Requiem

Chapter II: Duae Alis

     5 years later, Fredrick looks out upon the world from atop a balcony. As he watched the world go by, he was left to ponder a subject that oft resurfaced. That being, his purpose. His guardian, Theodora, eventually took the initiative to explain to him the reality of his circumstances. He had been kidnapped and his mother had been killed. But to what end? Why had he been kidnapped and made to train in melee and ranged combat? To learn the ways of the court and how to navigate it?

     Theodora had promised him that he would be allowed to know upon the day of his 15th birthday, this very day. Something deep within Fredrick drew him to remember that night 5 years ago. What was it that she said?

     Then, out of nowhere, a maid appears behind him, and, as per usual, his thoughts are interrupted, "Young master Zimmerman, sorry if I'm interrupting, however, Lady Komnene has summoned you to the dining room," she says.

     "I shall meet her, and please do away with the honorifics, Violette," he says.

     "As you wish, young master," she says with a smirk.

     As Fredrick approaches the dining room, he notices Theodora awaiting his arrival in a great green gown, "Finally, you've arrived," she begins before noticing his attire. "Please dress in something respectable, we have guests,"

     Fredrick looks down upon his apparel, a black vest over a white linen shirt and breeches. Seeing nothing wrong with it, he retorts, "This is respectable, what more could you want of me?"

     "At the very least request a wig from one of the maids, and do put on some stockings, while you may have been raised in a barn, you ought not to act in such a manner, as I said we have guests," She responds.

     "You'll use anything as an excuse for a party," Fredrick comments as he attempts to walk off.

     Theodora then takes hold of his shoulder, "You still don't understand," she begins, "These parties, balls, dinners, they aren't merely social gatherings, they are the way that we," She gestures towards herself and him, "The elites of society, make connections and measure wealth, how we measure power, and how we forge alliances,"

     "I know," Fredrick begins, tired of hearing this lecture repeated, "You built an empire off of salt mining and dinner parties, correct?" He asks mockingly.

     "Indeed I did," Theodora smirks, uncaring of Fredrick's mockery.

     Fredrick returns in the same black vest over a white linen shirt and breeches, now with a powdered wig and stockings, as per Theodora's request. When he returns to Theodora, she provides a swift nod of approval. They then peek around the corner towards the waiting visitors at the table. Upon noticing Fredrick's confusion at the low number of visitors in attendance she quietly adds, "Julich's allies are few, however, we must make do with the hand we are dealt,"

     Then, at last, she leads him into the room, making sure to bring an empty glass and a bit of silverware. Upon entering, she gently strikes the glass in order to imitate the sound of a tolling bell. Once she has successfully commanded the room to attention, she begins to speak,

     "Welcome, welcome everyone. Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to our Man of Honour, Fredrick Komnene-Zimmerman," she says as she presents him to the ever-impatient guests. He's met with a mix of lazy clapping and bored stares. Noticing this, she signals a maid to bring the food.

     Throughout the meal, there is much chatter, this continues even after the table has been cleared. Then, an older fellow approaches Theodora. She extends out her hand and he kisses it in suit.

     "And you are the infamous Bastard Queen of Julich, I assume?" He asks.

     "Indeed I am," she answers confidently. Completely unfazed by the nickname.