Even after he’s spoken, Daleans continue to pile into the meeting. He smiles at each and every one as they approach, not as worried about offending the Jungle as perhaps he should be. He doesn’t know anything of their two-horse rule, and even if he did, he wouldn’t protest or stop his people from coming forward. In truth, showing the rest of Beqanna the image of a united front is far more important to him. Let the other kingdoms think that this is a common occurrence in the Dale, that they are ready and willing to defend their home if the need arises; let them assume this is only a fraction of the inhabitants, rather than the vast majority.
Ramiel is happily surprised at the turnout, but he’s even more surprised to see both Ea and Dalten present. It’s as if only the familiar, fragrant scent of the Jungle is what it takes to draw them from their hiding places within the Dale. And while the grey king has more of a rapport with Ea by far, he’s certainly interested in getting to know his brother just as well. Perhaps the mountain kingdom will benefit from here on out as much as the Jungle has in their alliance.
And speaking of the alliance, he’s about to dive further into the conversation when Soliel asks a question of its origins. It’s not shocking that she knows nothing about it. Even if she did at one time, surely it has been erased from her mind along with all of her other memories. Once again, the grey wonders what has so plagued the mysterious mare – what has scooped out all the corners of her mind, leaving cobwebs in place of her past? Also once again, he finds himself happy to step up for the woman, to be a guiding hand in what must be a dark place. “When my father Tiphon was king, he made an agreement with the former Khaleesi, Scorch. The Jungle gained his daughter and my sister, Joscelin,” he indicates his cracked-skin sister with a tilt of his head and a smile. It’s still strange to consider her a part of the Sisterhood rather than a mountain-dweller, but he tries. “And the Dale received Scorch’s daughter Ea and Lagertha’s son Dalten. This trade assured an alliance between the Jungle and the Dale.” His golden eyes find the bay roan mare and grey stallion, trying to read whatever emotions they may or may not give away. They had all been too young to really understand the implications of such a deal at the time. Even he hadn’t truly comprehended how much his life would change due to his father’s decision years ago. Do they resent it – resent him, even, for having them here?
He smiles gently at Soliel once his explanation is finished before looking between those gathered. Weir is here, and Ramiel has no fears that the roan will repeat his recent transgression against the Gates. He thinks it will be a blip on an otherwise long-lasting, largely-positive diplomatic career. It will be if the head of his caste has anything to say about it, anyway. That leader, Elysteria, appears too, moving quickly to greet her daughter once the niceties are out of the way. And finally, it seems the tide of Daleans has slowed. If any more horses trickle in, the ghost king will be completely shocked.
Lagertha seems to realize this as well. But before they can talk policy, Dalten greets his dam with his rich, bass voice. Ramiel wonders if he’s not been home in the same way Joscelin hasn’t. If not, mother and son likely have a lot to catch up on (Lagertha’s ascension, for starters). It’s not the first tender moment of the meeting and it surely won’t be the last. He’d noticed Elysteria’s new cuts and bruises, but he hadn’t had a chance to comment on them or question the older mare. Now, he can hear her and Josc talking quietly as they stand together, their voices lilting on the questions they ask of each other. And then comes the worst moment of all of them. He hadn’t imagined why there was a new khaleesi. So when Ea asks calmly, her voice iron like so much of her, he doesn’t put it together until he looks at Lagertha. The answer is there on the Amazon woman’s face before she says it. Ramiel wants to go to the once-princess in the quiet space before Lagertha tells the truth of the matter. Ea likely wouldn’t welcome his embrace, but he’d give it either way. Instead, he waits for her reaction. Later, he’d seek her out and be whatever comfort she wanted. He can take her to Scorch, if she ever finds herself wanting to go. But now isn’t the time to tell her this, so he nods solemnly and looks back to the khaleesi. “We are sorry for the Jungle’s loss.” The rift between this woman and her former queen is lost on Ramiel. He assumes they are all grieving deeply for Scorch, and his face reflects it.
When an appropriate amount of time has passed (and he waits, also, for Ea or any of the sisters to ask and answer questions about the loss) he decides to return back to the business at hoof. The Jungle’s support is not something he wants to lose. They, more than any other kingdom perhaps, have always been strong in activity and number. Their prowess on the battlefield is legendary, and as one of the Dale’s admittedly weak points, Ramiel means to utilize their friendship should the need arise. He’s glad in so many ways when Lagertha is willing to maintain their alliance. It means that Joscelin will stay in a place he thinks she’s found happiness. It means the Sisterhood and Dale will support each other in the likely trying days ahead. And it means that the two kingdoms will grow and learn from one another. “I’m glad to hear it. I hope our relationship will provide many more boons for the both of us in the coming years.” His voice is strong and smooth with the formalness of his words. So rarely does he have to play this official part. He is surprised to find that he doesn’t mind it, however. But there are other matters to discuss, now that they’ve cemented their relationship. “We are allied with the Falls recently as well. What do you think of joint exercises between our three kingdoms?”
Alliance ensured, the grey finds himself relaxing some small degree. He’s not shocked to hear how well his sister is doing in her new home. But the last time they’d seen each other, she hadn’t been the confident, self-assured woman he saw now. She’d been torn asunder (both mentally and physically) by the same god that had changed his own life. It makes him absurdly happy to hear the khaleesi praise her now, and he can’t let the comment go without adding some of his own. “I never doubted her.” A small grin pulls at his lips as he looks from Lagertha to Joscelin. She asks him how the Dale is doing, and it’s as strange for him to hear as it is for her to ask. Ram looks at the other inhabitants, waiting for them to add their own opinions before giving his own. “It is well and growing with each passing season. Tiphon has returned as well.” He gives his sister a meaningful look, hoping she’ll stay behind and catch up with their sire if she wishes to. A sudden realization hits him then. He’d been so eager to discuss politics, he hadn’t given his name. Somewhat sheepishly, he turns back to Lagertha and the rest of the Sisters (and Killdare). “My apologies. I’m Ramiel, if you hadn’t already realized it by now.”
Ramiel
ghost king of the dale
ooc: sorry for the wait, all. <3 Crazy week