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Rose and the Final Test
part 1

The stands- no more than petrified log benches on the slope of the stadium- filled up rather quickly. Rose had hoped that this test would be closed like the others. But, if anyone was to be allowed to speak against Rose, then, certainly, anyone would be allowed to listen, as well.

She looked nervously at Dragon, who, as she walked up, made some snide comment about her own bloodline's assention to the throne. She would have spoken up right then and there and asked, however... she was certain the answer would reveal more about Dragon's heritage than she really wanted these witnesses to contemplate.

It didn't take long before Sahm and Trella showed up, and took seats in the front row. But Sahm flashed a sign to Kyrre, who winced, and turned to Rose.

"Your Highness," Kyrre began, bowing just his head, and seeming quite embarassed doing so in front of kitsunes who weren't in the know, "you should know, that once the Council introduce you, you will need to sit in the throne, and tell them to please continue. After that, and until sunset, you must not speak at all, else they will call this forfeit." He grimaced, and looked away.

"You need to understand, that the opposition can continue until sunset, but even if they seem to stop, you must not speak. More importantly... you must allow your Guardian Dragon and I to defend you against any and all accusations, even if it degrades to name calling."

Kyrre turned to Dragon.

"Lady Dragon. You have known her longer than I. Traditionally, we would both have the ability to answer for her. But as there are some things which you might not know how to answer correctly- kitsune matters- and things I will not know about her past, we will have to work together to answer them. But we will not be able to confer between us much during the test." He hoped she understood.

Rose just hoped they'd get started soon.

And they did.

The Council came in, taking their seats. Suddenly, the rest of the kitsunes, possibly watching for the Council or just having been distracted otherwise, ran to seats. Some even stood along the edges, and Rose herself was packed next to eager kitsunes.

Philli, the Council Member in the middle, stood. The rest of the Council remained seated.

"Honorable kitsunes, Shamans, Speakers, Healers, Warriors, and Den Wardens. We have assembled you here for a Ro-yaru Eki-shin. A Royal Battle for Faith of the people. First," Philli said, actually managing a slightly louder voice suddenly, as if expecting to be shouting over a crowd of voices, "I must present, Her Royal Highness, Princess Blueaecid's Rose!"

He'd been right to articulate. As he spoke, many kitsunes stood, some in shock, some in anger, and those yelled. Or, yowled, would be more precise. And as Rose walked carefully and quietly through the now animated kitsune sideline, surprising more than a few kitsunes who had been yowling in protest. At least they have the decency to be ashamed. Rose thought, as those she passed became silent immediately.

Kyrre motioned to Dragon, and simply followed Rose to the dias. As she stepped onto the raised stage, Kyrre stood a few feet back from its base.

Rose nodded to the Council, who were all standing by now, and they bowed in return. She turned, trying not to look ill as she saw the few thousand kitsunes in attendance, and sat on the throne carefully.

"Please continue." she said as elegantly as she was allowed. Because that was all she was allowed to say, for as long as the sun was up. She wasn't sure it even was, yet.

The Council sat. From his seat, Philli continued. "Thank you, Princess. Now, we offer open debate. Who will speak for the Princess, and why?"

Kyrre bowed once and came forward. "I shall. I stand as the Den Leader of her Honor Guard, and have brought her here to Green Shade."

Ariel, another Council Member, spoke next. "And who also speaks for Princess Rose? And why?"

Rose looked at Dragon. She really hoped this went well.