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Aylwen Dreamsong · 02-28-2005, 09:12 AM

Her father had left, her brother had fled, and Gjeelea was left to her own devices in the great hall. The gathered citizens watched her, waited for her to speak or to take charge. Another chance for me, Gjeelea thought, looking at Korak and then to the rest of the court. Her mother's death had created enough discord to send the people of Pashtia into complete chaos. Bekah's death made a state of distrust throughout the palace and realm - a situation that needed to be remedied.

"Jarult?" Gjeelea called to the chamberlain, her voice commanding and loud. Her tone reeked of strength and courage that betrayed her actual uncertainty. "Find High Priestess Zamara. See to it also that Lady Arshalous and Lady Arlomë come to the palace as soon as possible, if they do not already know of my mother's death." Jarult complied with a swift nod. Gjeelea turned to address the people gathered in the hall. "All of you, go to your homes and see to it that your families are safe. Light all your lamps for your queen - spare nothing," Gjeelea paused. When none of the people moved, she frowned. "Go! Now!" She ordered, and like stone statues suddenly come to life, the folk moved briskly to the doorway.

Homay and Tabari, personal maids to Bekah, remained in the corner. Behind them stood the healer Dahliyah, who glanced somberly at her own feet. Gjeelea moved from her spot at the steps of the dias to speak with the ladies. The princess knew her duties. When learning about courtly matters and workings Gjeelea joked about ever having to bathe and dress her mother for funeral - was not her mother invincible? The princess, though she knew it to be naive and childish, never imagined that her mother might pass, or furthermore what the effects of her death might bring.

"Homay -" Gjeelea began, her voice suddenly soft and gentle. The princess knew all too well how to change her face or act in what way she saw fit.

"My princess," Homay began, speaking before Gjeelea could continue. "It is vital that I speak with Lord Korak of private matters." The princess was taken aback, though she did not let it show upon her face. "If it pleases you, I will speak with him now, and join the women in the queen's bedchamber for the ceremonies."

"Very well," the princess said in a pleasant manner. Looking behind her shoulder she saw Korak moving to the door with the last of the onlookers. "My Lord Korak," Gjeelea called, causing him to pause midstep. Oh, the power of words, Gjeelea smiled to herself. "Homay wishes to speak with you privately." Korak nodded and Homay nodded her head low to the princess before going to him. Turning to Tabari and Dahliya, Gjeelea put a hand on each of their shoulders. "Come with me now, we will be with Bekah while we wait for the rest of the women."

The three women walked slowly towards the queen's chambers.

02-28-2005, 09:12 AM	#194
Aylwen Dreamsong The Melody of Misery Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Island of Conclusions (You get there by jumping!)... Posts: 1,147	Her father had left, her brother had fled, and Gjeelea was left to her own devices in the great hall. The gathered citizens watched her, waited for her to speak or to take charge. Another chance for me, Gjeelea thought, looking at Korak and then to the rest of the court. Her mother's death had created enough discord to send the people of Pashtia into complete chaos. Bekah's death made a state of distrust throughout the palace and realm - a situation that needed to be remedied. "Jarult?" Gjeelea called to the chamberlain, her voice commanding and loud. Her tone reeked of strength and courage that betrayed her actual uncertainty. "Find High Priestess Zamara. See to it also that Lady Arshalous and Lady Arlomë come to the palace as soon as possible, if they do not already know of my mother's death." Jarult complied with a swift nod. Gjeelea turned to address the people gathered in the hall. "All of you, go to your homes and see to it that your families are safe. Light all your lamps for your queen - spare nothing," Gjeelea paused. When none of the people moved, she frowned. "Go! Now!" She ordered, and like stone statues suddenly come to life, the folk moved briskly to the doorway. Homay and Tabari, personal maids to Bekah, remained in the corner. Behind them stood the healer Dahliyah, who glanced somberly at her own feet. Gjeelea moved from her spot at the steps of the dias to speak with the ladies. The princess knew her duties. When learning about courtly matters and workings Gjeelea joked about ever having to bathe and dress her mother for funeral - was not her mother invincible? The princess, though she knew it to be naive and childish, never imagined that her mother might pass, or furthermore what the effects of her death might bring. "Homay -" Gjeelea began, her voice suddenly soft and gentle. The princess knew all too well how to change her face or act in what way she saw fit. "My princess," Homay began, speaking before Gjeelea could continue. "It is vital that I speak with Lord Korak of private matters." The princess was taken aback, though she did not let it show upon her face. "If it pleases you, I will speak with him now, and join the women in the queen's bedchamber for the ceremonies." "Very well," the princess said in a pleasant manner. Looking behind her shoulder she saw Korak moving to the door with the last of the onlookers. "My Lord Korak," Gjeelea called, causing him to pause midstep. Oh, the power of words, Gjeelea smiled to herself. "Homay wishes to speak with you privately." Korak nodded and Homay nodded her head low to the princess before going to him. Turning to Tabari and Dahliya, Gjeelea put a hand on each of their shoulders. "Come with me now, we will be with Bekah while we wait for the rest of the women." The three women walked slowly towards the queen's chambers. Last edited by Aylwen Dreamsong; 02-28-2005 at 12:18 PM.