Kingdom of Power, of Courage, and of Wisdom

Majora's War - Escorting West

-Qin Palace, Matsubi-

Matsubi entered the throne room. A servant announced his presence, and Matsubi gulped as he walked through the large doors. His experiences here were varied and confusing. He still could easily recall in his mind's eye the sight of blood staining the floor, the bodies of Majora and Qin alike, and the tension in the air as he followed Zelda here to remove her half-brother from the throne. The second time he had been here, he believed he would be executed for the part he played in the same half-brother's rebellion, only to learn he would be spared, as well as promoted to a lower officer role in the military. The third time he witnessed Chancellor Ryo, a rival to Zelda and a man whose air was so kingly, bargain for a truce between Qin and Zhao and a fortress with the man who had defeated Ouki Mitagi. Having witnessed every event in the campaign that cost Ouki his life, it only increased the tension as he witnessed the war Ryo brought to Zhao in his own way.

"You seem tense, Matsubi." Zelda observed. A light smile lifted her lips in amusement as she sat on her throne and watched him slowly move forward.

Matsubi glanced around and saw the court was light today. Only a few ministers were in attendance and present today. The ministers mostly ignored him and were busy amongst each other. They seemed to work publically. Then to see Zelda as well, was also a shock in its own right. She had grown much in the last few years. Time certainly flew by. He remembered how she stumbled on him and his squad in the forests as a child, and now was passable as a young adult. He couldn't tell if she was an older teen or a young woman anymore. Either way she was losing the cuteness and innocence of the child and bore the maturity of a woman. Even the look in her eye was different and new. She was still cold and distant, but to compare when he first met her to now is like comparing the ice cold grasp of death to a lightly chilly breeze.

"Of course, high princess," Matsubi bowed. "If I may say so, let it never be said that my times in this room have never been light nor without... spectacle."

Zelda laughed quietly. "It certainly has seen its share of drama. The stories this room would tell if it could speak! If you wish, we may move elsewhere. I called for you, but it is not important that it be public nor in a great debate."

"Then, if I may, may it be elsewhere?"

Zelda nodded. She rose from the throne and beckened to him as she exited a side door. A few guards walked with them as they took to a side hall and entered a smaller room. The palace was full of room for many purposes, and while the throne room was meant for spectacle and large debate, there were smaller rooms meant for work to be done in a more private setting. They entered a small room with little more than a desk, a few pillows, and a candle stand. It could be compared to a closet by royal standards.

A servant lit the candle and stood to the side. Zelda sat on a pillow and put down scrolls on the desk. Matsubi also sat down.

"I am sorry if my request was uncalled for." Matsubi bowed, feeling the need to be polite. "I am just uncomfortable in the throne room."

Zelda waved it aside. "I asked. I saw as much and made the offer. No need to apologize, Matsubi. What I wish to discuss has already been looked over by Chancellor Impa, the Fae Elder, the Majora Ambassador, and a few of my ministers. No need for further discussion with them in what is mostly formality."

Matsubi's eyebrows rose high. So many were involved in this mysterious subject? It must be important.

Zelda began, "I will start with the short of it and explain further after, yes?" Matsubi nodded. "I want you and your men to escort the Dragmire convoy to the Majora."

Matsubi felt his breath hitch briefly. This was quite an order! He felt many things at once. Confusion, as he did not know who the Dragmire were beyond a single man. Shame, as he felt unworthy of such a request in relations between Qin and their western ally. Gratitude, in her thinking of him in the same above others. More confusion, as he couldn't understand why she would choose him. And finally further confusion as he didn't understand how the request, or better yet the order, would impact the relations between them and their allies for good or for ill.