The Queen's Lair, Arceria, Thursday Afternoon (Fandom Time)
The Queen of Arceria was huge. No, really, really huge. Her shoulders were level with Warren's chest, and her head was almost as wide. She easily weighed over a seven hundred pounds, her claws were roughly the size of Karla's fingers and her teeth--well, okay, Karla didn't exactly have a good measurement for her teeth because when the Queen had yawned as they entered, Karla's mind had gone blank, save for a very small voice that said, Please don't let her want to eat me!
It was quickly followed by a darted glance at the half-grown Kaelas and a Will he get that big, too?
That thought, though it had nothing to do with being devoured by a giant, fluffy, four-legged Green-Jeweled witch, was still terrifying in its own way.
After all of the formal observations were out of the way--and the kindred didn't go for formal much, thank the Darkness--Karla walked slowly forward to beg the help of the only Queen in Kaeleer who could probably help her. Begging: something she didn't do very well. Begging while intimidated: something she dealt with even worse. This was going to be awesome.
"Lady Lasfaeran," she said quietly. Lasfaeran. In the Old Tongue, 'Las' meant 'death' and 'Faer' was the word for 'jump' or leap.' A more accurate translation of her name would be something like 'Death from above.' Cheery. "I am certain that the Lady has already explained to you the nature of my audience. Across the border, in my Territory of Glacia, Black Widows--our Sisters are being slaughtered, victims of one male's blind lust for power. Due to the ancient laws of our society, no Queen can interfere in another's Territory without invitation, but as the future Territory Queen of Glacia, I am asking you for aid. Not your warriors, ferocious as they may be, nor your witches, skilled in Craft as they are. All I need from you is land, permission to clear and build settlements to bring our Sisters to for safekeeping, and a promise of safety from the kindred Arcerians who live in your Territory. In exchange, we offer not only the future friendship of Glacia and all her people and the promise of peace from all who make our temporary homes in your Territory, but also gifts of food and friendship in exchange for the use of your land."
Karla went through the presentation she, Warren, Jaenelle, Saetan and Mephis had struggled to put together: how much land they would need, the alterations they would make to it, how they would care for it while they lived there, and what benefits they would offer to the Arcerians. It wasn't terribly long, but Karla felt exhausted by the time she was done; sweat beading at her hairline and on the top of her lip. It was hard presenting to someone when she couldn't read their facial expressions, and Queen Lasfaeran was doing an excellent job of keeping her psychic scent neutral.
"And so, Lady, the final decision rests upon you. Please, will you help me save my people?"
Once again, the Arcerian Queen yawned, showing off an impressive set of fangs. *Arceria hears Glacia's request for aid,* she sent on a public psychic thread. *But Arceria refuses. Thank you for your visit, Lady Karla. Good luck.*
[NFB & for them what are in Arceria with her!]
It was quickly followed by a darted glance at the half-grown Kaelas and a Will he get that big, too?
That thought, though it had nothing to do with being devoured by a giant, fluffy, four-legged Green-Jeweled witch, was still terrifying in its own way.
After all of the formal observations were out of the way--and the kindred didn't go for formal much, thank the Darkness--Karla walked slowly forward to beg the help of the only Queen in Kaeleer who could probably help her. Begging: something she didn't do very well. Begging while intimidated: something she dealt with even worse. This was going to be awesome.
"Lady Lasfaeran," she said quietly. Lasfaeran. In the Old Tongue, 'Las' meant 'death' and 'Faer' was the word for 'jump' or leap.' A more accurate translation of her name would be something like 'Death from above.' Cheery. "I am certain that the Lady has already explained to you the nature of my audience. Across the border, in my Territory of Glacia, Black Widows--our Sisters are being slaughtered, victims of one male's blind lust for power. Due to the ancient laws of our society, no Queen can interfere in another's Territory without invitation, but as the future Territory Queen of Glacia, I am asking you for aid. Not your warriors, ferocious as they may be, nor your witches, skilled in Craft as they are. All I need from you is land, permission to clear and build settlements to bring our Sisters to for safekeeping, and a promise of safety from the kindred Arcerians who live in your Territory. In exchange, we offer not only the future friendship of Glacia and all her people and the promise of peace from all who make our temporary homes in your Territory, but also gifts of food and friendship in exchange for the use of your land."
Karla went through the presentation she, Warren, Jaenelle, Saetan and Mephis had struggled to put together: how much land they would need, the alterations they would make to it, how they would care for it while they lived there, and what benefits they would offer to the Arcerians. It wasn't terribly long, but Karla felt exhausted by the time she was done; sweat beading at her hairline and on the top of her lip. It was hard presenting to someone when she couldn't read their facial expressions, and Queen Lasfaeran was doing an excellent job of keeping her psychic scent neutral.
"And so, Lady, the final decision rests upon you. Please, will you help me save my people?"
Once again, the Arcerian Queen yawned, showing off an impressive set of fangs. *Arceria hears Glacia's request for aid,* she sent on a public psychic thread. *But Arceria refuses. Thank you for your visit, Lady Karla. Good luck.*
[NFB & for them what are in Arceria with her!]