zwischenschach.
non-commission | the raiden shogun and the imperator play a game of chess. (with discussions of leadership)
Ei looked at the small woman with the chess set, and feltâŚapprehensive. There was a certain air about her that carried authorityâŚvery strong authority. It made Ei uneasy. Not intimidated per say, butâŚthere was more to her than met the eye certainly. Still, a short game of chess surly wouldnât hurtâŚright? âVery well then, let us play. Fear not about time, I am not concerned how long it takes.â
And she meant it. She really had nothing else going on, why not induldge herself? It was then that Ei realized: she had no idea how to refer to her.
ââŚforgive me, I do not know your name. I am the Raiden Shogun, and you areâŚ?â
  Her new opponent welcomed the challenge, and all Cerydra could do was smile in return. Even amidst Belobogâs festivities, there are those who enjoy a simple game of strategy. The best conversations were those held with a board of black and white set between those sharing in idle chatter. âVery well.â
  Curiously, Cerydra cocks her head, curious at her opponent-to-beâs subtle hints of nervousness. Of course, the nerves themselves were of little surprise to the Imperator; after all, in her heyday, even her title alone brought fear into those who heard it. One with enough wits about them wouldnât dare challenge a tyrant brazenly, and even those who had lacked the chutzpah to follow through when met face to face with the Flamebearer. The curiosity, in this case, stemmed from what about the Imperator brought nerves to a stranger mere moments after meeting.Â
  âThe Raiden Shogun⌠quite the title you carry.â She chuckles, leaning forward ever slightly, a hand resting on her chin. Whoever this stranger, this Raiden Shogun, had been, she clearly carried some amount of power. Every passing moment, Cerydra found herself agreeing more with her initial judgment of the Raiden Shogunâs presence. âIf we are to stick with titles, then refer to me as the Imperator. Of course, youâre allowed to be a little more personable with me, if you so choose. In which case, call me Cerydra.âÂ
  Perhaps providing this woman with a true name would ease whatever nerves stirred within her heart. That wasnât the Imperatorâs goal, merely a welcomed consequence of it. She just simply thought it would be easier to provide her true name, were they to communicate over a game of chess. She wasnât looking to force someone from beyond the skies to bend the knee to her will and power.
  At least, not yet. That would come later.
  âNow, Miss Raiden,â the Imperator cracks her knuckles, and waves to the board before her. âAs the challenged, which side would you like to choose? White, or black?â
The ImperatorâŚThat title alone told Ei much about Miss Cerydra: she thought very highly of herself. She was used to being in charge. She enjoyed wielding power, borderline power hungry. Ei had witnessed countless mortals who went power hungry over her life time. The ending was never a happy one. Hell, Ei Herself nearly let her power get away from her from clouded judgement.Â
Turning her attention back to Cerydra, she thought about which colour she wanted. WHich did she wantâŚafter some consideration, she nodde.
âVery well, Cerydra. I will take the black pieces. White moves first if I recall?â Ei was curious as to how Cerydra would handle the first move. That alone would tell her more about thisâŚimperator. Ei sat down and looked at the board, ready to begin this interesting chess match. Se had a feeling they would learn a lot about each otherâŚ













