Thread: Worlds Collide [HeavenSundered x Inwiththebooks]

Empress Selanas eyes widened by a fraction at the offering presented to her, the very warrior whose weapons she was gifted. Those almond eyes, the tattoos spiraling down her form, and the warrior physique were drunk in by golden eyes. She was an exquisite creature most certainly and was a fine gift along with these masterfully forged weapons. The Utlus family was known to her but this was the first time she had encountered Adelia. She was pleased by the gift itself as it showed two things, one was respect owed to the Imperial Family, and the other was intelligence. Clearly the noblewoman knew of her foreign interests and her fondness for fine weaponry. The Empress turned her gaze to the kneeling noblewoman, offering a single nod and a gesture for her to rise. The gathered crowd examined the slave though most had their attention on the Empress and the noblewoman. When the slave spoke the Empress gaze fell fully upon her, her expression blank. Adelia on the other hand looked rather mortified at the slave having addressed the most powerful woman in the Empire with such a disrespectful tone. The words were unknown to her ears but still the tone was what set her off. You insolent-! Stay your hand, Lady Utlus. The Empress ordered. The tall woman moved closer to the warrior woman, short blade still in hand. She stared down at the warrior, holding the edge of the blade against the womans throat. She wanted to see what was in those eyes, whether this creature possessed a fear of death or not. After a long moment she withdrew the weapon, holding out the blade for one of her personal attendants to take it. She had understood the word Antaran in the slaves speech and nothing else. As such she turned to her translator, an aging tan skinned man from the eastern deserts. Did you understand any of that? She inquired, keeping one eye on the warrior. Ah, not all of it, Empress. From the look of her and the weapons she bore I would say she hails from either Chosin or the Naginaryu Empire, I understand some of the languages there but it is rare to meet any of their people outside of their homeland. He said at length, his voice raspy. What did you get out of that then? She inquired. I understood the first bit she wishes to know what you want from her. The only thing I got out of the second bit was Antaran Empress. He replied, bowing apologetically. So the warrior knew who she was at the very least, she supposed the Antaran Empire was large enough that many might know of it even so far away. Naginaryu not a place she was well familiar with, only that they boasted fine warriors. Which meant little in the long run, the Antaran Empire had been built over the burning ruins of civilizations boasting fine warriors. Perhaps she was a spy? An advance scout for this distant empire? Selana would find out one way or the other. The tall woman put this out of her mind for now, instead opting to address the one who had granted her so great a gift as this one. Adelia Severa Utlus, I thank you for your fine gift and welcome you into my palace warmly. You do your family name credit. Selana said, placing her hands on Adelias shoulders and granting her a light peck on both cheeks. You honor me, exalted Empress. The noblewoman replied. Maximus, see to it that the weapons and armor are delivered to my display room and that my new slave is sent to the holding cage. She said, turning her attention to the leader of the Phoenix Guard who saluted and saw to her orders. With that bit of ceremony out of the way the Empress ascended her throne once more, crossing her legs and steepling her fingers before her as the flustered priests recovered from the breech in ceremony and begun anew. Her thoughts were now far afield on her mystery slave and how best she could get information out of her. She also made a small note to arrange to meet with Adelia at a later date to see what she was after for this gift. Everyone wanted something, especially nobles. She would need to look in on her family a bit more before granting anything of course, did not extend favors that had no benefit to her in the long run.