Ages and Experiences

[Deleted]

"So, as I said. Those cabbages refused to listen to reason. So what did we do? We held our ground."

One week after the fateful Siege of Hyrule. One week after the carnage that claimed so many lives. Hyrule was still reeling from the destruction. The once-bustling Castle Town now were dotted with smoldering ruins and barred buildings, their owners now scurrying around in streets scavenging for scraps. Rebuilding was slow, but still progressed nonetheless. Inside the Castle proper, where a fearsome incident was said to have occurred, the situation was not much better. Holes in the walls and roofs made some room unusable and the corridors especially windy, like a torn beehive out of its protection. Still, many officials and ministers and knights scuttled around in the castle, trying to be normal as soon as they could.

Such a group of soldiers found themselves a bored Duchess in one of the fringe corridors. She had applied to speak to the Queen but so far no appointment could be procured. The Duchess commented on their armors and the conversation soon evolved into battle experience.

"Now, here's the thing with cavalry charge. They are deadly. They are fearsome. But actually, they are deadly because they are fearsome. They actually don't pack that much punch against a solid line of infantry, provided those cucumbers don't get scared out of their wits and bailed out."

One of the knights nodded. "So, Your Grace, your men held the line?"

"Of course!" The Duchess was practically beaming now. It was somewhat strange that this small-statured Duchess, clothed in an elegant backless crimson satin dress could talk such things with the armored knights now surrounding her with interest. "We planted our feet on the ground and refused to budge. Three... Four times they tried to charge uphill but we buckled our shields and endured, while they took heavy casualties."

The Duchess' head was held high. "In the end they had to retreat. We held to chokepoint and our allies' charge won the battle."

There were sounds of admiration from the knights and some nodded in agreement. This small lady knew what she was talking about!

"Crackers. Look at the sun." The Duchess said, looking up at a gaping hole on the corridor's rood. "Well, I guess today's no luck either. Been good talking with you, gentlemen."

The knights bowed as The Duchess took her leave. "The honor is ours, Your Grace. We have long heard of the mighty Duchy of Bion, but never thought we had a chance to discuss military matters with the Duchess herself."

"Oh pollocks," The Duchess grinned, "I may be a Duchess, but in the core of it I am warrior. Bread and raised on the battlefield."

The Duchess took her leave with springy steps, as she took a turn on the nearby junction, which should lead to another corridor-

When she almost bumped into another at the turn of the corner!

"Crumpets!" she cursed, before seeing who she had come upon. Immediately she raised the edges of her skirt and swept a graceful, if hasty, curtsy.

"Your Highness! I am sorry. I didn't watch where I was going."

Has she heard her conversation before?

---

Esme Hyrule

[Esme Hyrule]

It hurt Esme's soul to walk the halls of her childhood home, seeing it in such disarray. It hurt her soul to think of the men who had perished, to think of the lives cost for their freedom. But, in a strange way, the homecoming was nice. She had longed for many years to have this part of her life back, a reminder of a happier life, where she actually felt she could live and be acknowledged. But now was a new start, and she wouldn't be overshadowed by her siblings any longer.

So, as a start, she had offered to oversee the reconstruction efforts, managing the masons and carpenters brought in from the Goron and Rito, and she watched her home start to become what it used to be. It was a start, but she would be responsible for respecting this home, for honoring her mother and father this way. Zelda's task was to be an ass on the throne, and what the others were doing didn't concern her. She was to do this herself, her way, and people would come to respect the princess. Whereas she normally wore the royal dresses and whatnot that her people dictated, since the battle she had been on high alert, and was garbed in chainmail underneath a riding dress, with metal pauldrons and leather bracers. Her bow stayed strung on her back, and any threat in her eye would find an arrow in them in a breath's time, should she deem it so. She was ready.

It was during one of her rounds that she caught a snippet of a conversation, a regal female voice amongst the ruggedness of the guard, and curiosity got the better of her. Leaning against a nearby wall, she listened around the corner, arms crossed as she listened to the Dutchess speak to the others around her. She knew that the Dutchess of Bion was visiting, and her deeds in the Siege had been of an immense help. This woman was strong, a warrior, and Esme respected that greatly. Maybe, if she could-

Her leave was taken suddenly, and Esme shook off the daze of focus, stepping out to meet the Dutchess, to speak to her, but then she was ran into, the other woman cursing before looking up, seeing her, and curtsying. Esme returned the formality, though much more subtly.

"My apologies, Your Grace, I didn't intend to run into you. I was hoping we might have a word? It appears you're in need of an audience, and I may be able to help somewhat."

[Deleted]

'Your Grace?' She thought, without voicing out loud. Although the way she raised her eyebrows, even for just an instant, clearly showed which part of The Princess words really amazed her.

In truth Maedhra was extremely honored, though a part of her became wary instead. For someone of her station to be addressed by honorifics by her liege! She would have been fine being called just Duchess, as expected. Or Ma'am. But she wouldn't say that it wasn't a nice feeling.

Maybe, her contribution was indeed that great? She had to be careful not to become smug.

The Bion Army had stayed around Hyrule ever since the siege ended, pitching their tents on nearby Hyrule Fields while the higher-ups, including The Duchess, were provided buildings in and around the Castle to sort out their stuffs. It was customary for a vassal to stay and help awhile before taking their leave once a semblance of order had been restored. She suspected the other armies of Holodrum and Labrynna had stayed, too, although she could not be sure. Times were confusing and dangerous.

Ah, so she did hear her conversation with the knights, didn't she? Maedhra let an easy laugh, rather embarrassed.

"Oh, hahaha did it look like that, Your Highness?" Her laughing eyes were clear, genuine. " Your knights were curious when I told them I had served as a mercenary, so I decided to regale them with one of my finest battle. Also they may now know that cavalry charge isn't that almighty win-all maneuver, I dare hope so."

At that she took a step back, clearly taking the whole figure of the Princess into her sight. "But, Your Highness, are you going hunting somewhere?" she asked, understandably puzzled. They were a clear contrast. One, with a regal dress fitting to be worn inside a castle (and for an appointment with the Queen, although this part was a sore point), while the other one looked almost like she was an archer in the field of battle. Crumbling though this castle may, Maedhra wouldn't dream to visit her liege's abode in full armor!

"If you'd like to talk, I'm all ears. Today, it seems, I cannot yet see The Queen. Again." Her pouting lips were obvious. She was clearly annoyed. "My army will leave next week and I hope to sort some private matters beforehand," She huffed. "But it seems it'll take a coffee long time."

---

Esme Hyrule
Tagging Zelda Hyrule just to let her know someone is annoyed

[Esme Hyrule]

"I apologize for meeting you in such garb, but with recent events, I've decided to err on the side of caution. If my men can't put an arrow through the eyes of a threat at sixty paces, I'd well like to ensure that I can do so."

The Dutchess seemed kindly, though the look of impatience was clear on her visage, and Esme couldn't help but relate to such a blight. She had the luxury (if you could call it that) of holding Zelda's ear directly, as she remained the one sibling who actually trusted her judgment, but for her to be preoccupied with such... Queenly matters didn't make Esme envious.

In fact, she'd much rather be gagged with a spoon.

"My sister is what I'd kindly refer to as a quite busy person, so I'm sure you can understand she's... Preoccupied. But perhaps I can lend my ear and relay the message? Come, let us walk and talk, I could use some air anyways."

She turned on heel, gesturing for the Dutchess to follow her to the private gardens, the guards posted at the doors giving her a curt nod as she walked up, heels of her riding boots clicking against the stone of the castle hallways. The chatter on this side of the castle was much quieter, and it was clear that the royal quarters had been the priority in being fixed. It's just what Esme wanted, a quiet moment with somebody who actually understood how she felt, a warrior and a lady in one. Plus, the gardens had been replanted, the Kokiri allied to them helping plants blossom with haste.

"For being in reconstruction, the garden is beautiful this time of year. Perhaps if we're lucky, my sister will join us and we can have a short audience. Worst case scenario, we can swap stories. What say you?"

[Deleted]

"I apologize for meeting you in such garb, but with recent events, I've decided to err on the side of caution. If my men can't put an arrow through the eyes of a threat at sixty paces, I'd well like to ensure that I can do so."

The Duchess grinned in agreement. "An admirable sentiment, Your Highness. And one I can agree. Though, don't let your men hear that from you." She tilted her head. "They'll feel pasta useless, and there are no worse guardians than those who feel they are useless."

Her words... held some weight. The reason why The Duchess was able to freely walk inside the castle as defenseless as she was was because she had complete faith in her retainers, and her retainers in turn believed in her. She had personally oversee the clearing of the Town on her part and her capable attendants had her routes cleared and guarded in intervals like it should be. Why The Duchess felt safe was because she trusted that her men, and by extension, her liege's men, were keeping safe places safe.

Then again, she had come from a stable and progressive Duchy, with none of the destructive internal turmoils Hyrule had fell victim into lately. It was possible that her view on safety was a little different.

The Duchess followed Esme's steps without much fuss, since her path was originally where she wanted to go anyways. The way she walked was delightful to look at. Light and springy, as if each of her steps carried her boundless energy and enthusiasm no matter the foul mood she felt. "Your offer is much appreciated,Your Highness. But if my message can be relayed, I'd have sent a letter a dumpling long time ago~" And a small laugh did she let out, though it failed to mask her annoyance still. "The renewal of the oath must be done by a vassal herself to her liege, or else they'd tell me I don't respect the donut tradition," she huffed, "Though I am starting to suspect that The Queen doesn't care much about tradition after all.... Maybe our help was not that much appreciated...."

Her tone had decidedly become dark, though one could not easily tell from that prideful face, always held high. But at that moment they had arrived at the castle gardens. The shining sun gleamed merrily and The Duchess's face and the cloud on her face was lifted, if only just for a moment. She looked around the garden with delight, almost childishly so.

"I'd be happy to oblige, Your Highness," she answered sincerely. "And I agree. This garden is a sight for sore eyes." She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, as if enjoying the sweet scent of flowers wafting in the air. When she exhaled again her opened eyes were radiant. "We don't have many beautiful gardens in Castle Bion- Oh, look!"

Suddenly The Duchess bent down and plucked something from the side of the walkway they were on. It was a four-leaved clover, and as she straightened her back she showed her findings with glee.

"They say four-leaf clover is a sign of luck! May this be a sign of good beginnings ahead."

At that moment, a warm breeze blew softly past them. And in that instant, with her green eyes smiling and her blonde hair swaying gently in the wind, The Duchess really looked like someone else Esme might have known very well. If...that someone was a few years younger.... If that someone didn't have to sit her ass on the throne all day and was free to walk as she pleased.... If that someone did not have to look heavy all the time as though being burdened by something she could not share with everyone.... If that someone was spirited and free like this lady in crimson....

If that someone was happier, her face would look just like The Duchess Maedhra here, at this moment, gaily showing off her four-leaf clover like it was an absolute find.

---

Esme Hyrule
It is funny that this is the same Red Demon so highly talked about by the knights~

[Esme Hyrule]

"Rest assured, Lady Maedhra, your assistance on the front lines was greatly appreciated, and key to our eventual victory. But I can understand where my sister has... Reservations in her approach. The issue, I'm afraid, goes back further than the battle."

The topic was harder for Esme to talk about than she could admit, and even with this paragon of youth before her, this gay figure, proudly holding her clover as a sign of good luck, a cold anxiety washed through her stomach. Life was different now, but the fear she had felt when they first lost their home, their people, still sat in her gut like a brick. She signed, leaning against a wall, and crossed her arms as she spoke again.

"My sister was more affected by the attack on our home than most else, and losing what is our ancestral birthright, as well as her hero, in one fell swoop took a toll on her. Even greater so was the sacrifices she made to get us here, and... She has a perception of the battle that lose us Hyrule Castle. When her vassals were needed, they did not come. We fought the battle alone, and it pains me to admit this is truth. We had no chance, and none came to our aid. She feels a sense of... Resentment, of a sort. House names wishing to swear fealty again are going to be met with repercussions, and I shant sugarcoat her response. Spite her as I may, I felt the same pain she did on that day, and years living in a camp in a forest did us no favors. Your duties in the present have been of great service, but..."

There was pause as she looked down, realizing she was clenching her fist. A count of three seconds, closed eyes, and a controlled breath eased the shaking in her hand, before she opened her eyes. 

"... we must bear the burdens of our predecessors, even if it may seem unfair at times. I know better than most about this. I can stir what favor I can with her, but I make no promises. This will be your chance and your chance alone to impress Zelda."

[Deleted]

"Rest assured, Lady Maedhra, your assistance on the front lines was greatly appreciated, and key to our eventual victory. But I can understand where my sister has... Reservations in her approach. The issue, I'm afraid, goes back further than the battle."

"That so?" The Duchess answered nonchalantly, still absorbed in admiring her lucky find. "How?"

The Royal Princess leaned against the wall and crossed her arms, which succeeded in drawing Maedhra's attention. She could recognize the signs of someone preparing to give an exposition, and an exposition did followed. For her part Maedhra's listened attentively, courtesy of her manners. Yes, she had heard how the Royal Family lost their holdings just after they had gained it back, and how it was said that The Queen's favored hero had fallen. Although judging from his actions in that last siege, he got better. Maedhra and her father had been given an opportunity to assess the recent situations in the safety of their own duchy. And although their viewpoints differed, Maedhra knew that her father had come to the same conclusion as she had.

The Queen was weak.

There was no other way to put it. Forced to flee her castle twice in her lifetime in such short a succession.... The Duchess of Bion did not know nor cared about how her liege's court worked, but she surmised it must be rotten to allow such shameful result to happen. And what was a kingdom but a reflection of it's king? What would a weak kingdom tell about the king who lead it? It was good that The Duchy of Bion had decided to come to Hyrule's aid, owing in no small deal to its new Duchess' recent ascension and her strong sense of duty fostered since childhood.

And where were the other Dukes and Duchesses and all those Counts and Lords and Ladies? As far as Maedhra aware, her Duchy and a tiny others were almost alone in their support, though thankfully not one duchy was outright hostile.

Then again, for the string Duchess it was a pitiful state of affairs.

Maedhra almost voiced her sympathy to her liege's cause, knowing full well the pain of separation. Alas, the princess' last sentence derailed her response.

The Duchess of Bion held her head high.

"Fortunately, Your Highness, I find no icing need for myself to impress anyone, The Queen included," she answered, a fire in her eyes. Her tone was calm and even, but behind it one could feel her pride bristling, like a wounded lion shaking its mane. The Bionders were proud people, and none more so than their spitfire of a Duchess.

To her credit, she stopped her words there, although in reality she had many more... stronger things to say. Instead, she shifted her gaze downward, tactly lowering her tone.  "Forgive me if I find such way of thinking dangerous, Your Highness. Should The Queen keep clinging on to past resentment, I fear we might-" And she made a gesture of counting her fingers in one hand. It did not even reach a second hand. "-lose more allies that we can gain."

She tilted her head, apparently a new idea was formed. "Your Highness, was this the reason why so few were willing to help in our last siege?" she asked, her tone pure with curiosity, free of malice. "Because you royal families resented the other Dukes for not helping out at first and offered them repercussions when they offered their help?"

Or maybe no one had offered any help anyway, choosing to simply wait it out the way her father had done. But Maedhra was an objective leader. She always liked to hear things from both sides.

---

Esme Hyrule

[Esme Hyrule]

She wasn't sure, at first, what she had heard from her vassal's mouth, but the final question made her fist clench, and stomach swell. One who claims to be a vassal, yet makes such absurd claims towards their own crown? She knew nothing of what they had faces after being driven from Hyrule, the castle taken from them for all those years, her own family put at risk by those with selfish intentions. 

"Lady Maehdra, I would find it advisable to still your tongue."

The guards stationed in the garden knew that soft tone well, one that hid a sea of emotions under calm waves. They shared glances, before moving to be closer to the princess, not for her sake, but for the Duchess'. Esme was prone to outbursts when prodded, and they could recognize her futile attempt to hold it down. It wasn't the first time the Princess had to be restrained, but now she was of age. There was little they could do except de-escalate.

"Your Highness, I think-"

"BE QUIET!"

They shied back at her cry, another glance between them before they bowed and backed off, out of reach. They were sure of what was to come, and it was not their place to stop it. Esme took a grim satisfaction in this, but there was no time for pleasure in the grief that swelled in her heart. 

"Think what I may of my sister, I can say without a doubt she is the greatest woman I know, and I will not stand idly as my blood and house is spoken ill of. Our vassals were treated with nothing but respect when we asked them to rally in our recent war, but the sins of the parent are the sins of the child. When Hyrule fell, when the Goddesses denounced all of their radiance, you think we just rolled over and gave up? No, we fought, we survived, when it was clear that nobody would fight along our side. When Eleazar took the throne, the call was put out, but the people did not rally under the banner of Hylia, as Hylia had been forsaken. How could you possibly understand?"


Her voice was steady until then, where it wavered and cracked. She felt nail dig into the heel of her palm, before throwing out her hand as the anger and sorrow burst out of her.

"We were dealt the hand of a Queen forced to ascend due to the death of her remaining parent, she was forced into a role she wasn't ready for! When we tried to defend ourselves against threats, even the Goddesses spit upon us, and yet we still persevered! When a force thrice the size of our own came and lade siege our castle, we put the call out for our vessels, and no answer! Yet we survived. My own sister was murdered, and brought from the dead, and you seek to invalidate that pain that caused upon my family? Only when we returned, and called out to our banners again, did they answer, YEARS LATE! And we still rewarded you accordingly, we still accepted your fealty, even as the daggers in our backs had already been twisted! My family has faced gods, goddesses, and all manner of gods-awful things in our life, and you think it unfair that it's hard for us to trust?"

She stopped, taking a few deep breaths, before a long one, closing her eyes to calm her emotions, just as she was taught. When she looked up, there was steel in her gaze, a conviction hardened by years of sorrow.

"You fought for us in regaining Hyrule, and for that I, and my house, thank you. Our vassals make us who we are, but respect is something earned, not distributed freely. So, I do believe, Lady Maehdra, you find yourself in need of impressing two royals now. As I see it, an insult upon the royal house does not beget fealty, nor respect."

[Deleted]

In truth, Maedhra was infinitely curious. Before her ascension, she was often curious as to why so few were willing to answer the call of the Royal Family of Hyrule. Were they that bad? Were they simply that weak? It was a sad reality in every feudal kingdom that those underneath the top lords would generally drift towards amassing their own fortunes first and foremost. That was the inherent way of the system. After all, who would the lower lords turn to when they land was in danger? Their liege? They would be barred from interfering in interna affairs barring an external invasion, and even then the crown was always looking to enlarge their own personal domain. Their fellow lords? They would more than willing to divide the lands among themselves and took their titles. No. In this world, each one was ultimately their own.

But there were few who really took their obligation seriously. Those who, for better of worse, still held high the notion of honor. Maedhra had always believed her father to be as such. Indirectly he had helped the Royal Family in exile by providing supplies and arms. He had always told Maedhra that he and she should prepare to fully commit their cause when the time was right. When their own safety was assured and perhaps after the major repair of The Bion Canal. But Maedhra, being the naive, hot-blooded leader she was, decided the time was right and immediately ordered her armies to march just in time for the siege. Some minor repairs could be finished while they acted.

This was her worldview. She thought she would get more information from the Royal Family themselves as to the reason of their predicament. The Duchess was simply curious. Her question was pure with curiosity, free of malice.

So, she was more than surprised at the answer.

"Lady Maehdra, I would find it advisable to still your tongue."

"Huh?" The Duchess tilted her head a little. "On which part, Your Highness?"

And then suddenly the two guards from earlier came closing. Their gait were slow, careful, as if afraid for something. Maedhra took a step back, visibly confused. Did something happen which she did not notice? She herself was more than enough to protect The Princess should anything happen. Even with that thick tree branch on the ground she would still be more deadly than most. Not to mention her Crimson Order knights were nearby.

"Your Highness, I think-"

"BE QUIET!"

Now this was strange. Maedhra raised an eyebrow.

"What might be-"

And then the two guards stepped back as Princess Esme launched into a limitless tirade!

"Think what I may of my sister, I can say without a doubt she is the greatest woman I know, and I will not stand idly as my blood and house is spoken ill of. Our vassals..."

And bla bla bla bla bla (in Maedhra's head).

If anything Maedhra was wide-eyed with honest surprise. Well, yes The Princess was free to think of what she may of her sister. Who was Maedhra to judge? And spoken ill of? What?

The Duchess stole a glance at the two guards as The Princess continued her vomit of words unabated. They almost seemed resigned. So this was a common occurrence? Strange.... She had thought that she was a calm person at first. Someone who could enjoy beautiful gardens and such. Maedhra had listened to some of her input on the grand strategy in the siege and she seemed to had a good head on her shoulders, although she clearly needed some more real battle experience.

Perhaps The Duchess had been mistaken.

To her credit Maedhra neither cowered nor balked, but stood firm and at least tried to listen, although it was clear that she was utterly dumbfounded. It wasn't her fault that at some point her gaze wandered towards the garden and then the guards again before focusing back, such a long long line The Princess was saying. And the warrior Duchess was not exactly famous for her politeness.

But as the rant continued, Maedhra's expression gradually changed from honest confusion to disbelief, and at the end of the speech The Duchess was visibly upset.

She accused her of invalidating her family's pain? And she complained that The Duchess found it was unfair for them to trust?

...And they said Maedhra was the one who oftentimes jumped into conclusion....

Perhaps... this child of a Princess had no grasp on how a vassalage worked. Perhaps she thought vassals were the same as servants. Maybe she had rarely studied history. Then again, maybe she was conditioned to believe that way? Maedhra did not know how she was raised so she told herself that this was a possibility. She should not be so quick to judge something.

The Duchess grinned. In an instant the image of gaiety who happily held a four-leaf clover before seemed to darken with storm clouds, a danger so obvious it was almost palpable. From the corner of her eyes she could see the two guards gripped their weapons tighter, feeling the chill of her fury even from this distance.

Good.

[Deleted]

"If such is your belief, I beg to differ, Princess." Her tone, which she had so skillfully brought down from her wounded pride before, was starting to climb again. "Now I find even less of a reason to impress The Queen. Not to mention someone like you."

If The Duchess had been unwittingly insulting before, though she meant none, the way she phrased her words just now left no room for doubt.

She was insulting the princess. Even a donkey would know.

Now, there were two ways to do this. She could return the unwarranted outburst with an outburst of her own, something which might evolve to dangerous levels, not to mention unseemly for such nobles to act like that. A younger Maedhra might have opted for this option. Her blood was boiling so high she found herself hard to focus.

But in the end, her greater wisdom won. No. Her business was with Queen Zelda, not to this royal brat who was not even the heir of the throne. She would be better not to fan a rift, no matter how satisfying a retribution might be.

It was true then, that age do not reflect experience. A younger person might act more appropriately than an older one.

Maedhra took a deep breath. Oh how Lucia would be proud on what she would be doing right now. She was always so fussy about temper.

"If the whole point of this detour is to whine to me about your misery and crabby complain about your hardships, Your Highness, I am afraid I have more pleasing matters to attend to." She turned her heels, not even feeling the need to look at The Princess as she spoke. "I feel sorrow for what The Royal Family had endured, and how I wished I was there to prevent it. Shout about the sins of a parent all you want. My father is dead. And what will you do? Frying execute me for treason? Now, if you'll excuse me...."

Maedhra was not one crazy enough to risk a civil war so soon. But perhaps the Princess was stressed enough to consider that? She could not guess.

There were a few words to say as she began to walk towards the other gate, but she held her own tongue when two of her Crimson Order knights rushed forward. One of the most famous regiment in the land. Maedhra inexplicably felt pride on seeing their crimson capes gallantly swaying as they hastened their steps to her side.

"Your Grace! We were looking for you when we heard a shout from here. Is everything alright?"

'No doubt from when The Princess bacon shouted towards her guards before,' Maedhra thought, before raising her hand to dismiss their worries. She had already several steps away from The Princess, her crimson-covered back facing her.

"Worry not. I have just decided to leave anyway."

At that point she turned a little, only enough so that she could look straight at The Princess' eyes as she spoke.

"Oh, at least you are right about one thing, Princess. Respect is something that is earned."

There was a smirk on The Duchess's face, but her eyes were as cold as winter.

"And as I see it, your beliefs and grudges do not beget fealty, nor respect. At least I am assured that you, Princess, are worthy of neither."

She exhaled.

"I only hope that Queen Zelda would prove to be a more upstanding person than you are. Otherwise I shall be...sorely disappointed."

Before her ascension, Maedhra was often curious as to why so few were willing to answer the call of the Royal Family of Hyrule.

Now, she wondered why anyone would bother at all.

---

Esme Hyrule
This thread has some very interesting viewpoints!

[Esme Hyrule]

For what "danger" Esme's guards felt from this girl, this child before them, Esme felt none. She'd faced more intimidating than some duchess and lived to tell the tale. And if there was anything Hyrule had in abundance, it was royal guard. And it was a poor move for one's knights to come to a confrontation, because where commotion followed, so did the full retinue of Esme's guard. Within moments, the garden was surrounded by Hylian knights, all watching as Maehdra blatantly demanded respect from the very person she was disrespecting. Esme was fuming, and discerning eyes praised Hylia she didn't have her bow, lest a rash decision be made. But nothing could stop what was to come.

"You speak of me as if I'm some child, but you're simply a maiden who was lucky enough to stumble across a throne and crown. If respect is to be earned, then I'll be damned if I don't get the satisfaction of earning it your way."

The nearest guard jumped when she took his sword from the sheath, stalking towards the Dutchess and jamming it into the ground before her. A low murmur went through the crowd, one of surprise, and Esme glanced up briefly to see Vaida standing among her giard, spear pointed at the guard this Duchess has ungraciously invited into their castle. They all knew what this was, a ritual forged in the ancient times of Hyrule. It was a challenge of honor. Esme was calling for a duel.

"To say we spit upon the feet of our bannermen is to disrespect the name of Hyrule, and all we have worked to build after much tragedy. To say my tragedy does not beget hesitation is to spit upon me. You presume I do not speak for my family, but grudges aside, we are one, and my word speaks for Hyrule just as well as the Queen. You come from a house who did not dissent from the rule of Eleazar, and I charge you and your house with slander of your liege, and to pair alongside your lack of reaction against an invading army, high treason. You may find, Your Grace, that your ascension was upon your father's death, during a time in which we did not occupy Hyrule, yet you claim fealty to the Crown? Nay, I will not succor the tantrum of an inexperienced noble. You may submit your arms and surrender your land, if you wish. But, before the Goddess Hylia as my witness, as is my ancient rite to call upon. I, Esmerelda of House Hyrule, The Eagle-Eyed and First of Her Name, challenge you to a duel in defense of your honor, to the surrender."

With that, the guards of the castle all went from a passive stance to an active one, shields raised and swords forward. Esme gave another look to Vaida, and nodded, and the Sheikah lowered her spear before turning away, to the walls. Sheikah were unrivaled in speed, so the message would spread fast. As her best men flanked her, she set her hands on the sword she had challenged Maehdra with, leaning in, and smiled.


"Perhaps this will prove a more effective way to show you my conviction, my feelings. I've heard many of the tales of your combat prowess, and I suppose it best to see how tall those tales are. I'll be sure to get right on that meeting with my dear sister, and rest assured I'll be there. Guard!"


There was no need to snap to attention, they already knew what was to come.


"Be sure the Duchess is well taken care of. Show her our best Hylian hospitality... But no one hailing from Bion is to leave the walls of Hyrule until a decision has been made."

"YES, YOUR HIGHNESS!"

The cry was unanimous, and Esme stood up with pride, challenging the fear Maehdra was to put off. She wasn't scared, she had no reason to be. Her men basked in her radiance, as she curtsied to the Duchess, raising with a smirk. The few men with weak spines whose legs were shaking in the presence of a child steeled themselves, sword tips pointing where they needed to be. Fear was gone, only conviction remained. Loyalty to one's liege over all else.

"Feel free to bring whatever weapon you like. I'll be sure to bring my best."

---


((And with that, I think one last post from Maehdra should wrap this up. I'll be around on Discord if you've any questions or wanna coordinate a thread for this! How exciting, loving the conflict, Esme's getting a real chance to shine here))