The Liege and Her Vassal [Zelda and Maedhra]

[Deleted]

(Note: Maedhra doesn't know there will be a gathering)


Finally! After waiting for an audience for more than a week, Her Grace The Duchess of Bion had been granted an audience with The Queen! In all fairness, Maedhra enjoyed her stay in the war-torn Hyrule Castle Town. Not the kind of enjoyment from a vacation, mind you, but because of how at home she had always feel near the field of battle. And what a battle the Siege had been! She and her army had spent this past week after The Siege to aid in reconstruction effort whenever necessary, and to spare any supplies they could. Sure, Bion could afford more, but it would need close supervision, and Maedhra would rather oversee the shipment of her precious supplies herself. Later.

Besides, The Queen had not asked for any of it~ So she would stay silent.

What had The Queen been doing, after all? Judging from her conversation with other Royal Siblings and ministers it seemed that The Queen was pre-occupied with something else other than the immediate aftermath of the Siege. If it was Maedhra, the ever-practical, she would not set foot outside the walls until after all the walls have been repaired. That is how a ruler should lead. But then, each ruler has their own style of rulership, so who was Maedhra to judge?

Since she knew for sure that she was going to be in attendance this afternoon, The Duchess ditched her usual satin dresses for something a bit more fitting. A crimson skirt with a very short train and a matching stiff bodice drawn into a long point towards the waist, with short sleeves and very decolette neckline that displayed her well-shaped shoulders, all accented with crimson and silver linings, topped with a bright ruby necklace on her neck. It was amazing how this lady of nobility was the same soldier who fought tooth-and-nail to break through the Eastern Gate. She was also colored crimson that day, but with blood rather than dyed silk.

If Zelda was to meet her on formal terms with her ministers, she would enter the room with her own entourage, about 5 people including two knights of her famous Crimson Order. If not, then she had no qualms to meet her alone.

"Her Grace The Duchess of Bion" The herald would announce her arrival. Lightly she stepped in front of the queen and swept a very low curtsy, her forehead almost at the level of The Queen's waist.

"Your Majesty, I am honored that you would call of my presence."

She was indeed being summoned, although she had also been wanting to be summoned for quite some time.

---

Zelda Hyrule

[Zelda Hyrule]

[googlefont=Roboto]

Something separates me from other people


Everywhere I turn


There's something blocking my escape

A tired queen--that's what most were referring to her as these days. Despite her time away, and how it calmed her spirit some, the dread returned as soon as she stepped foot into the castle walls. Her vacation had been cut a bit short when she had received word that there was an attempt on her brother's life at the castle.

Although the assassin was not captured, everyone was highly on guard. Perhaps that, along with the fact that Zelda was not physically available, could have counted for reasons for such a delayed summon. She had returned home a few days before, but was advised not to see others until they had made sure everything had been secured. The Royal Family was to be watched more sternly, and Zelda loathed it ever since she was a child. Never any privacy, always being watched. Her time at Rhoam Manor was much needed with her betrothed. 

When it had been cleared for her to begin answering to summoning requests, Zelda had made her way to the throne and waited patiently. Flanked by two sheikah guards who stood on either side, the young queen was garbed in a royal blue gown which kissed her skin generously. Her shoulders were exposed, the cold chill of the air causing the hairs on her neck to stand up. 

Her attire seemed so much more complex now than when she was younger--her hair braided and woven with ribbons and lace, while a sapphire and gold circlet held it in place. 

The guest had arrived, approaching in vermilion. Although she had never met the duchess before, she knew of their home and remembered their namesake when she was a child. There was a small bit of distrust for her; she knew why, and understood it was for the safety of their people, but she remembered well how they declined to choose a side until there was an all out war. Had they claimed the alliances of the vassals sooner, they could have been home sooner; and perhaps the calamity she had discovered would have been no threat.

Zelda's cerulean eyes were... tired. Perhaps not in a physical sense, but her gaze seemed to be lost. Maedhra spoke of being honored for her summon, to which Zelda tried to think best how to reply. Truly, she had no idea this was happening until last night. 

"The honor is all mine, your grace," Zelda stated plainly. "I apologize for the wait. I heard you have been here for some time. There are... many things to review since the siege and I'm afraid it was all quite too much for myself after exhausting my powers in battle. I needed somewhere quiet to meditate."

@maedhra

[Deleted]

If anything was clear for Maedhra, The Queen was tired.

Deathly tired.

In any other occasion The Duchess would have felt a little insulted on such a lack of interest vested in her. She was used to being the center of attention, even in the merciless battlefield. Yet her liege's eyes seemed so empty that Maedhra almost felt pity for her.

Almost.

It was strange how really similar they looked like. From their striking eyes to the shape of their faces and their blonde hair even styled the same. Maedhra had of course knew that people found their faces eerily looked alike. It was a source of bullying and some unsavory words which often ended with Maedhra throwing herself into fistcuffs, if it were other children. Well, it was fistcuffs also with the adults, although less often. For a better part of her childhood Maedhra somewhat resented this Zelda person, although she had only met her once or twice all her life.

But looking at each other closely right now, Maedhra felt they could not be more different. If she had such a lifeless face such as The Queen right now Maedhra would rather be dead for real.

Slowly, Maedhra rose from her curtsy. She was a little shorter than the queen, although her brimming confidence made her seem a little taller instead. It was amazing how a perception can be colored.

"I understand, Your Majesty. Indeed I had been here for quite some time, and it was not an easy feat keeping a force extended in a foreign land." Tried as she might, she could not prevent a hint of annoyance slipping into her tone. "Though with the recent destruction which I myself witnessed, I am sure you have plenty in your mind."

In her childhood, The Duchess was well-known for her utter lack of tact and brashness. Years of intense lessons and a fair amount of scolding from her parents and her mentors had tempered this tendency, although shades of it tended to appear from time to time. This was one such time.

She cleared her throat. No grand openings needed.

"As I am sure you are aware, Your Majesty, it has been only a short time since I am vested as the duchess of my humble domain." She began. "It is tradition for new rulers to renew The Oath, and I am ashamed to admit that I had been lax in fulfilling this duty of mine. Our first meeting in the war camp was in a less... desirable time, so I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me for postponing the renewal of the oath until a more suitable occasion allow itself. I think now is the right time."

And with a simple command of her hand, the host of Bion all bent their knees in front of the queen. The knights feet were spaced apart, on their left knees, while Maedhra, the only woman in the entourage, had her knee just shy of actually touching the ground, and was almost parallel with her right heel.

Young though she may be, when The Duchess spoke her voice was clear and confident. "We of the Duchy of Bion, wish to reaffirm our fealty to the throne of Kingdom of Hyrule, as had our forefathers before us, and our ancestors before them, as had been in our pact." She paused, taking a deep breath.

"Will Her Majesty The Queen of Hyrule accept our renewal of the oath?"

---

Zelda Hyrule

[Zelda Hyrule]

[googlefont=Roboto]

Something separates me from other people


Everywhere I turn


There's something blocking my escape

Something seemed off about this girl. Had Esme not told her of what she experienced, she would have likely felt this way regardless. This is not the first time she has had to deal with vassals whom were ignorant of the world they lived in, and just by her tone, just by her appearance alone she could tell that this girl was likely naive to many things.

With Maedhra's response, Zelda narrowed her eyes. She really did not appreciate that tone, but she stayed quiet. How could this girl possibly understand the hardships her family went through? She heard of the passing of her mother and father, but she seemed fairly chipper regardless. She didn't trust that kind of fake happiness.

She continued to mention that she had only recently been vested the power of duchess. She mentioned tradition of fulfilling their oath, and then went on to explain her reasoning of postponing. She had got down onto her knees, awaiting the honor.

"Will Her Majesty The Queen of Hyrule accept our renewal of the oath?"

Zelda took a deep breath, rising from her seat as the shimmering blue gown which draped down her waist was given the room to expand, a radiant silhouette stepping forward to the girl, looking down at her carefully.

"No," she replied hotly. "While you may hold the title of Duchess, I can see  that you have little experience as a ruler lacking basic diplomacy and etiquette. Esme told me of your encounter with her. I've heard everything you had to say. You pay no respect for the royal family. You may have your differences with us but that does not give you the right to outright disrespect your queen and her royal family. How dare you."

She clenched her fists, a spark of anger and resentment for this brat swelling up as she closed her eyes. "Your family swears allegiance to us, and yet ignored us when we needed you most. You did not come for aid when the King of Labrynna forced himself upon rule. You did not come for aid when Eleazar and his lackeys swept us out of the castle. You wouldn't even come to aid after we had established a new home for plans. You waited until it was in your best interest to make a move of power to try and impress me for your shortcomings. So no, I will not renew this oath until you grow up, stop belittling those around you, and act nobly."

She side eyed each of the guards which lined the walls of the throne room. "I think it's best you hold your tongue now. Say something that disrespects me or my family again and I will have you dragged out of this castle. I would like to say I am a kindhearted and understanding person, but I have absolutely no issue with throwing out those who don't know the basics of respect. You spoke out of line to my sister, and while she may not be sitting in this chair, you better pray and hope she doesn't take that out on you. She has just as much control over our armies as I do. Watch your step. On that note, I think it should be put on record that Esme wishes to challenge your honor by combat."

She waved her hand before turning around, back facing the duchy as she began striding toward the exit. Guards slowly began approaching to the Duchy, should she resist taking her leave. "After the duel, you are no longer permitted in the capitol until you can prove that you aren't a selfish, spoiled brat. While we will continue to treat your people as our people in protection and equity, we will not allow you to remain as its head if you continue to run your mouth. People talk. You should know better than to brag and expose your true feelings of me to the guards, or even your guards! Word gets around fast."

@maedhra