It will always amuse her that she is in fact the voice of reason in the Chamber. Once upon a time, Kavi was always in her ear. And Engelsfor, before the poor mare fell ill. Both of them were far more equipped for diplomacy than Straia. But both of them were gone right now, and it was terribly true that the Chamber was lacking in diplomats. Not that Straia hadn’t served her time in both castes. She had, and in fact she had preferred diplomacy. So in this, she is capable of managing situations when she feels so inclined.
The problem of course is that she doesn’t always feel so inclined. And everyone seemed perfectly okay to leave her in charge anyway. At least she wasn’t Gryffen. Oh. Could you imagine the Chamber with Gryffen as it’s King?
Everdeen is quick enough to retort though, and Straia can’t help but smile a bit. Her grin is just a bit wicked as she looks to the Chamber ghost. “This one knows how to bite Gryffen.” She smiles, less wicked and more playful, at Everdeen. It’s clear enough that Straia appreciates a mare that can hold her own. She’s really never understood mares, or anyone, who cowed at the first sign of something scary. But of course, Straia is rarely cowed by anything.
It helps that she doesn’t fear death. She will die one day, perhaps. If the Chamber requires her death, she will give in to the reaper gladly. If the Chamber wants her to live, to slink in and out as Atrox does (something of a constant guardian), than she will go willingly into the shadows of that fate as well. None of them bother her. Though for now, she is Queen, and will remain Queen. Her time is done yet.
Gryffen asks the most important question, and Straia remains silent for a moment, listening to the others talk. Kushiel reveals that Gallows is his mother, and Straia almost laughs. Almost. She can almost see the relation, but there’s some place that it doesn’t quite fit. Gallows start an answer with annoying diplomacy, saying absolutely nothing with a lot of words. Straia’s quickly losing interest until the word chaos finally makes it way into the conversation.
There we go.
“It sounds like the Valley and the Chamber might have something in common then. Granted, I’d like to meet your king before plunging Beqanna into chaos together. How about I return to the Valley with you two ladies? We’ll leave Gryffen behind.” In this particular instance, they could use an alliance rather than ruffle some more feathers. The Chamber don’t necessarily need one, but having one gives them so many more options. And she doesn’t need Gryffen screwing it up by being himself.
straia
the raven queen of the chamber
Use of mild power playing is allowed; no injuries without permission