The North (Closed)

[heartofcourage]

“Gods…” She whimpered as Sam came, collapsing on her as his hips continued to rut roughly against her.

Their love making was frantic, rough, making up for all the time that they had lost during her illness.

“Eldere.” She murmured against his ear, gently biting down on his flesh as he grew harder again.

It didn’t take long before she found her own pleasure, her body tensing in a way that was almost painful. She let out a cry, tears wetting her lashes as the emotion of the moment took over.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam slowed as she came, cradling her tightly to his chest and kissing every bit of her throat and shoulders. "I love you," he whispered, finding himself overcome at the same time. He wasn't ashamed of the tear that streaked down his face when he finally sat up and took a deep breath. Still buried between her thighs to the hilt, his fingers brushed over her cheek, trailed down her neck and between her breasts, over her stomach, and came to rest on her scarred hip.

Both of them had so many scars now. Sam saw in them not ugliness or valor, but their story together. Another couple of tears fell and he took her face in his hands to kiss her again. "I love you," he repeated softly, deep green eyes meeting light blue. "Gods, I love you." He could find no other words to tell her just how deep that love went, but there was something new between them since Sam had taken on Dzana's gifts. Fiona had always been able to connect with others' emotions, but to Sam, it was new. Connecting more deeply with his wife- now that the Hunger was burned away- was perhaps just what he needed most in that moment. His quiet strength and gentle inferno of a mind were like a comforting hearth in deep winter. He radiated not just physical heat as ever, but a soft, intense warmth reserved just for his wife.

Intertwining his fingers with hers, he pressed a kiss to the back of her scarred hand and closed his eyes, losing himself in Fiona for a precious moment. He settled beside her, letting her tuck her head beneath his chin while his arm draped over her. He was in no hurry to leave her, and the relative peace around them and their collective injuries meant that he could simply lay with her as long as they liked without interruption.

"I missed you," he whispered, speaking to all the time they'd been emotionally or physically parted by everything weighing on the North and themselves. "I missed just being your husband..."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona stretched luxuriously against his side, her body soft and warm in a way that she had greatly missed. He wasn't about to let her forget that he was there in that moment, his hands, his words, his thoughts all surrounding her. She sighed as his great arms wrapped around her and held her tightly against his naked body.

"I always knew you were there. You were always there." She gave him a lazy smile. "Incessantly sometimes."

"I've been a terrible wife." She murmured, raising a hand to press against his lips and stop his protests. "I have, Samuel. I gave you kits, I loved you, I supported you, but I never truly made you a home. I never wanted to be there in Norway. I tried, but it was never where my soul was. For that, eldere, I'm truly sorry."

Her hand cupped his cheek, bringing him down for a long, slow kiss. She sighed as she reconnected with her husband, nuzzling against him as if she couldn't get close enough.

"Did you really just rut against me like an untried virgin?" Fiona whispered, a teasing tone in her voice as a smile appeared on her face, her nose wrinkling and laughter bubbling as she found joy in their situation.

 

[KieranSoares]

Laughter felt almost foreign after such a long time, but Sam couldn't help a deep, rusty chuckle while he pressed his forehead to hers. "You make me forget myself sometimes," he reasoned, stealing a gentle kiss. "If I recall... You've tackled me like a vixen in heat a few times too."

Kissing her again, he pressed into her warmth and let out a content sigh. "You've always been the mate I needed and wanted. I don' need you to be Rider Queen, mother, councilwoman, and a homemaker. You already do too much." Studying her now-clear blue eyes, a smile spread across his face in a way she hadn't seen in weeks, if not months. "For all we've been through... I wouldn't trade a moment with you."

 

[heartofcourage]

"One day it'll be just the two of us again. Alone in a little cabin. Soma safely on his throne. Tati grown. Riley off on her adventures." Fiona murmured as she snuggled against his side. "And I will make you a home. I promise."

A few days later, the dawn was rising with clarity through the mists of the Scottish city. There was a solemnity to the day which settled over all the camp. The new recruits had been given the day off as the Axemen and the Northern Riders would be busy with something else.

Riley carefully buckled her belt over her armor, her eyes lifting to take in the sight in the mirror before her. Battle gear, she thought to herself as she looked over her leather armor and the Ghis cloak settled over her shoulders. Her mother had sent an antique cloak pin with the head of a bear engraved which she had carefully pinned to the tartan. Pulling on her Northern armband, she fidgeted slightly with her image looking back. She was too serious and grown, she thought to herself as she tugged at her leather riding gloves. She was too much like her father, she thought as a slight smile crossed her lips. With her claymore, dagger, and sword, she was ready.

Sweeping out of the yurt, she stopped in her tracks to see the Axemen already there and waiting. Marth stood proudly before them, his scales shined and polished. Her husband was already mounted on Rikki, waiting as patiently as ever. She gave Andre a soft smile and nod to let him know that she was ready.

"Uncles." She called, walking towards the three of them with purpose. "There is no need for a full escort. I'm meeting with the Judges on behalf of Kate. It's just a meeting."

It wasn't just a meeting. It was a decision for the future. What payment would they ask of her and who would take the empty Blackstone seat? Her mother would be there, but only as the Rider Queen. It was known among the Judges of her decision and she had told Riley that she would make it known publicly. Who took the Blackstone seat was up to the siblings. For the first time in generations, the Blackstones had a wealth of individuals to call upon...if they would answer the call.

 

[KieranSoares]

Durban was at the head of his most elite and venerated men, only a fraction of the entire force, but easily its finest and most proven. Unlike the scarred and battle-tested armor they usually wore, each man and woman was in their dress uniform of a great kilt over a fine tunic with shined boots, bracers, and military tam bonnet hats. With his brothers at either side, he faced Riley- the daughter of his rightful king and the Rider Queen- with a formality she rarely saw.

"As Princess of Inverness, it's the duty of the Axemen to stand beside you when facing foreign dignitaries," Durban replied resolutely. "Especially on Scottish soil. It's time we took up our proper mantles again. And it's only right tha' we stand beside the High Queen and the Rider Queen as well."

Boar and Brogan nodded in agreement, and Boar added, "If these Judges want to deal with the Blackstones, they deal with the entire Ghis Clan. We're one an' the same now. Have been since even before yer mother married our Sam."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Well…” Riley said as she looked at the axemen assembled. “I suppose as a Princess of Inverness, I’ll let you lead the way.”

She kissed each of them on the cheek, pausing as her grandfather straightened her cloak pin. She had no idea where her mother had gotten it, but it seemed from the look on Brogan’s eyes, he knew.

“Marth! I’ll walk with them.” Riley called to her partner, allowing he and Rikki to start on their way as she took up position with her family on the way to the gathering spot.

Fiona was finishing her own preparations, sitting still as a maid intricately braided her hair. She briefly closed her eyes as her crown was pinned into place, quietly thanking the woman before turning to look at Soma as he stood silently out of the way.

“I wanted to have a moment before all of this happened.” Fiona said quietly, stepping to her own mirror to look upon her armor.

The dragon scale had all been repaired and was Samuel’s finest work. It shined white in the light from the sun breaking through the windows, Schaller’s elder scales as finely prepared as the most expensive jewels. She fixed her bracers and glanced at her son, taking in his sullen and serious expression.

“You’ve been like this for weeks.” She murmured softly. “Not talking. Trying so hard to not feel. You are like your father in so many ways.”

She turned and held out for her hand for the cloak that hung beside him. “And I fear that I’m at fault. You saw me too many times taking the slings and arrows that would be despots had to throw at me without a word. Today, I will do the same.”

She took the offered cloak and threw it over her shoulders, the dark blue border of the cloak highlighting every spot of white that she wore. Carefully, she buckled the heavy epilates to hold it in place, dragon faces gracing her shoulders with blinking blue scaled eyes

“But…my dearest love…will you be the king of Inverness the same way? I won’t begrudge your horrors and sorrows. You wear them upon you as you should, plain as day. They will applaud you for that rare honesty, but I ask you, can your soul, as soft as it’s always been, truly take the weight of what’s before it?”

 

[KieranSoares]

It had been a long while since Soma had allowed himself to be alone with his mother, having avoided her requests to talk to him privately. He always found an excuse, be it a meeting or heading out especially early to continue overseeing his many plans and projects. But the gravity of the situation with the Judges had brought Soma there that day. He had come to his mother himself, and had stayed there til they could talk alone. He had clearly given in to simply needing his mother, having nearly lost her and kept at a distance for his own safety while the Hunger raged.

As his mother faced him and they were left alone after the maid left, Soma quietly, almost timidly, moved in beside her and let his head drop to her shoulder. Wrapping his arm around her, she could feel his fingers dig into her cloak. Unlike his father and many Ghis men before him, Soma had always been much more honest about his feelings with his family and especially his mother.

"I'm sorry, Ma," he muttered, taking in a shaky breath. "I'm sorry I'm not strong enough... I just wanted to get us home. I wanted to get you back to Grandpa Ephriam... I wanted to get the Ghis Clan back where they belong. And I'm not good enough to do it right. All these... Awful things keep happening because I'm not prepared enough. I couldn't figure out the Hunger. Riley had to go off across the whole world to do it, and I was helpless-"

It all came spilling forth at once. One moment of tenderness and concern from his mother had broken the shaky dam keeping his guilt and sorrows bottled up. He simply wasn't built to hold that pain in, always more open and sensitive than many stubborn Ghis.

"I almost gave up on you," Soma admitted softly what felt like his greatest sin. "I thought this would all be for nothing if I lost you on the way."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Who asked you to solve it?” Fiona asked as she held her son tightly. “My love…it’s not for you to solve.”

She pulled back and took his face in her hands. “Margaret died young. My mother died young. The ones that mean the most burn brightly and burn out just as quickly.”

“Soma, this is all so much bigger than ourselves. Inverness has stood strongly independent for hundreds of years. I will be just a small mark on its history.” She said with a smile on her face. “And I’m proud of that…no matter how it ends. I found your father. I had my children, whom I love dearly. I had a family, which is all I ever wanted. That’s what I choose to remember when all of this silly regalia is stripped away. My family.”

“You have always been so incredibly bright. But not even you can solve all of the issues of this world. You will play your part in Inverness’s history and it’ll be up to you how you feel about your short time there as well.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"Maybe we will be just names in a history book someday," Soma murmured, meeting his mother's gaze as a tear streaked down his face. "But you're the most important person in my story. This clan is everything to me. No one had to ask me to do everything I've done for this family. They didn't have to."

He leaned into her embrace again. "I joined this fight because of your dream to take us all home... I stayed because I realized it wasn't just about you. It's for so many people, and so many reasons. I don't regret that... Even if it hurts."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona hugged her son tightly, knowing his uncertainty and fear. They had all shared it over the past months. Today, however, was too important to let those thoughts bring them to their knees.

“Now, straighten your shoulders. Dry your eyes.” Fiona murmured, pulling back from his embrace to give him a soft smile. “We are the royal family of Inverness today. You must act as emperious as any prince.”

She kissed his cheek and then took his good arm, letting him lead her out of the chambers and into the great hall. Beyond the dragons had gathered, the riders all waiting a bit impatiently.

“Da.” She murmured as she saw Owen, kissing his cheek. He had stubbornly insisted that he would come and represent the Blackstones alongside his grandchildren, and she had to admit that she was pleased he was there.

She paused beside Jani as her commander made last second adjustments to Tati’s saddle. “If she’s thrown in flight, I’m taking it out of your hide.”

 

[KieranSoares]

Jani gave Fiona a smirk over her shoulder. "If that happens, she's already an expert in how to react. And I've got other Riders watching her back just in case." Beside her, even Dola was there, coming to support the clan in its entirety, and she gave Fiona a slight bow of her head in respect as she passed. Blair soon fell into step behind her half-sister's family, proudly clad in the colors of Scotland and House Aleister instead of her previous Dyne armor under the Royers.

When all of the Blackstones were gathered with their partners, the Axemen fell in close behind along with other close friends, Ghis family members, and veterans who'd given their all for the Ghis Clan. Still inside the castle gathered around the throne, the powerful and united front of Kate, her Lord Protector, and their partners stood strong. And accompanying them came young Brogan in a proper prince's military uniform in his mother's colors, and his bodyguard and Lady Protector to-be, Shani. Facing the Judges was not just the charge of the Blackstones. It was the duty of the ones at the head of the Northern Alliance who claimed the Rider Queen as both ally and soldier.

For their part, the Judges had not stayed in Edinburgh despite being offered their own quarters. There was still deep suspicion and mistrust for them by some members of the Ghis Clan, so they had decided on their own to make camp outside the city walls and stay with their dragon partners. They didn't like to be separated anyway. This had made Odessa and Speaker Xia Hou the major points of contact for Kate and her fellows, while the rest kept to themselves. That was, except for Steris. Steris had been seen regularly at Owen's own camp away from the bustle of the city, quietly talking with his dearest brother's only son.

The Northerners gathered in Edinburgh Castle's courtyard, making space along the main path from the inner gates. While not everyone would attend the meeting, many there simply wanted to be in reach if something went wrong. Despite how the Judges had followed Kate's laws and done their best for Fiona, there was a danger in the air thanks to their ruthless and loner reputation. Everyone knew they had ancient connections to the Blackstones and were coming to extract some kind of price. But no one knew what to expect.

The courtyard gates, standing half-open and well-guarded, began to swing further inward. Most conversation in the courtyard stopped and all eyes turned to see the Tiger in his leather armor and draped cloak, Speaker Xia Hou, enter first. Right behind him came Lady Odessa, ducking through the gateway. Behind her came the ranks of the Judges, two-by-two, dressed in their armor and flowing tunics and cloaks from their homeland. No other dragon came in with them, but several could be seen gliding overhead and keeping watch over their partners.

Xia Hou paused in the center of the courtyard with Odessa at his back, and he lifted a hand in a peaceful gesture toward those standing guard at the castle doors. For the sake of formality and ceremony in respect to the Northerners, Xia Hou turned toward the highest authority he could see present: Fiona. "Rider Queen. The Judges of Ararat have come for our appointed audience with the yourself, Scotland's High Queen, and the leaders of Clan Ghis. Will you welcome us in and escort us to Her Majesty's throne? We would speak in Queen Katherine's court, out of respect for the hospitality we have been shown."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona stood on her own on the steps of the castle, her spine straight as an arrow as she clasped her hands in front of her. Her eyes betrayed nothing as Xia Hou spoke, the sounds of nervous energy radiating from those gathered around them. Many of the Judges had yet to see her looking so healthy and hale, her gaze as neutral as her reputation had led them to believe.

"For the Lady Odessa's comfort, I lend her one of my most trust advisors." She turned and glanced at Markos, giving him a slight nod. "And I ask that all weapons remain here outside of the great hall."

She accentuated her words by unbuckling her own weapon's belt, passing it to Soma who stood near. "We are weapon enough without the threat of steal."

Fiona didn't wait to see if they would comply. Turning, her cloak swept a wide circle on the stone step. From her pocket, she pulled her seeing stone, the symbol on the surface worn from years of use. Holding it in the palm of her right hand, she carefully crossed her hands in a gesture of offering as she took the first sure steps into the great hall.

 

[KieranSoares]

As Fiona entered, she found Bo standing in the large stone foyer in his fine uniform, Shani just beside and behind in a similar position to Kell when he stood alongside Kate. The young prince stood tall and proud with his blue sash and a shining diamond star badge on his chest marking him as the crown prince. He greeted his aunt with a formal bow in reverence of her position, and a nod to Soma as he joined her, and allowed them past. He greeted Xia Hou and the Judges and joined them on their walk to meet Kate. With Odessa unable to enter the castle, Markos was to act as her intermediary as she connected with him from outside.

Seats had been arranged in the throne room in a large oval, mimicking the Judges' circle at Ararat and placing Kate and her throne at the far end. Kell stood beside his wife and the throne as everyone began to file in and find seats. His golden eyes scanned each Judge for any sign of weapons, odd looks, or any suspicious movements. While they had no reason to believe the Judges would actually harm anyone or cause problems, Kell had heard of their ruthless reputation and was deeply unsettled by how little information he could find about any of them since they were from all corners of the world and deeply secretive.

As the Judges stood beside their chairs, Xia Hou took the center of the circle to face Kate. In unison, the Judges bowed to Kate at her throne, her Lord Protector, her Spymaster, and her closest advisor standing on either side of her as a united, stoic front to support her. Despite all the formality and some tension, there was genuine respect among the Judges for the High Queen. They all knew her story, and they knew it was her hospitality and protection that had kept them fed, attended, and safe in a foreign land.

All fell quiet and all who could remained standing, awaiting Kate's word to be seated and speak. As one of the leaders of the entire Northern Alliance and now with her throne returned, Kate was by far the most powerful person in all of the isles and she would have the ultimate say over how the meeting with the Judges began and ended.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate stood before her throne, dressed in the same black as Kell save for the thick gold chain of state that held her cloak in place and the gold crown of Scotland on her wild red hair. She stood easy before the men and women gathered, her green eyes moving only slightly to look at Fiona.

“You may all be seated.” Kate called as they all took their seats, her hands finding the finely carved arms of her own throne.

Fiona remained standing below Kate’s throne, turning to face the Judges.

“My lords and my ladies. I stand here before you grateful for the chance that you have given me at life. However, I think that we can all be in agreement that there is no place for me amongst you all.” Fiona said with a solemn tone. “In another time and place, I dare say that we might have been enemies. I have sworn to protect and defend. You follow your own path. I never knew the power of my family’s blood. I still don’t know what we are truly capable of. But what I do know is that this generation of Blackstone has a wealth of choice, a luxury that previous generations never had. Three Blackstones will oversee my vacated seat today: my father, Owen, my daughter, Riley, and my sister, Blair.”

There was a quiet murmur at the mention of a sibling, but she betrayed no emotion. “Xia Hou. With your permission, I will take my leave of this circle.”

 

[KieranSoares]

Xia Hou's brows furrowed from the moment she declared she would not take part, only for his curiosity to arise at the mention of Blair. But when Fiona faced him, Xia Hou bowed deeply. "Your Majesty... I think I speak for all of us when we say you certainly have a place in these talks. But I agree with your confidence in your fellows... In particular, the Princess. She has proven to be the mediator of choice between us and your allies. We will not beg you to stay, but you are welcome."

Soma spoke up, facing the Judges with a confidence and coolness he'd lacked in recent weeks. "The debt for your service belongs to the Rider Queen's children, as well as the decision for who- if anyone- will take the seat of a Judge among you. Her Majesty will remain free and independent, as it should be."

Xia Hou nodded, bowing once more to Fiona in deference, and to Soma in respect. "Agreed. In that case, let us broach the topic of our services first, as they lead directly into our inquiries about who will be the first Blackstone Judge since the days of Ephriam."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona looked over at Riley as her daughter straightened her shoulders and stepped into the middle of the circle. It was the most solemn she had ever seen her kit, but it was also a very serious situation.

“I promised on Ararat that you would all remain safe if you journeyed this far.” Riley said, a murmuring of agreement coming from the judges. “I also promised that a threat against my mother’s life would be met at the end of my sword. Both remain true as I stand here before you.”

“I am now here to ask for your price. I am ready to repay the debt that I’ve incurred.” There was a quiet murmuring of those from beyond the circle, but Riley didn’t waver.

 

[KieranSoares]

"The Judges agreed by majority to give aid, and only those willing and able to fight and heal your mother were sent north with you. Our Lord Eshai charged myself and my fellows present here with choosing a fair exchange. And with our Lady Odessa and Brother Steris here among us, we believe we've come to a decision."

Xia Hou glanced at Steris, who sat stone-faced and stern as was the usual for the old man, then toward Markos who was acting as Odessa's ears. "While some of the Judges are still wounded and distrustful because of Ephriam Blackstone's departure, we have all agreed that it is unwise and unfair to charge his descendants with his perceived sins. More than that, our Lord Eshai released Ephriam for his own sake. If it was a choice between Ephriam's leaving or wasting away with us... Those who remember him know that it was best this way. Therefore, we have decided our price will not be influenced by his actions. Instead, we would ask three things."

Xia Hou motioned toward Riley and her siblings and aunt. "First, the appointment of a Blackstone Caller to our circle of Judges. That seat has lain empty too long, and the unique abilities of the Reven line and the sensibilities of a young Caller from outside of Ararat would go a long way in saving our struggling order. We would leave the choice of whom to your family, but they would face Lady Odessa as she has the final say."

Glancing back to Markos, Xia Hou added, "Secondly, we would ask for the appointment of a Karides Judge. As far as anyone knows... Master Markos is the only living member of the Hesperus line."

Markos blinked in surprise but stayed quiet til called upon, looking at Riley briefly to see her reaction.

"And thirdly..." Xia Hou began, looking to Kate as well, "We would request entry to the Northern Alliance. We would follow any tenet set down by the alliance as a whole, and expect protections and benefits in turn. And as your allies, we will aid you in your final fight with the Royers and with the Spanish mercenaries he employs. We have knowledge to share regarding the monstrous Altair. More than that, we wish to join you in defending and expanding the havens you have created. It is time for the Judges to become true Callers and cast off the last shreds of the Arbiter mantle. But this would require great trust and risk on the part of the Blackstone family. We know we do not have your trust or goodwill yet. We would seek to build it, and bring the Judges into the modern age. Despite our love of our homeland... It is time we left Ararat for our own safety. We would move north, with your aid, and find a new place for ourselves in greener pastures."

Some murmuring was already going around between those who knew and protected the havens and refused to trust the Judges thanks to their Arbiter history. Xia Hou stood calm and collected, but several of the Judges looked a bit worried that their requests might be denied, looking at some of the reactions in the room.

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley listened to the three demands and nodded, glancing over at her mother for any kind of guidance. Fiona’s face was neutral, her blue eyes betraying nothing. Riley could feel her thoughts as her eyes flicked towards her daughter.

“Blair and I will split the family responsibilities.” Riley murmured, turning back towards the judges. “The Blackstone seat shall be filled by the both of us. We will work in tandem to ensure that our obligation is filled.”

“You would leave centuries of safety in Ararat?” Kate asked as a nervousness filled the great hall. “For the uncertainty of new pastures? What happens when all of the distrust and fear boils over? Will you still stand strong or will you return to your old ways?”

A murmur grew louder in the hall as all sides were considered. Fiona stared out at all those gathered, images filling her head of both peace and war. They would split. They would fight. There was nothing she could do to stop it. It had to happen for the Judges to grow and leave their current situation.

She was broken from her daze when she felt Sam standing at her shoulder, her head tilting to look up at him. He seemed calm in the midst of everything. Giving him a slight nod, she turned to look back at those gathered.

“A property has already been promised for them.” Fiona announced, causing all conversation to cease. “The Lady Dylandra Ghis has promised the use of her property in the Rus as a haven.”

“Under his majesty’s protection?” Kate asked after a moment. “Surely it is too far away from the others.”

“They want peace and isolation. That is what the property would promise.” Fiona remarked.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Ararat has long been in contention between our order and those who claim it for religious reasons. There are some who will refuse to leave... It has been decided that they must be left behind," Xia Hou admitted gravely. "We are not only an order of Callers and dragons. We have a village full of families, wounded veterans, and lost souls looking for safety and purpose. The Rus, while certainly a harsh change in environment and language, is far safer and more promising for our people. There will be conflict within our ranks, but we will handle it internally."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Handled internally until it bubbles forth and envelopes more than just your callers.” Riley stated bluntly, the air on the room stilling instantly.

“Riley.” Kate said, her gaze a sharp warning to her niece to watch her words.

“I stand by my opinions, your majesty. The order is already volatile and willing to rid themselves of an obstacle if things prove too difficult. What guarantees do we have that they won’t involve the rest of the callers in a civil war?”

“Sometimes diplomacy must rest on blind faith.” Kate retorted. “Ararat has little to offer the North beyond their word. They have upheld important bargains so far.”

Kate tapped her fingers nervously on her throne as she thought long and hard about what was before her. “A haven is not mine to give. If her majesty states that you have a place in the Rus, I leave it up to your two parties to come to terms. As far as joining the Northern Alliance, of course, I cannot speak for my fellow rulers. I just consult with them before any firm promises can be made.”

 

[KieranSoares]

Of the present Judges, a few hackles rose at Riley's blunt reading of their situation. To his credit, Xia Hou remained collected and focused and addressed Riley directly.

"Your concerns are apt," he agreed, earning incredulous looks from those same Judges. "Our order is known to be incredibly stubborn and prone to choosing battle over extended diplomacy. Our Lord Eshai has been working hard to mend that reputation since he was named our leader in Ephriam Blackstone's time. Our predecessors were heavy-handed, to put it politely."

"Speaker," one of the other Judges murmured, trying to warn him not to reveal more.

"We must be honest with ourselves and our hosts," Xia Hou declared, giving a hard glance to the Judges who weren't happy with the turn in the discussion. "Not only to fulfill Lord Eshai's requests, but to protect those in our order who cannot lift a blade or take to the sky. It's time our retired warriors and our children had a taste of safety and peace. We have discussed this ad nauseum for decades. This is the will of the vast majority: to leave Ararat and seek safer pastures. Now that the opportunity has arisen, we will seize it and do so gratefully. No more egos and excuses about traditions."

That scolding silenced the naysayers for the moment, and Xia Hou turned back toward Riley. "You have my vow as the Voice of the Judges that we will do all we can to keep any conflicts solely internal and nonviolent, and request help if needed to avoid conflicts getting out of hand. I hope that may soothe some fears."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Except you are wrong in some ways.” Riley said, taking a step towards the center of the thrones. “This is about tradition. We sit beneath the banners of our houses. We honor the oaths of our ancestors. We wear the colors of our fathers and mothers. We speak the language of our elders. Tradition is what roots and shapes us. Without it; what are we?”

She glanced at her mother, understanding for the first time the power of her position. “But adding ourselves into that tradition is what creates change. I can honor my father’s house while knowing that I am something new. I am the future of that house. The house won’t change for me, I will change it. And in that matter, is that not what Ararat is doing now?”

“Isolation has bred hatred and mistrust. It was those same thing that created the Rider Queen. But still, she stands before us in her husband’s colors with her father’s stone. Change can happen, but you must be willing to see the world not as something to fear, but as something to embrace.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"If you are suggesting a change to our current plans, Princess, I am more than willing to listen and take suggestions to Lord Eshai," Xia Hou assured her, despite some of the Judges looking a bit distrustful. "At this time, many of our people see isolation as the only safe way. But I would disagree. Coming to Scotland, this meeting, the connections I have made here... I see a future in all of this. I see a place for us in the North, where we can be hospitable instead of vicious to strangers. Like yourselves."

 

[heartofcourage]

The conversation stretched on a few moments longer before a small group broke off to discuss further strategy and logistics with Kate in a side room. There was an easiness that filled the room as quiet conversation took place.

Fiona quietly made her way to Steris, Sam following behind her dutifully. “I have something for you.” She said softly as she turned to her husband and held out her hand. “It isn’t much for saving my life, but it’s the least I can do.”

When she turned back, she held a thick, blue velvet bound book, held shut with the Blackstone crest acting as a buckle. “I had it made. It’s all of his works, not just the poetry. His journals. His inner most thoughts. I don’t think I’ll ever make sense of what went on behind in his head, but perhaps you can.”