Between Fire and Purity (Yuuki_Tatsunohi and FlourPower)

[Yuuki_Tatsunohi]

"Did he give any reason why?" she asked. She watched as the Dragon King walked away, his two escorts close at his heels. How could he have done so? Why would he accuse Nissa of growing the illegal plant? It seem like a stretch for him to throw such an accusation, especially at an already established monarch. If he continues to do so, Loretta can already see his relationship with other nations deteriorating. Would this give any indication of the relationship between him and his people? Loretta doubted it, but that was only because she did not know him. She knew Darcelle was well loved in Kuron so it would be a shock to see her younger brother in a much different position than her.

Odd, really. That someone would even purposely try to make enemies. Then again, in the world of politics and prejudice, it really wasn't.

​

The golden eyed servant had just exited the kitchen, a new tray of drinks in hand when another gold eyed fellow passed. Their eyes met briefly, nodding once to let him know they succeeded. The servant waited a few seconds as the other person disappeared before resuming duties, weaving in and around the guests until he reached the person he was looking for.

"The seed has been planted," he said, handing her a lone glass of champagne. "However, only one of company took the bait."

She did not say anything. Instead, she nodded her head and allowed him to return to his duties. She took one sip of the champagne as she watched the dancing crowd before her.

 

[FlourPower]

"Rumors." Nissa said disdainfully. "I suppose it was his way of retaliating against me, as I refused to help him." She was still staring heatedly at where the King had been standing, despite the fact that he had already vanished into the crowd. At Loretta's noise of inquiry, the Queen finally turned away. Underneath her indignity, she still seemed troubled.

"I know you are familiar with the politics of Acraesil, yes?" Nissa asked, flagging down a waiter to retrieve a silver flute. She took a steadying sip as she waited for the duchess to respond. When Loretta had signaled the affirmative, Nissa continued on. "Then you know that Kuron has been suffering with space for some time now. As their population grows, this issue only worsens. I spoke with his sister on the issue years ago, but it had only worsened since then. They simply do not have the space to support their populace." Loretta nodded thoughtfully. She had heard talk of the issue in the past, but had not realized the severity of it.

"I offered him aid... but what he truly needed was more land. He asked for some of ours, not unreasonable considering how much of it we have." Nissa said glumly. "Of course, I had no choice but to refuse." Understanding dawned across Loretta's face.

"Oh my. That is quite a predicament." Loretta said, she too glancing where King Finnian had stood. "Though this is not the first time you had been faced with such an issue."

"No, but it is the first where it truly grieves me to turn someone away. The situation in Kuron is dire. I wish..." Nissa gave a long sigh, for a moment looking much older than her twenty six winters. "Perhaps I will consult with the Priestess later tonight."

 

[Yuuki_Tatsunohi]

"That would be a good idea," Loretta replied, resting her chin on the palm of her hand and sighed. It seems everyone was itching for a piece of Elerian land; if it wasn't the Garanians it was the Kuronites. She understood why as the other countries desire for land is not exactly a well-kept secret. Their size plus Eleria's geographical location when compared to Ursa's far larger area has brought more eyes to their borders than desired. Although, she didn't know about the situation in Kuron until now. "I'll send word to her so she knows to expect you after the Ball tonight."

The Ball continued on, as if nothing happened regarding the exchange between the Dragon King and the Unicorn Queen. Royals and nobles interacted, danced and drank to their heart's desire. Empress Kuzunoha approached Queen Nissa for a quick chat followed by Queen Pardo when Alpha Cerberus had failed to return after needing to find a restroom. Finnian, on the other hand, had met with the Hellhound ruler followed by introducing himself to Tsar Nikvgh, the elderly ruler of the Bears. Finnian spent a great deal of time with Nikvgh, mainly because the older man was going senile and often Finnian had to remind the old man the last topic of their conversation. Afterwards, Finnian continued to converse and meet with other important political figures in order to make an impression.

Like all things, the Ball came to an end. An Elerian servant sounded a horn, calling the attention of everybody in attendance. Everyone stood before an elegantly decorated balcony and all the royal monarchs lined up at the very front. All listened attentively to the hostess make her closing speech. Whether or not they got along with the Queen, they all agreed the ball was splendid and well received.

Finnian was waiting for the Queen to finish, thinking of other options for Kuron's situation to pursue since she had refused when he heard a goblet crash.

"Gilroy!" Reagan shouted. Finnian whipped around just in time to catch his escort. The young man clutched tightly onto Finnian, crushing his arm. Gilroy's breathing became heavier and heavier till he was heaving. His eyes were fat black pools, laced with fear and confusion. Finnian could hear the murmurs of the crowd, the cries of Reagan as he tries to help his comrade, but he paid no attention to them. Instead he watched as Gilroy's inevitable death arrived, his eyes gradually growing blank and staring far beyond into nothing. Finnian peeked into his mouth to see his tongue stained a dark purple; a familiar sight to the Albino Dragon King.

"Reagan, he is gone," he said. "There was nothing we could do." With two fingers, he closed Gilroy's eyelids and bowed his head. "May Ourobouros welcome you into his Circle," he prayed. He gently set the body of his escort down and stood up. He removed his mask and with his loudest voice said, "People of Acraesil, today we have witnessed a truly grave crime. A crime that has disturbed our day of peace and coming together on this evening. That woman before us—" he pointed at Nissa, drawing all attention to her "—has conspired against the Dragons by poisoning my escort in an attempt to kill me and—" his pupils turned to slits as horns began to appear on the top of his head "—murdering my sister, Queen Darcelle!"