The massiv oak table at the center of the room was alight with conversation, compliments and snide remarks flying across the wooden surface in turn. Oleander stood silently in the shadowy corner of the room, his eyes trained on the scene before him to ensure that it remained a battle of words rather than fists.
Queen Frewah of Impes leaned forward across the table, her hands flat against its surface as she spoke in low, dangerous tones to the Zariyan ruler. The two kingdoms were notorious enemies; they had a long, bloody history of war, conflict, and treason stretching back hundreds of years. The ruler of Aylrin and Princess Tulipa of Gelum looked on silently, young eyes wide with shock as they watched the two other royals snap at each other.
Oleander was surprised that they were being so openly hostile as well, but couldn't show it. As one of the royal guards selected to accompany the queen of Impes to this peace summit, he had sworn to remain neutral unless the queen's safety was compromised. Each of the kingdom's rulers had been permitted to bring a suite of guards, but no other guests; it was imperative that the guards' opinions not be allowed to affect the outcome of the summit.
Oleander resisted flinching as Frewah raised her voice again, gesticulating wildly as she argued with her fellow rulers. He had much respect for his queen, but he often found himself wishing that she were a bit less hot-tempered. Her family was well-known for their temper, and their strong personalities were often blamed for the weak relations between Impes and the other three kingdoms of the realm.
The mediator at the table announced a break, and Oleander fell into a salute as Frewah stood. She was a beautiful woman, with tan skin and long, braided black hair shot through with a few stray pieces of silver, and her flaming red gown only accentuated her features. He gestured shortly for Oleander to follow her into the hall, where she immediately began to pace restlessly.
"These rulers are children! I mean, they have no idea how to rule," she
exclaimed. Oleander was honored that she would share her concerns before him, but he remained respectfully silent.
Frewah continued her rant. "To open up trade routes with the other realms would spell disaster for our own economy. We can barely sustain trade between the four kingdoms; how shall we accomodate for three other realms?"
Oleander nodded placidly. "A wise insight, Your Highness."
Frewah flicked the tip of her braid irritably. "That mediator is biased. He evidently favors the Zariyan ruler over all others." She huffed angrily. "He would like us to meet again after a brief meal."
Oleander followed his queen down the hall as she strode towards her quarters. The visiting rulers had been assigned to massive, sprawling rooms of grandeur and splendor, while their guards were relegated to the old barracks beneath the castle. Oleander would not have to return there until the night, however; he was to guard Frewah throughout the day until he was relieved by another Impesian guard for the night, at which point he would fall unconscious until the next morning of debates and shouting.
Frewah entered her chambers, and Oleander bowed slightly as the door closed behind her. He took up his post next to the door. Other Impesian guards were within to room, to guard the Queen as she took her meals. He was assigned to defend the door from any possible intruders looking to harm the queen.
A swarm of political advisors hurried past him, and he wrinkled his nose as they veered far too close, nearly stepping on his boots. He wore the ceremonial attire of Impresian royal guards; brilliant ruby-colored trousers and shirt, with a thick, carved leather belt holding a ceremonial sword with an inscribed blade and detailed hilt. It was not the most practical of outfits, but it was required to be worn on important occasions such as this.
This peace summit was unprecedented, the first of its kind in recent history. For as long as anyone could remember, the four kingdoms of Impes, Gelum, Aylrin, and Zariya had been at constant war with one another; if not war, than political battle, cutting off trade routes, refusing to import supplies, and the like. The four kingdoms had an extensive history of treason and backstabbing as well. Most peace treaties between the kingdoms had fallen apart, destroyed by the murder of important court officials or the theft of priceless artifacts from the royal chambers. This peace summit, however, was different. The goal was to establish a permanent peace between the kingdoms, with the hopes of extending their hospitality to the other realms as a united front. Mediators and political experts from across the realm had traveled to attend this summit and provide their services; if a peace could be established, it would be done at this summit.
Oleander wasn't sure it could, though. Perhaps the kingdoms were doomed to remain at each other's throats for all of time, secluded away from the rest of the realms as a war-torn, embittered land. He wanted a peace among the kingdoms as much as anyone else - perhaps with a peace he could return home, visit his family - but a part of him felt like the royals were wasting their time with an unrealistic treaty that could never be passed, not with the hate and prejudice that they exhibited towards one another.
Winter Month: 2 
Night 
Blizzard Moon: 
