[centre][color=violet][h1][b][u]Cadien[/u][/b][/h1][/color]
&
[h1][sub]The Lady-in-Waiting[/sub][/h1]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/BfZbVov.png[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/XRcyBUw.png[/img][/centre]
The Court of Meliorem was a tradition established shortly after the Lady-in-Waiting had departed from Cadien’s realm. Without the Lady-in-Waiting available to direct them, Cadien himself had to take a more personal hand in things. And so, pillars of the Song community as well as those who Cadien favoured would assemble in Meliorem’s hall at least once a month to bring issues to the God’s attention, and aid in the planning of events.

The structure itself was rather simple. There was a herald, who announced those who attended when they answered. There was a scribe, who recorded all that was said and decided. There was a lawkeeper, who did not judge but was meant to keep track of all existing laws and recall past violations of said laws. A small band, that would provide non-vocalized background music as the proceedings carried on. There was also a committee consisting of seven elected representatives from the Song community. Then there here were the guests; those who were meant to sit in and observe, though that did not stop them from murmuring amongst themselves or letting out suitably dramatic gasps whenever anything happened.

All this, in theory, sounded very structured and organized, but due to the nature of the Songs and the absence of their leader, it rarely went swimmingly. Some of these roles were even mostly ceremonial, as Cadien was fully capable of memorizing details himself, but he felt it necessary to encourage the Songs to take a more active role in managing their community.

The latest addition to the court was Dakari and a group of Black Hussars, who served as a palace guard to make the entire proceedings appear more secure, organized, and dignified. They too were unnecessary, but nonetheless they stood at complete attention, only occasionally breaking discipline to admire the beauty of the Songs seated throughout the room.

Meliorem’s main hall was altered for the proceedings. The Herald stood to the right of Cadien’s throne, and Dakari stood to the left. The lawkeeper, scribe, and the committee members were seated at a table in the center, and the guests sat on comfortable benches at the edges of the room. Hussars were stationed at the entrance and next to the benches.

It had all the makings of a typical court session, but in truth it was anything but. For a new attendant had graced the court on this day, and one who had been absent for far too long: the Lady-in-Waiting.

Through the great double doors of Cadien’s resplendent throne room she came, adorned in a silk [url=https://i.imgur.com/MhcHIRX.jpeg]dress[/url] of flowing satin brocade, woven throughout with golden thread and cut low, as the Lord of Perfection liked, while remaining high enough to preserve elegance and dignity. The sand-coloured lustrous fabric seemed alive with light, shifting and glistening with each of the Lady-in-Waiting’s graceful steps. About her delicate neck hung a collar necklace of gold and jade embossed with pearls and precious gems. Draped around her waist and about her arms was a cream-coloured scarf of lotus flower silk interwoven with mulberry silk of deepest crimson. There was a mask in her hand, and as she walked she shyly brought it up so that it partially covered her lower face.

Coming the last few steps before the god, she glanced up, seemed to lose focus when her eyes met his, and tripped over her own feet and fell flat on her face. There was a collective gasp from all the songs present and a number rushed to the lady’s side and helped her back up, patting her dress down and tidying up her ruffled inky hair. “Th- thank you.” The lady managed, her face different shades of scarlet ink at the embarrassment. Keeping her eyes downcast, she bowed low to the god. “My lord,” came her euphonious melody, and all the songs in the great hall let loose a gentle wave of dulcet sighs. “I cannot convey my heart’s gladness at being once again in your presence. You must forgive me my long absence; I have neglected my duty to you. Our Lady remains sickly and all my attention has gone to seeing to her every need - she is sick at heart and my words have failed time and again to draw her from her slumber.” She paused and looked around at the songs, and then at the guards. “I hope that the songs have not caused you any trouble, my lord? I…” she glanced once more at some of the Neiyari guards with a slight knot in her brow, “I hope their mischief has not forced you to bring in armed guards!”

[color=violet]“Oh it’s not that dire,”[/color] Cadien said, waving off her concern. [color=violet]“These men and women are simply my realm’s latest inhabitants, and it only seemed fitting to incorporate them into the proceedings and give them some form of employment. Now then, what has brought about your return after all this time?”[/color]

At his question, she loosed a small sigh and made her way to an empty seat to the side. “A number of songs came to me not long ago, searching for missing songs, my lord. The songs of the town are naturally anxious and even now some want to organise an expedition to go search for those who are missing. But before any such thing, I wished to ask you about it - perhaps they are here in the palace and not missing at all?”

[color=violet]“Missing?”[/color] Cadien asked, furrowing his brow in confusion. [color=violet]“How long?”[/color]

The lady looked at some of the gathered song representatives. “Shae went missing a few weeks back, Wilarda last week, then Meralusa after that.”

The God’s grip tightened on his throne. [color=violet]“Why am I only hearing of this now?”[/color]

“W- we thought nothing of it at first, my lord. They could have been wandering anywhere - in the palace, perhaps exploring your beautiful realm, perhaps visiting Our Lady… but now we realise that was not so and we are full of worry.” One of the representatives spoke with a sad note.

“Shae had been talking of seeing the world outside Meliorem for some time before, my lord,” one of the male songs spoke up. “I fear that she may have ventured out without telling us - who knows what she may have found or… what may have found [i]her[/i].”

The God closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. [color=violet]“It is true,”[/color] he said, after a few moments had passed. [color=violet]“I cannot sense their presence. They are gone.”[/color] He leaned forward again. [color=violet]“They must have left while I was visiting other realms, when I wouldn’t be able to sense their departure. Although… not all of their supposed departures align with the times when I was not here to sense them. This is troubling… I will need to go look for them.”[/color]

There were worried murmurs and notes of agreements at the god’s words. “Yes, my lord. They must be found before something terrible happens to them!” One song cried. “Who knows which of the thousand fiends and savages lying in wait just beyond the gates of Meliorem may have them!” The chant of anxiety rose, but then the Lady-in-Waiting looked towards the god and it died down slightly.

“My lord… I have been thinking. I know you have promised to take care of us and protect us - and there is no one here who can but sing your praises as far as that goes, you have not fallen short in any way. And yet I find myself thinking that perhaps… perhaps the best protection you can grant us is the ability to protect ourselves. These songs have lost one of their own - they failed their sisters. Should they not be made to take responsibility and carry the burden for finding them? Surely they will learn something of value from this.” The gathered songs were hushed, for once, and then began to whisper melodiously - if nervously - to one another.

“B- but we are delicate beings, not made for the rigours that such a task requires!” One male cried out.

“Pah! Of course you would say that Sabunta - but you have always been a coward.” Came a harsh intonation that caused Sabunta to flinch.

“There’s no need for that now, dearest,” the male said weakly to the siren who had spoken, but she crossed her arms and looked away from him with a huff. The Lady-in-Waiting set her gaze on the god.

“What do you think, my lord?”

The Lord of Meliorem frowned. [color=violet]“I would not object to you becoming better able to protect yourselves, but it is still a troubling suggestion. What shall happen if ten go out in search of three, and those ten go missing as well? Not all realms are inhospitable - many gods are actually quite friendly, if you are courteous enough - but there remain a few who are dangerous nonetheless.”[/color]

The Lady-in-Waiting tightened her fist, a certain naive determination there. “A- and should we not be brave, my lord? Are we not to aspire towards your perfection? I think we should be the most terrible of servants if we did not, during our time spent with you, learn some of that essential nobility that makes you as you are, my lord. If we do not learn courage and sacrifice from the one who carved a way through the inks of death for us, then we are unfitting and unworthy of you.” She stopped and took a small breath, “let us prove ourselves to you, my lord.”

The God pondered her words, resting a hand under his chin. [color=violet]“A fair argument,”[/color] he nodded, then leaned back again. [color=violet]“You may take only volunteers. They must understand the risks, and you shall lead them yourself. Dakari, can you spare some guards to accompany them?”[/color]

“I could,” Dakari said, though his tone implied he had no wish to. The Lady-in-Waiting glanced at the Neiyari, her face blank.

[color=violet]“Very good.”[/color] He looked back to the Lady-in-Waiting. [color=violet]“Bring your volunteers here as soon as you are able. Your departure will not be immediate; preparations must be made. Do you have any questions?”[/color]

“Of course. Not so much a question but… ahem. M- may we… speak in private, my lord?” The Lady-in-Waiting glanced at the god and then quickly looked away, her gaze passing over the gathered songs and neiyari guards.

[color=violet]“We may,”[/color] the God said. [color=violet]“But first, are there any other matters the court must addressed?”[/color] he asked the rest of the room.

“Y- yes! My lord!” One of the female songs stepped forth. “I have a complaint against your guards! That one there in particular - he has never ceased from ogling me m-most inappropriately!” She flushed and brought her hands to her cheeks. “I am a happily wed and [i]loyal[/i] song my lord, and these lustful looks are just- ah! [i]Inappropriate![/i]”

Cadien cast a questioning glance toward the guard in question, who seemed quite surprised to have been called out. He dropped to one knee. “I am just keep an eye on them, my lord, as is my duty.”

[color=violet]“You stand accused of keeping an eye on one in particular,”[/color] Cadien commented drily. [color=violet]“Which would distract you from watching over the rest, would it not?”[/color]

“Not so, my lord, I am very perceptive,” the Neiyari said, lifting his gaze to look at the one who had accused him. “Tell me, my lady, would your husband happen to be in this room?”

“Hmph!” The song in question intoned, “if you were as perceptive as you say you would know. You couldn’t pull off an affair even if you tried, it seems.” There was now a small smirk on her face. A grumbling male siren stepped forward.

“My dearest, an affair! By our lord, sometimes you say the craziest things,” he shook his head and, placing a hand on her shoulder, looked towards the accused guard. “Here I am, in ink before you.”

“Would you care for a duel over her?” the Neiyari smirked.

The songman raised a flowing brow and looked at the siren, and an inky smile spread on his face. “Why, that is an ingenious proposition! What shall it be? A match to see who can produce the most beautiful sculpture of this bejewelled rose? Or perhaps a poetic match-up to see who can produce words that can come even close to capturing her beauteous symmetry and flowing grace? Perhaps a battle of dances, to see who can best let his form speak what her gaze does to the heart? I am ready and willing to prove myself to my dearest Saluna.” And so saying he bowed with a flourish and kissed the siren’s hand.

The Neiyari scoffed, and gestured toward his blade. “Battle,” he answered. “What else?”

“Ah, but that is so uncivilised and brutish! Love requires effort, careful creation. Anyone can pummel another into an inky puddle, but not anyone can produce lyrics to gladden a lovely maiden’s heart. Come, produce a verse of love, let that be our battle!” The songman grinned playfully. “Or… are you unable, perhaps? There is no dishonour if you wish to yield.”

“I suppose I’ll have to duel you for calling me a brute as well,” the Neiyari said. “Or are you unable to put yourself at risk for your love and reputation?” He shifted his gaze to the female wife. “A flowery song is all well and good, but it doesn’t mean much if he’s too afraid to risk himself to defend you.”

“Ah, but if it is a matter of defence, if my lady is in some sort of danger, then who am I - humble songman that I am - to pretend at protecting anyone? Who am I to claim for myself what our lord has taken on for himself - our lord protects us, and if my lady’s honour needs protection then it is to him alone we turn. But if this is a duel for her affection, then I am ready to produce all art.” The songman turned to Cadien. “My lord, are you not the stalwart defender of us songs? This here guardsman believes my beautiful siren is in need of protection, we have no aid but you.” And he bowed to the great god. Melodious giggles rose from the gathered songs, all both parts impressed and entertained by the battle of wits both men displayed.

Cadien seemed rather amused by these proceedings. Dakari, meanwhile, watched with clenched fists and was now sending murderous glares at both men, for different reasons. [color=violet]“And what are your thoughts on the matter?”[/color] Cadien asked the female Song for whom all this drama had started.

“Well, my lord,” she began, her eyes downcast and hands once more on her blushing cheeks, “this is all so very flattering and both these suitors have shown equal parts gallantry of their own - I would not expect a mighty warrior such as the noble guardsman to accept anything but a meeting of swords; and it would be most foolish for a songman, artist that he is, to accept anything but the clash of sculpting chisels and poetic verses. In this, both stand equal. Ah, I cannot choose based on this, my lord! I can only maintain my loyalty to the one I wed!”

“Perhaps,” the Lady-in-Waiting spoke up lightly, “they should be tested in matters neither is proficient at, my lord. Perhaps a puzzle, or a challenge to discover where a hidden item is with provided clues, or something else of that nature?”

[color=violet]“A sensible suggestion,”[/color] Cadien nodded. [color=violet]“Though the nature of the challenge must be decided at another time. Are there any other matters this court feels the need to address?”[/color]

Neiyari and songs brought forth various matters, and Cadien dealt with each no matter how trivial or small. And to his credit, he did not showcase any irritation or boredom - though the Lady-in-Waiting had no doubt that such trivialities were likely the least of a god’s problems or concerns. In time, however, court was adjourned and they were at last left alone. “Goodness,” she breathed, “all these complaints and concerns - it is one of the signs of your diligent vigilance that you see to it all personally. Have you never considered to delegate the more trivial matters, my lord?”

[color=violet]“I have considered it, yes,”[/color] Cadien nodded. [color=violet]“But in truth it costs very little vigilance on my part. As a god, my attention can be both here and elsewhere at the same time. Besides, your people are quite adept at wordplay, more so than most mortals who pray to me, and listening to their verbal sparring can be quite entertaining provided they don’t get out of hand. Besides, from time to time they do bring up very serious matters, and it’s best that I address such things personally.”[/color] The siren nodded, stealing furtive glances at the sculpted god before returning her gaze back to her variegated hands.

“And how are [i]you[/i] my lord. You seems so busy with so much - and yet, you seem to have no time for you.” There seemed a sadness to her melodious voice, and releasing a sigh she looked towards the god and did not look away this time. “Or does a god have no needs as we created things do?”

[color=violet]“I need not eat or sleep, if that is what you are referring to,”[/color] Cadien said. [color=violet]“But that’s not what you meant, was it? Yes, even gods can become lonely or fatigued, but it takes a great deal. I can always find new activities to keep myself occupied.”[/color] He waved a hand to indicate the paintings on the walls, the ones made by his own hands.

She glanced at them and smiled. “Yes, it is much changed since I first visited. It is beautiful.” She paused for a few moments. “But you are right. I may be wrong, my lord, but I do sense… a greater melancholy to you than before I departed. Call it a woman’s hunch, maybe. And that is why I ask,” she paused again, seeming to find it difficult to speak. “It is of course not my place but… if there were something disturbing your peace of mind, I would be happy to serve you in some way - even if only as a listening ear. But forgive me if I have misread my lord, I may be overthinking it.”

Cadien’s gaze briefly shifted to a door off to the side - the one which led to Neiya’s realm. “There are a few things that trouble me, yes,” he conceded. “But you need not concern yourself with them.” The lady sighed and nodded, a small sad frown on her face.

“If that is your wish, my lord, though it pains me that there is nothing I can do to even slightly repay the debt of gratitude I owe you - you eased our troubles, and it is painful to think I can do nothing for you.” She reached into the great folds of her sleeves and emerged with a single sculpted rose - its stem of emerald, the hint of thorns shorn, small peduncles extended at the end of which were leaves of jade and tsavorite. Its sepal was a burst of demantoid that gave way to blossoming red diamond, swirling crimson garnet, flowing pyrope, and gyrating ruby. “I did not forget you, my lord, and in those moments I found myself working on this small thing for you. I-it is not worthy of you, but I thought perhaps your beloved would like it.” She rose from her place and ascended the few steps the god’s throne, and descending to her knees extended the sculpted jewel rose to him. “When one looks into it, it seems to sing of the one most beloved to them. I am sure your lady will remember you fondly when she holds it and is far from you.”

Cadien reached down and accepted the rose, bringing it to eye level and looking into it with a curious expression. The lady backed away and descended the steps slowly. She did not speak, but watched as the god beheld the flower. After a few moments she opened eye mouth, but as though changing her mind closed it and allowed him all the time he needed, undisturbed. She quietly slipped back into her seat and, covering her mouth with the top of her mask shyly, watched the god.

Cadien listened. The rose sung. A song that only he could hear, and about exactly who he had expected. [color=violet]“It is a fine gift, and I thank you for it,”[/color] he said sincerely, [color=violet]“though may I ask how you came to acquire a divine artifact?”[/color]

She beamed to see that it had met with his approval, though his question brought a slight knot to her brow. “A divine artifact, my lord?”

[color=violet]“This artifact is divinely empowered,”[/color] Cadien said, with a raised eyebrow. [color=violet]“Either it was made by a god, or it was granted power by one shortly after its construction.”[/color]

“I do not know, my lord. It was crafted by me, none other, and no one has seen it but you and I.” The lady pursed her lips and there seemed a flicker of concern in her eyes. “I- I apologise if it displeases you my lord. I did not realise- I don’t understand how it can be.”

[color=violet]“Strange. Hm… no matter. It is still a beautiful gift. I was simply curious how this came to be.”[/color] Something to investigate further.

“I am glad that you find it beautiful my lord. It is but a small token of my gratitude.” She looked away with a sigh, her lips pursed in what seemed to be disappointment, but her mask veiled her lips for the most part. “I am not so sure if I will be able to accompany the expedition, my lord. My Lady is yet ill and needs my attention. Even being here at this time is a great risk. I must ask your forgiveness, I once more find myself a poor servant to you.”

Cadien raised an eyebrow. [color=violet]“Is that so? By your wording, I had thought you intended to accompany them.”[/color]

“Perhaps I was carried away by my own excitement, lord. But then the full weight of my duties returned when that excitement died down. I have no doubt that this journey shall do the songs good, even without me. The guardsmen who will accompany them appear in all ways capable.”

[color=violet]“Hm. Now we have a dilemma. On one hand, it would not do to abandon your lady for so long. On the other, the Songs who are to embark on this expedition might lose heart, if they find out the one who was to lead them will not come.”[/color] The lady looked at the ground in thought.

“That is very true my lord. Do you think there is anything we can do to avoid such a loss in morale?”

The god shrugged. [color=violet]“If a particularly eager, capable, and ambitious Song volunteers on their own initiative to lead the expedition in your stead, then I suppose there is little shame in transferring command. So long as the other Songs are still willing to follow them, of course.”[/color]

The Lady-in-Waiting nodded, reassured. “I am certain that it will be no issue, in that case. I will select a capable leader and encourage her to take up this duty.” She rose and curtsied. “I will not take up any more of your time my lord. I wish you well and can only hope that all your woes are soon lifted. Is there anything more you require of me?”

[color=violet]“Perhaps you might organize a performance, after the expedition is assembled?”[/color] Cadien suggested. [color=violet]“I’ve not heard you sing in a long time.”[/color]

“I will have it arranged, my lord. It may take a small while to prepare something remotely worthy of you, but I shan’t keep you waiting long.” She kept her eyes low and the mask at her lips. “Anything else, lord?”

[color=violet]“Nothing else,”[/color] Cadien shook his head. [color=violet]“You are free to take your leave, and thank you for your service today.”[/color]

Curtsying low for a few moments, she took three steps back before turning and moving with swift grace towards the great double doors. They opened before her and the sound of her heels could be heard fading away as the doors closed behind her.
[centre][img]https://i.imgur.com/XRcyBUw.png[/img][/centre]
[indent][list][*][hider=Summary]The songs gather in Cadien’s court - and for the first time in a long time, the LiW has come. She enters dramatically and super beautifully, but then trips and falls the klutz. The songs then petition to be allowed to go find those of their number who are missig. Cadien is reluctant, but eventually agrees - stipulating that the LiW is to go with them. Things open up for other business, and the we get a look into some of the rivalries between Neiyari males and songmen over sirens. When court is adjourned Cadien and the LiW speak and she gives him a gift - ostensibly for Neiya. It’s a sculpted rose that allows one to hear songs about the person most beloved to them. The LiW then requests that she be excused from leading the expedition, and Cadien permits it so long as she finds a suitable replacement.[/hider]
[*][hider=Meghzaal Might][centre]| 4MP and 3DP | +2 Puppetry | +3 Acting | +3 Music | +3 Dance | +1 Architecture | +1 Sculpting |[/centre]

Consecrate Sculpted Rose
[indent][i]Lovesong I[/i] - The one who holds this item is able to hear it singing beautiful verses of the most beloved person to them. Only they are able to hear this song. (+1 to Sculpting)[/indent]
[centre]| 3MP and 3DP | +2 Puppetry | +3 Acting | +3 Music | +3 Dance | +1 Architecture | +2 Sculpting |[/centre][/hider]
[/list][/indent]