Who are you to change this world, silly girl? (Tarissa)

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina nodded to Aetani, knowing she was quite different from her mum. "I know." Different wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It was just that she was unique and still adjusting to life in real society. She was so used to living without, making do, that when she had the opportunity to have it all at her finger tips, any thing she wanted, Galina still hadn't taken advantage of it. In a way she hadn't learned just exactly what she had.

Galina took a seat, watching as the servant got everything ready for her. She was actually surprised at all the details that went into it. She never imagined it would take as long or involved so much. "Perhaps it is natural. I think, one needs to grow up within this kind of world to be used to this. It's just, new. Maybe it shouldn't be, with my mum and all. I never had much interest in it before. Then again, I was catching up with a lifetime of social interactions, mastering a new language, catching up on my education after missing it all for more than a decade. It never crossed my mind to try these sorts of things. I just wanted to learn about the world and people I'd suddenly found myself in the middle of." She gave a small shrug careful not to move her hands too much.

"I had no idea I was anybody. I certainly didn't think I was one of the Valades, royal. No one really knew what happened to all of them. If the line still had any living members left, or not. It was impossible to think I might be one of them. So unlikely. It's so weird now." Galina spoke softly, not really paying attention to her words. "Everything is so strange. This isn't what I expected. I suppose I had no expectations at all. And so little clue." She sighed quietly. "Rambling, sorry." She muttered, a little annoyed with herself. "That letter from home, from my birth mother - All I know was that was the very last thing in this galaxy that I expected."

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


The gentle lady who'd been spending the last couple minutes pouring her love and care into Galina's nails also spent her time putting bullets into people Tarissa wanted out of the picture. She was a good shot with a sniper rifle. Of course, Galina didn't need to know that yet.


Regardless, Cyraea nodded understandingly. Her tone of voice had undergone a notable change when she spoke. Previously it had been that of a servant addressing a superior. It still remained polite, but sounded maternal as opposed to subservient. Perhaps a bit like an older sister.


"It is alright. It must seem all very unreal to you. Like a dream that will not stop. The burdens of duty is often thrust on those who least expect it. All you can do is adjust and do your utmost. Call it Fate, the will of the Goddess, whatever, it's who you are now. Don't trouble yourself with what ifs. You're the one in a position to bring about change."


She waited for Galina's nails to dry a bit, then patted the redhead on the shoulder. "There, all done, Mistress. You're beautiful. Let's go see the Duchess." Tarissa had made herself comfortable in the living room.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina nodded, "It's only ever felt like a dream, that any second I'll wake up from. It's never felt real." A part of her wondered if it ever would feel real. Because how could this possibly be her life? Anyone's life. It certainly was no fairytale. And it certainly wouldn't be what anyone in their right mind would want. But the woman was right, she had a chance to help bring about change, to make lives better. "I suppose you are right."

"Thank you." She said politely, getting lost again in her thoughts as she rose to her feet, and headed down to the living room to find Tarissa. She gave a soft sigh as she walked inside, looking much different. Of course, she still wasn't sure about it. Still felt uncomfortable, and being as such she'd still pull and shift in her dress from time to time, trying to find some position that felt natural. "I do hope, this is somewhat better."

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Tarissa did not say anything in response, but instead rose to her feet. The expression on her face was solemn, her hands were folded. It was Cyreae who spoke first. "Her Majesty, Queen Galina the First of Sigma, Liberator, Beloved of the Goddess and Defender of the Faith," she announced in the style of a medieval herald. Then things got even more surreal when Tarissa curtsied, so low that her knees almost touched the carpeted floor.


"Her Grace the Duchess of Galandrona, Your Majesty," Cyreae whispered discreetly into Galina's ear. That was similar to how things would be if Galina was actually queen and receiving guests at court.


"Back straight, keep your chin up at all time. If you speak to someone, look them directly in the eye. Look above them if you're not acknowledging them. That sends a clear signal. Never cast your gaze down. That betrays insecurity. Your herald announces you. Every subject, from the lowest commoner to the most highborn prostrastes herself before you," Tarissa elaborated, breaking character for the time being.


"Unless you wish to bestow a special favour upon a noble, never cross the distance to approach her at court. Convey your desire to speak to her to the herald, and have her instruct your guest to come to you."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina's attention snapped to Cyreae first, a little surprised at the introduction. But her eyes were drawn quickly back to Tarissa as she moved to bow before her. Her body tingled with nerves. Nerves she hadn't known she had until this very moment. The girl gave a nod to Cyreae, without turning back to look at her. To let her know, she'd been heard. "Duchess." She replied, to acknowledge Tarissa. Her voice was firm for a change, trying to not show her shyness, to project some manner of confidence.

She had to shift her body to straighten her back, and lift her chin. Galina had formed a terrible habit of looking down, and away from most people. And Tarissa was quite right. It had much to do with her insecurities, and uncertainty in most situations. If it wasn't hunting, if she wasn't with her mothers, she tended to do it far too often. "I see. I wasn't aware, of any of that." Of course, that was obvious. Galina hadn't been raised at court. Nor had she ever visited it. Which made things a little awkward for her. For now she was maintaining eye contact and keeping her chin up. And in that there was progress. How long she could maintain it on the other hand, had yet to be seen.

A quiet sigh escaped her lips, not sure how to proceed further. "How does one proceed from here?" She asked. Galina had to ask, keeping silent while it seemed like the better option in her eyes only made her seem more insecure and timid than she actually was.

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"Assuming it was early in the morning and you'd just risen, you walk past the line of your bowing courtiers, nobles and so on. Keep your chin ip, gaze straight. Your herald introduce them. Simply looking at them and lingering for a few seconds shows a member of court has your ear. Or give the impression."


Layers upon layers, wheels within wheels. Life at court was like a big popularity contest. Bit like persuading the high school sweetheart to be your prom date. Just with far higher stakes. "If this were an Eldorai palace, there'd be a statue of Ashira somewhere, so you stop and say a brief prayer. Then you approach the dining table. As Queen you sit at the head of it. Your servant pulls a chair up for you," she nodded towards Cyreaea. "You keep your back straight and your legs separated. Only cross them when you're in private. Even posture. You don't want to appear too rigid because that would be comfortable."


"Conversely, you're free to slouch if you want to make a point about showing that your guests are beneath you. Call it a calculated insult," Cyreaea added helpfully. "They'll have to sit formally either way."


Tarissa gave her a look. She had not given the girl permission to speak! Ah, well, she'd sort this out later. "Yes, I wouldn't do that too often though unless someone has offended you. The average noble has a fragile ego and an inflated sense of relevance."


This was a case of the pot calling the kettle. "How closely a noble sits to you is determined by their position in the peerage. Of course, your family takes precedence, so your mothers sit right next to you. The servants serve food and drink. You say a blessing, before you eat, a foretaster samples your dishes to make sure they're not poisoned. That will be a servant you trust. In my case, Cyreaea. Alternately you can employ droids, but I do not trust soulless machines with metal minds. Assuming your foretaster does not suddenly spit blood and convulse, you may start eating. No noble or minion is allowed to eat before the Queen does and they may not finish before her. There are also some rules about proper eating techniques. These are less important if it's not a formal dinner of state, as long as you maintian proper decorum."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

There were details to everything it seemed. Things Galina hadn't even dreamed to consider. All of it a bit foreign to her and then some. She took a deep breath, trying to take it all in, remember every last word given by Tarissa. A look, a simple look could be interrupted in so many ways. And it meant she had to be aware of every look, at least until it all became second nature.

Though, she had her doubts about how long it would take for these lessons to actually sink in. Especially when she currently was in an environment that didn't require such from her every single day. If not practiced daily it would be difficult to integrate into the young redhead's life. Which so reminds this writer of her German lessons that she's been neglecting! Moving right along now .... "So, in a way all of this is like a choreographed dance. There's a move for just about every occasion." Her back had laxed a little, allowing her posture to slip a little bit. Oh, the habits that needed to be broken. Perhaps she just simply needed to spend time under her Auntie Tarissa's roof to get more practice.

"Okay, It seems simple enough." In theory. But she chose not to speak that last bit aloud. Eyes up, silly girl. Chin up, that you can manage. It's nothing horribly complex. Galina reminded herself. And of course Cyreaea joined the conversation, and the young woman couldn't help but smile a little. It took quite a bit of effort not to giggle at the exchange. The looks between Tarissa and Cryeaea said everything she needed to know. More than enough for the moment to be amusing.

Her smile soon faded. It was the realization of how much her life was going to change that had removed the beautiful expression from the girl's lips. From being served at every turn, to the possibility that she could be poisoned by anyone seeking her downfall, that absolutely nothing was safe for her anymore.Everything she did, everywhere she was there was always going to be some level of risk, and danger. It was something Galina was going to have to quickly adapt to, and at the same time learn the definition of acceptable risk. It didn't matter where she turned, her life was always going to be in danger to one degree or another. And she herself was going to have to learn to deal with it. The Rahls were aware now that she drew breath, and that made even the villa not entirely the safest place in the galaxy.

"Truth be told, I don't exactly trust droids either." They'd just not been something she grew up around. "There's no safety, is there?" She finally asked. Though Galina already knew the answer.

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Cyreaea surreptitiously placed her hand on Galina's back and squeezed a bit. "Straighten," she said quietly, whispering the word into Galina's ear. Her hand was gone almost as soon as it had touched the redhead.


Tarissa gave the girl a nod. "No, there is no safety. No absolute one, at any rate. The moment you assume the Mantle of Responsibility, you make yourself a target. Be it jealous nobles, ambitious ministers, rebels, anyone really. The Game is a well-choreographed, minutely planned dance. Your every action is weighed and measured. It is a sacrifice few have the strength to make."


Tarissa had a rather particular view of what constituted leadership! How much she actually practiced her own noblesse oblige rhetoric was another question. "It's up to you to set the tune, rather than merely dance to it."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina inhaled sharply at the touch, closing her eyes for a second as she shifted and straightened her back once more. She hadn't even really been aware that she'd allowed herself to slouch. She certainly hadn't noticed, but they had. If the servant had noticed, Tarissa without a doubt had as well.

A deep frown crossed her lips, "There was a target on my back from the moment the Rahls learned a single member of the Royal bloodline still lived and managed to escape their nets. Long before I'd even accepted the responsibility, or even knew who I was." That was a bitter pill to swallow. One that she knew too well was true.

"Even if I turned and changed my mind now... Gave up what my blood entitles me to.. I'd still be a threat to their rule. They wouldn't stop until I was dead. So even if I chose not to follow this through, there would still be constant dangers to one degree or another." Painful thoughts certainly, but regardless of her choices something that would always be there. "So I suppose I just might as well accept that now. It's not changing." Galina spoke with some confidence, though clearly this bothered her.

"In a way, I'm not giving anything up that I've actually had. I'm just aware that this is the way it will be, for the rest of my life." Thinking of it that way, however did help Galina relax slightly about it. She didn't like it, no. However, it was something she knew she had no option on any longer. She'd been able to hide under a proverbial rock for some time, and remain naive of her life and the complexities that came with it. That could no longer the case. Being naive, and unaware was no longer an excuse. In fact such could get her killed if she didn't quickly become informed on the dangers she faced daily.

She sighed softly, her eyes dropping away for a moment. Bad habits. "I'm certain I can manage it." Of course, she wasn't sure. She wanted to be, but wasn't and her body easily betrayed her feelings. Masking how she truly felt was going to be quite the challenge yet. Especially while she still remained rather insecure about herself, and what she truly was capable of.

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Someone else would have tried to be comforting...but not Tarissa. "Good girl," she said simply, then reached out with her hand to raise Galina's chin. "Chin up. You're the queen. Never flail, never flinch." This probably counted as maternal advice in her books.


"After breakfast, a lot of your time would be consumed by holding court, receiving dignitaries dealing with petitions, consulting with your counsellors and ministers. The queen is the highest judge of the realm, so expect the common folk to petition you and seek succour. You can override any court ruling, but that must be applied judiciously. Everyone must know your word is law, but be careful about stepping on toes and antagonising powerful interests. And you don't want to get inundated with petitions. As for your own council, if important issues are on the agenda, it's best to discuss them with the responsible minister first. One-and-one. Find out their views and press your own. It's easier than dealing with them en bloc. The average official will be narrow-minded and incapable of thinking beyond what's best for her own office. The Queen must be the one to unite divergent interests and push the greater good."


A pretty servant girl appeared on the scene, carrying a tray with various refreshments. Tarissa chose a glass of water. "You'd also be advised to leave the palace at regular intervals to inspect your provinces for yourself. It's best to do this on short notice. Your officials will sulk, but it keeps them on their toes and makes it more difficult for them to mislead you about the real conditions." Potemkin villages were quite problematic, after all.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina didn't pull away and let Tarissa lift her chin. Her eyes focused back on the Duchess. "Of course." Queen. It was so strange to here the word in reference to her. Just one more thing that the young redhead was going to have to get used to. She re-positioned her body back into a proper position, more mindful of where her head was as well as paying attention to keeping her back straight.

Highest judge, that thought hadn't quite crossed her mind. Fairy tales didn't tell you about that part. "Okay, I understand, I think. But exactly how does one deal with say a commoner coming in who has brought their issue for judgement?" She asked, her curiosity about her role and how she was to behave was growing more and more by the moment. Which, certainly was a good thing.

As for individual advisers, Galina saw the logic in which Tarissa presented. "That makes perfect sense to me. I can see how easy it would be to lead a Queen astray if she never leaves her own palace to view her world. And that is the last thing I want for my realm."

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"That power must be applied judiciously," Tarissa explained. "You will only hear a minority of cases personally. As cynical as it sounds, the main purpose of petitions for a ruler is simply to gain information about what is really happening in your kingdom, for instance if your officials are carrying out your edicts or stalling them, taking bribes and so on.


In those instances when you respond to a plea from a commoner and preside over a court, you must exercise your own judgement. There's common law, tradition and so on, but in the end it's your word that's law. You must appear responsive to the people, but be careful whom you offend. The average noble has a long memory and a petty mind."


Wow, Tarissa was really cynical about her own class. "Do not be afraid to exact your will. Sometimes examples must be made. Most of these cases are resolved behind close doors. I'd have to search the archives, but I should be able to provide you with some files about Eldorai cases."


"Some turned violent in the courtroom. Especially those involving House Atreus," Cyraea added. "They seized land from a Valoran Temple after making trumped-up charges of heresy. The matriarch's daughter threw a fit when she was accused of molesting one of the priestesses. As for inspections, there was a Star Queen who occasionally travelled incognito in disguise."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

"Right." Galina nodded. "It actually doesn't sound that cynical. It's a decent indication of what is going on in the world." Of course there were about a million traditions and the older ways. Though, the ways she knew, were not the ways of her bloodline. That much she knew. Everything had changed when the Rahls had taken over and many of the old laws were wiped from the books. Nothing was sacred anymore. And the Rahls would do anything and everything to remain in power no matter the cost. "Something I need to look into, is how the laws changed when the Rahls came into power. Law pretty well was wiped away completely in favor of their ideals and whatever would keep them in their position as well as favored their followers. I'd very much like to know how it really was before my family lost the throne."

She sighed softly, "I'd appreciate any examples that you find. It's helpful to me." It seemed her books, her questions of science and nature were going to have to be put on hold for a different type of study. There wasn't going to be a lot of time for her favorite subjects any longer. No, law and other things would have to be on her desk to read through and to learn all she could.

Examples, to make examples of some ... that idea wasn't a pleasant one. Sure, it was needed. However, Galina didn't have to like it. The redhead then glanced back to Cyraea. "In the courtroom? Goodness. I can understand the reasons. Just, maybe I expect more of people in such a place."
Then she paused and thought for a moment about the last sentence the servant had spoken. "Disguise, that actually doesn't sound like too horrible an idea. It would give a real idea of what was happening."

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"You will, of course, be expected to produce an heir upon ascending the throne. The quicker, the better. The continuity of your dynasty will have to be assured," Tarissa said matter-of-factly.


"It will be even more urgent in your case because your bloodline has been decimated. Between you and me, few children in Eldorai noble families are their mother's biological daughters. Most matriarchs hire servant girls to serve as surrogates and claim the children as their own."


These days, that sort of thing was voluntary. However, there had been dark times when servants or guards were forcibly impregnated or their babies were simply snatched from them. Yes...Eldorai history was barbaric in many ways.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina's expression didn't change much. While she didn't particularly like the idea, she knew too well it was incredibly necessary. "I figured that was bound to come up eventually. An heir is a requirement for any Royal. I may not be that fond of the need, I know it must be done. It's the only way to truly secure Sigma's future, and my throne. It will assure my legacy lives on."

It was the need for heir so quickly that made Galina rather uncomfortable. That was more boundaries she'd have to cross, and do things she'd never done. "Things are a little different on Sigma. Heirs must be legitimate children. They must be blood. If the child is a boy, his future is entirely secure. A girl, less so. If that is my only child then she will ascend the throne. If I were to have a son after her, as the laws now stand, he would inherit the right to rule." It sucked. Plain and simple, it sucked. Women were still viewed as less than a man in her society. And women's rights were more restricted, unless you happened to be a noble, or Royal. This would certainly make her reign harder and more challenging as she fought against such problems.

"As I was saying, it would have to be my own child, and blood. Which requires a rather awkward set of circumstances. It requires marriage, of course. And chances are I will have barely met the man who will father my children. There's no room for love, or anything of that nature." With love, Galina had hoped she'd actually get to experience it. But it wasn't looking like that would happen any time soon. "Out of the marriage, said noble will fortunately not gain a higher position than me. He'll be relegated to Prince consort." That was at least one small thing in her favor.

"I wish all of this, wasn't so urgent, so vital. There are some things I've still yet to experience that I'd like to before it becomes impossible. Unfortunately time is running out on that."

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Tarissa shook her head slightly. It was time for a lesson in absolute monarchy! Clearly Sigma needed to be civilised. "The law is the emanation of the will of the ruler. We use all sorts of fancy words to dress it up, but that is what it is. Power comes out of the barrel of a gun. If you are the one who liberates Sigma, you are not bound by archaic rules. You will not be able to bring about change in one go or banish millennia of ignorance, but you will succeed if you don't lose sight of your goal," she declared.


"After all, who will have saved Sigma from tyranny? A woman. Admittedly the image of your mother putting an uppity manling who tries to command you around back in his place amuses me." Oh, good grief, Siobhan would be unleashed on Sigma.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina nodded, only a little aware of how different this world and the Eldorai were from hers. And even she knew some changes were required to say the least. After all, she wasn't going to settle for women always being second best, and less than in all that they did. "I understand that, believe me. I just know I can't change it all at once. Changes that I'd want, will take time - allowing for the population to adjust and adapt. Going too far, too quickly could throw Sigma back into another war, with them looking to overthrow me. And that is the last thing I want."

Galina smiled softly, "That is quite true. And I can only imagine how she'd react to some uppity man. I'm certain it would be rather amusing to watch. It almost makes you feel sorry for the first soul that does it."

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"There will be blood, but some sacrifices are as unavoidable as they are necessary," Tarissa remarked. She might be a bit too fond of purging people who disagreed with her. "The basis for change will be created through force of arms, but it must also occur in the hearts and minds of the people. The sword cannot accomplish that. It will be a cultural revolution. A new spiritual basis would help. I'm confident the Temple of Ashira would support your quest. They could provide healers, humanitarian aid and so on. If they were allowed to spread the Word of the Goddess." Without the gospel being diluted by [member="Anya Venari"]'s liberal reforms.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina reached to run her hand through her hand, but stopped short remembering the time taken to curl it and make it look presentable. "I know. Sigma's been through so much war and bloodshed and I will bring more before it's over. Everything will come down to time, great things can be accomplished. I just want to be careful, to not press it too far, too quickly." She nodded, "There's no predominant religion on Sigma. Fringe groups here and there, sure. I think the war has long beat out most folks' belief in anything beyond what they can see and touch. I don't mind them spreading the word. It just might be a little difficult for a while, until daily life improves for the common people."

[member="Tarissa Cadalthor"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Tarissa gave little Galina an indulgent look and petted her hand. "You are wise beyond your years, dear." Tarissa, stop being nice. It's creepy. "Faith is a powerful force. It gives people hope of a better tomorrow, it fills a void that food and material goods cannot fill. It drives soldiers to endure seemingly impossible odds and storm fortresses believed to be impregnable when reason would compel them to yield. It is a power you can tap into. It may not seem this way to you, but you surviving the tribulations you endured is nothing short of miraculous, as if it were providential."