RP:The Empress is Freed

From HollowWiki

Part of the Liberation of Rynvale Arc


LOCATION:Rynvale, Rynvale Jail

A line of cells borders each side of the lengthy walkway that takes up the majority of the newly-built jail. Those found responsible for crimes in Rynvale usually find themselves sent here for a while, the length of their stay varying upon the severity of their crime. In one cell sits a thief, and in the one next to him a murderess. Two specially-configured cells loom at the far end of the hall, though neither appears occupied; perhaps they are geared for specific criminals on the loose? An old yet stout warder leans near the entry to the jail, making sure those visiting mind the restricted hours, and ensuring that the criminals are kept largely on their best behavior.


Leigh sits upon the floor yet again today. She had been jolted awake hours ago by a rather noisy rotation of the guards on shift. Finding the bed she had unwillingly fallen asleep upon disgusting, she had returned to her corner where she now sat with her chin resting against her chest.

Arien entered the cell block quietly, pale face shadowed with some unvoiced concern. Emerald gaze swept the confines of the area and frowned deepened. She had not been able to visit the jail in the restless hours of the battle filled night, or even on the next day as she had done her rounds visiting the wounded. She was unpleasantly surprised at just how..sordid it was. Certainly no place for one who was once Royal. Approaching the cell that housed the lycan, quiet voice would ripple forth. “ Leigh.. my aplogies for the tardiness in coming to see to your comforts in person. It is time, perhaps, that we..talk about what the future must hold, for us both. Yes?” As she spoke, pale hand signaled that the bars of the cell be unlocked, the elf intending either to enter and sit, or invite the woman out, depending on her apparent temperament in the moment.

Lirithen , on Arien's bidding, strode forward with the cell door key in hand, swiftly unlocking the barred entrance and allowing the door to swing open. He remained by the opening, one hand resting lightly upon a short-blade handle sheathed at his waist, though severely doubted, and hoped, that there would be any need to draw the weapon.

Leigh lifts her eyes to peer out at Arien from beneath disheveled tawny strands. If it had been any other visitor the lycan would have ignored them completely, but this Elf deserved some attention. Even when the door swings open, she doesn't move, but her head lifts completely so that eye contact is made. "Yes, let us talk of the future. Let us discuss how I have been left with nothing and how I actually do not -have- a future," she sneers, taking a deep breath as if to keep her temper in check. The Empress remains still as a statue after that, staring at Arien while a low, guttural sound rises in her throat to convey just how displeased she is with the current situation.

Arien paused at the door, hesitating but a moment before entering the confined space. She had not forgotten that the Lady was cursed, a lycan. It would take but some sudden transformation, some act of aggression and the elf would have likewise a future also tainted. Emerald gaze narrowed slightly and she stepped out of the cage again. “Please, we are not animals here, I would speak with you as an equal. We have both known the burden and privilege of leadership.” Standing at the entrance once more she would indicate the oaken desk and the seat behind and before it, inviting the lycan to make her exit. “I insist..” It was a quiet directive. She observed the woman then, following her if she made to come out of the cell, or remaining cautiously at the door should she choose to remain where she was. The conversation would continue regardless.

Leigh 's gaze flits from Arien to the desk and back again. She averts her eyes completely now and shakes her head gently. "You may not be an animal, but I am, Elf. Speak if you wish, but do not tempt me to leave this cage for we will both suffer if I do." It wasn't a threat, merely a warning. Leigh was not so foolish as to believe she could control herself if she was suddenly given the opportunity to wrap her hands around Arien's neck or shift into her alternate form and rend flesh with her fangs. No, she was unpredictable, even to herself. At least in her corner she would be more successful at remaining calm. That was her hope, at least.

Rheven senses the presence of Arien and Leigh as he arrives on the island of Rynvale; dark, wisps like tendrils snake through the doors of the jail, coalescing and assuming the shape and form of the archmage. "...I trust we can begin her release now, yes?"

Lirithen :: A click rang through the room, prompted Lirithen to take a glance at the pocket watch pulled from his pocket. Seems Rheven's appearance had upped the risk element of the meeting somewhat, as the watch hands were now resting firmly on 'moderate peril.'

Arien nodded quietly, some measure of understanding in her gaze as it continued to rest upon the female. " As you wish then.." It was a quiet murmur. " You say that you have no future, but it would seem that this is not the case. Your , incarceration has stirred quite a bit of interest in the world beyond the island. So much, in fact, that it has become entirely beyond reason that we should insist on keeping you here." A frown darkened the pale face. " I cannot like the..tone, in which some threats and suggestions were made regarding your release, but one..a proposal by Lord Rheven, seemed one that might be befitting of both our interests." The slender hand moved again, indicating to Liriten her need of the documents to be found laid upon that desk. " There is but..one thing, Leigh, that I require of you..before you walk out these doors a free woman, to whatever future you might make for yourself.." The amorphous cloud that is the Archmage's arrival draws her attention momentarily, half a smile twitching at her lips. " And..speak of the devil.. There is but one matter, Rheven..which must yet be attended."

Lirithen gave Arien 1 bundle-of-documents.

Leigh senses a familiar, though nearly forgotten, aura of unnatural energy and turn her head to regard the newcomer. The Archmage himself, she never would have guessed. Though she had been firm in her determination to remain seated in her corner, she gets to her feet rather quickly in the presence of Rheven. Arien's words also serve as a shock to her system. Where that many people really interested in her freedom? She could only assume that there were ulterior motives and none were actually concerned for her. Shifting her gaze from the Archmage to Arien, Leigh nods. "What do you require?"

Rheven nods, shifting his gaze between the three here briefly. "...Very well, but do make it quick. I have business to tend to..."

Arien nods quietly in the Archmage’s direction, before taking the documents from Lirithen and entering the confines of the cell to set them before the Empress. “ I require from you, my Lady, simply what your Lord once required from me. An unconditional surrender of the Empire’s claim to power in Port Rynvale, and your commitment to do nothing which would undermine the authority of the Monarchs who have regained their seats.” She paused, considering the lycan before her. What ties would she -really- have to the island? “To that end, a condition of your release will be that you accept a sentence of exile from Port Rynvale, for a period of six months minimum, with a re-evaluation of your permission to access as a civilian after that time. You can understand our desire to shore up our authority here, without the inclination to torn loyalties..I am sure.” Stepping away from the woman to allow her time for private consideration, the elf would await the Empreress’s decision. “ You will be released into the care and asylum granted you by Lord Rheven in the city of Venturil, where you were once content to work on his behalf.”

Lirithen resisted the urge to whistle a tune. There wasn't all that much for him to do really, and he was quite bored. But he retained a stalwart posture at the Lady's side, hand gripping his blade handle, fighting the look of boredom that slowly crept over fair features.

Leigh frowns deeply at Arien's conditions. There was nothing keeping her in Rynvale. Nothing but memories and they tied her more strongly than any remaining feelings of authority over the citizens. She didn't care about the people. She didn't even care about Gamorg, where as far as she knew was still considered Archmosian property. "You make it sound so simple," she mutters, studying the documents carefully. "Perhaps it is that simple... I will agree to your terms." There was nothing else she could do. She was in no position to negotiate and to deny Lord Rheven's generosity would be foolish.

Arien allowed herself a smile. “It is a simple enough matter Leigh. It has never been my wish, or that of the Royal family that you be made to pay for the crimes of your husband.” She indicated the documents. “ If you are in agreement, then, please, sign them and you will be free in that instant to go, with our blessing.”

Lirithen said to you, "Permission to leave."

You said to Lirithen, "Permission granted soldier. This should be about wrapped up."

Leigh nods slowly, something in her eyes seeming to express that she severely regrets agreeing to the terms and conditions of her release. Even as she takes up a quill and presses the tip against the parchment, her hand is trembling with uncertainty. The lycan pulls away suddenly, seeming to reconsider what she is doing. She casts a glance to Arien and scowls. The Elf's manners and seemingly good will suddenly making Leigh feel sick and uneasy. Sighing, she shakes her head and turns her attention back to the documents. Whatever urge the Empress had to go back on her word passed as suddenly as it was felt and she brings the quill back down upon the parchment and signs her name in all of the appropriate places. Once finished, she drops the quill not where she found it, but upon the floor in some final display of annoyance. "I hope, for your sake, that the Knight will accept this agreement as I have."

Arien stepped into the jail cell quietly, moving towards the lycan to retrieve the documents held in grasp. The moment of hesitation had been seen, her blood chilled as she considered what her options might have been if the woman could not agree to her terms. The governor -had- to begin as she meant to go on. If she was seen to be weak, to be susceptible to threat or brow beating, there would never be a moment’s peace for she and her kin. And yet, in the moment they were too vulnerable, too demoralized to risk war. Leigh’s release had been a necessity, and the Archmage’s offer the one least likely to cause damage to her office. “ Thank you Leigh..I do not think you will regret your choice, Lord Rheven is..a most gracious host.” The smile tugged again. “As for the Knight, I suppose that bridge will have to be crossed when we come to it. He professed to wish for your release for the sake of Order, well, you are a free woman. If he sees cause to challenge us regardless, then it must be assumed that it was not your freedom he desired..but custody of your person-which would give one pause to wonder why.” Her gaze turned thoughtful. “It will bear watching..and if I were you, my Lady..I would be careful whom I trust to ally as friend.” Turning towards the still form of the Archmage, the elf would sketch a bow. “My Lord..she is all yours..And I do pray that we might perhaps visit with each other in due course, to discuss as a separate matter, the state of relations between our two jurisdictions.”

Leigh crosses her arms and listens to Arien's words out of some grudging respect for the Elf. Most of it goes in one ear and out the other, however, but there is one thing the huntress sees fit to acknowledge. "I trust very few," she says simply, leaving one to wonder just who those few were. With the business now drawing to a close, Leigh makes her way out of the cell. She takes in a deep breath as if to really taste the freedom.

Rheven gives Arien a silent nod, urging for Leigh to follow now. Prying open the door to the jail, he gestures for Leigh to step through to the outside world.

Arien said to Leigh, "Until we meet again, Leigh, and may it be on better terms." The elf would dip her chin in graceful farewell, stepping aside to allow the Empress to pass."

Leigh does as Rheven silently commands and follows him, passing Arien as she speaks her farewell. The Elf is given nothing but a scowl before the lycan takes her leave with the Archmage.