Селеста / Сelesta: Глава 9

Chapter 9

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 11:24

Leaning against the wooden column supporting the ceiling, Medea looked out at the people resting in the courtyard. They, in turn, watched the five old men engaged in rather strange activity. Dipping broad, long brushes into buckets of water, they were scribbling poetry on the dry and clean slabs of gray stone. A very ancient custom, coming from somewhere in the East and carefully preserved in troubled times. The water will dry up, and the messages will ascend to heaven to please the gods. Perhaps the gods would take notice of those who wrote... /Aristocrats," the vampiress thought. - Only they can waste their time on an activity as beautiful as it is pointless.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 11:25

From somewhere in the distance came the sound of music, and a thin child's voice began to rumble on and on. Medea smiled indulgently and sadly. With each passing year, the skill of Singing was fading. She, despite her best efforts, could not oppose the decline alone. The general level of culture was falling, the ancient canons were being forgotten, even the classically educated members of the blessed clans were not reciting by heart, as in the old days, "The Tale of the Flying" or "The Song of Haara the Suffering." Temple dancers performed at feasts in violation of millennia-old regulations; poets wrote hymns to deities and inn songs with equal ease; stone carvers, in violation of all tradition, sculpted busts of disenfranchised merchants. There was no such thing before. There was art dedicated to the gods and available only to their descendants on earth. And there was low, mundane Art - a craft that was often lucrative, but served no more than to entertain the crowds.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 11:56

The line between them was gradually blurring. /The inevitable interpenetration of cultures, so said her sister.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 11:59

Medea, bitter as it was, was unable to fight the decline of tradition. She did not even know the Air Canon in its entirety, to say nothing of the other canons! In her long years of acquaintance with the masters of the ruling house, she had managed to learn a little of the Water Cannon, but she knew that her voice belonged to a different element. She could never fully master the "water" range, she had a different timbre, not suitable for hymns dedicated to Derkana, she was not able to create and curb the dense, flexible squalls of sound with the same ease with which she weaves the finest lace of her element. Let the power of the gods cease to respond to the call of the mages - the singers, though not always, could still attract the attention of their divine patrons. High art has its power, inaccessible to measurement, no matter with what instrument.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:02

Among the multitudinous crowd of those who flashed before her eyes in the hope of favor, there were seldom any worthy of attention. They pretended to be creators, unable to create something truly beautiful. Proud of poetry, not realizing that everything they created is not worth a single line of a long-dead poet. They staged performances, turning the heart-touching stories about love, betrayal, hatred into a farce... They threw away the old, not being able to create anything new. Medea despised them. But every once in a while, amidst the slag, a diamond was found. An uncut talent, capable of shining with its many transparent facets under the skillful hand of a master, instantly attracting admiring glances from connoisseurs. The immortal singer, who remembered the former world, patronized them, helped them with money, found patrons, and dragged them out of the many troubles that they were eager for.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:05

In fact, she came to the palace for one of her favorites. Among other things.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:11

"Illumined Medea..." The messenger, in the costume of Princess Rania, bowed deeply to his guest. "The Lady, whose virtues have been granted by the gods and are comparable to them alone, wishes to see you."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:12

The beauty nodded in response, with a slight wave of her fan, expressing her readiness to accompany the princess. It was such a pleasure to hear exquisite speech... Year by year, the language had changed, simplified, absorbed words and phrases from savage dialects. Only here, at court, was it still spoken correctly, caressing the ear with correctly composed forms and clear pronunciation. In many ways, that was why she longed to return to her native tongue, to communicate in the language of her youth.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:13

Her essence was known, but Medea tried to be cautious. Approximately every twenty years, the undead would go on a long journey across the country to return in the guise of her own daughter. Of course, such a primitive masquerade did not fool serious people. However, decorum was maintained, and she could continue to lead her beloved life. "Spiders" didn't mind; Celeste, too, was glad of the opportunity to make an extra inspection of the communities under her control, so that the forced business trip sometimes dragged on for decades. Then the play would start all over again.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:21

Princess Rania favored Medea. In her youth, the high-born lady had inexperience become entangled in an elaborately woven web of intrigue, and only the intervention of the vampiress, who provided some extremely curious documents, allowed Rania to keep her reputation and status untarnished. It was then that the undead, or rather Celeste, first dared to support one of the court factions. Until then, they had only carried out orders and did not interfere in political struggles. Nevertheless, the Night Mistress took a risk by betting on the young princess, and won, finding an ally in the highest echelon of power. There was a heavy price to pay for interfering, and the vampires rarely asked for help, but it was worth it.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:22

"Great happiness, goodness, and joy are bestowed upon the undeserving!" Kneeling, Medea prostrated herself before the exaltation. "She sees the beautiful face of the blessed by the gods!"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:23

"My countenance ceased to be beautiful thirty years ago," remarked the old woman sitting on the small throne self-critically. "At any rate, that was the last time anyone tried to seduce me, not for office or money. But you, Lady Medea, still look as beautiful as you did when we first met... And there's not hard to confuse you with your late mother."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:25

Rania chuckled softly at the joke, and the two ladies, seated against the wall, covered their faces with their fans. Etiquette did not permit open expression of feelings, nor was self-irony encouraged, but the princess had long since transcended convention. Her young attendants, on the other hand, judging by their slightly tense postures and increased acuteness of movement, appreciated the hint from her mistress and were now nervous. Apparently, they'd heard enough horror stories about the undead.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:28

"My mother, who had passed on to a better world, would have been happy to know that the blessed mistress remembered her," Medea replied respectfully, smiling faintly. "She had always been proud to know the royal person. Truly her destiny had been fortunate, for the meaning of a subject's life is to serve those above. Could I, unworthy, compare to her in any way?"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:28

"And you try," the princess suggested with a serious look. "I promise you that your efforts will be appreciated."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:30

"It breaks my heart to see such grace!" The vampiress exclaimed, wringing her hands theatrically. The guard at the wall stepped back, irritated as he was, but no one paid him any mind. "The kindness of a mistress, even among equals, shone like a star in the night sky. Who but she deserves to be immortalized in the memory of posterity? Should not her perfect features serve as a symbol of humanity and compassion for the shortcomings of others, which she lacks?"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:32

Rania raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:33

"Do you suppose I need another portrait?"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:33

"Paint and canvas cannot capture the greatness of a messenger of the gods," Medea assured her cheerfully. "Only stone. There is a craftsman skilled enough to dare to carve the face of the blessed one."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:35

"Is that so? And who is this unknown stonecutter?"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:36

"Seisan of Soldova. He is still young, but he has made a name for himself by decorating the Temple of the Dancing Birds and working on the decoration of Baron Tokori's palace."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:38

"So, he's also an architect."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:38

"His work as a sculptor is much more interesting," the beauty remarked in an expert tone. "It is in this capacity that I have dared to present him to the mistress if it is her will."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:40

"Why not," the princess shrugged slightly."I'm not ready to talk about my statue, but recently the Son of the Sea, may he rule for a thousand years, gave me a palace in Zonn. It requires repair. Bring your craftsman, perhaps I can offer him a job."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:46

The vampiress touched her forehead to the floor again.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:47

"There is no forgiveness for me! The unworthy neglected to mention that poor Seisan is imprisoned by his jealousies on charges of embezzlement! The wretched wretches, unable to appreciate the depths of his talent, refuse to let the creator go free. And this although I have paid all the debts! They say they've turned to Lord Laar for help," she added, remembering her instruction to plunder the chief of the Secret Watch wherever she could. "And he, for reasons unknown, saw fit to ignore the law."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:56

"Well, that's not a problem."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:56

Obeying a sign, one of the maids of honor quickly scribbled a few lines on expensive "tiger" paper. Rania read the note, signed it, and then another of the ladies stamped it and handed it to Medea with a slight bow.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:58

"Give the order to the prison warden, get your protégé cleaned up, and don't worry about a thing."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:58

"The mercifulness of a lady knows no limits!"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 12:59

"It's worthless," the old woman brushed her off. "Perhaps you wish to match me with someone else? Don't be shy, ask!"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 13:00

"Alas, Messena," sighed the undead. "There is no one else I would dare recommend to you. There are enough of the usual artisans in Zonn, and, as far as we know, there will soon be more. Much more."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:05

"Do you suppose?"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:03

"I am sure."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:03

Rania pondered, staring at her companion, and then made a sign with her hand. In obedience to the gesture, the maidens hurriedly withdrew into the next room, followed by the bodyguard with a distinct reluctance. The princess and the undead were left alone.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:08

"My closest associates have taken the Oath of Undying Loyalty and are not capable of betrayal, but it is better not to tempt them unnecessarily. Am I to understand correctly - you have something to tell me?"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:09

Without too many eyes, they could afford some departures from etiquette, so Medea simply nodded in response.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:10

"My older sister is worried. Many signs are pointing to impending turmoil. There are rumors of an impending rebellion..."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:11

"There's been talk of a possible change of ruler for a long time," the old woman said with a chuckle. - But no one is in a hurry to get to the point. Though, unless my nephew changes his mind, he has no hope of retaining the Throne, the Cup, the Mirror. What do you have to worry about? The rebels have proven themselves useful to the dynasty."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:12

"We fear that religious considerations will override the voice of reason," Medea grinned grimly. "The Temple of the Sun has gained an extraordinary amount of influence. The priests are interfering in the affairs of the state and the undead... The ideology of the self-proclaimed Servants of the Light demands the fighting of the undead, and we are in their way. Celesta has ordered new caches to be prepared and intends to send the young men and some of her most loyal servants out of the kingdom. We believe they will want to get rid of us."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:14

Rania was in a pensive state of mind. The old age and the "weaker" sex did not prevent her from remaining a major player in the palace arena; the old woman knew the political realities very well. Her influence remained steadily serious - even her grand-nephew, the autocratic Son of the Sea, did not always dare to argue with a quiet elderly relative. Perhaps the reason was the princess's stubborn unwillingness to join any party and her ability to balance the fine line between independence and rebellion.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:16

The undead was always well-informed. And they had a rare flair for trouble.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:16

"I am aware of the reshuffle in the Secret Guard," Rania spoke at last. "It seems that the chancellor is satisfied with Laar's work. Don't you think you overestimate the threat the priests pose?"

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:18

"When the same information comes from different sources, it's hard to doubt its veracity," the vampiress pursed her thin lips. "Rakawa needs allies in the political arena and is willing to make some concessions for them. Especially if those concessions cost him nothing."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 16:19

The princess nodded, tacitly agreeing with the chancellor's personality assessment. The undead seemed confident in their prognosis...

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 17:43

"Do you need any help?" A direct question. At her age, you can do without the excuses.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 17:43

"Yes," Medea bowed her head slowly. "Help. Of a political nature."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 17:44

She agreed with her friend's plan. If there is no possibility to rely on the usual state apparatus - it is necessary to enlist the support of at least one of the power groups. Getting an ally if not the best but in the current situation the only possible. It was just that the level at which she would have to play from now on was a little frightening. Medea had previously revolved in circles high enough, but in the world of the ancient aristocracy rarely appeared. She emerged from the darkness to perform specific missions and disappeared back into the shadows, making connections, acquaintances, leaving behind a trail of rumors and whispers. She had no contact with anyone in the ruling family except Rania, even though she was introduced to many.

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 17:47

"I ask to arrange a meeting with His Highness Prince Kono."

Camrad_RIP 12.02.22 в 11:23