Dreamed Into Life

[Ravna]

"Not here. When we are alone." She takes Illiana back to her rooms, letting the younger woman talk of this and that on the way. 

[Illianna]

Once we are along I share my thoughts. "Trigger is barly more than a boy you'll do well to give him chances to prove himself to the others. Once he feels he's earned the respect of the others the bear clan he represents will be strong allies and our best reconnaissance. Runs is right she needs our help. Their mostly older women and fighting every day means their skills which we rely on for trade are suffering. Put trigger and some of his men in charge of it give them the chance to help and gain their respect. Two birds with one stone." I smile then I take a breath "be carful of Eikbrounder. I don't trust him. He was the only one to loom you dead in the eye and even dare approach. And when not speaking he's the strongest one besides you in that room and he's ramping up for a power grab. You'll find him to be bolder over this next year. Watch him closely for he can be a danger to you if you let him."

[Ravna]

Ravna waves a hand. "Dont' worry about Elkbrounder. I have him under control."

[Illianna]

I nod gently "May I sit in on a few more sessions? I think I'm getting a very old idea of your deplomacy"

[Ravna]

"Have you been taught our writing system?"

[Illianna]

"Yes, I'm not as good as I'd like to be but I can read and write enough"

[Ravna]

"The young woman who takes notes -- you saw her today -- she is slow. I wish for you to take her place."

[Illianna]

"Then I will join you for tomorrow's meetings." I say glad to finally be useful. "Is there anything else love?" I smile sweet as honey

[Ravna]

"That will be all." Ravna bows, then heads out. 

[GamesMaster]

The next day is the final day of meetings for the moon, where the last of it will be concluded before another round of raiding goes on. And so, nobody is expecting anything too surprising. 

Certainly nothing like what happens: the door is flung open, and a stranger is thrust in at spearpoint. "Peace, peace!" he begs. "I come with news from Castelia!"

"Let him speak," says Ravna, sounding almost bored. 

"The King demands the return of his daughter, as the lying traitor Arielle is to be put to death by exposure for her treachery. He is prepared to offer a handsome ransom, and has offered this as a down payment." He holds forth a ring with several high-quality diamonds, arranged in the shape of a flower. A ring familiar to Illiana....

[Illianna]

My mothers ring... my heart stops briefly. I'm on my feet quickly and stochastic him "where did you get this." It's a low growl but I must know certain if she is safe or not

[Ravna]

"Sit." Ravna demands. 

The diplomat ignores her. "The king's former mistress, now deceased, was given this as a token of the king's favor."

[Illianna]

The swing is stronger than I had expected and he falls to the floor. "My mother was a queen you cur." I spit on him. I turn to my wife heart quick with rage.  "He's gone too far." I whisper in Maldivian

[Ravna]

Ravna stands, anger flashing in her eyes. "Leave us," she demands, looking at Illiana. Then, to the men who brought in the diplomat: "Take him to the dungeons."

[Illianna]

I take a deep breath to steady myself then another. I curtesy saying "you know where to find me my love" before wishing myself away to my tree to breath and think