[h1][center][color=4682B4]Lady Ský Tunglið[/color][/center][/h1]

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Ský listened with her arms folded curtly behind her back, her silvery eyes focused primarily upon General Viska as he spoke. Reading from a piece of parchment he repeated the initial message that had been received for her benefit, his voice steady and unwavering as he did so. 

The Queen sat in her throne had a deeply solemn expression, her otherworldly beauty unusually subdued as a grave expression of sadness covered her features. 

“…furthermore it is clear that their numbers are far greater than previous raiding parties. I fear none have survived within Ombel, these supposed bandits not only taking everything of value but putting every man, woman and child to the blade before they then raised what remained of the village. Though their origins remain unclear my men have captured several of their number as they attempted to flee into Tiadain lands. I highly doubt that these men are common bandits, their arms and armour of far better quality than would be expected and their manner and demeanour that of trained soldiers. I suspect they are either Tiadain or Hiertanian troops sent to do what damage they could under the guise of raiders.”

As Viska finished the Queen sighed and looked towards her. General Viska however kept his gaze on the Queen , his expression stern and unwavering. Ský got the distinct feeling that before she had been summoned the two had already discussed the matter, General Viska obviously not quite being satisfied with whatever he had been told. 

“Lady Tunglið” began the Queen “what do you make of this? Lord Sterkttré sent this message not two hours ago.”  
Ský felt a sudden pressure and she gave her throat a gentle clear her mouth went dry as again the thought of so much whole scale slaughter overwhelmed her. [color=4682B4] “Your majesty”[/color] she started after a brief moment of thought [color=4682B4] “I cannot think of any who would commit such acts against our people, the very thought of it sickens me. Even the Kingdom of Hiertania which makes no secret of their apathy and their people’s...”[/color] She hesitated to find the right word [color=4682B4] “...[i]distaste[/i] of our heritage and way of life, I would not imagine they would act against us in such a way.”[/color]

The Queen seemed to absorb her words, her expression unchanging as she listened. Though of course Ský had been in may audiences and meetings with the Queen, she had only recently began to report directly to her with the advancement of her station. To have gone from an apprentice to Royal Ambassador in one step was quite unorthodox, though there were many who were more than supportive of the decision, Ský herself felt incredibly cautious and even overwhelmed at her new responsibilities and duties. 

General Viska turned and with a slight tone of distaste said “The words of a diplomat my Queen, I am afraid as I have said the realities are quite different”. 

Viska was a man quite unlike the majority of his kinsfolk, he had an extremely tactical and logical mind and was pre-disposed to think more like full blooded human when it came to martial matters. “I do not believe it is enough to dispatch just Fela and Leita to investigate this. After years of peace they believe us to be weak and unable to defend ourselves. This is a test of our defensive capabilities my Queen, we cannot afford to do nothing. We need to show strength.”

Ský’s heart quickened at the very thought of a war spilling out, the thought of more pointless death and destruction making her knees feel a little weak. Despite her mind’s urgings to remain quiet and accept what Viska had said, she forced herself to object [color=4682B4] “Though that may be true, we have nothing to suggest it is. If we were to send any kind of sizable force to our boarders can you imagine how either Kingdom would react? It could easily be interoperated as provocation, aggression even.” [/color]
General Viska looked to be about to retort before he thought better of it, a slight scowl settling on his strong features as he nodded in acknowledgment at her point. The Queen retained her steely composure as she considered what had been said. 

Eventually she spoke with a calm but stern tone “I believe you are correct General, we cannot afford to do nothing should your suspicions be confirmed. However to act rashly and in haste would only cause further troubles. Lady Tunglið, I believe it would be wise for you to begin to prepare yourself, it is likely that when more information presents itself you will be called upon to arrange a diplomatic mission. General, though it pains me to say it, I would too like you to prepare for the possibility of our men being called into the field, though I stress it is only a slight possibility. We must do all we can to avoid open hostilities with any Kingdom.” 

With that General Viska bowed and turned to take his leave, Ský too followed his example and with a bow she left. Her mind was swimming of the implications of what she had heard, and even though the rumours she had heard prior had proved to be right she hadn’t truly expected there to be anything more than a simple bandit raid. She emerged into the yadi and took a deep breath of the outside before she noticed both Princess Faylinn and Virka Munni in conversation.

Ský made sure she composed herself as she saw them, her normal pleasant smile returning to her features as she took a step towards them. 

[color=4682B4] “Princess Faylinn, Ambassador Munni[/color]” she greeted them giving each of them a curt nod.

 Ský had known the princess since she was young, both being raised in the courts of the capital, however the last few years they had seldom spoken since Ský had taken the position of Ambassador. Faylinn had changed much in that time, now a young women in her own rights she certainly looked different.  

As for Virka she had not had many opportunities to meet or converse with him beyond the usual minor pleasantries, one or both of them usually away representing the royal family where needed. He had been an old favourite of the king, or so her mentor had explained a few years ago to her. He had seemed to struggle to explain the reason why the King was so fond of him, personally feeling a diplomat should possess more ‘tact’ – or so he had explained to her once he had consumed a glass or two of wine. Ský had of course dismissed his comments, being that he always seemed a little more...stuck in his ways than others and prone to passing judgment on those who differed from that showed as he saw it appropriate behaviour. All she knew was that his missions were generally successes and he seemed popular amongst the noble lords and ladies.