Something told Queen Ileosa that the population would probably spike again, after tonight. Given the riotous celebrations after the conclusion of the tournament, it came as no surprise; their God-Queen had her Champion. All was right with the world.<br/><br/>Ileosa had to admit - There was a<em>lot</em>to like. He was a strapping lad, in every sense of the word; Hard-bodied, well-muscled, young...Given how he'd faced trial after trial, and stood toe-to-toe with no less than nine of Korsova's (and even further afield!) greatest warriors, and triumphed! Even if it'd been a<em>really</em>close thing, right at the end, there...<br/><br/>"Fortunate as well as strong," the lovely monarch mused aloud, her words directed at Morrigan. "Perhaps he might have a special role to play in things to come..."<br/><br/>Just as she'd ordered, the healers were tending to him. The smell of herbs and healing incense filled the chamber - In the future, Ileosa hoped to incorporate magic in their rites...But it would be a long time before such things were possible. The charms strung in her midnight hair chimed, softly, as she approached with her entourage...Aware that the harem-girls were gathering around him, curious and fascinated all at once - And she could hardly blame them!<br/><br/>A soft chuckle purred from Ileosa's lips - "We'll see, shall we? I must admit...It<em>would</em>be a shame if a strapping lad like him showed no interest in women..."<br/><br/>Something told her, however, that this wouldn't be the case...<br/><br/>As the man knelt before her - an effort that clearly pained him, which he endured with the strength of youth! - the Queen canted her head to the side...Yes, he certainly<em>looked</em>like a fantasy hero. Something on the cover of a novel, or the subject of a painting that involved a lot stabbing victoriously at the sky and shouting!<br/><br/>Oh, yes - This one would go *far*.<br/><br/>"<em>Torain</em>...A good name," Queen Ileosa said - the first words she'd spoken directly to her champion, allowing him to behold her in all her glory! In her royal regalia, she seemed luminous, almost radiant...Her elaborate costume clinging to her shapely curves, a better fit for the harem than the throne as her gaze played up and over his form!<br/><br/>"Rise, my Champion - You need not bow to me."<br/><br/>Her slim fingers cupped his chin, as she eased him to his feet - Her voice warm, as she favored him with a smile.<br/><br/>"Your Queen is most pleased by your victory. The healers shall tend to you, until your strength is recovered - Until you are whole once more. We shall speak again - and often - in the days to come..."<br/><br/>The Queen's long, long lashes fluttered, a husky lilt to her voice-<br/><br/>"After all...It is only fitting that you learn every detail of the body you are sworn to defend."<br/><br/>She leaned forward, planting a kiss on his brow - Releasing him at last, signalling the healers.<br/><br/>"Come, Morrigan - My Champion needs his rest."<br/><br/>She had other matters to discuss with the gorgeous witch...Like her pursuit of the greatest goal of all - Eternal youth! Given the success of the tournament, there might be an opportunity to engage more directly with the Elves; the long-lived natures might hold the solution...Or at least some clue as to what steps she should take next!