https://archive.palanq.win/bant/thread/19185747/#q19204692(More than two weeks ago, I'm so sorry)
>[As another meandering item is checked off her seemingly never-ending list of royal responsibilities, Her Majesty, Queen Victoria Royale, has had enough. She raises her hand in dismissal.]"No more."
>'But your Majesty, the delegates responsible for the recent extermination of the Fire Toads are'--"They will wait, as all will wait who I tell to wait. Some time ago now word reached me of the vagrant woman, who claimed to have a gift of the old shamans. If she is here, I would speak with her."
>[A handful of the more senior advisors exchange something of a 'look' between them. One seems poised to speak up, until their Queen speaks first, clearly, with unbroken eye contact and a barely beating heart.]"I said now."
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>[Not five minutes later, a guard meets with Valari, explains the protocol of staying away from the Throne, and walks her into the throne room. Victoria glances up, her posture softening ever so slightly as she locks eyes with the young traveller for the first time.]"Valari. I am told your name, child. And I tell you now, you have your audience. Now, you tell me: what can Your Queen do for you?"
