Zuria Kingdom

[Apollymi]

Oh they were descending quite a bit huh? Into the dungeon she went without fuss, because Merlyn knew this was the best course of action. Like many who possessed clairvoyance she only made decisions as she moved towards the best possible goal. She tended to do this in a strange way by comparison. While most would try for an outcome or ignore a good or bad one, since she had the present to work with, she often took the path of least resistance. She was clever enough to know when she could behave outlandishly and when she should act and when it wouldn't be good to. In the case of Arthur, it was best if she gave him an extra in with Kolin long term, or else they'd have to deal with her being overly suspicious of both of them. Besides all that, it was easier to discuss such matters with people she hadn't been traveling with and growing to like, though she kept Arthur's ideals in mind she wasn't so outwardly kind as he. "Hm, so are we far enough away now or should I just put everyone else here to sleep but us?" Merlyn spoke these words as nonchalantly was one would inquire about the weather.

Moving right along, Arthur and Kolin were left to have their greeting. The boy's natural reaction was indeed a good one in the eyes of the queen. She giggled just a little as she shifted her person, removing the gentle up-skirt view. She should have figured if the lad was enough of a boy scout that he didn't kill obvious criminals that he was also the sort to not immediately take such bait. A giggle escaped her, but she seemed to be amused nonetheless. "Of course~ It was still a pretty cute reaction though. So then, one has to wonder why such a nice boy is keeping such bad company~ Obviously you're more than welcome here if you'd like. Capable men are quite hard to come by," she said. There was a hint of flirtation in those words, and what was more a very obvious offer. One would have considered such advances strange for a woman who was obviously not a stand alone ruler but her game was already made obvious. She managed to look bored, but in all actuality she was sizing up Arthur, trying to determine how much more useful he could be to her ploys than her current little King. An obviously capable man was good, perhaps if she could get some control of him, he'd be worthwhile to take with her on her upward climb.

[Bloodedge]

Along the way to the dungeon, Merlyn finally spoke a few words. At face value, they weren't specifically meant for the knight escorting her, though he knew they were suited to no other but himself. She had a skill like that, did she? Well, it would be ideal if they could begin their discussion as soon as possible. He didn't care much for imprisoning this woman of use, either; he'd much rather see to doing something by way of saving this kingdom. "Don't be daft. If you had that sort of power, I'm sure you wouldn't hesitate to use it. No need to worry," he said to comfort the guards, who seemed on edge and distrusting of one another after hearing Merlyn's words. The knight's clause had an additional meaning, though. He had hopes that Merlyn could read between the lines for the subtext of it all, finding the truth of his desire that she use her magic immediately.

All the while, there was a certain quantity of subtext being thrown Arthurs way as well. Kolin concealed the view she'd so brazenly offered him, even making it quite clear that she'd done it on purpose. Good. Arthur had confidence that he could proceed effectively, albeit without certainty of how long it would take to put himself in just the right position. "Well..." he said, fully rising from his bowed position and taking a single step forward. "I only arrived a few weeks ago. That woman happened to have chosen the name Merlyn, I came as Arthur Pendragon, and she decided for herself that she was to be my guide. She started going on about how I was meant to be the Future King and all that, but I'm honestly not sure I can trust her at all. She's obviously more trouble than she's worth, considering─" Interestingly enough, Arthur had yet to speak a single lie. The purpose may have been a bit off, but the truth of his statement made it much easier to say. "If you have any use of me, I'd much rather have some stability... so I think your offer is worth taking. Though, should I assume this is something you'd rather discuss with the king first?"

[Apollymi]

The words that came in response to Merlyn's rather innocent question were strange indeed. She'd taken note of the guards other than this particular knight beginning to distrust one another after she spoke. Even so, the man with her seemed like he was claiming that if she had such a power, she'd definitely use it. The smile that broke across Merlyn's face in the moment was a sinister little smirk of a prankster having a bit of extra fun. "Of course, that's be crazy. Obviously, I have no such power... Sleep." The word sleep when spoken by her in such a way came with a certain amount of power, enough to make it less of a suggestion and more of a command. The Knights around them without any resistance that she intended to have fall into slumber would begin to slump into peaceful dreams hearing nothing being spoken. If this took place according to plan she'd look to this purple haired knight and give him a knowing little smirk, the hood of her cloak still pretty firmly in place. "A man of action. I like you~" she chimed presently. "I also could have done that the other way around I suppose, but waste not, want not~" apparently Merlyn was still in a fairly good humor, despite being arrested.

What an interesting tale Arthur apparently had to tell. He'd chosen the name Arthur Pendragon and a girl who called herself Merlyn happened to show up around the same time claiming to be his guide. Well, that was likely just a coincidence, and nothing the lad said implied that he was lying at all about the lack of faith he had in his apparent guide. This was all great information. Actually, if she could get this boy away from that Sorceress and keep him to herself, it was very likely she could use him in her long term plan to return to her proper place. Hell, if she kept him long enough she could even claim Camelot from that female Artoria. How delicious such revenge would be. "Well meeting new people is obviously a toss up. Consider yourself lucky someone like me was among the first of the rulers you met. Other's might not have taken so well to that sort of disrespect~" she mused. "Still I am not completely unreasonable. I'll keep her locked up a few days. If she learns her place I'll let her out sometime..." the woman mentioned. It was always good to play up being magnanimous for the boy scout type. The better she sounded the less likely she'd have to go too far to manipulate him. Just a little should be enough. Ah, but in the end he brought up the king, and whether or not she should take up such a thing with him before doing it. A simple laugh and a light explanation would suffice. "Hahaha~ No, of course not. I mean if it would set you at ease I could, but hiring, firing, staff management, and job placement... are in general left to me. It isn't like he'd say no to something I asked for specifically anyway~" she said, a slight bounce of her breasts as she adjusted in her seat implied that she had complete control over the king. Overall she gave off the impression of a spoiled brat, but one obviously used to using a very specific angle to get her way.

[Bloodedge]

The very moment Merlyn opened her mouth again, the knight knew what was coming. She'd managed to stay on the same page, and a single word put the other guards into a state of unconsciousness. Now that they were virtually alone, Merlyn expressed her admiration of the purple-haired male. He replied in kind with a mere chuckle, only to then extend his right hand. "And you have something against Queen Kolin. I like you~" he said. A man of action indeed though, he was quick to address matters of importance. "Sir Cador, Duke of Zuria and former King of Cornwall. Since you seem to know so much about the queen's past, I'm sure you can be counted as an ally. I'm also quite sure she was the reason for my kingdom's downfall, but not at all why she would come here afterwards. Any insight?"

Arthur made constant progress, though doing so had him walking on eggshells for the duration of his meeting with the queen. On the surface, she was at least amiable enough to only keep Merlyn restrained for a matter of days. Perhaps the spillage of what information Arthur knew was enough for her to desire good will between them. Whether that, or a mere stroke of luck, he was on the right track now. Kolin's reaction to his question about the king was a favorable one as well. Her power over the male ruler of Zuria let him know a few good things. She wasn't simply grabbing his attention with that earlier stunt; she was one who freely threw around her visage for gain. Arthur could use that against her if he played his cards right. "A matriarchal kingdom, is it? Apologies for speaking out of turn, but it sounds like your workload is too heavy. Don't take this as a plea or attempt to insert myself in power. It should be obvious by my choice in names─ I do plan to become a king someday, somewhere. I would be more than happy offering myself to your cause in the meantime, especially if it would help a queen see as much relaxation as her dear husband." A few more steps into the queen's graces was all he needed. It seemed the power she had over this nation's king was absolute, and given her movements, Arthur was left thinking it best to let his eyes wander. How far would this exchange go? What would this woman do in an attempt to subdue him for his potential usefulness to her? Whatever got him the answers and opportunity he sought, Arthur would leap toward until the perfect time came. By his approximation, he had up to three days before something was done about Merlyn; she certainly wasn't going to be cooperating, after all.

[Apollymi]

A chuckle and a hand extension had this Knight introducing himself. The former King of Cornwall. How very appropriate. This world really did have a thing for making Arthurian Legends work out long term. Ah, she'd have to keep an eye out for other who bore the names of Knights of the Roundtable. "I'm glad we agree. It's nice to meet you, Sir Cador. I'm called Merlyn and maybe one day... I'll be court wizard to King Arthur. Or maybe I already am~" she said with a gentle wink, taking his extended hand without any extra thought. It seemed they were free to converse with the whole of the rest of the guards unconscious. She knew a great deal about the Queen's past. He thought her an ally. She thought him one as well, given that he was watching over the young females of this kingdom in addition to his other duties. "Her only goal is to reclaim what she thinks is hers and likely to get revenge against those she thinks wronged her along the way~" Merlyn said in easy summary. "Most likely she is trying to get back to Chaldea. She has probably been using her time to figure out the criteria now necessary to ascend... as well as reclaim her goddess form," she said in a general explanation. She couldn't pretend to know exactly the nature of the plan held by the woman once known as Ishtar, but she could rather easily make broad strokes by knowing her path through the world. "Given what I can see of her presently she was known most recently as a woman known as Ygerna. She used that face up though and became Kolin instead when she moved to this place. What happened to your Kingdom, Sir Cador? What did she do to you?" Merlyn asked. She needed a bit of background. Knowing what this woman had been up to, was essential to thwarting her plans, and ensuring Arthur's safety beyond the nature of his plan. Truly a spoiled boy, and he didn't even know it.

In the meantime, everything seemed to be working out just the way that Kolin intended. This lad sought her good graces, and hadn't turned on her for her imprisonment of his friend. She didn't expect many men to turn her down for anyone else regardless, especially not some girl who ran around, covered up from head to toe like some kind of nun. Disgusting. What was the point of being a woman if you weren't using every natural advantage to get exactly what you wanted? She listened to Arthur's words and her eyes lit up involuntarily. He truly aimed to claim a Kingdom... and with his personality such a thing would be easily abuseable. Oh, and he offered good will and the ability for her to have a good time while he was here, how admirable. "Oh? Well how sweet of you to worry about little old me~" the woman was quite free with herself in these moments, each flirty movement of her hands and gentle flicker of her eyes was meant to assure a certain amount of interest in her person. "Don't worry, I am not too overworked to have a good time. And my goals are pretty close at hand. That being said having, a Knight and future king at hand for future..." she gave him a full bit of physical appreciation, at least this one seemed more capable than the one she already had. Perhaps it was almost time for an upgrade. Not before she finished bleeding this place dry though. "Good will, isn't something I'd turn down at all. What do you say?" she said with a gentle smile crossing her otherwise cold visage. "You scratch my back now... and know you'll have me on your side later?~" what an open-ended yet slightly cheeky offer. She knew it hinted at the idea that she'd drop her current king for him, for most this wouldn't be a problem, but that is why she also left it just vague enough to be taken as a simple bout of friendliness. Time to find out, exactly how... innocent the boy scout thought himself. Besides, she never intended to give too much of herself, though this one was at least cute enough to give a chance if he happened to prove himself capable enough to ascend.

[Bloodedge]

Merlyn spoke very strangely. Even so, she gave a succinct explanation of what the queen currently called Kolin truly was. The goddess Ishtar was a name known across the land─ a tale of old, once thought of as basic mythology. That wasn't the information which widened Cador's eyes, though. No, what widened his eyes was anything but Kolin's identity as Ishtar, her intention to return to the fabled land in the sky, or her bid for vengeance against her enemies... It was the name she held before becoming Kolin. As a knight who'd been in this world for quite some time, Cador was an honorable man. As one who had been wronged by the one called Ygerna, though, he nearly had a thirst for blood that showed through gritted teeth and clenched fists. When asked what Kolin had done to him, his answer came alongside the recognition of her previous name. "Ygerna. Queen Ygerna, of a fallen kingdom. Tales say the king led a select few on a conquest that would end a war started for the queen's sake. He, alone, survived. On his return, the kingdom he'd raised from the ground was no more. No queen, no fiefdom, and strangely... no secret treasury. I'm sure there is no need to say what happened to the king afterwards."

"Think nothing of it, my queen," Arthur said when Kolin addressed his worry. He could see the light in her eyes─ that thirst for a claim. She spoke further, giving every implication that she may have been open to the thought of becoming queen to his future kingdom. There was a light in Arthur's eyes just then, not for the prospect of taking this woman as a queen, but because victory was in sight. He bowed again. "Your Grace, rest assured, I would scratch your back any day," he said with an odd amount of honesty. This woman's features were certainly the bane of all mankind. Arthur himself would be lying if he didn't admit to any physical interest, but he was far more mentally hardened than that in truth. Ah, but it was time to be playfully dumb as they discussed the future playing out in Kolin's mind. "I'm sure I wouldn't be much use to you in the future, though. When I become king, I would gladly count Zuria as an ally while you sit on its throne. Your king is a lucky man. I can only hope that my queen, if I can even manage one, will be such a beautiful politician as yourself. With all due respect, of course. I doubt I could ever be so fortunate."

[Apollymi]

Merlyn watched as this man clinched his jaw and told his tale. His entire kingdom turned up missing in the blink of an eye while he was away, everything from his people to his secret treasury but especially his queen. Poor lad, he was likely an honorable man, not realizing what this woman was ahead of time, not the sort who would have given himself freely to her desires if he'd understood them initially. Men were just men, kind of simple if one were being honest, and many women in life took advantage of that. But none took greater advantage in a more disgusting way, than Ishtar. Such was proven by the tale he told. "Sou ka, I've been wondering what all was happening here and why her continued existence was being tolerated. But if this is the plan of action she's been taking... it makes much sense that no one here has noticed what she is..." she muttered softly. "Though there are also those who would do what she said regardless, just for a chance at her empty promises... Those are the souls who have no redemption left~" the white haired woman said without even the slightest hint of remorse. "It's the job of people like us to remove such obstacles. Taking her out here is the best of our options," she said with a gentle smirk coming to her face. "Arthur is not so easily swayed. I am not entirely sure of his plans here... but he's got a pretty good chance of not falling for her antics. We're here for the contingency, to make sure this place doesn't up and disappear the way your Kingdom did," mentioned Merlyn, she'd been particularly disturbed by the knowledge that his people had disappeared as well. Nothing good could come of giving this woman more people. She needed to find out what kind of information she was feeding the common folk. Perhaps she'd walk in a few dreams tonight... It seemed the Sorceress was already working. She didn't know what kind of act Kolin was putting on for Arthur, but she figured she had at least a short amount of time to come with a proper plot for Cador and the two girls currently part of this Kingdom. "So which is that Little King, is he a good natured idiot or is he just a horny idiot? I am making the assumption he isn't reliable, but if he's just enchanted he might be salvageable."

Arthur and Kolin were locked into an interesting dance, both assuming they were making headway in their individual plots. Kolin though nothing of the light in Arthur's eyes. It wasn't as if she hadn't seen such a thing numerous times. Men always drooled over her. Still, it didn't stop her from enjoying the attention quite a lot in this case. What a flirty boy this one was turning out to be. Definitely a step up from the idiot she was currently keeping just to drain his kingdom dry. "Oh, well then I think we have a deal~" Kolin said about their earliest statements. But Arthur would go on to sweeten the deal. He did so with such a smooth manner, she could almost grant him anything he desired of her. "Hoh? You do know how to flatter a girl don't you, Arthur~ I don't doubt you'll have a great queen by your side one day~" and just like that Kolin made the decision that removing this lad's will was most unnecessary. Much like the King currently within this place, he was bound to simply do as she asked because she asked. No need to waste extra energy on schemes if things were going her way. She almost couldn't keep the lust for power out of her voice, what was more this lad was a definite upgrade, it was about time to get rid of the current King, and his Kingdom... though a boy scout like Arthur couldn't be used for that. She could use him in the aftermath. "Until then though, please feel free to have use of the castle." she mentioned. "Guin!!" she called and a younger woman in homely clothes with white hair and startling blue eyes came and did a curtsy before this woman. It wasn't lacking in grace at all, but the light in this girl's eyes was far less friendly than it likely should be. Too bad, Kolin was already in a good mood, so such things weren't worth the extra worry. "I'll have Guin here, escort you to your new quarters. Do stay close by though... I might have use of you~" she gave the lad a wink before shooing him away playfully. Guin, gave a gentle nod to the new Knight and began walking him towards the eastern tower. This was the tower the Knights lived in, it was also closest to the Queen's Personal Quarters... for whatever reason.

[Bloodedge]

A disgusting, regrettable past was behind Sir Cador. Knowing all of it was Kolin's fault, admittedly left him feeling a way he would have preferred avoiding. He'd been without confirmation for so long. It could have been assumed that his queen was abducted, perhaps even tortured into giving away all the kingdoms secrets. He could have assumed his queen and fiefdom were enslaved by some other nation, and that he would stumble upon them one day while working as a knight of Zuria. These were the things Zuria's king planted in his mind to ensure his queen had a capable protector. Ah, but that meant... yet another thing was that twisted woman's doing. "You say this Arthur of yours isn't easily swayed. For his sake, I hope that holds true. If he does nothing to stop that woman... I'll be there to handle things myself," he announced. All things considered, he would rather be the one handling things anyway. Alas, it was not the way of knights to hinder the glory of another. "As for King Leorio... I don't know if he has been enchanted or not. I've spent ages trying to catch him alone, just to warn him about the state Kolin is reducing Zuria to. It's quite difficult, finding him anywhere other than Kolin's side."

Speaking of Kolin's side, Arthur was allegedly fated for a future just there. He'd have to thank Kimiko whenever he found her in this world, considering how much the lass' quippy nature was paying off. Indeed, he found himself mirroring his boss in a way, and it was paying off quite nicely. As such, he'd continue with a gentle smile. "You flatter me, my queen. That sounds like an ideal, impossible future. Surely, all women of your caliber are spoken for. A man like me can only hope to sell his soul for a single night~" Another bow was given with this statement. Kolin called her attendant, referred to as Guin, and offered Arthur free roam of the castle. She also offered Arthur a message, however. Stay close by... as she may have need of him, she said. This was proving easier than Arthur imagined; she even offered him a flirty wink while sending him off. "I certainly will. As your faithful knight, I will remain within earshot of her majesty. Call on me whenever you like~" he said, content thereafter to follow the white-haired girl to his supposed quarters.

[Apollymi]

Merlyn could see this man's head working, of course she figured he was less than pleased knowing he'd been betrayed in such a way. Even so, in true knightly fashion, he claimed that he only hoped Arthur was as steadfast as she claimed. If he turned out not to be able to do anything, this man said he was content to handle things himself. This was just the sort of thing that Merlyn liked to hear. "You're going to be my favorite Knight, men of action are hard to come by. I am sure though, Arthur is immune to me so she'd have to go far to properly get control of him. Still keep an eye on him for me. I've been spoiling him a bit and I'm still not quite sure he fully understands exactly how different this place can be," she said with that same unbothered smile. Cador was proving himself to be quite reliable. A bit of grit was necessary for a Kingdom to get from point A to point B. Beyond that this man had already learned his lesson so he was less to worry about than many people would be. What a fine addition this lad would make to future plans. As for his supposed statements about the King now named Leorio there was quite a bit of mystery involved. "Huh... always at her side huh? It is very likely he knows then and is complacent. But I can double check that pretty easily. As long as he sleeps or daydreams I can eventually make my way into his mind... I'll take care of that," she said in good faith. "I'll trust you to be my eyes and ears outside. I'll remain imprisoned for a while and watch the fun~" Merlyn mentioned. With Cador on their side anything which needed to happen would eventually happen, this she knew with great certainty.

In the meantime, Kolin couldn't have been more pleased. It seemed she wouldn't even need to enchant this lad to get him to do her dirty work. She supposed a bit of a show was in order and she'd begin setting it up after handling the other affairs of state she needed to deal with. After all, this particular place was barely a pit stop in her grand scheme and she couldn't truly lose track of her goals, even for the young Arthur. Perhaps though she'd eventually find her ability to incorporate him into the plans, convincing him that the current Queen Artoria was just a pretender and he should take Camelot from her shouldn't really take much convincing. Imagine the look on that pompous Gold Archer's face when she arrived with a Holy Sword user, the true King Arthur on her side~

At the same time, Guin was now leading Arthur to the chambers that she was told to. She'd had a glance at this boy and he was reasonably attractive, but he'd not been making himself look good in her graces. After all, those who flirted with Kolin were less than trustworthy in most cases but... unlike the other times when such things happened before her. The spirit with her didn't feel the need to speak on his sketchy nature. Did that mean he wasn't as bad as the act he was putting on? She hugged the small doll in her arms a bit tighter as they made their way to the chambers. Some moments later she was opening the door to a well kept room, well above servants quarters but not quite as luxurious as the Queen's own chambers. "Here's your room, sir. I'm mostly in charge of this wing... if you have need of anything you can call for me. I'd be happy to assist you," she gave a spiel similar to what one would expect of a customer service worker. It was pleasant and sounded nice but there was something of a gleam in this girl's eyes as she had a look at this lad. Her own power active as she tried to gain a better understanding of the lad through her own clairvoyance since her spirits weren't speaking as if she should fear.

[Bloodedge]

The favorite knight of Merlyn─ what a title that would be. Alas, Cador could not show any amount of happiness in the moment. He was doing his best to contain the unbridled fury welling up inside, all to hold a civil conversation with the sorceress. One thing to calm him slightly, was a specific mention of how ignorant Arthur was of the world they were in. "Heh. I'll keep an eye on the princely one, if you like. You're right, though; he's far too happy to be anything but a young boy in a world like this." No truer words had ever been spoken by Cador. Those who spent a fair amount of time in this world could only experience joy in fleeting moments, and that Arthur was far too optimistic-looking to have experienced the atrocities here. "I'll leave the king, and your own imprisonment, to you then. Hopefully Arthur doesn't lose too much of himself in what he's managed to walk into." With that, Cador bowed with utmost respect to Merlyn. They were now partners in a way, linked by the singular goal of foiling Kolin's wretched plans. If they could not prove victorious, only more kingdoms would be lost as a result.

Kolin was keen to prepare a show, and Arthur knew it was his time to do the same. He walked alongside his guide, Guin... Guin... 'GUINEVERE?!' he shouted in his mind. Was this world so direct? Could he truly have walked into this situation accidentally, or even by the design of Merlyn? His eyes wandered to the lass at his side, and the truest, reddest blush spread from his cheeks to his ears. He could easily admit to the physical appeal of Queen Kolin, but this young woman was more to his preference. She seemed quite reserved, not some flaunting mess of sex appeal that he couldn't trust to have a faithful bone in her body. She was what Arthur would consider a true example of beauty, and... oh. He was staring, wasn't he? Well, the clear answer to that realization was to immediately begin looking straight ahead until they reached the room! What a room it was. Stepping in, Arthur freed the sheathless sword from the strap on his back, and propped against the wall next to the only door. "Arthur," he said to correct her use of 'sir' as a title. "We're both in positions of servitude, right? We can be more friendly than that, Guinevere." He didn't intentionally make use of her full name; it was just on his mind at the time of speaking. Perhaps that would come back to bite him, or perhaps not, but he hadn't given it any thought. Instead, his mind was on something else entirely. "I may want to ask a favor of you, though. I doubt you carry a sword, but... maybe a knife or something? I'd like to borrow something with a blade, for a few nights at best."