Norrix followed the Trojan horse that carried Arkadewi on foot, about an hour's difference between them. Given her advanced senses, she could both hear and feel the beast from afar to knowit was still moving, and her human was still alive.

Upon entering the palace grounds, Norrix waved at the passing guards, grinning at the few that waved back. Despite being Fae, she had made fast friends on her first visit to the palace, and had since made friends with the children of them - 40 years coming into the palace to confer with the queen had allowed her first friends to retire in peace.

The Trojan horse was stationed not far into the grounds, patiently waiting for its owner to return. Norrix approached it, gently giving it a scratch on its leg. Her favorite thing about the otherwordly creatures was that they did not balk from her as the Earthly creatures did. She produced an additional pack of fertilizer for the beast, sprinkling it gently before blowing the horse a kiss and moving on.

The stone pathway that led to the palace entrance was guarded by dozens, some of which carried the Zanair metal she so despised. Her nose crinkled in disgust, but she quickly recovered as she saw another old friend. "Edgar!"

She walked towards the male steadily, aware of the eyes of unknown guards staring into her. She held out a hand, which the male took in greeting - he was never one for familiar greetings. "Have you seen my human? She was about an hour ahead."

He nodded gruffly, and Norrix grinned. Bowing to the guard, she continued on her path up the walkway. When she approached the large palace doors, Edgar gave a whistle to signal he was allowed inside. The doors opened, and with another bow to the guards, she was inside.

Nobody bothered to escort her as she walked - it would have been unnecessary. Her eyes took in the purple banners draped above elegant paintings of previous monarchs, with delicate physical artworks spaced between - a centuries old vase here, the first armor of the guard there. All on display for those who were blessed enough to gain entrance to the palace.

Her walk took her to the entrance of the throne room, where she heard the queen already in discussion; it wouldn't be with Arkadewi yet, as even the heroine had to wait her turn. But Norrix opened the doors and stepped into the throne room, bowing to the queen before her. "Pardon the interruption, m'lady, but I do believe my charge and I will be quick."

"What's this about?" Arka grumbled when Mort took her to a room where three dresses in drab colors awaited her beside the fireplace.

Sir Mort's jaws clenched. "I suppose the Heroine would remember the rules after her numerous visit here."

She frowned. "I like my clothes. They're made for better fighting."

"That is, precisely, why. Good reasoning, Heroine!" Sir Mort clasped his hands in sarcastic excitement. Arka beamed. "You are to be in the presence of The Queen, where all you'll have to worry about is your manners, certainly no fighting, we all would hope."

She was about to protest when three maids, all looking at her with frightened eyes, came into the room. "Please let them do their job," said Mort. "It would be troublesome if you fight them off as you did... last time."

The maids rushed in and Arka flailed both her arms. They retreated quickly, glancing at Sir Mort with pleading eyes. He sighed.

"We'll hold a ball in your honor, tonight - IF you'll adhere to the dress code."

"Fine."

"And your sword-"

"No."

"Very well. Compromises have to be made."

Arke took a displeased look at the gowns. "But orange is my color! It's my trademark, my glorious flag! You can't just strip me off my identity like this!"

Sir Mort gestured to the servant by the door, and a tailor walked in, behind her another servant pushing a cart full of fabric. Arka grinned.

"It's nice to be a heroine."

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The throne room was tall with curved ceiling, made of grey stones that used to glimmer with magic when faeries ruled it. In the hands of humans, however, no one had gone up to clean the higher parts of the room, and so it was full of dust and cobwebs, a shadow of its former glory. It would have been possible to clean it up, of course, had the Queen's attention not been tied with constant wars with other kingdoms, the rebels, and the beasts that ravaged her lands. Despite the tall colorful stained glass windows behind the throne, the room remained grey and depressing, matching the figure sitting imposingly on the throne made of polished blackwood, decorated with gilded accents. Her guards, all carrying Zanair in the form of swords and arrows, kept a distance - just right to prevent the iron from reacting to the faerie, but close enough to protect their Queen just in case.

The shadow of a pale little girl, cowering in the presence of a powerful faerie, flitted on Queen Ygaerne's high-held head when the Norrix barged in. It was quickly replaced by a display of haughtiness as the Queen leaned back and gave a dismissing wave to the ones in attendance. Usually humans would not meet the faerie's eyes, but one of them, an unfamiliar young man with tan skin and emerald green eyes, stared right at Norrix as he bowed before leaving the premises.

"Well, well, well," Queen Ygraine said with a smug smirk, creases stretching across her wrinkled face. "Look who has finally decided to grace us with her presence. I must admit, I had begun to doubt whether you would come again at all while I'm alive."

She rapped her hand impatiently on the throne's arm, trying to not fidget.

"30 years of my rule, and look at you, as young as I remember when I was only a Princess of ten years." Her tone was that of flattery, while her eyes betrayed her envy as she scanned the faerie up and down. An attendant quickly poured the Queen wine on a bejeweled goblet and she sipped it.

"I doubt you're here to reminisce, given how your human is here."

Another attendant brought a tray of Norrix's usual drink of choice with her head bowed.

Norrix watched the gathered attendees leave, taking keen interest in the male who held her gaze - Adrys, if she remembered correctly. They had met once, briefly, and to her surprise he had not balked from her then, either. He had stood out to Norrix, but she hadn't had time to track him down before her last departure. Maybe this time she would find a quick moment to do so before they left.

Norrix laughed at the Queen's words, noting the envy that swam in her gaze. "Queen Ygraine, you look as lovely as always. As some would say, you've aged like fine wine. I do believe it looks rather flattering on you."

She thanked the attendant, grabbing the goblet from her shaking tray and watching with a furrowed brow as the attendent scurried away from her. The humans of the palace had never quite gotten used to her presence. "Majesty, I know you've met before, some time ago, but allow me to introduce the lovely Arkadewi - my beloved charge, whom I've sworn to protect." She swept a hand out, indicating the general area that Arkadewi had been brought to, before sketching a bow herself.

Despite her stance, Norrix would always choose to respect the Queen who had allowed her grace.

"I'll allow her to explain herself momentarily, but I've my own agenda while we're here, as well. It seems the Fae of my home Court have been sneaking back into human lands without your blessing - along with my brave little heroine, I must request your grace in allowing me to cross the border once more - further, I'd ask that you prepare yourself. Although the motive has not been expressed, I doubt my home Court has any good intention for crossing into this territory."

She met the Queen's stare, wincing at the still evident jealousy that wrinkled her brow.

30 years ago, Norrix had come to strike a bargain with the Queen - instead, she was greeted by the then princess. Though young, the princess had been knowledgeable of the Fae and their standing with the human court. Together, they had agreed that Norrix would have free reign to enter the palace, in exchange for her honesty about any developments in the Fae land she was made aware of. It had turned Norrix into a temporary emmissary, but she had never had to bring any news to the queen; the Fae knew they should leave the humans alone.

As Norrix waited, she sniffed her drink before taking a sip. She looked to Arkadewi again, and nodded to show that she would not interfere with whatever her charge had to say to the queen.

Queen Ygraine's envy dissipated as she heard Norrix's flattery, her lips quirked in a faint smile. "You have always had a way with words, Norrix. But I know well enough that fine wine has aged me, and not in the fine way," she replied, taking a sip of her own drink.

"You needn't introduce me - unlike my looks, my memory hasn't faded." Queen Ygraine winced as she glanced at the heroine who walked in gracelessly stealing wine from a nearby servant - one meant for the queen. Sir Mort's mortification could be seen from across the room.

"My Queen!" Arka did not bow, instead extending her arms widely as she walked in as if greeting an old friend.

Arka wore a long, flowing dress made of a heavy grey fabric that reached down to her ankles. The dress was simple, yet elegant, with long sleeves that were slightly puffed at the shoulders and cinched at the wrists. The skirt flowed out in gentle pleats, allowing for movement and ease of walking. The purple of the Queendom accented the dress in lines stretching vertically. The neckline was low, revealing her strong collarbones and her fruitful bosom.

It would have been a dress fit for a formal court, had it not for the large orange belt that cinched her waist, extending to a tail behind her.

Her hair was braided and coiled on top of her head, held in place by a few pins, in an attempt to make her seem a little more proper, but there was unmistakable unruly youth emanating from her unguarded smile. Odd as it may, the attire accentuated a different kind of beauty that differed from her day-to-day clothing.

When Norrix finished talking and looked to Arka, the girl was already beside her, swinging her sword at her. This time she wasn't drunk and her movement was fast, if not predictable.

"Hello, Faerie!"

She missed, but the crackle of Zanair had the guards running close to the Queen's side, four of them rushed at the two with their weapons drawn. Full Zanair swords bore with them a very different kind of power than one that Arka wielded. The room seemed to darken as the swords reacted to the faerie's proximity - and suddenly the guards no longer looked at Arka who drew her weapon. Their eyes darkened, glaring at Norrix with bloodlust.

"Sheathe your swords!" Queen Ygraine roared as she rose from her seat, and it seemed that the guards were snapped back to reality. They slid their swords back, violent hiss filled the air as they did. They took several steps back. "Apologies, Your Majesty."

Queen Ygraine sighed as she sunk back to her throne, exhaustion washed over her countenance and her voice was steely when she spoke next. "Do not play your games in my Court, Heroine. I can have you dragged to the Courtyard and execute you right this instant."

Arka sheathed her sword. "Pardon me, it's a habit, My Queen," she replied brightly, no hint of regret or fear on her face. The Queen was unable to stop herself from fidgeting.

"What is this news of war you have brought me?" She demanded.

"They kidnapped my lover!"

The Queen narrowed her eyes. "Which one?"

"The One," Arka replied firmly, unhelpful. "He is an upstanding citizen, almost as much as myself, Your Majesty. My buddy and I are going to kick their butts and make them regret wronging us!"

"I cannot allow this. One wrong move and we'll be inciting war - with the faeries." Queen Ygraine said the last words through gritted teeth. "I might not have been born yet when the 17 Territories won our freedom, but it was instilled in me the horrors humanity went through for it - the horrors we escaped from. You, of all people, should understand what is at stake here, Norrix." There was suspicion growing in her eyes. "All these years of you bringing me no news of their movement, suddenly you want to cross the borders?"

Norric groaned. This was quickly spiralling into a disaster.

Her fingers shook from the proximity of the Zanair blades, their essence still leeching into the world like oil. She shivered, before glaring at Arkadewi and sending a vulgar gesture her way.

"Ygraine, I am sworn to you; there has been no movement until the lover Arkadewi speaks of was stolen. I have no understanding as to why they would want that wretched being, but he is gone, and the scent of my former home was drenched throughout his stables."

Norrix winced at the memory of the scent, still seeming to cling to her clothes like a pest. After she had ensured Arkadewi was safe that night, she had returned to a steaming shower and scrubbed her skin nearly raw to remove the smell permeating the air.

"I will leave with or without your permission; as your emissary, you cannot stop me from travelling to my home. This foolish human girl, however, is still under your jurisdiction, and I will not take her without consent. I have no desire to retrieve what she has lost, and will leave the human in my homeland if you do not allow her to go."

Norrix felt her discomfort rising as she continued on, "If you leave the human to fend for himself, what's to say they will not see that as an act of submission? Nothing will stop them from crossing into your land more frequently, taking whatever they wish; allowing this to occur is as much a declaration of war as invading their land."

Taking a deep breath, she calmed her raging heart. Glancing once more at Arkadewi beside her, she kneeled on the ground.

Never once had she kneeled for the queen.

"I ask you, not as Fae, but as a member of your court, Queen Ygraine, to allow this foolish human to travel to the Fae realm with me. I will ensure she and the male are safe, and I will ensure no war will come of this. I am sworn to protect this female, and will do everything in my power to do just that until her last breath."

Norrix bowed her head, looking at the uneven markings of the stone beneath her. She patiently waited for the word of the queen, until a cough came from the door.

Whirling, she was on her feet in front of Arkadewi in a second. Her teeth bared, lips curling into a snarl, she faced whatever threat had come. She felt the Zanair from the guards behind her crackle through the air, but only stood when she saw who had come; the male from before, Adrys.

Relaxing her face, she met his gaze momentarily, before snorting and turning her back on him. "We're busy," she stated blandly.

He laughed, approaching her side quickly. The Zanair blades were once again sheathed, and Norrix too another breath. "From what I heard, Fae, you should be done momentarily. I've only come to provide word that a certain Trojan horse has been digging through the gardens, destroying prized bushes and flowers."

((tbh i had something planned for that dude so when you take over him i was kinda lost on what to do next xD do you have something planned for him?))

Clueless of the weight of the situation, Arkadewi chimed in. "What's the problem with crossing the borders? We'll beat the faeries that come up to us! Norrix maybe look scrawny but she's hella strong! I, the best Heroine of the Queendom, will also protect her since - when did you become friends with the Queen, anyway?" she turned to ask Norrix. When Norrix kneeled,

∘₊✧────────────────────────────────────✧₊∘

"Oh, no. Bad Trojan Horse!" Arka clasped her hand dramatically over her mouth, but then narrowed her eyes as she thought it over, then waved his concern off. "Wait, what's the problem with that? The glorious Queendom can't grow more weed?"

Queen Ygraine seemed determined to ignore Arka's ignorant statements. "Let it be," she glowered at Adrys. She seemed close to snapping if only she hadn't been troubled by the proposition at hand.

"Do you genuinely believe that you are at liberty to enter and exit my Queendom as you please? Though I may be but a frail human in the eyes of your kind, Lady Norrix, I remain the sovereign of this realm." Her jaws clenched, but then her offense transmuted into a more primitive emotion - fear.

"I have never known you as one who would kneel, Lady Norrix, and I am uncertain what to make of it. Do tell, how severe could a kidnapping of a common lad suggest? Are the faeries upon us once more? The Treaty - we have known faeries to be bound by their vows. Without it, what have we but inevitable war with the Faerie Courts?"

The Queen arose from her throne, this time a gesture of respect. Only in her forties, yet she seemed much older than most humans her age. Years on the throne had aged her woefully, made her more both wary and distrusting.

"Lady Norrix Steros. You have proved a steadfast friend of humans for all these years. A true friend of our Queendom, the best ally and confidante anyone could have in this Court. Your many years of contribution have not gone unnoticed." Her fists balled. "However, this court has witnessed many incidents where old friends turned around into foe seemingly overnight. If the faeries are indeed the culprits behind the Heroine's lover's abduction, then the faeries are no longer constrained by their sworn words. It pains us to say this, but without any tangible reassurance, we might start to think you are abandoning us for the winning side. You would be making a woeful mistake, if that was true. Certainly this is simply the fretting of a seasoned monarch. Is it?" There was still fire of prideful anger in her eyes, albeit a far cry than the fervent fury that would have been present several years prior when she was a younger, more bellicose queen.

Arka's gaze seemed to glaze over as a lot of words were spoken, and she kept shifting her weight between her legs before rising on her toes, attempting to peer over the stained glass hoping to witness Stitch wrecking the flowers.

{askaojfi let me know if i need to change it to another character please i am more than happy to do so}

Rage flared in Norrix's eyes, and she felt powerful magic begin to roil and writhe beneath her skin. Placing a hand on her knee, she rose to her full height, no longer content to bow before the frail human queen. She could scent the fear beneath her words, directed at both the Fae in entirety and the Fae in front of her. A feral smile slashed across Norrix's face, and she dared a singular step towards the queen.

"If you are accusing me," Norrix spat, "of mingling with my filth of a heritage, then I believe you may be too naive to have the very throne beneath you, Ygraine. For you to discredit me, when I have done nothing but grovel at your feet and betray my own kind for your benefit, is a lowly move that a queen should not stoop to."

Allowing a tendril of her magic to pulse from her being, her grin widened as she felt it momentarily subdue the Zanair blades; she had been a prized possession in her homeland, but also feared by even her King and Queen. Her power dwarfed that of any singular Fae, and she revelled in the darkness that leeched from her skin.

A gift - from the Gods. Born in Winter, she was expected to have powers of water, ice, and frigid wind. What none had foretold, however, was a creature of darkness, of shadow and deadly ichor. The darkness that absorbed all light, taking what should not be stolen.

It wouldn't hold the blades for long - no, nothing could overpower those monstrosities. But it was enough to be felt, to be understood. Raising her chin high, Norrix managed to look down at the queen, despite being a few feet below her current level. "You will not take me for a fool, Ygraine, as I have not yet taken you for one. I have requested your consent out of the... kindness of my heart. But you will not forget who I am, and how foolish your bargain could be. How would your loyal servants feel to know you unwittingly allowed a fox into the chicken coop?"

Reeling her power back in, she cooled her smile to a serene, placid expression.

"Now, my lady, I sincerely hope that we can come to an agreement soon. I've yet to eat dinner, and I'm rather famished. And, as we've so kindly been directed to attend to, my charge's steed has been running rampant through your garden, and I would hate for the flowers to be ruined. Such a disaster." She tsked, looking out towards the window in feigned dismay.

(I'll leave it to you to determine whether Norrix gets caught or not, we'll figure out the plot later :D))

"Uh-oh. Seems like trouble," Arkadewi remarked but clearly amused enough by the situation to remain - openly gawking at the two ladies with her jaw dropped. Yet her body was slightly turning towards the exit, readying herself to flee just in case. And what a case.

The Queen made the slightest movement backwards when Norrix rose, but swiftly steeled herself. Norrix's words seemed to shake her resolve as she pondered if she had made a mistake for angering such a powerful figure in the Court - both physically and politically. Pride did not allow apology to slip through her mouth, yet, but it was there in her eyes, barely hidden by the previous anger that seemed to dwindle with Norrix's every word.

"Your Majesty, she is using magic!" One of the guards shouted as they felt Norrix's frigid power coiling around their blades.

"What did you say...?"

The Queen looked in bewilderment to her guards, struggling with some invisible force that held their blades chillingly still in place.

Sir Mort assessed the situation very quickly and slipped out of the room, without a noise. Soon yellings of "Protect the Queen! Lady Norrix has gone rogue!" and its variation was heard echoing the long halls outside the throne room, swiftly followed by footsteps of the knights marching into the room. "Drats," Arka cursed when her exit route was blocked.

The fear in Queen's Ygraine's face twisted into raging resolve when she realized what was happening.

"Seize her!" She yelled at her guards, then to Arkadewi, who had taken several - many, to be exact - steps back and was trying her best to blend into the walls.

"Not without a contract!" Arka yelled back grumpily. Muttering to herself, "Royals these days."

Some of the knights rushed in with their blades out, while the ones behind them had their bows pulled with Zanair tipped arrows, aimed at the faerie. Darkness spilled and seethed as the iron crackled and hissed at the faerie, creating a reverberation of cacophony from hell. It seemed to sip to the guards eyes and filled them feral bloodlust as they tried to resist the faerie's power and make their way to Norrix.

A pale servant girl was cowering beside Arka, almost pissing herself as the air grew thick with enmity. The tray full of drinks that she was holding was trembling along with her hands, the glasses and bottle nearly spilled. Arka grabbed the tray from her with both hands. "Give me that," she said, and the servant girl pissed herself.

Arka placed the tray on the ground and began chugging the wine straight from the bottle. Grinning, she raised her fist up in the air.

"Woo! Give 'em hell, Norrix! Don't die - we still got a dude in distress to save!"

Norrix snarled, backing away a step. The Zanair had regained its ability, and it cracked and hissed at the proximity to the female. She protectively stood in front of where Arkadewi had gone, internally groaning at the human that was now chugging a bottle of wine behind her.

Putting her hands up, Norrix slowly bowed her head. She couldn't protect Arkadewi with a Zanair arrow through her heart. She growled at the approaching guards, warning them to leave her intact. Looking to the queen, she bared her teeth, quietly stating, "Put the Zanair away."

The queen waved dismissively, and the guards put their weapons down. One approached Norrix, and a set of handcuff gleamed in his grip - they hissed, and Norrix felt dread well in her chest as she realized the cuffs were embued with Zanair as well - they truly meant to subdue her, then.

Defeated, she put her hands out, allowing the guard to put the cuffs on her wrist. She hissed in pain as they sealed, forming a barrier between her mind and her magic. Following the guard, she looked back at Arkadewi, glaring at the human. "Fix this, girl," she snarled, before passing the door and losing sight of the female.

Down the halls they went, and Norrix was sure to keep track. A left, two rights, another left. A staircase took sight in front of them, and Norrix groaned as they began to descend the steps. She was still stronger than the guard, but to risk setting off an alarm with the Zanair still encasing her wrists would be a death sentence.

She dilligently trudged into a cell, wincing as the door slammed shut. Upon locking, the cuffs unclasped from her hands, and she felt a wave of relief as her body once again connected.

The metal gate was Zanair, and she kicked the cuffs towards it with a disgusted look before retreating to the far corner of the cell, pushing herself into the stone in an effort to stay away from the metal. Despite its hissing and crackling, she projected a small shadow flame into her hand, watching as it danced through what little light shone into the cell.

She knew the queen wouldn't hold her forever, but she was truly hungry - that hadn't been a lie. Sighing, she swiped a finger through her shadow flame, disturbing it enough that it vanished before picking at her fingernails.

Time passed slowly, and it felt like hours before she heard footsteps approaching her cell. She stood, lowering into a defensive stance in the corner, shadows dancing at her fingers. ho had the queen sent now?

Queen Ygraine, Arkadewi, Sir Mort

Indirect mentions: Norrix

The Queen swallowed the lump in her throat as the faerie was led away, yet she knew well enough that this was not the time to show weakness. She steeled herself back into a calculating gaze as her eyes rested at the heroine, who was cheerfully waving goodbye at Norrix.

Arka looked back up at the Queen who returned to sit on her throne as the knights pulled back, each seemed to be struggling against their own Zanair-induced bloodlust - but also well-trained enough to control themselves and put the Zanair blades back in their sheathes.

"This room is back to dull as ever," Arka groaned as she stepped over the puddle of piss and more attendants rushed in as the knights stepped out, trying to look as small as possible as not to attract the Queen's attention while they cleaned up the mess that the servant girl left. Arka took one more swig of her bottle as she moved to the center of the room, standing proudly before the Queen. "But you have to admit - it sure look brighter without all that Zanair darkness!"

The Queen took a deep breath. The heroine clearly got on her nerves, yet her tone was even and diplomatically warm when she addressed her.

"Do tell, Heroine, you don't seem affected by the arrest of your companion. Does it mean you care not what happens to her?"

Arka did not skip a beat with her answer. "I do."

The Queen raised her eyebrows in feigned sympathy. "And why is that..?"

"Because she promised to retrieve my lover, and I doubt she can do that from behind the bars."

"I see." The Queen studied her expression, but there was not much to be studied but misplaced brazenness. "Then this lover is very important to you, I take it. Would you not do anything to rescue him, even without Lady Norrix?"

"I will," Arka, for once, considered her position and made an awkward, slight bow that barely counted as a bow. "If you'll allow me, Your Majesty."

"That I cannot allow. You have no proper escort, who knows what havoc you will wreak on the faerie's land. What dangers you will bring home!" the Queen raised her finger to stop Arka from protesting. "I might have allowed it had you been accompanied by a powerful, responsible noble, such as the esteemed prince of the Grate Brie Kingdom." There was venom in her voice when she spoke the word prince, as if it greatly hurt her to say so.

"Alas! A shame. I had thought you came here with a proposition for gold as you usually do. Certainly would have made it easier. Have you no longer thirst for gold coins, Child?"

Arka frowned. "Of course I still want gold, but there is more pressing matter, my Queen. But you are wrong, Glorious One. I thirst for beer. Gold would be hard to swallow."

"Then would you be interested in an important, secret quest, Heroine?"

Arka's eyes sparkled in excitement. She stepped closer and spoke next in a hushed tone. "Secret, my Queen?"

"Come closer. We cannot allow others to hear about this." The Queen gave a dismissing wave to the others. "Leave us."

The guards seemed unsure, particularly after the previous mess. They, however, had no choice but obey. Arka climbed up the steps to the Queen's throne, close enough for the Queen to whisper after the last person left the room.

"There is an enemy to the throne. A traitorous bastard named Adrys from the Grate Brie Kingdom seeks to undermine my rule and bring ruin to this Queendom. You are the esteemed Heroine of the Queendom who will smite our enemies and preserve peace, are you not?"

Arka nodded, excited. "Do you want me to kill him?"

The Queen smiled. "I merely wish for the safety of the people, Heroine. And I will pay the right price for it. However, I cannot catch that man openly without risking another war. You, on the other hand, can operate in the shadows and do what needs to be done without anyone suspecting a thing. You are righteous and intelligent, I believe you will aid us in this time of need even without a Royal Decree."

Arka seemed to try her hardest at comprehension.

"Make sure that man never enter this Queendom again, secretly, and I will reward you with enough for a party that lasts ten nights. This is between you and I, no one else shall know. Can this Queendom rely on you, Heroine?" The Queen made a gesture of zipping her mouth shut and Arka nodded, imitating the gesture.

A wide grin grew on Arka's face. "Of course, my Queen."

"Good." The Queen sighed, leaning back to her throne. "Off with you now, prepare yourself for tonight's banquet. Your services to this Queendom have been exemplary, Heroine Arkadewi. We are proud to have you here."

Sir Mort was standing right outside the throne room's entrance when Arka came out, two attendants in tow. "They will aid you in preparing for tonight's banquet, Heroine," he said, and Arka was lead away grumbling by the two attendants. He looked around the hall before entering the throne room.

The Queen was expecting him with a calm look on her person.

"I believe you are already wise of what I am about to say, my Queen, and I shall not waste your time."

The Queen sighed. "Worry not. She will be out by nightfall if she agrees to my terms."

"Terms..?"

"That bastard!" The Queen harked. Sir Mort's gruff expression remained unchanged, but it was clear there was an understanding between them.

"This is quite the gamble you are partaking in, Your Majesty. A dangerous one. I fear there might be seen consequences."

"It is killing several birds with one stone, Sir Mort. Deadly birds that might ruin us all. I have been under the impression that you are loyal to the Queendom."

"As I have all my life, Your Majesty."

"If the faeries are truly against us, they will not return. Yet if they return, they will bring to me something I need to prolong my rule for a few more years, buy me enough time to ensure my son will succeed the throne. Enemies are circling my crown like a vulture." The Queen swiped a finger to her crown in an impatient motion.

"Pardon my ignorance, my Queen, but I suppose the same enemies will use Lady Norrix's arrest to try undermine your rule. Lady Norrix has very powerful allies in the Court who will not be happy once the news reach their ears. With that kind of commotion earlier, it is impossible to stop gossip from spreading."

"Escaping will paint her guilty, Sir Mort. The Heroine will go at any cost - and we have seen Lady Norrix's loyalty to that unruly child, for whatever reason. She will not let the Heroine go alone - we are counting on that."

The Queen paused, awaiting Sir Mort's response. But the man remained quiet. She nodded. "Yes, if you have no more objection, then deliver my offer to Lady Norrix."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

"And get that trojan horse out of my garden!"

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Sir Mort

Direct mentions: Norrix

Sir Mort's dark figure emerged from the darkness, wearing a long, flowing robe made of a dark, high-quality fabric, with a high collar that sits neatly around his neck. The robe was trimmed with a deep purple color, adding a regal touch to his appearance. Underneath was a similarly dark and well-tailored tunic with a purple pocket square. His gaze, similarly colored as his greying hair at the temples, scanned Norrix in the corner.

"Oh, don't worry about me, old friend. I'm just here to ensure that you're enjoying your stay in our lovely accommodations," he commented drily when Norrix lowered to a defensive stance. "The great Lady Norrix, brought down to the level of common criminals. How the mighty have fallen. I must say, this dungeon has a certain charm to it, don't you think? The rats and the mold add a certain je ne sais quoi to the experience."

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Queen Ygraine, Arkadewi

Direct mentions: Adrys

The banquet hall was grand, adorned with glittering chandeliers and walls draped in luxurious tapestries. The tables were set with fine china, crystal goblets, and silverware. The air was thick with the aroma of succulent dishes being served, and soft music filled the room.

In the center of the hall, there was a raised dais with a lavish seat where the heroine sat. She looked radiant in her resplendent yellow gown, with ornate hair pieces resting on her flowing hair. A beast's giant head, full of dry blood on its fur, was placed as a trophy on a table by her side.

As the feast was underway, various speakers took turns praising the heroine's courage, wisdom, and selflessness. Despite the questioning look on some of the guests, particularly at the mention of wisdom, they all cheered and applauded when Arka raised a glass to herself by the end of every speech. Soon the crowd had turned rowdy and disheveled, the music turned into something much less gentle as guests began to drunkenly break into dance-offs. The banquets held for the heroine had long been depleted of dainty young noblewomen and proud settled nobles, instead attracting aspiring politicians who did not know yet what they got into or young noblemen who would face less repercussions for drunken mishaps. Mostly her folks were the knights and the guards who were dying for a wild party where shame be damned.

Just as the night descended far enough for the heroine to begin taking off her chemises, a loud, stern voice killed the vibes.

"Announcing Queen Ygraine of Amara, The Balls-Cutter, Sovereign of Camelittle, Protector of the Fourth Territory, Champion of Morvindra, Defender of Humankind!"

The drunk crowd went hush very quickly, the knights struggling to put back their clothes properly and retain whatever honor they might salvage.

"The Queen never visit the Heroine's Banquet!" Someone squeaked, promptly followed by a dull thud and a little cough as someone shushed him with his elbow.

The Queen entered, dressed as regal as she should be in any social gatherings.

"Go on," she said as she made her way to the throne at the end of the banquet table, parting the crowd that fell into their knees as she passed. Several beats late, the musicians switched back to the gentle music that played at the beginning of the night.

Queen Ygraine stood at the center of the grand hall, a forced smile on her face as she introduced the next guest. "The Queendom has been saved from another monster thanks to our brave heroine Arkadewi!" She nodded to Arkadewi, who grumbled as she tightened back the strings of her corset and made her way to the Queen's side, lifting up her chin in a hack attempt to look dignified.

"In this opportune moment, may I introduce Lord Adrys of...," Queen Ygraine hesitated for a moment, her distaste for the man almost palpable. "Of the neighboring kingdom. Come forth, Lord Adrys."

Arkadewi's brown eyes swept the crowd in excitement mixed with annoyance, trying to figure out which one was this important figure that was so important that he needed to be introduced in the middle of her party. Then, almost miraculously, it clicked in her mind.

"Adrys..?" she whispered to the Queen, and the Queen nodded slightly, trying her best to be discreet.