#I changed her name from alice to Alyse.. I like it better

[inviouswriting]

“So, you’ve heard how we are going to have to listen to the new “Lord Commander?” I knew she joined the knights, but making it to Lord Commander? Favortism. We always knew Kiya married Aymeric for nobility.” They were use to the comments on a regular basis. Alyse, only narrows her eyes. She’s use to it, her father tired of it. He knows there is no mistake in his daughter becoming the next one. He sees it in her resolve.

If Kiya had heard what these people said, she would have already thrown fire at them. Aymeric is glad his wife is at home resting from her recent adventuring. He was about to step forward and say something when Alyse raises a hand, drawing his attention down to her.

“Let me handle this, I need to address it sooner or later.” The smile she has can rival his own and he steps back folding his arms to allow her the chance to stand up for herself.

Alyse approaches the group of gossipers, the one in the middle sees her approach and does her best to turn her head away like she was busy.

“Excuse me. You seem to have an issue with me. Would you like to settle this dispute with me in a civil manner?” She offers, her tone gentle and nice. Offering her best as Aymeric has taught her to treat the people kindly unless provoked.

“What makes you think the issue is with you?” A retort.

“Well given how I have heard these taunts all my life, I figured it would be best to handle it now that I am in a position to do so. Or is it the fact that you are still set in the ways of the old?” Alyse’s tone changes, a little more stern.

“I-I do not agree that they would allow a half-breed to run our knights.” There was the venom she is use to. The others around her nod in agreement.

“Hm, odd how you would say that after spending years needing my fathers input on everything, knowing he is a “bastard” by your standards. Who liberated this very place with the aid of my mother from years of tyranny so that your children can run safe in the streets from a dragon hellbent on razing this entire city for our sins of antiquity. Tell me, where would you be if she hadn’t come along? Probably burned to ashes, or crying at a grave for those of the fallen you swear to have respect for.” Aymeric raises an eyebrow seeing his daughter use their history, and his own birth as a pivotal point.

“I, well..”

“Truth is, you do not know. Nor will you know that path because it did not happen. Just as you have yet to see how I will run our knights. Mayhap YOU should pick up a sword for once and step in our shoes.  We keep you safe, yet you slander my name, my fathers, and my mothers. You are also the same people who would pick on Asami. Or any other child of mixed race.” Alyse looks over her shoulder to Aymeric and he nods.

“And what would you change?”

“Everything. Starting with the way we treat outsiders. Our beautiful mixed children that get abandoned in the Brume because they’re not “pure” elezens or hyurs to hide infidelity and those burdened by being forced. My goal as your new Lord Commander. Is to squash down the racism that you all clearly still have years after the Dragonsong War.” Alyse turns on her heel and leaves the woman stunned.

Alyse stops and turns back to look at the group.

“By the way, if I hear you speak ill of my mother or my friends again. May the Fury be merciful after I am done with you.” The ice in her eyes is felt even as her father puts a hand to her back.

“My Alyse, please don’t threaten the public. Would not do for impressions of ill on a Lord Commander.” Aymeric shakes his head, and casts the group his own glare. Not another word from them.

“And would your group not hold your gossip meetings outside my home. I fear for you if Kiya were to hear you without me to stay her hands. She’s rather protective of Alyse, and Meeps’ child. I think incurring the wrath of a black mage would be bad.”

The group scatters, he knows they’ll be back, old habits die hard. He looks at Alyse with a sense of pride in his eyes.

“You handled yourself well, albeit at the end. Refrain from threatening them.” 

“What would you say then?”

“I would leave it at “May the fury be merciful.” They get the gist of it.” They wander back towards the Congregation. Aymeric is proud of her, and knows she’ll do her best to take care of a matter he hasn’t managed to stamp out in prejudice and racism in his tenure.

 He desperately hopes she can succeed where he hasn’t.