Well, well - It looked like things were off to a good start. Gold and food flowed from the raids to an ever-hungry populace...Though Queen Ileosa knew, better than anyone, that it was a<em>fix</em>, not a cure! A policy like *that* was hardly sustainable - But in the short-term, it could be very, very effective indeed. The raiders were happy, the citizens were happy, and gold was flowing into the coffers...For now, at least!<br/><br/>She glanced down at her bracelet, marveling at how a few weeks had been compressed into the span of a few hours, at most...She had a blurred sensation of time, but things were moving very, very fast indeed!<br/><br/><em>I suppose it's better than the alternative~</em>the luscious brunette thought - A low chuckle purring from her silky throat! As her handmaidens orbited her, fussing with her hair, ensuring the diaphanous silks of her royal regalia were properly arrayed, they must've thought she was pleased with them...Their cooing praise like music to her ears!<br/><br/>As Ileosa contemplated herself in a silver-backed mirror, she dipped her head in a queenly bow; "Indeed," she husked, low and sweet. "Indeed - We are pleased. Now, withdraw; the petitioners are soon to arrive."<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>She'd arrayed herself on her throne for maximum advantage - Midnight hair done up in an intricate coiff! - once Ibn had arrived...Her crown perched on her brow, as she arched a slim eyebrow!<br/><br/>"Great news indeed," she murmured, favoring Ibn with her most fetching smile!<br/><br/><strong>A.) We build a library as a place study these artifacts and keep them secure.</strong><br/><br/>The thought of<em>even more</em>revenue was tempting - But her forte (Though no-one else knew it, just yet!) was magic, not profit. Why not play to her strengths?<br/><br/>"The study of these artifacts should commence immediately - Have the architects commission a library, for their examination and..." Ileosa hesitated, fractionally -<em>Analysis</em>didn't sound like the kind of word a fantasy queen would use, did it?<br/><br/>"Well, their examination," she went on, with a languid gesture from one beringed hand. "I expect great results from their task - But the idea of an entertainment district is<em>most</em>appealing. See if some coin get can set aside for that, at a future date...After all, adventurers spend coin like wine." And didn't she know it? She'd played plenty of RPGs, after all...<br/><br/>The lovely Queen couldn't help but notice, however, how<em>good</em>everyone looked. It seemed like maxing out her Influence stat was having some kind of ripple effect...Her midnight bangs caressing her cheeks, a little chuckle purring from deep within. "We would enjoy that, too. Perhaps we could arrange for a private dinner, at a later date?" She'd gesture to one of her handmaidens - flitting around like Birds of Paradise - to make a note.<br/><br/>The cultural minister was next - She made a mental note to discover her name, at some point! - though what<em>she</em>had to say...<br/><br/><em>A cult of personality? Me?</em><br/><br/><em>Oh God, they're worshiping me-</em>And why not, indeed? After all, Queen Ileosa had no intention of relinquishing the throne...For a<em>long</em>time.<em>It's great to be popular,</em>she couldn't help but think, a little blush to her cheeks...Thankfully concealed beneath her makeup, even as she considered her words!<br/><br/>"Very well," Queen Ileosa said - "...Who am I to deny my people's love? Let it be so: Let men strive to better themselves, to become worthy of the greatest women in the land...And have the women do the same, too, to be worthy of their attention! That I shall leave up to you; I await your report with interest."<br/><br/>Depending on how quickly research on magic proceeded, she might very well be able to make it truth!<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>After those pleasing distractions were over, however, it was time for the day's main event.<br/><br/><em>Oh, my...</em><br/><br/>Queen Ileosa's eyes widened, her breath catching - Sitting up a little straighter in her carved seat, covering the shift with a twitch of her bejeweled fan as the Warchief strode into the grand hall. She had to admit...He was a very,<em>very</em>impressive figure. Inhuman, but towering, rippling with muscle - Definitely a paragon among his people! Her violet eyes slid over his form, a shiver - not unpleasant! - coursing up her spine...Even as he settled herself in the great chair, reaching for (and promptly devouring) an entire chicken!<br/><br/><em>Dominate me, hmmmm?</em><br/><br/>Well, now - She had a good idea what he had in mind for<em>that</em>.<br/><br/>A soft chuckle purred from Queen Ileosa's silky throat - Leaning forward, ever-so-slightly, her full bust rising and falling against her tight, tight bodice!<br/><br/>"You are an orc of rare vision, Warchief Kragnos," she husked. "I commend you for your wisdom. Your offer is<em>most</em>agreeable, but...I have a proposal to make that might yet interest you."<br/><br/>She canted her head to the side, just so - Her silk-sheathed legs whispering lightly against each other!<br/><br/>"More than just an alliance, I would propose trade between our people. The orcs are<em>legendarily</em>fierce and dauntless warriors, but I sense you seek something more; This is a new age, a time where legends are made and kingdoms are forged. I can grant you what no Warchief has ever had, before - the true unity of your people."<br/><br/>A sweep of her fan illustrated her words!<br/><br/>"For now, my raiders battle their barbarian neighbors...But this state of affairs will not continue forever. I will pay your Chieftains in steel as well as gold; If you commit your forces to Korsova's planned expansion, you will have a<em>direct</em>hand in the shaping of fates. You could win more than glory and gold for your people - You could win them<em>land</em>, far beyond anything your people have known!"<br/><br/>As she turned her violet gaze on him, her expression was oh-so-challenging...Her lips ever-so-slightly parted, waiting with bated breath! The sultry lilt lingered in her sweet voice:<br/><br/>"Imagine - Not just Chief of Chiefs, but<em>Overlord</em>of the first true orcish kingdom! All things are possible, in times like this...Wouldn't you say?"<br/><br/>She'd favor him with a coy smile, her eyes half-lidded beneath long, long lashes. Of course, she'd have to make sure they didn't get<em>too</em>powerful...After all, Ileosa knew better than anyone that you couldn't trust the savage nature of the orcs!<br/><br/>"We have everything to<em>win</em>if we work together, Warchief. What do you say?"