Ramsley York Druid, 20
Most did not suspect him but some did, some like his cousin Klaus did indeed suspect him. It had only been a week since the King of the FAR HORNE had been pushed from the dinning balcony and had fallen over sixty feet to his death, a servant had lost his head and the kingdoms blame had quieted down, but as Rams stepped into the Grand Hall he had a smug look on his face. "If only father could see me now," he whispered as he passed by Klaus on the way down the Isle towards the alter. This was supposed to be his fathers second wedding day, getting married to a young human daughter from elf country, the SAPPHIRE REACH, joining their two houses. The girl was just barely nineteen and York only a year or two older, but being of grave importance to combine the two houses Rams honorably volunteered to marry the beauty in his fathers place. It wouldn't be the end of the world, he'd merge the houses and still have Mel on the side. Who was Mel you may be asking yourself???
Melody York Elf, 20
Melody York was the young wife of Klaus York, Ramsley's cousin. But she hated her proud husband. It didn't matter how honorable or faithful he was to her she hated him for the sheer fact that she was betrothed to him, the fact she couldn't marry for love in the first place made her rebellious. She was the same age as Rams and that's why she decided to sleep with him. She had it locked into her crazy little mind that Rams and her were meant to be and so now that he was getting married to Aelira she was furious, "how could he," she whispered under her breathe. She looked around and saw Slate in the pew over, "him..." Mel smiled, if she could make York love her, she would try to make the king jealous with Slate.
Slate York Druid, 23
Slate was almost twenty four years old, almost as old as Aelira from the Sapphire Reach but he didn't care much. He had eyes for his brother's wife. Mel was so beautiful with her bright blonde hair, she was an elf after all and Slate was attracted to elves beyond belief, that's why Aelira wasn't his cup of tea, not even a half elf, he was not entirely attracted to her like he was to Mel. And what was this, she was looking at him. Did she finally notice him, finally like him. Maybe the love potions he had been studying and slipping into her drink were finally working, maybe that expensive book that half rate alchemist had sold him was finally working? It had been consuming his days and keeping his mind away from what his so called mother had told him only a few days earlier.
Klaus York Druid, 27
Klaus however did not notice Mel making lovers eyes at Rams and plotting to bed Slate to make York jealous, he had no reason to suspect his wife's disloyalty. Especially because he was more focused on Rams and trying to figure out a way to prove that Ramsley York killed his own father to marry this girl and become king of not only the Far Horne, but the Sapphire Reach as well. What Klaus knew and what Rams had been neglecting to realize was that with this merging of houses a council of Aelira's family and elvish councilors would be brought into the capital of Rhaynos and advise Ramsley on everything he did. "Stupid..." Klaus was snapped out of this thought as he looked around the wedding, where was his mother? Where was Ramsley's Aunt Victoria??
Victoria York Druid, 45
Victoria was where she usually was, drinking heavily. She had skipped the wedding and was lounging in the dinning room which over looked the dinning balcony. A tear slid down her eye, she was thinking of her husband Rikkor York who had died about five years ago, she was thinking about what she never got to tell him, the fact that Slate wasn't truly his son. She had been sleeping with Harry York, Ramsley's father at the time of the Slates conception, only Haru knew that Rams and Slate were technically brothers, but no one knew that Slate was actually supposed to be king right now. Not Ramsley, Victoria finished another glass of wine, "Slate should be marrying the Sapphire girl, not Rams..."
Most did not suspect him but some did, some like his cousin Klaus did indeed suspect him. It had only been a week since the King of the FAR HORNE had been pushed from the dinning balcony and had fallen over sixty feet to his death, a servant had lost his head and the kingdoms blame had quieted down, but as Rams stepped into the Grand Hall he had a smug look on his face. "If only father could see me now," he whispered as he passed by Klaus on the way down the Isle towards the alter. This was supposed to be his fathers second wedding day, getting married to a young human daughter from elf country, the SAPPHIRE REACH, joining their two houses. The girl was just barely nineteen and York only a year or two older, but being of grave importance to combine the two houses Rams honorably volunteered to marry the beauty in his fathers place. It wouldn't be the end of the world, he'd merge the houses and still have Mel on the side. Who was Mel you may be asking yourself???
Melody York Elf, 20
Melody York was the young wife of Klaus York, Ramsley's cousin. But she hated her proud husband. It didn't matter how honorable or faithful he was to her she hated him for the sheer fact that she was betrothed to him, the fact she couldn't marry for love in the first place made her rebellious. She was the same age as Rams and that's why she decided to sleep with him. She had it locked into her crazy little mind that Rams and her were meant to be and so now that he was getting married to Aelira she was furious, "how could he," she whispered under her breathe. She looked around and saw Slate in the pew over, "him..." Mel smiled, if she could make York love her, she would try to make the king jealous with Slate.
Slate York Druid, 23
Slate was almost twenty four years old, almost as old as Aelira from the Sapphire Reach but he didn't care much. He had eyes for his brother's wife. Mel was so beautiful with her bright blonde hair, she was an elf after all and Slate was attracted to elves beyond belief, that's why Aelira wasn't his cup of tea, not even a half elf, he was not entirely attracted to her like he was to Mel. And what was this, she was looking at him. Did she finally notice him, finally like him. Maybe the love potions he had been studying and slipping into her drink were finally working, maybe that expensive book that half rate alchemist had sold him was finally working? It had been consuming his days and keeping his mind away from what his so called mother had told him only a few days earlier.
Klaus York Druid, 27
Klaus however did not notice Mel making lovers eyes at Rams and plotting to bed Slate to make York jealous, he had no reason to suspect his wife's disloyalty. Especially because he was more focused on Rams and trying to figure out a way to prove that Ramsley York killed his own father to marry this girl and become king of not only the Far Horne, but the Sapphire Reach as well. What Klaus knew and what Rams had been neglecting to realize was that with this merging of houses a council of Aelira's family and elvish councilors would be brought into the capital of Rhaynos and advise Ramsley on everything he did. "Stupid..." Klaus was snapped out of this thought as he looked around the wedding, where was his mother? Where was Ramsley's Aunt Victoria??
Victoria York Druid, 45
Victoria was where she usually was, drinking heavily. She had skipped the wedding and was lounging in the dinning room which over looked the dinning balcony. A tear slid down her eye, she was thinking of her husband Rikkor York who had died about five years ago, she was thinking about what she never got to tell him, the fact that Slate wasn't truly his son. She had been sleeping with Harry York, Ramsley's father at the time of the Slates conception, only Haru knew that Rams and Slate were technically brothers, but no one knew that Slate was actually supposed to be king right now. Not Ramsley, Victoria finished another glass of wine, "Slate should be marrying the Sapphire girl, not Rams..."
Aelira Althilar Human, 19
The princess took a deep breath, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She felt an odd mix of terror and excitement. The past week had been a whirlwind - well, really longer than that, but everything had shifted when the king of Far Horne had been murdered. She'd mourned him, of course - she was never one to look lightly upon death - but standing here alone before her wedding, she had to admit she was a bit relieved. Marrying someone of his age had not been the most thrilling prospect, her duty as a princess notwithstanding. The marriage was still arranged - she still knew almost nothing of her soon-to-be husband - but at least they were closer in age.
A smile crossed her face in the mirror. She was hopeful for the future - hopeful for their kingdoms, hopeful for love. After all, her parents had found love, hadn't they? And even - even if the feelings were not all she'd ever hoped for - she was doing what was right for her kingdom, wasn't she? And she would be happy with that knowledge, regardless of the outcome.
Yes, she would be happy.
Janessa Half-Elf, 18
This is insane, the princess's young maid thought to herself as she hurried back into the princess's room to help put the finishing touches on her hair. In general, Janessa thought that everything the royal family did was insane, with the exception of Princess Aelira. The princess herself had always seemed sensible to her, if also a bit naive. That she would agree to this arrangement, however, made her shake her head in confusion. Especially given the circumstances of her previous betroth's death, and the rumors she had heard about the groom's possible involvement in it.
And it wasn't just that she thought the situation was insane - she feared for her friend. For she did consider the princess a friend, her best friend, in fact. But the young maid did not see the world through the same hopeful eyes as Aelira. She feared that this union would bring nothing but anguish to the innocent young woman's life, anguish that she could do nothing to prevent or avoid.
She finished the princess's hair and, hearing the princess take another deep breath, led her out into the hall and towards the place where the wedding would take place. Well, since the princess was determined to go through with the marriage, she was determined to be there for her, right by her side, no matter what happened.
Lavinia Althilar Human, 37
The queen, too, had a bit of a heavy heart as she entered the ceremony space, taking a seat at the front with her husband. She knew her daughter's heart, knew how loving and hopeful she was. She had been the same way going in to her own marriage. And though she was relatively happy, she was hardly in love. Love had become a made-up concept to her, at least romantic love. She thought back to her own transition to a more cynical way of thinking, and was alarmed at how quickly it had taken place after her marriage. She didn't want to see that change take place in her daughter - didn't want to see her view of the world challenged, naive as it was - but there wasn't much she could do about the matter. She did not agree with the match, did not think it necessary for the kingdom, but Aelira had listened obediently and willingly to her father, as she always did. Her mother could only hope she wouldn't be quite so readily obedient to her husband - that she would challenge him and not allow him to completely change her or the Sapphire Reach.
Lahbras Althilar Human, 46
The king's own mind was anywhere but on his daughter's happiness. Not that he didn't care for her, but he assumed that no matter what came her way, she would approach life the same way she always did - focusing on the silver lining and making it seem much bigger than it actually was. No, he was focused on his future son-in-law, eyeing him cautiously as they waited for the bride to arrive. It wasn't that idle rumors concerned him, but Ramsley's effect on his own power. They would be retaining advisory power over their kingdom and gaining the same power over Far Horne, of course, but it was still difficult for him to give up the kingship. He wasn't a terribly old king, and most would consider it premature for the monarchy to change hands. He'd been much more comfortable with the situation (though still not thrilled) when it had been Ramsley's father, a man who was older than himself. But no, this young man - this boy - was hardly fit to rule. He would have to keep a close eye on him, and lead from overhead with a heavy hand. He could always use his influence over his daughter if need be as well.
Kabeleth Althilar Human, 44
Kabeleth watched his brother Lahbras's discontented expression with a smirk on his face. He'd always resented that his brother had inherited the kingship rather than himself, not considering birth order a valid enough determination of who was fit to rule. To watch his dear, dear brother lose the power he so treasured filled him with a wicked happiness. In fact, to watch anyone lose what they treasured filled him with a sick joy. He had become a creature of manipulation, hungry for power and finding ways to obtain it surreptitiously. And now, he had a whole new playground - all of Far Horne. He, too, would hold an advisor position to the new king and queen, and intended to make the most of it.
The princess took a deep breath, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She felt an odd mix of terror and excitement. The past week had been a whirlwind - well, really longer than that, but everything had shifted when the king of Far Horne had been murdered. She'd mourned him, of course - she was never one to look lightly upon death - but standing here alone before her wedding, she had to admit she was a bit relieved. Marrying someone of his age had not been the most thrilling prospect, her duty as a princess notwithstanding. The marriage was still arranged - she still knew almost nothing of her soon-to-be husband - but at least they were closer in age.
A smile crossed her face in the mirror. She was hopeful for the future - hopeful for their kingdoms, hopeful for love. After all, her parents had found love, hadn't they? And even - even if the feelings were not all she'd ever hoped for - she was doing what was right for her kingdom, wasn't she? And she would be happy with that knowledge, regardless of the outcome.
Yes, she would be happy.
Janessa Half-Elf, 18
This is insane, the princess's young maid thought to herself as she hurried back into the princess's room to help put the finishing touches on her hair. In general, Janessa thought that everything the royal family did was insane, with the exception of Princess Aelira. The princess herself had always seemed sensible to her, if also a bit naive. That she would agree to this arrangement, however, made her shake her head in confusion. Especially given the circumstances of her previous betroth's death, and the rumors she had heard about the groom's possible involvement in it.
And it wasn't just that she thought the situation was insane - she feared for her friend. For she did consider the princess a friend, her best friend, in fact. But the young maid did not see the world through the same hopeful eyes as Aelira. She feared that this union would bring nothing but anguish to the innocent young woman's life, anguish that she could do nothing to prevent or avoid.
She finished the princess's hair and, hearing the princess take another deep breath, led her out into the hall and towards the place where the wedding would take place. Well, since the princess was determined to go through with the marriage, she was determined to be there for her, right by her side, no matter what happened.
Lavinia Althilar Human, 37
The queen, too, had a bit of a heavy heart as she entered the ceremony space, taking a seat at the front with her husband. She knew her daughter's heart, knew how loving and hopeful she was. She had been the same way going in to her own marriage. And though she was relatively happy, she was hardly in love. Love had become a made-up concept to her, at least romantic love. She thought back to her own transition to a more cynical way of thinking, and was alarmed at how quickly it had taken place after her marriage. She didn't want to see that change take place in her daughter - didn't want to see her view of the world challenged, naive as it was - but there wasn't much she could do about the matter. She did not agree with the match, did not think it necessary for the kingdom, but Aelira had listened obediently and willingly to her father, as she always did. Her mother could only hope she wouldn't be quite so readily obedient to her husband - that she would challenge him and not allow him to completely change her or the Sapphire Reach.
Lahbras Althilar Human, 46
The king's own mind was anywhere but on his daughter's happiness. Not that he didn't care for her, but he assumed that no matter what came her way, she would approach life the same way she always did - focusing on the silver lining and making it seem much bigger than it actually was. No, he was focused on his future son-in-law, eyeing him cautiously as they waited for the bride to arrive. It wasn't that idle rumors concerned him, but Ramsley's effect on his own power. They would be retaining advisory power over their kingdom and gaining the same power over Far Horne, of course, but it was still difficult for him to give up the kingship. He wasn't a terribly old king, and most would consider it premature for the monarchy to change hands. He'd been much more comfortable with the situation (though still not thrilled) when it had been Ramsley's father, a man who was older than himself. But no, this young man - this boy - was hardly fit to rule. He would have to keep a close eye on him, and lead from overhead with a heavy hand. He could always use his influence over his daughter if need be as well.
Kabeleth Althilar Human, 44
Kabeleth watched his brother Lahbras's discontented expression with a smirk on his face. He'd always resented that his brother had inherited the kingship rather than himself, not considering birth order a valid enough determination of who was fit to rule. To watch his dear, dear brother lose the power he so treasured filled him with a wicked happiness. In fact, to watch anyone lose what they treasured filled him with a sick joy. He had become a creature of manipulation, hungry for power and finding ways to obtain it surreptitiously. And now, he had a whole new playground - all of Far Horne. He, too, would hold an advisor position to the new king and queen, and intended to make the most of it.
-Flashback-
Shiro lost all her memories 2 years ago, where she woke up somewhere in the ruins of a city destroyed by war. It was here that she met the leader of the Silverleaf house, who would later adopt her.
"Tell me, child, what is your name?", asked the elf.
"I...dont know..." Shiro answered emotionlessly. Inside she felt hollow, she could feel nothing but emptiness.
"I see." Said the elf, "In that case, you'll live as Shiro from now on. That is, if you're willing to come with me. What will you choose?"
Shiro then looks down for a while before looking at the elf again.
"...I understand...please...take me with you..." Shiro said in a pleading tone.
"Very well then, follow me" Said the elf "...and welcome...to your new home"
- Present -
Shiro Silverleaf Human, 16
Shiro is preparing to head to Rhaynos, in order to attend an important event in the city.
"So this is Rhaynos, huh? I can't wait to start exploring!"
According to her parents, she and the rest were to attend a "wedding", whatever that was. Since everione were busy rigth now though, she was told to head out by herself, and they would catch up later.
"Hmm, it'll be a while before they come back...'guess i'll look around the shops nearby"
And so she starts strolling around the shops, mainly weapon shops, since it's cooler than looking at clothes.
Little did she know, that she was being watched from afar by a figure in a black cloak...
??? Druid, ?
"So that's the adopted daugther of that bunch of fools. I should make my move soon, but first..." The cloaked figure gives has an amused look, "...how about a small welcoming party?" He then gives an evil-looking smile, "and I know exactly what to do..."
The figure then resumes his observation, "you have no idea what you've gotten into, brat..."
Shiro lost all her memories 2 years ago, where she woke up somewhere in the ruins of a city destroyed by war. It was here that she met the leader of the Silverleaf house, who would later adopt her.
"Tell me, child, what is your name?", asked the elf.
"I...dont know..." Shiro answered emotionlessly. Inside she felt hollow, she could feel nothing but emptiness.
"I see." Said the elf, "In that case, you'll live as Shiro from now on. That is, if you're willing to come with me. What will you choose?"
Shiro then looks down for a while before looking at the elf again.
"...I understand...please...take me with you..." Shiro said in a pleading tone.
"Very well then, follow me" Said the elf "...and welcome...to your new home"
- Present -
Shiro Silverleaf Human, 16
Shiro is preparing to head to Rhaynos, in order to attend an important event in the city.
"So this is Rhaynos, huh? I can't wait to start exploring!"
According to her parents, she and the rest were to attend a "wedding", whatever that was. Since everione were busy rigth now though, she was told to head out by herself, and they would catch up later.
"Hmm, it'll be a while before they come back...'guess i'll look around the shops nearby"
And so she starts strolling around the shops, mainly weapon shops, since it's cooler than looking at clothes.
Little did she know, that she was being watched from afar by a figure in a black cloak...
??? Druid, ?
"So that's the adopted daugther of that bunch of fools. I should make my move soon, but first..." The cloaked figure gives has an amused look, "...how about a small welcoming party?" He then gives an evil-looking smile, "and I know exactly what to do..."
The figure then resumes his observation, "you have no idea what you've gotten into, brat..."
¹ I swear to serve the House of York until the day I die, or until the House no longer requires my service. My life is no longer my own and nothing I do can be done without good cause or the permission of the head of the House of York. I will defend the lives of the members of York at all costs.
² If I should ever betray the House, I accept that my life is forfeit.
³ I swear to never reveal anything that I may be witness to with anyone outside of the House. I swear to never disobey an order without just cause.
⁴ I swear that I will dedicate my entire life to my duty to the House of York over any other loyalties of mine that may exist.
-An Excerpt from the Ivory Guard’s Oath
Synthia Human, 21
The scurry of feet in the hall as one of the newcomers from Sapphire Reach went into the room where the bride-to-be was getting ready, drew Synthia’s attention briefly. Her blue eyes scanned the young woman briefly then returned back to scanning the halls as if nothing had happened. Normally, she would’ve stood within the room, but because the people inside were new to the Far Horne and probably wouldn’t enjoy a stranger watching them while they changed clothing, she was forced to guard the door instead. To anyone that passed by, the white-haired woman would probably look like a statue, her pale skin and piercing blue eyes adding to her already somewhat exotic appearance, for she stood perfectly still, her breathing barely perceptible, almost completely unblinking.
Synthia was a special case in the Ivory Guards. Her father had been and Ivory Guard, and his father before him. Each of them died in service to the house, serving loyally to the end of their days. She’d grown up watching her father and wanting to be just like him. After he died, she was angry and invested all of her feelings and hurt into training with a sword. For her young age at 16, she was almost as skillful with a blade as someone twice her age by the time she moved to join the Guard. And she had joined, serving for years in a squad, and within the last year she’d been promoted to Captain and was assigned to a squad of her own. With the new position came a new sense of responsibility, and when the King died she felt like she’d failed somehow. What had she missed? What had she done wrong? Why wasn’t she there to stop it?
Swallowing her anger and guilt, she refocused herself on the task that lay ahead. She just had to wait until the door opened… then she would follow the bride to the main room and they could get this ghastly affair overwith. Then, she could get back to the silent task of figuring out who was really responsible for the King’s death. If anything, this wedding was just an attempt to fluff over what had happened and continue life as if the death was only a mere accident.
When the door finally opened and the Princess emerged she sighed through her nose, relieved that everything was going smoothly so far. She followed closely behind the bride and her companion, avoiding making any noise beyond quiet and steady footsteps.
Colin Half-Elf, 19
It was hard to stand still as Colin shifted his weight from one foot to the other while he stood at the back of the Great Hall, observing the growing crowd and most especially the members of the House of York. If he picked up on any of the wordless exchanges and expressions on their faces, his face didn’t betray him as he managed to keep a serious expression.
Everything had been tense lately… Synthia, the captain of his squad for the Ivory Guards, seemed to have withdrawn from everyone else and was constantly engrossed in an endless stack of papers. He knew she felt responsible for the King’s death because as a guard who had been only a few rooms away… she should’ve been there to stop it. Because of that, she seemed to be entirely invested in finding out what really happened that day.
Colin’s mind began to wander away from the situation at hand and he wondered to himself if he might catch a glimpse of the pretty maiden from Sapphire Reach that had arrived with the royal family. He’d been on a break between guard shifts, sitting on the walls of the castle and chatting with a friend of his who was a servant, when the people from Sapphire Reach arrived. When they began moving to enter the castle he’d noticed a girl among them, following the Princess. His natural curiosity made it hard for him to not wonder who she was.
After a moment of being lost in thought, he regained his senses and glanced towards another part of the room, spotting Mathias who was standing guard against a wall, his main attention focused on the people at the altar.
Mathias Human, 33
The eldest of the members of Synthia’s squad, Mathias had the most experience. He blocked out any thoughts other than focusing Ramsley and the altar, his gaze searching for any kind of threat that might appear. Even the slightest of movements made him turn his gaze briefly to assess what the movement had been, this meant his gaze was constantly shifting around the room, but maintaining most of its focus on the altar.
Who killed the King? Mathias didn’t know, nor did he have a strong opinion about it. The affair itself still was haunting the halls of the castle, but he had already moved on. Synthia’s lingering on it bothered him, but she was still young… still deeply invested in trying to know and understand everything. Someday, she’d learn to become the silent guardian… to give up on feeling anything for the House of York beyond silent and emotionless loyalty.
Triss Strider Druid, 35
Weddings… the Druid rolled his eyes silently as he stood, leaning back against a wall in the Grand Hall to observe the ceremony. In his hands, he fiddled with a green orb, rolling it on his palm and then trapping it with his fingers. His disinterested gaze wandered the room, taking it all in. Nothing of huge interest to him, no, he didn’t care about silent tensions, he was more interested in the times when tensions ran high and people snapped. That was why he liked to torment the female Captain from the Ivory Guard. She had the most amusing reactions, and he liked it.
Who was he? A traveling wizard who’d taken up temporary residence in the House of York. He had decided it was fair to take a break from wandering and put his talents to use in one place for a while. The King had found his presence to be acceptable, so he was still here, entertaining the nobles and aggravating a certain pretty guard.
² If I should ever betray the House, I accept that my life is forfeit.
³ I swear to never reveal anything that I may be witness to with anyone outside of the House. I swear to never disobey an order without just cause.
⁴ I swear that I will dedicate my entire life to my duty to the House of York over any other loyalties of mine that may exist.
-An Excerpt from the Ivory Guard’s Oath
Synthia Human, 21
The scurry of feet in the hall as one of the newcomers from Sapphire Reach went into the room where the bride-to-be was getting ready, drew Synthia’s attention briefly. Her blue eyes scanned the young woman briefly then returned back to scanning the halls as if nothing had happened. Normally, she would’ve stood within the room, but because the people inside were new to the Far Horne and probably wouldn’t enjoy a stranger watching them while they changed clothing, she was forced to guard the door instead. To anyone that passed by, the white-haired woman would probably look like a statue, her pale skin and piercing blue eyes adding to her already somewhat exotic appearance, for she stood perfectly still, her breathing barely perceptible, almost completely unblinking.
Synthia was a special case in the Ivory Guards. Her father had been and Ivory Guard, and his father before him. Each of them died in service to the house, serving loyally to the end of their days. She’d grown up watching her father and wanting to be just like him. After he died, she was angry and invested all of her feelings and hurt into training with a sword. For her young age at 16, she was almost as skillful with a blade as someone twice her age by the time she moved to join the Guard. And she had joined, serving for years in a squad, and within the last year she’d been promoted to Captain and was assigned to a squad of her own. With the new position came a new sense of responsibility, and when the King died she felt like she’d failed somehow. What had she missed? What had she done wrong? Why wasn’t she there to stop it?
Swallowing her anger and guilt, she refocused herself on the task that lay ahead. She just had to wait until the door opened… then she would follow the bride to the main room and they could get this ghastly affair overwith. Then, she could get back to the silent task of figuring out who was really responsible for the King’s death. If anything, this wedding was just an attempt to fluff over what had happened and continue life as if the death was only a mere accident.
When the door finally opened and the Princess emerged she sighed through her nose, relieved that everything was going smoothly so far. She followed closely behind the bride and her companion, avoiding making any noise beyond quiet and steady footsteps.
Colin Half-Elf, 19
It was hard to stand still as Colin shifted his weight from one foot to the other while he stood at the back of the Great Hall, observing the growing crowd and most especially the members of the House of York. If he picked up on any of the wordless exchanges and expressions on their faces, his face didn’t betray him as he managed to keep a serious expression.
Everything had been tense lately… Synthia, the captain of his squad for the Ivory Guards, seemed to have withdrawn from everyone else and was constantly engrossed in an endless stack of papers. He knew she felt responsible for the King’s death because as a guard who had been only a few rooms away… she should’ve been there to stop it. Because of that, she seemed to be entirely invested in finding out what really happened that day.
Colin’s mind began to wander away from the situation at hand and he wondered to himself if he might catch a glimpse of the pretty maiden from Sapphire Reach that had arrived with the royal family. He’d been on a break between guard shifts, sitting on the walls of the castle and chatting with a friend of his who was a servant, when the people from Sapphire Reach arrived. When they began moving to enter the castle he’d noticed a girl among them, following the Princess. His natural curiosity made it hard for him to not wonder who she was.
After a moment of being lost in thought, he regained his senses and glanced towards another part of the room, spotting Mathias who was standing guard against a wall, his main attention focused on the people at the altar.
Mathias Human, 33
The eldest of the members of Synthia’s squad, Mathias had the most experience. He blocked out any thoughts other than focusing Ramsley and the altar, his gaze searching for any kind of threat that might appear. Even the slightest of movements made him turn his gaze briefly to assess what the movement had been, this meant his gaze was constantly shifting around the room, but maintaining most of its focus on the altar.
Who killed the King? Mathias didn’t know, nor did he have a strong opinion about it. The affair itself still was haunting the halls of the castle, but he had already moved on. Synthia’s lingering on it bothered him, but she was still young… still deeply invested in trying to know and understand everything. Someday, she’d learn to become the silent guardian… to give up on feeling anything for the House of York beyond silent and emotionless loyalty.
Triss Strider Druid, 35
Weddings… the Druid rolled his eyes silently as he stood, leaning back against a wall in the Grand Hall to observe the ceremony. In his hands, he fiddled with a green orb, rolling it on his palm and then trapping it with his fingers. His disinterested gaze wandered the room, taking it all in. Nothing of huge interest to him, no, he didn’t care about silent tensions, he was more interested in the times when tensions ran high and people snapped. That was why he liked to torment the female Captain from the Ivory Guard. She had the most amusing reactions, and he liked it.
Who was he? A traveling wizard who’d taken up temporary residence in the House of York. He had decided it was fair to take a break from wandering and put his talents to use in one place for a while. The King had found his presence to be acceptable, so he was still here, entertaining the nobles and aggravating a certain pretty guard.
Melody York
As the wedding came closer and closer the doors closed behind the last of the arriving guests. The family of the Thornwood, a Northern Territory of the Sapphire Reach and those named Warden of it by the Althilar House. Who were they? The elvish people of House Silverleaf, accompanied by their young human daughter adopted two years ago it was rumored. "Hey, Shiro, over here!" Mel was whispering, but loud enough for her adopted sister to hear. Her family took their place on the other side of the pews while Mel slid over and offered for her sis to sit next to her.
See Mel had been a Silverleaf a little under two years ago, but after she was betrothed to the man she loathed she was forced to leave her family. That included Shiro, whom was easily Melody's favorite family member, "I haven't seen you since my wedding sister, you must tell me how you have been." Her mind had strayed from Slate, as well as making Rams jealous. She now sat waiting for the ceremony to start conversations with her little friend and though they hadn't lnown eachother long before Mel was sent away, Klaus was unamused and sat silently.
Slate York
Slate's head dropped a bit, replaced by a little girl, "stupid Alchamist... Never trust a Wabbaloq," he was whispering to himself. Wabbaloq's were small fuzzy dwarf like creatures who specialized in Alchamy, wood working, and other sorts of craftsmanship. They would probably be damn good smiths too if they didn't have such furry bodies and such short arms.
Slate looked out the window, he hated this, "Klaus got Mel, Rams got this northern woman, and who did he have... His mothers pity, "Sir Mathias," Slate beconned, trying to be mildly polite. "Would you send someone to fetch me some wine?" Slate had known Mathias all his life, and even though he wasn't that old the guard was wise beyond his years. And Slate knew that anything Mathias heard around the castle could be his if only he acted polite and asked. Maybe if Slate turned on the York house one day Mathias would fight at HIS side... But that was a problem for another day.
Ramsley York
The room got quiet all of a sudden as the music began to play, the ceremony had started. Doors opened and the bride walked in, but the smug ol Ramsley dropped his look. His cocky mister meaner fell away, Aelira was beautiful... And the service went forward. The preacher said a great many number of things, before giving Ramsley the opportunity to say his vows, "By the strength of the warrior, wit of the theif, wisdom of the mage, skill of the smith, and kindness of the traveler I Rams of House York swear to be yours... By your gods and mine. Tatsa..." Following his she was to say hers, and then it was done. He was king and she was queen, and no one would ever find out that his father was murdered by Ramsley's own hand.....
As the wedding came closer and closer the doors closed behind the last of the arriving guests. The family of the Thornwood, a Northern Territory of the Sapphire Reach and those named Warden of it by the Althilar House. Who were they? The elvish people of House Silverleaf, accompanied by their young human daughter adopted two years ago it was rumored. "Hey, Shiro, over here!" Mel was whispering, but loud enough for her adopted sister to hear. Her family took their place on the other side of the pews while Mel slid over and offered for her sis to sit next to her.
See Mel had been a Silverleaf a little under two years ago, but after she was betrothed to the man she loathed she was forced to leave her family. That included Shiro, whom was easily Melody's favorite family member, "I haven't seen you since my wedding sister, you must tell me how you have been." Her mind had strayed from Slate, as well as making Rams jealous. She now sat waiting for the ceremony to start conversations with her little friend and though they hadn't lnown eachother long before Mel was sent away, Klaus was unamused and sat silently.
Slate York
Slate's head dropped a bit, replaced by a little girl, "stupid Alchamist... Never trust a Wabbaloq," he was whispering to himself. Wabbaloq's were small fuzzy dwarf like creatures who specialized in Alchamy, wood working, and other sorts of craftsmanship. They would probably be damn good smiths too if they didn't have such furry bodies and such short arms.
Slate looked out the window, he hated this, "Klaus got Mel, Rams got this northern woman, and who did he have... His mothers pity, "Sir Mathias," Slate beconned, trying to be mildly polite. "Would you send someone to fetch me some wine?" Slate had known Mathias all his life, and even though he wasn't that old the guard was wise beyond his years. And Slate knew that anything Mathias heard around the castle could be his if only he acted polite and asked. Maybe if Slate turned on the York house one day Mathias would fight at HIS side... But that was a problem for another day.
Ramsley York
The room got quiet all of a sudden as the music began to play, the ceremony had started. Doors opened and the bride walked in, but the smug ol Ramsley dropped his look. His cocky mister meaner fell away, Aelira was beautiful... And the service went forward. The preacher said a great many number of things, before giving Ramsley the opportunity to say his vows, "By the strength of the warrior, wit of the theif, wisdom of the mage, skill of the smith, and kindness of the traveler I Rams of House York swear to be yours... By your gods and mine. Tatsa..." Following his she was to say hers, and then it was done. He was king and she was queen, and no one would ever find out that his father was murdered by Ramsley's own hand.....
Janessa
The maid's heart filled with dread and sadness as the doors opened to admit her and her mistress into the ceremony space. She wanted to be happy for her - she really did - but she found it so hard to squelch her fears and concerns. When she caught sight of the groom, it didn't help matters - for some reason, just looking at him, she felt she couldn't possibly trust him. But she knew the princess wouldn't possibly hold the same sentiment - she always saw the good in everyone, no matter who they were.
As they made their way down the aisle, she couldn't help but notice a young half-elf man who looked to be about her own age. At first she thought he was looking at her and not Aelira, but she soon dismissed the thought, returning her eyes forward and moving to the side of the alter, ready to assist the princess with anything she might require, even during the ceremony.
Lavinia Althilar
Lavinia's lips plastered themselves into a smile when Aelira entered and she stood, watching her beautiful daughter make her way inside. Maybe she was wrong, she thought desperately, trying to hold on to hope. Maybe her daughter would find happiness and love - at least the courtly kind of love, if it was not romantic. She looked back at her soon-to-be son-in-law and tried to see something in him that made him worthy of her daughter. But though she searched desperately, she couldn't find anything with just her eyes. Her smile faltered, but she tried to hide her doubt, only wanting Aelira to feel her support.
Aelira Althilar
Aelira's heart beat wildly when the doors opened. She felt all eyes turn to her, and her cheeks flushed nervously. She decided to focus on the man waiting for her at the end of the aisle. She smiled widely at him, hiding her nervousness. Before she knew it, she was standing across from him at the alter, taking deep breaths as she listened to the preacher speak. Then, Ramsley said his vows, and she felt her heart jump just the tiniest bit.
She fumbled over her vows, struggling to remember them, but apparently she said something sufficient enough. The preacher, smiling, closed his book and pronounced them married. A surge of emotion - most of it positive, but much of it still uncertain and nervous - rushed through Aelira as she took a deep breath, staring into her new husband's eyes.
Kabeleth Althilar
The uncle-of-the-bride made a show of watching the ceremony, but he was really watching his brother's expression with glee throughout the whole ordeal. Once everyone stood for the end of the ceremony, he took the opportunity to look around the room a little more, trying to identify the members of the House of York so he could begin to worm his way into their lives now that their families were connected.
The maid's heart filled with dread and sadness as the doors opened to admit her and her mistress into the ceremony space. She wanted to be happy for her - she really did - but she found it so hard to squelch her fears and concerns. When she caught sight of the groom, it didn't help matters - for some reason, just looking at him, she felt she couldn't possibly trust him. But she knew the princess wouldn't possibly hold the same sentiment - she always saw the good in everyone, no matter who they were.
As they made their way down the aisle, she couldn't help but notice a young half-elf man who looked to be about her own age. At first she thought he was looking at her and not Aelira, but she soon dismissed the thought, returning her eyes forward and moving to the side of the alter, ready to assist the princess with anything she might require, even during the ceremony.
Lavinia Althilar
Lavinia's lips plastered themselves into a smile when Aelira entered and she stood, watching her beautiful daughter make her way inside. Maybe she was wrong, she thought desperately, trying to hold on to hope. Maybe her daughter would find happiness and love - at least the courtly kind of love, if it was not romantic. She looked back at her soon-to-be son-in-law and tried to see something in him that made him worthy of her daughter. But though she searched desperately, she couldn't find anything with just her eyes. Her smile faltered, but she tried to hide her doubt, only wanting Aelira to feel her support.
Aelira Althilar
Aelira's heart beat wildly when the doors opened. She felt all eyes turn to her, and her cheeks flushed nervously. She decided to focus on the man waiting for her at the end of the aisle. She smiled widely at him, hiding her nervousness. Before she knew it, she was standing across from him at the alter, taking deep breaths as she listened to the preacher speak. Then, Ramsley said his vows, and she felt her heart jump just the tiniest bit.
She fumbled over her vows, struggling to remember them, but apparently she said something sufficient enough. The preacher, smiling, closed his book and pronounced them married. A surge of emotion - most of it positive, but much of it still uncertain and nervous - rushed through Aelira as she took a deep breath, staring into her new husband's eyes.
Kabeleth Althilar
The uncle-of-the-bride made a show of watching the ceremony, but he was really watching his brother's expression with glee throughout the whole ordeal. Once everyone stood for the end of the ceremony, he took the opportunity to look around the room a little more, trying to identify the members of the House of York so he could begin to worm his way into their lives now that their families were connected.
Shiro Silverleaf
'What was that feeling from earlier...' Shiro thought. She was now waiting for the ceremony to start, but she couldnt avoid focusing on that thought. 'It's probably just my imagination, but there was something strange on it...something like hatred?' This thought kept plagging her mind. There's no way that feeling could be her imagination, but she didn't think she did something to get people mad at her, or at least she hoped so...
Her line of thoughts was suddenly broken by a familiar voice. It was Melody, her sister. She offered a sit next to her, which Shiro accepted. She then asked how Shiro has been. "I've been well. I've been training a lot to become strong, too" Shiro says with pride on her voice, "Aside from that though, not much has been going on" she then stops speaking for a few seconds, before continuing, in a lower tone, "However...I felt something weird today...something like hate? directed at me...I dont remember doing something bad though..." She said, "Oh well, it was probably just my imagination, so no need to worry" Shiro quickly shrugged it off.
Soon the music started, followed by the start of the ceremony. "So pretty..." was the only thing she could say. She looked at her surroundings, but quickly returned her gaze at the ceremony in front of her, after seeing everione in the room doing the same. She didn't usually go to places with many people, so she was a bit nervous.
After the ceremony ended, the party began. Shiro felt it again. The strange feel of hatred from earlier. It soon disappeared though, so she decided to ignore it and enjoy the party.
???
On the other side of the room, there was a man wearing mostly black. He stared intently at Shiro before looking away. "Soon..." he said to himself. He was secretly a member of an extremist faction that hated elfs, but he couldnt act yet, since he had to keep his disguise. He then went around greeting the other attendants of the party.
'What was that feeling from earlier...' Shiro thought. She was now waiting for the ceremony to start, but she couldnt avoid focusing on that thought. 'It's probably just my imagination, but there was something strange on it...something like hatred?' This thought kept plagging her mind. There's no way that feeling could be her imagination, but she didn't think she did something to get people mad at her, or at least she hoped so...
Her line of thoughts was suddenly broken by a familiar voice. It was Melody, her sister. She offered a sit next to her, which Shiro accepted. She then asked how Shiro has been. "I've been well. I've been training a lot to become strong, too" Shiro says with pride on her voice, "Aside from that though, not much has been going on" she then stops speaking for a few seconds, before continuing, in a lower tone, "However...I felt something weird today...something like hate? directed at me...I dont remember doing something bad though..." She said, "Oh well, it was probably just my imagination, so no need to worry" Shiro quickly shrugged it off.
Soon the music started, followed by the start of the ceremony. "So pretty..." was the only thing she could say. She looked at her surroundings, but quickly returned her gaze at the ceremony in front of her, after seeing everione in the room doing the same. She didn't usually go to places with many people, so she was a bit nervous.
After the ceremony ended, the party began. Shiro felt it again. The strange feel of hatred from earlier. It soon disappeared though, so she decided to ignore it and enjoy the party.
???
On the other side of the room, there was a man wearing mostly black. He stared intently at Shiro before looking away. "Soon..." he said to himself. He was secretly a member of an extremist faction that hated elfs, but he couldnt act yet, since he had to keep his disguise. He then went around greeting the other attendants of the party.
Mathias
The guard's head turned when his name was called and he turned his attention to the source of the voice, Slate. If there was one of the York boys that he could say he actually liked, it would have to be Slate. He could remember the moment he'd first seen the man, who was not more than a baby at the time. Mathias' mother had been one of the servants that cared for the York children, and thus he had been there to witness them growing up. Even if he was 10 years Slate's elder, he still felt a slight sense of companionship with him.
He nodded in silence at Slate's request and turned to step out of the room. Flagging down the nearest servant, he passed along the request and then stood by the door until the servant returned. Stepping back into the ceremony, which was now in progress and nearing the end, he moved to Slate offering him a glass of the wine, keeping the bottle in his hands so as to not burden a member of the York family with a task like refilling a drink. While his gaze wandered the room, he said nothing.
Synthia
As the bride arrived at the ceremony, Synthia was more than happy to slip away from behind the bride to take up a position near a wall to keep watch over the ceremony. She noted the sight of Mathias stepping out of the room, and then resumed scanning the room in silence. Mathias' return was noted, but she didn't consider it to be anything of consequence.
She did notice the Druid wizard standing off to the side and grimaced in silence. That man seemed to have made it his job to disrupt her she needed to be focused and irritate her when she was trying to get something done. Whatever his purpose was, it frustrated her and she had to force herself to focus on the ceremony so she wouldn't get any more irritated than she already was. But, her expression gave away nothing, maintaining its emotionless facade.
Colin
When the bride came in and her companion was with her, Colin straightened up, gazing in silent fascination at the beautiful maiden. Then, she saw him, and he wasn't sure what to do, but he forced himself to look away and scan the room to make sure everything was in order. She looked at me! She saw me! His mind was spinning, and he was too excited to really focus on anything other than the fact that he'd made eye contact with the bride's maid. An almost childish but very giddy grin was all over his face as he let himself sneak peeks at the pretty girl. He could only hope he might find a chance to introduce himself eventually.
The guard's head turned when his name was called and he turned his attention to the source of the voice, Slate. If there was one of the York boys that he could say he actually liked, it would have to be Slate. He could remember the moment he'd first seen the man, who was not more than a baby at the time. Mathias' mother had been one of the servants that cared for the York children, and thus he had been there to witness them growing up. Even if he was 10 years Slate's elder, he still felt a slight sense of companionship with him.
He nodded in silence at Slate's request and turned to step out of the room. Flagging down the nearest servant, he passed along the request and then stood by the door until the servant returned. Stepping back into the ceremony, which was now in progress and nearing the end, he moved to Slate offering him a glass of the wine, keeping the bottle in his hands so as to not burden a member of the York family with a task like refilling a drink. While his gaze wandered the room, he said nothing.
Synthia
As the bride arrived at the ceremony, Synthia was more than happy to slip away from behind the bride to take up a position near a wall to keep watch over the ceremony. She noted the sight of Mathias stepping out of the room, and then resumed scanning the room in silence. Mathias' return was noted, but she didn't consider it to be anything of consequence.
She did notice the Druid wizard standing off to the side and grimaced in silence. That man seemed to have made it his job to disrupt her she needed to be focused and irritate her when she was trying to get something done. Whatever his purpose was, it frustrated her and she had to force herself to focus on the ceremony so she wouldn't get any more irritated than she already was. But, her expression gave away nothing, maintaining its emotionless facade.
Colin
When the bride came in and her companion was with her, Colin straightened up, gazing in silent fascination at the beautiful maiden. Then, she saw him, and he wasn't sure what to do, but he forced himself to look away and scan the room to make sure everything was in order. She looked at me! She saw me! His mind was spinning, and he was too excited to really focus on anything other than the fact that he'd made eye contact with the bride's maid. An almost childish but very giddy grin was all over his face as he let himself sneak peeks at the pretty girl. He could only hope he might find a chance to introduce himself eventually.
Ramsley York
As the party got underway guests drank their fill as York sat next to his new bride. Apart from their vows they hadn't spoken much, he wanted to know what kind of person she was. Was she trust worthy enough? Was she going to flip out if Mel threatened her?? Was she good in b, "pour me another," Rams said to Colin seeing him stand near by. "And tell the servants that there should be more Fire Band Rum on the Wedding parties table along with more Red Wave Wine... Only the best stuff." He had earned the right to be a bit of a snob in his eyes, but only Mathias knew.
He had stood by the Kings side as York was beaten over and over every day. The king hadn't beaten Slate or abused Klaus, they were his perfect nephews. "So," Ramsley said turning to Aelira, "what's your story?" Rams had heard of an assassin trying to kill her on the road, some man wearing black and hooded. "They tell me an assassin tried to kill you, you fight him off yourself?" York chuckled, getting a bit more intoxicated then he had originally planned.
Klaus York
"Look at her," Klaus had been bombarding Slate all night with his angered opinions of Mel who was still conversating with her elf family. "She makes goo goo eyes at Rams for the last few months and now that he's married she has just stopped speaking to me." Klaus, unlike Slate or Rams, but very much like his mother and the desist king, was a racist. He hated elves with a passion, "I can't believe she is doing this to me, I thought as soon as he was married she'd stop with her dumb fantasies, but now she has just shut me out all together." Klaus sighed waving at Synthia pretending to be happy, "I hate elves," he was still looking at Sythia but his voice was only for Slate to hear.
Klaus had been one of the people to train Synthia in the art of the sword. He didn't really think of her as a friend or a little sister as one might expect, more of a rival. She had gotten very strong and they still sparred from time to time, but despite her place on the Ivory Guard, he hoped to be the one to remove her head from her shoulders one day. Not out of anger, just because he wanted to prove that no woman should be on the Ivory Guard. He'd never say it, but no lady is fit to hold a blade, they only hold wine chalices and husbands hands. "And I hate weddings..."
Victoria York
Approaching the hooded man she offered him a cup of wine, "you are such a fool," she whispered to him under your breathe. "I hired you to murder Princess Aelira, and you fail, instead you set your prev eyes on that Silverleaf bastardette..." Victoria was not queen of the Far Horne but she was probably the queen of elf haters, she was the most racist woman in all of Rhaynos said an elf published news scroll. Needless to say that scribe wasn't alive for a few days more.
As the party got underway guests drank their fill as York sat next to his new bride. Apart from their vows they hadn't spoken much, he wanted to know what kind of person she was. Was she trust worthy enough? Was she going to flip out if Mel threatened her?? Was she good in b, "pour me another," Rams said to Colin seeing him stand near by. "And tell the servants that there should be more Fire Band Rum on the Wedding parties table along with more Red Wave Wine... Only the best stuff." He had earned the right to be a bit of a snob in his eyes, but only Mathias knew.
He had stood by the Kings side as York was beaten over and over every day. The king hadn't beaten Slate or abused Klaus, they were his perfect nephews. "So," Ramsley said turning to Aelira, "what's your story?" Rams had heard of an assassin trying to kill her on the road, some man wearing black and hooded. "They tell me an assassin tried to kill you, you fight him off yourself?" York chuckled, getting a bit more intoxicated then he had originally planned.
Klaus York
"Look at her," Klaus had been bombarding Slate all night with his angered opinions of Mel who was still conversating with her elf family. "She makes goo goo eyes at Rams for the last few months and now that he's married she has just stopped speaking to me." Klaus, unlike Slate or Rams, but very much like his mother and the desist king, was a racist. He hated elves with a passion, "I can't believe she is doing this to me, I thought as soon as he was married she'd stop with her dumb fantasies, but now she has just shut me out all together." Klaus sighed waving at Synthia pretending to be happy, "I hate elves," he was still looking at Sythia but his voice was only for Slate to hear.
Klaus had been one of the people to train Synthia in the art of the sword. He didn't really think of her as a friend or a little sister as one might expect, more of a rival. She had gotten very strong and they still sparred from time to time, but despite her place on the Ivory Guard, he hoped to be the one to remove her head from her shoulders one day. Not out of anger, just because he wanted to prove that no woman should be on the Ivory Guard. He'd never say it, but no lady is fit to hold a blade, they only hold wine chalices and husbands hands. "And I hate weddings..."
Victoria York
Approaching the hooded man she offered him a cup of wine, "you are such a fool," she whispered to him under your breathe. "I hired you to murder Princess Aelira, and you fail, instead you set your prev eyes on that Silverleaf bastardette..." Victoria was not queen of the Far Horne but she was probably the queen of elf haters, she was the most racist woman in all of Rhaynos said an elf published news scroll. Needless to say that scribe wasn't alive for a few days more.
???
The man chuckles lightly at Victoria's words, "So you haven't noticed it yet, eh? I guess that's a normal person for you" he said, "This isn't the time nor place to this discuss, so i'll just tell you this: You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, and besides, it will take some time before I can try again. Gotta keep appearances, you know?" and with that said, he away from her, and went to the window to get some fresh air.
"Things are starting to get interesting..." he said to himself, amused.
Shiro
Even though it was a party, Shiro felt quite nervous around all those nobles and such, so she went for a stroll to get some fresh air.
It was dark outside when she left. It didn't really matter to her though, since she liked the nigth sky, mainly because walking during nigth was cooler, but she also liked the starry sky.
She was walking through the forest, wandering aimlessly. 'Today was a kinda nice, i guess', she thought. However, she felt something watch her as she walked trough the nigth and, without warning, a beast suddenly tried to attack her. She was caugth by surprise, and was nearly hit, but thanks to her reflexes and some luck, she managed to avoid being hit. The creature resembled a bear, but there was something wrong with it, namely it's red, glowing eyes and the malice it transmited. The creature's thirst for blood was enough to send shivers down ger spine, but she couldn't afford to run. If she just let it be, it might hurt -and possibly kill- other travelers. No she had to defeat the mosnter here and now, but how? She had no weapon, and for some reason she couldn't use anything besides white magic. The creature lunged and attacked her again, attack which she once again avoided. "It's my turn now!" she shouted has she jumped and did a hell drop kick against the creature, to which it only flinched before resuming the attack. However Shiro left no time for the creature to recover as she started darting around, hiting the creature all over the place. This, however, was soon proved to be useless, as the creature barely felt the pain of the continuous attacks.
It was a dire situation. She was getting tired, and the creature only seemed to get angrier at her failed attempts to hurt it. She let her guard down for a moment, and the creature hit her with enough strength to throw her into a tree.
"Gah!" she gasped, as the pain ran trough her body. The creature started aproaching her again, it's glowing eyes staring maliciously at her. She could barely move. She was desperatly searching for a solution, but couldn't think of anything.
'Is this...the end?', she thought. There was no escape from that situation, but she refused to give up. 'No, i wont let it end like this! I won't accept this end!', she thought as she stood up, suddenly feeling her body ligther than before. "I will...live!" She shouted, and then something unexpected happened.
She felt imense power running trough her body. A golden, angel like emblem appeared on her left eye. "This is the end.", she declared as the cretured lunged at her once again. However, she disappeared before the attack could hit her, reapearing behind the creature. "This is the end." she declared as a magic circle appeared below the creature. "Disappear!" She shouted as a torrent of light erupted from the ground and destroyed the creature, leaving no remainings behind.
"I...did it..!" she said, before collapsing on the ground from exaustion, the emblem on her eye disappearing.
The man chuckles lightly at Victoria's words, "So you haven't noticed it yet, eh? I guess that's a normal person for you" he said, "This isn't the time nor place to this discuss, so i'll just tell you this: You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, and besides, it will take some time before I can try again. Gotta keep appearances, you know?" and with that said, he away from her, and went to the window to get some fresh air.
"Things are starting to get interesting..." he said to himself, amused.
Shiro
Even though it was a party, Shiro felt quite nervous around all those nobles and such, so she went for a stroll to get some fresh air.
It was dark outside when she left. It didn't really matter to her though, since she liked the nigth sky, mainly because walking during nigth was cooler, but she also liked the starry sky.
She was walking through the forest, wandering aimlessly. 'Today was a kinda nice, i guess', she thought. However, she felt something watch her as she walked trough the nigth and, without warning, a beast suddenly tried to attack her. She was caugth by surprise, and was nearly hit, but thanks to her reflexes and some luck, she managed to avoid being hit. The creature resembled a bear, but there was something wrong with it, namely it's red, glowing eyes and the malice it transmited. The creature's thirst for blood was enough to send shivers down ger spine, but she couldn't afford to run. If she just let it be, it might hurt -and possibly kill- other travelers. No she had to defeat the mosnter here and now, but how? She had no weapon, and for some reason she couldn't use anything besides white magic. The creature lunged and attacked her again, attack which she once again avoided. "It's my turn now!" she shouted has she jumped and did a hell drop kick against the creature, to which it only flinched before resuming the attack. However Shiro left no time for the creature to recover as she started darting around, hiting the creature all over the place. This, however, was soon proved to be useless, as the creature barely felt the pain of the continuous attacks.
It was a dire situation. She was getting tired, and the creature only seemed to get angrier at her failed attempts to hurt it. She let her guard down for a moment, and the creature hit her with enough strength to throw her into a tree.
"Gah!" she gasped, as the pain ran trough her body. The creature started aproaching her again, it's glowing eyes staring maliciously at her. She could barely move. She was desperatly searching for a solution, but couldn't think of anything.
'Is this...the end?', she thought. There was no escape from that situation, but she refused to give up. 'No, i wont let it end like this! I won't accept this end!', she thought as she stood up, suddenly feeling her body ligther than before. "I will...live!" She shouted, and then something unexpected happened.
She felt imense power running trough her body. A golden, angel like emblem appeared on her left eye. "This is the end.", she declared as the cretured lunged at her once again. However, she disappeared before the attack could hit her, reapearing behind the creature. "This is the end." she declared as a magic circle appeared below the creature. "Disappear!" She shouted as a torrent of light erupted from the ground and destroyed the creature, leaving no remainings behind.
"I...did it..!" she said, before collapsing on the ground from exaustion, the emblem on her eye disappearing.
Aelira Althilar
She was married! It was a strange, very strange, thought. Especially to be married to someone she had just met. She was incredibly shy - so much more shy than normal - during the beginning of the celebrations as they sat down to eat. What do you say in this situation? What questions do you ask first?
When he started the conversation, she immediately relaxed, smiling at him. He appeared to be enjoying his drink, but she didn't let that bother her - this was a cause for celebration, after all. When he suggested that she herself fought off an assassin, she laughed loudly, a gay, musical sound. "Oh, no. I have a bit of practice with a bow and arrow, but I'm rather helpless in a fight, I'm afraid. One thing I do happen to excel at, however, is riding, and my horse, Everlyn, is quite fast and does not scare easily. I ran off while the guards took care of the situation."
She looked sideways at her maid and trusted friend, who was standing close by, still waiting to attend to her at any moment. She momentarily turned towards the girl, a friendly smile on her face. "Enjoy the festivities, Janessa, please. Eat, drink, dance! If I need anything, I'll be sure to find you in the crowd."
Janessa
Janessa hesitated, not wanting to leave Aelira's side, but curtsied and obeyed her instruction. She moved away from the table and into the crowd, truly not knowing what to do with herself, glancing back at her princess every chance she had. She wasn't paying attention to anyone else in the room. She tried to appear as if she were enjoying herself, to appease Aelira, but was just as nervous as ever. From the little she had heard Ramsley speak, she did not like him. Not one bit. And she grew increasingly worried about him changing Aelira's nature in one way or another.
Kabeleth Althilar
Once the reveling was under way, the bride's uncle made his way through the crowd to stand next to the disinterested druid wizard against the wall. He did not let recognition show on his face, but he happened to be acquainted with Triss Strider, though he wished to keep this acquaintance a secret. Unbeknownst to his brother's family or anyone at large, Kabeleth was a sorcerer. He kept his abilities a secret so as to be able to use them without casting suspicion on himself, but there were a select few who were aware of at least some of Kabeleth's power. Triss was one of these, and Kabeleth happened to like the druid - he liked his sense of humor.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked the wizard, a small smirk on his face.
She was married! It was a strange, very strange, thought. Especially to be married to someone she had just met. She was incredibly shy - so much more shy than normal - during the beginning of the celebrations as they sat down to eat. What do you say in this situation? What questions do you ask first?
When he started the conversation, she immediately relaxed, smiling at him. He appeared to be enjoying his drink, but she didn't let that bother her - this was a cause for celebration, after all. When he suggested that she herself fought off an assassin, she laughed loudly, a gay, musical sound. "Oh, no. I have a bit of practice with a bow and arrow, but I'm rather helpless in a fight, I'm afraid. One thing I do happen to excel at, however, is riding, and my horse, Everlyn, is quite fast and does not scare easily. I ran off while the guards took care of the situation."
She looked sideways at her maid and trusted friend, who was standing close by, still waiting to attend to her at any moment. She momentarily turned towards the girl, a friendly smile on her face. "Enjoy the festivities, Janessa, please. Eat, drink, dance! If I need anything, I'll be sure to find you in the crowd."
Janessa
Janessa hesitated, not wanting to leave Aelira's side, but curtsied and obeyed her instruction. She moved away from the table and into the crowd, truly not knowing what to do with herself, glancing back at her princess every chance she had. She wasn't paying attention to anyone else in the room. She tried to appear as if she were enjoying herself, to appease Aelira, but was just as nervous as ever. From the little she had heard Ramsley speak, she did not like him. Not one bit. And she grew increasingly worried about him changing Aelira's nature in one way or another.
Kabeleth Althilar
Once the reveling was under way, the bride's uncle made his way through the crowd to stand next to the disinterested druid wizard against the wall. He did not let recognition show on his face, but he happened to be acquainted with Triss Strider, though he wished to keep this acquaintance a secret. Unbeknownst to his brother's family or anyone at large, Kabeleth was a sorcerer. He kept his abilities a secret so as to be able to use them without casting suspicion on himself, but there were a select few who were aware of at least some of Kabeleth's power. Triss was one of these, and Kabeleth happened to like the druid - he liked his sense of humor.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked the wizard, a small smirk on his face.
Colin
With the actual ceremony over, it was only natural for the guards to follow the party into the dining hall. When Ramsley told Colin to pour him another drink, he stepped forwards and did as he'd been told. Even if he technically wasn't a servant with that kind of job, he still obeyed. He briefly turned his friendly gaze on the Princess, "What about you, Milady, would you also like another drink?" No matter what her answer was, he complied before turning to find a servant. But of course there wasn't one in visual range at that moment, so he moved to search the room.
In the crowd he had to navigate carefully, and occupied with his task, he didn't see until to late when he bumped into someone. Looking down quickly, his face paled briefly before his cheeks turned red when he realized he'd bumped into the pretty girl he'd seen before. "Ah... um... E-excuse me, I did not see you there. Are you hurt?"
Triss Strider
The Druid wizard glanced up briefly when he was approached and a smirk tugged at his lips. "What do you think? I'd rather watch a race between turtles than this." He snorted softly to himself, he hated formal occasions. Then, he stretched slightly and tossed the green orb from one hand to the other casually. "I ask myself everyday why I'm still here when I know for a fact, I hate living among nobles. Loud, obnoxious, air-heads, the lot of them." Shaking his head to himself, he glanced at Kabeleth. "What about yourself? Delighted to see your niece getting married, I imagine?" He had an inkling of the resentment that Kabeleth had for his brother.
Leaning back against the wall, he murmured for only Kabeleth to hear, "You know, my favorite thing about weddings is knowing that people will get laid tonight." Chuckling, he shrugged his shoulders slightly. "And they know, that everyone knows that they will be at it. I cannot imagine the pressure they would be feeling right now."
The motion of a certain woman with white hair caught his attention for a moment and he casually extended a leg to hinder her next step, intending to trip her.
Synthia
As for Synthia, she cared little for the party-goers or the event, simply wandering in silence, watching everything. Naturally, she saw when Klaus waved to her and nodded in acknowledgement. Her relationship to him was awkward, he had helped her learn to use a sword, and yet, she didn't particularly trust him. Not that she really trusted any of the Yorks. But this new Princess, she seemed pretty honest. Here's to hoping that staying with the Yorks will not corrupt her completely. She thought to herself.
Briefly distracted by her thoughts and preoccupation with watching for danger, she failed to see it when that blasted wizard moved his foot to trip her. Unfortunately for him, her reflexes kicked in and she actually threw herself into the momentum, catching the ground with her hands as her legs sailed up and over, then found the ground on the other side. She landed an almost perfect round off and glared briefly at Triss Strider before turning away to continue her task of maintaining security.
With the actual ceremony over, it was only natural for the guards to follow the party into the dining hall. When Ramsley told Colin to pour him another drink, he stepped forwards and did as he'd been told. Even if he technically wasn't a servant with that kind of job, he still obeyed. He briefly turned his friendly gaze on the Princess, "What about you, Milady, would you also like another drink?" No matter what her answer was, he complied before turning to find a servant. But of course there wasn't one in visual range at that moment, so he moved to search the room.
In the crowd he had to navigate carefully, and occupied with his task, he didn't see until to late when he bumped into someone. Looking down quickly, his face paled briefly before his cheeks turned red when he realized he'd bumped into the pretty girl he'd seen before. "Ah... um... E-excuse me, I did not see you there. Are you hurt?"
Triss Strider
The Druid wizard glanced up briefly when he was approached and a smirk tugged at his lips. "What do you think? I'd rather watch a race between turtles than this." He snorted softly to himself, he hated formal occasions. Then, he stretched slightly and tossed the green orb from one hand to the other casually. "I ask myself everyday why I'm still here when I know for a fact, I hate living among nobles. Loud, obnoxious, air-heads, the lot of them." Shaking his head to himself, he glanced at Kabeleth. "What about yourself? Delighted to see your niece getting married, I imagine?" He had an inkling of the resentment that Kabeleth had for his brother.
Leaning back against the wall, he murmured for only Kabeleth to hear, "You know, my favorite thing about weddings is knowing that people will get laid tonight." Chuckling, he shrugged his shoulders slightly. "And they know, that everyone knows that they will be at it. I cannot imagine the pressure they would be feeling right now."
The motion of a certain woman with white hair caught his attention for a moment and he casually extended a leg to hinder her next step, intending to trip her.
Synthia
As for Synthia, she cared little for the party-goers or the event, simply wandering in silence, watching everything. Naturally, she saw when Klaus waved to her and nodded in acknowledgement. Her relationship to him was awkward, he had helped her learn to use a sword, and yet, she didn't particularly trust him. Not that she really trusted any of the Yorks. But this new Princess, she seemed pretty honest. Here's to hoping that staying with the Yorks will not corrupt her completely. She thought to herself.
Briefly distracted by her thoughts and preoccupation with watching for danger, she failed to see it when that blasted wizard moved his foot to trip her. Unfortunately for him, her reflexes kicked in and she actually threw herself into the momentum, catching the ground with her hands as her legs sailed up and over, then found the ground on the other side. She landed an almost perfect round off and glared briefly at Triss Strider before turning away to continue her task of maintaining security.
Slate York
Slate was unhappy that Mel went off to bed when her former family went to rest at "Her House" the local inn for visiting Nobles. Klaus had followed soon after leaving the bastard alone with drunks and guards, he sighed as he headed out to the grand balcony and looked down, "This is where my Uncle Harry died..." He was talking to Aelira's parents, a king killed right before he was about to rule half the world..." Rumors had been spreading that after this collision of houses the king was going to invade Loqwood to the south, "maybe one of those fuzzy dwarves sent an assassin to kill him. That's what your new son in law thought anyway, that's why they executed a Wabbaloq servant for the murder." He looked over to see if they were too drunk to listen to such stories, no matter the answer, he continued.
"I don't think anyone really believes a little three foot tall Wabbaloq killed the king, pushed Harry the Strong from a balcony." Slate chuckled, a bit intoxicated himself. "That would be quite the sight though," getting back on topic he ended with, "I wonder what my uncle thought on the way down, before he painted the castle steps I mean..."
Victoria York
Having started drinking much earlier then the rest of the guests she was vomiting into a plant at the top of the grand staircase, "Synthia, hold my hair!" She spat into the plant, "I don't wish to stain my hair with more vomit then need bee..." Vomit spewed out of her face as she released her dinner into the fern. She had seen the guard captain out of the corner of her eye and obviously needed help. Apart from the feeling of being miserable and drunk she wondered what the assassin meant by what he said, no that it mattered. The man had failed to kill Aelira and now Rams was officially king.
"You know Syn," Victoria had lost control as she pulled her hair from his grip and turned to face him. "Did I ever tell you that Slate was a..." She looked around, still very much intoxicated, "Slate is the bastard son of King Harry... He should be getting married today, he should," turning she puked coving the already purple, chunky, soil with more liquid waste of wine and fine food. "He should be king right now, not Ramsley..." The woman's eyes rolled backwards as she passed out on the steps leaving the guard with the knowledge that Rams may not actually be king... But she was drunk so who could say if it was true or not.
Ramsley York
Rams was continuing to conversate with his new wife. The party had cleared out a great amount and only the guards, Althilars, and a few straggling guests remained, no more then twenty people left... It was almost one in the morning my now after all, but if people were still enjoying themselves his duty was here. He and his bride would have to wait a bit longer before going to the bedroom for now, "tell me a story of your past," Rams asked, "tell me something I'd never expect to hear from and Elf country Arian princess..."
Slate was unhappy that Mel went off to bed when her former family went to rest at "Her House" the local inn for visiting Nobles. Klaus had followed soon after leaving the bastard alone with drunks and guards, he sighed as he headed out to the grand balcony and looked down, "This is where my Uncle Harry died..." He was talking to Aelira's parents, a king killed right before he was about to rule half the world..." Rumors had been spreading that after this collision of houses the king was going to invade Loqwood to the south, "maybe one of those fuzzy dwarves sent an assassin to kill him. That's what your new son in law thought anyway, that's why they executed a Wabbaloq servant for the murder." He looked over to see if they were too drunk to listen to such stories, no matter the answer, he continued.
"I don't think anyone really believes a little three foot tall Wabbaloq killed the king, pushed Harry the Strong from a balcony." Slate chuckled, a bit intoxicated himself. "That would be quite the sight though," getting back on topic he ended with, "I wonder what my uncle thought on the way down, before he painted the castle steps I mean..."
Victoria York
Having started drinking much earlier then the rest of the guests she was vomiting into a plant at the top of the grand staircase, "Synthia, hold my hair!" She spat into the plant, "I don't wish to stain my hair with more vomit then need bee..." Vomit spewed out of her face as she released her dinner into the fern. She had seen the guard captain out of the corner of her eye and obviously needed help. Apart from the feeling of being miserable and drunk she wondered what the assassin meant by what he said, no that it mattered. The man had failed to kill Aelira and now Rams was officially king.
"You know Syn," Victoria had lost control as she pulled her hair from his grip and turned to face him. "Did I ever tell you that Slate was a..." She looked around, still very much intoxicated, "Slate is the bastard son of King Harry... He should be getting married today, he should," turning she puked coving the already purple, chunky, soil with more liquid waste of wine and fine food. "He should be king right now, not Ramsley..." The woman's eyes rolled backwards as she passed out on the steps leaving the guard with the knowledge that Rams may not actually be king... But she was drunk so who could say if it was true or not.
Ramsley York
Rams was continuing to conversate with his new wife. The party had cleared out a great amount and only the guards, Althilars, and a few straggling guests remained, no more then twenty people left... It was almost one in the morning my now after all, but if people were still enjoying themselves his duty was here. He and his bride would have to wait a bit longer before going to the bedroom for now, "tell me a story of your past," Rams asked, "tell me something I'd never expect to hear from and Elf country Arian princess..."
Janessa
When the half-elf man bumped into her, Janessa had stumbled just enough to lose her balance and she fell on her bum. She looked up and met his gaze, recognizing him from the ceremony. Quickly, she gathered herself and scrambled to her feet, straightening out her skirt as she did so.
"I'm all right, thank you," she said, looking awkwardly back at him. She felt uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her, thought she couldn't quite explain why. But she decided that it would be impolite to simply walk away, and so, with a small inward sigh, she said, "I'm Janessa. Personal maid to Her High-" She cleared her throat. "Excuse me, Her Majesty. What's your name?"
Kabeleth Althilar
Kabeleth's lips curved into an amused smirk at Triss's words. He chuckled at the wordless interchange between the druid and the rather pretty guard, waiting for the woman to move a bit further away before saying anything.
"I must admit, I was surprised to find you here, Strider," he said, taking a sip of his drink as he observed the rest of the guests from a distance. "It makes me wonder what might be going on in that little head of yours - if there's any mischief afoot."
He sounded rather hopeful that there was.
Lavinia Althilar
Lavinia wrinkled her nose in disgust at Slate's choice of conversation. It was incredibly distasteful, and inappropriate. She would have thought the same in any circumstance, but at a wedding no less -
"Excuse me, Dear," she said in a cold voice, turning toward her husband, "but I believe I am going to retire for the evening. I will congratulate our daughter once more and then return to my room. Good night."
And she left without waiting for a response.
Lahbras Althilar
It was just as well that Lavinia left without waiting for word from her husband. He was far too drunk to register half of what she was saying anyway, particularly because his thoughts were too focused on what Slate was saying (even if he wasn't quite making out every word). He looked sideways at the young man. "He was probably thinking about how everything he'd worked for had been stolen from him," Lahbras spat, looking over the balcony as well. He couldn't care less what the king had been thinking about, to be honest - he was too worked up in his own anguish at losing his power, unable even to congratulate his daughter when the reception started. He had taken refuge on the balcony to avoid having to speak to anyone, but Slate seemed to be decent enough company for a resentful once-king, so he remained.
Aelira Althilar
Aelira laughed at Ramsley's request. "Oh, I'm afraid there are a great many of those," she said with a slightly mischievous smile. Then she thought for a moment before launching into a story.
"Growing up, I had a bad habit of running off into the forest on my own." She laughed again. "Well, honestly I still struggle with holding in the impulse. But when I was quite young - I think around eight years old - I managed to escape my attendants and find my way into the woods. It was the middle of winter, and I was transfixed by the snow on the trees."
Her lips curved into a soft smile at the memory. "It was like stepping into another world. Everything was so beautiful, and so calm. I was lost in there for hours, but for some reason, I never felt frightened. The cold just felt like a friendly hug to me. I didn't realize how dangerous it was, and I let myself fall asleep under a tree. When I awoke, I couldn't understand how I'd gotten back into the castle or why I felt so weak, least of all why my parents looked so worried."
She shook her head at herself, catching Ramsley's eye before looking forward again. "I was a silly girl," she said quietly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I never knew what was good for me and what wasn't, I always just ended up following my impulses. Still do at times. I just couldn't understand how something so beautiful could also be so dangerous."
At the tale end of her words, her mother quickly stopped by to say good night to her and her new husband. Aelira noticed that her smile seemed a bit forced, but didn't let it bother her. Her concern was only natural - she was her mother, after all.
When the half-elf man bumped into her, Janessa had stumbled just enough to lose her balance and she fell on her bum. She looked up and met his gaze, recognizing him from the ceremony. Quickly, she gathered herself and scrambled to her feet, straightening out her skirt as she did so.
"I'm all right, thank you," she said, looking awkwardly back at him. She felt uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her, thought she couldn't quite explain why. But she decided that it would be impolite to simply walk away, and so, with a small inward sigh, she said, "I'm Janessa. Personal maid to Her High-" She cleared her throat. "Excuse me, Her Majesty. What's your name?"
Kabeleth Althilar
Kabeleth's lips curved into an amused smirk at Triss's words. He chuckled at the wordless interchange between the druid and the rather pretty guard, waiting for the woman to move a bit further away before saying anything.
"I must admit, I was surprised to find you here, Strider," he said, taking a sip of his drink as he observed the rest of the guests from a distance. "It makes me wonder what might be going on in that little head of yours - if there's any mischief afoot."
He sounded rather hopeful that there was.
Lavinia Althilar
Lavinia wrinkled her nose in disgust at Slate's choice of conversation. It was incredibly distasteful, and inappropriate. She would have thought the same in any circumstance, but at a wedding no less -
"Excuse me, Dear," she said in a cold voice, turning toward her husband, "but I believe I am going to retire for the evening. I will congratulate our daughter once more and then return to my room. Good night."
And she left without waiting for a response.
Lahbras Althilar
It was just as well that Lavinia left without waiting for word from her husband. He was far too drunk to register half of what she was saying anyway, particularly because his thoughts were too focused on what Slate was saying (even if he wasn't quite making out every word). He looked sideways at the young man. "He was probably thinking about how everything he'd worked for had been stolen from him," Lahbras spat, looking over the balcony as well. He couldn't care less what the king had been thinking about, to be honest - he was too worked up in his own anguish at losing his power, unable even to congratulate his daughter when the reception started. He had taken refuge on the balcony to avoid having to speak to anyone, but Slate seemed to be decent enough company for a resentful once-king, so he remained.
Aelira Althilar
Aelira laughed at Ramsley's request. "Oh, I'm afraid there are a great many of those," she said with a slightly mischievous smile. Then she thought for a moment before launching into a story.
"Growing up, I had a bad habit of running off into the forest on my own." She laughed again. "Well, honestly I still struggle with holding in the impulse. But when I was quite young - I think around eight years old - I managed to escape my attendants and find my way into the woods. It was the middle of winter, and I was transfixed by the snow on the trees."
Her lips curved into a soft smile at the memory. "It was like stepping into another world. Everything was so beautiful, and so calm. I was lost in there for hours, but for some reason, I never felt frightened. The cold just felt like a friendly hug to me. I didn't realize how dangerous it was, and I let myself fall asleep under a tree. When I awoke, I couldn't understand how I'd gotten back into the castle or why I felt so weak, least of all why my parents looked so worried."
She shook her head at herself, catching Ramsley's eye before looking forward again. "I was a silly girl," she said quietly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I never knew what was good for me and what wasn't, I always just ended up following my impulses. Still do at times. I just couldn't understand how something so beautiful could also be so dangerous."
At the tale end of her words, her mother quickly stopped by to say good night to her and her new husband. Aelira noticed that her smile seemed a bit forced, but didn't let it bother her. Her concern was only natural - she was her mother, after all.
Helion Silverleaf Elf, ???
Helion is the leader of the Silverleaf house. Upon request of Aelira's father, he was going to the council room the next day, though he wasn't sure why as of yet. He looked around and noticed Shiro wasn't anywhere to be seen. 'Hmm...she probably went outside, she's not used to this kind of fancy parties yet...' he thought. "That kid is always giving me trouble..." he says to himself, with a small smile on his face. He was already used to her suddenly leaving like that, though he still felt a bit troubled by that habit of hers. He wondered how she would always sneak out without anyone noticing, after all, it's not everyday you see a young girl with long, silvery-blue hair and silver eyes.
He sighs, knowing there's nothing he can do about it.
"Oh well, i'm sure she's fine, she wouldn't go very far into the forest."
-Meanwhile-
Shiro
Shiro was stuck in a dream. She was looking at a village she doesn't remember ever seeing before, yet they had a familiar feeling to it. Everione was happy and having fun, and yet it somehow pained her heart.
Suddenly, the dream becomes a nigthmare. The scenery changes and she sees what she supposes are the ruins of said village. She was alone, staring at the destruction before her,unable to do anything about it.
"why..." she said to herself, "Why does it feel so painfull...I...don't even know this place...and yet...", tears were flowing from her eyes non-stop, "Why...does it hurt...it's unfair..."
Suddenly, shadowy figures appear out of nowhere, and start running towards her. Now in panic, she runs with all her migth, trying to lose the shadows running after her.
On the real world, Shiro was still unconscious. She was breathing heavily and her eyes were a bit teary, probably due to the nigthmare.
Helion is the leader of the Silverleaf house. Upon request of Aelira's father, he was going to the council room the next day, though he wasn't sure why as of yet. He looked around and noticed Shiro wasn't anywhere to be seen. 'Hmm...she probably went outside, she's not used to this kind of fancy parties yet...' he thought. "That kid is always giving me trouble..." he says to himself, with a small smile on his face. He was already used to her suddenly leaving like that, though he still felt a bit troubled by that habit of hers. He wondered how she would always sneak out without anyone noticing, after all, it's not everyday you see a young girl with long, silvery-blue hair and silver eyes.
He sighs, knowing there's nothing he can do about it.
"Oh well, i'm sure she's fine, she wouldn't go very far into the forest."
-Meanwhile-
Shiro
Shiro was stuck in a dream. She was looking at a village she doesn't remember ever seeing before, yet they had a familiar feeling to it. Everione was happy and having fun, and yet it somehow pained her heart.
Suddenly, the dream becomes a nigthmare. The scenery changes and she sees what she supposes are the ruins of said village. She was alone, staring at the destruction before her,unable to do anything about it.
"why..." she said to herself, "Why does it feel so painfull...I...don't even know this place...and yet...", tears were flowing from her eyes non-stop, "Why...does it hurt...it's unfair..."
Suddenly, shadowy figures appear out of nowhere, and start running towards her. Now in panic, she runs with all her migth, trying to lose the shadows running after her.
On the real world, Shiro was still unconscious. She was breathing heavily and her eyes were a bit teary, probably due to the nigthmare.
Synthia
The sound of Victoria York's voice calling her name made Synthia turn to look at the woman's predicament. She didn't hesitate to comply with the request, pulling her hair back gently and holding it while the woman retched out the contents of her stomach. Observing the entire thing in silence, she just held Victoria's hair back. It took a lot of self control to maintain a blank expression when the smell of the vomit reached her nose, but she managed to pull it off.
As Victoria straightened up, she let go of her hair, listening as the woman spoke to her. Her face paled at Victoria's words, but she didn't say anything, catching the woman's hair when she went to vomit again. Could it really be? She wasn't able to think it over as Lady Victoria passed out. Sighing to herself, she picked up Lady Victoria in her arms and carried her to her private quarters. Better to not have the guests seeing a passed out member of the York family. When she walked into the room, she glanced at a maid who happened to be in the room and snapped out orders, "Get me a wet cloth, and help me clean her up." After a moment of stunned silence, the maid sprang into action and ran out of the room to get what she needed.
Carefully, Synthia settled the Lady on her bed, cautious to not let stray vomit get onto Lady York's clothing or nice blankets on the bed. The maid returned and helped her clean up Lady York. Then, she opted to stand by until Lady York woke up or Slate came, better to make sure that nothing happened and prevent the lose of another member of the York family. While leaning against a wall of the room, she let her mind wander. Is it true? Slate? A bastard? Then... Ramsley... Does Slate know? Does anyone know? What would it mean for Far Horne? She had just found herself getting a foot in the door to a whole new set of issues that she'd never imagined existed. Slate, though?
Colin
He looked embarrassed at having knocked her over, but kept his hands to himself, knowing that it was rude to invade her personal space more than he already had. "A pleasure to meet you, Janessa. I am Colin, a member of the Ivory Guard." Straightening himself up slightly, he tried to look more like a strong man and less like an awkward youth. "Again, I apologize for bumping into you, I was not looking where I was going. It was very clumsy of me. If there is any way I could make it up to you..." He forced himself to look away from her pretty face so he didn't get too shy about it. "... I would do it."
If he didn't have to finish his task he would've wanted to stay to talk, but he had to excuse himself. "I am very sorry, but I must go. The new King sent me on an errand and I cannot delay. Perhaps, we shall meet again?" It was hard to not look too hopeful, but he was definitely hopeful that she would agree to it.
Triss Strider
Chuckling, Triss answered Kabeleth, "There is always mischief afoot in the House of York, though I know not the extent of it yet." Clearing his throat, he lowered his voice to speak so only Kabeleth could hear him. "Rumor has is that Ramsley, the new King, is the one who killed the King. But of course, it's only a rumor." He laughed to himself. "And if only you could see the infidelity around here."
Gesturing at Klaus, he spoke in an amused tone. "That one's wife, has been sleeping with Ramsley, but now that Ramsley's tied down, the question will be what will she do now? Saw her making eyes at that one..." He gestured to Slate. "... but I doubt it'll last long if at all. More likely that your niece will lose her pretty little head if that woman gets her way. Never can trust a woman that sleeps about. Of course, we also have Synthia, the guard... she's an odd one... but amusing to no end. And she's been nosing around more than she used to lately... wants to figure out who really killed the late King, I suppose. It's not good for a woman though... the wiles of the Yorks mean no woman is truly safe in their court. But you didn't hear that one from me."
"I like it... watching the unspoken exchanges, seeing the secret escapes in hallways. It's so easy for them to not notice a lone wizard wandering about silently. It amuses me... for now. Perhaps I'll have to stir up some fun if things get a bit dry around here." Winking, he stood up straight. "I think I'll be getting another drink."
The sound of Victoria York's voice calling her name made Synthia turn to look at the woman's predicament. She didn't hesitate to comply with the request, pulling her hair back gently and holding it while the woman retched out the contents of her stomach. Observing the entire thing in silence, she just held Victoria's hair back. It took a lot of self control to maintain a blank expression when the smell of the vomit reached her nose, but she managed to pull it off.
As Victoria straightened up, she let go of her hair, listening as the woman spoke to her. Her face paled at Victoria's words, but she didn't say anything, catching the woman's hair when she went to vomit again. Could it really be? She wasn't able to think it over as Lady Victoria passed out. Sighing to herself, she picked up Lady Victoria in her arms and carried her to her private quarters. Better to not have the guests seeing a passed out member of the York family. When she walked into the room, she glanced at a maid who happened to be in the room and snapped out orders, "Get me a wet cloth, and help me clean her up." After a moment of stunned silence, the maid sprang into action and ran out of the room to get what she needed.
Carefully, Synthia settled the Lady on her bed, cautious to not let stray vomit get onto Lady York's clothing or nice blankets on the bed. The maid returned and helped her clean up Lady York. Then, she opted to stand by until Lady York woke up or Slate came, better to make sure that nothing happened and prevent the lose of another member of the York family. While leaning against a wall of the room, she let her mind wander. Is it true? Slate? A bastard? Then... Ramsley... Does Slate know? Does anyone know? What would it mean for Far Horne? She had just found herself getting a foot in the door to a whole new set of issues that she'd never imagined existed. Slate, though?
Colin
He looked embarrassed at having knocked her over, but kept his hands to himself, knowing that it was rude to invade her personal space more than he already had. "A pleasure to meet you, Janessa. I am Colin, a member of the Ivory Guard." Straightening himself up slightly, he tried to look more like a strong man and less like an awkward youth. "Again, I apologize for bumping into you, I was not looking where I was going. It was very clumsy of me. If there is any way I could make it up to you..." He forced himself to look away from her pretty face so he didn't get too shy about it. "... I would do it."
If he didn't have to finish his task he would've wanted to stay to talk, but he had to excuse himself. "I am very sorry, but I must go. The new King sent me on an errand and I cannot delay. Perhaps, we shall meet again?" It was hard to not look too hopeful, but he was definitely hopeful that she would agree to it.
Triss Strider
Chuckling, Triss answered Kabeleth, "There is always mischief afoot in the House of York, though I know not the extent of it yet." Clearing his throat, he lowered his voice to speak so only Kabeleth could hear him. "Rumor has is that Ramsley, the new King, is the one who killed the King. But of course, it's only a rumor." He laughed to himself. "And if only you could see the infidelity around here."
Gesturing at Klaus, he spoke in an amused tone. "That one's wife, has been sleeping with Ramsley, but now that Ramsley's tied down, the question will be what will she do now? Saw her making eyes at that one..." He gestured to Slate. "... but I doubt it'll last long if at all. More likely that your niece will lose her pretty little head if that woman gets her way. Never can trust a woman that sleeps about. Of course, we also have Synthia, the guard... she's an odd one... but amusing to no end. And she's been nosing around more than she used to lately... wants to figure out who really killed the late King, I suppose. It's not good for a woman though... the wiles of the Yorks mean no woman is truly safe in their court. But you didn't hear that one from me."
"I like it... watching the unspoken exchanges, seeing the secret escapes in hallways. It's so easy for them to not notice a lone wizard wandering about silently. It amuses me... for now. Perhaps I'll have to stir up some fun if things get a bit dry around here." Winking, he stood up straight. "I think I'll be getting another drink."
Slate York
Slate had wandered away from Aelira's father and headed towards his bed chambers, the night was almost over. He peered inside of the council room and saw a man waiting inside, "sir are you lost?" He burped, snapping his fingers to a near by servant he suggested that he be taken to a guest bedroom for the night. A member of the Silverleaf House looking mighty drunk as the clocks read half passed two, he was almost at his bedroom as he tripped bashing his head on a table and nicking over a vase. Head slightly bleeding he finally found his bed and crashed into it. Guests had mostly gone home but there was a brunch tomorrow before the first council of kings. He wanted to be up early enough to go riding with his brother but by the looks of things right now it didn't look like that would be happening.
Slate picked up a hand mirror as he lay in his bed, "why doesn't Mel love me?" He asked himself, he wasn't as buff as Klaus, or as at least filled out as Rams but he wasn't ugly. He was stick like, skinny, tall, his face was fairly flat and instead of his horns being mostly curled and fat like his families, they were more skinny and pointed upward like his uncles. Rams horns resembled his late mother who died giving birth to him but why did Slate's resemble his uncles? The hand mirror fell, smashing on the floor near the bed as Slate passed out.
Ramsley York
The party came to a close and the rest of the night was spent in the bedroom. Maybe this marriage wasn't just for show, maybe she was a treasure all her own. As night faded into the past morning arose on the eastern coast of the Far Horne, over the cliffs and tree tops and onto the face of the capital. "Good morning," Ramsley yawned, still rather ranged in his bride. "Good morning your majesty," his chuckle was almost dorky as he corrected himself. Was he losing sight of his goal already? Kill his father, marry the daughter of the Reach, rule half the world. It wasn't a hard plan, especially considering two thirds of it had already been followed through with.
Klaus York
Up early to find his mother passed out on her, "get up mother! I said up, we have brunch with House Althilar and House Silverleaf in two hours..." He was dressed in his riding gears, a bit of a ride before meeting with the two houses of the East. He mounted Mordecai, his dark chocolate colored horse. Riding out of the city, people waved. Klaus was the most popular of the three boys, he was noble and was exactly what the Far Horne wanted as their image of a Druid, unfortunately for him, and unbenounced to him, he had the least claim to the throne then anyone of the boys.
He nodded to the guards as he left the gates of the city riding through the trees he thought he say something. "Woah boy, let's check that out," he said rearing his horse. Approaching softly he saw Shiko laying in an opening in the wood, bear marks all over her. "By the Gods!" Hopping off his horse he examined her, she was Mel's step sister! "You must have gotten lost in your way to the inn, the Her House is close to the eastern city gates..." Maybe she had had something to drink or maybe she was being followed and ran either way, Klaus had to get her back to the Castle to help her.
Slate had wandered away from Aelira's father and headed towards his bed chambers, the night was almost over. He peered inside of the council room and saw a man waiting inside, "sir are you lost?" He burped, snapping his fingers to a near by servant he suggested that he be taken to a guest bedroom for the night. A member of the Silverleaf House looking mighty drunk as the clocks read half passed two, he was almost at his bedroom as he tripped bashing his head on a table and nicking over a vase. Head slightly bleeding he finally found his bed and crashed into it. Guests had mostly gone home but there was a brunch tomorrow before the first council of kings. He wanted to be up early enough to go riding with his brother but by the looks of things right now it didn't look like that would be happening.
Slate picked up a hand mirror as he lay in his bed, "why doesn't Mel love me?" He asked himself, he wasn't as buff as Klaus, or as at least filled out as Rams but he wasn't ugly. He was stick like, skinny, tall, his face was fairly flat and instead of his horns being mostly curled and fat like his families, they were more skinny and pointed upward like his uncles. Rams horns resembled his late mother who died giving birth to him but why did Slate's resemble his uncles? The hand mirror fell, smashing on the floor near the bed as Slate passed out.
Ramsley York
The party came to a close and the rest of the night was spent in the bedroom. Maybe this marriage wasn't just for show, maybe she was a treasure all her own. As night faded into the past morning arose on the eastern coast of the Far Horne, over the cliffs and tree tops and onto the face of the capital. "Good morning," Ramsley yawned, still rather ranged in his bride. "Good morning your majesty," his chuckle was almost dorky as he corrected himself. Was he losing sight of his goal already? Kill his father, marry the daughter of the Reach, rule half the world. It wasn't a hard plan, especially considering two thirds of it had already been followed through with.
Klaus York
Up early to find his mother passed out on her, "get up mother! I said up, we have brunch with House Althilar and House Silverleaf in two hours..." He was dressed in his riding gears, a bit of a ride before meeting with the two houses of the East. He mounted Mordecai, his dark chocolate colored horse. Riding out of the city, people waved. Klaus was the most popular of the three boys, he was noble and was exactly what the Far Horne wanted as their image of a Druid, unfortunately for him, and unbenounced to him, he had the least claim to the throne then anyone of the boys.
He nodded to the guards as he left the gates of the city riding through the trees he thought he say something. "Woah boy, let's check that out," he said rearing his horse. Approaching softly he saw Shiko laying in an opening in the wood, bear marks all over her. "By the Gods!" Hopping off his horse he examined her, she was Mel's step sister! "You must have gotten lost in your way to the inn, the Her House is close to the eastern city gates..." Maybe she had had something to drink or maybe she was being followed and ran either way, Klaus had to get her back to the Castle to help her.
Kabeleth Althilar
Triss's words curved Kabeleth's lips into a cunning, satisfied grin. He'd known he could count on the druid to give him the dirt on what was going on in the York household. He could work with this information, could use it to his advantage. And the rumors about Ramsley having something to do with his father's death - well, he'd heard them, of course, and he had to admit they seemed quite plausible to him. He actually admired the young king, if he was the culprit, for taking the initiative to do what needed to be done. And as far as his niece's well-being at the hands of this supposed-murderer and his spurned mistress - frankly, he couldn't care less.
He followed Triss's lead and got himself another drink, but didn't speak to the druid again the rest of the night. He mingled among the guests, congratulated the bride and groom a couple times with the most loving expression on his face as he looked at Aelira, and then headed off to bed, thinking through the possibilities of the mischief he himself could cause in the House of York.
Janessa
She noticed how he looked embarrassed, and how he tried to straighten himself up. She felt her lips twitch into a very small, almost indiscernible smile when she heard the hope in his voice. It was - well, flattering. But also a little strange.
"I - I'm sure we will," she said after an awkward moment. "I will be remaining in Her Majesty's service here, and if you are a member of the Ivory Guard - well, I expect we might see each other in the halls, at the very least. I'll leave you to your errand."
Giving him a slight curtsy, she moved past him, back towards where the new king and queen were sitting. The night was nearing to a close, and she wanted to be certain there was nothing Aelira needed from her before retiring for the night. She had to force herself not to think about the fact that she would not be retiring alone.
Aelira Althilar
It was strange, waking up next to a man - next to her husband. She smiled, a bit self-consciously, as he chuckled. "Good morning, Your Majesty," she returned, then took a deep breath. There was a lot about this that was going to take getting used to, but despite the remaining awkwardness she felt, she was happy. So far, he'd shown her kindness and affection, and she had a good first impression of him. She was looking forward to getting to know him more, to helping him get to know her, and to getting to know her in-laws. She started to feel excited as she got up and began readying herself for the day, looking forward to starting her new life.
Triss's words curved Kabeleth's lips into a cunning, satisfied grin. He'd known he could count on the druid to give him the dirt on what was going on in the York household. He could work with this information, could use it to his advantage. And the rumors about Ramsley having something to do with his father's death - well, he'd heard them, of course, and he had to admit they seemed quite plausible to him. He actually admired the young king, if he was the culprit, for taking the initiative to do what needed to be done. And as far as his niece's well-being at the hands of this supposed-murderer and his spurned mistress - frankly, he couldn't care less.
He followed Triss's lead and got himself another drink, but didn't speak to the druid again the rest of the night. He mingled among the guests, congratulated the bride and groom a couple times with the most loving expression on his face as he looked at Aelira, and then headed off to bed, thinking through the possibilities of the mischief he himself could cause in the House of York.
Janessa
She noticed how he looked embarrassed, and how he tried to straighten himself up. She felt her lips twitch into a very small, almost indiscernible smile when she heard the hope in his voice. It was - well, flattering. But also a little strange.
"I - I'm sure we will," she said after an awkward moment. "I will be remaining in Her Majesty's service here, and if you are a member of the Ivory Guard - well, I expect we might see each other in the halls, at the very least. I'll leave you to your errand."
Giving him a slight curtsy, she moved past him, back towards where the new king and queen were sitting. The night was nearing to a close, and she wanted to be certain there was nothing Aelira needed from her before retiring for the night. She had to force herself not to think about the fact that she would not be retiring alone.
Aelira Althilar
It was strange, waking up next to a man - next to her husband. She smiled, a bit self-consciously, as he chuckled. "Good morning, Your Majesty," she returned, then took a deep breath. There was a lot about this that was going to take getting used to, but despite the remaining awkwardness she felt, she was happy. So far, he'd shown her kindness and affection, and she had a good first impression of him. She was looking forward to getting to know him more, to helping him get to know her, and to getting to know her in-laws. She started to feel excited as she got up and began readying herself for the day, looking forward to starting her new life.
Shiro
Shiro was still running away from the shadows in her dream, when she tripped on a pebble. The shadow figures were now rigth in front of her. "No...stay away..." she whispered. She closed her eyes as the shadows were about to attack her, but nothing came. She oppened her eyes, only to see the shadows were no longer there. "H-huh...?" she said surprised.
"Are you okay?" said a voice behind her. She immediatly turned and saw what seemed to be a mage, however she couldn't see the face of the person. "Who...are you?" asked Shiro. "Everithing will be answered soon, but now's not the time. Tell me, do you remember the beast ou fought earlier?" the voice asked in a soothing tone, which made Shiro calm down. "Y-Yes, more or less...I remember figthing that thing, but then it hit me, and then i cant remember anything else..." she said as she trie to concentrate to remember. "I see..." replied the mage, "so you haven't fully awakened yet..." the mage said to herself. "Awakened..? what do you mean?" Shiro asked in confusion. "It's nothing, just talking to myself. Anyway, I'm about to tell you something important, so listen carefully" the mage said, this time sounding serious.
Shiro nooded, "Ok...got it." she said. "Good. For starters, as you probably noticed, We're inside your dream. I'm a mage, and my duty is to help you become stronger." she said. Shiro was dumbfounded. First the fight against the monster, then the shadows and now this? She decided to just listen and think about it later, since she was starting to get a headache from all the thing that happened. "...Ît seems our time hereis running out, so i'll tell you more in the future" said the mage. "H-Hey! wait a minute! I still have a ton of questions to ask you! Why are you in my dream? who are you? What is this place?" She started asking, however, the mage just said, "All in due time, young girl. I'll answer your questions in the future" she said. "At least tell me your name..." Shiro asked. The mage simply smiled, and then everithing went white.
Helion
The elf woke up early in the morning, feeling an awfull headache from drinking too much last night. "ugh...I feel like my head was hit by an hammer..." he said, holding is head. He decided to stay in bed for a while longer, in order to make his headache go away. 'Hmm...now that I think about it, Where's Shiro? She should have returned by now...' He thought to himself, a bit worried. 'I should ask around if someone saw her...' he thought.
He got up from the bed a few minutes later, and went around the castle, asking the guards and other servants if they saw Shiro. "I just hope she's alright..." he spoke to himself.
Shiro was still running away from the shadows in her dream, when she tripped on a pebble. The shadow figures were now rigth in front of her. "No...stay away..." she whispered. She closed her eyes as the shadows were about to attack her, but nothing came. She oppened her eyes, only to see the shadows were no longer there. "H-huh...?" she said surprised.
"Are you okay?" said a voice behind her. She immediatly turned and saw what seemed to be a mage, however she couldn't see the face of the person. "Who...are you?" asked Shiro. "Everithing will be answered soon, but now's not the time. Tell me, do you remember the beast ou fought earlier?" the voice asked in a soothing tone, which made Shiro calm down. "Y-Yes, more or less...I remember figthing that thing, but then it hit me, and then i cant remember anything else..." she said as she trie to concentrate to remember. "I see..." replied the mage, "so you haven't fully awakened yet..." the mage said to herself. "Awakened..? what do you mean?" Shiro asked in confusion. "It's nothing, just talking to myself. Anyway, I'm about to tell you something important, so listen carefully" the mage said, this time sounding serious.
Shiro nooded, "Ok...got it." she said. "Good. For starters, as you probably noticed, We're inside your dream. I'm a mage, and my duty is to help you become stronger." she said. Shiro was dumbfounded. First the fight against the monster, then the shadows and now this? She decided to just listen and think about it later, since she was starting to get a headache from all the thing that happened. "...Ît seems our time hereis running out, so i'll tell you more in the future" said the mage. "H-Hey! wait a minute! I still have a ton of questions to ask you! Why are you in my dream? who are you? What is this place?" She started asking, however, the mage just said, "All in due time, young girl. I'll answer your questions in the future" she said. "At least tell me your name..." Shiro asked. The mage simply smiled, and then everithing went white.
Helion
The elf woke up early in the morning, feeling an awfull headache from drinking too much last night. "ugh...I feel like my head was hit by an hammer..." he said, holding is head. He decided to stay in bed for a while longer, in order to make his headache go away. 'Hmm...now that I think about it, Where's Shiro? She should have returned by now...' He thought to himself, a bit worried. 'I should ask around if someone saw her...' he thought.
He got up from the bed a few minutes later, and went around the castle, asking the guards and other servants if they saw Shiro. "I just hope she's alright..." he spoke to himself.
Synthia
Eventually, deciding that Lady Victoria would be fine, and preferring to avoid having to encounter another York for the rest of the evening, Synthia slipped out of the bed chamber and made her way down through the halls of the castle. In her mind, it was one last security check before her squad was done with their duties and the night squad took over.
Triss Strider
After enjoying his drink, the wizard set about using sleight of hand and simple magic to entertain some of the few guests that hadn't left or passed out yet. It was more to amuse himself than anything else. He was a little disappointed that Synthia never came back to the dining hall, but there was nothing to be done about it. Letting some mini magical fireworks shoot from the palm of his hand, he let his mind wander. Synthia was a pretty woman, and the only notable female in the Ivory Guard. Sure, they had other female members... but very few and they lacked the aptitude that Synthia displayed. She was something else.
There were times that he dared to suspect that there was something more to that woman, than what few things she did reveal about herself to other people. What sort of mind lay behind those dazzling blue eyes? What sorts of secrets was she keeping? It was a puzzle to him, and he liked puzzles.
Colin
He was over the moon that she seemed like she might, at least, not dislike him. It wasn't unusual for his awkwardness and upbeat personality to push people away, at times. Turning, he raced to find a servant to pass along the message from Ramsley. After that, he decided it was time to turn in and headed back to the Ivory Guard's quarters.
Triss Strider
Later in the evening, after most of the guests had finally scattered or gone home, Triss sauntered down the dimly light halls of the castle towards the room he'd been staying in. As he walked, the sound of footsteps drew his attention.
Lo and behold, it was Synthia. "A bit late in the evening for you to be wandering about, isn't it, Sir Strider?" Her gaze was cold and piercing. She looked rather disheveled, her white hair tangled up and pushed back further than it normally was. A soft yawn escaped her and she shook her head slightly as if to resist the temptation of sleep. When she shook her head, he caught a glimpse of something that surprised him... Synthia's ears were about as human as Melody York's ears.
He lost his composure for a moment, stuttering as his gaze stayed fixed on her ears. "Erm... yes. I was heading towards my bed now... y-your ears..." For once, the ever infamous Triss Strider was at a loss for words.
Synthia
Seeing the constantly cocky and self-assured Triss so out of his normal character might've amused Synthia if she was absolutely mortified at the words that came from his mouth. "Y-your ears..." She felt all of the blood drain out of her face as she moved to touch them, feeling self-conscious. No... her hair had moved. Anxiously, she moved her hair over her ears, like it normally was. Mustering all of her willpower, she did her best to not let on that she was bothered. "What about them?" Her cheeks started to burn... she imagined that they were turning a dark shade of crimson.
Fumbling, he seemed to regain some of his composure and raised an eyebrow at her. "I thought you were human?"
The female guard bit her lip for a moment, then forced a sneer. "It's not your business. Go to bed, Strider." Sharply, she turned her back to him and proceeded to leave the druid standing there, his jaw, more or less, still on the floor.
When she finally made it back to her own room in the Ivory Guard's quarters, she collapsed into the chair at her desk. Sighing heavily, she stared blankly at the stacks of notes and papers scattered over her desk. She fingered one of the papers for a moment, before grasping her quill, dipping it into her inkwell, and scratching down a note to herself. Slate might be an heir. For a while, she stared at the lone sentence. What would that mean for Far Horne? It would be a lie to say that she liked Slate... but if she had to pick a York that she hated the least, it would probably be him. She hardly interacted with him most of the time, but Mathias was friends with him, sort of. Ramsley unsettled her sometimes... and she just had this nagging feeling that she couldn't trust Klaus either. But Slate... aside from him being a York, and just as self absorbed as any druid tended to be... he didn't seem so awful compared to the two other York boys. Chewing on the end of her quill, she was lost in thought for a long while.
Come morning time, she woke up to find herself still at her desk, with her quill still in one hand. Groaning softly, she sat up and rubbed her eyes. What the hell happened last night? Her eyes dropped to the note she'd made. Something inside of her felt like it was being tied up in knots. Should she explore this possibility further? What would it mean? What would happen?
And in the back of her mind she wondered what Triss Strider would do now that he knew she wasn't as human as she claimed to be. One of her hands moved up and she ran a finger up and over the sharp tip and back down around to her earlobe. Her long hair was the way she hid it... it was better to not let on that she was only 1/4 human... safer.
Eventually, deciding that Lady Victoria would be fine, and preferring to avoid having to encounter another York for the rest of the evening, Synthia slipped out of the bed chamber and made her way down through the halls of the castle. In her mind, it was one last security check before her squad was done with their duties and the night squad took over.
Triss Strider
After enjoying his drink, the wizard set about using sleight of hand and simple magic to entertain some of the few guests that hadn't left or passed out yet. It was more to amuse himself than anything else. He was a little disappointed that Synthia never came back to the dining hall, but there was nothing to be done about it. Letting some mini magical fireworks shoot from the palm of his hand, he let his mind wander. Synthia was a pretty woman, and the only notable female in the Ivory Guard. Sure, they had other female members... but very few and they lacked the aptitude that Synthia displayed. She was something else.
There were times that he dared to suspect that there was something more to that woman, than what few things she did reveal about herself to other people. What sort of mind lay behind those dazzling blue eyes? What sorts of secrets was she keeping? It was a puzzle to him, and he liked puzzles.
Colin
He was over the moon that she seemed like she might, at least, not dislike him. It wasn't unusual for his awkwardness and upbeat personality to push people away, at times. Turning, he raced to find a servant to pass along the message from Ramsley. After that, he decided it was time to turn in and headed back to the Ivory Guard's quarters.
Triss Strider
Later in the evening, after most of the guests had finally scattered or gone home, Triss sauntered down the dimly light halls of the castle towards the room he'd been staying in. As he walked, the sound of footsteps drew his attention.
Lo and behold, it was Synthia. "A bit late in the evening for you to be wandering about, isn't it, Sir Strider?" Her gaze was cold and piercing. She looked rather disheveled, her white hair tangled up and pushed back further than it normally was. A soft yawn escaped her and she shook her head slightly as if to resist the temptation of sleep. When she shook her head, he caught a glimpse of something that surprised him... Synthia's ears were about as human as Melody York's ears.
He lost his composure for a moment, stuttering as his gaze stayed fixed on her ears. "Erm... yes. I was heading towards my bed now... y-your ears..." For once, the ever infamous Triss Strider was at a loss for words.
Synthia
Seeing the constantly cocky and self-assured Triss so out of his normal character might've amused Synthia if she was absolutely mortified at the words that came from his mouth. "Y-your ears..." She felt all of the blood drain out of her face as she moved to touch them, feeling self-conscious. No... her hair had moved. Anxiously, she moved her hair over her ears, like it normally was. Mustering all of her willpower, she did her best to not let on that she was bothered. "What about them?" Her cheeks started to burn... she imagined that they were turning a dark shade of crimson.
Fumbling, he seemed to regain some of his composure and raised an eyebrow at her. "I thought you were human?"
The female guard bit her lip for a moment, then forced a sneer. "It's not your business. Go to bed, Strider." Sharply, she turned her back to him and proceeded to leave the druid standing there, his jaw, more or less, still on the floor.
When she finally made it back to her own room in the Ivory Guard's quarters, she collapsed into the chair at her desk. Sighing heavily, she stared blankly at the stacks of notes and papers scattered over her desk. She fingered one of the papers for a moment, before grasping her quill, dipping it into her inkwell, and scratching down a note to herself. Slate might be an heir. For a while, she stared at the lone sentence. What would that mean for Far Horne? It would be a lie to say that she liked Slate... but if she had to pick a York that she hated the least, it would probably be him. She hardly interacted with him most of the time, but Mathias was friends with him, sort of. Ramsley unsettled her sometimes... and she just had this nagging feeling that she couldn't trust Klaus either. But Slate... aside from him being a York, and just as self absorbed as any druid tended to be... he didn't seem so awful compared to the two other York boys. Chewing on the end of her quill, she was lost in thought for a long while.
Come morning time, she woke up to find herself still at her desk, with her quill still in one hand. Groaning softly, she sat up and rubbed her eyes. What the hell happened last night? Her eyes dropped to the note she'd made. Something inside of her felt like it was being tied up in knots. Should she explore this possibility further? What would it mean? What would happen?
And in the back of her mind she wondered what Triss Strider would do now that he knew she wasn't as human as she claimed to be. One of her hands moved up and she ran a finger up and over the sharp tip and back down around to her earlobe. Her long hair was the way she hid it... it was better to not let on that she was only 1/4 human... safer.
You are on: Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » An Ivory Throne and a Sapphire Crown
Moderators: Mina, Keke, Cass, Claine, Sanne, Dragonfire, Ilmarinen, Darth_Angelus