Scenario AmasterofmanyNovember 20 2011, 01:59:46 UTC
How the hell had it come to this?
Sure, there was a scerrik of logic in there somewhere, and with diplomatic immunity in addition to his resourcefulness, Roland himself wasn't in any real danger. But this was a positively ludicrous political power-play by the Queen of his homeland, one she only had limited support for - when he and the Association had dug their heels in over the idea, some of her own retainers had crossed the floor to vote against it with him, but somehow, it had still gone through, and he'd been put on this mission.
Really, even if executed perfectly, there wasn't a single way this could end well. He found himself with very little faith Queen Sophia had thought this all the way through. He shook his head, resuming his pacing of the opulent lounge.
[ooc: So Roland's a diplomat sent to offer his "services" to give Carnava a political foothold. Amelia can recognize him if you want, but he'll only vaguely recognize her at first.]
Roland had heard of that exchange. his first smile since Althea's passing was when Ayano demonstrated just how adamant foreigners were about calling her 'young lady' or other such titles, despite her build and age.
"She's not supposed to know I'm here at all, but she's had four thousand years to learn how to hear things," Roland said matter-of-factly. "...I know this is probably unnecessary, but may I speak freely? I'm allegedly a diplomat mat but I may say something... unflattering about Queen Sophia."
Admittedly Amelia was always formal regardless of who she was talking to when she was younger, making it peculiar she could no longer really do so considering her status. Still, if possible she would give respectable names to others no matter what, even if she sounded a bit childish.
Nodding in silent understanding, Amelia listened to him, tilting her head curiously at the words. Even so, she would never discriminate for him being honest, particularly knowing Roland like she did. "You're entitled to your opinion, I promise nothing you say will leave the room." she replied, straightening up and waiting to see what exactly he could have against his own ruler.
Amelia couldn't be faulted for her politeness, Ayano had been alluding to an in-joke anyway. While an open secret, the fact her last birthday had been her 4037th wasn't quite public knowledge.
"Then allow me to tell you plainly," Roland said. "Queen Sophia heard you were being pressured to produce an heir. In order to improve Carnava's political leverage over Seyruun she ordered me to come here and attempt to impregnate you. And I'm dearly hoping the fact I know you already is a coincidence or I cannot be held accountable for what I may do to her."
That knowledge likely would have only made Amelia be more respectable, since with age came wisedom, and good manners should be given to those who knew more about life. Still, that apparently didn't apply to her councillors, Amelia coming the realization they had obviously leaked that information out to other kingdoms
( ... )
"I assure you, this wasn't done with the collusion of your court," Roland clarified. "They might have leaked the information but this is entirely my id... my Queen's idea."
Roland didn't finish the insult, his frustration was pointless and could be more productively aimed anyway. Sighing, he picked up Althea's ring and put it back on his finger - a subtle cue that if anything did come of this, he was at a stage where he could cope with it.
"It's unlikely that I can simply pretend I tried," Roland admitted. "I don't exactly have spies after me - Ayano would have taken out any who tried, Silver Magic is useful that way - but they'll be expecting to hear of pregnancy in a few months."
"I know, but that still doesn't excuse them. I feel like any argument I've made on this matter has fallen of deaf ears." she groaned, shaking her head lightly.
She watched as he put the ring back on, though her eyes soon wandered to the nearby window, sighing heavily. Maybe she was being too idealistic, but honestly, this could not be the only way surely?
"I don't wish for it to happen this way, nor do I feel good about lying over the matter. I suppose the only comfort in this is that it was you who they sent. Someone else might have made me punch them and then we'd have a political incident to deal with." she gave a dry laugh, trying to find some humour in the ordeal, if only to prevent frustration. "It's...a shame this is more about lineage than two people wanting to express what they feel for each other."
Roland chuckled. "If they had sent somebody else and I heard of you punching them, the only problem I would have is figuring out how many stamps to put on a letter of congratulations," he told her sincerely.
The joke over, his manner turned serious again. "There are alternatives. It just comes back to what level of scandal you think you can overcome," he suggested. "All we need is... evidence I tried and leak it to low-brow tabloids. Most of the populace is above believing anything they print anyway, so you'll be clean after not too long, I can tell Sophia I tried and she can give this up on threat her retainers find out shortly before I push a Vote of No Confidence, and I can look into silencing anyone who would create more problems."
"Still, considering how hard I can hit, I think some might feel scandalized enough by the undignified behaviour. Some still think I shouldn't train myself anymore, though I have no intention of stopping." she gave a small grin, chuckling a bit herself at Roland's remark. At least someone wouldn't think her uncivil for that.
Pausing for a moment to think, she wrung her hands together as she voiced some ideas. "Well, some of the maids are gossips. If someone were to spy you leaving my room in the early hours, that might insight so suspicion. Perhaps if you left something for them to find in there when they make beds in the morning, it'll spur talk." she offered in suggestion. Still, considering everything that would need to be done, it would be a lot of work.
"I honestly feel bad that you have to go through all that trouble for me though. I don't suppose I could thank you in any way. Offer you sanction here away from your Queen perhaps?" she giggled.
Sure, there was a scerrik of logic in there somewhere, and with diplomatic immunity in addition to his resourcefulness, Roland himself wasn't in any real danger. But this was a positively ludicrous political power-play by the Queen of his homeland, one she only had limited support for - when he and the Association had dug their heels in over the idea, some of her own retainers had crossed the floor to vote against it with him, but somehow, it had still gone through, and he'd been put on this mission.
Really, even if executed perfectly, there wasn't a single way this could end well. He found himself with very little faith Queen Sophia had thought this all the way through. He shook his head, resuming his pacing of the opulent lounge.
[ooc: So Roland's a diplomat sent to offer his "services" to give Carnava a political foothold. Amelia can recognize him if you want, but he'll only vaguely recognize her at first.]
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"She's not supposed to know I'm here at all, but she's had four thousand years to learn how to hear things," Roland said matter-of-factly. "...I know this is probably unnecessary, but may I speak freely? I'm allegedly a diplomat mat but I may say something... unflattering about Queen Sophia."
Reply
Nodding in silent understanding, Amelia listened to him, tilting her head curiously at the words. Even so, she would never discriminate for him being honest, particularly knowing Roland like she did. "You're entitled to your opinion, I promise nothing you say will leave the room." she replied, straightening up and waiting to see what exactly he could have against his own ruler.
Reply
"Then allow me to tell you plainly," Roland said. "Queen Sophia heard you were being pressured to produce an heir. In order to improve Carnava's political leverage over Seyruun she ordered me to come here and attempt to impregnate you. And I'm dearly hoping the fact I know you already is a coincidence or I cannot be held accountable for what I may do to her."
Reply
Reply
Roland didn't finish the insult, his frustration was pointless and could be more productively aimed anyway. Sighing, he picked up Althea's ring and put it back on his finger - a subtle cue that if anything did come of this, he was at a stage where he could cope with it.
"It's unlikely that I can simply pretend I tried," Roland admitted. "I don't exactly have spies after me - Ayano would have taken out any who tried, Silver Magic is useful that way - but they'll be expecting to hear of pregnancy in a few months."
Reply
She watched as he put the ring back on, though her eyes soon wandered to the nearby window, sighing heavily. Maybe she was being too idealistic, but honestly, this could not be the only way surely?
"I don't wish for it to happen this way, nor do I feel good about lying over the matter. I suppose the only comfort in this is that it was you who they sent. Someone else might have made me punch them and then we'd have a political incident to deal with." she gave a dry laugh, trying to find some humour in the ordeal, if only to prevent frustration. "It's...a shame this is more about lineage than two people wanting to express what they feel for each other."
Reply
The joke over, his manner turned serious again. "There are alternatives. It just comes back to what level of scandal you think you can overcome," he suggested. "All we need is... evidence I tried and leak it to low-brow tabloids. Most of the populace is above believing anything they print anyway, so you'll be clean after not too long, I can tell Sophia I tried and she can give this up on threat her retainers find out shortly before I push a Vote of No Confidence, and I can look into silencing anyone who would create more problems."
Reply
Pausing for a moment to think, she wrung her hands together as she voiced some ideas. "Well, some of the maids are gossips. If someone were to spy you leaving my room in the early hours, that might insight so suspicion. Perhaps if you left something for them to find in there when they make beds in the morning, it'll spur talk." she offered in suggestion. Still, considering everything that would need to be done, it would be a lot of work.
"I honestly feel bad that you have to go through all that trouble for me though. I don't suppose I could thank you in any way. Offer you sanction here away from your Queen perhaps?" she giggled.
Reply
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