Thread: A Pillar of Serpents [ft. xanaphia & november]

Toulali was quick to tear down Jhaveri, quick to remind the court of past shames. Even after three generations of service and rebuilding, House Jhaveri still wore The Sundering around its neck like a noose. House Jhaveri could be king makers, but not kings. Not again. Never again. But House Toulalis shames were much more recent, fresh in the collective memory of their people. Still, her husband sent the ambassador away, reveling in the cheering of the court for barest response, before calling for a meeting of the Great Lords. Which would exclude her, of course. What did the queen know of diplomacy and war? She would have taken more offense to this, if it didnt also exclude Darius. His recent deeds would see the rise of his name and house, but he was still too far below the graces of Lords whose names stretched back before The Sundering. Would you join me for prayers in the Chapel, Darius? She asked, as the court began to disperse. The chapel was empty now, which is what she had hoped. We must praise God, for your safe return, she cooed, irreverence dripping from her playful tone. Over his armor, right where his heart was, her fingers began tracing a sigil. A phoenix, a spark of its flame given to reignite the ashes that were Darius soul. She couldnt see it, not while he was still in his armor, but from what she remembered from her earlier lessons it had to be there. What was it like, death? Was there an afterlife? God? Was it paradise, or hell? She asked, excitement evident despite the hushed whisper of her tone. It was dangerous, to speak of such things. To acknowledge that they existed. To speak of magic was a sin. To study magic was a dreadful sin. To practice magic was a deadly sin, one her status as Queen could not fully protect her from. Despite the fact that a millennia of opulence and decadence that had graced Niderna while her house had ruled it, while her house had used their natural gifts to uplift their people. The heads of the great house squabbled on how to once against achieve greatness, despite the answer being rather obvious. Magic would solve all their problems. Was it Vritra? she asked, unaware of anyone else possessing such knowledge. All of it had been lost, in the Sundering. Lost in the frantic flight from Tezzerth to Azrah. It had to be Vritra, She decided, her once mentor having shown her the sigils that could create miracles, and bend nature to her whim. He was the one who taught her to couch her gifts in fanatical religious belief, so anything she created could be attributed to piety, and Gods generosity. For moment, she just stared at his features, relieved gratitude that he was alive, and with her now, getting the better of her curiosity. He was even more handsome than she remembered, she found, death perhaps enhancing his allure. It certainly enhanced her desire, driving her past casual consideration. She needed him, needed this moment. Filling the space between them with her body, she whispered against his lips, I find that I crave a taste of heaven We need to push back with everything we possess, Tzahan Nadir declared, slamming a heavy mailed fist onto the stone table. The crash of metal on granite cut through the bickering of the high lords. After a moment of silence, meeting the eyes of everyone in the room, he reiterated, his point, And I do mean everything. Dorren laughed, You arent seriously suggesting I am, and I do. Every year, nearly ten mages are killed by the church. Thats just the ones we know about, not the skilled practioners who have hidden it for years. I saw we offer them amnesty, in service to our nation. Ten mages alone is enough to bring down Dahnaes towers atop them, and level their fortresses. Yes, and then we can take over the entire continent, so that we may sunder this one as well! Lerris Murat mocked, arms crossed over his chest. No one is suggesting we reopen the colleges, or let them experiment as they will. I am talking about securing our nation and our peoples prosperity, Tzahan countered, leaning over the table. Did you put him up to this, Kalel? Dorren snickered. I cant lay claim to every good idea put forth here, Kalel shrugged with a smug smirk. No you just whore out your daughter to get allies to your side, as if we dont all remember why we are in this mess, Lerris accused, spitting the words like venom. That is enough! Cirrens voice reverberated within the council chambers, That is my wife, and your queen, Lord Murat, lest you forget. I will not abide such baseless accusations when she isnt even present to defend herself.