Chapter Seven

Composure

The grand hall was decorated elegantly for the diplomatic banquet. The event, meant to honor dignitaries of Solitide, such as Elenwen and Ondolemar, was filled with tension and subtle power plays.

Long tables were adorned with candelabras and overflowing with platters of roasted meat, honeyed treats, and mead from Skyrim's finest breweries.

At the head of the hall, High King Torygg presided, on each side of him sat Queen Elisif and his daughter Aurelia. Ondolemar sat a few chairs down, eyes sharp surveying the room.

Throughout the evening King Torygg encouraged Aurelia to socialize with the nobles. As she made calculated efforts to engage with the party goers, Aurelia was eventually approached by ambassador Elenwen.

"Princess Aurelia, how delightful it is to see you," she smiles down at her, the smile never reaching her narrowed eyes. "You look absolutely radiant this evening. One might almost believe you're ready to take on the responsibilities of a ruler. Almost."

Aurelia stiffens at her jab, but maintains her mask with a tight smile. "Thank you ambassador. Your kind words mean so much given your vast experience with responsibility. "

Elenwen's smile freezes for a moment as a flicker of annoyance crosses her face.

"Boldness is charming in youth, though it often leads to unfortunate outcomes if not tempered with wisdom. I do hope you are learning from your…. Instructors."

Aurelia's temper flares, and before she could stop herself she responds coldly, "oh, I've learned a great deal. For example, I've learned that the most impressive people in the room don't usually need to remind others of their importance."

From nearby, Ondolemar has been watching the interaction between Aurelia and Elenwen, with an unreadable expression. When he sees the flicker of annoyance on Elenwen's face he moves to Aurelia's side with measured precision.

" Ambassador Elenwen, Your Highness. A riveting conversation, I'm sure, but perhaps not the best time for such…. Passionate exchanges."

His voice is calm, carefully choosing his words to diffuse the situation.

Elenwen eyes flick to ondolemar as she gives him a cold smile, "of course. It's reassuring that the princess has such… dedicated guidance. Though I wonder if your methods lack the necessary discipline needed for such a… spirited young lady."

Not rising to the bait, Ondolemar replies, "I assure you, ambassador, the princess is learning discipline and diplomacy in equal measure. Her progress is… admirable."

"I'm sure it is, Justiciar. Though one must wonder if progress the wrong direction is truly admirable." Elenwen narrows her eyes, "a firm hand, after all, produces the finest results. Perhaps you'll find the opportunity to remind Her Highness of this before her next lesson in diplomacy."

With that Elenwen glided away like a hawk searching for its next prey.

Ondolemar turns to Aurelia. "Subtlety, your highness. You wit us sharp, but you wield it like an axe when a scalpel would suffice."

Aurelia still fuming from the interaction, "do you expect me to just stand by while she talks to me like that?"

"No. I expected you to have enough restraint that she wouldn't leave the country conversation considering how easily you are provoked."

Ondolemar pauses before leaning closer, "Elenwen thrives on perceived weakness. Do not give her the satisfaction of seeing you rattled. Next time, strike carefully. Let her wound herself with her own words."

The next day Aurelia reports to the library for her lesson with Ondolemar.

"Yesterday's display was… memorable. But I think it's time we work on mastering your composure." He lets a small smirk fall on his face, "consider this a practical exercise in handling distractions."

Straightening his back and clasping his hands behind his back he says, "now a queen must remain composed in all circumstance. Rulers who lose their temper, lose their power. So today, you will complete a task… while I test the limits of your patience."

Aurelia narrowed her eyes, already annoyed by today's lesson. "Right, and what exactly is my task?"

Ondolemar gestures to the pile of parchments, "a simple diplomatic exercise. Write a formal letter of reconciliation from the High Court of Solitude to a jarl whose support you've alienated."

"That's it? You want me to just write a letter?"

"Indeed. But you must maintain your focus and not react to anything that happens during this lesson. Should you allow your temper to flare or your mind to wander, you fail."

Aurelia hesitates, sensing a trap, but she sits down and begins writing.

A few minutes later, Ondolemar begins pacing back and forth. The click of his boots echoing off the stone floor. Occasionally, he pauses to adjust his robe or clear his throat, just loud enough to be noticeable.

Aurelia's grip on her quill tightens, she takes a deep breath, determined to not let Ondolemar's antics get under her skin. She continues writing the letter without giving him so much as a glance.

Noticing Aurelia's determination, Ondolemar decides to use a new tactic. He takes a seat across from her, leans forward and studies her writing intensely, "hmm. Tell me, what exactly is your strategy here? Your phrasing is rather…. Blunt."

"Thank you for the input, justiciar," Aurelia replies with a hint of annoyance.

Before she can even take a breath, Ondolemar speaks again. " Do you find my handwriting elegant, Aurelia? I've always considered it superior to most in the court. Perhaps you'd like to emulate it in your letter. "

Without looking up, Aurelia responds " I'll be sure to study it thoroughly… when I have absolutely nothing better to do. "

Without missing a beat, Ondolemar picks up Aurelia's quill stand and studies it closely for an absurd amount of time then places it down just slightly out of her reach. Aurelia clenches her jaw, but retrieved the quill stand without a word or so much as a glance towards Ondolemar. She was determined to not let him see her agitation.

Several minutes pass in silence, then out of the corner of her eye, Aurelia notices Ondolemar calmly pick up a goblet of water. Instead of drinking it, he lifts it just slightly- then tilts it.

The water dribbles onto the edge of the table. Aurelia freezes, "is there something wrong?" Ondolemar ask, feigning ignorance.

Aurelia narrows her eyes, "you're spilling water on the table."

"Am I?" He ask, tipping the goblet a little further.

Aurelia rises from her chair, snatching her parchment, stopping it from getting soaked by the stream of water. "Have you gone mad, justiciar?" She ask while moving her parchment and quill to the side of the table not currently flooded with water.

Ondolemar sets the goblet down with a faint smirk, he goes to the corner of the room where Halbjorn has been sleeping peacefully. Ondolemar picks up the Sabre cat cub and proceeds to plop him onto Aurelia's parchment.

Aurelia stares at Ondolemar, her mouth slightly agape with disbelief. Halbjorn, completely unbothered by the chaos, stretches and lets out a low rumble before curling up directly on top of the parchment.

"Your loyal companion, your highness." Ondolemar announces with the utmost formality.

"Turning my own against me? Ondolemar you've lost it."

"Distractions come in many forms, Lady Aurelia. A ruler must rise above all of them." He gestures toward Halbjorn, who had begun chewing the corner of the parchment, "I would suggest you retrieve your letter before your companion decides it's a midday snack."

Aurelia pulls Halbjorn off of her letter, and places him gently on the ground. "Thank you, Justiciar Ondolemar." She says as she smooths out her parchment.

"If you need fresh parchment, I'd be happy to retrieve some for you." Ondolemar offers, his voice carrying mock curtesy.

"I'll manage." She snaps, grabbing her quill and resuming her letter. She starts writing again ignoring the smug presence across from her.

The room grows quiet for a moment. Aurelia dares to think Ondolemar has finally run out of tricks. But then she hears the faint hum of a melody.

Her head snaps up. Ondolemar is pacing again, this time humming a Thalmor marching tune under his breath.

"That's not even in tune," she mutters, resuming her work.

"Oh?" He stops mid step, looking genuinely fronted. "I'll have you know my pitch is impeccable. Would you prefer I sing instead?"

"I'd prefer you be silent."

Ondolemar chuckles, but for once he relents. A few minutes pass without incident, and Aurelia focuses on finishing her letter. When she finally sets her quill down she slides the parchment across the table toward Ondolemar.

"There. A formal letter of reconciliation. Despite your best efforts to drive me mad."

Ondolemar picks up the parchment, unfazed by the wetness or slight crumples, his expression cool and composed. He turns the paper over, inspecting it as if it were nothing more than a simple correspondence. The water stains cling to the edges, the ink smeared in some places, while Halborn's slobber leaves a slight sheen on the bottom corner. Yet, to Ondolemar it seems of little consequence.

After a moment he sets it down and nods, " impressive. Your composure - while not perfect - held better than I expected."

Aurelia raises an eyebrow, "that almost sounds like a compliment."

"Don't get used to it," Ondolemar replies, his smirk returning. "Now, shall we schedule tomorrow's lesson, your highness, or will you need a day to recover?"

Aurelia rolls her eyes, but there's a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Tomorrow. Same time. But bring a mop in case you decide to spill something again."

"Noted," Ondolemar says inclining his head.