol you know you always have my undivided attention."

A smirk crept in washing away the innocent smile. Her tone almost mocking but still somehow charming. Again another signature cough came from him and her body adjusted accordingly, upright once more.

"You are right Jethrol and I know what you are going to say."

"Your Highness I am nothing but a mere servant to the family and my humb--"

It was that giggle that she felt bubble inside her before that now fell from her lips, and as it rolled out to be heard it had matured into a full engaging laugh.

"Jethrol, come now we have known each other long enough, and you are correct my mind is not where it should be, and with that said I do not wish to play the dance we normally do. You have told me of my Uncles concerns and I will get to it first thing tomorrow. You and I know that I hold my title with great pride. I have already set the meetings up. The Ambassadors from Grang and Thessil should be arriving tomorrow. We will meet with them early afternoon and the meeting with Lord Gul'da Eils'neld will be my priority once we have the situation with Grang and Thessil figured out. I have it all under control, I know I have been away and neglecting my duties but I am not just a Princess yes?"

Her body ardently fell into the cushions of the chair, sinking into the comfort. The collapse came after the words were so modestly exchanged. Saying such a thing with such vibrancy and confidence lifted the heavy weight upon her shoulders. She knew it was only temporary but none the less she was going to enjoy the moment of calm that settled in her mind. Her finger raised ever so slightly moving in a uncharted motion. Eyes detected a single flicker of flame following her hands' lead. And though orbs of pale green were now so fervently watching the ballet of colors, she could still feel Jethrol place his deep concentrated gaze upon her. She knew he was trying to formulate what the next move was to be. It was always a game between the two. Who could up stage who.

"I do not nor have I ever doubted you your Highness--"

"Etes-vous sûr?"

Her head was thrown back, jade irises meeting the dark hues of Jethrol. Unconsciously she would let her hand fall as she waited for his response and as she did the flames rapid motions died.
Jethrol stood from behind the desk. His hands brushed the wrinkles from his finely pressed attire. He moved slowly but not a single step he took lacked a proud air about him. Stopping briefly before her, he placed a hand upon her shoulder, his long boney fingers resting lightly.

"It is good to have you back home your Highness. We have missed you, especially your Uncle. Yes even I miss you. Without you here I have been stuck with the boring task of advising those who actually care to listen to my words of wisdom."

Such sweetness but always coupled with such sarcasm. It was Jethrol through and through. Her own hand quickly fell to Jethrol's squeezing lightly back. No words were needed. Not even she could take for granite the rare verbalization of emotionless from Westral's silent keeper, even though there was of course the underhanded comment.

The french doors shut with a loud thud as Jethrol left her alone. The more she thought about it, it was what she needed. The silent moment to break down the rapid thoughts and unrattle her nerves from the long trip. She was unsure of how long she had been home before being bombarded by Jethrol and her Uncle but as she peered around the room eyeing the desk in particular she became overly aware of how long she had been gone from Westral. The neatly placed stacks of letters and notes, all awaited her tending.

A deep sigh passed and pushing herself off the chair, with much reluctance she walked toward the desk sitting in the large chair before it. Readjusting herself within the cushioned leather, she began to feel overwhelmed. Eyes saw at what a mess seemed to be upon her. Catching up was not even an option, it was mandatory.

But still as she sat surrounded by piles of papers her mind still traveled back to Aegis. Aegis had become her haven, her own little world where nothing seemed to touch her. Not even Asriel had sent his usual staff of shadow walkers to find her. And though she normally was glad to be home back within her highland realm she longed to be back in her dear friends country. She was untouchable it seemed when she was within Aegis, just a person, not a lover scorned or a piece in high stake political games.

Hands reached for a piece of blank parchment. The cream colored paper had nothing but the gold Westral crest at the top, centered. Lightly she dabbed the quill in ink and began to write, A matter needed to be addressed in her own mind before any real work was to be done.

Dearest Ava,
I hope these words find you well and in high spirits. I must regret to inform you that my duties back home have called me away once again. It seems I have stayed longer within Aegis and my presence is greatly needed back home. We are in the current stages of signing three very important treaties, and seeing as one is of the Drow nature, and naturally that much more volatile, my Uncle demanded me home. I do not know how to understand that even though I am of similar blood it is not the same. It is my father name alone that gains me respect from certain Drow, and sadly the one we are dealing with is suspicious of anyone or thing that moves.

I have greatly enjoyed my time within Aegis, more than I can express in words. You have been so opening to me, you and those I have meet thus far. I hope to make frequent trips back to Aegis. In fact there is some business which I wish to discuss with you the next time I come to visit. It is not pressing enough where I feel it needs to be expressed in letter now. And the mounds of politics that await my attention, I wish to keep this correspondence as light as possible.

As you know I do worry and my mind has been busy the entire way home. I have not seen you, even while I was within the kingdom. I do hope that you are well. I asked for many an audience with you but it seems that you had pressing matters to attend to which of course I do not mind. Duty comes first yes?

Depending on how the councils go, which I hope smoothly, I should be only within Westral for a mere 2 weeks before my time becomes mine again. To my Uncle's chagrin naturally, I do believe he thought with naming me as his successor that I would be within Westral more. I think he fears I will deny it though I am quite proud of it. I know my mother would be increasingly proud of me and to honor her memory I feel I must. But it is not all obligation, my heart in within Westral even when I am not.

But I digress, please do send word back to me of your health and of course if there is anything I can do to assist you please let me know. I will be sure to send word on my next visit to Aegis. Your home has been a haven to me, if you need one all you must do is but ask. Even if I am not within the Kingdom, they will take good care of you.

With Love and Trust,
Letala