"Why Do We Scream At Each Other?"

by Memory in Crimson

The Assembler's Note:

Completed 23 September -.

Your Highness: Only the most relevant entries have been compiled. I have omitted frivolities for Your convenience and also to better understand the traitor's reason for abandoning His Most Revered Highness, Phobos, the Rightful Heir to the House of Escanor.

7 Escanorum. - His Highness received a long-awaited visitor from Lord Cedric's homeland today; for it is my understanding that His Lordship's people refused to be involved in the war between Prince Phobos and the Queen. The Serpentine Shape-shifters had not stood against our Prince, but how one could not take this side or the Traditionalists' side is a mystery to me.

But this messenger did come - a 'Midnight Child,' I think, at least as they are called by Galhot and Escanor - a descendant of children long-ago kidnapped by the Serpentine Shape-shifters. Their skin had scales and was midnight blue, and their garbs shimmered like twilight in winter. The messenger spoke:

'Her Esteemed Lady, Cecelia, daughter of Lady Mulga, would enjoy the permission of Prince Phobos to tour Meridian now that he has secured his throne.'

This request barely impressed His Highness, and Lord Cedric thought it curious: 'Why does my sister want to come here, when no one else would stand beside our Prince?'

To which the messenger replied: 'She gave me no reason, and I dared not ask for one.'

Prince Phobos gazed at the messenger with no interest, and Lord Cedric hissed closed to his ear, certainly advising him against it. I am sorry to say that events leading up to the war pitted many a brother against his sister and a man against his wife. Half my family would not speak to the other, and those of us who are loyal to Prince Phobos certainly do not make any effort to contact those loathsome rabble-rousers.

However, His Highness agreed to her visitation, 'so that she may see what we have done and take news of this great new land back to her people,' though Cedric demonstrated no enthusiasm and to this hour, he stews in his frustration. But I agree with His Highness: our victory should be a positive example to those whom have for too long been disenfranchised by the Traditionalists. For were the Serpentine Shape-shifters not also shut out of the capital by the Traditionalists whom called them 'tricksters' and 'sinful' and 'deplorable'? I am puzzled that only Cedric among them all would swear fealty to Prince Phobos. I pray that Her Ladyship, when she arrives, shines a light upon the mystery.

16 Escanorum. - I am glad to have gained Lord Cedric's favour over many, many years of service, for he has roared and bellowed at the soldiers for days now, distressed by the imminent arrival of Lady Cecelia. I have had to calm the men often, for they fear that he shall crush them beneath his coils or bifurcate them with his claws; however, I have felt his fury, too, and though he waited many hours to approach me, he felt comfortable enough around me to apologise for his abuse.

I told him: 'You wish to make a good impression upon someone with high standards. This isn't a flaw. No one else can do what you do and as well as you do. And you tend to cope well.'

To which he scoffed and said: 'I don't cope. I simply manage to not rend one in two.'

And I said: 'If your sister isn't utterly disgusted by Galhots, perhaps I can stay by your side as I always do.' For Serpentine Shape-shifters have an infamous disdain for Galhots; why has never been quite clear aside from the fact that we often celebrate the arrival of Escanor and his people year after year.

Then Cedric's eyes lit and he said: 'Or you can handle her entirely.'

Well! I was certainly stunned. I'm still quite stunned. Me? I know nothing of her. Ah! but that's what makes me perfect, he said.

'She'll have memories of me and certain expectations of me that I fear I won't be able to live up to' - and I would have interjected, but he continued - 'but you? You have a blank slate with her. You could never disappoint her!'

Disappoint? I gasped, and then I wondered whatever could he have done, aside from assume the title of the Prince's General, to have disappointed her? But that is politics, I suppose. Even in peacetime a senate can become a more bloodied setting than a wrestler's ring, or a group of conflicted counsellors drowning out each other's voices, like Lerigian were-bears roaring and bashing one another for mates. I know that I stand for my Prince and his causes, but I am otherwise not a political man. We are all better off each minding our own businesses so long as one of us doesn't infringe on the other farmer's field, so to speak.

So, I've agreed to accompany Her Ladyship during her visit.

By the wisdom of the Kasperian Seer, I haven't the slightest clue of what I've got myself into!

19 Escanorum. - What a dreadful morning! Her Ladyship has to arrive in this downpour? By the hirsute hindquarters of the Mad Hermit! She'll assume that arriving in Meridian in this rain is a sign from her Gods that she's unwelcome here. Gods be merciful! I'll pen what I can when I can this evening.

Midnight. - Serpentine Shape-shifters are nearly impossible to read when they wear the body of a Galhot or an Escanor or a Galtroh or a Passling or who-have-you. Their expression is even colder in a body that is not theirs rather than as serpents, for as the latter, they are fiery of temperament and terrible to be crossed.

Her Ladyship resembles Cedric to an uncanny degree (even her robes were indistinguishable!). The stoniness of her face and the sluggish, serpentine manner of turning her head mimicked his. The distinguishing characteristics are slight, for she is a head taller than he (apparently, their ladies are larger both as Escanors and in their true forms), and she has bound her hair into a ball behind her head with a long strand on either side to frame her face. Her voice, also, has femininity, and there, the differences are so slight as to be microscopic.

She and her entourage of seven Midnight Children bowed deeply before His Highness so that their foreheads touched the floor. Satisfied with their humble greeting, Prince Phobos bade them welcome and promised them a most enlightening experience. It was then that he introduced me as the Lady's guide and leader of the men to keep her company secure. She regarded me with the tiniest bow of her head - not at all impressed, I can tell, although, for one who requested the right to visit, she seems dispassionate all-around. Perhaps she has come only because she obeys another, for I understand that she and Cedric are of noble breeding but are not the highest ranking members of their race.

Supper was quiet, for surely Lady Cecelia and her entourage looked baggy-eyed and ready to sleep face-first upon their plates. She asked her brother how he fared nowadays and if he would consider visiting home. Her eyes met only his and never the Prince's (strange!). His Highness cleared his throat a few times too many, and quietly, she asked for her bedchamber.

His Highness demands that, as soon as the morning comes, we figure out why Lady Cecelia has come, for though she seems weary (possibly due to the long journey), he is suspicious of her motive. He says that 'She's come for more than reconciling with me on behalf of her race. Find her out!'

20 Escanorum. - Her Ladyship started the day in better spirits, and Lord Cedric ensured that she broke-fast with a sumptuous meal. Pig and chicken and eggs had been prepared, very little fruit (Shifters are notorious carnivores), and something I didn't recognise:

'Dodidrian deer?' she hissed.

'A few herds were released into a preserve near the castle,' said Cedric. 'To make it feel more like home.'

The lady's chest swelled, and her face brightened red. She changed into that most terrifying form - and would you believe, much larger than Cedric! Surely they were indistinguishable in detail, for they are both yellow and green and red. But her coils contained more power in them, and her length was greater. If only the Shifters had joined the Prince's army - they would have crushed and devoured the Queen's forces, and the Prince rightfully assume the throne sooner! What a frightening sight!

I know that my fellow guards stationed in the hall were utterly frozen with terror as the siblings broke-fast, not at all eating with the daintiness of nobles but the ferocity of dragons. Yet Lady Cecelia's entourage gobbled their dishes as though nothing fear-inducing transpired. They spoke in their foreign tongue and laughed throughout, even eliciting a growl of a chuckle from Her Ladyship.

Then His Highness appeared, and all stood at attention. The siblings bowed as deeply as their great forms would allow them, and the Prince took his seat beside the roaring fire.

He asked, 'Did you sleep well, Lady Cecelia?'

'Yes,' she hissed. 'Thank you, Prince Phobos. And, at your leave, may I apologise for my behaviour at supper.'

'You are forgiven,' he said, 'although I am curious as to what ails you.'

'A terrible problem with my sinuses, Your Highness.'

'Is that so? What a pity!'

'Indeed. I could barely eat or sleep, and the pressure of leaving a good impression on you? I'm afraid it spread to the rest of my body. But my hand-servant Corvus gave me something to help me sleep off the last of it. I've a much better head on my shoulders, Your Highness.'

Then I looked at the Midnight Child with the silver eyebrows and silver row of hair standing tall in the middle of his head and nowhere else upon his skull. He grinned and tipped his head toward the Prince.

Then His Highness said, 'Then perhaps you are well enough to take a tour of the castle. Your brother and his assistant, Vathek, would fain show you about today.'

'That would lighten my heart even more, Your Highness,' she said.

Soon the last tidbit of breakfast was devoured, and the siblings changed into their Escanor bodies. His Lordship escorted Her Ladyship first to the magnificent place of arms, just outside the throne room. Some of the soldiers had assembled to drill before her, not one step or salute out of place.

'I see your men are ever-ready for combat,' she said.

'As every soldier should be,' said Cedric.

Then he led her to one of the many guardrooms, peppered with soldiers enjoying activities such as cards and drinking between their shifts. From there, we visited the kitchen and sampled foods for lunch. Then to the library briefly (it is a vast place, utterly labyrinthine, and so, we spared just a few minutes passing through); then to the Prince's gallery where he has begun to collect works for his private enjoyment and the enjoyment of his refined guests.

'I assume the places you're taking me,' said Lady Cecelia, 'are places that I'm permitted to enter?'

'Of course,' said Cedric. 'I don't fear for your safety, though. Everyone who sees you shall know that you are my sister. I merely want to show you those places you and your guests find more pleasurable.'

'Of course.'

Cedric's brows furrowed and his face darkened. With a snarl, he said, 'Perhaps we should head to the gardens now.'

To which I replied, 'An excellent idea, sir! Oh, Your Ladyship! The gardens are most delightful. Even an uncouth fellow like me has enough appreciation for them.'

Her Ladyship tipped her head, eyes wide with curiosity for my sudden energy; but I had no desire for the siblings to duel, and by the smoothness of Cedric's demeanor, I had somehow helped to defuse the situation.

His Lordship led the way: down winding stairs; passed purple, stained glass windows; passed doors sealed for confidentiality's sake (we can't be too careful, even around Cedric's people) and halls lurked in by Lurdens; through doors and through a long pergola, heavy with vines, into the royal gardens.

They are not the same as when the Queen and her consort reigned, and that is for the better. No reminder of the old and outdated need remain. Instead, the garden is filled to the walls with roses and Whisperers, squat trees that weep like willows, Axeman's bushes abounding, the thorny Mordred lilies with their poisonous blue flowers already in bloom; an assortment of trees and bushes and flowers that I haven't enough pages to name.

'This is Prince Phobos's sanctuary,' said Cedric. 'When he is here, he feels most at peace.'

Cecelia smiled and turned toward us. She said, 'Even his sanctuary is as fierce as the castle. It is refreshing to see less of that sugar-coated idealism and a more genuine face to the House of Escanor. His Highness certainly conceals less of his ferocity than the rest of his two-faced people.'

Then a pack of the Prince's brindled gorgonosbids trotted before our group and snarled. The Lady snorted back at them, and they perked up their heads.

I warned, 'Be careful, my Lady. These are part of the security His Highness has set up here.'

She laughed gaily, her sharp teeth gleaming - my! I was certain she had gone a bit mad and so quickly, too! Then she said, 'I do not fear these handsome beasts.' Then she snorted again and barked a deep bark like an alpha gorgonosbid, and the troop bustled toward us like hunting hounds.

'Such handsome, handsome creatures!' she exclaimed as they jumped and panted, vying for her tender caresses. 'Is His Highness fond of animals?'

'Many kinds that are often attacked and slaughtered for no reason,' said Cedric, 'other than that they are trying to survive.'

Then Cecelia clicked several times, and the beasts stood at attention before following her and Cedric as though they were their leaders.

I should not have been so surprised. Serpentine Shape-shifters seem to be masters of every beast that roams in Metamoor, save those upon which they prey. From the tiny but feared Taranturanga spider to mudslugs and even dragons - it appears as though fellow carnivores, no matter their size, show deference to the snake people. No wonder His Highness enjoys the Lord's company; for they enjoy the company of the same beasts, more than people.

The gardens were our last stop before we returned to a late lunch. Cecelia and her entourage retired to slumber before supping with His Highness and after that, savouring wine while the musicians played.

22 Escanorum. Evening. - I'm terribly afraid that I might have transgressed today. Her Ladyship was most excited to venture further afield, for she and her entourage passed quickly through the countryside to arrive at the castle. She desired to see more of the countryside and the preserve of which Cedric spoke.

Well! His Highness is not at all pleased right now! I understand that for security's sake, she is to stay as close to the castle as possible. Even with the castle, the city, the farms, and the nearby forests bristling with the Prince's soldiers and loyal subjects, there are defiant folk creeping and lurking, biding their time for some opportunity to kidnap or murder anyone professing loyalty to His Great Highness - or simply visiting him for curiosity's sake!

But my! He was furious after she retired to her chamber after today - and it had been such a lovely day, too! I had ordered the finer steeds saddled - the black stallions of Frodesia, fine horses for combat or leisure, sturdy of back, swift, and able of foot. I figured that four thunder-wolves would be plenty in case of an attack. And so, with my men in tow, I led Her Ladyship to the preserve. Such a grand and wild place! Plenty of game for the Prince and the Lord and their favourite beasts to hunt! Lady Cecelia had such a gay demeanour - certainly she had the cool deportment of a noble, but her spirit seemed free of any weights since her introduction.

And as we rode and I labelled this thing and that thing and told the stories I had been told, she asked if she could see more of Meridian.

'Only if His Highness deems that it's safe enough,' I said. 'We must be watchful. Quite a few backwards folk would want to unravel all this.'

'Backwards?' she asked.

'Establish the old ways,' I said. 'Having Queens and old, pompous advisors - all these folk who inherited their power but didn't really earn it. Not like the Prince. He sits on the throne because he thought and acted on his thoughts. He says the Queen only thought about changing the laws on how the ruler is chosen, but she never followed through on her promises. None of these Traditionalists do. They're all alike - saying one thing, telling us to do one thing, but as for themselves? Well! They do the opposite! But the Prince - he follows through. He's indeed fierce, just like you said, but he doesn't sugar-coat - not a tidbit! He says what a lot of us have been thinking but just couldn't say because we'd be called outrageous, crazy, traitorous even. But not now - that's why I joined his forces - to make Meridian a better place.'

Cecelia hummed and fell silent for a moment. Then she asked, 'Is it fair?'

'Fair? I should think so!'

'I should explain. For I agree: the House of Escanor has not always acted in the best interest of Meridian, let alone Metamoor as a whole. I can't even count the offences that Escanors have committed against my people. Our numbers are still not what they were before the invasion.'

'Don't take me in offence, my Lady, but I still appreciate what Escanor and his knights did for Metamoor - liberating the Galhots and other Free Peoples from the Kahedrin scourge.'

'That history is not lost to me, either.'

'I just don't appreciate how sometimes we've been talked down to - not only by Escanors but other Galhots. The matriarchy, for example - it's been the status quo forever. Even Escanor could not avoid it, and on the condition of being King, Leryn was to be crowned Queen Regnant. After all he did - conditions!'

Cecelia sighed. 'I'm afraid we've gotten off-topic.'

I bowed my head and said, 'My apologies.'

'I just want to make sure... The Great Majestic Lady Olindoyo has sent me to ensure that in place of the Queen and her extremely morally questionable consort, the throne has not been assumed by a different but nevertheless... less-than-ideal ruler.'

'I assure you, my Lady,' I said, feeling a bit flush in the face, 'Prince Phobos is not a tyrant. And if you have heard rumours of harsh behaviour on his part, it's only because he needs to keep the peace by any means necessary. Surely coming from your hierarchal background, you understand the necessity to maintain law and order, even if by harsh means? And I assure you that Prince Phobos never wants to go that route so quickly - not a tidbit.'

Her rosy lips seemed to fade as she mustered a rather sad smile. I didn't want to be harsh with her, but I promised to defend Prince Prince by the sword and the tongue or quill.

'I trust that is what you feel in your heart, dear friend,' she sighed. 'I would like to see for myself on the ground what life is like for the baker and blacksmith and merchant and mother. I'd like to see how well Meridianites are getting along, rebuilding after such a long conflict. Not for me but the Most Esteemed Olindoyo.'

I hesitated but eventually said I would ask the Prince to organize a tour. We'd need to be careful, no matter how safe a section of the city was reported to be.

Well! His Highness was quite furious after supper! He called Cedric and me and several captains, and he would have no more of the Lady wandering about without close monitoring.

'What shall we do, Your Highness?' I asked.

'Indeed,' began Cedric. 'We cannot simply forbid her from journeying to the city.'

'And why not?' demanded the Prince.

'Cecelia answers to Olindoyo. I know that you know what that means.'

The fire in the Prince's eyes simmered down, and his face cooled slightly. Then the Lord continued: 'Allow Cecelia to see a part of Meridian that you want her to see. Somewhere secure and free from certain... biases. My men shall ensure her safe entrance and departure. We'll perform a reconnaissance immediately, plan the route, and keep it short.'

'So be it. But I warn you, Cedric: No. Foul-ups.' And he cast a frightening gaze upon me, as though I had been he that stirred Cecelia's curiosity.

Honestly, it was hard to digest my rations for the day. I've never felt so terrified after a non-verbal, non-physical beating. I thought I had defended my Prince and maintained an amicable relationship with the Lady. Sadly, not at all the case... I'm just not cut from the cloth of savvy and careful speakers. I'm an honest man who speaks honestly, and if that offended the Lady, then I can't help that! It is on her, not me!

To the Gods: Give me good luck tomorrow.