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Post by magister on Aug 28, 2011 3:55:55 GMT
Valerius had been recently elected to replace the North American magister. From what Valerius had heard of the previous magister he was too weak to continue the role, and not to mention lacked the age to complete Valerius' current assignment. The task set forth before Valerius was to investigate the accusations against the queen of New Jersey. The accusations being that she was to weak to rule alongside her husband as queen. The monarchs always preferred a strong image, they would not tolerate a show of weakness among their numbers. If the New Jersey queen had ruled alone, one of the other monarchs would simply have invaded and conquered New Jersey. The queen would have perished during such a conquest, and New Jersey added to another monarchs domain.
However the queen of New Jersey did not rule alone. The king of New Jersey, one Heathcliffe Ryan Halloway, claimed that domain. The queen in question, one Corbin Rose Halloway, was the king's progeny and consort. The king himself was one thousand nine hundred years old, that's why Valerius had been called in, he exceeded the king in age. The previous magister was only nine hundred years old, their was fear among the other monarchs that king Halloway would not except his decision if the queen was guilty of the charges, and forcefully change his mind. That will not be the case with Valerius though, his mind could not be changed by force, at least by some one six hundred and twenty-one years younger than him.
Valerius had done his due diligence in studying the information provided by the informants of the other monarchs. He had studied up on the queen and king as well as their sheriffs and personal staff. There were a few things that troubled Valerius chief among them the witch king Halloway kept on hand, if things went poorly Valerius was worried if he would be able to handle a witch. No matter he was getting ahead of himself, he had yet to actually meet the queen and begin his actual investigations. Besides witches must surely have witch enemies, especially what he has read about this one. Valerius hoped to find a local witch that could combat this Samara. The kings other bodyguard shouldn't be an issue, he appeared to be human, but Valerius would find out more about him later.
Valerius had been driven to a location near the Halloway estate, he had decided to go the rest of the way under his own power. If the map of the mansion that was provided by the informants was accurate, Valerius should be able to infiltrate the mansion and gain access to the queen's office undetected. It was perhaps rude to enter the home of the monarchs unannounced but Valerius wanted to surprise the queen and let her know how serious this matter was being taken by all involved.
Valerius moving faster than any human could hope to see landed on one of the upper balconies and entered the mansion. The room he entered appeared to be a vacant bedroom, and as planned the informant had left the door to the balcony unlocked. From there Valerius followed a predetermined path to the queen's office. Valerius moved so quickly that all of the human staff he encountered barely noticed the wake he left behind him. The foolish humans probably though it to be the wind or the air conditioner.
Once Valerius reached his destination, the door to the queen's office he knocked politely enough. However not so politely he entered before waiting for a response, if anyone was actually inside at the moment. As Valerius entered the office he saw a woman seated at the desk and knew her to be the queen, he'd had photos in his file on her. "Ah, good evening your majesty. I hope I am not disturbing you too much?"
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Post by CORBIN ROSE HALLOWAY on Aug 28, 2011 4:54:13 GMT
FEW DAYS AFTER THE ROYAL BALLThe queens soft fingers ran across a few pages trying desperately to find the answers to her question on the rather pressing matter that had presented itself at the ball. The files and questions that were being raised had been stacking up. Heath wasn't rather fond of working closely with the police so that responsibility now rested on her shoulders. Her eyes closed slightly as she replayed that night. The last few days had been a pure nightmare. She knew because the murder had taken place on her property Corbin and Heath were held responsible. A lot of questions had been raised as to as to what and who exactly committed such a crime. Corbin massaged her temple as she let out a sigh. The once legible notes were now blurring together. She was tired and the night was still young.
Her concentration was broken when she heard a knock. She had only had a few seconds to react before an unfamiliar man stepped through the door. Corbin got up from her desk, her eyes carefully studying him wondering how exactly he had gotten in. She hadn't bee expecting anyone that day...this was rather strange to her. Corbin couldn't help but feel a little on edge."Ah, good evening your majesty. I hope I am not disturbing you too much?" Her lips parted as she stopped a few feet in front of the guest. "I don't mean to sound rude but I don't recall having a visitor today. I suppose there will be a few staff being dismissed now. I am a very busy woman and I just can't have people come in and out when they please. I'm going to have to ask you to leave sir." her tone was sharp and authoritative as her eyes looked sternly at the gentlemen before her. There was a slight annoyance in her expression. It was already bad enough that the Halloway's were being questioned for their security at the ball. This didn't need to be happening at all.
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Post by magister on Aug 29, 2011 20:55:46 GMT
Valerius regarded the queen of New Jersey closely. She seemed to speak with the authority of a monarch. That was a good sign for her Valerius thought, perhaps the charges against her are false. If that were the case Valerius wouldn't have to put down his fourth monarch. Valerius was still surprised that he had to sentence three monarchs to the true death, I guess not even monarchs are capable of always following the laws that bind us. Although Ms. Halloway's charges of making her fellow monarchs look weak by displaying weakness herself seemed rather minor in comparison. However to the nobility of vampire society it was one of the worst crimes imaginable. The monarchs that Valerius loyally served could have such fragile egos at times, him being here was proof enough of that. Though the other monarchs may have a point, a weak link in the chain threatened the integrity of the whole.
"I'm afraid I cannot leave just yet your majesty, I must insist on intruding upon your time. Please accept my most humble apologies." Though there really wasn't much humbleness to him or his apology. "You also shouldn't be too hard on your staff, I doubt that they even know I am here." Valerius was more than confident none of the human staff had detected his entrance, though the one that left the door unlocked for him knew he was here. The young queen didn't need to know that though, at least not at this time. Valerius didn't like spies and informants, though they were a necessary evil, it was just that the betrayal they represent doesn't sit well with him.
Now that Valerius has most likely startled the queen by informing her that he had gained entrance to her home and to her office undetected, he could continue with proper introductions. "Please excuse my poor manners your majesty. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Erastus Valerius Calidus, but you may call me Valerius." Now that the queen knew who he was, she was probably wondering why he was here with her now.
"Pleasantries aside, I would like to get down to the business I have with you, if I may?" Obviously his mandate dictated that he had the authority to discuss this matter with her, whether she wanted to hear it or not. "Your majesty I am the newly appointed magister of North America, and I am not here to inform you of just that." Now for the big reveal, Valerius wondered how her majesty would take the news. "I am afraid I must tell you I am hear to investigate charges against you. Your fellow monarchs of North America have made the accusation that you are unfit for the role of queen. I am hear to confirm whether or not those charges against you are valid" Now, time for her reaction to this unfortunate news.
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Post by CORBIN ROSE HALLOWAY on Aug 29, 2011 21:35:54 GMT
"I'm afraid I cannot leave just yet your majesty, I must insist on intruding upon your time. Please accept my most humble apologies. You also shouldn't be too hard on your staff, I doubt that they even know I am here." Corbin tensed slightly. She didn't take her gaze off him as she tried to figure out what exactly was going on. Was this related to the murder that had occurred? "Please excuse my poor manners your majesty. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Erastus Valerius Calidus, but you may call me Valerius." A lump formed in her throat. The Queen took a slight step back. Whatever was happening wasn't good. She had a strong feeling what his visit was about. Corbin had been fearing this moment for the longest time.
"Pleasantries aside, I would like to get down to the business I have with you, if I may? Your majesty I am the newly appointed magister of North America, and I am not here to inform you of just that. I am afraid I must tell you I am hear to investigate charges against you. Your fellow monarchs of North America have made the accusation that you are unfit for the role of queen. I am hear to confirm whether or not those charges against you are valid" At that moment it felt like time had completely stopped...his words suck in slowly and she was sure that if she hadn't been a vampire she would have been as white as a ghost. All that could be seen in the queen's eyes was fear. A small tear rolled down her cheek despite her efforts to not lost it completely in front of him. "How exactly am I unfit and what is my punishment if I am found guilty?" she said slowly trying as best she could to stay focused. Corbin knew the answers....in fact she dreaded getting a response but she needed to hear it for herself.
"Sir, if I may...I believe that things are now under control. Whatever it is that has been charged against me is in the past." Corbin was sure her words meant nothing at this time. She still wanted to try as best she could to defend herself. It had been true that her emotions had been getting the better of her, but as of lately she had been working hard to embrace her humanity and use it to her advantage like Brodir had suggested. It had only been a few days since then but the queen felt she had come a long way. Only time would really tell. A few more tears raced down her cheek as she lowered her head. She wondered if Heath knew about this. |
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Post by magister on Aug 30, 2011 16:37:19 GMT
Valerius considered the queen's questions, was she asking them because she didn't truly know the answers or because she knew them but just needed to hear him say it aloud. Although the crimson tear that rolled down her cheek answered his question. So was this the emotional instability the other monarchs claimed, if so it was fool hardy for the other monarchs to believe this would compromise a queen's rule. After all he had done his best to make the young queen feel frightened and not in control of the situation, he be disappointed if one little tear hadn't been shed. Despite the tear the queen seemed to be in control of herself, for now at least he reminded himself. She may not always be able to keep it together, those were the accusations after all.
"Now, now my dear. There is no reason to shed a tear just yet", Valerius stated while wiping the tear away with his right hand. "I haven't even begun my official investigation yet", he said just before licking the tear from his hand, tasting of Corbin's blood. "I suspect you already know the answers to your questions, but I will spell it out for you if you'd like. You are accused of being to weak to be fit to rule alongside your fellow monarchs. And as you should already know, there is no retirement policy for monarchs."
Valerius listened to Corbin's reply and smiled at her response, "Forgive me your majesty but I am afraid I cannot take you at your word. Formal charges have been brought, so a formal investigation must be conducted." Her response was a common one, one Valerius had heard millions of times. The plea that the charges are false and that the investigation is no longer necessary. His accused never seemed to comprehend fully that if he was already here, it was far too late for that.
Valerius watched as the queen lowered her head as more tears streamed from her eyes. Valerius hoped he hadn't been called all the way to another continent because the queen cries. She was young there was no real shame in tears, tears weren't weakness they were honesty. The queen was scared and she had every right to be, after all I am a very imposing figure Valerius thought, especially after how I have set the mood. Valerius placed his hand on Corbin's chin and lifted her head, "Come now my child, no more tears, you have nothing to fear from me... yet."
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Post by CORBIN ROSE HALLOWAY on Aug 31, 2011 6:06:42 GMT
"Now, now my dear. There is no reason to shed a tear just yet.I haven't even begun my official investigation yet, I suspect you already know the answers to your questions, but I will spell it out for you if you'd like. You are accused of being to weak to be fit to rule alongside your fellow monarchs. And as you should already know, there is no retirement policy for monarchs." Corbin expected to hear that. more then anything in the world she hadn't wanted to hear it but she knew it would be coming. It was clear now that the true death would be waiting for her if she was found guilty."Forgive me your majesty but I am afraid I cannot take you at your word. Formal charges have been brought, so a formal investigation must be conducted." Corbin gave a nod. There was no other way around this.
"Come now my child, no more tears, you have nothing to fear from me... yet." Corbin's head was lifted as she met his eyes. This vampire scared her to no end and it wasn't just because he now held her life in his hands. There was something unsettling about the way he talked and moved. He was indeed a whole lot older and more experienced but she could tell he wasn't going to care either way if Corbin was found guilty or not. That was what he did. It was his job to find vampires guilt of various crimes. "There is no harm in struggling with humanity sir. I don't understand why this is such a big deal." she said with a bit of a growl trying hard to fight her fear. "I would investigate the ones who made these silly accusations." |
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Post by magister on Sept 5, 2011 16:02:39 GMT
While Valerius did agree with the queen to an extent the struggle could prove very dangerous for someone in power. "Normally I would agree with you, for a young vampire to struggle with her lingering humanity was quite common." For it was entirely common except in those cases where the baby vampire had no humanity as a human. "For you my queen the case is different however. You as a monarch make decisions that effect all of the vampires in your kingdom. If your decisions are compromised by your burdensome struggle with your own humanity how is that fair to those who reside within your domain?"
Perhaps Corbin has never considered her responsibility to her kingdom, that didn't bode well for her. "As a monarch you have a responsibility to those that reside in your sphere of influence, think of them as well." Valerius didn't like those monarchs that never considered their subjects, those who ruled only thinking of themselves. Valerius was willing to give Corbin the benefit of the doubt, she was still young and didn't rule alone after all. "Still you must think of how your decisions will effect your subjects."
"As far as investigating those who accuse you, they do have a legitimate concern." Nobody likes others to make them look bad after all. Valerius himself despises other magisters who make his office look bad. " If you set a bad example it effects them all. If your subjects rose up against you because of your poor ability to lead, it could incite rebellions elsewhere." Sedition tends to spread like a plague after all. "This is what your fellow monarchs wish to prevent."
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Post by CORBIN ROSE HALLOWAY on Sept 6, 2011 1:19:23 GMT
"How long will you be staying?" A sense to pending doom began to settle in the air around her. Her days as queen were numbered. There was no way she would be able to hide her weakness much longer, especially if it was being magnified by the magister to determine if she deserved the truth death or not. Lowering her head slightly she went back to her desk. Corbin began to search of something else to focus on. She could feel her humanity wanting to cry out in pain that minute, the unstable emotions of her very being wanting to break free. "I think I understand the reason for your visit. I hope you make yourself at home here in Jamerson Falls for the time being. I must excuse myself I have some very important things that I need to address,"
Shoving a few folders into her arms the queen looked up slightly, trying hard to hide the shake in her voice as she made her way past the magister. At that moment she needed to get out. Corbin needed to go far away and breakdown somewhere else, she was trying to make any excuse to leave the room. As each second went by it made her more anxious."Thank you for your visit sir," she said bowing her head before she quickly starting for the door. She couldn't go much longer holding this all in. She was going to break. |
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Post by magister on Sept 20, 2011 21:00:02 GMT
Valerius smiled at the queen, "I shall be here for as long as is needed. Again I shall make myself useful to you and the king while here. Help you deal with any other trouble makers you might have." Valerius watched the queen as she moved back to her desk. She had lowered her eyes before doing so, and was carrying herself like someone who was already defeated. She must think that she is guilty, Valerius thought, that doesn't bode well for her. If you are so sure of your own guilt, regardless of whether you are or not, you usually ensure your own verdict. A shame Valerius thought, to have to destroy one so young and lovely. "Don't worry about me your majesty, I'll make myself at home here as if I have always lived here. And of course, don't let me interrupt anymore important business you may have. I don't wish to unduly interrupt the night to night business of your kingdom."
The queen gathered up some folders, what looked to Valerius as random folders, and headed for the exit. She appeared to wanted to leave rather quickly. She was scared, and she wanted to flee. Valerius always did his best to make sure justice was done. Why did so many fear justice. Even the innocent seemed to fear it often times. How can someone fear justice, perhaps they just truly didn't understand what it meant. Oh the young these nights.
Valerius decided to return the queens pleasantry, no matter how anxious she seemed. "Thank you for having me, your majesty." Valerius considered, for a moment, stopping the queen. But he decided against it, he didn't wish to terrify the poor girl. Well no more than necessary at least. A certain amount of terror did assist him in his job. Though he would prefer if it wasn't necessary to also to terrify the innocent. Though there really was no way to terrify only the guilty. Perhaps that is why everyone was afraid of justice he thought, they feared those that brought it.
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