12.2 Convocation

Despite your initially dissonant liaison, your meeting ultimately ended in your favor. Though the increased guards helped dissuade any local threats, they ultimately were the least of your concern. When news of your election broke, it spread through the region like a flood. While the majority of your people were in your favor, many of the neighboring lands were not. It seems that the very idea of a female ruler was deemed sacrilegious. Your ultimate victory was short lived as it has now resulted in seemingly infinite waves of attack. Thankfully, your men have corralled around you, their duty to their land proceeding any other thoughts. With their and your army's aid you have been successful thus far in staving off your enemies. However, recently your land's largest rival has learned news of your election.

These more recent battles have become increasingly challenging. As more of your men are lost you find yourself in need of a new strategy. Feeling increasingly backed into a corner, you attempt a somewhat **** plan of action. Though it is not completely unheard of to request an audience with your adversary, you're still less than enthusiastic. Regardless of your feelings, you can only hope it is worth the attempt. Since neither party was inclined to meet at the other's camp, a neutral location was chosen instead. Your guard, however, remains by your side throughout the journey. The difference between their behavior mere months before and now is startling. Men, who once appeared to despise you, are now ready to lay their life down for you. All because of your assumed title. Though it matters little to you the reason behind their loyalty, so long as they respect and abide by your commands.

While they are at your ready, you find yourself feeling increasingly **** as the time of your meeting approaches. Upon arriving at the designated location, your nerves seem to reach their peak. A large group of men surround the area, all dressed in strange garb. Some type of light tunic has been fashioned over cloth that covers each leg individually. In addition, their physical appearance is startlingly different. The majority of the group all seem to have neglected to shave or crop their hair. Regardless, you're surprised to see they all look bathed and well kept. Their skin also appears to be a much paler shade than you're used to seeing. As you're busy observing the foreign group you absentmindedly continue forward. A group of your men walk alongside, before, and behind you. Their presence allows you enough peace to progress without immediate concern.

Your eyes are still taking in the new sight when your men come to a sudden halt. Stopping short, you glance around in confusion. The men before you step aside, allowing you space to step forward. Frowning softly, you wearily glance at the large tent before you. Unsure of what is expected, you take a hesitant step forward. Thankfully, before you possibly make a fool of yourself, the flaps of the tent fly open. You're suddenly grateful you are still outside and not alone in a small space. The large man that emerges from its depths is unlike any you've seen before. Dressed in the same odd garments as his compatriots is an intimidatingly large man. His height and stature is unlike even that of your best fighter, nor any man you have laid eyes upon.

Swallowing rather nervously, you continue surveying the man warily. Piercing blue eyes peer down at you, partially blocked by locks of sand colored hair. A neat crop of slightly darker hair covers the man's large, broad jaw. Feeling increasingly small as the man steps forward, you attempt to remain calm. Despite your best efforts, you cannot seem to get a read on his stoic expression. Though something about the man gives you the impression he is not one to yield. Nevertheless, you find yourself compelled to make some attempt.

"So, you are the so-called Empress."

You're quickly startled back to attention at the sound of the man's deep, heavily accented voice. His indiscernible expression has not changed, however, his tone gives off the impression of indifference. Your own expression falters briefly as you attempt not to give into rash emotions. After all, the purpose of this meeting was to encourage peace and resolve.

"I am." You reply cautiously, not having expected him to speak your language.

The man's light eyes continue to observe you methodically, appearing to see past surface level. To your chagrin, it's quite obvious that he has picked up on your trepidation. Despite this, he shows no sign of conceit or arrogance.

"Well then, go on." He instructs curtly, seeming to grow impatient. "Tell me your plea."

"Plea?" You question, caught off guard by the man's blunt manner. "I have no plea."

"Then we are through with this conversation." Is the brusque and unapologetic reply.

Your eyes widen in surprise and confusion when the man turns back towards the tent. Opening your mouth you watch somewhat helplessly as he returns inside its confines. Pausing for a moment you attempt to make sense of the situation. Heat scalds your face as it becomes flush with anger and embarrassment. To have traveled this far without a proper conversation is wholly unacceptable. Inhaling deeply, you straighten your shoulders before stepping forward. You sense your guard move to follow but quickly dismiss them with a hand. The material of the tent is coarse and slightly damp as it brushes past your fingertips. A musky yet pleasant smell fills the surprisingly large interior. Though you're hardly concerned with the rest of the contents as your eyes focus on the opposing leader.

"We are not through." You announce loudly, suddenly finding your voice and strength.

The man raises a brow in apparent annoyance at your bold exclamation. His large arms slowly cross over his broad chest as he looks over you thoughtfully. Despite your initial trepidation, you're inexplicably filled with adrenaline. Matching his hard gaze, you await his response. A moment of silence follows before he finally speaks.

"Continue." He states placidly, his pale eyes never leaving yours.

"I wish to put an end to this." You begin haltingly, fatigue and pain evident in your voice. "This bloodshed is unnecessary. Brought on by nothing more than, what, my sex?"

The man's expression adjusts slightly at your words, though you're still completely unable to discern it. His arms loosen from their position as he takes a sudden step forward. Your breath catches in your throat as you **** yourself to remain still. A deep shiver runs down your spine as the large man looms above you.

"Aye." He answers darkly, his tone betraying his evident hatred. "That is right."

"And that is worthy of war?" You question incredulously, your anger overcoming your initial fear.

"Your lot are not fit for leading." Is his blunt reply, only eliciting more frustration on your part. "If you wish to yield your title, we will gladly leave."

Your brow knits in a mix of surprise and aggravation. You're growing increasingly frustrated with this situation. All anyone appears to judge you on is your gender rather than abilities. Exhaling brusquely, you take your own step forward. The mix of nerves and anger leave you feeling uncomfortably restless.

"What precisely makes me unfit to rule?" You demand irately, **** to tilt your head back in order to view your adversary's face. "Besides my lack of... manhood."

"You are weak." Is his swift and direct reply, his expression remaining ever apathetic. "A leader should be able to hold their own in battle. While I did not care for Alexius, I could still respect his skills as a warrior. You, however, are feeble and ineffective."

"Am I?" You raise a brow questioningly, your frustration now superseding your trepidation. "You speak as if from experience."

To your surprise and unease a small smile forms over the man's face. His eyes slowly rakes over your form pointedly before return to yours. An irritatingly smug look has now taken over the man's expression.

"A display of strength, or lack there of, is not necessary." He states in an almost amused tone, his light eyes seeming to spark to life. "I will say, I had not expected any type of boldness from you."

"There appears to be a great many things you do not expect of me." You retort, feeling your jaw tensing in anger. "Perhaps you should allow me the opportunity to prove myself worthy of leadership."