Madara strides down the castle corridor next to Amalia-- their hands clenched tightly together between them. Nervousness causes butterflies to flit around in her stomach, but not because she fears punishment or failure. Oh no-- Madara is the very picture of confidence and calm on the outside. She believes now that the Prince's threats against her and Amalia were empty ones. It is because she knows the high level of expectation that those she loves have for her, and she wants this test to be flawless.
After six months of training, Madara has never once felt the pull of the Beast. Veni was confused and apprehensive of her appearance and decision to abandon the ways of the Beast at first, but when he realized that she did not want to try to change him, too, he slowly started relaxing. Luckily he has been kept so busy with Jurgen's men that he hasn't had the time to miss their midnight-hunts together. The ghouls at Madara's manor, however, are very pleased with her new changes, and smile and gush at Amalia gratefully whenever the two are over.
Madara's physical disguise has been a complete success. The only ones who were informed of it were Madara's ghouls, Childe, and Amalia. Amalia was often called to the castle to report her progress to the Prince-- and to give the semblance of visiting her lover 'Madara.' And now that the time has come to take the test, Madara is anxious to get her old identity back...granted her responses and changes please the Prince, of course.
She and Amalia reach the Prince's chambers-- the time has come at last. Madara turns and embraces Amalia tightly, and then pulls back and kisses her deeply and lovingly, stroking her face and hair. When they pull apart, she continues to gaze into Amalia's eyes as she reaches out and knocks on the door...Amalia's eyes giving her the strength and confidence to go forward.
The door opens and Reynold smiles, seeing Madara, and bows to her and Amalia. "Greetings my ladies, Madara please come in. Amalia this will take some time-- I will send her home when we are through." He says.
Amalia looks at the Prince in confusion. "My lord, I thought I would be allowed to sit in and watch the proceedings..." she begins with a pleading tone to her voice.
Reynold nods, "I realize, Amalia, but this is how it was done with me. Trust me, I will not fail her on purpose, and I will-- of course-- let you know my decision when I am satisfied with the test."
Amalia looks from the Prince to Madara and back to the Prince. She wants so badly to protest his decision-- after all Madara has been through, she wants to be there by her side to support her. But one look at the Prince and she knows that he will not rescind on this, and she doesn't want to set a bad example for Madara.
Amalia regains her calm and composed demeanor and turns to smile at Madara. "I am so proud of you, my love. You will easily pass this test-- I believe in you! Go and show him that he was right about you from the start." The two embrace again, and share a last quick kiss before Amalia turns and walks back down the corridor-- the very of picture of grace and elegance.
Reynold closes the door and motions for Madara to sit. He pours two glasses of blood and holds them over the fire before he returns to his seat and hands Madara a glass. He leans back and smiles. He opens his mouth to say something then stops.
"Madara, if you would be so kind. Could you change back to your former physique. I would appreciate that. I have missed hearing your true voice and seeing you as...well you. I will of course turn my back or leave the room until you are ready."
Madara smiles and inclines her head. "Of course, my Lord. I have been anxious to hear those words for months!" Madara stands, and then looks around the room. "Your majesty-- if you please, where is...'Madara?'" she asks, emphasizing the name 'Madara.'
He chuckles and smiles, "She is in the next room. Asleep if you will. You'll be happy to know Lord Jurgen tested her and all went well. And he never asked of her again. I shall wait here for you," he says showing her to the door. "Do not worry she will not awaken," he says opening the door to 'Madara's' room.
Madara enters the room, and the Prince closes the door behind her. Immediately she is assaulted by two huge beasts who jump on her and begin whining excitedly and licking her face. "Ah my babies! Miskos! Davra!" Madara cries, hugging them as best she can and nuzzling them back affectionately. Her castle-ghoul approaches, and she releases her dogs to take his hands and lean in for a kiss on each cheek.
"My lady, this is the day, then." The ghoul states simply, and Madara nods her head.
"Yes, and the Prince has asked me to...'change' back into my old appearance before the test, so I would appreciate your assistance." Madara says, hurrying over to the bed to look over 'Madara.' She feels her throat clench in emotion as she gazes at her old face and form. Never again will she change herself so completely, God willing. She reaches out and touches the woman's face, already familiar with every curve and angle. Then she turns and walks over to the mirror hanging on the wall and begins the long, careful process of giving her herself back.
When she is done, she walks naked back over to the bed with a light and joyful step to her feet. She has her face and body back!! She turns excitedly to her ghoul. "What do you think? Did I get everything right?"
Her ghoul chuckles and nods. "Yes, my lady, you did. And a good thing, too, because I would hate to have to throw out all your old gowns because they no longer fit...or were the wrong colors for your complexion!" Madara and her ghoul laugh together. God, but she missed him! If she can pass this test, they will be able to plan parties and balls once again!
Madara walks back over to the bed and looks down at what the woman is wearing. Then she leans in closer and squints. Could these be the same exact clothes she was wearing when the Prince summoned her to his chambers 6 months ago? She looks up at the ghoul questioningly, and he nods.
"Yes, they are the same clothes you left her in. The Prince ordered me to make sure she was dressed this way for your arrival." he explains.
Madara blinks and looks off into space for a moment, and then turns back to the woman. Madara undresses her quickly, and puts the clothes back on herself. Relief! They fit exactly right! Then she bends to pick up the dress she wore into the castle and starts to dress the woman when her ghoul walks over and stops her.
"Do not trouble yourself, my lady. She has a closet full of clothing that will fit her better." the ghoul says gently.
Madara realizes that the dress she came in wearing is definitely a little too big for the woman, and smiles at her ghoul gratefully-- putting her hand on his shoulder. "I do not know what I would do without you," she laughs, shaking her head. Then she takes a deep breath. "I am off. Wish me luck, my friend," and she walks to the door and opens it. As the door closes behind her, her ghoul smiles a wistful smile.
"Good luck, my lady." he calls softly to the closed door.
Madara walks over to the Prince's chamber doors, straightens her clothing, takes a deep breath, and knocks.
The door opens and Reynold smiles radiantly. He sighs and lets her in.
"It is so good to see you back in your natural physique. I am not sure I would ever get used to seeing you as...well you must be anxious so let us begin."
He smiles and sits down-- motioning for Madara to sit-- and leans back, taking a hold of his goblet. "Tell me what you learned of chivalric combat. And how does it affect your position?
Madara sits in her chair straight and tall with her hands resting on her thighs. "I shall protect the weak, and intercede on behalf of those who I believe to be innocent of wrongdoing. I will be fierce, but ready to show mercy should my opponant offer to yield. As your scourge, I should be always on the alert for intrigues that threaten to involve you in them, and uphold your station as Prince as my most important charge. You are my main concern, body and soul, and I will be honest with you in all things and act with honor." Madara's voice is strong and confident, and she meets the Prince's eyes with a respectful, yet sure gaze.
Reynold leans back in his chair and thinks a moment and smiles. He nods to Madara in encouragement. "Perfect..." he says letting the word linger. "Very good Madara, very very good. Now tell me of Arthur, was his downfall preciptiated by his honor or his lack of common sense? And why?"
Madara thinks for a moment. She remembers back to the story of Arthur, and how Camelot-- the greatest kingdom Britain had even known-- had fallen so quickly. "Would that everyone followed the code of chivalry-- were that so, the downfall would never have occurred. Arthur was honorable in all his dealings with man and woman. He trusted his knight and right-hand-man Lancelot with his wife's honor-- as the respect and trust due to a follower of chivalry-- and both Lancelot and Guenevere betrayed that trust. Even then Arthur did not give in to the Bea...ahem, give in to vengeance. He knew it would be humiliating, but he followed the laws he had set forth for all of his subjects and placed Guenevere on trial. Arthur's fall came not because of his honor or lack of common sense, but because those around him had none of either." Madara finishes-- her eyes full of passion for this subject.
Reynold claps his hands and laughs genuinely. "Be honest, how many times did you read that book?"
Madara suddenly grins and sits back in her chair, "Well, My Lord, if I told you that, you might suddenly run over to my manor and snatch the book back, worried that it would not be around for another generation to inherit!" Madara laughs in return, with a little embarrassment.
Reynold waves his hand as his laughter subsides. "No no I must have read it just as much. I am so glad to see you enjoying it as much as I did. I knew you'd like it."
He stands and gets Madara another drink and makes himself one.
"So how does one make others follow his vision of chivalry?"
Madara nods. This question has tripped-up many a man and woman, but paladins are not mere warriors who live by the sword. "With power comes the obligation for us to use it wisely. What is given to us through our honor can be taken away if we prove ourselves to be unworthy." Madara's eyes cloud for a second as she remembers her pain at losing her position as Scourge, but with her next blink her eyes are perfectly clear once more, and she continues.
"We do not seek to force others to follow our path, but seek to lead by example, and thus elevate all of those around us. Because of our ethics and honor, we demand great respect...but will give great respect and trust in return. As with Arthur, we will create laws that benefit all, and that all must abide by-- even those who created the laws. In this way, all people are bound to follow a chivelrous code." Madara finishes and looks at Reynold, relaxing a little bit.
Reynold thinks a moment and nods pursing his lips. Walking back over he hands her a glass and sits back down across from her. He crosses his legs and leans forward.
"Good answer, Madara good answer. You have studied very well. Now, tell me a bit about chivalric romance."
Madara feels her cheeks pinken, but she's able to regain her composure and look at Reynold. "To one who follows the path of chivalry, there is a charge to treat the opposite sex with the greatest of respect, and to protect their honor at all cost. However..." Madara says with a smile, "...I believe that this extends to the honor of both of the sexes. When we see someone in need of our help-- especially those who are weaker than us-- we must protect them and intercede on their behalf."
Madara crosses her ankles, takes a breath, and continues. "When one who follows the chivelric code falls...in love, they must hold the needs of their country and that person higher than their own needs. They must never neglect their duties, but must also make the greatest attempts not to neglect the one they love. Above all, they must not make demands of the one they love that are greater than he or she can give. This being the case, many chivelric souls are relegated to...loving...from afar..." Madara's eyes stay on the Prince's for a moment before dropping as she makes a pretense of smoothing her pants.
He nods and smiles a bit, "True, it is a burden to some of us. Now last question. With all that we have spoke of today...how do you feel about chivalry?"
Madara's eyes stare off into space as she begins to answer. "It is a rod to cling to in a society where back-stabbing and climbing to power over the bodies of the slain is all too common. It helps us to rise above our dark natures...some darker than others...and keeps our minds off of our own needs and focuses it on our duties. In this way, it also brings us joy...and respite." Madara's eyes finally turn to fall on the Prince.
"For many, many years after being Embraced, I was completely caught-up in my own misery and bad fortune...feeling sorry for myself...not trusting anyone else...becoming much like the animals I surrounded myself with. It is a very selfish and miserable way to live. Chivalry has taken the focus off of myself and placed it on serving others, and the joy I have found in helping, defending, and serving has been far greater than I ever thought that I could experience! It not only quiets the demons in my head..." Madara says, emphasizing the word 'demons,' "...but it strengthens me, and fulfills me." Madara is clasping her hands tightly in her lap, and she looks at the Prince with eyes full of sincerity.
"What of those who do the backstabbing and the horrible things, like Rustovitch? How can you keep from serving those like him?" He asks taking a sip of blood.
Madara's eyes grow fierce. "The key to Chivalry is knowing who you serve. If you serve a selfless and honorable Prince-- such as yourself--" Madara bows her head to Reynold. "-- then the only people doing the backstabbing are those who would pervert the ways of the kingdom and make it into something less. As Scourge, it is my job to be ever on the watch for those who would turn traitor against your Majesty, and bring them to justice." Madara pauses.
"But if-- for a moment-- I believed that I served a corrupt ruler, it would be my responsibility to bring that ruler to justice, whatever the cost. I, personally, believe in fighting to the death for something I believe that strongly in." Madara adds, and sits back a little in her chair, placing her arms on the arm-rests.
Reynold rubs his chin and smiles, 'My how our Madara has grown,' he thinks and smiles. He stands up and walks to the center of the room. He turns to face Madara and holds out his hand.
"Madara, come join me a moment."
Madara pushes herself out of the chair and walks over to place her hand in Reynold's, looking up at him expectantly. "My Prince?"
He takes her hand and gives it a bit of a squeeze and lets it go. He begins to circle around her. "I have given your answers some thought. And I must say I have my doubts. I have my doubts as to whether you will be the same scourge I knew six months ago. I have my doubts you will serve the position with the same fervor."
Madara feels the pit of her stomach drop out, her eyes wide and fearful in shock. What did she do wrong?? What did she say?? Perhaps she should not have been so candid with the Prince about her past...she told herself over and over not to bring it up, but then-- being caught up in the moment-- she started telling him everything! Then Madara takes a hold of herself and thinks. He has been very pleased with her answers-- seemingly-- so this must be another test. Madara focuses on the Prince. "My Lord, you are right. I will not be the same Scourge-- I will be better. And I will not serve with the same fervor, I will serve with more." Madara keeps her voice steady, and her eyes unwavering as she addresses the Prince.
Reynold stops in front of Madara, looking at her sternly, then breaks out into a wide smile. He claps his hands and takes her by the shoulders and kisses her on both cheeks.
"Damn you Madara, you are far too clever to fall for my charade. You did wonderfully-- much better than I did." He clasps her shoulders again and shakes his finger as he walks over to his drink.
"I was hoping to scare you a bit. Welcome back Scourge. May all of Belgrade tremble in your wake."
Madara releases a breath that she didn't know she was holding, and a huge grin spreads over her face. "Oh your majesty, thank you! THANK you!!" Madara forgets herself for a moment...or could it be that Giacova has sneakily exerted some influence?...and she rushes forward to embrace the Prince in a tight hug. "Thank you, my Prince! Thank you! You will not regret this!" she murmurs into his shoulder, and then quickly falls to one knee in fear. "I am sorry, my Lord...please forgive me! I will not let that happen again!" she says, looking at the ground and cursing her weakness.
Reynold looks down and touches Madara upon the back of her head.
"Never apologize for that," he says with a sad smile. "I had hoped to scare you a bit. You know," he says once Madara is standing, "My own sire yelled at me, cursed my name, told me I had failed and even forcibly kicked me out of the castle before he let me in on it. My absolute last lesson to you Madara. It is not in our sucesses do we reveal our strength of character, but in our mistakes. And you have shown your character to be so strong and determined in these last six months. How could I even think of you failing when you have shown no failing within your heart. I am proud to have you by my side," he says with a smile as he walks over to his desk.
"With this writ, you are the scourge of Belgrade, your word is my word whenever I am not present," he hands her the scroll.
Madara watches the Prince wordlessly-- her mouth open slightly-- as he moves around the room speaking to her. She cannot believe it-- she is finally the Scourge again, and she will NEVER take that position for granted as long as she lives! NEVER! Suddenly she can't hold her emotions in any longer, and red tears start to spill down her cheeks. "Oh my Prince, forgive my weakness-- perhaps it is true...what they say about...women being...the weaker of the sexes, for I cannot...contain my relief and happiness inside any longer!" she cries between weeping, and quickly produces a handkerchief from her pocket and holds it to her face as her shoulders heave and shake.
Reynold watches the tears roll down her cheeks he takes the hankerchief away from her and dries her tears himself.
'Weaker sex? If only you knew the power you hold over me, Madara.' He thinks, shaking his head.
"Now you understand the reason I did what I did, Madara. Now cheer up-- I have five conditions for you before you accept. Three of them are quite agreeable, two of them however you may not be...happy with." He walks over to the back wall and turns the candle, a door opens and he smiles at her. He walks into the room and comes out holding a beautiful violet dress with a small white lion stitched over the breast. He also holds his old scourge sword. The gem in the pommel which was once red is now violet with a white center. The peace-bonds that wrap around the pommel are laced violet and white. The door closes behind him.
"If you accept, these are yours. My first condition...you must try them on now. I want to see how it looks!" He says with a grin.
Madara stares at the dress and sword in disbelief as she finishes rubbing the tear-stains from her cheeks with the handkerchief. Giacova moans with pleasure in her head. "Oooh, they will match my eyes! How wonderful...how beautiful!" she exclaims in a low voice. Madara ignores Giacova and walks slowly over to the Prince. "Oh your majesty...your majesty, the dress is gorgeous!" Madara says quietly, reaching out to take the fabric in her hands and rub it with her thumbs-- she has unconsciously changed her eyes to violet.
Then she looks over at the sword and takes it from his hand quickly-- inspecting the hilt-- and then looking up at the Prince incredulously. "If I am not mistaken, this is the same sword? You...had the gem replaced with this one?" She runs her fingers over the gem and exhales. "It is...entrancing."
Then she remembers the Prince's command. "Of course, your Majesty, I will try it on immediately!" she says, taking the dress and putting it over one arm, and holding the sword in her free hand. She hurries over to the side of the bed facing the dressing-table and lays them down gently. Then she starts disrobing and placing her clothing in a neat little pile.
When Madara disrobes, Reynold turns his back to her quickly albeit regretfully. 'My god,' He thinks.
She grabs up the dress and puts it on-- admiring herself in the mirror. What a beautiful color...absolutely beautiful. She turns and looks over her shoulder-- struggling to reach the laces that do up the back, but failing. "There is a reason we have ghouls..." she thinks in frustration.
She quickly straps on the sheath, and walks over to the Prince while pulling her hair over her shoulder. When she reaches him, she turns her back to him. "I am sorry to ask this of your Majesty, but I cannot seem to do up the back by myself...if you would be so kind?" she asks, putting her hand on the hilt of the sword and becoming entranced by the stone again.
"Of course, of course," he says tying her straps. He turns her to look at him and he smiles looking her over.
"The sword is a dress sword-- never use it in combat, it will break. And it is worn like this," he says as he moves to her side and adjusts the sword.
Madara listens to everything the Prince tells her, nodding and taking note of how exactly to wear the beautiful sword.
"Now for my second condition. As a Ventrue you are to wear this and only this dress at balls and formals, but only when we have foriegn Cainites attending. It marks you as scourge should anything occur. I know how you love to wear the newest fashions, but this is Ventrue tradition. Happily, whenever it is just the primogen attending, you may of course wear whatever you like." He says adjusting the sword once more and nods his approval. He steps back and takes a good long look at her.
"You make the dress...you make the dress far more beautiful than when I saw it the first time..." He says almost too quietly to hear.
Giacova starts shrieking in Madara's head. "No...NO! What is he THINKING?? What if the Toreador finally come? They won't see us as a 'lady,' they'll see us as some tomboy who cares more for fighting than fashion!" Madara's first reaction, herself, is to protest the restriction, but that reaction quickly evaporates like smoke when she realizes the full impact of his words. She is Ventrue now! And as a part of that venerable Clan, she will be wearing a Ventrue Scourge's uniform! Such honor! "I will wear the dress proudly and with honor, my Prince!" she says, bowing her head. "So...I am of Clan Ventrue now." She paces a little away and clenches her fist. "So LONG have I wanted to escape from my Tzimisce blood! So long!" She turns to face the Prince.
"Madara you fool-- did you not hear what he just said?? He said you make the dress-- " Giacova begins.
"Silence, you wretched woman!" Madara snaps back at Giacova in her mind. "You will no longer make me look like a fool!" And it is true-- since training in the ways of Chivalry she has found it much easier to keep control away from Giacova. She smiles at the Prince. "I do not find that condition to be too harsh. What of the other three that you spoke of?"
Reynold smiles and walks over to the candle and turns it again. He watches the door open and puts his foot down to keep it open. He waves Madara over excitedly.
"Come, I have another present for you."
Madara raises her eyebrows, and quickly follows the Prince over to the secret door.
There in the center of the room hangs Reynold's scourge armor. Newly fitted and nearly glowing in the moonlight wafting in through the window. There are no more chinks or dents or scratches anymore. It almost seems as if it were made yesterday. The chest plate has also been changed to that of a womans chestplate, and there in the center of it is a ornate symbol. It is a carved field of violets with a white lion runing through the field, overhead is a beautiful blue sky.
"Third condition, try it on, Madara, it is yours."
Madara's mouth falls open, and suddenly the strength goes out of her legs and she falls to her knees. She reaches up tentatively to touch the armor...and then closes her eyes. Now she is overwhelmed. "Oh Sire..." she starts, and then she realizes what she has called him and feels a shiver run through her. "Sire, it...it is too much. Oh my Prince-- it is your armor!" She gets up on her knees and runs her hands across the breastplate-- taking in the intricate beauty of it. "It is so..." Madara's voice catches in her throat and she can't continue her thought.
Reynold touches the back of her head and smiles again gently.
"Rise my childe and take...what is yours and put it on. The only piece that was not mine was the helmet. I believe the chain would pull your hair out so...I'm babbling. Just put the armor on."
It takes a moment, but Madara is finally able to stand. And he called her his Childe...! She smiles a little smile, but still feels so overwhelmed. Her eyes glisten with unshed tears as she reaches and lifts the breastplate. She has NEVER had such beautiful armor as this, nor could she have ever hoped to! She places the breastplate over her head and slips her arms into the chainmail sleeves. When the breastplate settles over her chest, she notices that it is a perfect fit. She unstraps the sword and sheath-- hanging them on a hook-- and continues putting on the separate armor-pieces-- pauldrons, vambraces, bracers...she even slides the greaves on over her legs and up under the dress, and then slides her feet into the boots and puts on the helmet and gloves. She feels a little silly having the dress coming out over the greaves, but she is so ecstatic! She quickly walks from the secret room back to stand in front of the mirror. Aaah...what a formidable sight she will make on the battlefield!!
"Take off that man's-suit so I can enjoy the dress again," Giacova grumbles quietly, but Madara barely hears her.
"You are a formidible sight in that. By far a most fearsome and beautiful sight." He says pleased the armor fit. "My fourth condition is that you wear this armor into every and any battle. I cannot tell you how many times it has saved me. You will not find better armor in the world."
Madara nods enthusiastically and continues to amire the armor in the mirror. "Of course, my Lord! Of course!" She again looks down at the symbols on the breastplate, touches them, and feels a rush of excitement at the thought of everyones' reactions at the moment she steps out onto the battlements wearing the armor!
Reynold smiles as she admires herself in the mirror. "My last condition, Madara, is that when in public you call me Prince, yet while in private between us, call me Reynold. My last condition..."
Madara feels her heart jump and turns to stare at the Prince. "My...my Prince! I-- it feels unseemly to call you by your Christian name! I do not know if I can do it!" She looks pleadingly at the Prince.
"You can and you will, Madara. Please it is the only condition I...I would rather care you to follow." He says sitting down in his chair.
"I need to...well I have a few things I must do." he says reluctantly knowing it is that he cannot stand the unspoken...
"The woman is sleeping in the next room in you would fashion her back to her former or as close as possible self, I would appreciate that."
He says with a sigh as he looks over his ledger.
"I am very happy to have you back Madara, the castle walls were not the same without you peeking through them," he says with a smile and a chuckle.
Madara reddens and laughs. "If that bothers you, please let me know and I will stop." she says with a smile. "Thank you again, for everything, my Pr-- " she pauses. "Reynold." she finishes, feeling very awkward. There...she said it. Reynold. She closes her eyes, wondering if she's going to be able to remember to call him by his first name in private, or get used to it!
"Of course you will, Madara. 'Reynold'...I believe I screamed that name many times in succession one evening, much like this. 'Reynold! Oh Reynold, yes! YES!'" Giacova laughs in glee when she senses Madara's horror and discomfiture.
Madara finally opens her eyes after taking in a couple of deep, calming breaths, and speaks. "I will be at your chambers just after sunset...as normal." She smiles, and her smile lights up her whole face. She is back home! She bows and walks from the room, shutting the doors behind her gently. She enters the woman's chambers next door to find her in a nightgown, still sleeping in bed. The Prince and her ghoul are going to have quite the time explaining to 'Lucia Balan' why she now has red hair and sky-blue eyes! Madara pulls back the woman's blankets and removes the nightgown, ready for one last push of intense work.
An hour later she is bending over the woman-- making the last adjustments that she so distastefully hates to make-- when she discovers something. The woman...is still intact! Still a maiden! She looks up at the wall, not really seeing it, and considers this in wonderment. Neither Jurgen nor Reynold touched her...
Another half hour later Madara makes her way to the castle stables and takes Nanesti's reigns from the horseman. She mounts her horse and looks up at the castle for a long moment. Then she kicks Nanesti in the sides, and the horse jumps forward, eager to take her mistress back home.
Reynold stands in the window watching Madara leave. He cannot take his eyes from her yet his sadness grows knowing where she rides off to. And whom she is riding to.
"These things I give you Madara are only material possessions. I wish with all my heart that I could give..." he stops his thought from becoming words. "Go to your love, Madara may she give you all that I cannot."
He hits the sill with his fist gently twice and watches her ride off into the distance.
