Four times Olara Imai had helped house Viraexus stay the hand of death. Neither time was it an easy task, but she had managed. Back then she was new in her craft a young thing taken by the calls of the dark paths. The shift from merchant's daughter to hedge witch had be surprisingly supported by her family. a rare thing in a country that sought to smother the use of magic and dark craft, but her parents saw the strength in her natural talent.  Though they feared it, they let her go, seeking those that could teach her it's use, rather than run the risk of stifling her and suffering the wrath.  This dark path included her ties to the royal family and eventually greatness. This was spoken to her by the darkness, and carved out by the work of her own hands, knowing it would be a task wrought with setback and brokenness. It was her destiny to be great, it was her destiny to bring honor to her kind, to make the masses see their folly in binding those who's blood was stained with magic. Their laws meant nothing to the darkness, their empty prayers said to dead gods made of status and pride more than love, could not stay it's poison.<br/><br/>It was a day of celebration.  The deceitful wretch that stood as queen for so long was finally dead.  Now there was nothing and no one blocking her from her hearts desire. The child was now a man. Soon to be high king of a great domain. He seemed to be doing well for such a hefty responsibility for one so sheltered by his overbearing and greedy mother, but with her death, there was an opening for her create a spot at the new king's side.  For years she had been watching over him. Not directly, but through those around him. Information was so easy to be had once the right reward was dangled in front of a gullible idiot. This had been done on numerous occasions and young ones of her own coven had been employed among the those in the castle.<br/><br/>The flames were her avenue of touching the prince's mind. The serving girl had placed a small bundle among the coals that gave the flames a faint sweet scent, one the price would associate with the days of his sickness and he was treated by Olara. The medicines she mixed with spells and spice cakes to help heal his sickly body, the hours she stayed by his bed before the queen came out of her delirious fever. All these pleasant memories of Olara were presented, along with relaxing the prince with it sedative properties.<br/><br/>Olara was already speaking with the council, while her servant did her job of compromising the fireplace in the prince's quarters.  She gave petition with earnest and a wonderful display of grief, requesting to see the future king.  She was no longer in her youth, but was more beautiful than any woman her age. A  fact she used to sway the three council members she spoke to.  "I tended the prince in his youth, some may remember me still.  I have traveled none stop since I heard the news. Only just have we arrived and could not let the day end without paying my young charge respect."<br/><br/>Those that truly remembered her were all dead save the prince, but there were ones planted by her, that would vouch and 'remember' the king young woman that nursed both Queen and prince miraculously back to health.  Thanks to the selfish queen for keeping her presence within the castle a secret as much as possible.  "I beg of you, if only for a moment, then a proper audience tomorrow?"<br/><br/>The council gave to her requests and sent a servant to see if the prince would allow.  "If he concedes, please be brief, his heart is heavy, I'm sure you know."<br/><br/>"Of course, my lord. Thank you so much!" Olara let her tears flow and took the hands of the council member thanking him profusely.