Welcome to Gaia! ::

Company:: Youkimi and Dixon
Clothing:: Prince Outfit (look at picture)
Feeling:: Concern and a slight guilt
Condition:: Healthy
Location:: Garden ---> council meeting hall
Currency:: 1359¢ EC
Items:: Dyrnwyn, gift necklace (hidden)
OOC:: No doubt about it, I'm having fun wit it! ; D


What Dixon said held some shocking truth to it. Though Roland wasn't on good terms with the nonnative puffy chested man, he did realize that he wasn't too clear on how Youkimi felt about everything; The weight of the many needs of the refugees thrusted upon her shoulders. The fact that he thought Youkimi strong was the very reason he gave her the position, because he thought she wanted to make a difference for her people in his community, but maybe he is expecting too much from a single person. Perhaps it was unfair of Roland to want to have Youkimi in this straining position, especially after seeing how upset the count was when whispering in the woman's ear.

Indeed Youkimi and Dixon had a relationship of some kind, as friends or master and commander, which Roland was creating a wedge within by accident.

Feeling as though he's brought unwanted attention to her, Roland kindly bows when Youkimi asks to be shown to the library or conference room and swiftly dose the prince begin to show the way to a quite place they may all chat. "The old throne room has been reinvented as the council's meeting hall. We can speak there for now." Thank the gods it wasn't that far from the area of the garden they were currently at but the walk was rather silent. Roland didn't know quite what to say to defuse tension but he did know what he wanted to ask once in the room.

Two guards were called to join them by Roland's silent command of hand, and they each made sure to be behind Youkimi and Dixon so to close the doors. No one was to enter the council's meeting hall at this time and no one was to repeat what is said here in the room. The guards knew this rule and respected their fellow knight's wish, but Roland wasn't so sure about the other two...Her trusted Youkimi yet Dixon was another story. With everyone in the room Roland would pick up where they left off and speak to Dixon openly. "Before I go flapping my mouth I want to know if there is even any point in trying to negotiate a trade with you, count Dixon. Your queen has approved Bellris to work on this road...Do you also wish to join progress or will you make it clear you want nothing to do with me at this time? Make no mistake, what deal we strike here and now will only be between you and I as man to man, but afterwords if you wish to make a deal I will need the rest of the Council to do so...So, where is it that you stand Dixon?"

Hysteria stood like a stature in the center of the hall, the only proof she wasn't in fact one was the slight rise and fall of her chest and an occasional blink. Her son, now a month old, asleep in her arms. His blonde hair had already started to darken, making him look more and more like his father. She had stationed eight, loyal, Bellris born guards at four doors. Two of those doors where behind Hysteria guarded by four guards and when Youkimi finally stopped four guards guarding two doors where behind her as well. She watched the Baroness with her guard, noticed the blue stitching even from this far away, she recognized him on the fact that he was not Bellrisian- he did not hold the features that seemed to come with being born in the cold north, the hands where that of a swordsmen not a farmer.

Hysteria didn't bother smiling, but she wasn't frowning either. Neutrality. She had no problem with Youkimi upon the council, but she wasn't going to allow it so easily, not without finding out what she wanted to know. "Welcome to Castle Bellris Baroness Kai. If you desire to come closer so we may speak in a more civilized and softer tone you may, but your guard will stay where he currently stands, A chair will be provided for him if he needs it" Hysteria stated "I would prefer to keep the tone down, if my son where to wake it would make this meeting quite difficult to hold." Hysteria said as a guard would walk into a room and take out three chairs, One was set down by Youkimi's guard another was set by Hysteria and a third was set about fifteen feet in front of Hysteria.

Hysteria would sit down on her chair, moving one hand to smooth her skirts before sitting. It seemed this meeting would be held in the hallway "Allow me to start with two things. First off I will admit my sending of an unmarked, unsigned letter was misjudged. However as a baroness...a woman in power, you should see the problem with sending letters in the first place. Signatures can be easily replicated as can seals." Hysteria said, bringing her hand back up to her son. "And secondly a few things I would like answers to. Why do you want power in Bellris, Why are you here in Bellris, and does your Queen know of your being here?" she started out, and that was only the basics of what she wanted to know.

Hysteria looked at Youkimi "I have spoken to your Queen. Almost two months ago actually, We came to an accord during our meeting that would have Bellris give Ethe support. Obviously not weapons, but that we would help with food, healthcare, and rehousing those that have been relocated by the volcanos destruction." Hysteria openly said "The fact that you are still here despite your country's continued recovery only means that you want something. That you would accept the word of a councilperson without getting recognition from the rest of the council means that other dealings are in place. Did you not find it odd that despite being instated into the council you where not formally introduced to the rest of its members?"

Hysteria looked Youkimi up and down for a second, taking in her appearance, her clothing- she was clearly still Ethen in loyalty she had admitted that with the first words that came out of her mouth. "As a woman from Ethe you should already be well aware of the hostilities that are still well known between our two peoples. Because most of my people outside of the capital do not speak the common tongue they believe that all of the Ethen's coming in from southern border are invading. Deaths in the east, both Bellrisian and Ethen are high, because things have yet to be straightened out both of our people will continue to die without cause. I came to an agreement with your queen, and I originally had plans to set aside land for the people of Ethe to farm, live upon and call home if they so chose to stay after the problems in Ethe have settled." Hysteria said, her voice maintaining its emptiness "But due to your...and this, Count Dixion's interference, Any plans that may have benefited both our people must be put on hold. So again. Baroness Youkimi of Ethe, what do you want here so badly that you would go behind your Queen's back in order to achieve? because clearly if you truly cared so highly for the wellbeing of your people you would not be attempting to undermine them here and back in your own country by attempting to make deals without your Queen's knowledge, advise, or consent"

Hysteria stared at this woman...this Ethen fool was really that stupid? "I do not seek to remove you from Bellris, I seek to find out where you stand, to know how much you want to help your people and how much you will end up hindering me in the process" Hysteria told her "I do not know you. I do not care for your existence in this world, nor do I care for your companions deals with my brother. So long as Bellris thrives I will make sure that whatever I can do with what remains of my power will be beneficial to my people and the growth of my country" Hysteria sat up straighter in her chair "And since the concept of a council is fairly new to this world let me educate you. One does not speak for the all, we must meet and converse, come to a conclusion and make progress not for the individual but for the entirety of this land"

Her child let out a small whimper and Hysteria sighed, adjusting her hands as she started to gently rock the boy "Anyone that comes into Bellris with plans can throw a wrench into things. You included." Hysteria kept her calm "My son, if he was born a girl would have been named after my sister. She died not to long ago. Visiting your Kingdom in an attempt to make peace with Ethe. Over 70 years ago Bellris was forced to suffer because of the last time this volcano erupted, burying our crops in a layer of ash so thick it caused famine thoughout my Kingdoms land. Every year in Bellris alone people suffer; Fathers go out hunting never to return, Mothers vanish into thin air, children fall into the river and every day people die. Women scream when they realize that their children are swept away down river, over the side of the world never to be seen again. My people suffer just as yours do, except our suffering does not end when the fire goes out."

Hysteria looked up at a guard "Bring it here" she said and the guard nodded, leaving "What I wanted you here for, was to propose a deal. The people of Ethe will be given land to live on, farm on, and make a life on. They will be able to make their own lives and they will be aloud to call themselves citizens of Bellris. So long as they live on this land they can live in peace, and when Ethe is habitable again they can leave if they wish. or they can stay and become true citizens of Bellris, having had children, found wives, farmed and created a livelihood here. You can help them if you so desire, and you will be on the council, on the condition that you forfeit your Lands and Titles you hold in Ethe. That you sign in stone that you are no longer a citizen of Ethe but a full Citizen of Bellris, in Name, Law, and Residence. That upon joining the council, abandonment of your post shall deem you a traitor in this life and the next.... and your life forfeit." Hysteria said as the stone was brought out along with a paper, both held the same words, detailing exactly what Hysteria said "and it seems you are mistaken Baroness. I did not invite your help. You are not needed. I am offering my help, the council is offering its help. It is up to you weather you have a saying in it or not."

traveling to Bellris was something he thought he would never do again. yet here he stood. getting to the castle proved a hassle something he already expected. one of the only things that saved him was that he had learned how to speak some of bellris tongue. enough to introduce himself and say where he was going. money could often take care of the rest. he hoped that someone would have gone along and told the former queen of his intent to visit her as he took the slow road to bellris.

As he stood in front of the front gates he announced himself. he told his carriage to drive of. leaving the man with only a black chest. he let himself be searched he carried no weapons with him. two guards followed him, flanking him at all times as they took him towards there former queen. the black chest held in his hands. he could hear the words of people talking. as he walked within seeing distance he was surprised to see a baroness of the Ethe land sitting next to the woman in the red dress. as he stared at the queen for a brief second he decided that his gifts would look good at her.

The pride of good work always seems less

[spoilers][/spoilers]

The affront was complete with the lack of civility that came with the baroness' inquiry to know the name of the woman she addressed. While the letter had given it, it would have been impolite to assume that this woman was Hysteria Izadora Bellris, the unmarried untitled chair of a republic who was yet mother, and who in all her bold nobility failed to stoop to the simplicity of polite conversation. This mockery of royalty rudely affronted the baroness who she still tried to coerce to her side and bidding. This baroness was not to be made a patsy of a domineering weakling who thought that her position afforded her all power and none of the civility.

Youkimi's displeasure was evident by the way her eyes narrowed in scrutiny and in the beginnings of physical frustration. This was not to be borne. "Forgive me for giving you the chance to begin this conversation with polite and civil tones."

Youkimi noted the arrival of the newest person who sought council with the former queen. This was not a private audience, clearly. There was no respect given here if the baroness could not hold a conversation with a woman without fear of her child suddenly crying and if they couldn't be disturbed for the length of the conversation. The rudeness, arrogance, conceit, and lack of propriety was painted all across this scene! And she was to be beckoned to be merely an apprentice at the cost of her lands, title, and honor?

"I cannot take your word any more than I can take the word of the knight who first approached me. If you work alongside a council, show them to me and let us discuss together instead of forcing me to believe and take all words from your account alone." Youkimi brought herself to a stand, removing herself from her seat. Her eyes borrowed a steel-edged glare as she watched the former queen. "I cannot sacrifice or give up my lands, my home, my title, or my loyalty. I will not agree to the conditions as they currently stand in regards to myself and the council. I decline the position and I will sign nothing in stone."

She folded her arms into her sleeve. This woman, who would not introduce herself, also gave her no reason to bow. There was no reason to give respect to someone who afforded her none in turn. If former queen, she was no longer true royalty. If her authority was divided amongst a council that was not present, she had no reason to lower her head to a figurehead.

"I suppose this does end our conversation, councilwoman." Youkimi concluded, her tone returning to a calm control. "I feel you never felt altruism for my case. If your goal is for the betterment of Bellris, I wish you all the best. I will not sacrifice Ethe to promote Bellris."

She excused herself from the conversation by inclining her head, affording the councilwoman only the respect of an equal, and then she turned to begin leaving the room. Unless she was stopped, there was nothing more to say. She made eye contact with her guard, who remained standing for the duration of this short meeting, and he bowed at the unspoken command. As she approached, he fell into step with her. She saw for herself the person whose footsteps she heard enter the room. An elder gentlemen. A citizen of Ethe carrying a black box. She stopped and studied the man, for a moment in wonder and concern, and then her expression calmed again. It was good to see another Ethian.

She collected herself and set her hand over her heart, bowing slightly to him. "Pardon, how fares your land?"



OoC:

Hysteria smiled simply, the first sign of emotion she had shown though the entire conversation "If that is your wish" she said as the guards took away the chairs, signaling that this conversation was in fact over. She then would curtsy ever so slightly, using her left hand to move her skirts out of the way. Hysteria wasn't a petty woman, and as far as she cared she had won. The Baroness was foolish and without merit or skill to offer.

Hysteria would then turn her head to look back at the Mayor of Etherland, a small smile on her face "It is not you that I require an apology from. You have done nothing but been kind and humble since your arrival." she said to him. She looked at the box and then back at the Mayor "You may present them, please" she said as she looked down at her son, he had woken up, but he was silent, blinking up at her with his golden eyes.