Session 24: Honor and Reward Report

General Summary

“My lord, your emissary has arrived.”   With a deep bow the servant backed away from the dais on which the golden throne of High King Ulther was placed. Without a single misstep he backed away into the shadowed colonnades that flanked the impressive main hall of Nimmerburg keep, the High King’s seat of power within the realm of Neverhold.   The flames of the candles within the many chandeliers that illuminated the hall began to flicker wildly as a beautiful and ageless fey matron strode up to the dais. She was dressed in a gown of numerous shades of blue which accentuated her dark eyes and lips. Tiny ice crystals seemed to sparkle from her pale white skin, reflecting the dancing candlelight, making her approach seem even more mesmerizing.   While other courtiers within the king’s hall fell silent at her approach, the High King himself seemed unimpressed. He watched her glide closer through half-opened eyes. The moment she reached the edge of the dais he straightened himself and sat up, only to immediately begin slouching down again.
“Vivienne, welcome my dear. What news do you bring from the mortal realm? How was the celebration of their latest heroes?”   Vivienne, mistress of winter and matron of Whitewail, emissary to the lands of Irminsul and patron to the De La Roost family, made the slightest of curtsy before answering.
“The proceedings were formal, but interesting. The group of young knights was brought before the human king, who asked them to recount their deeds. He gifted them steeds from his personal stables as well as a title and some land.”   The High King rolled his eyes and yawned.
“So, the same as always. No grand tournaments? Duels among friends over the hand of a shared love? These knights are so much more boring than they used to be.”   The fey matron bowed her head to hide her distaste of the High King’s decorum.
“If you say so, my liege. They did earn these rewards by fighting a human who used forbidden magics to turn himself into a dragon. Far from uninteresting, wouldn’t you say?”   His interests peaked, the High King leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees, seeking Vivienne’s eyes with his.
“Yes. That is true. Maybe they are worthy of more of our attention. Tell me, Lady Vivienne, one of these knights is Liliana, no? The latest of the De La Roost line to be placed in your care? How did she fare?”   With more than a little pride, the noblewoman returned her lord’s gaze.
“Admirably. She refused to join one of the circles, out of loyalty to you, my liege.”   A wicked grin appeared on the king’s face.
“To me, lady Vivienne, or to you?”   Refusing to be intimidated, the fey matron kept their gazes locked.
“Is there any difference, my lord? She defers to me, but understands I am your loyal subject. Whatever you need, she will see it done.”   It was the High King that broke the stare down by leaning back on his throne. The grin on his face melted away and boredom returned to his eyes.
“If you say so. Too bad though, it could have been beneficial to have a servant within the mortal knight circles.”   Not wanting to accept any disrespect for her charge, Vivienne did not let go of the argument.
“She did accept the title and the land. She is now partly in charge of the district of Keralon known as Dogtown. I believe it is lord Galaron who oversees that section of the area.”   His eyes now almost completely closed, the High King waved her away, signaling the audience had come to an end.
“Then go bore him with this. I care little for your pet and her friends. Come back when they do something truly interesting.”   With another almost imperceptible curtsy Vivienne excused herself before backing away to the colonnades, similarly to the servant a few minutes earlier. She was growing increasingly tired and frustrated with the High King and his antics. Still, the less interested in ruling he became, the more he gave away his power, and more than a fair share had fallen to her.   Vivienne hurried to leave the palace. She wished to be gone before the High King remembered her and sought her out to alleviate his boredom in one way or another. As she stepped through the grand doors onto the courtyard beyond, she caressed the medallion that hung around her neck, a memento of Liliana. Regardless of what the High King thought, she was proud of her latest project. She had high hopes for her own knight. Hopes that she and her friends could one day do what so many others had failed to. She reached her carriage and with an angry glare made the servants help her get inside. Before she accepted the driver’s hand, she made sure the medallion stayed in its place between her bosoms. It would not go well for those here who would see the insignia of its back, the flower and butterfly of long lost Immerglade.