Fall From Glory

Court

"Now that we have an assembled court, nothing will be able to prevent our rule." Fintan declared, fresh after backstabbing everyone from the secondary and original Council and throwing them in the dungeon. And, he turned on everyone else but Gisela in Ravagog, leaving them stranded and at the mercy of the ogres. Only time would tell when he would betray her as well. 

"And what are we supposed to do, exactly?" Lord Rictus, a newcomer, inquired with an arch of his crow-black eyebrows.

"Act as a court. We are trying to transform the form of government, and you are a part of it." Fintan spread his arms wide.

"So in 'acting like a court' we help you reshape the future?" Lord Adaryn questioned, another newcomer with suspiciously ashy skin and red irises.

"Yes, and perhaps you'll sit one day upon one of these thrones." The Pyrokinetic answered, watching for a potential spark of greed to reveal itself amongst the gathered elves. None appeared, but it they were present, they were well veiled.

Lord Kaz stood, along with his wife, Lady Mariss. "I would like to thank you for this opportunity, Councillor Fintan. We are all truly honored to be here today, with the chance of become a leaders ourselves, per your generous arrangement. For that, I can only hope we are worthy. But I have no doubts, especially after your pervasive example. Thank you, from all of us."

Fintan nodded, portraying the graciously welcoming leader stance.

Gisela's scoff was heard, and all eyes landed on her.

Instead of being fazed, she gave everyone a patronizing smile. "Nothing at all, do carry on."

Just the observant Kaz noticed the smirk that lingered at the corners of her mouth. He, however, didn't point it out.

"We thank you very much, and are thankful to be able to be here, in your presence. It is appreciated, but from someone who has recently lost a dear one, you know how much it means to me." Lady Mariss finished, her voice soft and sweet.

The two shared a smile as they sat down to nods of approval and acceptance.

Only Lord Arick's eyes tightened, as if concealing some negative emotion.

The ladies of the court stood to profess their gratitude.

"It's a pleasure to be here."

"We're grateful to be chosen."

"We're ready to serve."

"We'll do our best."

"It's so kind of you to invite us here to be in your presence."

"You might want to be wary of the future."

The last came from Lady Xena, the youngest with white-blonde hair and a black tattoo curling up the side of her throat.

Gisela couldn't be one hundred percent sure, but she thought saw Xena dart a quick glance at Arick, and it was her turn to narrow her eyes in suspicion. The glance was so quick, a millisecond was all it took. That was, if it had happened.

"You're all very welcome. But it really is my pleasure to have you agree to come here as my court." Fintan argued gently, with what he presumed to be a winning smile. It wasn't winning, but it was a smile, all right.

Lady Xena resumed her seat, back into the portrait of grace and submissive quietness.

Gisela's ice blue eyes never left her, even as she pretended to be listening to Fintan's cockamamie speech. It was the third that day, and despite their forced politesse, the other members of court looked annoyed and tired. She assumed it was because of the Pyrokinetic's talking habits.