long guo The Court of the Dragon Throne (PM for Invite)

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

At first , Hanabi was incredibly flattered by this gift. This feather was so beautiful. It bore all the colors of the rainbow and merely looking at it seemed to grant her a small burst of vitality as the Empress had said. Between admiring the feather's features and the Empress' kind look of approval, Hanabi felt stuck in place. LIke this fabulous gift was weighing her in place as arrows pierced her side.  She felt like each of the Empress' words was like another one loosed from some finely crafted warbow.

 

Guilty feelings started to bubble up. Yanhua had to take a quiet breath to steady herself. Just when she thought she might be able to say something, Feng came to the rescue before she might say anything incriminating in the heat of the moment. 

 

Her friend's display warmed her heart so much. The qilin with the perpetually closed eyes let out a wistful sigh. Some motes of green flames escaped her muzzle and soon drifted up behind her. The smokey magic forming up in the shape of a heart. Before Feng looked back to her She had already fanned away the emotional slip up of a spell with her tail.  She gave a respectful bow to the stallion, "I thank you for your testimony, Feng. Unofficial or Otherwise." Still feeling the eyes of the court and Empress upon her, it was getting overwhelming for this chef. Even she had that lovely arrangement in the past with those early qilin to protect their rice fields, she wasn't terribly fond of having many eyes upon her.  If someqilin wanted some request fulfilled they'd just leave it at the shrine. 

Perhaps it would be best to bring Feng's triumph back to the spotlight. She'd already gained Yu's approval to meet later and discuss things...

"My empress, Will Feng be receiving one of these Feathers as well?"
 

[Bellosh]

 

Feng’s unexpected outburst in support of Yanhua further raised Empress Yuè’s suspicion that something was amiss. Just what exactly would lead the Imperial Watcher to express unseemly bravado in support of his teammate? It was almost as if something happened during their trip that they wished to conceal from the Imperial Court.

If the Empress’s assumptions were correct however, Yanhua was as least willing to confide to her alone about this mystery. And although Feng seemed to be in on this secret, the Empress had absolutely no reason to question his loyalty and competence. If the longma stallion had the courage to put his honor on the line in support of Yanhua, the royal qilin would then trust Feng’s judgem-

Wait- what... was... THAT? Did Empress Yuè see what she thought she saw Yanhua do? Rationally, the Empress had no reason to chastise her chef over this latest breach of courtly decorum. However, a foreboding feeling stirred inside the royal qilin’s heart; she could not name it, for she knew not what it was... or maybe she was too busy denying the existence of such uncouth emotional pettiness to begin with. Nonetheless, for the briefest moment, a faint eye twitch could be spotted on the face of a young mare who was otherwise a master of maintaining royal composure in all situations.

But just like a fleeting mirage, the shadow that fell on Empress Yuè’s features departed just as swiftly as it arrived. Resorting to instant compartmentalization, the Empress pushed all emotions aside that contradicted the image of serene majesty an imperial sovereign was supposed to convey, and she pressed on with the ceremony:

“.....Before setting out on his mission to Equestria, Fēng Yīnhǎitāo had already demonstrated a prior history of showing great valor and ingenuity in the field! Few among Feng’s kind, past or present, has achieved the level of success in as short an amount of time as he has! With the latest successes of this champion of Long Guo — of not only besting seasoned athletes in the contests of Barrel Weaving and Obstacle Running, but through the tireless effort he gave for every test he partook in — Feng is now the undisputed Iron Pony of the World!”

“All Long Sun can learn from the self-sacrificial example of Fēng Yīnhǎitāo.” Was that slight inflection meant to convey a secret inside joke only Feng would know? Probably. “He has shown the heights that which a Long Sun of humble birth can rise up to by directing all their focus, commitment, and sheer will towards serving the citizens of the Dragon Kingdom. It is thus no exaggeration to say that in these modern times, Feng embodies the ancient spirit of the mighty longma champion Xiao Huo like no other!”

Quiet murmurs could be heard from the assembled crowd; it was never taken lightly when a Long Sun is favorably compared to one of the legendary co-founders of Long Guo itself! “In light of Fēng Yīnhǎitāo’s extraordinary service, it is due time that he is thus properly awarded! Please step forward to be acknowledged!”

Once Feng obeyed the command, Empress Yuè continued speaking, although Feng alone would be close enough to see a trace of a smile on the royal qilin's muzzle; “As per the customs of this court, you are free to make any request of your Empress. If it is within my power to grant it, then it shall be yours.....” Of course, there were PLENTY of unspoken caveats about what could be asked of an empress. Don’t ask anything that jeopardizes the well-being of Long Guo. Don’t use the occasion as an excuse to upend centuries of time-honored traditions. Don't be a braggart with no concept of humility. And above all else: don’t make any requests meant to humiliate an imperial sovereign or put them in an awkward position.

Empress Yuè liked to think that Feng’s known affections for her would dissuade him from making TOO foolish a request.....

[Blueblood]

Feng was suitably pleased at hearing Yanhua's expression of gratitude; it seemed that his quick words were enough to smooth over a potentially awkward moment.  It would have been most importune for the kitsune to have revealed her true nature to the Empress here, in front of the entire Imperial Court!  Yue couldn't hope to keep the palace chef around after that, not if she wanted to be thought fit for the throne herself.  It still left open the question of whether she would continue to retain her even with a private revelation, but Feng felt he could trust in her good nature and insightful eye.  There wasn't a hostile bone in Hanabi/Yanhua's body, vulpine though her true skeleton might be.

 

His thoughts on the matter left him oblivious both to Yanhua's rather visible display of affection accompanying her polite and measured words, and Empress Yue's subconscious reaction to it.  The exchange would have been equal parts encouraging and worrying to him, as regards the possibility of his unrequited affections finally being requited.  That aside, the ceremony continued with suitable decorum, Feng standing tall and proud, the medals on his chest holding gleams equal to the gold covering the court fixtures, though one could say that his own scaled shown even brighter.  He'd taken great care of his appearance prior to his arrival, knowing that it would reflect upon the Empress.

 

The Empress, it seemed, was returning the regard.  Xiao Huo!  To be compared to such a great historical figure, by the holder of the very title he co-founded, was nearly boon enough for Feng.  It would no doubt prove a boost to his status among the court, though it would also make him a target of jealousy.  Not to mention that the overall notoriety and attention would be... possibly detrimental to his career as a Watcher.  To all these concerns, however, he gave not a care, for the praise of his Empress was enough.

 

And yet... she was offering more.  Stepping forward with all the gravitas he could muster, Feng found his thoughts rapidly spinning.  What could he ask?  What dared he ask?  Yu Yue knew full well what desires lay upon his heart, and what would likely become of them both were they to be uttered in public.  He knew that she trusted him to not put her in an untenable position, and for all the affection he bore her, his respect would triumph over his selfishness.  And yet... Feng just wouldn't be Feng if he didn't push the envelope just a little.

 

"Your Imperial Majesty,"  He began, pressing a forehoof to his chest and bowing low.  "The land from which I have returned places a high value upon friendship, equivalent to how Long Guo views honor.  I had always considered the greatest honor you had ever bestowed upon me to be able to call myself your servant to all who asked who I was.  Only one possible honor higher than that exists, and that is being able to call myself your friend.  If your humble servant may be so bold, that is my request."

 

A bold request it certainly was; the Empress was, of course, free to have what friends she desired... in private.  The two of them were already that, Feng knew for sure.  But public acknowledgement was a different thing altogether.  It was a coveted status, not without influence in the ever-shifting politics of the court.  Not to mention, it would pretty much solidify the crosshairs between Feng's wings, earned from the earlier high compliment paid.  On the other hoof, the public statement would make all future appearances of them together than much more normal, as well as provide a reasonable explanation for his disproportionate taking of Bodyguard assignments for the Empress, compared with his fellow Watchers.

[Bellosh]

 

The whole court was set ablaze with whispers the moment Feng dared utter his station-defying request. The nerve of a mere Watcher, thinking he was entitled to be the equal of a Heavenly Daughter of Dragons! If the Empress acquiesced to this audacity, surely she would no longer command the total obedience of her servants and ministers... and all her subjects?

For her part, Empress Yuè was half-surprised that Feng settled for something as “mild” as an official acknowledgement of friendship. And yet, when it came to violently violating ancient boundaries, the Imperial Watcher definitely failed to disappoint. While it was true that most upper echelons around the world discouraged monarchs from excessively fraternizing with those from the lowest stations, the Imperial Court of Long Guo took top marks in enforcing such social rigidity.

And yet, Feng’s petition had also been clearly made in good faith. It was well known by now amongst the Palace courtiers that he and the Empress shared an unusually close working relationship. Although close ties that violated the separation between royal and commoner were usually discouraged, retainers more often than not looked the other way just as long as their own status and prestige wasn’t threatened. In light of this situation, other courtly protocols took precedence; those that looked down upon a high-status individual causing someone to lose face.

If Empress Yuè was to maintain an aura of heavenly authority, she’d have to turn down Feng’s offer in a way that wouldn’t subject the Imperial Watcher to undue shame and humiliation. Yet by doing so, she risked hurting the feelings of a stallion who has only given the royal qilin his absolute loyalty and dedication. On the other hoof, a proclamation of friendship with the Empress’s lowly servant would offend the sensibilities of those she most depended on to keep the Imperial Bureaucracy and Household running smoothly, without which all of Long Sun society would collapse!

My my; the Empress was caught in a rather tricky Catch-22 situation.....

Empress Yuè used up a quarter-minute by doing nothing, seemingly contemplating her response. This was expected, as any smart Imperial sovereign takes great thought in what words they spoke out loud. And then.....

“Just as the Wise and Noble Long keep themselves sequestered from the Long Sun who idolize them,” she began; “The Ruler of the Dragon Kingdom is expected to follow the same example of social isolation. If the ancient wisdom of the Serpent Dragons is offered too freely, it would no longer be held in such high esteem by the rest of the populace. Likewise, a sovereign who fraternizes too freely with the servants who carry out their will risks making other followers less appreciated, and thus less willing to carry out their duties to the absolute best of their abilities. Thus, great diligence must be made in keeping the engines of governance smoothly functioning, upon which all of Long Guo depends in order to thrive in peace and harmony.”

A beat passed. “We would do well by reflecting on the deeds of the First Imperial Sovereigns: Empress Hua and Emperor Huo. As the Great Uniters of Long Guo, they understood that without a set of Courtly Rites — without all the ceremonies and etiquette to assure the Long Sun of the viability of a single united nation — the land they had just brought together would swiftly turn back towards fear and chaos. It is thanks to the foresight of Hua and Huo that we are able to hold this gathering today, two thousand years later.”

Another long silence followed. “It must also be acknowledged that the gift of the Courtly Rites would never have been possible... had Xi Hua and Xian Huo never learned the value of Friendship. Alone, neither Champion had the means to complete the Great Journey to Longri-La and defeat Tyrant King Faba. But once the two Champions learned to set aside their rivalry and embrace the companionship of one another, they discovered they were stronger together than they ever were apart!”

The mandarins and attendants in the audience all fell deathly silent. “Many years of my life have I spent studying the Ten Thousand Truths. We are told that to properly walk the Path of Harmony is to be like Water; to embrace the impermanence of Existence and adapt as necessary. I can therefore appreciate the fundamental irony that in order to safeguard the Long Sun’s freedom to be like Water, they depend on the majesty of a Dragon Throne beholden to timeless unchanging principles.”

“No soul can deny the importance of rulers cultivating the Heart of the Dragon within themselves to earn the respect of both Dragon and commoner... but even the Book of Dragons states that those with the Heart of the Dragon strive to recognize and fix their shortcomings. And perhaps over the course of two thousand years..... there are certain other timeless principles which the successors of Hua and Huo have forgotten.”

Empress Yuè suddenly sat up from her throne and walked towards Feng, looking down upon her bowing bodyguard. “...If you really DO embody the spirit of Xiao Huo, then it is also true that without the Gift of Friendship..... you will never unlock your full potential. In the short time we’ve known one another, you have offered me devotion far above and beyond what is expected of anyone in Imperial service, without little realistic hope for additional reward. It is due time that this is corrected.”

The qilin mare outstretched a hoof towards the longma, offering him a means to help himself up. Yeah, having an empress help up a mere servant was inconceivable and all, but everyone had no choice but to roll with it considering what momentous event was just about to transpire. Were Feng to look up now, he would see not the aloof eyes of an absolute monarch projecting unquestionable strength, but rather the glistening aqua orbs of Yù Yuè, a warm and affectionate young mare who in the deepest depths of her heart desperately craved the companionship of faithful confidants.

“.....I would be honored to be your friend, Fēng Yīnhǎitāo.”

[Blueblood]

All throughout the Empress' speech, Fēng Yīnhǎitāo had remained bowed, facing towards the floor.  In such a moment, to gaze at her would only increase the tension placed upon her, and he'd placed quite enough for one day.  Not that he was free of stress himself; having uttered his request, he could only await the consequences.  The only productive thing he could do while he awaited her judgment was to keep his breathing under control.  *In... out... in... out...*

 

The task grew harder for Fēng as the Empress continued, and trepidation gave way slowly to hope.  Could she... was she really going to...?  *Did you ever have any doubt?*  When she reached out with her hoof, Fēng took it up gently, meeting her eyes with a smile.  "Thank you... Yu Yue."

And oh boy, if the Court was shocked at Yu's attitude towards Fēng, what could one say they were at a Watcher daring to call the Empress by name?  While seemingly reckless, the longma had his reasons for answering in this way.  First and foremost, it would simply not have been appropriate to answer a confirmation of true friendship in any stuffily official manner.  Secondly, and not too far behind, it ensured that any ire the court would retain after this incident passed into the record would fall upon him, rather than her.  The Empress could, in her sovereignty and displayed wisdom, be forgiven for reaching down.  But for the lowly to reach up?  That always roused more objection.  Was it not the duty of the Watcher to protect the Empress from all threats?

 

Even as a friend, Fēng Yīnhǎitāo would not forget his duties.  Of this, Empress Yue could be assured.

[Pretzelparty]

 

Seeing this dramatic scene play out before her, Yanhua couldn't help but feel ... very conflicted. That flickering feeling that Yu herself had felt moments earlier seemed to flare to life inside of the royal chef. Thankfully, for this cook it only manifested as a furrow of the brow and not a twitch of the eye. Feng had succeeded in not one, but two goals since the fox had known her: He'd become a member of the watch and now he was one step closer to the heart of the empress.

 

And yet... Yanhua felt like she'd somehow lost ground in this ceremony. As if something important was slowly slipping out of her grasp. Still, she couldn't bring herself to try and take it back. She'd promised she'd cheer Feng on in his endeavors when he was small and in her family a promise wasn't something to be broken lightly. Breaking one's word came with consequences. The imperial chef took in a breath through her nose and dipped her head to the pair, "Congratulations, Feng ...and you as well, Empress." Her voice was just barely steady, the mare trying to keep her feelings subdued.

Another short breath later and she brought her head back up to offer a convincing, if superficial smile to the pair. "If this is all I am needed for. Would you like me to return to the kitchen?" RIght now she felt as if she could kill to get somewhere familiar: To feel in control of her situation again.

 

 

 

 

[Bellosh]

 

In light of everything that just transpired, perhaps the dead silence that permeated the Throne Room was the best outcome that Empress Yuè could have hoped for. One of the most important lessons on rule she ever learned was to never issue declarations based on pure emotional sentimentality, as that would give legroom for critics to question her judgement. However, being able to apply specific wisdom of the past gave rational legitimacy to underlying passions, which it seemed the Empress was able to pull off today.

How the connection between Feng and his Empress develops will be most curious indeed. Perhaps in due time, Empress Yuè would finally pinpoint just what made the longma stallion so magnetic for her as of late. Until then, the Empress was content with how things were, although Feng would have to be even more mindful now of those who viewed him with envy and suspicion.

Yanhua meanwhile seemed to be eager to move on, but Fate was not quite done with her yet. “Just wait a moment there,” the court photographer cried out, and with split-second efficiency, a throng of attendants robbed Yanhua and Feng of all control as they positioned the two Iron Pony victors next to the Empress. One flash of light later, and all of Long Guo now had a photograph to be printed with tomorrow's headline!

NOW Yanhua and Feng were free to return to their normal routines.....