[h1][color=FF00FF][center]Celosia Serafine[/center][/color][/h1]

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/KHeOMPj.jpg[/img][/center]


[center]She had wished this would be a meeting under better circumstances, but then it was the rare instance when a royal summons of all the Knight Commanders was for a positive reasoning. If only this had been a promotion or a rewards ceremony for distinctive service, but no. The reason for today's summons was, unfortunately, the worst sort of business. Which was why it was initially disheartening to see the number of commanders who had answered the summons. Then, with some of them quite a ways from Azure's Gate, the ones who had were certainly deserving of thanks. 

Queen Celosia Serafine sat atop her throne, which itself sat at the top of a small stairwell that allowed her to overlook the throne room as a whole. Important business was handled here, from greeting of foreign dignitaries down to granting her blessing to couples wishing to wed. Of course, seeking the queen's blessing for marriage was not mandatory at all, but some in the queendom believed it to be good fortune - a substitute for seeking the blessing of a divine. And Celosia welcomed all who sought such a thing. Few things brightened up the day like the sight of two people wishing to make their love permanent. 

Her eyes darted about the throne room, specifically at the commanders who were presently kneeling before the throne - as was custom. Celosia respected this particular custom though several of her advisers had cautioned her against how informally she spoke with certain members of the service outside of the hallowed halls. It was important for the queen to see her commanders not as mere extensions of her will, but as the people they were. Even the knights under their command were allowed an audience if it was warranted. Beneath the armor were people. 

The Commanders gathered were four in number, leaving three indisposed. No matter - four was enough, hopefully. There was Samuel - his devotion to her had not gone unnoticed nor unrewarded and she still remembered the day a worried looking man spoke to her of Woodwitches. How far he had come, and how proud he had made her. Had made himself. There, too, was Kolburn. Many were the people who voiced their confusion at making her a Commander - though Celosia would have none of it. Kolburn may have appeared to be distant, cold perhaps, but Celosia had rarely seen so loyal a soul. And where there was loyalty there was, of course, Eliza. She was perhaps the youngest of the Commanders and Celosia had heard whispers from those in her favor that nepotism had a part, and while Celosia was eternally thankful for Eliza's watchful eye over Willow - it was Eliza's ability and drive that earned her rank, not her closeness to the princess. The fourth Commander was Adelina - how Celosia sometimes enjoyed the faint sounds of a harp in the distance. Adelina might not have known it herself, but Celosia saw in her the heart of a leader, and Celosia was eager for the day when the woman came further out of her shell. 

Though they were four, Celosia could not have asked for a better foursome. 

[color=FF00FF]"Rise, Commanders, and be at ease."[/color] She spoke gently, yet her voice projected all the same. [color=FF00FF]"Forgive me for taking you away from your surely important duties, but I am afraid this meeting could not wait. No doubt some of you may have heard the rumors...I know not of their validity...of black-eyed sorts attacking and lashing out without discretion. None of my advisers have any idea as to what the source or cause of these...infected could possibly be...but enough reports and complaints have passed through my desk that it demands immediate attention."[/color] 

Celosia paused to observe the reactions, and to gather her own thoughts on the matter.

[color=FF00FF]"I ask now for your aide, my Commanders, in dealing with this unknown and unusual threat. Commander Eizenhower, have your Royal Guard offer their protection to the citizens, they need to know they are protected. Commander Loxaerion, any information your Roses can uncover would be greatly appreciated. Commanders Kolburn and Alderach, you can offer your aide as you see fit, in protection or information gathering. All of you know those you command better than I do. I trust you will use your discretion. Thank you for answering my summons, and I await any news, but eagerly await it should it be good. Dismissed."[/color] [/center]