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Post by Admin on Mar 19, 2009 9:42:18 GMT -6
The High Chancellor stands alone as he muses over a great map of the Empire strewn over the champaign table in the Throne room. He pours over the sights of insurgency spreading all over the map and he ponders how to correct this horrible slide of insurrection. The time has come to secure allies, as hope draws faint the last ends to be had are to draw a line in the sands and choose a side.
Regent knows that his current army is weak. The inquiry into his own elite have broken the morale of his soldiers like a dry twig much less that of his loyal subjects. The nobles bicker and chafe amongst themselves to his unorthodox methods and often mysterious comings and goings. So much is list on the bitter old demons that he now must call upon ancient contracts drawn up over thousands years before. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
The Nightmares in the volcanic range to the far west have kept to themselves for over 300 years now. Former allies to the Great King, they have secluded themselves away. Preferring not to be drawn into the feuding factions of the outside world and its tangled web of politic and corruption. Instead they delve ever deeper into their own illusions of life and idealism. Save the few that serve the Empress and the empire with distinction, less and less come down each year to be selected for entry into the service.
Regent sighs to himself at the overwhelming situation and he is fatiguing from its constant strains. His form reflecting his mood as he is nearly transparent from the ice he chose to manifest for his physical form today. His frosty hair streaks down his back white as snow as his electric eyes blaze bright blue from his growing anger. His mood as cold as his touch as he impatiently awaits his aid, the newly appointed Lady Ciel and her new ladies companion and coach Ambassador Valentine Le'Noir.
He shall send his secret weapon to renew ties and secure the faith of these reclusive Nightmares. A trial by fire for Ciel as she must now be called up to do what she has been meticulously groomed to do. Charm and win the loyal favor of the people.
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Post by Valentine on Mar 22, 2009 21:42:15 GMT -6
Valentine walks quickly down the marble floored hall, the heels of her black sandals clicking out a quick rhythm. Her usual glide is notable absent and her gaze is both focused and absent.
She walks through the door with barely a nod to the guard who opens it for her and after exactly three steps to clear the doorway drops her knees, kneeling more than curtsying since the straight cut of her Chinese-styled dress would make a curtsy look very silly indeed.
"Your Honored Grace, High Chancellor." the succubus speaks loudly enough to make sure that Regent hears her. "You requested my attendance?"
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Post by Ciel on Mar 23, 2009 4:32:16 GMT -6
Ciel was wearing one of her new day dresses and was about to go to the courtyard when she was summoned. She was wondering exactly what the Chancellor would need her for already...
She wasn't ready for an assignment yet, so that couldn't be it.
She doubted he just wanted her company, so that couldn't be it.
So what was the big secret?
She made her way into the door and saw the Ambassador was there as well... perhaps her progress was too slow for the Chancellor's taste?
She made her way up, stepping next to the Ambassador and curtsying. She hoped that she would find out soon what they were there for. And that it would be something that she could handle.
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Mar 24, 2009 10:21:15 GMT -6
Regents attentions rouse when Valentine enters the Throne room. He awaits her address before he glances to her and nods his head to acknowledge her. Before he can speak Ciel enters the room and the weary Chancellor's eyes brighten and he gives them his full attentions.
He extends an icy claw to Valentine. "Rise my dear, I am not your Emperor." He closes in around them like a great bird protecting it's nest and before they can say a word they are whisked away into the great study. A great pop of lightning and a whisk of snow blows around them and soon vanishes to reveal them standing in the vaulted atrium of the study overlooking the western landscape. The sun has already set. The sky looks as if it is on fire from the light as it is fading swiftly into the purples of evening.
"Tell me Lady Ciel, what is the greatest power one can wield to command unity over a willful and dieing land?" He says almost like a whisper as he stands back from the two. His form withdrawing into the background. The icy skin absorbing the colors of the dieing sunset making him look radiant and grand before the sun's last bit of light completely fades to darkness. Regents eyes never leave the horizon as he awaits Ciel's answer.
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Post by Ciel on Mar 25, 2009 1:12:21 GMT -6
Ciel sighed heavily before she answered.
"I suppose, Chancellor, it would be to make sure to have all pieces of the willful land working together as one."
She fidgeted. She knew she wasn't supposed to, because Vetli and various others had taught her that, but she just couldn't help it... she felt so out of place in huge decisions that she couldn't think clearly as it was.
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Mar 25, 2009 11:08:50 GMT -6
Regent smiles to the answer. "Very good Ciel, and how do we inspire the people seek out that unity?"
Regent moves back toward Ciel as he places his cold hand on her shoulder. His gaze still scanning the horizon with bold intensity.
He does not await her answer as he blurts out his thoughts. "Loyalty. The land suffers from Queen Ereshkigal's absence and the people grow ever the more dissatisfied. Lust for the vacant throne has spurned an uprising and that fragile loyalty that holds the land together has been forgotten, discarded for burning ambition, greed and insurrection. I cannot hold this land together and my tentative grip on keeping the peace is weakening. Hence, This is why I have summoned you and the Ambassador tonight. The time for your part in this act is at hand and this is your cue."
He says these words with a heavy heart. His burning stare is off to the distance to be stern. He must now send Ciel who he has taken under his wing, properly educated, expertly trained and reveres as his adopted child to bring back to him the key to saving the underworld. The Loyalty of the Noble Nightmares.
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Post by Ciel on Mar 30, 2009 2:07:01 GMT -6
Ciel did the only thing she could think of to do at the moment.
She stopped fidgeting, straightened up and squared her shoulders. If this was to be her trial by fire, so be it. She'd just have to learn along the way, she supposed.
Before she spoke, she gave a silent hope that she'd at least have Valentine with her to help her some.
"What is it that you wish me to do, Chancellor? Which factions am I to charm and entice?"
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Post by Valentine on Mar 31, 2009 2:07:20 GMT -6
Valentine tucks a displaced strand of ebon hair behind her ear and holds her peace, letting Lady Trakand and the High Chancellor speak. She takes a look around the room, listening to the conversation of the other two inhabitants of the room. Her body language is strictly controlled and precise as the Chancellor slowly reveals his task for the Lady.
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Mar 31, 2009 8:50:37 GMT -6
Regent nods to Ciel and he extends his claws to Valentine. "I have made the arrangements necessary for the Ambassador to accompany you."
He escorts the ladies down the circular stairs into the study. He stops to look Ciel in the eye as he takes her hand. "This is your task Ciel, you are the primary in this matter and the Lady Le'Noir will be your adviser and confidant in this mission of contact. You are to reestablish a dialog with the Nightmares and convince the good King Silverflame to join our cause in the events to unfold. He is stubborn and he will be difficult to sway to the cause, however, with your combined talents this task should be effortless. An interesting challenge to your new skills Ciel. Please give sound council to our protégé Ambassador, guide her steps carefully through the pitfalls of political negotiation."
He says with a gentle though worried smile on his icy lips.
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Post by Ciel on Apr 8, 2009 18:44:50 GMT -6
She nodded as they followed the Chancellor, letting him get out exactly who it was she was to charm. When he held her hands and tells her where she was to go and who she was to entice, her eyes were wide and she looked to Valentine.
"Ambassador... I..."
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Post by Valentine on Apr 10, 2009 18:49:47 GMT -6
Valentine meets Ciel's look with one of mild reproof and her gaze flicks to Regent briefly.
"Lady Trakand. We have discussed such assignments I believe?" She arches an elegant brow at the Devilcat Succubus, her voice firm, calm and just a little bit lecturing. "You are more than fit meet with those ranked highest in Hell, your own fears are what bind you. King Silverflame is elderly even for a nightmare is he not? And his mate is long dead. Think on that, Lady."
Valentine's lips curl just a little at the corners as she looks from Ciel to Regent and back again. "Oh my..." She even laughs a little, covering her mouth with her hand.
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Post by Ciel on Apr 13, 2009 19:57:30 GMT -6
Ciel sighs and nods to Valentine. "Yes, Lady Ambassador."
She saw the Lady's snicker and raised a curious eyebrow. "Is..is there something the matter, Ambassador?"
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Apr 20, 2009 12:01:09 GMT -6
Regent stops and looks to Ciel. "I think the ambassador is saying that King Silverflame would be more than receptive to your charms Lady Ciel, as the old King is a widower. However, do not be fooled by the great age of the Nightmare King. He is still the Master Stallion and I'm sure he visits his stable of concubines regularly. Although they lack the powers of seduction as you possess, he may become taken with you. A clear advantage to our cause."
Regent turns and walks to the gilded doors of the study. He opens the doors to reveal his personal carriage sitting in the private courtyard. The luxury coach looks prepared for a long journey complete with valets and a very handsomely strong driver.
"I'm sure the old king would appreciate a visit from such a bright ... unique... and rare beauty as you to be my envoy of the Empire. I would expect you to apply what ever leverage that can be applied though as a precaution, do not resort to mere ploys of subterfuge as this would most certainly anger the great King. We can't afford to ruin our chances of a successful renewal of our alliance Lady Ciel.
King Silverflame is renown for his hospitality and I believe you will be received with a warm welcome. Be gracious and offer him the same respects as you would be expected to extend to me. Do not underestimate his powers of illusion nor his wisdom of over a millennia of rule. He is crafty to sort out the true intent of our visit so in order to avoid embarrassment, be completely honest in your negotiations. We must secure the alliance with the Nightmares above all else. Allow him royal privileges, though please do not give away the keys to the kingdom." Regent says with a wink in his sparking eye.
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Post by Valentine on May 1, 2009 3:03:34 GMT -6
Valentine follows them still shaking her head and smiling. She straightens and the usual mask of courtly lady reasserts its self as Regent opens the gate for them.
"The Lord Chancellor was partially correct." She waves Ciel toward the carriage. "If I may have a private word, Your Honored Grace?" She says looking at Regent one eyebrow slightly raised.
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Post by Ciel on May 3, 2009 23:39:39 GMT -6
Ciel nodded and sauntered towards the carriage, fully out of hearing range of the two.
She was confused. She wanted to know how she was to seduce the king of the Nightmares without actually giving it away... and if she didn't give it away, how would could she do so without angering the King?
Her head was swirling. Her thoughts were racing. She did not know where to start on this assignment... none at all.
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on May 12, 2009 22:02:01 GMT -6
Regent nods to Ciel, "Please excuse us for a moment my dear." He waits till Ciel has moved on to the carrage before he turns his full attentions to Valentine.
"What is on your mind Ambassador Le'Noir?"
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Post by Valentine on May 28, 2009 22:56:56 GMT -6
Valentine doesn't give any outward signs of of concern. She schools her face to polite blandness, and her tone is gentle.
"If I may be blunt?" The ambassador says but does not wait for a reply.
"I do not mean to question your decision, High Chancellor. Lady Ciel is a natural choice, no one else could be as sincere to our cause as she is. But, I am the Ambassador of the Leccubi- my presence, even as the Lady's companion may do more harm than good."
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on May 30, 2009 10:03:32 GMT -6
the look on Regent is a classic one of confusion to Valentine's words. He shifts his weight as his glossy exterior shimmers in the light.
"Am I to understand that you wish to be withdrawn from this assignment Ambassador?" His sparking eyes narrow softly to her as he awaits her answer.
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Post by Valentine on Jun 3, 2009 2:10:52 GMT -6
As soon as confusion sets in on Regent's face Valentine drops to her knees, kneeling though she keeps her face turned upwards, the faintest hint of frustration on her face.
"I am not. You have offered me a rather unique chance to see my teaching in action nor would I refuse an Imperial command." She pauses. "However, Your Honorable Grace, I feel I must ask if the earlier reasons you gave for sending me are your only ones..."
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Jun 3, 2009 11:10:10 GMT -6
Streaks of fresh ice form over Regent as he becomes colder for a moment making the moisture in the air become frosty and crisp. He reaches his hand out to Valentine as he cups her lovely face softly in his freezing claws. "Very well then. I have chosen you not only for your attachment and mentoring to my Personal Aid... rather because of your unique position with in the court. You Lady Valentine... being a representative of the Leccubi affords you two distinct traits I wish to portray to Nightmares as proof of my intentions to gain their trust as future allies."
Regent removes his hand from her slowly as he raises his arms cascading an illusion that fills the study. The illusion forms ceremony long ago of a the oath between the Leccubi and Queen Ereshkigal.
"The first is the fine example of Leccubi loyalty to the crown and your peoples sworn oath to stand with the Queen and assist against all oppressions of the empire."
The illusion changes to Valentine being accepted to the court and her station of Ambassador to the Empire.
"Secondly. Your station within my own envoy shows faith of the Crown in matters of state are extended to others not of my court. You, as a member of the Leccubi court can vouch for my sincerity as none other of my own representatives could do with out risk of conjecture, boasting and posturing before the distrustful King Silverflame. Not just mere title and show are granted, but dignity and faith are rewards for that allegiance. You and your people have true power within the Queen's coven and with that power, real authority and voice as Honored allies of the Empire. It is for this reason I have summoned you my dear. That and your pupil will truly benefit from your experience and wise council on her first mission for her Queen, Chancellor and the Empire."
The illusion changes to the Nightmares in parade in the Capital to renew their allegiance with the Empire. The illusion progresses to cheers as Regent takes Val's hand and gently bids her rise to her feet. The illusion fades in a cascade of glittering snow that melts on the floor of the study before them.
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