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

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

[center]The meeting, for all intents and purposes, had concluded and Celosia was ready to see to the other matters that required her business. There was often a misconception that all Celosia did was sit on her, admittedly fit, ass all day but there was more to it than that. In truth Celosia only sat on the throne when seeing visitors or delegates from other countries, when matters of the realm's safety needed handling, and, in some exceptions, hearing reports from knights and other agents. Most of her duties were done elsewhere in the castle, be it the stack of letters and writs in the corner of her chambers or the meeting of her advisory council regularly or even just sitting in on her children's lessons just to make sure they were retaining the knowledge. 

But though her position was full of duties and responsibilities, she always made sure to set time aside for personal time. With news of this illness reaching her ears more and more frequently she needed a moment to unwind now more than ever. A queen that let the burden and stress of caring for a country build up was a queen that meets an unfortunate fate. As her commanders dispersed Celosia moved to remove herself from the throne room - but was called to sit back down as a late arrival bowed and made his presence known. 

Ser William North, another of her Commanders. A young man - some questioned the decision given his relative youth and non native birth - a decision she defended time and again with the simple fact that his service speaks for itself - but a good man all the same. If a bit...lethargic, but who among the court didn't have their eccentricities? Celosia certainly enjoyed how unique her Commanders were - a cadre of knights all cut from the same cloth would be very dull indeed. 

[color=FF00FF]"Commander North, your suggestion for remodeling will be considered, however it is not why I had summoned you. There have been talks of an infection in Azure's Gate - black eyes and enhanced, dangerous strength. I have other Commanders looking into these claims - I would have you and your Paladins see if you can't offer those infected some comfort. And I do not mean simply a cure - but if you CAN cure it then by all means. But...if need be...you have the authority to...handle their suffering."[/color] It was a grim order, but often it was a necessary one. She did not give the command loosely, and even now she said it with no small amount of concern. Trepidation. [color=ff00ff]"That will be all, Commander North. Dismissed.[/color]

Now the meeting was over and Celosia waited until she left the throne room to let out a long sigh. It was times like this that she didn't envy her position. How many little girls had dreams of being a princess? Being a queen? Even Celosia was eager when it dawned on her that she would one day rule. But she had been Queen for nigh on twenty years now, when her mother willingly transferred power to nurse her illness. Celosia was not prepared then but she was excited. Now...now she still felt unprepared. She still felt powerless at times. Little girls wishing to be queens were so...beautifully naive. 

Celosia made her way to one of her favorite locations in the castle - the outer gardens. Often she could be found there, sitting near a fountain and a hedge of roses. Just five minutes. That was all she wanted right now. Five minutes to clear her head...to forget the burden of the crown...and to just enjoy the beautiful scenery around her. The most important lesson she ever learned was to stop and smell the roses. It was a lesson she held dear even now.[/center]