(no subject)

[eiattu_pride]

Rial's been waiting ever since the call from Hilunda came in. Waiting, chewing nervously on his fingernails, wishing and hoping and praying that somehow this is all some big mistake, a nightmare, a hoax.

Inside, he knows that it's not true.

But oh, oh how he wishes it was.

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[sw-npc.livejournal.com]

The call, when it comes, is not a call. It's a precorded message, shot on a primitive flatcam. There is no background to give away where it was shot; just a black wall.

Figurehead Count Saume is nowhere to be seen when the picture comes into focus. Instead, charismatic bearded Baron Aronnse settles himself before the cam. He is a sharp man with pale skin and dark hair, facial hair, and eyes; he has always looked intent, even in the best of times, but he is even more so now. He folds his hands before him on the tabletop, wearing the purple uniform of a noble from an excellent family and its accompanying accoutremonts; its cape, its medals, its ostentatious sash. "The Priamsta have in their custody the Princess Isplourrdacartha Estillo," he says without preamble. He produces a dark strip of leather (http://fighting-mad.livejournal.com/4100.html?thread=118532#t118532) with a simple bluestone. It was a band, once, before it was snapped, and the baron holds it pinched between his thumb and forefinger, allowing it to dangle well within view of the cam.

"The princess shall be returned when the throne of Eiattu IV is turned over to the Priamsta. To that end, enclosed is a datastream with an agreement that Count Pernon will be required to sign. It states that the Priamsta are the rightful rulers of Eiattu IV and that he and the princess are abdicating willingly, entrusting the planet to the nobles. It stipulates that they will go into exile offworld."

He lowers the band, resting his hand on the table once more, and he leans in. "The count has two days from this moment on to sign and to put his affairs in order." Beyond that, say his dark eyes, his flat expression, I cannot be held responsible for the actions of lesser nobles.

Baron Aronnse nearly smiles.

The recording ends.