The Grand Hall had been strung with the festive elements of a Coronation. While the Draconvieh Clan had returned empty-handed, a small victory was to be celebrated. Lady Tonisa Tyliquin had become Queen of the lands of Dread. Her husband, Lord Draconvieh, sat upon his throne in pride. He had lost the battle indeed, but after nearly a century his forbidden beloved had come to be crowned. She wore a dress of blinding white despite her less than virginal lifestyle. She, at last, had come to claim what she believed to have been stolen from her all those years ago. For once, no thought of death or murder took hold of her mind. The only thing she could think of was the long trip she and her wedded husband would embark on.
The two sat holding hands within the Throne room. A gathering of people from the surrounding lands coming to offer their gifts. Some brought gold, others oils, and powders befitting of a Queen. She had been nicknamed the Dark Queen in light of her husband. The two were, of course, now the most feared pair in all the land. The doors swung open and in came two elegantly dressed men, both of which bore hair of pytholo with ebony endpoints, their skin of copper hidden behind cloaks of green. The grand hall fell in silence as the sigil of the Emerald Isle dragons came to enter. They were of the utmost class, a family that looked down upon any and every being they could. The two men came to bow before the newlyweds, their eyes locking to them as equals. In a matter of moments, Calira knew who they were and why they had come. It seemed the death of his wife had come to ruffle a few feathers. With the passing of the Lady Alexandria, came the break of the peace treaties.
"Welcome, Lords of the Isles of Emerald," Calira spoke his body rising to greet them respectfully. "The pleasure is ours, Lord Draconvieh. The news of your wedding traveled across the land and the seas. We have come to offer you our greatest congratulations upon this glorious day. 'Tis a shame your wife died in the same fashion as your mother," the first man spoke, his eyes rolling to set upon the seated Queen. "Such are the ways of history. They continue to spin until they, at last, overlap each other." "The death of my wife was something I may never overcome. But it seems my gods have blessed me with a bride fair and loving."
The men nodded in unison. "Such is a blessing indeed, many are not so lucky. We have brought you our gift in hopes you will one day come to visit our land. Our Patriarch wishes to break words and bread in peace." Calira turned to gaze upon his wife who sat in silence and beauty. "What say you, my love? Shall we venture into the lands of our betters?"
A kind smile that did not belong to the witch came to grace her lips. "It would be an honor to be in the presence of such divine and worshiped culture." When it came to beings such as this, even Tonisa knew her place. Draconvieh came to bow to the men. "Then it is settled, we shall venture to your lands and fall into the company of your of your Patriarch." "It is wise that you came to such an agreement. We are sorry to inform you that, honestly, you had no choice," the second male came to speak at last. He set the small box before the pair giving a final bow. "We look forward to your prompt attendance."
The two men took to the doors and just as they came, they went. Calira picked up the box, opening it curiously. Inside rested a Varaeu, an old world dagger used to mark witches before their executions. The King shut the box promptly, his face growing cold. "What is it, my love? Their signature, a box of emeralds? They are so greedy and full of themselves they have millions at their disposal." Draconvieh chimed up his tone and met her with a smile. "Oh no, they went beyond their means for this. It is a gift strictly for me."
ns 172.70.178.239da2