Title: Going through the motions
Author: Ree
Theme: Favorite Character - Beryl- copycat
Genre: General
Version: Anime/ Manga - Fates/Tainted Gifts storyline- Silver Mellinium
Rating: G

Most of these characters belong to Takeuchi Naoko. I just borrowed my daughters paper dolls again.

Going through the motions

The throne room was packed. People from all over were there, crammed in a close as they could get, trying to see. The greens of Elysian's previous ruling family were changed to dark purple. The hall was decorated with colorful rocks and gemstones, masking the absence of flowers and living plants.

Beryl, robed in rich purple, walked up the aisle, her eyes fastened on the tall throne at the end. Between her and it was a priest. Not just any priest, but the high priest of the land. 'All I have to do is repeat whatever he says. Easy enough.' She stopped at the edge of the dais where he stood. Her red eyes met his brown, she refused to kneel before him.

The High Priest looked into the haughty eyes watching him. 'So, this is to be our next ruler.' A touch of fear settled near his heart. Squelching it, he started the ceremony.

Beryl didn't listen to the oath and promises that she was parroting back to the priest. They fell gently out of her mouth as she copied his tone and inflections. Her mind was plotting the next step in the battle. She knew there was resistance in all four sections of the kingdom. She also tried to figure out how she was going to keep the search for Endymion quiet but still be effective. Something in the priest's tone alerted her to stop being a copycat. Focusing on the ceremony, she noticed he was gesturing for her to be seated on the throne. Her eyes glowed with satisfaction as she settled onto the dark red cushions. Her fingers caressed the ornately carved wood. Yes, this was her place, her seat.

With all the pomp and circumstance needed for the situation, the priest lowered the crown onto her head. As soon as it rested on her head, he called out. "All hail Queen Beryl!"

The people before her bowed. 'And soon the whole world will.'