You, me and the people

[For Luciana Aetos ]

With her hands clasped behind her back and a content smile on her face, Lorelle watched over Allure from the balcony of her reading room. She saw people in the streets, making their way home, to the stores and to the taverns. It was a little after noon, and the city was at its busiest for the day. The market was crowded with people looking to buy fish, meat or spices, and children were playing together. From where the Queen stood, crime and dissatisfaction were undetectable, yet she knew it must be there. 

That's why she had invited her Advisor of People to the library, to ask her what the people were thinking and saying. But more than that, she wanted to have a cup of tea with her Advisor and see how she herself was doing. Lorelle would still be standing on the balcony when a guard announced Luciana's arrival. 

"Let her in", the Queen said, without so much as moving a muscle. Her gaze remained fixed on her city below her. 

It was a mostly peaceful day in the city of Allure, and while on the surface things were calm enough; it wasn’t always like that. But for the most part, the people were relatively pleased with the state of the kingdom. Most of the complaints being handled were simple enough things to do with some ‘mistaking’ someone else’s livestock for their own, or concerns with the rumors of war. War times brought on many of their own concerns with the people.

But Luciana had every faith in the ability of their Queen to make the best decisions for the kingdom. Having been in her position for four years, Luciana has had many opportunities to see what sort of leader their Queen Lorelle is, and thus far has no complaints of the monarch. In fact, she was on her way to Library to see her Queen.

She gave a polite nod to the guard who let her into the library and paused to give a deep curtsy to Lorelle, dipping her head in respect. “My Queen,” Her dark hair was pinned half-up, and her dark eyes were curious. “You are looking well.”

When the door opened and she heard footsteps approaching, the queen turned around and took a few steps so she was inside the room. She returned the curtsy with a polite nod of her head and smiled at her Advisor. Luciana had been with her for four years now, which was more than half of the time she had been sat on the throne. She was very satisfied with Luciana's work. She was serious about what she did, yet always remained approachable and friendly. Perhaps the fact that she was the Queen had something to do with that, though. People barely ever were impolite to her.

"So are you", she replied with a soft smile. Lorelle gestured at the outdoor furniture on the balcony. "Let us sit outside and enjoy the spring sun." She would walk outside again, taking a seat and placing her hands in her lap.

A servant would bring them a pot of tea and two cups, carefully filling them. She also left behind a tray of cookies. The brunette picked one up and took a polite, small bite, holding a bent finger in front of her closed lips as she chewed. "Thank you for meeting with me. It's not about anything serious. You know I enjoy your company, lady Aetos, and I was wondering how the people are doing."

In this seated position, it was more difficult to see the city below them, but she knew it was still there. She had never been to Rodale, but she could not image it looked similar to Allure. She always imaged the streets reeked of death, although that was definitely an exaggeration. "And how you are doing, of course", she added when she looked back at Luciana.

Luciana followed the Queen's gesture and took a seat opposite her on the balcony. The soft spring sunlight bathed them both, creating a serene atmosphere that was enhanced by the gentle rustling of leaves and distant chirping of birds. She thanked the servant with a nod as the tea was poured, appreciating the tranquility of the moment.

"It's always a pleasure to spend time with you, Your Majesty," Luciana said, her tone warm and respectful. She took a small sip of tea, savoring its delicate flavor before continuing. "The people are doing well, all things considered. The recent improvements in the market district have brought about a sense of optimism. There's a feeling of growth and progress in the air."

She paused, placing her cup down gently. "As for myself, I am well. I find great fulfillment in serving you and the kingdom. Lisette has been thoroughly enjoying the gardens, insisting I help her learn all the names of the different flowers."

Luciana's gaze shifted momentarily to the city below, her thoughts lingering on the children playing in the distance. Her mind of course turning to her own young daughter, she would be attending school in a few years. And as of yet had not shown any signs of being Blest, like her mother.

Turning her attention back to the Queen, Luciana added with a soft smile, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It means a great deal to me. How have you been? I hope the burdens of the crown have not been too heavy."

Lorelle kept a kind but somewhat restrained smile on her face. It was barely noticeable, but if you knew her, you knew it was just the way she smiled. She had been taught never to smile too broad, and to look friendly but not overly happy and excited. The Queen listened to her Advisor speak, smiling a bit more noticeable at the compliment on her company. She took a dip of her tea as well and gently placed the cup down when Luciana had finished answering her question.

"I would like to meet Lisette again sometime. It's a bit soon to discuss marriage, but you have been a wonderful Advisor, and your family is well known and respected." She picked up the cup of tea again, slightly blowing on the liquid. It had been a tad too hot before. "I am glad to hear you and Lisette are doing well, lady Aetos." A genuine remark. "I have been well. Roman and I have been trying for a second baby, but no luck so far. I have been thinking about Rodale, though. I keep worrying that one of their Marshals will try to invade Almeran."

"Your Majesty," Luciana began, her voice smooth and measured, "It is an honor to hear your kind words. Lisette will be pleased to know of your desire to meet again. Though marriage discussions may be premature, I am confident that time will allow for such considerations to ripen naturally."

She paused, offering a warm but composed smile. "I am genuinely happy to hear about your well-being, and I pray that your efforts for a second child will soon be rewarded. Roman's dedication and your resilience are inspiring to us all."

She leaned forward slightly, her voice taking on a reassuring tone. "I can speak with some of our contacts and gather more information about Rodale's movements. It's better to be prepared and know what we might be facing."

Luciana paused, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "You've built something truly remarkable here in Almeran. We'll do everything in our power to protect it."

Marriage was of course a big thing when it came to a royal wedding. Lorelle and Roman would need to make sure they picked a good wife for Lucas, when the time came. She nodded at her Advisor with a slight smile.

She appreciated what Luciana said, because she knew it was genuine, and not just what she wanted to hear. It was why she was glad to be friends with Luciana. Rodale did worry her, so she was glad that Luciana suggested speaking with their contacts. "Good. See what they have to say. It's been a while since they tried anything, but still. I don't trust these Marshals will keep the peace."

"Thank you", she responded and smiled again. "One day we will unite Idrenor again, in my ancestor's name, but for now, this peace is good. It gives us the opportunity to grow our population. Uniting Idrenor won't be without bloodshed." She sighed.

Luciana nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting a blend of determination and understanding. "Indeed, peace is a rare and precious thing, especially in times like these. It gives us the chance to strengthen our foundations and prepare for the challenges ahead. The unification of Idrenor will not be an easy path, but with patience and perseverance, it can be achieved."

She paused, considering the weight of the responsibility they both bore. "I'll reach out to our contacts and gather what information I can about Rodale. We need to stay vigilant. As for the Marshals, we must hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Your people deserve the security and stability you've worked so hard to provide."

Luciana offered a reassuring smile. "In the meantime, let us focus on the positive strides we've made. The growth of our population is a testament to our resilience. When the time comes, we will face whatever challenges arise with strength and unity. Your ancestor's vision for a united Idrenor lives on through you, and we will honor that vision together."

Lorelle agreed with Luciana. She was wise, and knew a little about everything, which made her such a great Advisor. She had contemplated asking Luciana to work together with the Advisor of War, but had decided against it for now. It would make it seem too much like she was preparing for war, and she wasn't. She just wished Rodale wasn't either.

So the queen nodded. "Good", she said. "Thank you, lady Aetos." She knew the other would come to her with information when she had received it.

Her reassuring words were kind, but did make Lorelle sigh softly. "I don't know how Almera did it. There was even less peace then, but the people longed for a sense of direction. It was only when others decided they wanted power as well that the chaos begun. I often wonder if those Marshals want a united Idrenor as well, but in their name instead. They don't care about Almera." She sipped her tea. "But you're right. We will focus on the positive."

She smiled at Luciana. "Perhaps we ought to organise a ball, for everyone, commoner, middle class and nobility alike. What do you think?"

Luciana smiled warmly at Lorelle, her gaze softening. "You always have a way of seeing the bigger picture, your Highness. Almera's legacy is our guiding star, even in these turbulent times. The Marshals’ ambitions are concerning, but we must remember that our strength lies in unity."

She leaned back slightly, her tone becoming more conversational. "A ball sounds like a splendid idea. It would be a wonderful way to bring everyone together, from the commoners to the nobility. A chance for the people to see that we're all striving for the same goal—a united, prosperous Idrenor."

Luciana's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "And, of course, it would give us an excuse to dress up and enjoy ourselves a bit. We've been so caught up in these serious matters, we deserve a night of laughter and dancing."

She reached out and gently squeezed Lorelle's hand. "We'll make it an event to remember. Show the Marshals that the true power of Idrenor lies in its people and their spirit. And who knows? Maybe it will remind them of what we're truly fighting for."

Luciana leaned back, her expression thoughtful but content. "Together, we'll ensure Almera's legacy isn't just remembered but actively celebrated. And we'll do it with grace, style, and a lot of heart."

It felt good to hear those words coming from her Advisor. Almera was a very important figure in Almeran's history, and it was nice to hear others deemed her just as important as her descendants. The Marshals could indeed shake things up, but possibly there would be a solution to that problem. It would take time, and patience.

She suggested a ball, which Luciana seemed to like. Lorelle smiled softly and listened. "I am glad you agree", she said. Uniting the people was the most important task, and dressing up and enjoying themselves would be nice too. Everyone could use a fun evening, provided by the Queen. Free drinks and dancing, music and dressing up would do them good.

She reached out a hand to take Lucy's in hers, if she allowed it. "Thank you, Luciana", she said, now being more informal and familiar with the woman. "I wouldn't know what to do without you."

Luciana smiled warmly as Lorelle's hand reached out. She took it gently, her touch reassuring. "The feeling is mutual," She replied softly. "I'm glad to be here, supporting you and working together towards our shared goals."

She nodded at the idea of the ball, her eyes reflecting her approval. "A ball sounds like a splendid idea. It will certainly lift spirits and strengthen our bonds. Sometimes, even amidst serious matters, we need moments of joy to remind us of what we're working for."

Luciana's gaze lingered on Lorelle with genuine affection. "We'll find a way to address the Marshals and any other challenges that come our way. For now, let's focus on this opportunity to bring everyone together and celebrate. And remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what."

"Good, good", she said. "A ball it is then. We'll circle back to it later, when the time is right for preparations." Lorelle smiled.

She nodded. "That sounds like a great idea. Thank you, again." Another smile. The women would continue to drink their tea and talk for a while longer before parting ways.

[END THREAD]