video | the alderwood emperor

[alderwood]

[The video comes up not with the backdrop of the Commander's office, but instead that of the Emperor's personal quarters. It is Alderwood that sits there, his expression dark and controlled; there are signs of grief in the redness of his eyes same as there are signs of activity in the motion of police kedan behind him, but he ignores that to address the network.]

The Ironwood Emperor is-- [Here, he breaks a moment before the line of his jaw settles with stonelike strength and he continues.] She is dead.

[Centuries of war that she survived, centuries of difficulties, and he found her as innocently dead as a victim in a murder. Evandau appears torn, once again on the brink of the grief that threatens to consume him, but he forces himself into mould of a Commander so that he might serve the purpose of this message.]

The sealed scroll outlining her succession was opened this morning under my authority as Commander. [His hand moves, briefly touching a rolled up scroll set on the flat surface before withdrawing as though burned.] It was her wish that I assume all authorities and responsibilities as Emperor after her passing.

[His look is pained, but does not break.]

Henceforth, I assume the role of Alderwood Emperor and thusly fulfill her wishes. The responsibilites of the Commander will continue with me until I choose a successor.

[A pause, a breath as he composes his next words.]

The Palace of Landed Sky is closed to all petitioners until further notice. Without Eshai's power protecting it, this is no longer a safe haven for those that wish to speak its name, so do not risk it.

[For he already suspects that Malicant is behind this and will not have it invited in to make a pair of he and Eshai in death.

That brings him to the end of what he needed to announce and so he only offers one flat statement in closing.]

This changes nothing of your presence or purpose, so do not come beg of return. Those magicks are beyond me and my priority is determining what fool made the decision to kill her.

Comments

[shorttempered]

I... [Realizes there's nothing he can say that hasn't been said.] ...Tell me where you need me. Anything. Anywhere. Just... let me know.

[alderwood]

[There's a brief, firm nod. It's a simple way to reply, but one that requires little work or emotion to process.]

You will be advised when the time comes.

[shorttempered]

[He returns the nod. That's good enough for him.]

I know it sounds like only words, but I really mean this... I'm sorry for your loss. I know you two were close.

[alderwood]

[That... Ok, thanks. That brings back the emotion and his expression clouds with grief, even briefly.]

Close is only a shadow of what we were.

[It is quiet.]

How fond of you was she?

[shorttempered]

I... don't know. [He frowns.] To be honest I only met her in person for the first time during her last audience. We had talked before that, when she announced the barrier expanded, and I went to see her to see if she needed any kind of help. I... she seemed really nice. I kind of hoped she liked me....

[alderwood]

[He nods, slow and steady.]

Know that if she granted you anything, even an additional question, then she was fond of you. Eshai did not tolerate fools.

[shorttempered]

[He smiles a little at that. He also feels a little guilty, having Evandau comfort him. It should be the other way around.]

The same thing extends to you now. If you need anything, just let me know and I'll do it.

I'm Mark Grayson.

[alderwood]

You will be advised.

[His tone is firmer with this words, a repeat of acceptance he has made some number of times today. This is different, though he is an officer that will not show favouritism -- that is his style.]

I shall note this name, Foreigner Grayson.

[shorttempered]

I'll let you get back to doing whatever important thing you were doing. Um, I know this isn't a job you wanted, but I'm sure you'll do it well.

[alderwood]

[A crisp nod.]

Very good.

[And he ends the connection, being very poor at accepting such commendations.]