Melanie Nilles

Good evening, ladies and gentleman. Tonight we’re sitting with Damaera Isolder, queen of Cavatar and mother of Phelan and Istaria.

Welcome, your majesty…or do you prefer something else?

That is appropriate.

My lady, could you tell us a little about yourself?

What would you like to know?

Anything. Everything. Perhaps it would be easiest to start with your position as queen of Cavatar. What is life like for the wife of the leader of one of the world’s largest nations?

My life is one many think they would desire, but had I a choice, I would not wish for myself. For generations, the descendants of Isolder have ruled this land, both a part of and apart from the people. I watch everyday the worries that weigh upon my king. I observe his meetings with the provincial councilors and have attended in his stead when he could not. Those days I long for the company of the wives.

How has the war affected your life?

*though she tries to pass off a smile, the pain is evident* We serve no single province but all at once, a neutral position for all of the country. This burden I watch growing heavier each day on the king. He sends my son away as emissary, securing allies and resources from across the oceans. I worry for his safety and for my daughter’s no matter where they are and fear the day the enemy surpasses our strength. Sometimes I wonder if he sends Phelan away to protect him rather than to keep their distance. The young are impatient with their elders.

Parents are the bane of most children’s existence…

I’ve heard it said by some men that they regard you as one of the most beautiful women they’ve seen. What’s your secret?

I have no secrets. Nor do I consider myself more beautiful than any other woman, but for the fortune of having servants of superior skills to hide the flaws.

Surely, a woman of your upbringing has some deep secret of maintaining her beauty.

*smooths a crease in her gown* I’ve heard accusations that the Lumathir can bewitch men, but it is purely by accident. Only my family knows this part of my past. Not by my choice do I draw the attention of others. I’ve spent only a few years in training with little talent more than feeling the presence of magic. As a descendant of the Majera, I have a part of the Light within me. This inner source of power I suspect is what others see in a way they do not realize but interpret as outward beauty. But, please, I would rather this not be known.

Can you tell me about the Lumathir and this ‘Light’?

No. I was already a child when my mother sent me to live with the women of the Lumathir with my infant sister. Tahronen tried to train me, but I had trouble learning her ways. After a couple years with the Lumathir, she sent me to the nobles of Brethin to learn the ways of the court. I was groomed to fit the role of queen and sent to marry Alric Isolder soon after my fifteenth year.

I’m sorry, your highness. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.

You do your part; but I…would prefer that no one know of my connection to any magic. We are not evil or dark, those of us known as magi, but a few in history have tainted the impression people have. The true “children of the Light” may have the same darkness in their hearts as any man or woman, but they have been taught for generations to use the power of our lineage to serve. Much of that involves secrecy, so the truth of the good they do remains hidden and fear persists.

I would like to hear more, but I will honor your request to avoid the topic…And it looks like our time is up for the day.

Thank you, your highness, for joining us. And thank you to our audience.

Join us next week when we sit down to chat with General Marjan, one of the top five commanders of Cavatar’s military forces.