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Post by Admin on Mar 23, 2005 22:57:14 GMT -6
It has been about three days since a huge explosion rocked the palace. Many lives have been lost.... but one is mourned above all the others. The Lady Orchid, who came here after visiting with her brother in the country and attempted to perform a great spell... and failed.
The Queen sits at what was once the the bottom of a great staircase leading up into the palace proper. Her head is in her hands and she is weeping silently. She has hardly moved from this unsteady and sorrowful perch since the explosion. Spread out below her are the burned and rotting remains of the library. Her advisor and nearly all the succubi are buried in the rubble, which she refuses to allow anyone to begin clearing away.
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Post by Thane on Mar 24, 2005 0:37:36 GMT -6
With a look of remorse the mighty Ratchet warrior resembles more of a beaten dog this day than the proud Elite that he usually does. His face shrouded in despair as the look of gloom passes over him again as he approaches the Grand Stair that use to lead into Lady Orchid's Library, which now sadly is her Ladyships ruined tomb. Thane descends the broken stairs to the huddled weeping mass that would be his proud queen, now broken and hollow as the grand hall that once stood in this now fractured palace. Thane dreads what he must do next as he once again extends the Royal Chalice as offering to his mourning Queen with fear of her to once again refuse to sup. The rich aroma of hot blood and sweet alcohol lingers heavy in the air as Thane kneels and softly whispers to his despondent Empress. "You ... must ... feed ... Highness, for the last of your strength withers away and I ... we ... fear you will collapse from your grief..."
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Post by Admin on Mar 24, 2005 0:48:33 GMT -6
The Queen huddles even more in on herself, if is possible. Upon a closer her legs where they hang over the rough edge are scratched, and the eyes behind the lank hair are red rimmed from tears.
"No... thank you....Thane..." She looks out over the pit once again.
"I said terrible things to her... And went off to play... And she...." Again Ereshkigal buries her face in her hands and weeps. Her frame trembles with the force of her grief and a few black feathers tumble downwards.
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Post by Thane on Mar 24, 2005 1:34:07 GMT -6
Thane's stomach sinks as Ghostie again refuses to partake of the chalice. Partly annoyed and largely frustrated at the queens constant refusal, Thane's ears flatten as he tries once more to persuade her to drink. His head bows and he speaks to the floor, "My queen ..." Thane urgently whispers, "... I ... beg ... of you..." Thane looks her in the eye as sympathetically as he can, " ... please taste one sip ... to honor lady Orchid ..." As his eyes and voice soften, "... and I shall trouble you of this no longer." Thane then offers the cup closer to Ereshkigal's lips for the scent of the innocent's blood to fill her sinus. Thane tilts his head like a curious puppy and whispers a nearly silent, "... please ... "
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Mar 24, 2005 1:47:27 GMT -6
Lye sits between bars in the stair railing, watching the scene several feet below her, hoping that Thane has better luck getting Ghostie to feel better or even eat than she did. Her eyes are red as well, but she is not crying at the moment...
She wants to leave, and walk away, but even if she could leave the Queen to get away from this place that reminded her of her failure, she had some morbid need to keep looking at it and marinading her heart in the pain of regret.
Could she have done anything? Probably not. The Advisor did as she did and nobody - with the possible exception of the Queen - told her she couldn't. But Lye couldn't help hurting and feeling guilty.
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Post by Pox on Mar 24, 2005 2:15:51 GMT -6
**deep in the rabble a glimmer of black liquid oozes up from the cracks. Its dark matter absorbing the light around it and plunging it into darkness. A slender form emerges in a climbign action as it disapears on the other side of the wall. Seconds later, pox emerges from behind the small crowd that has gathered and approches the Queen , leaning in from behind he kisses her cheek. turning around and smiling at thane , he looks at lye and puts his hand on her shoulder. Smiling at her and turning his neck he musters out a few words**
"perhaps...silence would be better at a time like this."
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Post by Admin on Mar 24, 2005 10:44:20 GMT -6
Something close to interest flickers in her Highness' eyes at the sight of Pox. But it fades again after a moment. She raises her head to look again at the rubble...
"Forever trying to be what you were not.... why? Orchid.. could you not be yourself?"
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Post by Thane on Mar 24, 2005 12:13:53 GMT -6
Thane stands and nods his acceptance to Pox's proposal of silence. Thane then turns toward the ruin and flings the contents of the Royal Chalice into the mass of burnt out rubble and debris. He mutters,
"For you my lady..."
The look on Thane's face speaks volumes of his uncertainty and grief that this unfortunate calamity, this tortured tragedy, has brought the mighty empire of hell to it's knees. No enemy could have struck with as much gravity, precision and destruction that this one anomalous event has done in the matter of an instant. The loss of the Lady Grand Vizier and all her wisdom of the political structure and knowledge of each minute facet of the empire is a crippling blow to the high queen alone without the millennia of myriad friendship and camaraderie to add to her personal turmoil of regret and personal loss of the Queen's surrogate mother figure. Thane's worries grow by the hour and his failing queen is fueling his unrest for none of his might, his combat skill, nor his warrior instinct can save his Queen from this battle. She alone must grapple within her mind, heart and soul. He only hopes she can win against such odds. He turns his back to the pit, side glances to his Queen and Pox with a look of 'I'm sorry' and begins to climb the stair lost in despair as he passes Lye he looks at her as she looks on in sorrow. Thane places his massive hand on her shoulder as to say something ... anything ... but the words donot come, and Thane slowly marches onward in silence.
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Post by Ilinid on Mar 24, 2005 12:52:20 GMT -6
*Ilinid glides in on silent feet, only her gown rustling, her wasp's wings hidden, as always, under her robes. She has not wept, feeling no remorse over this loss of course, and has given the Queen the proper mourning time of three days. There is importance in the number three the Fae firmly believe* *Ilinid notes, as she enters the damaged area, everything. She has yet to meet Pox, but she has heard enough to recognize who he is. She notes Lye distantly watching over her Queen, another Elite next to the Queen holding a chalice... Thane? She has heard mention of him... and the young queen, weeping on the bottom of the steps. Ilinid's eyes narrow ever so slightly at this. Youth does not know proper etiquette, it seems. However, this is Hell and things are different from her courts* *She approaches through the rubble slowly, so as not to be seen as a threat and stops a respectful distance away, offering an eleborate and perfectly executed curstie* Dread and Magnificent Queen. The Faerie Court extends its deepest and sincerest condolescences for your great loss. *She straightens again and glances at the Queen, then lowers her eyes demurely, in sympathy, as is proper for the situation* We understand the Advisor was as a beloved mother to you and the circumstances are tragic, indeed. *Then her green eyes raise again and she flicks a glance at Lye, then on to Thane who holds the chalice and understands the girl has not eaten in days. None of her business, really. It did not concern her in the least, the condition of the Queen. Ilinid is an ambassador, not a servant of Hell... her loyalties lie elsewhere entirely. However, she does appreciate Lye for certain reasons and Lye obviously loves the Queen. Very well, an attempt for her sake. The cat's eyes lower demurely again* Might I mention, Dread Queen, if it is not too bold, that the Elven Court has heard whispers of your... frail and delicate... condition at the moment. There has been mention, perhaps, that there would be no more opportune time for your enemy to strike. I understand that your grief is deep and overwhelming, as do your enemies, both internal and external. Appearances are as important in Hell as anywhere else, majesty, and outwardly your strength should be unquestionable. /Must/ be unquestionable. At your most vulnerable you need to appear your most powerful. The Faerie Court would ally with nothing less. *She pointedly takes a firm look at the chalice, then lowers her eyes again and offers another curtsie. She is not threatening or even chiding as anyone even remotely familiar with court mannerisms would know... she is merely reminding, even it IS a little more blatant than she would normally employ. What happens to Hell is not exactly of dire consequence to her* With your leave, Majesty. *She asks for dismissal, to allow the child her grief. For the elf, the most tragic thing about the entire episode was the fact that the shockwave from the miscast spell rocked her quarters so hard that one of her oldest and most favored trinkets fell from its perch and shattered. Quite vexing indeed*
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Post by Admin on Mar 24, 2005 13:21:02 GMT -6
The Queen gives a hollow laugh, when Ilinid suggests that her adversay might strike now.
"No.... it would be with out honor, Ambassdor. And more the fools they for both their honor and their caring. For that caring was my Advisors undoing.... instilled in her by one who did not even deserve to look upon her..." She turns to look at the fae consideringly, a bitter version of her usual wicked smile on her lips.
"However, If you doubt my strength now. I would be happy to give you a demonstration. Grief is not weakness... simply an emotion. My father taught me to use my emotions, Ambassdor, but they do not rule me." The Young Queen turns to look back out over the rubble once again, her eyes dry, but with a look of unmistakable sorrow.
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Post by Thane on Mar 24, 2005 14:30:58 GMT -6
Thane makes his way to the top of the stairs to find the guards gawking at the scene below. His sorrow flares into anger as he barks orders for them to return to their posts. The guards scurry like roaches to do as commanded. His hackles still on end, he nods to the ambassador as he makes his way to the kitchens to return the Royal chalice to the Maytr Dee'. The scruffy ratchet feels her eyes following him and he abruptly stops and swivels his mass to face the Elven Ambassador. The look of mad doggie is still about his face, his red eyes flair, then squint as he gruffly asks, "May I help you... Madam?" and he crosses his massively furry arms to await her reply.
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Post by Ilinid on Mar 27, 2005 18:06:46 GMT -6
*The Fae is completely unconcerned by Thane's flaring eyes. She was not speaking to him. Her focus is on the Queen who, apparently, does NOT wish to eat. Very well and whatever. Ilinid tried only for the sake of Lye and no other reason, and while her words and methods were not the gentlest, she is not here to hold a young queen's hand... she is here only to see if her court should ally with the court of Hell and trusts none of these. Her people are her top priority, her pride second. That she attempted at all speaks of her high regard for Lye the Protector, who most likely doesn't even realize it and most likely no one else does either. That is how it should be, for she's given too much to this court already to maintain her objectivity. She holds her curtsy, waiting for her dismissmal, eyes cast low, perfectly proper* It is not your grief that may cause the question of your strength, majesty, but your literal physical well being. Not the mind, but the body. However, I am certain you possess amazing fortitude and need little, if any, repast. Undoubtedly, your enemies know of it. As the Elven court is considering alliance, we would simply like to ensure that there is an ally to consider. But it harms us none either way. Forgive my boldness, dread Queen. I meant only to help. With your leave, Majesty. *And again, she waits for dismissal... a gesture, a word, anything. She has done her duty and no longer wishes to be among the rubble of an Advisor she didn't even particularly like...*
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Post by Ciel on Mar 30, 2005 1:08:53 GMT -6
Ciel has been away a while. She shadows over to Erishkegal's knees and lays her head in her Majesty's lap. It is apparent she has been crying furiously and she has come very close to removing her amulet and throwing it. Ciel barely knows what to do with herself and now sees that she must be there for Her Queen.
"Majesty, please...please eat. I am frightened for you..."
Ciel curls up as best she can as close as Erishkegal will allow her to, and she waits. It's all she can do is to wait.
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Post by Admin on Mar 31, 2005 2:13:27 GMT -6
Her majesty lifts her head to look first at Ciel, the Ilinid and finally Lye. Her eyes are like broken glacial glass, softened by the melt of tears, she murmurs...
"Forgive my failings...I have now lost both of my...mothers....it is..."She stops and tries to rise, barely able to get to her knees before crying out in pain and falling back to her sitting position.
"Forgive me..."
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Post by General Zarek on Mar 31, 2005 2:39:13 GMT -6
Loud clanking footsteps can be heard from above. Down into the library comes Zarek, adorned in his armor and giant metal wings flared. He comes down the the stairs, obvious anger on his face. "Enough of this!!! Everyone, get the hell out of here. There is no point mourning over her. And you." He says, squatting down in front of the Queen. "Are not acting like you are a queen. You have more important things to do, like taking care of yourself, than sitting down here crying!" He stands, brushes Ceil away from the queen, and picks up the Queen, cradling her in his arms, and looks down at her for a second, his stone face still unmoving, still uncaring. He then looks up at the rest of the group. "The rest of you dismiss! I'm sure you have more important things to do than stand around in this filthly place!" He goes back up the stairs, holding the queen. Speaking softly to her, switching between lecturing her and comforting her.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Mar 31, 2005 5:19:52 GMT -6
Lye wrenches her eyes away from the scene and stands as Zarek passes, following him in silence for a few seconds before saying, "Actually, I don't have anything else to do. What do you wish for me to do, Ghostie?" The first sentence she directs at both, the second only to the Queen.
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Post by Admin on Mar 31, 2005 14:51:36 GMT -6
Ereshkigal reaches out for her dearest friends hand -shifting around in Zarek's arms. She speaks only loud enough for Zarek and Lye to hear.
"Come with me.. stay by my side. And next time I do something this stupid please- please slap me... I'm so sorry Lye. It was like losing father all over again." Her voice breaks slightly as she apologizes.
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Post by Thane on Mar 31, 2005 15:26:37 GMT -6
Thane's attentions veer away from the Elven Ambassador, past her to the general as he clanks his way to and down the stairs. Thane bows his head and barks, "M'Lord..." Upon hearing his orders to dismiss, Thane immediately returns to his route to the kitchen to return the Chalice. His thought's already geared toward patrolling the Palace for rubber-neckers and would be looters.
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Post by Ilinid on Mar 31, 2005 17:03:52 GMT -6
*Ilinid sighs to herself -and herself only- as Zarek barrels into the place, barks some commands, and then goes all mushy with the Queen. "Disperse". Would that it were so simple. Others may move to that, but the Ambassador is on a diplomatic and specific function. She is here to address the Queen and the Queen alone. She has asked twice for the Queen's dismissal and not received it. She's still holding her curtsy and her legs are starting to tremble in the exertion. Yet it is proper to continue holding until she gains the /Queen's/ dismissal and last she looked, a general was not a Queen. So while she'd love to disperse and is very tempted to break protocol and follow the wrong person's orders, centuries of grooming and upbringing win out. She holds her position, waiting. She's asked twice already, she won't ask again. And if that means she passes out from her odd posture and the attempt to hold it, then so be it. She'll have done her duty in perfect execution and nothing less*
*So she waits as the Queen gathers her nearest and dearest, as they all get chummy and sweet to eachother, as the young monarch mourns yet another loss... Ilinid waits and really, REALLY wishes she wasn't so wonderful at her job. Because she'd really like to leave now. She may have to give a small reminding cough soon--*
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Post by Pox on Apr 1, 2005 20:19:40 GMT -6
"Well I suppose I should be getting on with things."
**He melts back into what seems to be a hallow liquid form , bubbling down over the balcony again. He reforms where he came out , clad in his simple attire , he removes his globe from the pouch at his side. Opening the small bottom , he aims at the hole he came out of and a black liquid rises into the globe with a silent yet high pitched shriek or whane. The sound , which is not comfortable at all is over in an instance , and pox pockets the globe**
"souvenir's" he exclaims as he hastens back up to the others. He glances at the new faces and combs his hair back with his left hand. He watches ilinid intently , smiling at the cruelty of her conditioning. The strict rules she is/was meant to abide must be unbearable. A small chuckle to himself and he raises his chin to speak to her. "Do you have any tricks practiced should the court require you to entertain ? Perhaps those tricks arnt meant for public viewing and are for more of a private audience hmm. either way , I think it would be something to see."
**He chuckles to himself again and remembers his place quickly**
"silence....yes...that was my idea afterall." **feeling like a hypocrite , he bows to the court and leans back against his wall** [/font]
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