#abadian is a sly mf ngl

[soupedepates]

Hades the Witch-King belongs to @corneille-but-not-the-author

I am somewhat of a hustler myself. Once I arrived at the top of our good and crumbling Inquisition, I decided I was freed from my sins and, after two years or three of seeing my subordinates going absolutely feral, I also decided to get out of there - my father dying and me finding a chance in that to oust my brothers for the House de Traba's succession allegedly helped me in taking that difficult choice.

And I was once trapped by love. My first and true sin... Which landed me in taking on the red coat. So, after I defeated my brothers - which was easy, I am first and foremost a fighter and a soldier before being a courteous lord - I took over the House de Traba and never took a bride. I preferred my freedom and my mistresses. What can I say? I just had to lean towards women I've known to pick a by-blow. I found a weaned kid, a boy aged six, looking just like me, and I adopted him.

And I acknowledged my paternity, yes. I am the merry father of Jafet de Traba, my pride and joy, whom I raised with the utmost care and attention.

So here I am. Abadian de Traba, lord of the provinces of Odalis and Luceron, conqueror of the Nahutl nation, the Cid and the Daredevil, bearing glittering gold and sparkling gemstones in my head, here to pledge my homage to the young Witch King, who is now just of age.

Crazy to think eighteen years prior, none of us aristocrats would have thought to bow the head before one of the "Pix". But times have changed. The Fair Folk has gained its legitimacy and they go, I hold no hatred.

Jafet is here. Twenty years old. Two years older than the young king. I brought him for the spectacle; the Witch-King's birthday must be a celebration to remember... and if my son can become a man tonight, as the Fair Folk's mores are freer than some of our humanly customs, wouldn't it be a wonder? I'd be delighted to have a grandchild among the faes.

I have at my arm my protégée, sweet Ulfie, because her mother wanted her not to go to the party alone. I've heard such edifying things about the Witch-King and her. It's delightful.

"My regards, your Highness Titania, your Majesty Hades. The House de Traba is taking a huge pride to build a world where we walk hand in hand," I declare as I'm bowing before them. "Please, accept our humble gifts to signify our respect and amity."

"Abadian de Traba", Highness Titania softly smiles, "it is a welcomed gift to see a past foe become an ally. Isn't it the world we want to create, dear Hades?"

"It is", the Witch-King approves.

"And we wish you a mirthful birthday, may you have a magnificent year", Jafet concludes with his voice of all sweetness and lights. Oh, that's my boy.