Raynald turned around at the sound of the familiar voice.
"You again?" he asked, raising a brow. He looked back up to the Empress. "What she says it true, Empress. She wished to return to her homeland, the lands of your sister the Sultaness. She claims she can fight, and was willing to cook and clean while on with the caravan. I had purchased the clothes for her...I had no desire for her to distract my men in their duties."
No doubt they would be distracted enough once they reached Valkandis.

"Obviously, Lord Zinzer," Marcus began, "she has no desire to join your entourage, or else she would have respected your wished."
Marcus looked back to the Empress then. "Thus, Empress, this young woman is not only an intruder into the royal palace of Arn, but is also among those unemployed within the borders of Arn. I believe death would be an appropriate sentance for the first, and shipment to the iron mines appropriate punishment for the second. However..."
He looked over at Shigure for a moment, then back to Sidi. "Perhaps death is too severe. This is, as far as we know, her first offence. I suggest she be put into my care. It was, after all, my chambers into which she intruded. I am heading for Valkandis as well, to sell livestock with the nobility of that fine land."
"Livestock" was Marcus' term for slaves.
"She will be able to see her acclaimed homeland, at least for a time, and she will make herself useful under my watch."

"Eh?" Crow's attention was on Shigure, Marcus, and Raynald when the novice Monk asked him to follow.  The bard turned toward the novice Monk and smiled once more before following him to see Brother Galen.

<To Galen and Sidi>

She gave Marcus Tiberius a look of dislike, then turned back to the woman.

"I find that you were rude in your treatment of the General, abusing his good nature by letting him buy you gifts then throwing them back in his face. And as for breaking into the palace, that is also punishable. Therefore, I sentence you to slavery, to be put to use as cooks assistant to the caravan, under the orders of Marcus Tiberius here. You will both travel with the caravan to Valkandis, under the supervision of the General here. You girl will dress in the clothes that the General gave you, along with slave collar, manacles and anklets. You will belong to the crown, but you will be under the orders of the slave trader for the next year, to be trained in the proper manner of being a slave, and Court protocol. We have spoken, so shall it be."
"Any more court cases for today? No? Then Court is over for today."
"General von Zinzer, I would have a private audience with you at your earliest convenience."

She stood up and moved toward the alcove behind the throne with her closer advisors, further ignoring the others.

Shigure's mouth drops open and she remains silent. She was not expecting that, not officially. While her life for the past few months could barely be called much more than slavery she still had some freedom, could run, had money, could escape. But she wondered now why she didn’t, if she had wanted to she could have ran far enough that Tor could have never found her. She could have been free. A yearning ache starts in her chest as she thinks about it, she wanted to be controlled… punished… hurt.

She doesn’t move from her  knees, remaining on the floor even though the Empress had called an end to the courts. Tilting her head slightly Shigure looks out of the corner of her eyes at the slave-trader briefly before her eyes fall back to the floor before her. One year of training, shackled and collared. She closes her eyes and a small smile comes to her lips.

Marcus grinned. The sentance was not how he precisley wished it to be, but it was indeed good enough for him.
"Thank you, Empress," he said, giving Sidi a deep bow. He knew the Empress didn't like him...most people didn't. Unfortunatley for most of them, he was not easily replaced. Few knew just how complex it allw as, making sure that everything ran how it was supposed to.
His boots clicking quietly on the floor, Marcus approached Shigure.
"You seem quite happy given the situation, girl," he noted. "Come. We must get you your adornments."

Shigure stands and nods. Her smile was gone, she gives Marcus a blank stare.

"I am ready."

Raynald, hearing the Empress' request, bowed. "If it does not take long, Empress, I can speak with your right now."
It would have to be quick, however. He was still organizing the rations for the trops moving with them. Nearly one thousand heavy infantry, as well as several hundred cavalry. The entire thing was fairly simple, as far as planning went. Overall, though, it was a mess. Organizing horses, food, equipment and the rest for one and a half thousand men took time.

Marcus gave a cynical grin. "You're ready weather you like it or not," he told her, His hand fell to he shoulder, pulling her along.
"Time to get you your collar and shackles, girl."

OOC: To the City

Shigure stumbles after Marcus as he pulls he along, quickly gaining her feet and following behind him closely.

Off to the city!

She nodded then continued toward the alcove beyond the throne, slipping through the tapestry there to the concealed doorway.

"Bring the General to my private office in 5 minutes."

   He watched as the child Empress entered her office, his piercing amber eyes never leaving her as she made her way to the pine wood desk and sat heavily in the matching high-backed chair. She appeared drained, as she often did to him after dealing with matters of state. She was young to have such a burden thrust upon her, yet she had risen to challenge with courage worthy of her royal house. The Astrologer occasionally wondered how different the fate of Arn might be if her parents had lived. Hieronymous wasn't sure exactly where he stood in her esteem, not that it mattered much. His loyalty to her family did not depend on remaining her friend, though he was touched by her warmth. She, alone of all he had ever known in the Empire, did not look at him with disdain. In truth, he did care for her, as much as he could for anyone. Ultimately though, their relationship was based on mutual need, and ancient tradition. Mutual affection was not required.
   Stepping from the dark corner, as if he were made of shadows himself, the ebon robed figure swept forward silently.  Directing his cowled face towards her he whispered her name is his usual quiet voice.
   "Sidi, we must speak child. There are portents of which the Empress should be made aware."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Thu 29 Nov 2007.

She was so deep into what was on her mind she didn't sense the man in the room at first. So, when he suddenly spoke, she let out a gasped cry and nearly knocked her chair over jumping away from the voice! She gasped and looked at him, startled fear turning to irritation as she saw who it was.

"Will you please stop sneaking up on me! Every time you do that, I swear I lose another year of life! You are not a very nice man for sneaking up on me like that!"

She tried not to show that she was intimidated by him sometimes. She knew she couldn't show any weakness or she'd lose authority and respect in many people's eyes. But it was hard trying to act grown up all the time. Sometimes, she just wanted to sit in a closet and cry! It wasn't fair! She should have had time for fun and exploration and play, like the other kids! She envied them so much sometimes, when she watches the other children running around, playing games and having fun! It made hte throat and chest hurt so bad, the wanting to be a normal hid. She sighed and swallowed her sorrow then looked up at the cloaked stargazer.

"So, what do you...have to report today?"

   "Perhaps you should seek to be more aware of your surroundings, Majesty.  One day such vigilance may well save your young life.  More than one of your line has met their end because they did not see the sinister dagger.  The fate of Arn rests upon your small shoulders, child, you do not have the luxury of complete trust."
   Hieronymous features soften for the barest moment, seeing the irritation born of  fear he has caused her.  He could not help being what he was, he knew.  The other advisors spoke poisoned words behind his back; when they foolishly believed his attention was elsewhere.  Yet, unlike the other advisors, he had never lied to any Emperor or Empress whom he had served, and he had served many in his unaturally long life. Though his honestly might seem harsh, it was exactly that, simple honesty.  He was geased to serve the royal line, so long as it should last.  Even if he had wished to mislead Sidi, he could not. 'It seems,' thought Hieronymous, 'that we both have our fetters to bear. Neither of us is truly free, child-queen.'
  "You depend on me to interpret the will of the Gods, your Highness.  Though you may take little note of the passage of planets and moons, comets and stars and showers of fire amid the purple night sky, to me the will of the heavens is laid bare in all its celestial wonder.  The night winds sing of forgotten things, and in the strange, speech of owl and bat there are many secrets.  What pitiable creatures are you, that you are deaf to the tapestry of truth all around you. Gods and angels, ghosts and fiends, they speak only in whispers, Sidi, and so most Arnish are never quiet enough to take notice."
   His amber eyes glowed as he spoke, seeming to look beyond the small room, as if he could see invisible worlds floating before his half hidden face. He turned back with surprisingly swift motion, disoriented momentarily, as if he had just now seen the young Empress behind the desk.
   "The signs are there, your Majesty, the portents are dire. This embassy that you are devising shall begin awaken the slumbering darkness.  The ancient enemy stirs and its gaze will soon fall upon Arn with hate beyond measure. The constellation of the Queen is hidden, lost amid the murky nebula.  The crescent moon, a mystic's moon, is ascending. The constellations of the Wolf and the Serpents-Twisted are both in alignment with the blood red planet ARES.  Such potent proofs of evil cannot be ignored, Empress.  Vile and wicked sorcery is afoot, child, and i urge you to beware.  Choose your ambassadors with utmost care."
   His usually disturbing tones held a deep urgency in them and he gazed unblinking at Sidi.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:07, Thu 29 Nov 2007.

She nodded as she listened, sensing that he was half not there, that he was connected to the world more than most people. She didn't hint to him though that she did hear some of the things he spoke of, and did sense some things in the night skies meant more than she had the knowledge to interpret. She figured that most people would look at her strangely and think she was touched in the head if she told them some of the ghostly things she's sensed. Then she heard him speaking of dire portents...

"What do you mean? You've seen something bad? Am I going to be killed too? I know how dangerous my life is Hieri. I've taken steps to remedy some of my lacks, but you know how hard it is to do things for myself. The advisors think they all know what's best for me, and won't allow me to do for myself. I can only sneak in a few things, if I'm very careful, things to better my chances. Do you know of someone not trustworthy?"

   Coming closer, the Astrologer clutched his robe around him as if he were cold, affixing Sidi with an intense stare, willing her to absorb the meaning of what he was saying.  At her question however, he looked momentarily uncertain, as if searching for the words to answer her.
   "If there is a snake in your midst, my Empress, I have not forseen it.  Are there spies from other lands? Most certainly.  Do they mean you harm? I doubt it.  YOU have ears and eyes in foreign courts, I know that you do. That is, however, not what I am saying, child!  Listen closely!  There are things in this world, young Majesty, that are twisted, ancient, and wicked beyond any mortal ken.  Heed the warning signs, be vigilant..." Tensing his eyes glazed over and his expression was one of incredible sadness as the words tumbled from him beyond his control.
   "Something forgotten stirs, that will not sleep, a secret long buried, a wound far to deep, it hunts like the fox among innocent sheep, a shadow that shall make all of Arn weep..."
   Staggering backwards his eyes close and he puts his hands to his head.  "Please no more."  His eyes snap open and he looks to Sidi with fear. "I beseech you, Empress, watch for the Wolf, Sidi, it waits in the North and it slumbers no longer! Do not ask me more..."
   He bows briskly and steps back into the dark corner and is gone.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:10, Sun 09 Dec 2007.

She starts to say something soothing to him but...

"I will wa... But wait! Hierionimus!?"

She sighed and thought about him for a bit, then called out loudly...

"Next! General Reynald approach now."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Mon 10 Dec 2007.

Having waited his turn behind the strange astrologer and adviser to the Empress, Raynald entered at Sidi's bidding.
"What are your wishes, highness?" Raynald asked her, bowing to her. He thought, of course, that she would wish to speak to him about the caravan, or something similar. Of course, one should never be too expectant of such things.

Straightening from his bow, the ageing General looked to the young Empress expectantly, waiting for her to tell him just what she required of him.

"You will attend me to the wedding tomorrow. See to the proper Honor Guard for the Lady Sadina's Cerimony. How are the arrangements going for the Caravan? Do we have enough horses and camels? Have you sent remounts and replacements out ahead for us in case we need fresh horses and camels? Have you sent outriders out to secure inns and camping grounds along the way, as well as advanced scouts to patrol the area? We will leave at Cocks Crow on the day after tomorrow.Are you looking forward to the trip?"

She ruffled papers on the desk, then handed him a sheaf containing the items to be loaded on wagons and camels and pack horses, and the list of people going from her household, with a few names scratched off, and others added on at the bottom. With it was also all the royal writs needed for traveling and for shelter and remounts along the way, for the General to keep with him as they go.

Raynald raised a brow when told he would escort the young Empress come the morrow. Of course, it might have been expected. As General of the Armies, Raynald was one of the most powerful men in Arn. Still, there could have been others more...diplomatic, surley, to attend her?

"It will be my honor, Majesty," he said, giving her a bow again.
"I will have one hundred of my own personal guard for her honor guard, Empress," he told Sidi. His own warriors, the Grey Knights, were some of the best fighters in the realm. "We've horses and camels aplenty for the trip, with additional mounts ready at every town and garrison between here and Valkandis. Our first scouts have returned as well. There is a slight increase in bandit raids in the area, but they would not attack such a well armed caravan."
Raynald had been working for days now to ensure this was all ready and prepared. He had not been General of the Armies for the last half decade, and a General for the last decade, and never been prepared for such an outing. He had planned such things for armies numbering in the thousands in the past...

"I look forward to the wedding and the trip, Empress," he agreed, taking the sheaf from her, glancing down at the names. Some of these people would be hard put to the rigours of travle, especially if he was in charge of the caravan...

"I expected nothing less than your best General, and you have yet to disappoint me. But you know I had to ask. Report here at 9 am in the morning to escort me to the wedding then. Now, you should also get some rest."

She smiled then waved dismissal to him as she turned to exit the room.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Thu 13 Dec 2007.

"Yes, Empress," Raynald said, repressing a grin. Nobody had told him to go to bed since he was a youngster and his mother was still around.
"Until tomorrow, Empress."
Turning, Raynald walked with sure steps toward his own quarters at the barracks...

She nodded, then turned to head to her quarters to retire for the night. Sadina's wedding was in the morning and she wanted to be well rested.

 She waited in a private chamber on the ground floor. It has great doors that exit onto a private drive next to a great Garden filled with roses and all sorts of fragrant flowers, herbs and fruit trees and vines. There is a sumptuous buffet set up alone the walls with delicacies that every creature would love, from 2 legged types to 4 legged types, and even bird types. She waits for the Heroes. Of course she isn't alone. Sadina and Hieronymous are with her, and guards stand around inside and out.

"Hieronymous, it is good to see you again in your Court finery. You look more relaxed than I have seen you for a very long time! As you can see, I am alone. I cannot say that I miss my dearly departed husband. I just wish I had known that he was a traitor and a scoundrel before I married him. Oh well, he left no offspring or heirs, so I can at least be compensated for having to bear his advances for the last year."
 She stood beside Hiero in a nearly matching outfit, though that was unintentional. Though she did know his penchant for those hues.