The Vendesian Archipelago

[lordinmanner]

The trip to the shore had gone smoothly enough despite the circumstances, as the Empress had sent word swiftly, along with the hoped-for Certificate. A ship would be waiting for them, she assured, at their usual port, and as promised, the three-masted vessel was standing tall in the berth

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[so_far_fallen]

It felt like a dream to Aria at first, like this was all happening to somebody else. He'd been born in Verdimond City and he'd never left, now he was to be one of the only people in the land to have ever left it, and he was quite sure it would be unlikely he ever returned.

As relieved and happy as he should have felt he didn't quite manage it. It was all so overwhelming that he was just quite dazed, the reality not yet settling in just yet. His first glimpse of the ocean had been a wondrous one, one that had quickly turned to fear as they boarded the ship and Aria found himself surrounded by it. He wondered on how the large vessel could possibly stay afloat atop the deep water, and how did they not drop off the end of the horizon?

Aria's nervousness abandoned him, however, as soon as he laid eyes on Vendesey - the beauty of it took his breath away and he stared until his eyes watered.
"... oh my goodness..."

When they arrived in Vadaris Aria became very wary of a lot of things, particularly the horseless vehicles, and he was rather reluctant to get inside one. He knew he was being foolish, that the Ambassador would never put him in a situation that was dangerous, but it was strange to the Bride. He did force himself to swallow such fears and travel in the vehicle.

This city was strange, there were many things that Aria didn't understand - he had no previous experience of magic and to now be in a society where it was used so freely was bizarre. He felt very out of place, his clothes and complexion quite different to those of the people around him, he started to worry that people were staring.

Aria glanced up at the Ambassador when he spoke, "I will certainly try my best," he replied. Though he did not admit that he wasn't sure his best would be good enough...

[lordinmanner]

"There are some things you will need to know about addressing Her Most Exalted Highness," Kithaniel continued. "She should be addressed, first, as 'your Imperial Highness', and 'my lady' after the first greeting. When you bow to her, bow at your waist until your upper body is parallel to the ground or lower - but you will not be expected to kneel. As you bow, you will be expected to present yourself with your full name as you are a newcomer to the court. When she speaks with you, answer respectfully and honestly. She is one of a very few who can hear the difference between the truth and a lie."

It was quite a lot of information, but as they neared the great Citadel gates, it was information he needed to know. Truly, he should've informed him long before, Kithaniel knew, but his mind had been on many things and not one had been Aria's presentation at court. He did, however, think it would go well even with the last-minute instructions. To his way of thinking, everything he'd said was simple common sense. But it may be, as he'd learned, that he was simply used to Vendesian society being so socially and politically driven.

[so_far_fallen]

Aria felt sick with nerves, but he made a very conscious effort to note and remember everything Kithaniel was telling him. He wondered what sort of woman the Empress was and worried about how she would recieve him. If he made an error during this meeting he could be sent back to a life of prostitution and abuse in Verdimond, or worse yet he could start a war between their nations. Being with Narim had taught him quickly how people in positions of power could be temperamental.

"I would never lie to your Empress," Aria assured the Ambassador, "She has already shown me great kindness by allowing me into these lands. She will have nothing but gratitude and the utmost respect from me. I will try my very best not to offend her or anyone else, not only for their sakes but also for yours. I understand what a risk to your reputation it is taking me from that place and bringing me here."

Aria wanted Kithaniel to know that he was not ignorant to the great favour the Ambassador had done him and at such risk.

Aria adjusted his clothes and hair, making sure he looked as presentable as he could manage. He took a deep breath, trying to still the slight trembling of his hands.
"I am ready."

[lordinmanner]

The clothes that Aria had been given were not precisely the height of Vendesian fashion. That was obvious just from looking through the vehicle windows at the men and women strolling the streets. The quickness of his transport had precluded any such tailoring. But his clothing was perfectly suitable for a meeting with the Empress. Kithaniel nodded to himself as, with a wave of recognition at the gates, the vehicle was allowed through to the foot of the Citadel itself.

From this close, it was visible that the great building was constructed of shining obsidian, like a black mirror. Spires and buttresses were ornately decorated with scrollwork and figures that seemed to be from both dream and nightmare. Twisting serpents had emerald eyes while angel wings were lined with silver. No expense had been spared.

Soon, the vehicle came to a stop at the foot of a broad set of dark, iridescent marble stairs. A footman in the Vendesian livery of black, blue, and gold stepped forward to open the door for them to step out. And Kithaniel led, placing his hat on his head. One gloved hand was then offered for Aria, the other holding his fashionable cane.

"A pleasure to see you once more, Lord Ambassador," a man greeted on his way down the stairs, and Kithaniel gave him a nod.

"It's good to be back, Yevin," he answered.

"The trip was uneventful, I trust."

"Of course, though I do anticipate the chance to rest from the trip."

"That will be happening soon - she's given orders for both of you to be escorted in immediately, so if you will?" Yevin, pristine in slate blue, motioned for the two of them to follow him as he proceeded up the tiered stairs and through the ebony doors.

The interior was no less grand than the exterior, the walls hung with tapestries and paintings, the floor shining stone with a runner of carpet leading ever inward through doorway after doorway and up quite a few staircases. The further up they went, the more the way was lightened, not only by the shade of stone but by windows that opened onto the bright day outside.

[so_far_fallen]

Aria felt intimidated by everything. The beautiful architecture, the pristine fashions, the grace of everything and everyone he passed... It was terrifying. He started to feel that, by comparison, his people probably were savages. Everything here was so refined, so perfect.

He became increasingly self conscious, on meeting Yevin he could do nothing but give him a shy nod. He wanted to say something, he didn't want to appear rude, but it felt as though his tongue was frozen in his mouth.

Aria walked close to Kithaniel, worried about being lost or keeping the Empress waiting.

[lordinmanner]

The chamber they were finally led into was an area of white, silver, and sky blue, lit warmly by the sun streaming through frosted glass. And there, to one side, sat the Empress.

It only took a glance to see that this wasn't a normal audience chamber, and the Empress's posture only added to that. Before her was a loom strung in shades of violet and blue with the occasional strand of winter white. Her hair was just as black as Kithaniel's but longer, falling past the middle of her back in thick curls. Some was gathered at the crown, creating a dark backdrop for her filigreed tiara of rose gold and sapphire. Her earrings matched, hanging past her shoulders to contrast her draped plum silk gown, and a tiny sapphire jewel was placed at the delicate point of each of her ears.

"My Lady," Yevin politely interrupted. "The Lord Ambassador Martinson has arrived with our Ward of the Realm."

"I thought," she said with a smile, "that I had heard more footsteps than only yours. Kithaniel, welcome home." She sent the shuttle through one last time before brushing her hands on her skirts and standing. And as she stood, one more thing became clear: She stood perhaps as tall as Kithaniel's chest.

As she came to stand before them, Kithaniel swept his hat from his head and bowed, beyond the parallel he had told Aria. "Your Imperial Highness. May I present our Ward of the Empire."

[so_far_fallen]

Aria's complexion, which was usually snowy pale anyway, had became even more colourless with nerves. Although the Empress was very different from what he had been expecting, it didn't make him any less frightened.

He followed Kithaniel's lead and bowed low from the waist, speaking clearly and certainly despite is anxieties, "Your Imperial Highness, I am Aria of Verdimond City, Verdimond."

Aria wasn't sure whether he was required to say more, to state his business perhaps, but he didn't want to talk out of turn. Instead he stayed silent and remained in his bowed position until told to do otherwise.

[lordinmanner]

"Aria. A very musical name," she greeted him warmly. "Now please, come, sit - one of my servants is bringing us some tea before you faint." She motioned to an area near one of the windows, bathed in sunlight, and preceded them to it. The chairs were dark wood with seats and backs padded in maroon brocade. She seated herself easily with a light smile to them both. "I don't doubt that Kithaniel's letters were perfectly honest. He told me of what happened to you, Aria, and I hope you can understand my outrage."

Kithaniel seated himself as they had been asked, his hat and cane taken by an efficient and silent servant. On the table before them, there was already an assortment of small sandwiches and cakes, waiting to be eaten. Kithaniel lifted one of the delicate cress sandwiches to take a bite from. This part was between the Empress and Aria. He had done his part.

[so_far_fallen]

"One of the youths who raised me was named Melody, she picked Aria as my name to match her own," Aria said. As soon as the words left his mouth his cheeks flushed, he couldn't help hearing Narim's voice in his head telling him to be silent, that nobody cared about his silly stories.

Aria sat down with a grateful nod of his head to the Empress and folded his hands in his lap. "I am very grateful to you, my lady, for permitting me to enter your lands and showing me such fine hospitality. I have been in your country only a short while and I've been made to feel most welcome."

He paused before responding properly to her words, unsure what to say. "I appreciate your sympathy. What happened to me was... unpleasant... although it is not uncommon in my country."

[lordinmanner]

That small story of his gained a smile from the Empress. She watched him, her eyes a gleaming blue. When he delivered that news, however, her smile faded and faltered. "It isn't uncommon, you say. Then I see I was right in my instructions to Kithaniel. We cannot conscionably have any political tie with a nation that espouses this sort of action. Yet it puts me in a difficult position. I would prefer to save all of those in such a situation, but if that were to happen, I'm certain your government would look upon us unkindly. Can you offer any insight?"

[so_far_fallen]

"Such thing is law in Verdimond." Aria confessed, "Were you to challenge it I am certain my lord husb... the High Priest would not take kindly to it. If he felt threatened he would declare war and fight until the last man - it is his way"

[lordinmanner]

"And while Vendesey is equipped for war, I would much prefer not to watch my subjects either kill or die in our Empire's name. So I will ask something else: Does your law still count you as wedded to him, then?"

It was barely perceptible, Kithaniel's slight flinch at the thought of two men being married. It went against everything he had been taught.

[so_far_fallen]

"Yes, we are still married in the eyes of the law. I doubt the High Priest would have any desire to track me down for divorce unless he wished to re-marry." Aria replied, a little puzzled by the question.

He didn't notice Kithaniel's discomfort with the topic, nor did he feel particularly awkward discussing it - same sex marriage was no different to a man and woman marrying in Verdimond.

[lordinmanner]

"Mm, I see." And she turned thoughtful until the tea was delivered, the tray placed on the table before them and poured from the porcelain teapot into delicate bone china cups. "This is an interesting contradiction in the laws of your home nation, Aria. They claim you are guilty of a crime against marriage, but then they hold the marriage true. It defies logic. --Thank you." She nodded to the servant as the cup and saucer were placed into her hands. "But you say that if he did wish to separate, he would have to seek you out."

[so_far_fallen]

"It is not really necassary that he divorces me at all," Aria explained, hands still folded in his lap. He was starting to relax a little, the Empress seemed to have a pleasant temperement. "If the High Priest wishes to marry again he can do so, he is permitted to have a many marriage partners as he chooses. Some people thought it odd that he never took any more Brides as well as me."

[lordinmanner]

The attendant poured another cup of tea to offer to Aria. Kithaniel, as a normal guest, was served last, and he seemed quite content that way. The talk of marriage between people of the same sex was only topped, to him, by the talk of marriage of more than two people. It was more than his mind could fully wrap around, and as such he kept himself absent from the conversation. The Empress, he knew, was much more comfortable about such topics than he.

"That is an interesting custom. You'll have to tell me how that particular understanding came about. But I do believe I understand - perhaps the worry will come to nothing, then. Instead, we may need to turn our attention to how, exactly, you'll make your way in Vendesey."