[Thread] Heads of State

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

Characters: Vayne and Garnet
Progress: Complete!
Summary: Vayne is taking his first steps into finding his way back where he belongs. It starts with befriending local royalty.
Location: Alexandria Castle
Date: March 18th, 1803
Warnings: Conniving bastard? At least he's not a despoiler of innocents. Also, FF12 spoilers. Lots of them. In Vayne's perspective.

Vayne had taken a couple of days to regroup and begin to strategize after his less-than-satisfactory meeting with Larsa in the streets. It galled him no end to have to pander about for information. He might as well be living in Old Archades for how utterly foolish he felt scraping up what little bits of information he could acquire. It didn't take him long to discover that the ruler or the nation he found himself in was a young queen and that she was recently returned from a vanishing. How quaint. A naive girl playing at leadership and taking time out for an unannounced sabbatical. Somehow it reminded him of that Dalmascan princess, which put him in a mind to discover if this one was as equally naive. If so, getting her to move as he wished would be an easy task to accomplish.

However, first he needed to acquire an audience.

He found the gates to the castle guarded by female guards, which was an intriguing choice to say the very least. There were but few women judges in Archadia, and unfortunately given to more emotional outbursts than the men. Yet when he approached them to request an audience with the queen, it was not as a displaced soul out of place, but more in the vein of who he was, the Emperor Vayne Solidor. He was polite and charming in his dealings with the women, without a shred of arrogance. Yet he maintained a confident bearing, not expecting to be turned away. The situation was unusual, but only a fool of a leader would not at least meet with other leadership. One always needed to know who the other players of the game were.

Eventually, one of the guards left to pass on the message, directing Vayne to wait until she could ask after Her Majesty's schedule. He inclined his head graciously. "But of course. I understand full well the pressures and demands placed upon one in leadership." And wait patiently (on the outside), he did.

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

It was some time later that the guard returned, this time with a second; an escort of sorts. They clicked their heels and saluted in unison, before the first spoke.

"Lord Solidor, Her Majesty will see you now. Please come with us."

And then, once again in unison, the two turned, fell into step beside him, and lead him through the palace corridors. There were people everywhere, cooks, staff, diplomats, and many more of similarly-dressed female guards. It quickly became obvious to even the casual observer, that Alexandria was a Matriarchal society. The palace itself was breathtaking, with nearly everything appearing in good repair, and relatively new. The halls were lined in plush red carpets, as was the grand staircase that the Guards lead him up. Around corners, down several corridors decorated with elaborate portraiture and tapestries, until they emerged through a set of double doors, and out into the sunlight.

The 'throne room' as it were, was a large balcony, and the gilded chair faced outward over the kingdom. All that was visible of the queen was a volume of white silk trimmed in green and gold embroidery, the rest of her form hidden by the tall-backed chair. One guard remained at Vayne's side, while the second moved forward, down a small flight of steps, and to the side of the throne.

"Your Majesty, Lord Vayne Solidor of the Archadian Empire."

"Thank you," came the soft reply, a young lady's voice, lightly accented. A gesture of her hand beyond the frame of the chair. "Please show him over."

The soldier saluted, and gestured for the lord to step forward, herself stepping aside to allow him access.

There was a reason that she was called the most Beautiful Queen in Alexandrian History, and it had just as much to do with her clean-cut looks, finery and pristine presence, as it had to do with her natural beauty. The woman seated in the chair was petite, at the most; the people of Gaia in general were on the smaller side, when compared to those who had come From The Sky, and Alexandria's queen was no exception. She was a young thing, just shy of twenty, with fair skin, her heart-shape face framed by thick, dark locks. She was practically swimming in skirts of white silk, perfectly tailored bodice and leafy embroidery, As expected of Royalty, she was bedecked in finery, though perhaps a bit on the less extravagant side -- silver, polished and pristine, in delicately twisted bands, decorative chain, and an elaborately designed crown that conjured up images of roses on a vine.

When he was within her line of sight, Garnet rose from her seat, the yards of silk falling in a soft, shushing sound.

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

Vayne took the long escort in through the palace corridors with an observant eye. Everything had the clean appearance of newness-- indicative that either the queen was a vain thing and a huge spender, or this was a rebuilding project for her. There were but a few signs that this was not a new castle, giving Vayne over to the thought that there must have been some need for rebuilding. He had seen ample evidence in the town proper that the people were recovering from some disaster. There were enough construction projects lining the street to confirm this for him.

It was good to see a leader remembering the importance of maintaining a regal front, so the thought of vanity was pushed aside for a private nod of appreciation instead. He was still intrigued to know what sort of queen kept women as her primary guard. In truth, there were women everywhere. Practically every servant, soldier, cook and artisan was a woman. This had to be their power structure in this kingdom, and he noted it as a point to remember.

Finding himself led outside took him somewhat by surprise. He was unaccustomed to audiences being held in the natural arena, and then he realized why. There was a throne placed upon a balcony, which looked down upon the spot which he stood. Impressive. It combined a show of command with the appearance of a casual encounter. Perhaps not the setting he would have chosen, but he could see how it would be effective. It also prevented unwanted attacks upon the queen's person, save by ranged attacks such as arrows or magicks. Ingenious.

Her voice reached his ears before sight of her did. It was a pleasant voice, and not shrewish such as he was treated to from that Dalmascan princess. It did not escape his notice that this queen was of an age near that of Ashelia's, but there was something more.

She was beautiful.

Not that he would be swayed by appearance, but he understood at once why the townspeople could not say enough to bless their beloved queen. She was, in short, breathtaking.

Pressing a hand to his chest, he executed a bow from his waist. "I thank you, Your Majesty, for the privilege of this audience. I know full well how precious every moment of a ruler's time is. And, I would ask your indulgence regarding my ignorance of your customs." Not knowing the first thing about any of these nations was unsettling for him. He'd been thoroughly educated in the affairs of every country in Ivalice, down to how they began their meals.

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet offered a small bow herself, though not quite as low as he; He was a Lord, and as such deserved a level of respect, but she could not forget that they were in her homeland at present. Garnet did so detest the formalities, but she was well versed in them none-the-less. She had to be, in her position. "You are forgiven, if you will forgive me for pointing out any errors," she said with a smile. "We do all need to learn from one another in these circumstances."

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

Oh how well he knew that dance. The exchange of formalities, pleasantries coupled with the true thrust of the topic at hand. Still, to be able to play at the exchange was of benefit. "I would appreciate the correction, when the need arise. I could ask for no nobler educator. Especially as I find myself in an embarrassing want of education in the histories and cultures of the land."

He could continue for hours in the game of political speak, but it was not expedient to his cause. Instead, he thought to take a gamble. A young rule who held court in such a unique setting could not possibly set too much store in the exhausting charade of royal pleasantries. "Out of respect for you and your time, I will dispense with the Archadian tradition of long-winded flattery and speak plain with you. This is a troubling situation for all involved, and would find myself back in my country. While I have faith in the others in our government, you can appreciate my desire to return to return to my people. I come to offer what I may to assist in this matter, not only for myself or my own nation, but in the hopes that we might find resolution for the disappearances that have occurred on your own soil as well. I am determined to see all put aright."

He dipped his head in a small sign of modesty, then returned his line of vision to continue his eye contact with Garnet. He was in a lamentable situation, deprived of power and armies, yet he still had nothing to feel shamed over so that he could not meet her eye. "I acknowledge that I have little more to offer than my earnest desire, yet I have come in hopes that it might be a start. That we might put our hopes into cooperation, and in so doing, find a solution to the benefit of all."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Ever since the appearance of the Mist, Garnet had been concerned for the stability of their world. The Mist alone was reason for concern, and the appearance of the ruins called Midgar had only served to compound those worries. Then came the blinding light, and finding herself in the middle of a field some two weeks later that the moment she last remembered. Not only that, but in her return, she'd found the face of the world changed. It was then she realized, that Gaia was not the only world hanging in the balance.

Even through her worries, Garnet maintained a mask of dignity and Serenity.

"I thank you very much for your support, Lord Solidor. I must admit myself, this is a problem I have been anxious to find the source of. Unfortunately, There is so much that requires my attention, and I have been unable to pursue such a venture. Alexandria is at peace now, but we are lacking in the proper support for such an unusual circumstance. With the disappearance of many of our own, our resources are spread thin, just in exploration and rescue missions. Many are contributing to the search and rescue efforts."

The young queen cast her eyes out, across the skyline. "Cooperation is the only solution to this problem. Only through team-work may we find the cause, and hopefully, a solution. I understand your troubles. Being away from ones home and responsibilities, can be very unsettling and worrisome."

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

For one so young, she had a level head on her shoulders, and a keen sense of duty. Vayne watched her mannerisms, while gauging her speech, and found himself approving of what he saw. What he was not finding in this queen was a sense of distrust or haughtiness, characteristics which could have made his visit here far from satisfactory.

Outwardly, he was entirely engrossed and attentive. Yet he was capable of watching every nuance around him, while calculating his next moves. He concluded she must be overwhelmed by the current situation, and willing to accept any help that was afforded her. This was a boon to himself, yet a detriment should Ashelia find her as well.

"Then I offer to be your feet in places you cannot tread. A ruler's time and attention is as valuable a commodity as any cache of coin or jewels. You should not squander yours when I find myself with far more of it unoccupied than I am accustomed to."

His head dipped a touch. "I apologize if my zeal appears to be ingratitude for the hospitality bestowed upon myself and my younger brother, who has also lamentably been taken from home. My last memories are of a looming invasion of one of my provinces, putting innocent lives at risk. If anything I might do could expedite my return and halt the senseless waste of life, to restore peace and order, then I fear I must put matters of obligation and manners aside."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet was quite taken by how well-mannered Vayne was. Few nobles that she encountered managed to carry such an air; most seemed to have their noses turned up at all who sat below them. They thought themselves better than the rest. Certainly, he had interests in this arrangement, it was not only for her benefit, but then, no deal ever was, or ever should be. Mutually beneficial was always the desired outcome of any arrangement.

"Your offer is greatly appreciated, and I accept," said the queen with a soft smile. Her demeanor was strong, but warming, and softening around the edges. "When we have finished here, I may suggest that you seek out Regent Cid Fabool in Lindblum. The Regency is Gaia's largest power, and a center of engineering, research, and economics. It was they who first began the excavation of the Midgar ruins."

Garnet stepped away from the Balcony then, turning her attention fully to Vayne, while the guards stood by at attention. "There is a strong alliance between Lindblum in Alexandria. The regent and my family have long been close friends, so you need only mention that you come at my suggestion, and it should be simple to secure an audience with the Regent."

Another smile. "I'm sure he would be thankful for the aide as well."

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

He noticed immediately the softening in Garnet's features. While he was not above putting on the pretense of wooing the queen if necessary, such an approach was not his method of operation. Yet it appeared there was a window of opportunity to befriend her, and that could potentially be a far more satisfactory and productive relationship. In truth, he was not opposed to a genuine friendship, as opposed to the facade of one. That, however, remained to be determined by time and effort. The manner in which she spoke of the Lindblum Regency implied that friendship was a commodity she held highly, and therefore, one to embrace.

He afforded her a rare smile, something he was unknown to do, save in the presence of close family. "I appreciate both the suggestion and the offer of a referral. I look forward to meeting one who is held in such high esteem by you and your family."

Vayne paused briefly to consider what she said about the Regency, being a center of power, and marked that information well. Still, his time here would be a waste if he could not secure her continued goodwill once he departed. "Might I ask if there is any one issue that troubles you, which I might be able to concentrate my efforts? Without doubt, this has created difficulties and challenges in all aspects of society. But one must needs find a place to begin, and I would that it were something that ease your mind, should I find an answer."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet shook her head ever so slightly, closing her eyes.

"What is most important now, is keeping the peace. With so many people being pulled from their homes, and so many going missing, there's bound to be growing unrest. We cannot find the answers fast enough..."

Opening her eyes, Garnet turned her gaze over the city once more. "We have all been effected by the circumstances."

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

Vayne nodded once. It was quite true that everyone was affected and it was not necessarily in a positive way. "I quite agree. Peace and order is of the utmost importance. I have always felt it to be so. These times are a challenge to them, but I am confident we will find a way to safeguard them."

He turned slightly, so that he could gaze at the city himself, without fully turning his back on Garnet. They were far enough away that the sounds of everyday life were inaudible, so it appeared entirely tranquil and calm. After a long moment, he said quietly, but with conviction, "I will protect the peace of your country as I would my own."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

The young queen glanced at Vayne from the corner of her eye. Such a grand declaration, and one she wanted to believe whole-heartedly; She just wasn't sure how a stranger could care as much about her home as he would his own. After a long pause, she smiled, and lifted her chin, turning back to him.

"I can arrange for transport to Lindblum for you, whenever you would like. You are of course more than welcome in Alexandria as well, for as long as you would like."

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

After a moment longer, Vayne drew his gaze away from the city. His offer to safeguard the peace was sincere. He was a man who appreciated order, no matter the cost needed to effect it. It would be his show of gratitude for the acceptance thus bestowed on him.

"Your offer is most generous. I thank you." Vayne nodded to Garnet politely. "I believe I will stay here for a few days more. I wish to locate books of history and geography, so I might better educate myself and not squander everyone's time with puerile questions."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

"May I suggest the palace library? It is one of the more extensive collections in Alexandria," said Garnet, and she stepped around the throne, beginning to ascend the short staircase. "I'm afraid I have some things to see to and cannot escort you myself, but I'm sure one of the guards would be more than adequate."

[dynast-king.livejournal.com]

It was obvious that the audience had drawn to a close, and in truth, it had proven far more productive than Vayne could have hoped for. "I will take heed of your suggestion and explore there first. Be well, Your Majesty." Hand on his chest, he performed a slight bow at the waist, which was really more of a head dip. He then turned to the guard, requesting her escort to the aforementioned library, where he intended to spend a vast quantity of time the remainder of his stay in Alexandria.