Post by wordy on Mar 14, 2012 12:08:25 GMT 10
Title: Right Back Where We Started From
Rating: G
Word Count: 508
Crossover: Emelan/The Queen’s Thief
Summary (and any Warnings): He’d have to have words with his foster-sister when he got back to Summersea. If he got back.
Notes: Set shortly after the end of The Queen of Attolia.
It had been years since he’d spent the night in a cell, but Briar remembered enough from his youth to recognise when he was beaten.
Three days later, after he had bored of meditation and was beginning to wonder if he should be plotting an escape, the queen finally came to see him. She stood in silence as the guard unlocked the door, watching him through the bars.
“Briar Moss,” she said, walking to the low bench that ran the length of one wall, sitting and crossing her ankles. Even in the dank, dark cell he could see that she was weighing her words, still watching him closely. If he hadn’t already been introduced to her some months past, he probably would have mistaken her for someone of lesser import; the combination of her stocky figure, broken nose, and cropped hair—not to mention her casual attire of breeches and a long-sleeved shirt—made for a rather unqueenly picture. The queen of Eddis was not pretty, but there was something very attractive about her nonetheless, Briar decided.
“Your Majesty,” he said politely, the silence having drawn out rather uncomfortably.
Eddis tilted her head to the side. “The Emelan Ambassador warned me about you before she left. She said you had a nose for mischief.”
That sounded like Sandry alright. He’d have to have words with his foster-sister when he got back to Summersea. If he got back.
“I understand that someone like yourself could have a penchant for pretty things,” the queen continued, her face more serious, “but that is really no excuse to steal from a temple. Not only have you caused considerable offense to the people of Eddis—and during a negotiation, no less!—but I’m sure you have caused even more offense to our gods.”
“I didn’t steal anything,” Briar protested. He was all too aware how important a treaty was between Eddis and Emelan; months of preparation at the Duke’s citadel had taught him that. “I was only looking, I swear it.”
His excuse sounded unworthy even to his own ears, but it was the truth. Hopefully the queen would be able to see that, even though her court had apparently not been able to.
After a moment’s thought, her forehead creased, the queen let out an unsatisfied sigh. Briar’s heart leaped into his throat.
“Your ignorance of our beliefs may excuse you this time,” said Eddis, rising from her seat, “and this time only. If I hear of any misconduct by you again, be sure that we will not be so kind, regardless of the treaty talks.”
Briar could only nod fervently, his heart racing with relief.
The queen paused by the door to his cell. “I understand that you are currently employed in your home country, however...should we reach an agreement between Emelan and Eddis perhaps you would consider a longer stay. Your Duke would certainly appreciate what knowledge of our county you could gain, and as of a few weeks ago,”—she raised an eyebrow—“I find myself without a Thief.”
Rating: G
Word Count: 508
Crossover: Emelan/The Queen’s Thief
Summary (and any Warnings): He’d have to have words with his foster-sister when he got back to Summersea. If he got back.
Notes: Set shortly after the end of The Queen of Attolia.
It had been years since he’d spent the night in a cell, but Briar remembered enough from his youth to recognise when he was beaten.
Three days later, after he had bored of meditation and was beginning to wonder if he should be plotting an escape, the queen finally came to see him. She stood in silence as the guard unlocked the door, watching him through the bars.
“Briar Moss,” she said, walking to the low bench that ran the length of one wall, sitting and crossing her ankles. Even in the dank, dark cell he could see that she was weighing her words, still watching him closely. If he hadn’t already been introduced to her some months past, he probably would have mistaken her for someone of lesser import; the combination of her stocky figure, broken nose, and cropped hair—not to mention her casual attire of breeches and a long-sleeved shirt—made for a rather unqueenly picture. The queen of Eddis was not pretty, but there was something very attractive about her nonetheless, Briar decided.
“Your Majesty,” he said politely, the silence having drawn out rather uncomfortably.
Eddis tilted her head to the side. “The Emelan Ambassador warned me about you before she left. She said you had a nose for mischief.”
That sounded like Sandry alright. He’d have to have words with his foster-sister when he got back to Summersea. If he got back.
“I understand that someone like yourself could have a penchant for pretty things,” the queen continued, her face more serious, “but that is really no excuse to steal from a temple. Not only have you caused considerable offense to the people of Eddis—and during a negotiation, no less!—but I’m sure you have caused even more offense to our gods.”
“I didn’t steal anything,” Briar protested. He was all too aware how important a treaty was between Eddis and Emelan; months of preparation at the Duke’s citadel had taught him that. “I was only looking, I swear it.”
His excuse sounded unworthy even to his own ears, but it was the truth. Hopefully the queen would be able to see that, even though her court had apparently not been able to.
After a moment’s thought, her forehead creased, the queen let out an unsatisfied sigh. Briar’s heart leaped into his throat.
“Your ignorance of our beliefs may excuse you this time,” said Eddis, rising from her seat, “and this time only. If I hear of any misconduct by you again, be sure that we will not be so kind, regardless of the treaty talks.”
Briar could only nod fervently, his heart racing with relief.
The queen paused by the door to his cell. “I understand that you are currently employed in your home country, however...should we reach an agreement between Emelan and Eddis perhaps you would consider a longer stay. Your Duke would certainly appreciate what knowledge of our county you could gain, and as of a few weeks ago,”—she raised an eyebrow—“I find myself without a Thief.”