Thread: Worlds Collide [HeavenSundered x Inwiththebooks]

The next day was quite the blur of activity in the Utlus estate, with guards polishing and preparing ceremonial weapons and armor and the slaves ensuring the Utlus procession was as dictated. The city itself was abuzz with activity with many of the high class families heading to the Imperial Palace and the lower classes engaging in revelry and increased business from individual pouring into the capitol. The birthday of a member of the imperial family was as good a holiday as any, and for many nobles it was a chance to form alliances and garner political favor with the most powerful person in the empire. Adelia was dressed in her finest velvet and wore the golden scale pin of her house proudly, looking the very picture of nobility. This was the day she had prepared for this entire year. All of her plots and schemes would come down to the opinion of one individual. Her previous gift was gone but this new one seemed as though it had been delivered by the family ancestors. With a final once over in her mirror the woman gathered her guards and sent them down to the dungeons to gather the slave, the four men bowing low before heading down to carry out her orders. The procession would possess three palanquins, the lead one would house her, the second one would house the weapons and armor of the slave and the last one would house the bound and chained slave. Technically presentations were to be made after hours of long and dull ceremony in which each noble gathered would approach the throne and wish the Empress a long reign, long life ect, ect. Adelia intended to break with tradition a good bit in order to make an impression on the woman. A dangerous thing but possibly enough to set her apart from all gathered. When her men managed to bring the slave to the procession, no doubt with some difficulty or another they would get moving through the city. Theirs was hardly the largest procession moving towards the Imperial Palace though it was the most well-guarded. The palace was a massive feat of engineering, looming on high in the city with long steps leading up to the columned entryway. The ceiling was vaulted and possessed depictions of the founding of the Empire, the walls were lined with statues of the greatest figures in Imperial history. Adelia could feel the power of this place, the greatness that was born here and walked these impressive halls daily and felt humbled by it. She passed by many individuals looking to pay homage to the Empress, many eyes turning upon her audacious entrance. Most left their palanquins outside it was highly irregular to bring them into the palace. Regardless she passed the archway into the throne room itself and finally, as she stepped out of her own palanquin she could lay eyes upon the Empress herself. She stood on high near the imposing marble throne, tapestries of red and gold surrounding her. Braziers were lit on either side of the throne, the light flickering off her form and casting a long shadow through the room. Thick robes of red, orange, and gold adorned her tall form and golden eyes fixed upon Adelia in a manner that made her feel more small than she had ever felt in her entire life. Dark hair was cut short in a manner normally fitting military women though she was no less regal for it. Upon her brow was the crown of the Phoenix Empress of Antara, rubies glinting brightly. At her side was a short blade, one she suspected the Empress used rather than just presented for show. She was regal, beautiful, the very image of one born of god blood. When she spoke her voice rang with authority and possessed a richness Adelia could not hope to describe. Who are you that enters my hall so brazenly? Speak and account for yourself. Adelia gathered her resolve and spoke up, refusing to let her voice crack. Adelia Severa Utlus, your imperial majesty, Selana Imperator. I have come bearing gifts in celebration of the day of your birth. Gifts unmatched by any in this palace. She said, getting on one knee before the steps leading to the throne. Is that so? I will be the judge of that, Lady Utlus. Present your gifts. Selana said, descending the steps with a neutral tone to her voice. First the weapons and armor were gathered and held out before the Empress, polished and shining with a metallic gleam. The tall woman passed Adelia by and held out her hand for the sword, testing its weight and balance. She did the same with the dagger, looking rather impressed with the items. She did frown at the armor however, half turning back to the noblewoman at the sight. A tad small for me Id say. They were not made for you, Empress, but belonged to a warrior from the Far East. One said to have felled a dozen soldiers on her own. Adelia stated, signaling for the slave to finally be brought out.