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[center][h1][color=pink]Valeri Andora[/color]

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[color=silver]Erasmi Andora[/color][/h1][/center]

[center][color=gray]Mentions:[/color] [@KahleenCuthald][/center]

[hr][center][h3][color=gray]A Royal Reunion[/color][/h3][/center][hr]

Valeri's feeling of dread intensified with each step as she neared the dining room, she had received a runner back, shortly ago. Her father had acknowledged that she would be coming, but had said nothing else. Such a few choice words were hardly anything new to the Princess. Valeri knew her father was a very by the book person, who's facade was of formality, and one that hid the true man beneath. The one she called Father.  It was not hard to see that Valeri had no fallen far from the tree, at least to herself. For Valeri had a facade too, didn't she?

Her guards halted before a large ornate door, before the door began to open slowly, revealing the splendid room within. It was medium sized room with high ceilings, alabaster stone engravings lined the walls and pillars with a myriad of Exodus art, and to the left of the room there was a large patio area through oval gilted walkways. As she stepped into the room, Valeri was hit with a variety of mouthwatering aromas of cooked exotic food, fresh fruits and gourmet breads. The room held many nobles enjoying finely tailored breakfasts and drinks of all assortments. Food and drink were plated on silver and gold, and sat upon rich mahogany tables, while guests sat in exquisite chairs of the same make. The small details in the wood was astounding, and the very room made Valeri jealous. It was so blatantly stuffed with wealth that she suspected the Exodus royalty wanted to remind everyone of who's kingdom they were in. Devilish but effective. She could only imagine what the Earthican and Luthran delegates thought of such a display.

She was set upon by many people, asking them to sit and eat with them, and servants wondering what they might prepare for her but Valeri politely ignored them or made excuses. She wanted to find her father before even thinking of eating, and after a short search, she found the tall man. He sat outside on the patio, at the faraway table. The morning sun gleamed off his skin, making him almost unnaturally bright as the birds chirped carelessly. She told her guards to leave her, and Valeri straightened herself. With chin held high, she walked over to her father's table and curtsied deeply.

[color=pink]"Good morning, my King. I hope you can forgive me for this sudden appearance, but I thought it might be nice to dine together before the day started."[/color] Valeri said in a formal voice, while still holding her curtsy out of respect. She would wait to be spoken to before sitting down.

[color=gray]Clouds from the previous night still hung in the sky although far fewer in number, nonthreatening and tinged pink with the rays of the rising sun. It was a beautiful sight, one even a man as unappreciative of such art as Erasmi could take a moment out of his day to marvel at, but it seemed totally at odds with the events of the previous night and the day of the mourning that was to follow. Although there was nothing for the Andorian people to mourn, for not a single one of their number had fallen to the beast, it would be a glaring error to ignore the mood that pervaded this 'festival' and not join in the communal outpouring of misery. It was with this in mind that Erasmi had donned a black tunic, coat and trousers although all bore silver inlays and stitching; after all he [i]was[/i] a king.

He was pulled from his thoughts as his daughter approached, dressed in a dress suitable to the mourning but stylish enough that it would serve her other purposes, pale and beautiful as always. He could see the effort she made in addressing him, the formal tone and etiquette she practiced so different from the effortless interaction she made with near everyone else around her. In some ways it was hurtful that they were unable to have a normal father-daughter relationship but such was the price of being a ruler; there were expectations placed on both of them that neither could ignore.

[color=silver]"Ah, my daughter. A good idea, come and sit with me."[/color] A servant stepped forward, out of earshot but close enough to catch the small nod Erasmi made at the opposite side of the table, to pull the indicated chair out for the princess to sit. [color=silver]"A night of surprises. You were not kept awake long, I trust?"[/color] Food was being brought to the table now, kept ready and warm until his daughter had joined him although he had not called for her, and so only the polite and far more generic conversation could be made until the servants had one again retreated from earshot. As Primfirans they both know the power of information and the usefulness of spies, they would not be so careless as to slip up in an opponent's capital although Erasmi's status and power was clear even here; the tables that had been around his crowded onto the far end of the patio so that he was left in peace with his daughter. [color=silver]"I must attend the ceremonies today, with the Exodus rulers absent,"[/color] the lack of emotion when he spoke about the absentee monarchs was more noticeable than any sneer could have been, especially to one as clever his daughter, [color=silver]"but there is no such requirement for you. I imagine you can find ways to make use of your day... pursuing goals not yet achieved."[/color] The servants had backed away but he still spoke in veiled tones, an arched eyebrow and an amused smile playing on his lips as he hinted at Valeri's romantic advances on the Freyjan princess.[/color]

Her father, ever the polite figure, bayed her to sit and so she did, replying to him in kind, [color=pink]"I was awake when it happened."[/color] Valeri stated, [color=pink]"Such a tragic event, my heart mourns for those who are aching. I fell asleep with a troubled mind, but sleep came nonetheless."[/color] she said sincerely, but also not truly meaning her words. At least part of them, for though she felt sorry for those that lost people, she had fallen asleep more concerned with not bedding Amaya. A thought that still haunted her. She knew it was morally wrong to feel they way she did, but Valeri had come to terms with her nature a long time ago. It was just hard to actually care about those she didn't even know. They were all just names in the end, after their bodies were no more.

Plates of food then arrived, shifting her train of thought to warm delectable aromas. It seemed her father had waited for her, a most kind gesture. She was given a plate of some strange looking fruit and gleaming bread with butter, which she began to pick at delicately as servants finished preparing the meal and withdrew to a respectable distance. Now they would be free to talk more openly and as her father began, Valeri picked up on all of his tones, or the lack of them. The sly smiles and the veiled words, they all held double meanings to a master of the vocal arts. She knew right away he did not like the fact that the Kingdom's rulers were absent at a Festival within their own realm. Such absence even stoked a little anger in her heart. Once again, the Primfiran royalty were being shafted by fools who couldn't even show face. It was not her Father's responsibility, but then again, perhaps others would see the weakness in Exodus, and instead turn to that of Primfira.

Valeri next pat her lips with a silk napkin as she caught her what her father truly meant about her [i]goals[/i]. She did not blush, nor did she react other then smiling warmly. He knew of her desire,  was it that obvious? But then again, it didn't really surprise Valeri that much. Her parents had always known about her more nightly endeavors, much to Valeri's disdain but they also never tried to stop or hinder them. The King probably surmised that even if he told her to stop, she would just keep doing it anyways. He was right in that regard, she was addicted to her passions and there would be no stopping such decadence. Her mother she had felt far more comfortable talking with, about anything and everything. 

[color=pink]"One would think the rulers of a Kingdom would be more involved when tragedy strikes, Father. Such a pity that they put all burdens upon their Princess, and more esteemed guests."[/color] Valeri casually stated before taking a bite of mango. She chewed slowly before swallowing and washing the taste down with wine. She didn't really like mango after all it seemed. She started again, [color=pink]"Ah yes, the day. It will be sad, one of mourning. I don't really look forward to it to be honest."[/color] she said with little emotion, looking down at her plate as she moved a piece of fruit back and forth with her fork. She looked up at her Father, her face now devoid of expression, [color=pink]"I would try and pursue some goals, but I fear them to be even more illusive then even I had imagined. There always seems to be something getting in my way, an unexpected injury, or a dark beast. I relish such challenges, but I have... certain doubts. Things I cannot control."[/color] she finished with a hint of anger. She hadn't really meant to tell her father any of that, it just spilt out, and was very unfitting of her. It seemed Valeri had forgotten what it was like to talk to someone freely, and had taken liberties a little far. 

She faked a cough, and sat up straight, bringing the wine glass to her lips again. Savoring every little drop. [color=pink]"Forgive me Father, it seems I'm more tired then I had thought, letting my mouth run wild like that."[/color] She started to eat again, trying to shove her embarrassment down with food. She had to stop letting her emotions run amok, especially in public. She shifted in the chair, thoughts of Amaya filling her head. She was beautiful, there was denying that, but Valeri's feeling were solely based on lust, the thrill of getting into bed with her. Amaya was a prize, and nothing more, her hatred for Exodus would not allow anything else, she simply wanted to savor what she could. She needed to relax, it had only been a day, and an overreaction on her part would look poorly on her character. Maybe she would try to enjoy the day after all, see what she could find, maybe even meet Princess Evangeline. Perhaps she would be far easier to conversate with? Later perhaps, for now she kept eating small bites of food, silently waiting for father's reply.

[color=gray]Truly, had he raised such a master of speech craft or had the young princess merely inherited her mother's honeyed words? Erasmi had earned his skill through strife, hardship and much more death than he was comfortable admitting to but in doing so had managed to make life somewhat comfortable for his offspring. It was not his way to shower her with gifts or spoil her, the fine dresses and her luxurious life merely a matter of course for his sole heir but he liked to think that the circumstances in which she had been raised, far softer than his own, were present enough from father to daughter.

[color=silver]"I would like to think you felt able to talk freely to me, at least, Valeri."[/color] It was a small reprimand couched in an unspoken feeling of loss at their lack of true connection. Of course that was mostly of his own design, a fault in the nature of his power but also an advantage for Valeri on the day she ascended to the throne herself for such skills would be key in ensuring her survival. He joined her in tasting the wine, enjoying the blend of fruity and spiced aromas that were alien to Primfiran stock, as the rest of the city began to wake from its tortured slumber to a day of mourning. There were surely opportunities to be had, to be exploited, from the event but even the cockroaches of the world had a sense of honour and Erasmi's ruthlessness had its boundaries. No, there would be no politicizing of the beast's invasion. At least not by him.

He looked at his daughter over the rim of his glass, distracted by her own thoughts. Much of him wanted to use the festival as an education, how a ruler of their nation should engage with others to maximize their own position but the father in him wanted to allow her this unique chance to explore. The future may not be so contested as the present and any connections Valeri forged over the coming days would surely influence her own reign, when it arrived. Moreover, he knew the nature of her desire and the steps she would take to reach it and her apparent reluctance to pursue the Freyjan Princess was disappointing, for both of his ever conflicting roles as King and a father. It was a rare moment that he could be the latter while still furthering the former's aims.

[color=silver]"I've never known you to allow circumstance to frustrate your goals, daughter."[/color] He placed his wine glass down on the table, still holding it by the stem as he levelled his gaze at the occupant of the opposite chair. [color=silver]"It is said that what is achieved is worth more the longer and harder the road of accomplishment. The world is changing, with this festival, and it is important that we move with it, not just frustrate its attempts at progress. Old enemies may become friends and the reverse may become true as well; allow yourself to be guided by your instincts and desires, Valeri, but do not be consumed by either. You are my sole heir but you are not ruler yet, it is only now that the time you have is permitted for yourself and not for the sole sake of the Kingdom."[/color] He picked up his wine glass, signalling that he was finished speaking for now and gave his daughter time to mull over his words. It was rare for them to talk such as this but the death the previous evening and the rapid succession of events were forcing Erasmi to challenge his own view and understanding of the world and perhaps it was time for lost connections to be re-knit? It was a thought which brought back a faint hope, one he thought long forgotten, but also strong trepidation in these uncharted waters.[/color]

The Princess visibly perked up at her father's words, a small smile pursed her lips as she listened. Did he really not mind how freely she spoke? In the past she always felt inclined to keep her feelings tight to herself, especially around her Father. But there was something different in his voice with that simple sentence, and it made her feel far more relaxed then she had been. She took another soft sip of the wine in response. What he said next was truly eye opening for Valeri, and she devoured his words with a certain fervor. She thought for a long time, taking bites occasionally and enjoying the small quiet between the two of them. He was right after all, she had never truly allowed inconveniences to get in the way of her goals, there was always another way. She began to realize that she could wait, for patience had been bred into her, and the satisfaction of achieving her goal would be worth it in the end, no matter how long she waited. There was always other pursuits to be had when not focused on the main prize. 

It seemed her father wanted her to do as she pleased, rather then worry about things she could not control and let it consume her to inaction. There was also the subtle warning every ruler knew laced in his words. Even if friends became enemies and foes became friends, in the end one could only trust their own counsel. She had to be strong, but not for anyone but herself. Her smile grew into that of a giddy child. Her father, in his own way of saying it, wanted her to be happy, She was touched at this display, perhaps more then he would ever realize. It was a small start, but for once in a very long time, she actually felt closer to her father. She knew not why he had a sudden change of heart, to say such things, but it was a start. One she truly hoped would last, but like he said, Valeri would still be cautious. She had learned from the best after all.

She took another sip, and set the glass down before her. This time when she spoke, she sounded much more like herself, [color=pink]"Thank you, father. Your words are good to hear this morning. It... It means a lot."[/color] she finished softly before pausing. 

Valeri then dropped her voice to a hushed whisper, [color=pink]"I find myself curious however. You and I both know this Festival is insulting. The cockroach is a jealous creature father, more so then any kingdom could bear to understand.The snakes draw too much attention to themselves. First this Festival, an idea unheard of, then inviting the other kingdoms? It's enough to drive certain people mad. Whatever is to be done I wonder?"[/color] Valeri finished with a wide grin on her face. She went back to eating her food, waiting to see how her father might react. She had no intentions to stop him in anyway, if he had plans that was. In fact she was more inclined to help, then anything. After all, snakes were usually killed when caught out in the open. 

[color=gray] It was good to see the true Valeri come out of her shell, relaxing in his presence again although the king in him wanted to admonish the two of them for lowering their guard even when around family. If he made such a mistake during his youth then neither of them would be sitting at the table and one of his brothers would be running Primfira into the ground. As he had said, though, times were changing. Primfira itself had grown under his steady hand and there was not a single person who would dare to challenge his authority, or his daughter's claim to the throne. Erasmi had been loyal to his wife, unusual amongst the ruling classes, even after her death and so had no illegitimate children who might hope to claim a title if ever the opportunity presented itself and the network of spies and assassins that he had his wife had built were intensely loyal to him and his family, not merely the throne itself. It was in this time of relative peace that a young woman, or man, should learn who they were before the trappings of rulership descended upon them, constricting their personality so tightly that it would one day burst forth and cause them to misstep fatally. Better for the girl to learn her limits and weaknesses now, while he was still alive to protect her, than to be tripped by them later in life.

[color=silver]"The cockroach?"[/color] He mused, swirling the light wine around in his glass and watching the liquid swell up to the lip before flowing back to the base, tidemarks like the poisoned water of the sea on a beach receding more slowly. It was a sign their strength than the Andoran people had made the insult directed at them into a point of pride but it also limited them, forever putting them behind the other races and accepting the disparaging remarks directed their way. [color=silver]"You are not wrong, my daughter. These events are most disturbing to the balance of things which has existed these past few years and for much of your lifetime. The merest misstep by any one of us could tip that balance one way or another and, have no doubt, my dear, that imbalance of any nature would be disadvantageous to us."[/color] He drank the rest of his wine and then leaned back in his chair, the glass back on the table, and clasped his hands together across his chest, elbows resting on the arms of his seat. [color=silver]"It is a sign of their ineptitude that the Exodus royals would think to call such an event. In their high moods they will think that the assemblance of all the major players in their capital to be a sign of their own power. They speak of peace and, true, they do seek it indeed but a peace with them firmly in charge. Any alliance they might choose to make would create opposing sides but with the odds in their favour."[/color]

He gestured over the balcony, toward the city where bells tolled and the dampening mood of misery was so heavy it would perceptible. The raucous joy and festivities of the previous day had vanished and in its place was a sense of defeat, shared for now in the immediate shadow of tragedy but soon fingers would be pointing to blame and Erasmi had made sure that his people were above all suspicion. His presence on the battlefield the night before, although it was not a Primfiram whom had felled the beast, would speak louder than any speech he could make. [color=silver]"Sometimes, it is wise to allow events to run their course. When buffoons caper about, thinking themselves clever while they trample over their own achievements, the best course of action is to stand back and simply allow them to continue lest one becomes caught up in their stupidity and is beaten by their experience."[/color] He chuckled mirthlessly, seeing in his mind's eye the absentee king of Exodus returning to his palace to find his plans in tatters, the Princess holding them together as much as her meager experience allowed in spite of her apparent innate talent for rule. [color=silver]"Children always learn from their parents, especially from their mistakes and it makes them wiser than their forebears. I believe that is none so evident as in the Princess Amaya who has no better example of mistaken leadership than in her parentage but she lacks experience and these events are fast outpacing her ability to control them."[/color] He steepled his fingers, touching his index fingertips to his lip in thought as he watched his daughter over the table. He came to a conclusion at last, the plans whirling in his head often needing a willing conspirator but there were better, more honest, avenues to explore first. At least, other than the schemes already in action.

[color=silver]"The other kingdoms will not stand for what has happened last night but it is best that we appear aloof from what will undoubtedly be a heated argument. Perhaps that status as an arbiter will further your own goals, Valeri, opening doors otherwise closed to you. I will allow you to choose which of those you choose to enter through until such a time that our path becomes set.."[/color] He stood up, adjusting his jacket from the long time sitting, and made to leave. [color=silver]"Remember, my daughter, that the cockroach does not do well in the light of day. We are not predators and cannot survive without others, despite our hardiness. Taming the snakelet and living off of its power is far preferable to being stepped upon."[/color] The veiled incentive given, he left the patio balcony by way of the large open doors with a small guard falling into step around him. Time enough to return to his quarters before Aziza would bring him her progress report. Despite his talk of maintaining the peace it was best it be an uneasy one, lest the bumbling Exodus monarchs actually succeed in setting themselves up as rulers of the known world.[/color]

Valeri was most glad that her Father felt the same way, perhaps even more deeply then she had even thought. When her father planned something, he was meticulous to a fault. At least she thought so anyways. He had obviously put a great amount of thought into the Festival and Valeri had faith in her father to do what must be done for their own kingdom. It was nice that he was being so open with her, in that kingly way of is. Exodus could not be allowed to rule over them all, it was unthinkable. The balance between the four kingdoms could not be shattered by the pretense of a false peace. By the time her father left and their exchange over, Valeri knew what she had to do. His final words were enough of a goodbye for her, yet she still did feel a little unsatisfied. Her father was secretive with his plans, but she was also confidant that she would be fine without knowing them. It was sometimes easier to be out of the loop then in its grasp.

She sipped the rest of her wine, feeling the liquid warm her. With a slightly devious smile she got up and went to the balcony to overlook the city. There was work to be done still, for she had renewed confidence in her abilities and now the patience to act accordingly to her station. As her father had said, Princess Amaya was loosing control. Her parents had seemingly abandoned her to rule, and to dictate the Festival. The girl was most likely stressed now more so then ever before, especially with the last nights tragic events. Valeri would wait, for something told her Amaya would break eventually and when people broke they needed help, they needed comfort, a shoulder to cry on. Maybe even a friend to tell secrets too? Only time would tell, but for now, Valeri would wait to see how the days events played out before acting. Maybe with luck Amaya would even contact her, but something told Valeri that it would be unlikely. One could wish though.

She turned around and began to walk out of the doors, now followed by a small retinue of guards. She stopped before leaving the that room, calling a servant to her side.

[color=pink]"Do me a favor, love. Go and find Princess Evangeline. Tell her that I would very much like to meet her acquaintance and if she so wishes, we might walk together if she has desire for some fresh air. That is all."[/color] she stated formally. The servant bowed, leaving Valeri to continue on her way. No doubt the Princess would be preoccupied with the tragedy to do anything else, but Valeri would give her an option if she chose to escape the tumultuous events that the day would bring.