Runic midnight blue heavy armor replaced with a lighter white ceremonial robe, Tybalt von Glacius awaited on his carved golden throne for his guest. At the foot of his throne was a long table containing a feast fit for a king and his court, silver goblets and the finest wines ready and waiting to be savored. Beside the spread were two chambermaids ready to serve their guests...as well as to listen. The stained glass windows, as always, were ensourcelled to allow a breathtaking view of the outside yet prevent outsiders from peering within. Aside from the two guards directly at the entrance and the servants, he sat alone, thinking as the sunlight pierced the glass and reflected on the throne. It was rare that Tybalt spoke with the leaders of enemy forces, often preferring surrender of the army and the executions of their leading commanders. Beyond not allowing his realm to grow beyond his ability to rule competently, there were few opponents worthy of his attention. Any such challengers were either already his ally or did not have enough common interests for any true animosity to build. Only the mighty paladin-queen Sylvia of Lyons was the exception, yet recognized him as a more tolerable--and civilized--neighbor than the alternatives.
Moreover, the rulers themselves weren’t worthy of their titles, born into power instead of seizing it by their own deeds...remarkably unimpressive. Pampered princes whose sabers were purely decoration made him chuckle; his Knight General Ivanna had an entire room on her estate showcasing the staggering array of swords she'd taken from slain enemies in battle. Rebellious princesses that presumed abandoning their duties and slumming it with lowborns granted combat mastery made him sigh. Greedy ministers and courtiers reliant on guards or physical charms for protection made him smile; promises of power and seductive delights could bring sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. (Of course, said turncoats would be immediately executed for violating their former oaths; a man who'd betray one master--especially for coin or flesh--would certain betray another.) Assassins and mercenaries sent after him made him grin with bloodlust; there were few greater pleasures in the Venefic's life than personally stealing the life of a would-be slayer, watching the light fade in their eyes before succumbing to death's embrace.
And of course, many of royal blood ignored the servants and chambermaids when doing their business.
But the woman coming to meet him today was of a different cloth. Queen Versalia, the so-called “Iron Rose”, approached him not in supplication pleading on her knees for mercy, but as an equal assuring mutual destruction if their nations went to war. A refreshing change. Nor had her reputation been overstated: The number of kingdoms she controlled, the discipline of her armies and powers of her magicians—and, left unspoken, the deadliness of her assassins—let Tybalt know she was far from some shrinking violet or political figurehead. The emperor had no doubts about the potency of his normal armies and the might of his Dark Knights, but the Tyrant of Palamecia saw no profit in mass warfare when it could be avoided. Pointless death would leave nothing to claim, and all wars began and ended in the courts. While a true ruler demonstrated respect to his equals and courtesy to his lessers, Tybalt knew that courtesy was always better received when one hand rested on a swordhilt. Thus, two of his top assassins were invisibly cloaked with sorcery within the room, with orders to kill Versalia and her entourage if she demonstrated any treachery. This was only logical; one did not treat with a lion without a weapon close at hand. Tybalt was honorable, not an imbecile. He knew she’d appreciate the difference.
Reply With Quote
Welcome to my thread. All of my RP information—plots, pairings, links to F-list and character bios—is viewable on my Wix page.
) For that same reason, all characters within an RP must be played at least 20 years of age.
Thus, I won’t reply.) I hope to hear from interested parties, and may you all find the partners you seek.
Posting Permissions