What to Do with the Evidence (19 Aug 2002) Hannah, Nymuae and Alice discuss what to do with their proof.

Study of the Thaumaturge
A grand chamber with a high, vaulted ceiling inscribed with an intricate pattern of violet and lavender sigils, the design of which is inverted on the floor. Oak bookcases with glass doors line the walls--some containing books, and others holding various curiosities. At intervals between the bookcases are marble sculptures of various fauna. In the center of the room, a two-foot circular dais some nine feet in diameter rests, flanked by two graceful drawing-room chairs.

Three young ladies -- a blond child, an auburn-haired teenager, and a raven-haired woman -- stand silent for a moment, ringed around the image of the Year's End. At length, Nymuae sets it onto the dais, shaking her head. "Our worst suspicions confirmed. We must warn the Queen, and expose him to the other Houses."

"Aye. I think so," agrees the little blond girl as she eases back off her toes. "But it isn't just that easy ... is it?" She frowns a little and glances uneasily around the room as if searching for some hidden spy. "Lady Nymuae? Are we safe to talk for a moment here? I fear waiting too long to act, but I also think we should consider what next we must do and how we should do it."

"Thaumaturges specialize in the detection of illusions and spies," Nymuae begins, then frowns. "Given that the court thaumaturge did not expose Lord Eoin, it may be that she has been corrupted ... in which case, we have already said too much. But if she is honest, then this is the most secure place in all the Palace to discuss matters."

"Given the gargoyle-guardian we had to pass at the door," Hannah comments, "I would think that we are safe enough to talk here. Otherwise, I would not have mentioned anything at all about my real reasons for being at the Palace."

Alice releases a breath and nods a little. "Then it must do." She turns around to Hannah and smiles at the other girl in a gentle indication of questions to follow. "Lady Hannah. I know that you would do much to protect my friends, 'nay, our friends. But I must ask you some questions about what they intend to do. It would be quite disconcerting to lay our plans later to only find they conflict. Are you willing to speak more on what the others intend?"

The sorceress still looks disturbed by the possibility of betrayal. Exhaling, she clears a spot on the dais, then turns to seat herself. Her eyes close in a face drawn and pale, though the attitude of her head suggests she is listening.

Hannah nods to Alice. "Of course I will answer your questions. I never meant to hide my true purpose from you, or the Lady Sorceress, or the Queen, for that matter. I only caution against repeating such things in the hearing of others. No offense was meant, I assure you."

"Oh, no. No offence is taken. I was more concerned as to request you break an oath by being unaware of such an oath's existence. You are a Golden Hawk. I would not wish to ask what you could not tell," explains the princess. She gives Hannah another smile and then continues. "As the Lady Sorceress said, we must do two things. We must inform the Queen and we must reveal Lord Eoin's trickery to all. To tell my mother the Queen, that should be first, to be sure. But following that we must then tell all -- and I think that will be quite complicated! I have heard by in my time as a lady in waiting to the Queen, Lord Explorer Thomas intends to bring some argument before the council of lords. Is this true, Hannah?"

Hannah frowns a little and sighs. "Complicated, indeed." She then taps her fingertips on the dais, collecting her thoughts. At length, she says, "Lord Thomas' original intention was to find the Destroyer's Keep and while there, find the Lord Protector, since it is his belief that the Destroyer had something to do with his disappearance. At the time he last spoke to Lord November, he promised to return in two weeks' time to address the Houses about the Destroyer's own return, with some sort of proof in hand. The hope was, of course, that the Lord Protector would be able to offer his own testimony."

When the other girl completes her answer, Nymuae interjects, "However the Lord Explorer's plans may help us, we must not merely expose the Destroyer." Her voice is emphatic. She opens her green eyes to regard the other two. "We must do whatever we can to stop him, here, now. I wish to see him imprisoned, at the least. Perhaps gaining the throne as Heir was the whole of his plan. But I would not wager the future of Mirari on that chance."

The princess glances between her friends after they both have offered their responses and then inclines her head in thanks for the information given. "I must agree with you, Lady Nymuae," she tells them both. "I do not think we can abide Lord Eoin to remain free to act even if we might gather together and reveal him with greater effect later. It is simply too dangerous. I do not wish to risk Mirari when we might act now. And as you, Hannah," she nods to Hannah, "speak as though Lord Thomas has been unsuccessful? Or you doubt his success? If this is true, or you are uncertain, I think it is all the more reason that we ourselves should make all due haste with our plans here. What say you?"

For a few moments, Hannah drops her gaze to the floor, seemingly wrestling over a difficult decision. "I had told the Lord Explorer I would not actively seek out the Destroyer," she murmurs, more to herself than anyone, "but as things stand now..." Eventually she looks to the others once more. "I mislike facing Lord Eoin without our full resources to bear, but as you say, it may not be best to wait. As Lord Thomas is now looking for both the Lord Protector and the real Lord April, this may slow him down even further. Perhaps it is best to do what we can now."

Nymuae nods to Hannah's words. "It would be good, indeed, if the Lord Explorer could find Lord April. But I will not depend on it. The true question is: how do we warn the Queen and the Houses, and how may we capture the Destroyer?"

"Thank you, Hannah. Yes, I think that settles it then. Or at least it shows us that our choice is perhaps the best of many uncertain choices there before us." The princess lifts herself on her tip-toes again to give the picture another look, frowns briefly, then goes on after she settles back, saying, "I think Lord Eoin is aware of our plan, and of me, and that he will be very careful. I had already tried to lure him into a trap to reveal him. I expect he'll be even more careful next time. I think it will be very difficult to draw him away from his allies and from where he feels safe, as I tried before, knowing what he does know. I think we must give the illusion that he is safe or perhaps try and imagine what he is and wants. Who he is. I do not think he is but an evil, I do not think anyone is pure evil without cause or pain." She frowns longer this time, her brow creasing. "Do you recall who he used to be, Lady Nymuae? Why he changed? I have the story but I would like to know if you remember."

"He was ... " Nymuae pauses for a long moment, reflecting. "He was elder brother to Lord Bram and Lady Angelique. When I met him first, I thought him proud, arrogant. A man much involved with himself, little thinking of others, save how they might be useful to him." She stops, a strange look on her face, then she shakes herself. "He -- when -- when Lady Angelique, when she refused to support him for the title of King, his true self shown. He was furious, murderous. Even after he slew Lord Theodore, he persisted in his ways, swearing to destroy Mirari for the insult they gave in denying him. The Houses combined to drive him off. He was ... is ... very powerful. I think ... he has only grown more powerful, over the ages." Her words trail off, her eyes distant.

Alice listens to the Lady Sorceress's description in mute silence. She doesn't even fidget but instead watches Nymuae with focused and concerned attention. When she finishes the princess bites her lip, glances at the photo again, then opens her mouth to speak. "I did not know he was the elder brother of Lord Bram and Lady Angelique," she comments in a whisper-quiet tone as if to herself. She then shakes her head as if clearing an unpleasant thought. "I know the story. It was what Lady Redmane and I were able to put together. But you have added to what I know. And it seems clear to me Lord Eoin's weakness is arrogance, pride, and hatred. And that may be useful in trapping him. But there are other aspects of Lord Eoin that I would also know. How did he become so powerful? He surely has some power if not as much as he may wish us to believe. How did he come to be so inward? So cold?" Alice shakes her head and frowns uncertainly, as if confused. "Was he so awful always?"

"No." Nymuae's inflection is strange. "He was a man once, as other men, with virtues as well as vices. I think the mirror Lady Angelique so prized was a gift from him to her. He could be ... considerate, when it suited him. When he turned to the path of destruction, I thought all such tender emotions were a mere act from him, only another kind of deceit. And yet ... " She shakes her head. "I do not know. I cannot recall these things as clearly as I should, as I need to," the sorceress finishes, touching a hand lightly to her bandaged forehead.

"I thank you for what you were able to remember, Lady Nymuae, I know it is a very long time ago." Another smile is given, this to Lady Nymuae, and it forces the unhappy frown from the princess's face for the moment. "I do wonder if Lord Theodore might answer for us these questions. I think the time when we shall need his knights is very close now. I also wonder if Lord Eoin was not denied before. As older brother to both Lord Bram and Lady Angelique he would have been heir to any previous title, if such titles existed before the fey came to Mirari."

"He ... he was Lord January. The beginning of the Year. His precedence had some recognition." Shaking her head again, trying to clear it, the Lady Sorceress continues, "But what you suggested earlier -- that we try to deceive him, to make him believe he is secure -- I fear to employ such a stratagem. Even now, with this distraction he had planned -- what has he done? Have his forces taken the South Gate? Has he feigned defeating them, and thereby won anew the regard of the Houses? Each minute we spend may be costing us more dearly than we know."

Hannah glances towards Nymuae at her words. "As uneasy as I may be about facing the Destroyer, I think the Lady Sorceress is right - what have we to gain by lingering here and discussing Lord Eoin's past? Whatever honorable qualities he possessed in the past, I do not think he has any of them now. His alliance with the Dark Witch of the Golden Woods is proof of that. As well as the fact that he gave the water mages of Caer Sidi in the lands to the West the power to rule over that place in such a cruel way."

"My brother Prince Richard squired to House January," mentions Angel. "I have wondered if House January supported Lord Eoin even now. But such questions, I think, should be answered later. You are right, Lady Nymuae. We should focus on Lord Eoin's attempt to gain the throne and worry about such other details as we may. Lord Eoin is likely still near the South Gate as is my mother the Queen, the royal guard, and possibly the House lords who remain within the palace. We may be able to confront him then, but I worry his forces will exceed our own and that the lords present here will side against us. It was obviously his plan all along to stage such an attack. But I worry, too, we may have no choice. Lord Eoin may attempt to make himself stronger here because he suspects he will need it. We cannot wait, ... but can we act? Are there any here who would take such proof as we have and side against him?"

"I ... am not sure what course would be best." Nymuae makes the admission as though it pains her. "If we go, now, as quickly as we can, to the South Gate, we may stop the Destroyer before he is embroiled any more deeply into his plan. But your fears are well-justified. However, if we wait to gather our forces, we may find it too late. Whom may we trust? Lord December, I am sure, is loyal; I saw him when I went to Winter's aid against the Ice Goblins. I think the rest of Winter will side with us, as well, given our evidence. Winter, of course, is not here ... nor is most of Spring, I think. Even Spring would not willingly support the Destroyer, unless his lies manage to warp them so much that they will not listen to reason or proof." She runs a hand through her hair. "It has been too long. I cannot even recall which Lords and Ladies are in residence here at the present. October, surely, is here?"

"I do not know about Lord October, but I did hear that Lord November is currently at the Palace," Hannah adds. "Under normal circumstances, he is usually reluctant to take a stand on an issue unless he knows others stand with him, but the image from the Optikon may be enough to convince him to even stand alone against the Destroyer. Besides, the Lord Explorer has already spoken with him about his suspicions that Lord Eoin is trying again for the throne of Mirari, so he should be somewhat prepared for him to actually appear."

Nymuae's gaze wanders about the study. Despite her efforts to focus on the topic, she has an exhausted, glassy-eyed demeanor. "Lord November's aid would be welcome. I wonder if he is at the South Gate now, too ... ?" Her eyes stop, facing a shelf full of curios, including a crystal ball.

The princess lifts her head to stare beyond the walls. She lifts her hands and begins counting persons off, her eyes flicking as if she were visually looking from lord to lady as her minds eye recreates the lords she has seen in the past. "Lord November was here not long ago. Surely his lordship will oppose Lord Eoin. He spoke much of fondness for Lord Thomas and I believe through Lord Thomas we have won him. Lady May and Lord February spoke for Lord April and are perhaps here, Lord September or a messenger of his came to request assistance in defending his border, Lord October was and may still be here and came to speak against Lord April, Lord March appears to feel the same as Lady May and Lord February but is currently defending the Spring lands and may change his mind if we can prove the source of the attacks, Lord August sent a messenger supporting Lord April but not so bad as May and February. The Queen said that until recently Summer and Winter houses were afraid to show their allegiance openly."

"Lady September," Nymuae corrects, absently.

"Sorry," wheezes Alice as she catches her breath. "There were innumerable requests, greater and lesser lords, and all other sorts. But I know that is no excuse." She bows her head apologetically to the sorceress.

Hannah shoots a concerned look in Nymuae's direction. "Are you feeling unwell, Lady Sorceress?" she asks. "Perhaps you should sit for a few minutes, to rest your injured leg?" She starts forward as if to help her into one of the drawing-room chairs, but hesitates midway through the action, waiting for some response.

The sorceress's tired expression finally breaks into a smile. "No, thou hast done well, princess. Do not apologize for a trifling error in difficult times." She shakes her head at Hannah. "I am as well as can be expected." She blinks several times, clearing her expression. "The Lords October and November we can surely count on. As for the rest who are present -- I would not depend on a one of them. The question, then: do we confront the false April now, and trust to the Queen, the Truth, and such Lords as we may convince to protect us -- or do we rally our forces and hope, when we are done, it is not too late?" She pauses. "If the latter, then perhaps we had best contrive somehow to reassure Lord April he need not fear us."

The princess blinks at the concerned question directed at the sorceress. Reflexively the blonde begins over towards Nymuae to check her anyway. "My mother the Queen can call upon the royal guard and upon the houses to have Lord Eoin arrested," she says is in a voice evidently strained from too much talking. "Perhaps if we were to call for a arrest, presenting adequate reason, and arrange a trial when all Houses had gathered we may be able to both avoid a battle and force Lord Eoin to accept his arrest or reveal himself? Or if he chooses neither but insists on struggling that too may play in our favor."

"I misdoubt that the Houses would stand to see Lord April arrested, unless we showed the evidence first. At that point, I do not think he would scruple to reveal himself. Yet, mayhaps ... " Her voice trails off. Her forehead feels a little too warm beneath Alice's touch, and the strain of exhaustion shows in the lines drawn on her face, in the way her eyes keep unfocusing. "We must decide soon, Princess. I fear ... I fear I will be of little use in a confrontation. I have spent too much of my resources in recent days."

"No. You should rest, Lady Nymuae. I can try to heal what I may but I will not ask you to ... to ..," the princess sighs and shakes her head, "go to what well may be civil war. I am willing to trust those who rule the Houses do, in their heart, wish for peace and truth and the wisdom to see past dark lies. But if that is not the case I fear I may start a war." She bites her lip again and gives her head a shake. In the chair besides Nymuae the princess sits heavily and frowns. "I think I know what Lord Thomas feels like now," she admits. "Lady Hannah? I believe we must try to stop him now. Will you join me? You need not, and I will think no less of you for it, but I must."

In response to the blonde girl's last question, Hannah simply bows before saying, "I have pledged to offer you what aid and protection that I can, and that I will do. If you go to face the Destroyer and rally the Houses to oppose him, then I will go with you, Highness."

Nymuae rises, her expression serious. "No, princess. An thou goest to face the Destroyer, I will go with thee. Remember -- what art thou to this Palace, but a young handmaiden of low birth? The Queen may trust thee, but the Houses will not. Lady Hannah may stand higher in their eyes for her father's sake -- yet, I think thou wilt need at least my presence, if not my powers. The Lords know the danger of discounting my words." Fire flickers briefly in her green eyes.

"Well that is terribly good of you both," exclaims the princess in a tired but no less relieved voice. The ease is visible in her face as the harsh creases of her frown melt and she tries to smile again. "For I was very much afraid."

Hannah's eyes unfocus a bit and she smiles grimly. "You are not the only one, Highness."

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