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runicloreAll Things Possible
Author: Amber Michelle
Day/Theme: July 4 - New ways, old things
Series: Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Character/Pairing: Sanaki, Sephiran
Rating: K
Words: 1471
Notes: AU, assuming the Serenes Massacre didn't happen, among a few other things. Beginning of the Summer Chronicle (named such because, well, I suck at titles).
May as well go for gold, right?
This is a first and ongoing draft; a list of known issues is being compiled here.
.............................................
Sanaki's face had frozen into a wooden, painted mask over the course of the debates between members of the ruling committee and input from the lower senate. The council chamber was, without a doubt, a place in which only nightmares could come to fruition. Though she was of age now and no longer a child, sitting in this room with its high arched windows and permanent pall of dust, she felt as she had at five years old, when Sephiran placed her on this throne for the first time: small, transparent, collared and leashed like an animal.
The murmur of many voices drowned her sigh and she caught Sephiran's downward glance. The others of the high council were silent, arrayed to her right and left at curved tables facing the tiers of regional senators and representatives. He struck the tiled floor with his staff to call for silence. "Are we in accord?"
Culbert and Lekain exchanged a look. "We suggest," Lekain said, "the empress be given a six month period to choose. Suitable international candidates should be notified in the interim."
What suitable candidates? Sanaki wanted to scowl. Princess Elicia of Crimea, or Prince Soren of Daien, reportedly younger than she was? Or perhaps the King of Kilvas, since their precious blood pact could, if necessary, force him into all sorts of unpleasant duties if they wished?
"Then it is decided," Sephiran said, raising his voice to quiet the whisper of conversation that had sprung up once again. "Until summer solstice of the year of Goddess Ashera 653, Empress Sanaki will accept petitions for her hand in marriage. Council adjourned."
*
"I hate them," Sanaki said as soon as she heard the parlor door close. "If they perish in a fire tomorrow, I will not be able to dredge even one ounce of sympathy for their fate."
"They could have demanded you make a choice in time for the new year," Sephiran said. "In light of that possibility, six months is quite lucky."
She kicked her slippers off and dropped onto a divan by her window in a puff of red and white robes. "If they're willing to give me that long, why not a year, or two? Getting married tomorrow will not guarantee the birth of an heir any sooner!"
Her mentor leaned his staff against the table and seated himself beside her on the edge of the cushion, flicking his hair aside. "Although I doubt the insecurities of the senate reflect the anxiety of your people as they claim--" He paused, his fingers tracing the carved frame of the divan. "Doing as they ask would be to our advantage at this time."
"Really." Sanaki straightened and leaned forward. "Or are you siding with them? You knew the whole time--"
"It was my mistake," he interrupted. "I was not aware the Apostle's talent was only present in first-born. I will apologize again if you'd like."
"No." She jumped up and left him there, walking to the table and turning her back. Tea was set, and miniature cucumber sandwiches cut into triangles. She poured a cup for herself.
Voices were audible on the other side of the door: Sigrun, Tanith, and another guard whose name she couldn't remember, though her flaming hair was unmistakable. "I want them gone," she said. The presence of her guards meant her privacy was secured, but the words she uttered next did not come as easily as Sanaki wished, and her own hesitation left a bitter taste at the back of her throat. "I want to put an end to the senate, and I'm getting tired of waiting."
"All things are possible," Sephiran said. "To do so now would ignite violent uprisings in the provinces, however. I advise against such a rash decision."
I know. Goddess, did she know. When she was small he spoke of a time before the senate had such power in Begnion, but that was only a myth, or such ancient history that nobody had any memories of such a world. To think the Apostle who created the body of the senate had done so to promote justice according to the rule of the people - it was absurd. Sanaki suspected that was a myth as well. "Tea?"
He shook his head, folding his hands. He looked like a painting, lit from the side by pale morning light, and his long hair draped just so on the cushion, like bolt of dark silk. "An alliance with Daien wouldn't hurt your cause, if you will consider it."
"He's a child," she said, taking her cup and saucer back to the divan.
"The prince is, in fact, four years older than you are, Empress." Sephiran smiled slightly when she coughed, the tea burning its way down her throat. His eyes gleamed, unnervingly pale when lit directly. "But I understand your hesitation. Giving his father any influence in Begnion might be dangerous, also."
"I suppose I shouldn't complain," she said, soothing her throat with another sip. She hated blackberry tea, but it was better than having nothing to do with her hands. "I wonder how many senators will apply, even though they're all twice my age or more."
He made a sound Sanaki could have sworn was annoyed and looked away, his hands picking absently at the embroidery on his coat.
She turned her own gaze down to her tea. In its reflection, her face was distorted in shades of gold, broken by stark highlights. Nobody would be suitable - Sanaki knew without seeing a list she would rather marry Daien's prince after all than pay someone like Lekain or Seliora more than a glance. It was her business to be acquainted with the nobility, after all; Sephiran told her every sordid tale that reached his ears, and she'd had her fill of receptions and dinners, and formal outings in which she mingled with them.
"I think I shall have to sink through the floor and die if Culbert submits a proposal."
"I will kill him myself if I think the idea has entered his head."
Sanaki smiled and lifted her cup to hide it. "If you were to ask me, they would know the futility of trying themselves."
"Alas, such a thing can never happen."
The answer stung and Sanaki had difficulty swallowing. She had to put her cup down quickly on the floor before she could drop it and shame herself, her face heating.
How silly. She hadn't meant that to be serious. Sephiran was still looking out the window, his face smooth and untroubled. Sanaki pressed her hands to her stomach and looked down at her lap. The flush wouldn't fade no matter how firmly she willed it.
"Why not?" she asked, swallowing when she heard her voice rasp.
"Why--?" A line slashed over his brow in her peripheral vision when he turned his full attention to her. "You weren't serious, were you?"
"N-no. Of course not."
The weight of his regard made her doubly glad his gaze was never turned upon her during council sessions. Sephiran's silent stares had the power to render lesser senators speechless, and even to intimidate the senior members on occasion. He knew how to command without blustering, how to coax cooperation between rivals without resorting to bribery or blackmail. He had the love of the people. Of course Sanaki liked him - she could think of no one better to have at her side.
When she was ten she'd dreamed of marrying him, but the fantasy had only persisted a few years, or so she thought. He was her minister, her advisor - only that.
He took hold of her chin and made her turn, but she cast her eyes away, at anything but him, and tried to ignore the heat flooding her cheeks. "No." Sephiran snatched his hand away and stood up. "No, Empress, you will have to reconsider."
Sanaki's head snapped up, her mouth open to shout, How dare you! and at least show a little hesitation! The words stuck in her throat, piling atop each other in a lump. She didn't even have the satisfaction of watching her glare strike home, because all she got in response was his retreating back, and then the door closing sharply behind him.
The wood panels misted. Of all the rejections-- no.
No.
You will have to reconsider.
Sanaki grabbed her teacup and threw it at the door. It shattered, bits of white porcelain and maple tea glittering. Tears beaded on her lashes and streaked down her cheeks. I'm such a fool, she thought. What did I think I was suggesting? And then, I hate you, and the tears flowed faster.
She left the mess for a servant to clean up and locked herself in her room. It served them right - she hated blackberries.
................................................
Author: Amber Michelle
Day/Theme: July 4 - New ways, old things
Series: Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Character/Pairing: Sanaki, Sephiran
Rating: K
Words: 1471
Notes: AU, assuming the Serenes Massacre didn't happen, among a few other things. Beginning of the Summer Chronicle (named such because, well, I suck at titles).
May as well go for gold, right?
This is a first and ongoing draft; a list of known issues is being compiled here.
.............................................
Sanaki's face had frozen into a wooden, painted mask over the course of the debates between members of the ruling committee and input from the lower senate. The council chamber was, without a doubt, a place in which only nightmares could come to fruition. Though she was of age now and no longer a child, sitting in this room with its high arched windows and permanent pall of dust, she felt as she had at five years old, when Sephiran placed her on this throne for the first time: small, transparent, collared and leashed like an animal.
The murmur of many voices drowned her sigh and she caught Sephiran's downward glance. The others of the high council were silent, arrayed to her right and left at curved tables facing the tiers of regional senators and representatives. He struck the tiled floor with his staff to call for silence. "Are we in accord?"
Culbert and Lekain exchanged a look. "We suggest," Lekain said, "the empress be given a six month period to choose. Suitable international candidates should be notified in the interim."
What suitable candidates? Sanaki wanted to scowl. Princess Elicia of Crimea, or Prince Soren of Daien, reportedly younger than she was? Or perhaps the King of Kilvas, since their precious blood pact could, if necessary, force him into all sorts of unpleasant duties if they wished?
"Then it is decided," Sephiran said, raising his voice to quiet the whisper of conversation that had sprung up once again. "Until summer solstice of the year of Goddess Ashera 653, Empress Sanaki will accept petitions for her hand in marriage. Council adjourned."
*
"I hate them," Sanaki said as soon as she heard the parlor door close. "If they perish in a fire tomorrow, I will not be able to dredge even one ounce of sympathy for their fate."
"They could have demanded you make a choice in time for the new year," Sephiran said. "In light of that possibility, six months is quite lucky."
She kicked her slippers off and dropped onto a divan by her window in a puff of red and white robes. "If they're willing to give me that long, why not a year, or two? Getting married tomorrow will not guarantee the birth of an heir any sooner!"
Her mentor leaned his staff against the table and seated himself beside her on the edge of the cushion, flicking his hair aside. "Although I doubt the insecurities of the senate reflect the anxiety of your people as they claim--" He paused, his fingers tracing the carved frame of the divan. "Doing as they ask would be to our advantage at this time."
"Really." Sanaki straightened and leaned forward. "Or are you siding with them? You knew the whole time--"
"It was my mistake," he interrupted. "I was not aware the Apostle's talent was only present in first-born. I will apologize again if you'd like."
"No." She jumped up and left him there, walking to the table and turning her back. Tea was set, and miniature cucumber sandwiches cut into triangles. She poured a cup for herself.
Voices were audible on the other side of the door: Sigrun, Tanith, and another guard whose name she couldn't remember, though her flaming hair was unmistakable. "I want them gone," she said. The presence of her guards meant her privacy was secured, but the words she uttered next did not come as easily as Sanaki wished, and her own hesitation left a bitter taste at the back of her throat. "I want to put an end to the senate, and I'm getting tired of waiting."
"All things are possible," Sephiran said. "To do so now would ignite violent uprisings in the provinces, however. I advise against such a rash decision."
I know. Goddess, did she know. When she was small he spoke of a time before the senate had such power in Begnion, but that was only a myth, or such ancient history that nobody had any memories of such a world. To think the Apostle who created the body of the senate had done so to promote justice according to the rule of the people - it was absurd. Sanaki suspected that was a myth as well. "Tea?"
He shook his head, folding his hands. He looked like a painting, lit from the side by pale morning light, and his long hair draped just so on the cushion, like bolt of dark silk. "An alliance with Daien wouldn't hurt your cause, if you will consider it."
"He's a child," she said, taking her cup and saucer back to the divan.
"The prince is, in fact, four years older than you are, Empress." Sephiran smiled slightly when she coughed, the tea burning its way down her throat. His eyes gleamed, unnervingly pale when lit directly. "But I understand your hesitation. Giving his father any influence in Begnion might be dangerous, also."
"I suppose I shouldn't complain," she said, soothing her throat with another sip. She hated blackberry tea, but it was better than having nothing to do with her hands. "I wonder how many senators will apply, even though they're all twice my age or more."
He made a sound Sanaki could have sworn was annoyed and looked away, his hands picking absently at the embroidery on his coat.
She turned her own gaze down to her tea. In its reflection, her face was distorted in shades of gold, broken by stark highlights. Nobody would be suitable - Sanaki knew without seeing a list she would rather marry Daien's prince after all than pay someone like Lekain or Seliora more than a glance. It was her business to be acquainted with the nobility, after all; Sephiran told her every sordid tale that reached his ears, and she'd had her fill of receptions and dinners, and formal outings in which she mingled with them.
"I think I shall have to sink through the floor and die if Culbert submits a proposal."
"I will kill him myself if I think the idea has entered his head."
Sanaki smiled and lifted her cup to hide it. "If you were to ask me, they would know the futility of trying themselves."
"Alas, such a thing can never happen."
The answer stung and Sanaki had difficulty swallowing. She had to put her cup down quickly on the floor before she could drop it and shame herself, her face heating.
How silly. She hadn't meant that to be serious. Sephiran was still looking out the window, his face smooth and untroubled. Sanaki pressed her hands to her stomach and looked down at her lap. The flush wouldn't fade no matter how firmly she willed it.
"Why not?" she asked, swallowing when she heard her voice rasp.
"Why--?" A line slashed over his brow in her peripheral vision when he turned his full attention to her. "You weren't serious, were you?"
"N-no. Of course not."
The weight of his regard made her doubly glad his gaze was never turned upon her during council sessions. Sephiran's silent stares had the power to render lesser senators speechless, and even to intimidate the senior members on occasion. He knew how to command without blustering, how to coax cooperation between rivals without resorting to bribery or blackmail. He had the love of the people. Of course Sanaki liked him - she could think of no one better to have at her side.
When she was ten she'd dreamed of marrying him, but the fantasy had only persisted a few years, or so she thought. He was her minister, her advisor - only that.
He took hold of her chin and made her turn, but she cast her eyes away, at anything but him, and tried to ignore the heat flooding her cheeks. "No." Sephiran snatched his hand away and stood up. "No, Empress, you will have to reconsider."
Sanaki's head snapped up, her mouth open to shout, How dare you! and at least show a little hesitation! The words stuck in her throat, piling atop each other in a lump. She didn't even have the satisfaction of watching her glare strike home, because all she got in response was his retreating back, and then the door closing sharply behind him.
The wood panels misted. Of all the rejections-- no.
No.
You will have to reconsider.
Sanaki grabbed her teacup and threw it at the door. It shattered, bits of white porcelain and maple tea glittering. Tears beaded on her lashes and streaked down her cheeks. I'm such a fool, she thought. What did I think I was suggesting? And then, I hate you, and the tears flowed faster.
She left the mess for a servant to clean up and locked herself in her room. It served them right - she hated blackberries.
................................................
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Date: 2008-11-04 08:28 pm (UTC)