Pleasure City of Dis

[Apollymi]

This blonde haired woman with her bosom supported by a pair of young men couldn't help but scoff at the whistle and subsequent words spoken by Izou. Would she admonish him for his insolence... no. Though she was queen here and outright hated the idea of anyone belittling her, she took a certain amount of sass from the ronin slung over her throne. How did she think of him? Was he some sort of pet? A wayward acquaintance? Friend? Well titles like that didn't mean much to a woman like her. What she was after was power and attention and so long as men had both without being too hideous, she'd be more than willing to tolerate their behavior. "As if, any of you should be grateful for the opportunity..." she said with all the pompous arrogance that one like herself could muster.

As her eyes danced across the room, there was a certain level of disappointment as her eyes settled on the red haired man at the front. Every time she looked at him she felt her stomach lurch. She needed to be rid of him. He reminded her of her moment of weakness, of the version of herself that was dominated before she knew she'd consent to it. Half-dying, because of that boy Arthur and the flat-chested bitch that called herself Merlyn, her plans in Zuria had fallen apart. Her time on Jason's ship had simultaneously been the best and worst parts of her life. But right here, and right now, she was winning and part of that win was consolidating her power. "Anyway, now is the time for the greater part of my plan to com to fruition. It's time for my Empire to rise. And in order for that to happen it's time for my Kings to go forth and take their places. Of course because I am being kind enough to give such a position, it will be a requirement that tribute is given to me for the upkeep of my seat of power. But... that is really a small price to pay for such a thing," she said as if dismissing any concerns. "All of you have proven yourselves loyal to me and capable enough to do such a simple task. I have four open Kingdoms at the moment in need of a leader of some sort. Any among you who wishes for consideration, take a step forward," she commanded. Her thoughts were already outlined clearly enough. She didn't really care how any of these people ruled, so long as she got what she needed from them and had access to them when she wanted or needed them.

[Bloodedge]

"Fat chance," Izou retorted. The last thing he could ever do, was be grateful for the opportunity to be some two-bit tit support who'd never get the chance to have at a grander prize. That would be nothing less than a fresh wad of saliva to the face for him, and he would never reduce himself to the common rabble that would accept something so miniscule. "If it's gratitude you expect from me, you'd be most likely to get it while that triple thick ass is bouncing on my lap. I ain't a holster," he clarified. While this speech was ongoing, he was leaning over the throne even more, extending an arm until the intake end of his pipe could slip between the woman's breasts and become leverage to stretch out her corset from the top. He was always so bored around all the riffraff, Izou thought it was worth his while to go for a slightly better view. "The top still isn't quite 'you' though. So what happened? Nobody deserve a look at the real bags?"

At long last, the others in this room had something to be excited about. Kolin and her other forms had taken out multiple countries across this continent, leaving the land mostly barren. All of these men, bar few, had come from some of those countries, and they now had their chance to enforce new rule under the queen's overarching command. There were about twenty or so top-notch men from Kolin's forces present at the time, Izou excluded. Not one of these men in line stood in place. No, each one of them took a step forward before falling to one knee in a grand show of subservience. Some had their ambitions. Some had a powerful urge to serve this woman. Some simply sought her good graces, but all of them had one thing in common: a need to solidify their place in the hierarchy.

[Apollymi]

Fat chance? Well Izou was the type to think himself above the common group of men who fawned all over the queen whose current face went by the name of Kolin. Actually, this was among the reasons she held a more than reasonable bit of respect for him. Something about the ones who just threw themselves at her feet were missing the edge she desired. That being said, she barely registered that as being a thing she liked. "Blah blah blah, not a holster but would serve as a chair?" she shot back with that same attitude. At the same time the man was slipping that pipe between her bosom trying to get a better view obviously unamused by her current business. "Eh, I had a different thing going... I shift around a bit all the time," she mentioned while swatting that pipe out of her cleveage as if only mildly annoyed. Strangely, she still hadn't told him to stop interrupting or anything of the sort, what a strange woman.

Much to her general happiness, her announcement was being met by every man of the twenty in front of her taking a knee and offering themselves to her service. There was a giddy and genuinely pleased light in her eyes. For someone who enjoyed the sass and salt from certain people, she also enjoyed unquestioning loyalty and subservience. How strange. "Ooh?!~ Look at all of you, how am I supposed to choose with so many options present and willing~" she almost squealed with delight. Ah, but there were actual logistics to consider. She needed to keep a certain amount of manpower with her to keep her person and her businesses safe. But she also needed whoever went to the other places to be rightful rulers in some way. Maybe she could have further use of them if one of them took the opportunity to pull out ahead of the pack. There was also matters of strategic importance, making sure she filled in all the necessary places. As she thought over her options semi-seriously, she cut her eyes towards the ronin. "You aren't going to hop in line Izou? You could be King you know?" she asked in that slightly antagonistic way that she tended to do when she wished to instigate some sort of reaction from someone. Making it obvious she had a favorite tended to make people speak up, and take a bit of the mental pressure off of herself.

[Bloodedge]

Oh, something snippy? Izou rather enjoyed that. Frankly, he never found Kolin or the other face of hers that he knew to be boring because of that sharp attitude─ the very one he fully intended to drag out at every opportunity. He even remembered the best of such snarky moments thus far, mere months ago during the woman's return to Dis. Perhaps he'd aim to improve upon the greatest yet. "Sure. Let's be honest; I'll make a way better throne for ya' than this dull old thing you're sitting in now. Maybe less a chair to sit in, and more a horse to ride on. Yeah, that one's better," he replied while waving that recently-swatted pipe overhead. What a shame it was that his superior view had been cut short early.

Quite annoying was the thought that Izou gave a damn about being king of anything. Never would he give up a land of women and entertainment to become ruler of some barren old turd that needed to be compressed into a diamond shape. He could see it in the others' faces, though. Many now saw him as a challenge, though this was always the queen's way of doing things. With a single sentence, she pitted her loyalists against one another just to see whose dedication took them farther down the beaten path. Izou would have no part in this, but... it was fun to see the dogs howling for attention. With that in mind, he stepped around to the side of Kolin's throne, pushing aside one of her personal holsters to pave a clear path for himself. He leaned in until he could speak next to her ear, close enough for her scent to fill his nostrils while speaking clearly enough for the others to hear. "Why would I give a shit about being king, huh?" he started, that pipe trailing nonchalantly along the exposed upper half of her breast. "Firstly, there's too much for me here. Secondly, putting me at the head of a kingdom would just be a surefire way to show how shitty everybody else in this dump is at running a show."

One particular man took issue with Izou's words. The brown-haired man was one of Izou's former countrymen. That man, Yukimura, stood erect while shooting a challenging glare in Izou's direction. "Okada! Surely you don't think to claim you would do a better job than the rest of us here? I'd like to see you prove it," he said, earning none of Izou's visual attention. "Ho─ I wonder if I even need to. I'd hate to kill some of this little lady's lapdogs right here in her room, but... nah, I actually wouldn't hate it at all~" said Izou. With that, he had one more clause to offer─ this one whispered to Kolin more privately. "Have fun getting me to put a fire under their asses?"

[Apollymi]

Izou was good for many things. One of which was this bit of banter. In none of the faces she'd used to appear before him, had she been anything but amused when talking to him. Right at the moment he was claiming that he would indeed make a better chair than the one she was sitting on. Or rather a better horse to ride on... her own memory said that was an absolute fact. "Okay, I'll give you that one. I'm kind enough to do that~" she mused knowing that he was indeed a good ride.

Too bad, now wouldn't be the time for such an indulgence. Maybe after everyone was where they needed to be, she'd have a bit of fun with Izou. There were a few things she needed to do after all. But right now, she was using him to the best of her abilities. Rather, she was using him to antagonize some twenty young men into acting. It was a shame they needed such prodding literally all of the time. But, if they were going to act as lapdogs, they'd be goaded into action at the whims of their mistress. Izou's movements and words stirred at least one of these young men into speaking. After he spoke a certain set of sentences loud enough for all to hear, a young brown haired man from the area she once conquered with a taste of her homeland voiced his apparent concerns. Obvious, Izou wasn't at all concerned and thought to only speak in his usual catty way. "Yukimura, it sounds like you are properly volunteering. Are you sure you'd do a better job of taking care of Sengoku then Izou would? Disappointment doesn't suit me and failure would mean death..." she stated in a nonchalant way. The words spoken privately to her would make a smile cross her face. She'd return them, turning her own head to the side. Quietly speaking to him as well. "Yeah, kinda. I hate waiting on them, and if I am going to choose it might as well be amusing, right?" Those kind of words were typical of her type as a Queen. Everything for her, her amusement, her power, her affection, everything.

[Bloodedge]

"That so?" Izou wondered as his brow rose with intrigue. "Well then, color me grateful little missy. Congrats on purchasing a ticket to the best ride this city's got to offer," he continued, oozing confidence through his every pore. Said confidence would not be dissuaded by the interjection of one Yukimura, who could be called Izou's kinsman in a way. The other male thought himself Izou's equal, while Izou viewed him as a boy playing games in a man's world. The only words Izou had left were part of his personal chat with Kolin. "Might wanna take advantage and cash that in, whenever you're done walking the dogs~"

Kolin brought the brunette's resolve into question. Yes, he would do a better job than some manslayer in commanding their former country. Izou was one he believed should not even be in the discussion. "Sengoku? There is no one here better suited to claiming Sengoku than myself. If you see fit to place Okada there, then I believe I would be the best suited to any of the kingdoms, but none better than Sengoku!" Ah, the young Yukimura was confident as well... but it would not be Izou who challenged his resolve; it would be Dimitri, the blonde who rose to tower over all others in line. "Don't be a fool. Kingship is not for a child. I will lead whatever country I am assigned to prosperity. It would be a grievous misuse of ability to assign some child before me," the man spoke. "You're all fools. I have been by Queen Kolin's side longer than any of you, and more recently. I am the most experienced in how she would like her subsidiaries managed. Obviously, the best choice is me." These words were spoken by Lot, who did not rise like the others. Three hats were in the ring, but at that time, footsteps were sounding in the corridor just outside. Ah... poor, poor Lot with his annoying little voice. Someone didn't like that at all, and the whole of this throne room would soon be finding out. . .

[Apollymi]

Apparently, Kolin had won herself a ticket on the best ride the city had to offer. The couldn't deny the truth of this in the moment. Izou was definitely the closest to giving her the sort of thing she needed out of sex for it to be fun. Granted there was something else she enjoyed much more but, it'd probably be a while yet until she got to experience that again. That was annoying. A small huff left the woman as she tried to push that thought much further away from the forefront of her mind. "I'll do it when I'm good and ready," yes that was about all anyone could ever expect from one such as Kolin. Even when in a good mood she was quite beyond the typical 'bitchy' attitude.

Speaking of, when she asked the lad with the brown hair of his intentions, he claimed to be ready and willing to do better. Making it obvious that he didn't enjoy her potential choice in Izou and wished to prove himself. This was good. Though the lad wasn't exactly bad on the eyes, he was definitely better utilized doing her bidding elsewhere. "Oh? You sound so sure. I might actually consider it," she said giving way to a bit of whimsy. Of course, she'd let him have it, but she couldn't have him thinking he was completely secure, especially not before she was certain to have all the necessary seats filled elsewhere. The next person to speak up would be Dimitri. That blonde haired man at his full height made the woman on the throne look twice a gentle sparkle coming to her eyes. He was indeed an experienced individual. Admittedly she would have preferred to keep him around as eye candy. His personality suited her, he was a little hard and a little soft, flexible even. "Dimitri, you wish to rule as well? It'd be a shame to send you away, but I don't know if I could keep a man from his ambitions like that... maybe I won't seen you too far away, hm?" she goaded just a tad. Such was exactly her nature. Make some think she had favorites. Allow others to believe they were always in jeopardy. And yet others still, were allowed to believe they had purpose greater than what their mark was. One such individual was Lot. Even the sound of his voice was annoying at present. Kolin's eyes turned towards the man and narrowed ever so gently. "Truly you were by my side more recently than most, Lot. Though it isn't as if I couldn't bare to part with you... would you return to your old post in Zuria?" she asked as if it was a proper option. To be honest, she'd give him a Kingdom just to send him away. She didn't want to be anywhere near him and definitely wouldn't be going to visit him at all. Zuria had been an overwhelming defeat, she had no intention of showing her face there again as she presently existed. So, it would basically cost her nothing to get rid of him at this point. If she were less antagonistic, she might have jumped at the opportunity to send him away agreeably, but she wasn't quite that foolhardy.

[Bloodedge]

More sass, or rather... more acting as if she was the one truly calling the shots. Kolin, or rather the woman currently known as Kolin, was quite the enigma. Izou was certain he could have taken any orifice of hers he liked right in the middle of this throne room, and he wouldn't receive anything but faux upset words and obvious pleasure as a result. Ah, but that was the enigmatic part. It became clear in recent times that what this woman sought was domination in the bedroom, but to be the absolute force of dominance in all other aspects. Strange though it was, Izou would allow her whatever happiness she desired. "Hurry it up then. I've been sitting on some ideas for weeks now," he said. It was all but decided that he would be trying something new with the Queen of Dis once this farce of a meeting was over. He had quite a bit of time to mull over the Kolin-related revelation from months ago, hear a few tales about her ordeals in the earliest days of Dis, and make a few decisions for his next conquest.

"Hai, Kolin-sama," the man called Yukimura said. He was convinced there were none better suited to rule among Kolin's underlings than himself, but at least two others disagreed. Dimitri, a former prince and champion of a fallen country, believed he stood on the highest podium. He was well-seasoned, chivalrous, but simultaneously cutthroat when necessary or called upon by the proper individuals. He had his ambitions, and perhaps the most legitimate form of fealty toward the queen sitting before them. What was this, though? It would indeed be a shame to be very distant, and it seemed Kolin preferred the idea of keeping him closer. "If it is within your grace, Queen Kolin, I do have a preferred kingdom to rule," he admitted with deference. The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus was where he truly belonged, if it were possible for him to be there. His place was at Kolin's command, now and always, but a bit of indulgence to his wishes would also acquiesce to the woman's desire to keep him close. All he needed was an ear and an open mind. Besides, Dimitri himself would dread being sent too far. The queen was the source of his comfort, after all.

Speaking of open minds, there was one specific mind that could not be anything but closed. Sir Lot of Zuria had much to say, but no ground to stand on. It was clear to few that Kolin could be rid of him without a care, but that poor, deluded 'knight' viewed it as a mark of his usefulness abroad. It was all part of the plan to become the one true king at this queen's side, and he was enough of an ignoramus to say such. "Of course. If it is Zuria you wish to place me in, then Zuria will be made to flourish. I will even take the liberty of relieving you, taking that pack mule with me to be a transporter of goods back to Your Grace's throne. Over time, you will see my worth is far greater than any other who serves you."

What a novel idea. Lot could be gone, and that cuckold Leorio would be taken with him. Alas, this was not to be. Those footsteps were drawing nearer, and their owner was in sight. Mid-length golden locks donned the head of a true knight, Sir Pellinore, former Grand Duke of Cornwall. He'd known this queen as Queen Ygerna of that very country, but had eyes on the events of Zuria through other former soldiers of Cornwall. "Yes, let's leave the once-illustrious Kingdom of Zuria to some fat oaf who adopted bulimia and fratricide all to bed a woman he had no business even looking at. As much as I would like to be rid of that royal arse Leorio, I have a much better idea," he spoke. No formalities were given upon his postmature arrival, nor did he bother taking a knee as the others in this room did. He was here for one purpose, and one purpose alone: to stop some worthless cur from being too high on the totem pole. "Here's an idea. Send that tub of lard back to the galley he rode in on, and see how long it takes him to regain enough weight that the ship sinks."

[Apollymi]

There was the matter of Izou. So full of commentary. He knew the truth of her though and wasn't the type to press her limits so long as he got to have his fun. She appreciated that much about him, "Quiet you. I'll get through it faster without the distraction," the woman said with her same haughty attitude. she did indeed, need to dominate in all aspects not the bedroom. But here and now she was divvying up what were technically very important tasks for her best and brightest men. Well, most of them anyways.

"It looks a bit like you may get what you want. Sengoku is probably in need of a bit of new blood. I might let you see what you make of it," she said to Yukimura. To be honest, he wasn't exactly the best, but he was far from the worst. Though she didn't necessarily want to bed him all the time, he was far from the worst possible option. To be fair to the lad, he did have at least the ambition necessary to take care of a kingdom like the one he came from originally. And she could count on him to continue the tributes and do whatever she relayed she needed. A good puppet king to follow orders, Yukimura would do fine. Ah, but then there was Dimitri. He apparently had a preference in Kingdom he ruled and didn't want to part with her either, that gave her a bit of a boost. "Oh? I'll hear your request, you deserve at least that much~" she said nailing home the idea that the former prince was indeed more worthy than some present. Lot should be especially fearful of such words considering she was content to send him away.

Damn. He wasn't that smart at all. That amount of stupidity had to run in the family. He definitely didn't get that she was trying to get rid of him. The high society jab seemed to fly over the lad's head. Why was he even here, but what was this. There was at least one good thing offered by the man who didn't understand his uselessness. "Well, I am tired of looking at him," she said of the young former King Leorio. Ah, he could have been more like Yukimura. In fact, she'd given him the chance based on the former performance of Yukimura and the fact that his brother was a fat disgusting lout initially.

Too bad. That wasn't to be right just now. Instead the entrance of another blonde man caught Kolin's eye. She recognized this one. And he had some interesting things to say. He reminded her of Lot's former failings both physically and mentally. "Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!~" that true sound of melodious laughter rang out from Kolin. If there was something in the world she enjoyed, it was belittling those she thought deserved it. She hadn't laughed that hard in quite a while. Oh, gods. "Pellinore you're late. But since that was funny, I'll forgive you..." oh how the tables had turned. Hadn't she once said something similar to Lot for poking fun at his younger brother. Well, yes... but that was the only person he could talk about. Oh how the mighty had fallen. "Alas, does that mean you wish to claim a Kingdom instead Pellinore?"

[Bloodedge]

Distraction, she said. What an interesting thing for Kolin to admit indirectly. Of course, Izou wouldn't let that stand without commentary. "Oh go ahead, deal with the peasants. While you're at it though, feel free to keep telling me how much of a distraction I am to you," he quipped. That pipe of his finally stopped dragging along the skin of her breast, tapping the bottom of her chin as Izou seated himself on her throne's arm. He wasn't one of those lovestruck servants, so he definitely wasn't going to put himself among them.

Yukimura nodded, taking his proverbial backseat with the idea that he could have the nation of Sengoku. Dimitri was offered the time to speak, which he would do only after bowing his head. "Thank you, my Queen. If you would prefer me closer to Dis, it would also suit many of my desires to be placed in Faerghus. I am most familiar with the land, and I would like to see it returned to its former glory. All the better if accomplishing that would benefit you, and leave me in close enough proximity to return to your side whenever you so wish it." Of the bunch, Dimitri may have been the most loyal without ulterior motives. He was in servitude as an answer to his own honor's calling, and that could not be broken so easily. He even had little qualm with the others present, so long as none got in the way of his service.

Everyone was tired of looking at Leorio. Everything that boy-king did was a slight against men everywhere, and none believed that more than... Pellinore. Still, the man had more direct issues with Lot. Leorio was beyond deluded, even sick, but Lot was another type of annoyance entirely. Of course, Lot took exception to being addressed in such a way, even hearing words once spoken to him now offered to one who spoke ill of him. "Watch your mouth! If you think you're more suited to be under the queen's order than I am, then I─" Pellinore was still walking, raising a hand to press against the lips of Lot. This silenced the other male by its shock as Pellinore continued walking toward the queen. "I will take Zuria, and I will use this Holy Sword to avenge the atrocities previously committed there. I have information as to the whereabouts of a certain self-proclaimed knight that crossed your path recently. Queen Kolin, grant me the honor of showing those whelps what a true holy relic can do."

Was Lot, the great knight of Zuria, being ignored now? Had he even been shushed by another man? This was unacceptable! The redhead was fuming; he would be having none of this nonsense. How could he make a comeback from being laughed at by the queen herself? Well, there was one surefire way, and it was to do away with the man that brought this attention his way! "Pellinore! I challenge you to a duel before the throne! I'll show you what it means to make a mockery of me," Lot exclaimed. To this, Pellinore could almost laugh. With the most bemused grin on his face, he kept eyes trained on the queen. "Does he not know? Are you going to let this ignoramus make a bigger fool of himself in your throne room?"

[Apollymi]

Izou enjoyed being told he was a distraction. He would like that sort of thing, a scoff escaped Kolin in the moment because she'd originally had no intention of revealing such a thing. Even so, he wasn't wrong and soon enough stopped randomly touching her and sat himself next to her on the arm of her throne. She sort of liked him there... not quite a lapdog, but maybe some sort of comfort animal instead. Someone who knew her temperament well enough to hold her over as she spiraling into and out of moments of lucidity.

Yukimura to Sengoku that was all but decided. He showed just the right amount of ambition and subservience to be given such a thing. And then there were the words of Dmitri. He wished to go back to Faerghus. That was a good plan, one that kept him practically within arms reach and allowed him to take the throne that technically belonged to him. Traumatized but under her thumb. Happenstance had put this lad in her hands and she was far from casting him aside. "Oh? Well that does suit both my needs and yours. And you've more than earned a chance to see your own dreams to fruition..." she mentioned. Still she hadn't yet declared him. She planned to declare all kings at once, to avoid any abject favoritism. She wanted them in competition with each other, but not necessarily pointing any unnecessary aggression her way.

Lot though had more words that came out almost whiny to Kolin. Why on earth was this man so very annoying? It was like after the moment of dominating his brother, she'd felt nothing for him afterwards. She'd even had the most sickening pregnancy scare of her life thinking that she might have ended up with such deplorable genes sharing her own. It was some kind of divine intervention that the child had been Jason's and given that she'd felt even more the need to get rid of the man before her. Ah, but Pellinore was here and he had plenty to say. Going on to shush the man where he stood and continue towards Kolin. He laid claims on a certain place so recently abandoned and went on to claim to right the wrongs she'd suffered while there. "Well, I can't really say no to that at all. It saves me so many extras. I do like a man in charge, Pellinore to Zuria, Yukimura to Sengoku and Dmitri to Faerghus... that only leaves..." ah, she wouldn't get to finish. She would have been content to send Lot to Cornwall to the deep snow to live out the rest of his life perhaps even losing the place just to let someone more interesting get rid of him. But no, right at the moment the man was claiming he wished to challenge Pellinore to a duel before the throne. Pellinore to his credit questioned what Kolin would allow and this man making a fool of himself was pretty high on the list.

"I doubt he knows. Zuria was an overly peaceful place, you noted yourself how much leisure time the Knights there were allowed. He has no idea what men who fight their own battles are actually capable of, but he does this sort of thing a lot," she said of Lot. "A duel before the throne ends in death, if you're sure of yourself do as you like, but you won't earn clemency from me..." she claimed. The lads could sort this out themselves. It was more worthwhile when they knew to work towards displacing each other. Pellinore potentially getting rid of Lot was nothing but a benefit to her.

[Bloodedge]

Yukimura would have Sengoku, and Dimitri would have his former home, it seemed. Pellinore was to be placed in charge of Zuria, which resulted in the claim of over half the available countries. Ah, but Kolin wouldn't be allowed to name the other leaders due to Lot's outburst of a challenge. That poor, sheltered fool from Zuria. Times of peace did not build warriors, and despite what the people of Zuria thought, they lived the most peaceful lives of all after being the final country felled on this continent. "You accept this ludicrous challenge? You must really want him dead, and perhaps a new splash of color on in your throne room."

Lot would no longer be taking this. The other inhabitants of Zuria may have been weaklings spoiled by calmer times, but he alone was elite among that bunch. He separated himself from the others, taking up his spear in preparation for a slaughter. Little did he know, the death this day would most likely be his own. "Enough talk, you bastard. Face me!" Lot demanded. Pellinore reacted with a sigh while retreating down the throne's stairs, meeting Lot where he stood. Foolish Pellinore, Lot thought. While in the presence of Kolin, the knight of Zuria received a massive boost to his statistics, placing him in a league of his own. He was so certain of his victory, a forward lunge was performed without a moment of hesitation; Pellinore's weapon had not even been drawn.

"For God's sake, have some class," said Pellinore. What would he do in response to Lot's charge? Well... nothing at all. He stood steady, allowing Lot's lance to pierce its way through his torso. Strange, this was. There was no splash of blood, no reaction of pain, yet no lack of resistance on Lot's end to imply any illusionary techniques. He undoubtedly pierced the blonde, so why was he not dead already? More importantly, why did he so obviously allow this strike? Lot was made concerned. He jumped back, removing his spear from Pellinore's chest and confirming that he'd run him through. . .

Ah, what an unsightly hole Pellinore had in his tunic now. The unrefined technique of Lot not only pierced, but shredded. Pellinore took the time to do away with his shirt, winking at Kolin and then Lot while his torso was laid bare. Indeed, he was doing a bit of flexing on the lesser male. Meanwhile, poor Lot had never been so confused─ where was the hole in that man's chest? "What's the matter? Knowledge of enemy forces is something one gains in times of war, Pretend Knight. Did you hear nothing of the man raised to slay the Questing Beast? Few things could make that possible," Pellinore claimed while stepping toward an increasingly-frightened Lot. During this approach, the blonde's sword was not drawn once. He looked toward the one called Dimitri, thinking it a shame that Lot saw fit to place himself above such an upstanding man. "What costed you that eye, Sir Dimitri?" he asked rhetorically. "I would assume our friend here did it, given his obvious preference for piercing. I wonder if..."

Pellinore did nothing at all, yet blood was still spilled. A brilliant display of crimson erupted from the face of Lot, who was now... minus his right eye, and a portion of that tiny brain floating around in his head. Pellinore had the sense to step aside and clear a path for said blood, while Lot fell to his knees in a mixture of shock and... well, a lack of a few brain functions. "Oh dear, what is this? Sir Dimitri, I do hope you have a spare eyepatch tucked away somewhere. Though... it also seems poor Lot will not be able to put it on himself, I'm afraid─"

[Apollymi]

Would Kolin accept this challenge regardless of how outlandish it was? Yes. But it wasn't a simple of matter of just wanting the man dead. If he could prove himself more useful than someone else, she wouldn't have any problem with him continuing to live. She'd still send him off because she found him unappealing but at least then all of his bravado would be worth it. "I don't care how ridiculous it might be. Whoever wins will be of use to me so it matters little. And if such a thing keeps outbursts from interrupting my meetings, then all the better..." she explained of her own disposition.

Regardless of all of this she got to watch as Lot faced what had to be insurmountable power to him. To be honest, she doubted Lot's ability to even fight the Knights from the former Cornwall. There was a reason she acknowledged Cador as his better, and most of the other knights as well. Most of it had to do exactly with the lack of tact in his battle choices. Of course, she couldn't really talk too much about that, but she was still far more refined as an individual than he was... or at least that was the belief.

Ah, but Lot's insolent use of a lance, didn't seem to get him very far. He only managed to, tear apart Pellinore's shirt, which he discarded much to Kolin's general pleasure. That cheeky wink sent her way wouldn't go unnoticed either. In fact, the lass shifted in her throne, sitting up a bit straighter to pay more attention. Obviously, this show was being put on for her benefit, she might as well, enjoy it. Whatever the case, Lot soon learned how far above him Sir Pellinore was, if only because he was now missing an eye by his own doing and in agony because of it. A chuckle escaped Kolin in the moment, after all... it was rather funny that he'd been the way he was with everyone while having no idea of the odds he faced. She wondered if he would have reconsidered his loud and undeserving speech if he realized how lowly those from Zuria actually looked compared to the other kingdoms she'd conquered.

[Bloodedge]

Pitiful. Lot had so much to say, while being able to do so very little. Here he was now, blood pouring out of his eye socket, with an inability to properly produce words due to apparent brain damage. What was a man like Pellinore to do before this unsightly thing? "It's so atrocious, I don't even want to touch it. Maybe I should have let him land a few more blows for a cleaner death," Pellinore mused. Ah, hindsight. There was a way or two that he could have finished Lot off, yet they would all ruin his flawless visage.

"This battle is over, but I dare not sully myself with a drop of that cur's blood. Izou, won't you be a pal and handle the execution?" This was the final decision made to savor Pellinore's own image. He was the clear victor here, as far as he was concerned, but it was the responsibility of those who would not take charge to dirty their hands. Izou would not take kingship, and was therefore the most fit to do such dirty work.

Alas, Izou disagreed. He was quite relaxed where he was, sitting atop the arm of Kolin's throne while leaning against the back. At this point, he was almost leaning against the queen herself. Regardless, he didn't seem very willing to move at all. "Me, kill someone I didn't beat? You knights are always funny. What's in it for me if I do it?" he asked, though the question didn't seem meant for Pellinore at all. In fact, his gaze was set upon the queen next to him when these words were spoken. A knight had nothing to offer him, after all.

[Apollymi]

What a sad showing. After losing his eyes and apparently a bit of his brain, Lot had nothing to offer for himself. At this point, Kolin would have preferred if he begged for his life at least. Then his actions could have been blamed on false bravado and cowardice. As it stood he was only just a parasite of the worst possible order. Kolin looked down upon this entire thing and scoffed. "You probably should have. This isn't even really entertaining now..." she said with that haughty attitude that existed for the sole purpose of placing her above others. She'd already warned Lot that a duel before the throne ended in death and thus the terms were already accepted. He'd lost and he now just needed to die. Unfortunately, Pellinore wasn't the type to want to finish off one such as Lot, and to be honest, Kolin couldn't really blame him. She kept people around herself so she didn't have to get her hands dirty as well.

Ah, but the thought to instigate the usage of one of her tools instead. Izou was the type of person would liked to kill. But this kill wasn't yet his job. Izou wouldn't kill a man he hadn't fought just to do it. He would however kill if he had the incentive to do so. Ah, this put her on the spot. She didn't pay him per se, she asked him to kill people and had sex with him. No need to say all of that, there was however the matter of the upkeep of her image. "You're supposed to be keep the distractions to a minimum. We all know this should be over already, do your job and end the distraction so I can end the meeting," How very snide of her, but the way her gaze shifted to Izou was less... annoyed than it could have been. There were layers to that, Izou knew how he was paid and what he got out of doing the things that Kolin and her faces wanted. If he wanted anything plus what he was logically already getting, taking care of the eyesore in front of her was the fastest way to get through this little meeting so she could get back to what she wanted and preferred to be doing.