Who: Kane Lewis, Tabitha Roberts, Charlotte Evans, Claire Washington, Richard Lee, and other members of this team that will... probably be ghosted. (Also: tagging order!) What: The climax of Charlotte's mission to reclaim the Homelands. Basically? It doesn't go as planned. Where: The throne room of the Emperor's castle in Toscane, the Homelands. When: Tuesday evening, August 16th, 2011 Warnings: The creepiness that is Kane, and a teeny tiny character death. Just a little one. NBD. >>
"And just who do you think you are?"
"My name – my name is Snow White. I have business with the Emperor. Let me and my people pass. Now, if you please."
He liked the way she stood her ground, the way she only hesitated once. The way she held her head high and fixed her foes with the stare of a conqueror. If nothing else, Charlotte Evans was a skilled performer. She catered to her audience, there was no doubt about that. The posse of ragtag soldiers behind her matched her commanding attitude, while the guards in front cowered, uncrossed their spears, allowed the invaders entry into his throne room. It was empty, of course, save for a wizened old steward and two more guards. They were just as cowardly, that was as plain as day, both to him and to Miss Evans as she announced herself once more. And even though he didn't need to hear what she wanted – he'd known for some time now, after all – he listened anyway. Her demands were terribly amusing, and from the darkness, no one could see him smile.
"I'm here to speak to yours so-called emperor, not his lackeys. Where is he?"
"My – my lady, the Emperor is – "
"Gone, yes? Has been for some time? Then this should be quite easy for you. You no longer have an emperor. You no longer will. I'll find someone capable to lead you, don't worry about that, but the man who claimed this throne for himself is dead and buried. He no longer holds any power over you. Do you understand?"
The steward, crumbling to the floor, began to weep. The guards simply fled. The dark man's influence, of course; he couldn't resist a little show, and the results were exactly what he wanted. He could see the shadows on the loyal hearts of Camelot, the fears and the doubts, yet they didn't seem to understand. And, disappointingly, neither did Charlotte. She looked puzzled – shocked, even – but she hid her fear well. Better than anyone, and just as well as her prickly sister. One of their more... challenging attributes.
But now? Now he wasn't in the mood for a challenge. He wanted a victory. And, all too quickly, before they even knew they'd lost, it was his.
"No, princess. It's you who doesn't understand. You should be running away, far and fast, but instead... Well. I'm afraid you're surrounded. Isn't that a shame?"
Kane Lewis stepped out from behind throne, out of the shadows, and an army of witherlings stepped with him. They came from behind the pillars, corpselike and pathetic but fear-inducing all the same. That's how he liked them, these people. Afraid. It was the only way he liked them.
He smiled down at Charlotte, strangely benevolent in his malice. "Yes, my dear, it's all going wrong. No, no. Don't thank me. The look on your face is thanks enough." His grinned widened, becoming terrifyingly inhuman terrifyingly fast. "Now. Who wants to die first?"