The New Way - A Meeting of Minds

Angel was finally ready to meet with everyone in Aegis and set some of the laws of land. She was dressed in a long gown of white which was littered with diamonds and pearls. It was long sleeved and white fur lined. She smoothed the material down, allowing her maid to finish the touches to her blonde hair which was swept up. Her blue eyes sparkled against such cold and harsh colors.

Looking in the mirror, she smiled to herself. Perhaps she looked a little too much the bride, Angel noticed, as she stood there and placed a hand onto her hip. She twisted her body to the other side and checked out the view. In way, she was. A new Queen in her own right. From what Angel had suspected, she was going to have some pretty big boots to fill but hoped she wouldn't have too much resistance from the people.

Clearing her throat, she turned and walked out of the side office and into the main throne room - nodding to her bodyguards, the twins as she passed through. She also knew and trusted that Verran was very close by, but she never made an effort to look for him.

The whole throne room looked different now. The old Aegian thrones had been removed, and instead, larger stone thrones stood in their place. Black and white tiles doned the floor, rather like a chessboard. More to the point there was no bar. Instead, non-alchoholic beverages were offered. Black roses adorned the place here and there to soften the harsh contrast in colors. It was neat and orderly.

Lifting the hem of her skirt, she approached the throne and sat down in her place. Her eyes cast to the empty seat next to her, but not for long. Looking up to the doors she raised her hand and gestured for them to open. "Allow everyone to enter the room and formally introduce themselves one by one." She instructed. This would be a good way to become aquainted with anyone she may not of met before this point, allowing her to make note of who was here.

~ In the gallery over head Verran watched the door and the thrones, a perfect perch to cover the room with his bow. Should any prove foolish enough to make a move against the Queen, he would be certain they did not succeed. He watched in silence as the twins took up their place at the foot of the throne. Of all the humans he had dealt with over the years, he trusted the Dragon Knights most, whcih is to sya he thought them capable and fair in a fight.

The tatoo around his eyes shimers slightly as his vision shifts, scanning the room now in a manner most would be unable to comprehend. His eyes seeing the waves of magic about the room, looking for the tell tale ripples of invisible foes, or the damnable Shadow Dancer.~

~Ralean steps through the doors, silver-white cloak falling around his shoulders. he is dressed in simple black garb, a purple rose tucked into his belt. His family blade and shadow dagger are on his belt, and he is clean and sharp, his hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. He stops, smiling wryly, resting with hands tucked easily into his belt. After surveying the changes to the room, he straightens snapping his fist to his chest, the image of formality. "My queen, it is an honor."

he lowers his arm and steps forward. "Ralean SwyftBlade Lord Commander of the Watch, and Lord of the Purple Rose, at your service."~

Angel was pleased to see a familiar face as Ralean walked through the door. She exhaled, watching him approach, privately suprised at how different he looked dressed in formal attire. It made her smile though, that he had taken the whole matter seriously enough.

With a sharp incline of her head towards him, her tone remained formal "Commander of the Watch and Lord of the Purple Rose, I welcome you." She patiently waited for his salute, and acknowledged it. "The honor is mine. Please, make yourself at home. We have plenty in the way of food and drink."

Her hand gestured towards the table with a small feast of snacks and fruit provided. "Enjoy and mingle with the other guests, when everyone is here I shall begin." She nodded, politely and unable to take her eyes from his. Eventually, she looked away and called a servant close, ordering a small glass of water. Mind Linking Ralean, she said "Meet me later, at the balcony."

~steels herself as she enters the throne room on Jared's arm. She is composed and outwardly calm, in a full dark blue gown that is both formal enough to respect the occasion, but also slightly understated, as if an unconscious reflection of her uncertainty. Instead of her usual pearls, tiny red gems stud her modest collar and waistline, as well as two silver combs keeping her dark hair out of her face, a nod to her husband's lineage. She stiffens on seeing the changes in the throne room, but belatedly realizes that she should have expected something of the kind. Angel is not Ava Bathory, and it makes sense that she'd want to distance herself from Queen Bathory's rule. As they approach the new queen on her new throne, she squeezes Jared's arm in an offering of support just before letting go, just long enough to make her careful curtsy. With a glance back at Jared, she waits for him to introduce them both~

~Kept Amarra's arm close and looped protectively in his own. His outfit matched that of his wife, his suit a dark blue crushed velvet. Thankfully for him, Ava had left him some money and he had been able to find something suitable to wear before the meeting. His back was straight and his free hand was tucked neatly behind him, Jareds long hair tied back for formality.

As he stepped through the great double doors of the room he had practically grown up in, his blood went cold. Jareds eyes caught hold of the new decor and how everything changed. It set something off, and he hoped his eyes didn't convey the flash of anger that he felt over it. This was his mothers home, he could never imagine it belonging to someone else.

Clearing his throat as he approached Angel upon the throne, he spoke up. "Jared and Amarra Carthallion, Your Majesty." He paused and swept into a bow, quickly thinking. Yes, he was a lesser noble in Aurora, but he couldn't remember that title. He stood back up straight and looked up to her respectfully. His name just didn't seem enough, so he added. "Son of Queen Ava Bathory and King Aquais of Atlantis, legally claimed by Vladamir Carthallion and until recently, Crown Prince of Aegis." It was his way of reminding Angel who he was, and for once, he was proud to have some lineage behind him. It came with a tinge of regret, he had lost all that now, his inherritance with the realm was gone.~

~Ral moves casually to a table and pours himself a glass of cold water, raising his glass to Angel in acknowledgment, although it could be seen as a sign of respect as well. He glanced around, finding himself wondering what had become of the collection of his carvings which had, until this point at his knowledge, been present in the palace. He smiled to himself and shrugged, taking a sip of the water and making his way casually around the outside of the room, inspecting the new decor, and reacquainting himself with eexits in case things got ugly.

He turns as the doors open again, forcing his hand to stop as it reached for a blade. He was still in tune with the hiding and hunting, and did not feel prepared at all. he found himself wishing he'd worn armor, perhaps formal attire. He sees Jared and Amarra and takes a deep breath. this could go very well, or very poorly.

As Jared speaks, he curses himself for not listing the entirety of his titles. Granted, he felt he'd listed the only ones that had import at this time. This was still an Auroran game, and so he came to them on those terms.

he casually rests his right hand on the hilt of his dagger, his left hand holding his wine class as he watched, glancing around blandly. Knowing how well such gatherings had gone in the past, he half expected Charaan to step in after Jared. Why not, at this point in the evening?~

=Catona stands next to Angel's throne, his armor simple, funtcional, the steel dark and shining. His metallic hand is wrapped around the haft of a long, cruel-looking halberd, and there is a sword hilt on each hip. Slung across his chest is a loaded crossbow, his free handresting on it lightly. His green eyes miss nothing, every entrance is within his gaze, and every person in the hall is noted and examined for threats.

Eyes would be drawn to his severe features. his face, though markedly handsome, was cold and impassive, and there was a sense of foreboding and danger about him, a palpable contained energy and strength. He was obviously well built, noticeable even in his armor, though he lacked the raw brawn of the Aurorans. He was more towards the wiry type, and one got the impression of a sleek hunting cat or lean wolf when looking at him. Any gaze that met his was caught in the deep emerald of his eyes, eyes that did not seem to blink, only dig through them.

He was well aware of the twins before the throne, and of the Hunter hidden in the gallery above, and trusted no threat would make it to his royal charge, so for now, he sat, and he watched. He watched as the man entered and approached, noting the rose on his belt, thought not knowing the face. He saw the couple and the words they spoke. he also felt aother presence, one that he knew belong to his brother is rebirth, and so he waited.=

~Ralean turns, and looks hard at the man beside the throne. The twins, he knew. He'd seen them with Jaric enough times to know that those cold, beautiful faces belonged to competent, elegant warriors. This man though, was not Auroran, nor was he a man Ralean knew. He was definitely no Dragon knight, that he knew, from the red cloak...

Red cloak? Ralean near choked on his water, spilling most of his glass on the floor before him. Bloody hells, that was impossible. He looked around to see if anyone had noticed his little faux pas as he corrected himself. A man, in a red cloak, wielding a habbard, crossbow, and pair of swords? Well, he only knew of one such man, and only in stories.

He examined the man intently, disregading how rude it could seem. If it was the man he thought, then rudeness would be the least of the man's concerns this evening. He briefly looked to Angel, new questions in his head, and he was now impatient to ask them.~

~~Gil steps in, his large frame looking suave and classy in his long white coat and tophat. he is dressed in finery of white and purple under his coat, as befitting his place as Ralean's steward and second. Stepping in, he doffs his tophat, rolling it through his fingers as he bows low to Angel. "My Queen, I am Giligian Stonesong, of Nexus, steward of Grorr, companion to Ralean SwyftBlade, known as Wyrmslayer, Duke of Grorr, High general of the armies of Aegis, Commander of the Auroran Watch, Lord of the purple rose."

he straightens, his six-and-a-half foot frame righted intoa good posture. "it is a pleasure, your grace." he glances to Jared, Amarra, and Ralean, and grins boyishly. "I made him sound a crowd, didn't I? Well, what good's a good steward if not to talk. Guess I'm learning. Besides, i'm sure he barely introduced himself at all." he flashes another charming smile at Angel, as he stands there next to jared and Amarra~~

Angel nodded at Ralean and turned her gaze towards the doors. She watched Jared and Amarra walk up the throne and pause before her. Privately Angel caught herself exhaling deeply. Although Angel gave a warm and friendly smile, it was clear by her expression that this was more of a business matter. "Welcome, Jared and Amarra. Its good to see you both. We shall make a few moments to talk privately in my office. For the moment, please relax and enjoy the food and drink. I shall be addressing everyone as soon as I feel there are enough people here."

Her heart felt heavy with dread, she knew what she had to talk to Jared about wasn't going to be easy, and once again expected something of an outburst from him. That is why she waved her hand politely to dismiss them and allow them to mingle with the other people in the room.

Gesturing to a servant, she asks for a glass of cold water with ice, and lets the servant slip away. Her eyes averted briefly to Verran and then back down to those present within the hall. The servant came back quickly, and she leaned to the side to take the drink. Looking to Catona, she nodded to him respectfully. The man commanded an awe and presence that even Angel was humbled by it. He had been the legend of many stories, and Angel remembered them fondly. It brought a small smile to her lips.

Her gaze cast along the room, back to Ralean and she caught his confusion. It didn't occur to her that Ralean did not know Catona was still alive. Angel almost mind linked him to ask what was wrong, but felt better of it. Instead, she gave him a small quizical look of her own.

Angel's thoughts were distracted by the new presence of Gil who strode elegantly up the walkway to the throne. She smiled, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. His attire was very complimentary, and she waited patiently as he spoke of all the titles, trying not to get too confused or lost in them all. She nodded in acknowledgement as he finished his talk, and spoke out for all to hear.

"Welcome, Giligian Stonesong, of Nexus, steward of Grorr, companion to Ralean SwyftBlade, known as Wyrmslayer, Duke of Grorr, High general of the armies of Aegis, Commander of the Auroran Watch, Lord of the purple rose." She paused and took a sip of her drink with a small teasing smile. "Its good to see you again, sir. I do remember you well, thank you for always making me feel at home whenever we meet." She laughed a little. "The pleasure is mine, Steward." She retorted, dismissing him with her hand to join Ralean and the others. Clearly her mood had cheered up a little. She was beginning to enjoy the familiar faces.

=The door swings open once more, and Kinsen enters, arrayed in the black armor and white cloak of an Auroran dragon knight. He is in his naval armor, breastplate, greaves, with scale skirt and chain underneath, all black. the hilt of a bastard sword pokes out from over his shoulder as well, a mace on his hip opposite a dagger. His hair is pulled back into a loose braid, and the red crescent on his cheek is a bright crimson. His silver eyes sparkle as he moves to the center of the room, snapping a fist to his chest, the lobstered still ringing with the contact. "Admiral Kinsen Ravenlock, Dragon knight of Aurora. My sword is yours, my queen, as is my life."

He straightens, almost of a height with Giligian, and as broad in the shoulders. Even in his armor he moved with a certain grace, the kind that only comes with years of fighting and training in steel. He stood rigid, waiting for Angel's acknowledgment before he would allow himself to exchange pleasantries with those also gathered. He allows himself to notice the twins, and Catona, and the level of security in the room, at least, is relaxing to him...=

~Ralean barely notices Gil and his antics, instead focusing on refilling his glass and avoiding the mess he'd make. he ML's Angel: "Not to interrupt, but who is the man in the red cloak?"

some part of him was anxious for the answer, though he could not say why. as the door thundered open, he turned, seeing the Auroran admiral, and was suddenly and ridiculously aware that he was, even at a broad and muscular six foot, one of the smallest people in the room. he laughs in spite of himself, quietly, and takes a health drink of water, wishing it were something a bit stronger. He had a feeling he'd need a drink before the night was through.

Seeing Gil, he raises his glass in greeting~

The door opened and Angel looked up. Almost immediately her smile grew and she leaned forward, resisting the urge to get up and meet Kinsen half way with a warm hug. The formalities still felt strange, given that they were such good friends. She allowed him to approach and inclined her head respectfully after he had announced himself and titles.

Rising from her seat, she walked down the stone steps of her throne and stood in front of him, now forced to look up. "Admiral Kinsen, its good to see you." Her hands remained calmly clasped in front of her and she turned serious. "You have already given your sword and life for Aurora and myself." She paused very briefly, continuing "Know that you have my eternal gratitude and that such noble acts will never be forgotten. I am honored to have fought beside you."

Turning and walking back up the steps to the throne, she sat back down, her arms on that of the chair. "Please Admiral, make yourself at home in my new realm." She gestured with her hand for him to be dismissed to mingle with the other guests.

It was then that Angel heard Ralean's mindlink about the red cloak. She privately laughed in her mind "Ah, dear friend. You are seeing Catona, I'm sure you've heard of him?"

::Arianna enters the throne room, this time in more appropriate attire. Her dress is a deep maroon color, with forest green embroidery of delicate leaves and vines climbing up one long sleeve and across the bodice. The skirt is not as full as a gown but flows about her legs as she walks despite it being just a little bit rumpled. Every so often, her feet peek out from under the hem, revealing her plain, sturdy brown boots. Her red-gold hair is piled atop her head in little ringlets, pinned in place with very fine gold chains in a concerted effort to keep it in place. Her mismatched eyes are bright and curious. She feels the lack of her bow and belt knife keenly, but this would not be an appropriate place.

She walks toward the throne and almost bows before remembering she's actually in a dress. Instead, she curtsies precisely as she greets the queen::

Queen Angel, thank you for inviting me.

::She rises and tries fruitlessly for a few seconds to smooth a few more wrinkles from her dress that she could swear appeared out of nowhere, then grins up at her aunt and shrugs apologetically::

Arianna Serafin, daughter of Ava Bathory and Kharne Serafin.

=Kinsen smiles. "The honor is mine, to have served as I can." he nods at her dismissal and turns to the room, realizing that the only faces he knew among those gathered were on duty. He makes his way to an empty table near to the twin thrones, sitting where he can see the door and watch the proceedings, and pours himself a glass of water=

~Ral's glass slips from his hands, shattering upon the floor and proceeding to splash his boots with the contents. he curses loudly, stepping back from the growing puddle and looking at Angel, knowing from her tone that she had expected his shocked response. Forgetting himself for a moment, he laughs, putting one hand against his face and shaking his head. "Bloody hells, i ought to have known." he is speaking to himself, in a normal conversational tone, and grins, waving away the looks of anyone who may be watching his little spectacle.

ML'ing Angel: "That was poorly done, my queen. Aye, and humorous too. Still, when the dead walk, a common man needs fear the reason. We have much to discuss now, this is true."

he looks hard at Catona. The man didn't look like much, granted. He was of a height with ralean, but not as broad in the shoulder. Still, if that was the man...the legend...then Ralean felt immeasurably comfortable at the moment. He turned to a table, pouring himself another glass of water, still wishing it was something stronger, and grins to himself.

He ML's Gil: "We are in storied company here tonight. No doubt the hunter is here as well, though I am not surprised to not see him. Still, these gatherings make me uneasy. Every one of them has ended in death, or destruction, of some sort. Be on guard."

Slipping into a seat with his back to a wall, he leans forward on his elbows, watching the proceedings and losing himself to his thoughts...~

=Catona notices the dropping glass before it hits, registering the motions, and subsequent sounds in an instant. He turned his head, and seeing that it was no threat, nodded to Ralean, holding his gaze a moment. Turning back to the room, he watches the girl approach his Queen, and moves his gaze to every person in the room slowly, without moving his head, not seeming to blink=

Kharne stepped into the throne room, his golden eyes instantly taking in the change in decor and those who were present. his brow raised for barely a moment in surprise at the speed which the changes had occured. He saw his daughter before him, just rising from her curtsy but the whole situation prevented him from smiling.
He stopped just behind Arianna, dressed in a simple style of tunic and pants tucked into calf length boots, and waited until she had finished speaking before moving up alongside her. He offered a shallow bow, with his arms held at his sides and his eyes glancing quickly from Angel to those who were obviously her bodyguard then back again. He smiled inwardly, with those being so obvious there was garaunteed to be other, more hidden protection.
"Kharne Serafin Duke of Cape Salarain, your majesty." he said politely.

<< Vlad enters the room, pushing past Kharne and the kid without a glance. He stops before the throne, dropping into a proper Auroran bow before addressing the Queen>>

Baron Vladamir Carthallion, Lord of the Blue Rose, Knight of Shadows, Master of Winterfell, former king of this miserable island...

<< He scans the room, noting the guards posted, and the presence of the Gate Keeper. His senses allowing him to count the heartbeats in the room and tie each to the person present, noting the fact that the Hunter sits overhead and mentally reminding himself to kill that one eventually.>>

...by the way dear, the decor needs work, checker patterns are terrible.

<< He does not wait for a response before walking off into the crowd, headed toward a chair by the fireplace.>>

She nodded to Arianna and smiled "Welcome indeed, Arianna. Please don't be afraid to get to know others here." She nodded to her, and then to Kharne as he entered the room shortly after. "Kharne, thank you for being here. Please, feel free to get to know others that are here. There's also plenty to eat and drink." She nodded her head and politely dismissed them.

Suddenly a sharp noise caught her attention and Angel turned her gaze back towards Ralean as the glass dropped and shattered. She bit her lip, but couldn't help it. A small laugh escaped and she shook her head. "Oh dear, oh dear.." she calmed herself, a small tear of laughter still there. She wiped her eye and leaned to the side at Catona. Angel kept her voice low "It seems, Ralean Swyftblade over there is so shocked at your presence that he dropped his glass!"

Angel caught Ralean's MindLink and replied "Not poorly done - an accident and completely understandable. If I remember. I had the same reaction. The price that was paid for his return was a cost I deemed too heavy, but again, that is a conversation for another time."

She tensed a little at Vladamir's entrance, and her body visibly straightened up. "Good Evening, Baron." She said as he approached further. "Welcome." She smiled, but it faded as he expressed his thoughts on the floor. "You don't like it? Hmm, I thought that it represented us well, The black tile to symbolize the black rose and the white to represent myself...but now you mention it, perhaps it does look a little busy..."

She shook her head and took another drink. Her eyes followed around the room. Was she missing anyone? Yes..Rensain and his wife. Angel inhaled deeply, this was going to be a long meeting.

~Walked towards the drinks table with Amarra, turning and nodding to Gil and Kharne as he entered. After pouring a glass of water for himself and Amarra, he turned and looked at Arianna as she introduced herself. Slowly he frowned a little. Arianna - his half-sister Arianna?? Leaning closer to Amarra, he whispers "I...can't believe she's grown up so fast."

Taking a sip of his drink, Jared Mind Links Ralean "I hardly know anyone here.." it was odd to him, seeing Bathory's court no longer as it was, and all these soliders and people he didn't know. Kharne was a welcome reminder of the past, you couldn't get anyone more genuine and sincere than him - but Jared wondered what his position on it all was.

Then Vladamir entered, and it shocked him the most. For a flash of a second, he hoped to see his mother - but when Ava didn't follow, his heart sank. That feeling of deep dread simmered and he felt angry. How could everyone ignore the fact that she had just gone missing? What in Gods name were they trying to hide?

Mind linking Ralean again, he points it out "Bathory's not here." and then, he leaned into Amarra "Wait here for me.." before letting go of her hand and weaving through the crowds towards Vlad. Appraching the Baron from the side of his chair he asks quietly "Where is she?" It was a simple enough question.~

Rensain checked his stopwatch and realized that he was unusually late for his liking, but since Vladamir was no longer King he could not use his prefered method of transport - a magic travel portal. Instead, he had been forced to travel by carriage with his heavily pregnant wife.

For the meeting he had dressed in some of his finer clothes. His hair was neatly swept back and a top hat adorned his head, a dark black cloak around his shoulders hid the black crushed velvet suit and white shirt. His hands were covered by white gloves, and he held his cane in one hand, his other arm open for his Lady wife, Maire to hold on the other.

He leaned in close to her, whispering "If at any time, you feel that we need to leave...please, say the word. I will do what is best for you and the children, and I am sure that in these circumstances, Her Majesty will be forgiving." He patted her arm for assurance, and then, stepped forward to the double doors.

As they both approached the throne slowly, his eyes took in the new decor. He loved the checkered tile pattern that Angel had installed. His smile was wide as he paused at the stone steps, sweeping into a revered and dramatic bow. "Your Majesty..." he began, his voice loud and clear. "I present to you, myself - the Lord Rensain Caladaore and my wonderful Lady wife, Maire Caladore. I am the Royal Advisor of Aegis, Previous secretary of state, HeadMaster of Draco, Archmage of Aegis, Duke of the Thunderlands, Duke of Marloc and Brother to King Whitewolf of Aegis, the Queen before the Queen of Aegis, Ava Bathory." That had been his more recent titles, since he had been alive for quite sometime.

It had been a while since she had been at a palace function. She had borne the carriage ride with grace. Her dress was far more simple then her husbands attire. A forest green damask dress that could not camoflouge her swollen stomach, but should she be seen simply by the back one could not tell of her condition. She retained her feminine curves well, her chestnut hair was held back by a circlet and allowed to cascade down her back.

There were familar faces she recognized and she was glad to see Amarra. She liked the lady but things had gotten crazy and she had not been able to seek her out. She gave a nod to Rensain when he told her that she but need to give the word and they could vacate the meeting.

She held to his arm loosely and when they approached Angel she gave the best curtsy her body would allow. She waited till Rensain finished and simply greeted the new Queen "Your majesty, I am glad to see you are well." Out of the corner of her eye she had caught Vlad and a look of question passed over her eyes as she gave a glance to Rensain. things were far more curious then she had thought.

Her eyes cut back to the Queen as she reserved that question for another time.

~her eyes widen when Lord Vadamir enters. She feels herself stiffen in shock, but allows Jared to lead her to the drinks table. Former king... he called himself the former king in his introduction. So whatever was done here was most likely done with his consent. She had promised the queen, for better or worse, that she'd serve Vladamir for her sake. If he's passed the rule to Angel legitimately, how much choice would that leave her? She shakes her head. She'll have to wait for this meeting to begin before she knows the full story, if she ever does. She takes the glass of water Jared offers her with a smile, and promptly almost drops it with a hiccup. Frowning, she shifts her grip on her glass to make sure that doesn't happen again.

At the entrance of Rensain and Maire, she smiles slightly. Maire looks radiant, and she's glad to see her well. she waits to approach them so as not to interrupt their presentation to the queen, but she does send Rensain a quick mindlink~

"My lord Rensain, may I speak with you a moment sometime this evening, if time allows?"

~her eyes follow Jared as he walks away from her, all the way to where he approaches Lord Vladamir, and she mutters a curse under her breath that's interrupted by another hiccup. With another frown, she takes a long drink, draining her glass, and waits a long moment, without any further hiccups. Biting her lip, she quickly follows after Jared and lays a hand lightly on his back, leaning forward to whisper to him~

Jared, I need to talk to you.