She grimaced, taking a brief glance out the window. "Sir Colbers, let them in. And summon my sons as well, and every other Crowcape. The peasants and the man should be let in, that is. I have no need for filthy sellswords." The trio came in, and she sat down at her tall, oaken throne. "Speak what you need to speak, why have you come here to disturb my process of thoughts?" She folded her hands together, looking to them, and mostly, the shady man. Every Crowcape was summoned, the newly knighted Sir Petrock and Lord-Commander Colbers stood side by side with her. Her sons, as well. Dom, in his aketon and Vlad in his robes.
The hooded figure stood quiet, their head leaning downwards. Now, that they could be seen so closely, the two peasants that stood by him appeared to be eyeing everything, and were quite built. It only took a moment after the Lady had spoken for a reaction to be garnered. The peasant to the right of the hooded figure took a step forward, making a sound as if he had started to speak until the hooded figure reached out to stop them. The hooded figure pulled back their hand slowly, back inside of the cloak. "Sorry to appear like this, but it would appear that rumors travel entirely faster than a man on horseback; which frightens me as to what else can get through the lands and possibly to the others." The hooded figure kept in their stance, not moving at all, "Also, my friend may have told me some of what they had heard before arriving home. I am here today to let you know, I have no fears, and I do not feel threatened. I came here, dressed like this as it would raise an entirely less of an alarm, and I'd rather not have a target on my back. The reason why I risk my life like this, with so few men to guard me, no armor to shield me, and no walls to hide me," the hooded figure reaches their hands up slowly to grab at the tie of the cloak, just below the neck, "is to show you that I will do anything that is needed to keep my people safe. And perhaps, to also meet the great Lady Olga, herself." The hooded figure now pulls at the string and once it fell they grabbed it to keep it from touching the floor.
The hooded figure before Lady Olga revealed them self to be a man, a strong, bold looking one, with determination and a strong will. He slunk the cloak over his shoulder and smiled at Lady Olga before calmly and strongly coming down on one knee and holding his hand flat out, as if a gesture to offer himself and all that he is before standing up to attention. "I apologize, Lady Olga, for the secrecy, but I believe that a strong alliance between our nations and Peletaria will keep my men safe, and offer us in advantage when the others become blood thirsty. I am Lord Solterra."
First it surprised her, then it confused her, then it annoyed her. "You have already sent an envoy a week ago or so, and he should have already came back to your lands with our answer of acceptance. Is it so?" She shrewdly examined him. And while he intrigued her, she suspected he was of a loose mind to come here when she already sent her answer, to come here with but a few of peasants and sellswords, to come here... She patiently awaited his answer, sullenly stretching in her throne.
"I'm not here about the alliance, I am here about the rumors, not of any you may have made, I just want to clear the air. It is true, I may be over protective of my lands, and I may even perhaps be over reacting to what I believe may happen in the future. But I must tell you, while politically, I may not be perfect, I have the hearts of my people and I stand on the front lines of all battles that face me. I do not hide behind my walls or my people, I am strong, I am smart, and while I may not be able to exceed at the things you are incredible at, my Lady, I do consider myself the best tactician out of all those I know. What I am saying is; you can believe what your people say, you can believe what your trusted court may say, but I am one of the Lord's you don't want to throw away when and if you decide to take on bigger plans." He squinted, examining the Lady for a moment before smirking. "You know, I did say I wasn't intimidated, but I have to say, it isn't because my soldiers are disguised as I was. I'm perfectly fine in a battle on my own."
She found his words an irritating slight, was he trying to subtly tell she hid behind her thick walls, did not care about her people, did not stand on all the frontlines that could happen? Her youngest son very well was risking his life destroying and exterminating bandits who rob and kill the peasantry. She looked to Domund, whose face was contorted in a disdainful annoyance. She waited for a bit. "Yes, you have shown you aren't such a Lord who must be thrown out, by this showcase of valor and selflessness," She internally chuckled, "You have shown political savvy. Yet why should there be ill rumors about you at my court? I see no reason for your visit here, save for the wish of good hope and luck to each other, for we are allies." She looked closer, scanning his face. "You can stay at my court for as much as you want, you'll have your quarters provided for you and your men."
She suspected he was very well not Lord Solterra. If he was smart, he wouldn't come here without a warning, if he was smart, he wouldn't subtly hint a threat. And she has heard much rumors about the gentle, weak-willed, young Lord Solterra, while the one in front of her looked much like someone in her crowcape guard. She suddenly realised Lord Solterra was much more cautious, suspicious, dangerous. The angels alone knew what game Lord Solterra was playing with Olga, but she had not liked it. Or did she? If what she has pondered on was true, he had a chance not to be classified as a milksop forever in her mind. Much more a spider, she liked spiders. Or did she?
Lord Solterra took a breath as he looked over to the peasant that he stopped earlier and gave a sigh. "I apologize once more, my Lady. In my nervousness it seems I made a larger mess than what I had planned and may have unintentionally insulted you. Upon my return to my Kingdom, I will throw an event in your honor and send you riches in hope of your forgiveness. But... Since we're on the discussion of Courts, I suppose I must confess. There is one last thing... I have lied to you, my Lady. But you see, I wiah to Court you."
The uproar was deafening, but no, it was a silent one. The uproar was blinding, the faces and the grotesque expressions of her servants, maids, sons, guardians, some were surprised, other in strange, sickening awe. Vlad has already retreated away from the scene, Domund crossed his arms. Her own reaction came quick, first her face lightened up in a brief, moment-lasting surprise, then the look of realization swept over her beautiful face. That was the only thing to have expected. She clapped her hands, as if the whole hall was screaming in outrage. "Lord Solterra, it is enormously kind of you to say such things. I believe, not in the presence of so many eyes and ears, we should discuss it further in my meeting room. However, I grant you permission, as long as it stays in the boundaries of chivalry, my lord." Her guard nodded, and the servants and other members of court had left. They began to proceed to the meeting room.
Solterra looked over to the two men standing with him and he gestured them back to the others. "I won't be needing my men from here, allow them to return to my soldiers." He gave them a nod and they all departed ways. Solterra boldly following swiftly after Lady Olga as the two burly men left the room, heading back to the soldiers.
She took a stroll along the gardens with Lord Solterra, her crowcapes quietly standing in the distance. She turned to look at his face, it was a strong one, she thought it resembled something of a bear, along with his powerful build, the adventures and exploits she has heard were evidently true. The garden was the only resemblance of life at court, other than that they were only hues of sable and grey, and red. Even her servants and maids looked lifeless, as much as her vassals. "Is it beautiful in Therral, my lord?" She wondered aloud, slowly spinning to see his answer.
Solterra tilted his head as he continued walking, pondering at such an out of place question. "Well it isn't a kingdom of petals if that is what you are asking. I let my people plant flowers wherever they wish; Even outside the barracks. A good scent can give positive emotions to an individual, which is why I've outlawed alcohol. Why do you ask?" Slightly wondering at the use of being calling 'my' lord, but he shrugged it off and opened his ears. He always saw saying 'my' lord or lady as something that meant the individual had significance to the other, and that's why he never calls anyone with 'my,' but that is just him.
"Interesting ways of managing your country, my lord. If you decide to court me, I might as well try to know you better. Is there any particular poems you like? As much as I'd like to know about you, I'm a patron of arts." She shrewdly awaited his response, trying to calculate what kind of person he is. Outlawing alcohol seemed a peculiar notion. The water is horrid from everybody shitting in it. Try to drink it? You're dead. But mead and ale? Only thing you could drink, as far as she knew.
"Hmm, well, personally, I write ...I mean, I write important phrases, ones you hold dear to yourself. They inspire me to write poems, but with the stress of the times now and the work I must do to ensure my peoples safety, I don't exactly have the time or energy for it. I suppose I can give you one..."
"We're Searching for a place."
"Where we can live peaceful days..."
"With no wars, no stealing..."
"A place that isn't run by fear."
"A place where people can live and actually trust other people."
"Sadly, my heart may be bigger than my muscles, my Lady." He sighed, suddenly having all of his memories rush to him of war and pain, and trying to shrug it off. "I am a strong man, I know it because my people and my sister tell me, I just question how strong I really am." He wasn't talking about physical strength, however.
"An idealistic poem. Regardless, sometimes strength is something you can bear on yourself, the sword that is hanging by a mere thread, right above your head. Do a mistake, and it falls. Lords and Ladies, and Overlords, all have to go through such dread."
"That I do bear many things, my Lady. But alas, I must begin my departure, my men will be waiting for me. Unless there was more to say or ask of me, do tell, if there was something you wished of me, you may speak any time. But otherwise, I must begin my leave. My Kingdom has already been without me for far too long."
"Farewell, Lord Solterra."
The hooded figure stood quiet, their head leaning downwards. Now, that they could be seen so closely, the two peasants that stood by him appeared to be eyeing everything, and were quite built. It only took a moment after the Lady had spoken for a reaction to be garnered. The peasant to the right of the hooded figure took a step forward, making a sound as if he had started to speak until the hooded figure reached out to stop them. The hooded figure pulled back their hand slowly, back inside of the cloak. "Sorry to appear like this, but it would appear that rumors travel entirely faster than a man on horseback; which frightens me as to what else can get through the lands and possibly to the others." The hooded figure kept in their stance, not moving at all, "Also, my friend may have told me some of what they had heard before arriving home. I am here today to let you know, I have no fears, and I do not feel threatened. I came here, dressed like this as it would raise an entirely less of an alarm, and I'd rather not have a target on my back. The reason why I risk my life like this, with so few men to guard me, no armor to shield me, and no walls to hide me," the hooded figure reaches their hands up slowly to grab at the tie of the cloak, just below the neck, "is to show you that I will do anything that is needed to keep my people safe. And perhaps, to also meet the great Lady Olga, herself." The hooded figure now pulls at the string and once it fell they grabbed it to keep it from touching the floor.
The hooded figure before Lady Olga revealed them self to be a man, a strong, bold looking one, with determination and a strong will. He slunk the cloak over his shoulder and smiled at Lady Olga before calmly and strongly coming down on one knee and holding his hand flat out, as if a gesture to offer himself and all that he is before standing up to attention. "I apologize, Lady Olga, for the secrecy, but I believe that a strong alliance between our nations and Peletaria will keep my men safe, and offer us in advantage when the others become blood thirsty. I am Lord Solterra."
First it surprised her, then it confused her, then it annoyed her. "You have already sent an envoy a week ago or so, and he should have already came back to your lands with our answer of acceptance. Is it so?" She shrewdly examined him. And while he intrigued her, she suspected he was of a loose mind to come here when she already sent her answer, to come here with but a few of peasants and sellswords, to come here... She patiently awaited his answer, sullenly stretching in her throne.
"I'm not here about the alliance, I am here about the rumors, not of any you may have made, I just want to clear the air. It is true, I may be over protective of my lands, and I may even perhaps be over reacting to what I believe may happen in the future. But I must tell you, while politically, I may not be perfect, I have the hearts of my people and I stand on the front lines of all battles that face me. I do not hide behind my walls or my people, I am strong, I am smart, and while I may not be able to exceed at the things you are incredible at, my Lady, I do consider myself the best tactician out of all those I know. What I am saying is; you can believe what your people say, you can believe what your trusted court may say, but I am one of the Lord's you don't want to throw away when and if you decide to take on bigger plans." He squinted, examining the Lady for a moment before smirking. "You know, I did say I wasn't intimidated, but I have to say, it isn't because my soldiers are disguised as I was. I'm perfectly fine in a battle on my own."
She found his words an irritating slight, was he trying to subtly tell she hid behind her thick walls, did not care about her people, did not stand on all the frontlines that could happen? Her youngest son very well was risking his life destroying and exterminating bandits who rob and kill the peasantry. She looked to Domund, whose face was contorted in a disdainful annoyance. She waited for a bit. "Yes, you have shown you aren't such a Lord who must be thrown out, by this showcase of valor and selflessness," She internally chuckled, "You have shown political savvy. Yet why should there be ill rumors about you at my court? I see no reason for your visit here, save for the wish of good hope and luck to each other, for we are allies." She looked closer, scanning his face. "You can stay at my court for as much as you want, you'll have your quarters provided for you and your men."
She suspected he was very well not Lord Solterra. If he was smart, he wouldn't come here without a warning, if he was smart, he wouldn't subtly hint a threat. And she has heard much rumors about the gentle, weak-willed, young Lord Solterra, while the one in front of her looked much like someone in her crowcape guard. She suddenly realised Lord Solterra was much more cautious, suspicious, dangerous. The angels alone knew what game Lord Solterra was playing with Olga, but she had not liked it. Or did she? If what she has pondered on was true, he had a chance not to be classified as a milksop forever in her mind. Much more a spider, she liked spiders. Or did she?
Lord Solterra took a breath as he looked over to the peasant that he stopped earlier and gave a sigh. "I apologize once more, my Lady. In my nervousness it seems I made a larger mess than what I had planned and may have unintentionally insulted you. Upon my return to my Kingdom, I will throw an event in your honor and send you riches in hope of your forgiveness. But... Since we're on the discussion of Courts, I suppose I must confess. There is one last thing... I have lied to you, my Lady. But you see, I wiah to Court you."
The uproar was deafening, but no, it was a silent one. The uproar was blinding, the faces and the grotesque expressions of her servants, maids, sons, guardians, some were surprised, other in strange, sickening awe. Vlad has already retreated away from the scene, Domund crossed his arms. Her own reaction came quick, first her face lightened up in a brief, moment-lasting surprise, then the look of realization swept over her beautiful face. That was the only thing to have expected. She clapped her hands, as if the whole hall was screaming in outrage. "Lord Solterra, it is enormously kind of you to say such things. I believe, not in the presence of so many eyes and ears, we should discuss it further in my meeting room. However, I grant you permission, as long as it stays in the boundaries of chivalry, my lord." Her guard nodded, and the servants and other members of court had left. They began to proceed to the meeting room.
Solterra looked over to the two men standing with him and he gestured them back to the others. "I won't be needing my men from here, allow them to return to my soldiers." He gave them a nod and they all departed ways. Solterra boldly following swiftly after Lady Olga as the two burly men left the room, heading back to the soldiers.
She took a stroll along the gardens with Lord Solterra, her crowcapes quietly standing in the distance. She turned to look at his face, it was a strong one, she thought it resembled something of a bear, along with his powerful build, the adventures and exploits she has heard were evidently true. The garden was the only resemblance of life at court, other than that they were only hues of sable and grey, and red. Even her servants and maids looked lifeless, as much as her vassals. "Is it beautiful in Therral, my lord?" She wondered aloud, slowly spinning to see his answer.
Solterra tilted his head as he continued walking, pondering at such an out of place question. "Well it isn't a kingdom of petals if that is what you are asking. I let my people plant flowers wherever they wish; Even outside the barracks. A good scent can give positive emotions to an individual, which is why I've outlawed alcohol. Why do you ask?" Slightly wondering at the use of being calling 'my' lord, but he shrugged it off and opened his ears. He always saw saying 'my' lord or lady as something that meant the individual had significance to the other, and that's why he never calls anyone with 'my,' but that is just him.
"Interesting ways of managing your country, my lord. If you decide to court me, I might as well try to know you better. Is there any particular poems you like? As much as I'd like to know about you, I'm a patron of arts." She shrewdly awaited his response, trying to calculate what kind of person he is. Outlawing alcohol seemed a peculiar notion. The water is horrid from everybody shitting in it. Try to drink it? You're dead. But mead and ale? Only thing you could drink, as far as she knew.
"Hmm, well, personally, I write ...I mean, I write important phrases, ones you hold dear to yourself. They inspire me to write poems, but with the stress of the times now and the work I must do to ensure my peoples safety, I don't exactly have the time or energy for it. I suppose I can give you one..."
"We're Searching for a place."
"Where we can live peaceful days..."
"With no wars, no stealing..."
"A place that isn't run by fear."
"A place where people can live and actually trust other people."
"Sadly, my heart may be bigger than my muscles, my Lady." He sighed, suddenly having all of his memories rush to him of war and pain, and trying to shrug it off. "I am a strong man, I know it because my people and my sister tell me, I just question how strong I really am." He wasn't talking about physical strength, however.
"An idealistic poem. Regardless, sometimes strength is something you can bear on yourself, the sword that is hanging by a mere thread, right above your head. Do a mistake, and it falls. Lords and Ladies, and Overlords, all have to go through such dread."
"That I do bear many things, my Lady. But alas, I must begin my departure, my men will be waiting for me. Unless there was more to say or ask of me, do tell, if there was something you wished of me, you may speak any time. But otherwise, I must begin my leave. My Kingdom has already been without me for far too long."
"Farewell, Lord Solterra."