Gate of Memoirs/An Iron Fist

Things didn't work out as planned... for the rebels.
Portrait 	Dialogue
Music: "Dead God's Law"	Music: "Dead God's Law"
 	
*Miriam and Evie danced around each other in a flurry of sword and sorcery, dispatching their would-be killers in perfect synchronization.
*In a better world, Evie might have never known violence at all, but this was the only reality she knew.
*The traitorous royal guards were cut down mercilessly and thrown next to the slain rebels.
*As their ranks thinned out and broke entirely, each remaining soldier met their death on the point of the queen's rapier
*or upon the princess's channelling dagger.
*Soon, the entire court ran red with blood that once boiled with passion and hope for an Elysia restored.
*All that remained was a trembling, thoroughly outmatched snake of an advisor,
 	
*and the Lightseekers' commander, Grandt.
 	
*Evie conjures a stream of magic to bind them in place, as Miriam's frigid gaze sweeps over their blood-caked faces.
 	
*Miriam: "Blood for blood." I wonder if you understand the implication of such a statement.
 	
*Grandt: Elysia belongs to the Elysians.
*Grandt: I'll die as I lived—for my country, in my own way!
 	
*Grandt: The Light knows what you've done to King Gortius! You'll never find peace for the rest of your days!
 	
*A flicker passes over Miriam's eyes as she considers his words.
*Miriam: So you, too, believe I killed the king. My own husband.
 	
*Miriam: I see...What a tangled web you've weaved.
 	
*Advisor Giehl visibly shudders as Miriam levels her piercing gaze on him.
 	
*Miriam: You sowed these seeds of discord shortly after Earl Marlow's execution for expressing the same sentiment.
*Miriam: Only those in the inner circle could have known of my decision to dispose of the rat.
*Miriam: You happened to let them slip into the most convenient of ears.
 	
*Miriam: Yet, here you are, cornered in the trap you had hoped would kill the monster.
 	
*Her rapier returns to its sheath, but Miriam pulls out a dead guard's longsword in one fluid motion.
 	
*Miriam: For your loyal service to the crown through the decades, Advisor...
 	
*Miriam: ...I shall grant you, at the very least, the mercy of a swift death.
 	
*The advisor slumps to the ground, his blood hardly visible against his red uniform.
 	
*Grandt: ...!
 	
*Miriam: Now...
*Miriam: I've heard enough from that fool for a decade.
*Miriam: But as for you, I shall grant you the choice of your final words.
 	
*Miriam: Begging for forgiveness would be a good start.
 	
*Evie: Wait...
*Evie: Mother, perhaps locking him up would be more prudent.
 	
*Miriam: Do you believe there's more to glean from their vengeance-clouded minds?
*Miriam: All I hear are empty echoes.
 	
*Evie: No, I...
 	
*Evie: I believe it will be easier to have the rebels stand down, if we were to have one of their leaders captured.
 	
*Miriam searches her daughter's face for a moment before lowering her blade.
*Miriam: Where is that bodyguard of yours?
 	
*Vera: Here and at your service, my Queen.
 	
*Miriam: Take him to the dungeons.
*Miriam: I'll deal with him...later.
*Miriam: In the meantime, you should get yourself treated, Evgenia.
*Miriam: It has been quite a day. No?
 	
*Evie: ... ...
Portrait 	Dialogue
Music: "Devil's Heart"	Music: "Devil's Heart"
 	
*—Throne Room, late night.
 	
*Miriam: Excellent work. You are dismissed from further duties for the day.
*Miriam: ...Oh, and do take care not to leave any loose ends.
*Miriam: We don't want to cause a stir in the rest of the family.
*Miriam: Until then, keep an eye on Lady Estia.
 	
*The black cloaked figures bow deeply and leave.
*Once alone, Miriam sighs deeply.
 	
*Miriam: Evgenia...
*Miriam: You are so much like your father.