Written by Cerrab
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The Siabran guard had brought Khairra up vast stairways and through ornate passageways until she was in the chamber hall of Queen Cliodna herself. In her beauty she seemed unearthly, as if the Veil had extended itself to still surround the Queen of the Siabra. Any who laid eyes on her never believed before one could exist so beautiful and so regal.
Cliodna was sitting with her legs daintily crossed, her right arm holding up a beautiful bird the likes of which are not seen except at sea. Cooing to its mistress, the bird seemed not to notice the guard nor Khairra until Cliodna turned her head very slowly to look at them. The guard roughly let go of Khairra, and bowing to the Queen he turned on his heel and left. Khairra could not hear the closing of the chamber hall doors but she could feel a chilling silence overcome the large room.
With ease and fluidity, Cliodna stood and gave Khairra a simple smile; not a reassuring or friendly one, more of a courtesy. The comely Queen raised her arm just slightly and the bird took flight, flying slowly over to Khairra who stood still, unsure what to do or say once she had made the long journey so far.
Two more birds came from each side. The three birds slowly circle Khairra and began to sing, in harmony. Before she knew it, Khairra was falling asleep as she stood, the birds in flight silent except for their comfortable, soothing song. Cliodna softly walked to Khairra and caught her in her long beautiful arms as she fell gentle into a deep sleep. Cradling the Underhill, the Queen laid her gently to the ground and stood back up.
...
Queen Cliodna had Khairra set up in a stately, very secure room at the end of one of the many twisting hallways of her fortress tower. The girl may prove some amusement yet. Cliodna's slender finger gently pet the little bird's head as it cooed softly to the Siabra, and Cliodna smiled at it. Sadoma might notice her feathered spies, that was true, but it did not matter. Cliodna could now prepare for this unruly Siog, and prepare she would.