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Post by Kari Muffin on May 18, 2009 15:37:35 GMT -5
Theofilus sighed. The sparrow had known this day was coming, he just wished it hadn't come as fast as it did. He cracked his knuckles on one hand, holding his cane in the other as he walked down the hallway. He could feel his heart beating a bit faster than it should have. Why was he so nervous if he knew full well what would be behind the door? Maybe it was because he knew that a few other things would be cascading into place? Maybe it was because he knew that everything was coming to a close. He took in a sharp breath as he paused. Dismissing the servant he opened the door. He really did wish this was nothing but a nightmare and he would wake up as soon as the door opened. Of course the woman behind the door just came into clearer view, making his heart skip a few beats.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I didn't think a potential Queen would come without making an appointment," Theofilus said with a small smile. |
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Post by carcinoGeneticist on May 25, 2009 22:25:17 GMT -5
The mantis had woken up that morning knowing that today was the day she finally met with the current Queen of Diamonds. Sadie had debated changing into different clothes, something more delicate, fineries that the late Queen Cerevanna would have approved of. When she looked at herself, however, she felt a mockery of a woman. So she kept her jacket and short pants, rather liking the way the lack of sleeves showed off her muscled arms. She'd heard that the current Queen was rather nervous around Yarrow women, so it only seemed appropriate to show him that that was exactly what she was, through and through. She decided against binding her breasts, to add to the effect and make her rank and suit marking more prominant. She didn't want to intimidate the poor man, but she also didn't want to give him any false ideas about what she was and her intentions. She made her way to the court alone, wanting to show anyone who might see her the strength she had, let them know that she needed no protection beyond her own abilities. She'd been met by guards and servants, all of which had shown her the proper respect for a Queen, which was good. It meant that, as she made her way through the halls of the Court, her smile slowly became real. Waiting to meet with Theofilus wasn't a problem either. After all, she'd waited her whole life for this day. Waiting a few more minutes was a small price to pay. When she was finally called forward, she smiled at the attendants, graciously nodding them off. She'd introduce herself. Once Sadie entered the room, she bowed low to the Queen, still smiling to herself. He carried himself well, but as someone who had only just met him, she saw him for what he was. He was an old man, scarred by battle, clearly exhausted. " Your Majesty Theofilus, I am Sadie. It is the highest pleasure to finally meet you.[/b]" she greeted, an eyebrow raising at his next words. She could taste the lie in them, feel it in the air around her. Then the information she'd been given wasn't completely inaccurate... " A little bird told me you were gifted in the art of scrying and reading the future. I do hope these rumors are true, because it saves a lot of time on the pleasantries.[/b]" Slowly, the Yarrow woman slid into the seat in front of the Sparrow, watching him with bright pink eyes. " You know why I'm here. You know what I want, and more importantly, what I don't want.[/b]" |
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Post by Kari Muffin on May 25, 2009 22:49:54 GMT -5
A pleasure? He could only hope she meant the compliment. She was a Yarrow, after all, and he could never assume that one would take a man as the Queen lightly. He had heard rumors in passing about the mantis, enough that he had looked into his future hoping not to find anything to do with her. Surprise.
"I hope that little birdy didn't wear a pink corset," Theofilus said, keeping his smile were it was. "But Yes, I do know why you're here and I can deduce what you want and don't want. The future, however, is subject to change."
He sighed. He knew full well what she wanted to do. What she wanted to change. Everything he had done would be gone. And then there was that nasty rumor about the trim around her coat. Some one said she claimed it was a rabbit, someone else claimed it was from an Ace.
"Though I have several questions before either of us decide on anything, Miss Sadie, so please be honest with me. Don't tell me what I want to here, tell me your honest answers. What do you plan to do to this court? And where exactly did that trim on your coat come from?"
He respected her enough not to use his lie detector spell, he could only hope that she was respectful enough to tell him the truth.
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Post by carcinoGeneticist on May 29, 2009 23:26:14 GMT -5
A smirk twitched at the corner of the woman's mouth as she settled herself into the seat, resting on leg on the other and leaning back into the chair. Bright pink eyes followed him closely, almost seeming to watch his every movement, appraising him, calculating what he thought. "Even if it was, a lady never gives away her sources,[/b]" she said, her voice somewhat teasing. She was using no magic except for the spell that she always carried, that lovely lie detector of hers. "So I've been told. It is refreshing to think that we've changed the future, isn't it?[/b]"
The woman leaned forward ever so slightly when she sensed that the man was ready to get down to business. When he spoke, she gave him an approving nod, resting her chin on her hands, a look of mild interest on her face.
"Of course. Please, go right ahead.[/b]" She'd heard rumors about Theofilus, and she knew the things that mattered the most to him based on the way he'd run the court for so many years. She could respect those things, to be certain. She felt that a change was in order, however.
Sadie straightened slightly as she listened to his questions, a spark of something in her eyes. "I intend to carry on with many of your policies, Your Majesty. I feel that you have done an extremely good job as Queen for many long years, to be certain. If I didn't, I would be coming to meet with you under very different circumstances, I assure you. I feel, however, that the court needs a change. I mean no offense, but you've grown old, and you have a full family to worry about.[/b]" she leaned forward, an oddly predatory expression on her face. It seemed odd with her feminine colors and soft facial features, but it was there. "The Hearts are undergoing quite the political upheaval. The Spades have changed completely. His Majesty Aderlass has broken Club tradition for years by proving them to be quite the imposing force. The Diamonds need change, a new and strong face. They need something unfamiliar to galvanize them. I feel our suit has grown... complacent, but not necessarily through any fault of your own. I intend to change this.[/b]"
Then, she leaned back, quirking an eyebrow slightly. She knew how she'd obtained the fur. It had been the most violent and terrifying fight of her life. It didn't matter to her what other thought, as all that mattered was what she knew to be true. "When I said that I would uphold your existing policies, I did mean it. Though I cannot necissarily agree that all Aces are fit to live without care, I do not agree with their being killed needlessly. The fur is not from a Card of any rank or suit.[/b]"
If he wanted more information, she would give it.
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Post by Kari Muffin on May 31, 2009 14:45:45 GMT -5
She was blunt at the very best. Of course he hardly expected her to pull any punches with things they way they were. She was quite right about him being old and having a family to deal with. And change wasn't necessarily a bad thing, though it could be quite complicated.
He wasn't sure if he believed her quite yet over that fur. It didn't look fake, and her hardly knew what else could have such bright colors beyond a Morganberry.
"I can hardly argue with your logic of wanting change, Miss Sadie. I have no doubt that you're capable of that." Theofilus said as he readjusted his glasses. "And you do seem to be an honest person. I know full well that not many people believe what I believe about Aces. But at least it's refreshing to hear that you don't think of them as a fashion accessory. However, that does bring us back to your fur. Where does it actually come from?"
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Post by carcinoGeneticist on May 31, 2009 15:52:01 GMT -5
When she'd finished speaking, Sadie leaned forward, rubbing her chin across her folded fingers. Though Theofilus was pleasant enough, she knew there was a tension in the room. She understood why, as well. A lot of things hung in the balance of this discussion, and Sadie knew well what would happen should the current Queen decide that he didn't approve of her potential leadership.
They would fight. The mantis didn't want that in the slightest.
And yes, he would ask for more information. A smile quirked at the corners of her mouth. "Ahhh... I reccomend you use your ability now. I assure you that this is the full truth, but it may be hard to believe.[/b]" she sat back, absently running a hand through the thick fur that lined her coat. It was a well-earned prize, one that she'd fought with her life on the line to obtain. The fact that some would think it was Ace fur was a small price to pay for the truth of things. "It is from a Rabbit. When I was 17, I found a Warren in the Gardens. I spent many weeks watching it, occasionally speaking to the females there. Their... leader, their... Jack, they called him, found me one day and attacked, and so I fought and killed him. This is his fur.[/b]"
If Theofilus used his ability, he would know that she was telling the complete truth.
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Post by Kari Muffin on May 31, 2009 16:14:16 GMT -5
He raised an eyebrow at her comment. Was it that unbelievable. Well, he might as well clear all doubt. The sparrow activated his ability and listened to what the woman had to say.
And was rather shocked to find that she was telling the truth. Or at the very least she believed what she was saying completely and utterly. So if he did hear correctly than Rabbits were supposedly real but Aces couldn't exactly be allowed to be part of society. He couldn't help but feel a bit bitter over that.
"I can't call you a liar," Theofilus said after a short while of awkward silence. "So if Rabbits exist... is it a stretch to believe that some Aces are people rather than pets?"
He shook his head as soon as he said it. "Never mind. However, Miss Sadie, there is one thing I would like to do before we end this conversation for better or worse. Can I have your permission to look into your future?"
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Post by carcinoGeneticist on May 31, 2009 16:33:34 GMT -5
The play of emotions over the sparrow's face was as plain as day, each one flashing across his fine features. She could only assume that he'd ended up using his ability, by the expression of resignation that finally settled there. She knew she'd won, at least a small portion of the fight, and her posture relaxed ever so subtly. She wasn't expecting his next comment, however, and her eyebrows pulled together for a moment before she smoothed her expression over once more. "When I see it, I will certainly not doubt its existance, Your Majesty.[/b]" she responded quickly. After all, she hadn't believed in Rabbits before she'd met one... "I have just not personally met one.[/b]"
It was true. She'd met only pet Aces before, or seen others dirty and rummaging through trash like animals, creatures that couldn't even speak. One of the pets had been profoundly retarded at birth, and so a comfortable life with an owner that loved it had seemed a caring act. If she met an Ace who was capable of living a truely meaningful and independent life... As unlikely as it seemed, she wouldn't deny it.
It seemed their little interview was starting to wrap up. In some ways, the mantis was surprised. She'd expected to spend the entire day debating her stance. It wasn't as if she was complaining, however. "You may,[/b]" she responded with a nod. Then, a small grin appeared on her face. "I do hope you'll tell me if there's a beautiful woman in my futute.[/b]"
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Post by Kari Muffin on May 31, 2009 16:52:43 GMT -5
"Is that so?" Theofilus said, his eyebrow raising at her comment towards Aces. "I suppose I'll have to introduce you to one if you give me the chance."
Hopefully Asha wouldn't be too opposed to meeting with the woman. And she would, at the very least, show Sadie that there was a chance that Aces could be people. Even if Asha was blind she was still capable of taking care of herself. There was just the problem of people treating her like she was some kind of pet.
Putting that matter aside he grinned, standing up and walking over to a cabinet. Opening up one of the drawers he produced a small crystal ball and a stand. Grabbing a pack of matches he returned to the woman, lighting the small candle that sat below the ball.
Using his Queen ability he looked into Sadie's future. He wasn't able to pinpoint when the events would happen, which clearly meant they were over a year's time, but at least the images made some sense....
"Are you familiar with the current Queen of Spades?"
Queen's Ability: Once per day he can see either into the future or look into something occurring in the present. He can only scry for up to one full hour per day and in that time must choose if he will scry for the future, or the present.
When looking into the present, he can focus on a specific person and follow what it is they are doing.
The future will be entirely random as to whom and when it will look. It will take an awfully good guess to pinpoint the exact time the future means to show it could be anywhere from ten minutes to twenty years in the future.
When viewing the present he can hear the person he is focusing on speak, but no others except the person being concentrated upon.
When viewing the future, everyone's voice can be heard.
Queen's Ability Boost: He is now able to focus on a specific person when he scries into the future or present. He is now also capable of doing one hours worth of each per day as opposed to having to choose one. When he now views the present and future he is able to hear all of those around the person he has focused on and can concentrate on separate conversations at the same time, though he can still only follow one person at a time.
When looking into the future, if her tries to look ahead one year or less, he can pinpoint the time and person exactly, trying to look beyond a year however, will still get him randomized glances that seem jumbled. Though he will find...that...oddly, when he is shown random things, they are for a very specific purpose. If he follows the flickers of future, he can normally come up with an obscure, if incomplete, meaning.
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Post by carcinoGeneticist on May 31, 2009 19:46:27 GMT -5
Despite her previous jokes about the Queen's ability to read the future, Sadie was in fact rather fascinated by it and had hoped she would be able to see it in action. Her eyes were locked on him as he gathered the things necessary, taking each item into consideration. She wondered to herself if the candle and crystal ball were necessary or if they helped him concentrate in some way, or if they were merely for show. She wouldn't ask, but when he began, she leaned forward to try and see if she could work out whatever it was that he saw in the beautiful ball.
In some ways, Sadie was frightened. The future was a wide dark unknown, something that she had encountered gradually all her life, as did everyone. Some part of her protested breaking that boundary, looking into things which would unfold themselves to her in time beforehand. Seeing the future... it was an incredible and dangerous prospect, one she couldn't help but feel excited at.
As the Queen worked, Sadie tried to focus and see whatever it was that the sparrow's light pink eyes watched. She saw nothing beyond the glint of candlelight, but by the concentrated expression on the man's face, that was not the case for him. She wondered for a moment if he would tell her what he saw, or if it was only for him to know, a basis before he passed any sort of judgement on her.
Then, it seemed to be over. Sadie blinked slowly at his question, struggling to keep her emotions in check. What a charged thing to ask, but then... He wouldn't know, so few people did. "I do,[/b]" she answered, deciding not to give more than he needed until she knew what he needed it for. Donnie was a tricky subject for Sadie, especially with the knowledge of the letter hanging over her head...
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