She comes bearing gifts...

"Most noble king of Kadara, I wish to thank you for such a kind and gracious welcome" she says in a tone of confidence that makes you feel weak. "I have heard many, many tales of the grand city and lands that you preside over as well as the type of king you are to your people..." She beckons to some of her people as she continues speaking "I have come bearing gifts for you my king, gifts most fitting for a ruler such as yourself" as she finishes the doors of the throne room swing open. Men begin to enter in groups of fours, all of them holding on their backs what appear to be covered carriages of a sort meant to contain large items or nobles on their journeys. Five groups of these men enter, all of them adorned in fine ceremonial armor and bearing swords of the finest steel at their sides. They bring the carriages in front of you, resting them on the ground before they head back to the entrance, circling back around the outsides of the room in an almost choreographed manner. The queen smiles at you, the sight of this beauty in person and the knowledge that she not only is here to become your bethrothed but brings gifts to honor you as well makes you feel on top of the world. You stand smiling and speak in your most regal voice. "My lady Ravenna of Lyria, words can not describe your generousity nor your beauty. I am glad that you could grace us with your presence during these meetings and hope to speak with you privately at some point as well" Your eyes turn towards the gifts she has brought, your curiosity plain to see as she looks at you. "I'm sure you wish to know what I have brought that befits so well a ruler such as yourself. I promise you that these contain nothing but Lyria's finest for your enjoyment. Please take a look..." You step towards the carriage, noting the quality of the carved wood that makes their frames, as well as the fine linens that cover them. You think to yourself how powerful this alliance between your kingdoms will make you and your people. Not to mention having such a beauty as Ravenna by your side... You reach your hand to the fine fabric of the carriage and pull it back...

You don't realize whats happening until its to late to act. The first thing you see is the glint of shining metal as you begin to fall backwords. Your eyes turn towards the outside of the room as you fall in almost slow motion. You see the Lyrian soldiers with blades drawn, your men being cut down almost helplessly as the men they thought were friends turn on them. Your back hits the ground firmly and your head rocks into the cold stone floor.... You fade in and out of reality. In this world you see men pour out of the carriages, Lord Larks with blade drawn standing alone against many of them, trying to get to you. In another you see a serving girl crying alone on a bed as she ponders taking her life in shame. Another girl slowly crawling out of an alley way desperately begging for help. You see a family crying as soldiers rip them apart to never see eachother again, as well as a once proud warrior turned into a mistress for a fat and wealthy nobleman... You ponder which of these realities is the real one, what unknown effect one can cause in another. You daze back into the to the other reality to see Lord Larks on his knees, a Lyrian blade halfway through his neck in a twisted stillframe of the harshness of royal life... All fades to black...