[member="Mirien Valdier"], [member="Aeda Shaytari"]
Deep breaths, slow steps. You can do this, Siobhan repeated these words inside her mind like a mantra when she rose from her seat and limped towards the podium. It was plain for everyone to see that walking caused her a lot of pain, yet she held her chin up high.
Pride would not allow anything else. Pain is just weakness leaving the body, she told herself when she finally reached the podium. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, though her voice sounded frailer than she would've liked. She cleared her throat when she faced the council. Truth be told, she felt like crap and probably looked the part despite her makeup and pretty gown.
"Ladies, Lords, thank you for receiving me today," she spoke, voice getting stronger. She was using the Force to amplify it so that it could carry across the room. "I come here as an honorary Eldorai, a proud ally of the Star Queen and as a noblewoman who stands here because of the grace of Ashira. The woman who saved me when I was lost and taught me to embrace my Sciia was an Eldorai. She died heroically and I've striven to fulfil her legacy ever since. When my family was adrift after leaving an unworthy Protectorate, Kaeshana welcomed us and we devoted ourselves to making it strong and independent."
Her eyes briefly fell upon the Duchess of Valdemar. "Poisonous vipers would have you believe I'm involved in some absurd plot to seize power. There's no shred of truth to that. I see no loyalty there, only a desire to disguise their own desire for power they never earned. I was struck by the assassin's bullet whilst attending the soiree of Countess Sylvari. Before anyone suspects otherwise, no blame falls upon her. She's an honourable woman. Then the Abbess Matriel Vethari almost murdered me in my sick bed. You've heard the recording where Alesia admits her guilt. She says it was to save Kaeshana, but would she then have resorted to cloak and dagger? Does she think Kaeshana's nobility is so debased? No, those were the actions of a traitor. I can at least respect her for being ready to die for her beliefs and her minions for openly taking a shot at me. Rather than hiding behind honeyed words about loyalty. She took poison to escape a trial by her peers. But she left us a parting gift. I have here a journal," at that she suddenly produced an old-fashioned looking journal with elaborate sigils on it, "containing a list of conspirators, found in her villa. Some of them are very illustrious names...and sitting in this very assembly!" She paused, letting those words sink in. Those close enough to the podium would see that her hands were shaking and she gripped it for support.
"I'm afraid to disappoint them that I'm still standing. I have fought and bled for Kaeshana. I've given my blood, my limbs, my money and my time for its people. You think me so broken that you can openly insult my name and wish me death, but you're gravely mistaken. I am Firemane. I am the Imperishable Flame. I stand here because Ashira protected me on that night. She saved me to help give the Eldorai, a race I love deeply, a future. One without parasites who twist Ashira's words and cannot suffer the fact that the Eldorai could be something great without them. Who care more about themselves than their people's survival. They think their names will protect them."
Her heart was thumping inside her chest. So loudly that it felt like it was about to burst. Sweat was dripping down her face and her breathing was ragged. As a matter of fact, she was panting. No, she was not going to pass out. Not now! "Duchess, you despise me. Frankly, I revel in it. I wouldn't want to be liked by a pathetic worm who's done nothing except live off the great name of her ancestors. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and infirm. But I assure you, my resolve has never been stronger. It's time to tear out the weeds in Her garden. Your name is right on top of the list of the vipers and scum in high places."
