"No offense, but I don't really consider you to be empress." Ruli voiced. "I mean, you [i]are[/i], but, I see you more as that stubborn woman who shows up demanding cake and research." He smirked at her, taking the meat off the pan and setting it on a plate for her. After rifling about for a moment, he sliced some bread from last night and warmed it, spreading a herbed butter over its soft middle. 

"Don't," Ruli sighed, lowering his hands to pause his work when she teased about a title. Gael's voice echoed for a moment in his head, his cold voice confirming that Ruli was her sorcerer. Gazing at her for a moment, he twitched her shoulder. "Actually, no, that's fine. I wouldn't mind High Sorcerer. Taking Gavin on as middle sorcerer, to annoy Daryll." He chuckled, sitting down with the plates across from her. 
"Accept the offer. You don't have to do this all alone anymore, you know."

~

Zeke didn't last long at all. Ysaryn was hard to beat when she was in a good mood, and with her viciousness against his bodily aches and pains, he fell quickly, feeling several welts on his limbs already. He limped to the side, grumbling as Ed took his place. 
He put up a good fight, but fell, the elf standing over him with her sparring sword pointed at his throat. Her nostrils flared, her eyes narrowed, and if Zeke knew her any better, he would have marked the disappointment on her face. 
"Do better." Ysaryn ordered before she turned and strolled off, disappearing down the steps again. 
"She is terrifying." Zeke muttered, rubbing his neck to try to ease some of the pain.