Voletta Lorelia wrote:
(Um, The Hanged Man?? Voletta doesn't know that she's the kings daughter o.o I found a work around though, but just a note for the future!! ^-^))
Voletta frowned at The Hanged Man as he scolded her, and she would pout a bit as she took to cleaning the floors. Her hair would fall in front of her face though, as she looked up and stared longingly at the outside of the castles walls through strands of her hair. She glances at Dean, and just watches him go inside the bathroom before standing up and whirling on The Hanged Man.
"I never see my father. He's usually down in the cellar taking care of the inmates and never seems to have enough time for me..."
She say's to him like it was matter of fact. The king had told Voletta that this random servant was her father, and then gave him a job that would isolate him from Voletta. Perhaps this would serve as a reminder that she didn't know who her true father was, and she would stare at The Hanged Man and fold her arms, looking at him with that look he knew all to well that meant she meant business.
"And you never have told me why I'm always being watched...It's not that I don't enjoy your company, but I never get any privacy unless I have to use the latrine...It just makes me wonder..."
She says, sighing heavily before returning to the cleaning of the room, folding clothes and putting them away as she shook her head in disappointment. Tears would be forming in her eyes and she would quickly wipe them before stepping back and taking one more look at the room. After deciding it was up to standard, she would walk away to help get the ballroom finished.
Voletta frowned at The Hanged Man as he scolded her, and she would pout a bit as she took to cleaning the floors. Her hair would fall in front of her face though, as she looked up and stared longingly at the outside of the castles walls through strands of her hair. She glances at Dean, and just watches him go inside the bathroom before standing up and whirling on The Hanged Man.
"I never see my father. He's usually down in the cellar taking care of the inmates and never seems to have enough time for me..."
She say's to him like it was matter of fact. The king had told Voletta that this random servant was her father, and then gave him a job that would isolate him from Voletta. Perhaps this would serve as a reminder that she didn't know who her true father was, and she would stare at The Hanged Man and fold her arms, looking at him with that look he knew all to well that meant she meant business.
"And you never have told me why I'm always being watched...It's not that I don't enjoy your company, but I never get any privacy unless I have to use the latrine...It just makes me wonder..."
She says, sighing heavily before returning to the cleaning of the room, folding clothes and putting them away as she shook her head in disappointment. Tears would be forming in her eyes and she would quickly wipe them before stepping back and taking one more look at the room. After deciding it was up to standard, she would walk away to help get the ballroom finished.
((Okay but It would be very helpful if you explain such things beforehand
))
(Okie!! ^-^))
Elesa would ride on the front of a small covered cart, driving a small donkey nervously as she tries her best to look for a safe place to look for help. She was told to ask for a stay at the Inn and to have someone help her carry her older sister to a room, but as things turned out, the child was far more than lost. If not for her determination and drive to help her sister, she'd have given up, parked on the side of the road, and curled up with Lilim to cry herself to sleep.
The child would drive the cart toward the only place that stood out to her. A large stone structure that surely had someone inside that she could ask help from. She'd guide the donkey to stop near the gate and climbed down, approaching the gate and trying the bars, finding them locked. She whimpered in discouragement, scared that any further efforts might just get her into trouble, but she had to find a safer place than a farmer's wagon for Lilim to rest in.
The child would wipe her eyes and take a breath to gather what little courage she could and she takes ahold of the bars again, "Hello?... Hello?!... Someone?..." she calls out timidly, almost afraid that she'd get an answer and that it would be less than friendly. Elesa would try the gate again, only to be reassured that the gate was locked and that she would not be getting in without someone letting her in. Lilim would moan softly from her resting place in the back of the wagon and shift slightly, having no choice but to stay sound asleep at the given time.
The child would drive the cart toward the only place that stood out to her. A large stone structure that surely had someone inside that she could ask help from. She'd guide the donkey to stop near the gate and climbed down, approaching the gate and trying the bars, finding them locked. She whimpered in discouragement, scared that any further efforts might just get her into trouble, but she had to find a safer place than a farmer's wagon for Lilim to rest in.
The child would wipe her eyes and take a breath to gather what little courage she could and she takes ahold of the bars again, "Hello?... Hello?!... Someone?..." she calls out timidly, almost afraid that she'd get an answer and that it would be less than friendly. Elesa would try the gate again, only to be reassured that the gate was locked and that she would not be getting in without someone letting her in. Lilim would moan softly from her resting place in the back of the wagon and shift slightly, having no choice but to stay sound asleep at the given time.
As she was making her way to the ballroom, she would nearly run into a servant in the hallway, stumbling back but catching herself as the servant mentions to her that there was someone at the gate with a wagon. Voletta just blinks and looks past the servant, staring down the long hallway before letting out a heavy sigh and wiping her hands on her dress. She nods and thanks the servant before making the trek to the front gates, standing behind the bars as she looks at Elesa. She seemed innocent enough. In fact, she seemed extremely nervous. She would smile at Elesa to help calm her down and show that she was friendly. She looks at Elesa through the gate before speaking up to her.
"Hello! Can I help you??"
She says, sounding chipper as she looks at the cart once again. At first she thought that it was just a delivery of some sorts, but when she heard the moaning coming from the back, her brow furrowed. She opened the gates and approached the wagon cautiously, before peeking in the back and noticing Lilim. Her eyes widened as she cautiously reached her hand out to touch the sleeping girl, only to feel that her skin was ice cold. She would begin growing worried as she hopped down and looked at Elesa, nodding.
"Do you need help? I can bring you both in to my room for now, but if you want to stay here without having to hide, you'll need to speak to his majesty and get work here...For the moment, I can try to smuggle you both in here so she has a place to rest. Does that sound ok?"
She says, looking at Elesa and anxiously awaiting her answer.
"Hello! Can I help you??"
She says, sounding chipper as she looks at the cart once again. At first she thought that it was just a delivery of some sorts, but when she heard the moaning coming from the back, her brow furrowed. She opened the gates and approached the wagon cautiously, before peeking in the back and noticing Lilim. Her eyes widened as she cautiously reached her hand out to touch the sleeping girl, only to feel that her skin was ice cold. She would begin growing worried as she hopped down and looked at Elesa, nodding.
"Do you need help? I can bring you both in to my room for now, but if you want to stay here without having to hide, you'll need to speak to his majesty and get work here...For the moment, I can try to smuggle you both in here so she has a place to rest. Does that sound ok?"
She says, looking at Elesa and anxiously awaiting her answer.
"Sir, not sire," the Hanged Man gently corrected Dean. The mysterious knight was no lord--he wasn't even landed, and had little in the way of personal property beyond his arms and armor. His gloved fingers trailed along the rim of his blackened pauldron. "... I can no longer recall," he said, though his voice was soft and strange, as if there was more to this story than he was letting on.
Voletta's huff made him fold his arms and look down. He couldn't tell her, of course. She had asked him so many times. The king had made it abundantly clear that if he did, his life would be forfeit, as well as hers. It wasn't worth it. He let her softly berate him, and when she had her fill and continued her task, he resumed his quiet vigil.
He followed her out to the gate and began inspecting the wagon, checking for weapons and contraband. His cold green eyes finally settled on the young girl. "Wh-who are you?" His face was harsh and bore an ugly scar, but his voice seemed ill-fitting, potentially diminishing his frightful visage.
"They sh-should go through the proper channels," he told Voletta. To soften his stern words, he added, "She will fare better in the infirmary, anyway." But he didn't protest too much. If the King found out, the knight and Voletta both might take a licking, but how was that different from any other day?
Voletta's huff made him fold his arms and look down. He couldn't tell her, of course. She had asked him so many times. The king had made it abundantly clear that if he did, his life would be forfeit, as well as hers. It wasn't worth it. He let her softly berate him, and when she had her fill and continued her task, he resumed his quiet vigil.
He followed her out to the gate and began inspecting the wagon, checking for weapons and contraband. His cold green eyes finally settled on the young girl. "Wh-who are you?" His face was harsh and bore an ugly scar, but his voice seemed ill-fitting, potentially diminishing his frightful visage.
"They sh-should go through the proper channels," he told Voletta. To soften his stern words, he added, "She will fare better in the infirmary, anyway." But he didn't protest too much. If the King found out, the knight and Voletta both might take a licking, but how was that different from any other day?
Elesa would grow slightly more discouraged as no one seemed to notice her and she backs away from the gate a little before seeing someone coming. The amount of relief washing over her when it was someone who looked like a maid instead of a squad of armed guards coming toward her was very calming for the child, only to have that nervousness return as the knight comes out with her. Elesa looks to the woman calmly, "Y-yes please... M-my Big Sis... She's..." she starts to say before Voletta makes her way to the cart and sees for herself and the knight inquires as to her identity.
The child would gulp nervously and moves her hand to the back of her neck, "M-m-m-my n-n-name is... E-E-Elesa..." she says timidly. She was a child after all and the knight towering above her like a giant frightened her. She'd look on nervously and blink as the woman seems to panic when she reached to touch Lilim, almost like she had misunderstood about Lilim's condition, "Uh... Um... Y-yes please... And th-thank you... I appreciate your help. And I'm sure Big Sis will appreciate it too." she says in a calm tone, bowing respectfully. She wasn't about to correct the woman on Lilim's condition if it meant she could get Lilim into a nice safe bed for the day.
The child would come clean about everything when the woman didn't seem quite so panicked, scared that if she corrected the woman now that she would be sent away. She'd take any help that she could get and tired as the child was, she'd do everything in her power to help out if she could. She'd wait to see what the woman would do to get Lilim out of the cart and would help in any way she was asked, but as a guest she'd wait politely to be told what she needed to do to help.
As the knight tells her it would be better to go through the proper channels, Elesa would nod again respectfully, "Anything... I just need to make sure Big Sis is safe until night... Thank you both so much for the help." she says as she starts to open her arms for a hug, but timidly stops and shifts to return to the Donkey, opting to give it some attention to calm herself down. The poor child's heart was in her throat by this point. The stature of the knight had really gave her a proper scare, calming as his voice may have been by comparison.
The child would gulp nervously and moves her hand to the back of her neck, "M-m-m-my n-n-name is... E-E-Elesa..." she says timidly. She was a child after all and the knight towering above her like a giant frightened her. She'd look on nervously and blink as the woman seems to panic when she reached to touch Lilim, almost like she had misunderstood about Lilim's condition, "Uh... Um... Y-yes please... And th-thank you... I appreciate your help. And I'm sure Big Sis will appreciate it too." she says in a calm tone, bowing respectfully. She wasn't about to correct the woman on Lilim's condition if it meant she could get Lilim into a nice safe bed for the day.
The child would come clean about everything when the woman didn't seem quite so panicked, scared that if she corrected the woman now that she would be sent away. She'd take any help that she could get and tired as the child was, she'd do everything in her power to help out if she could. She'd wait to see what the woman would do to get Lilim out of the cart and would help in any way she was asked, but as a guest she'd wait politely to be told what she needed to do to help.
As the knight tells her it would be better to go through the proper channels, Elesa would nod again respectfully, "Anything... I just need to make sure Big Sis is safe until night... Thank you both so much for the help." she says as she starts to open her arms for a hug, but timidly stops and shifts to return to the Donkey, opting to give it some attention to calm herself down. The poor child's heart was in her throat by this point. The stature of the knight had really gave her a proper scare, calming as his voice may have been by comparison.
Voletta sighs as she looks at The Hanged Man. She would stare at him knowingly for a moment, before turning back around and climbing inside the cart. She would gently pick up Lilim and adjust her so she was carrying Lilim on her back, before climbing out of the cart and staring between The Hanged Man and Elesa. Eventually she just turns to The Hanged Man and purses her lips in a pout as she gives him the puppy dog eyes.
"Please?? We'll just take the two of them to my room right now. This way she can rest in somewhere warm, rather than outside in the elements! Besides it'll be safe for them! No guards will be down there since they're not expecting me to be there until after the soiree. So it'll be fine!"
She says to him, smiling before taking into consideration his comments about them going through the proper channels. She lets out a heavy sigh before looking at him, a pleading look on her face. After all these years, he would know that look meant that she was afraid of what would happen, and he might have been too.
"I know, and your right. But do you remember the last time I went to him and begged him to help strangers? He likes taking out his anger and frustrations on me as it is, more so than the rest of the castle staff...And if I ask him again it'll be worse than last time...at least this way I can potentially spare myself a night of torture..."
She says to him, before turning to Elesa and smiling at her once more to calm her nerves.
"Don't worry. We'll bring your sister to my room. There shouldn't be any staff down there, so you two can hide out down there until tonight. Then we'll have to move you somewhere else. My room isn't the most luxurious place, but it should to the trick. Cmon, I'll take you there!"
She walks with Lilim on her back and Elesa behind her, knowing that The Hanged Man would follow suit as well. She wouldn't go through the front entrance, but rather the food pantry. She would look around cautiously around both corners, before turning down a hallway and walking towards it. She would do this for several hallways, before reaching a wooden door. She would open it and quickly go downstairs, warning the last one to enter to close it behind them. It was dark and dusty, and they would have to go down several flights of stairs before they reached the very bottom. Once they were there, she would approach her cell/bedroom, and open the door before walking to the bed and gently placing Lilim on the bed, pulling the covers over top her in an attempt to warm her up. If Elesa was observant, she would notice the chains attached to the bed, as well as the ankle, wrists, and even a neck cuff. Though Voletta wouldn't say anything about it. In fact, she would briefly walk out to grab the blanket from The Hanged Man's room and come back, placing that over Lilim as well. She threw an apologetic look his way, but given how cold Lilim was, she would probably need it. She gave one more look to Elesa before sighing in relief.
"So what's wrong with her?? Is there anything else you guys need?"
"Please?? We'll just take the two of them to my room right now. This way she can rest in somewhere warm, rather than outside in the elements! Besides it'll be safe for them! No guards will be down there since they're not expecting me to be there until after the soiree. So it'll be fine!"
She says to him, smiling before taking into consideration his comments about them going through the proper channels. She lets out a heavy sigh before looking at him, a pleading look on her face. After all these years, he would know that look meant that she was afraid of what would happen, and he might have been too.
"I know, and your right. But do you remember the last time I went to him and begged him to help strangers? He likes taking out his anger and frustrations on me as it is, more so than the rest of the castle staff...And if I ask him again it'll be worse than last time...at least this way I can potentially spare myself a night of torture..."
She says to him, before turning to Elesa and smiling at her once more to calm her nerves.
"Don't worry. We'll bring your sister to my room. There shouldn't be any staff down there, so you two can hide out down there until tonight. Then we'll have to move you somewhere else. My room isn't the most luxurious place, but it should to the trick. Cmon, I'll take you there!"
She walks with Lilim on her back and Elesa behind her, knowing that The Hanged Man would follow suit as well. She wouldn't go through the front entrance, but rather the food pantry. She would look around cautiously around both corners, before turning down a hallway and walking towards it. She would do this for several hallways, before reaching a wooden door. She would open it and quickly go downstairs, warning the last one to enter to close it behind them. It was dark and dusty, and they would have to go down several flights of stairs before they reached the very bottom. Once they were there, she would approach her cell/bedroom, and open the door before walking to the bed and gently placing Lilim on the bed, pulling the covers over top her in an attempt to warm her up. If Elesa was observant, she would notice the chains attached to the bed, as well as the ankle, wrists, and even a neck cuff. Though Voletta wouldn't say anything about it. In fact, she would briefly walk out to grab the blanket from The Hanged Man's room and come back, placing that over Lilim as well. She threw an apologetic look his way, but given how cold Lilim was, she would probably need it. She gave one more look to Elesa before sighing in relief.
"So what's wrong with her?? Is there anything else you guys need?"
Elesa would gasp and flinch slightly as the woman mentions being treated more harshly than other castle staff and even being subject to torture. A slave girl?... Elesa would start to shiver herself as her PTSD started acting up. The childs shivers wouldn't last long though as they started to move again and Elesa would follow the woman closely, doing as she said and staying quiet and moving quickly so as not to be spotted.
She would hug herself tightly as she was led into an area that looked like a dungeon and tighter still as the woman moved to place Lilim on the bed with what to her were very obvious torture restraints with clear blood stains on them. Elesa would clench her arms even tighter around herself and would start to shiver again, this time more harshly. The child seemed to be about to cry and was rather zoned out until she was spoken to, gasping and jarring herself back to her senses only to feel the tears running down her face.
Elesa would act quickly to clean herself up before replying, "I... I'm sorry... B-B-Big Sis Lilim has... Th-th-this condition... H-h-her skin... S-s-stays cold until... Mmmmm...." she begins before being unable to fight it any longer and her PTSD makes her collapse and huddle up into a tight fetal position, whimpering and crying noticeably, but silently. Her sobs noticeable by Voletta and The Hanged Man, but would sound like the squeaking of a common dungeon rat to anyone else.
The child would draw her hands around the sides of her head and her fingers would clench timidly in her hair. She was shaking like a leaf as she fought against the painful memories and tried her best to pull herself together, to absolutely no avail. Her fear was only made worse as she realized that she had lost herself to her fears again and began to worry what the knight and the maid would think of her after this. How were they to know Elesa had a severe case of PTSD and was a former slave herself? Elesa was too distraught to explain and she likely looked like she herself had gone crazy. She wouldn't be lashing out though, only huddling into a tight fetal position and crying her eyes out while shaking like a leaf.
She would hug herself tightly as she was led into an area that looked like a dungeon and tighter still as the woman moved to place Lilim on the bed with what to her were very obvious torture restraints with clear blood stains on them. Elesa would clench her arms even tighter around herself and would start to shiver again, this time more harshly. The child seemed to be about to cry and was rather zoned out until she was spoken to, gasping and jarring herself back to her senses only to feel the tears running down her face.
Elesa would act quickly to clean herself up before replying, "I... I'm sorry... B-B-Big Sis Lilim has... Th-th-this condition... H-h-her skin... S-s-stays cold until... Mmmmm...." she begins before being unable to fight it any longer and her PTSD makes her collapse and huddle up into a tight fetal position, whimpering and crying noticeably, but silently. Her sobs noticeable by Voletta and The Hanged Man, but would sound like the squeaking of a common dungeon rat to anyone else.
The child would draw her hands around the sides of her head and her fingers would clench timidly in her hair. She was shaking like a leaf as she fought against the painful memories and tried her best to pull herself together, to absolutely no avail. Her fear was only made worse as she realized that she had lost herself to her fears again and began to worry what the knight and the maid would think of her after this. How were they to know Elesa had a severe case of PTSD and was a former slave herself? Elesa was too distraught to explain and she likely looked like she herself had gone crazy. She wouldn't be lashing out though, only huddling into a tight fetal position and crying her eyes out while shaking like a leaf.
Voletta's eyes would widen as she noticed Elesa start freaking out, and she would stare at her with a raised eyebrow before her eyes widened at Elesa's sudden collapse. She would rush over and help Elesa sit up, looking her in they eyes before looking at Lilim as well. She knew that The Hanged Man was going to follow her, and she just sighed as she crouched and grabbed Elesa comfortingly by the waist, picking her up and stroking her hair to calm her down. She would continue stroking her head as she carried Elesa up and away from the cell, all the way back to the food pantry. She would sit Elesa down and gently kiss her on the forehead. A bit forward for strangers she knew, but she was hoping it would be of some comfort to Elesa.
"On second thought, maybe the two of you can rest in here. I don't know what happened and I won't ask, but it seems like that room is giving you bad memories? I'll bring the pillows and blankets in here for your sister to sleep. I'll only be a moment."
She says, rushing out of the food room/pantry. It wasn't so much a pantry, rather it was a giant room filled with food. She rushed back down to her room and picked Lilim up, placing her on her back again, but this time grabbing the pillows and blankets, before rushing back up towards the pantry and going to Elesa. She set Lilim down on the ground gently next to Elesa, before placing the pillows underneath her and covering her with the blankets. She would get up and grab a glass as well as an orange, before squeezing the juice out of the orange and making orange juice. She would then go and walk around the many shelves, grabbing a chunk of cheese, bread, and some other fruits before going back to Elesa and handing her everything.
"Here. Why don't you eat."
She says sitting down next to Elesa and pulling her close, slowly stroking her head and humming a quiet melody to help calm her down. The bright sunlight that shone in the room would also hopefully help to calm her nerves, while Voletta continued hugging and petting Elesa until she calmed down. She would have to calm down eventually, and she would stay with her until she did. After some amount of time has passed, she would notice Elesa starting to calm down and would smile at her.
"It's ok...You have food in front of you, your friend next to you, and your sister sleeping safe and sound besides you...I don't know what happened or what you've been through, but it's over now...your safe..."
She says soothingly to Elesa, hugging her tightly to make her feel comforted. After she noticed that Elesa was calmed, she would smile at her and ruffle her hair a bit playfully while wiping the tears from Elesa's eyes with her thumb.
"Feeling better?"
"On second thought, maybe the two of you can rest in here. I don't know what happened and I won't ask, but it seems like that room is giving you bad memories? I'll bring the pillows and blankets in here for your sister to sleep. I'll only be a moment."
She says, rushing out of the food room/pantry. It wasn't so much a pantry, rather it was a giant room filled with food. She rushed back down to her room and picked Lilim up, placing her on her back again, but this time grabbing the pillows and blankets, before rushing back up towards the pantry and going to Elesa. She set Lilim down on the ground gently next to Elesa, before placing the pillows underneath her and covering her with the blankets. She would get up and grab a glass as well as an orange, before squeezing the juice out of the orange and making orange juice. She would then go and walk around the many shelves, grabbing a chunk of cheese, bread, and some other fruits before going back to Elesa and handing her everything.
"Here. Why don't you eat."
She says sitting down next to Elesa and pulling her close, slowly stroking her head and humming a quiet melody to help calm her down. The bright sunlight that shone in the room would also hopefully help to calm her nerves, while Voletta continued hugging and petting Elesa until she calmed down. She would have to calm down eventually, and she would stay with her until she did. After some amount of time has passed, she would notice Elesa starting to calm down and would smile at her.
"It's ok...You have food in front of you, your friend next to you, and your sister sleeping safe and sound besides you...I don't know what happened or what you've been through, but it's over now...your safe..."
She says soothingly to Elesa, hugging her tightly to make her feel comforted. After she noticed that Elesa was calmed, she would smile at her and ruffle her hair a bit playfully while wiping the tears from Elesa's eyes with her thumb.
"Feeling better?"
The Hanged Man listened quietly to the little girl, arms crossed, then shot Voletta a resigned look. Finally he sighed and nodded. "Very well."
He helped her get Lilim out of the wagon, but let Voletta carry her. With his shield on his arm, he could help block prying eyes from spotting both strangers.
Once they were down in the dungeon and safely in Voletta's cell, he stood right at the threshold, keeping an eye on the hallways beyond. They were sparsely populated, so the group probably didn't need to worry about being interrupted.
Elesa's sudden breakdown made him purse his lips concernedly. He had his suspicions of what ailed her. He, too, was lost at times to the red fog of the past, though that had been many, many years ago.
The pantry was a much less isolated location, which made the Hanged Man worry. "Voletta--" But the girl had already made up her mind, and he trailed after her like a lost puppy. While the girl prepared something for Elesa to eat, the knight kept watch over the girl and her slumbering sister. "Come back to the present," he told Elesa. But her waking nightmares were not the ones of soldiers, so he did not know how to help her well. He detached his white cloak and draped it over Elesa's shoulders. It was far too large. "You are safe."
Voletta set down the food and resumed cradling the girl, and so Crow straightened up, keeping an eye on the pantry aisles. "... you can stay here for now. But--but later, w-we will bring them to my quarters. They will be safe there."
He helped her get Lilim out of the wagon, but let Voletta carry her. With his shield on his arm, he could help block prying eyes from spotting both strangers.
Once they were down in the dungeon and safely in Voletta's cell, he stood right at the threshold, keeping an eye on the hallways beyond. They were sparsely populated, so the group probably didn't need to worry about being interrupted.
Elesa's sudden breakdown made him purse his lips concernedly. He had his suspicions of what ailed her. He, too, was lost at times to the red fog of the past, though that had been many, many years ago.
The pantry was a much less isolated location, which made the Hanged Man worry. "Voletta--" But the girl had already made up her mind, and he trailed after her like a lost puppy. While the girl prepared something for Elesa to eat, the knight kept watch over the girl and her slumbering sister. "Come back to the present," he told Elesa. But her waking nightmares were not the ones of soldiers, so he did not know how to help her well. He detached his white cloak and draped it over Elesa's shoulders. It was far too large. "You are safe."
Voletta set down the food and resumed cradling the girl, and so Crow straightened up, keeping an eye on the pantry aisles. "... you can stay here for now. But--but later, w-we will bring them to my quarters. They will be safe there."
Elesa would flinch as she was touched, but welcomed the hug and the pettings and even the loving kisses warmly, seeming to quiet down just from being shown that attention. She'd feel really embarrassed to have to be carried back to the pantry and nestled in there instead of the much safer place away from potentially being found. Elesa would scoot herself under one of the shelves a bit before Voletta returned with Lilim.
As Voletta scooped Elesa up again, she'd curiously but sensitively brush her fingers tenderly over Voletta's wrists, then her neck, seeming to recognize the presence of shackle wounds all too familiarly and started to tear up all over again, crying again as she hugged Voletta apologetically as if it was her fault that she had those old and reoccurring wounds.
When The Hanged man drapes his cloak over Elesa's shoulders, she'd gasp and move to look up to him, sniffling and drying her eyes a bit with one hand before placing a hand on the cloak and petting it like it was an animal that she wanted to keep around, "Th-thank you... Again..." she says weakly. "Ma'am... Y-you didn't have to... To carry us back up here... I'm sorry that I got like that... I just... Got reminded of... Mmm..." she says timidly, moving her hand to gather her hair to one side of her head and bury her face in Voletta's shoulder again, making her slave mark visible for them both to see.
There was no mistaking those big bold blue letters on the child's soft, cream colored skin. She had clearly been a slave for a long time to have such a special mark as that. And they spelled out her name too. E L E S A
Lilim would moan softly and shift a bit, opening her lips slightly to show a small part of her teeth, almost looking like she was waiting for a prince of her own to wake her from a curse. She'd stay sound asleep though, even as Elesa cried into Voletta and made little bits of her past known.
After taking several moments to calm down, Elesa would finally continue with what she was asked before. "Yes... I feel much better now, Ma'am... Thank you, again... I'm sorry that I got like that... I just... Got reminded of some things..." she says briefly as she tucks her hair behind her back again and brings the cloak over her head to cover herself in it like a blanket. "Big Sis isn't ill though... She's just got a condition about her where her skin stays cold until her tail is given attention to... And she's so far asleep right now because she's only able to be awake at night. Please forgive me for not telling you the truth until now... I only wanted to keep Big Sis safe while she's asleep because she always keeps me safe when she's awake." Elesa says quietly and apologetically.
She'd once again reach for the side of Voletta's neck, delicately petting the scars that had been left from the neck restraint on her bed, "This... Also reminds me... Of a few things..." she says in a quieter and far more timid tone. She'd sniffle again and return her face to Voletta's shoulder to calm herself again, hugging the woman tightly and lovingly.
As Voletta scooped Elesa up again, she'd curiously but sensitively brush her fingers tenderly over Voletta's wrists, then her neck, seeming to recognize the presence of shackle wounds all too familiarly and started to tear up all over again, crying again as she hugged Voletta apologetically as if it was her fault that she had those old and reoccurring wounds.
When The Hanged man drapes his cloak over Elesa's shoulders, she'd gasp and move to look up to him, sniffling and drying her eyes a bit with one hand before placing a hand on the cloak and petting it like it was an animal that she wanted to keep around, "Th-thank you... Again..." she says weakly. "Ma'am... Y-you didn't have to... To carry us back up here... I'm sorry that I got like that... I just... Got reminded of... Mmm..." she says timidly, moving her hand to gather her hair to one side of her head and bury her face in Voletta's shoulder again, making her slave mark visible for them both to see.
There was no mistaking those big bold blue letters on the child's soft, cream colored skin. She had clearly been a slave for a long time to have such a special mark as that. And they spelled out her name too. E L E S A
Lilim would moan softly and shift a bit, opening her lips slightly to show a small part of her teeth, almost looking like she was waiting for a prince of her own to wake her from a curse. She'd stay sound asleep though, even as Elesa cried into Voletta and made little bits of her past known.
After taking several moments to calm down, Elesa would finally continue with what she was asked before. "Yes... I feel much better now, Ma'am... Thank you, again... I'm sorry that I got like that... I just... Got reminded of some things..." she says briefly as she tucks her hair behind her back again and brings the cloak over her head to cover herself in it like a blanket. "Big Sis isn't ill though... She's just got a condition about her where her skin stays cold until her tail is given attention to... And she's so far asleep right now because she's only able to be awake at night. Please forgive me for not telling you the truth until now... I only wanted to keep Big Sis safe while she's asleep because she always keeps me safe when she's awake." Elesa says quietly and apologetically.
She'd once again reach for the side of Voletta's neck, delicately petting the scars that had been left from the neck restraint on her bed, "This... Also reminds me... Of a few things..." she says in a quieter and far more timid tone. She'd sniffle again and return her face to Voletta's shoulder to calm herself again, hugging the woman tightly and lovingly.
Voletta nods at The Hanged Man, agreeing to his plan to take them to his room later. Though she would quickly turn her attention to Elesa. She would stare at Elesa curiously as she felt Elesa's fingers brush her wrists and her neck, before stumbling back as Elesa hugged her out of the blue. She just closed her eyes and continued stroking Elesa's head, slowly trying to calm her down further. She would look at Elesa concern, listening and watching as she buried her head into her shoulder. She would stroke her head, looking down at Elesa's neck and frowning, tearing up herself. She would quickly wipe her eyes though, trying to maintain her composure for Elesa's sake and The Hanged Man. Though she would gently coax Elesa off of her and movie her feet so Elesa could stare at the bottom of her foot. On the heel of her foot were a bunch of numbers on it, and her ankles would also have shackle wounds on them before she lowered her foot and went back to hug Elesa.
"It's ok...I understand what your trying to say, and your not alone, hun. At least your free now, right? You get to see the sunlight and feel the warmth of it on your skin..."
She says before looking at Elesa and smiling. Though she would turn to look at Lilim, watching her moan and chuckling as she noticed it was like she was waiting to be kissed. Though turning to Elesa when she mentioned that Lilim was forced to sleep during the day had her curious. Curious, but she wasn't about to question it right now. Instead, she would simply nod and sigh in relief, putting her back against the wall.
"Well that's a relief. I thought she was dying! Though I understand why you did it. Just...Don't go back into my room okie? Your a lot cuter when your happy!"
She says, ruffling Elesa's hair lightly before she was stopped in her tracks at the suddenness of Elesa stroking her fingers along the scars on her neck. She stares at Elesa sadly, before being pulled into a tight and loving hug, while stroking Elesa's head some more. Though after some time her stomach would growl, and Voletta's face would turn red as she slowly coaxed Elesa off of her.
"Excuse me for a moment."
She says smiling at her before slowly standing up and walking to one of the shelves. She skims through each shelf, grabbing her favorite fruit as well as The Hanged Mans, before turning to him and throwing it at him. Once she was sure he had caught it, she smiled and resumed her place by Elesa, digging into her apple happily before looking at Elesa.
"We've been working on preparations for tonight all day, so I think we've warranted a little snack break."
She says winking to her and giggling before biting into her apple again.
"It's ok...I understand what your trying to say, and your not alone, hun. At least your free now, right? You get to see the sunlight and feel the warmth of it on your skin..."
She says before looking at Elesa and smiling. Though she would turn to look at Lilim, watching her moan and chuckling as she noticed it was like she was waiting to be kissed. Though turning to Elesa when she mentioned that Lilim was forced to sleep during the day had her curious. Curious, but she wasn't about to question it right now. Instead, she would simply nod and sigh in relief, putting her back against the wall.
"Well that's a relief. I thought she was dying! Though I understand why you did it. Just...Don't go back into my room okie? Your a lot cuter when your happy!"
She says, ruffling Elesa's hair lightly before she was stopped in her tracks at the suddenness of Elesa stroking her fingers along the scars on her neck. She stares at Elesa sadly, before being pulled into a tight and loving hug, while stroking Elesa's head some more. Though after some time her stomach would growl, and Voletta's face would turn red as she slowly coaxed Elesa off of her.
"Excuse me for a moment."
She says smiling at her before slowly standing up and walking to one of the shelves. She skims through each shelf, grabbing her favorite fruit as well as The Hanged Mans, before turning to him and throwing it at him. Once she was sure he had caught it, she smiled and resumed her place by Elesa, digging into her apple happily before looking at Elesa.
"We've been working on preparations for tonight all day, so I think we've warranted a little snack break."
She says winking to her and giggling before biting into her apple again.
As the young women inspected each other's similar scars, the Hanged Man found himself subconsciously wringing his wrists. Though his crow-scars dominated his arms, others lurked there as well, hidden like spirits of the flesh. He had spent time in servitude many years ago, though his memories of that time were a white haze of salai, blood, and ghapra venom. And the wails of the dying, the festering and oozy smell of the bapchi dens, dim torchlight and everpresent wet mud, the way Gat's gold neckaces gleamed on his sweaty collarbone ...
The Hanged Man snapped out of his reverie, glowering when Elesa told the truth of it: that Lilim was fine, just resting. "You picked a dangerous place to hide," he warned her. He might have had more scolding to do, but Voletta tossed him a peach, which he caught. He smirked, the expression made ugly due to the scar on his cheek, and bit into the sweet fruit. If he noticed Lilim's parted lips, he did not outwardly react. After he swallowed, he said, "But then ... the King does n-not know the face of every servant in his household."
The Hanged Man snapped out of his reverie, glowering when Elesa told the truth of it: that Lilim was fine, just resting. "You picked a dangerous place to hide," he warned her. He might have had more scolding to do, but Voletta tossed him a peach, which he caught. He smirked, the expression made ugly due to the scar on his cheek, and bit into the sweet fruit. If he noticed Lilim's parted lips, he did not outwardly react. After he swallowed, he said, "But then ... the King does n-not know the face of every servant in his household."
Elesa would gasp as she sees the slave mark on Voletta's heel and the additional markings on her ankles, reaching for them slowly before the woman returned her feet to being hidden under her dress. Elesa would frown and start to tear up again, but would blink and shake her head to keep from crying again, "It always makes me sad to see others that have gone through what I did... Or are going through what I was... But yes... Thanks to Big Sis Lilim... I'm free. And... I've been able to learn so much in the time I've been free... I'm a little embarrassed to admit... I couldn't read or write or even speak until Big Sis came into my life... Just over a year ago now..." she says before modestly reaching for a bit of the fruit Voletta had brought out for her earlier.
Elesa would hold the fruit close to her chest, but wouldn't try to eat it just yet. She'd instead be looking between Voletta and the fruit again and again as though asking if it was really ok if she had it. Part of her conditioned mannerisms from her slave life was never doing anything or taking anything without some form of permission, and right now it seemed that this castle maid and safeguarding knight were the authority figures Elesa felt she needed permission from before she did anything and risked doing something she wasn't supposed to do. Closer inspection would reveal Elesa had her hands on a peach, and she was waiting for permission to eat it in case she wasn't supposed to have it.
She'd not be able to fight off cracking a real smile for the first time since they arrived at the castle and giggling cutely. Sure enough Elesa had a smile and laugh that could brighten up an entire room, and she was indeed a lot cuter when she sported it instead of a nervous frown, which had been the best of her expressions up until that point.
Elesa would look to Voletta as she speaks of the work, "Oh... I guess tending to me and Big Sis set you back a little huh?... Well... If there's anything I can do to help, even if it's just in secret, please tell me. Anything that needs done." she offers selflessly. Little did they know what exactly Elesa herself was capable of, but they would certainly be in for a surprise if they took Elesa up on her offer and had the chance to find out.
Elesa would hold the fruit close to her chest, but wouldn't try to eat it just yet. She'd instead be looking between Voletta and the fruit again and again as though asking if it was really ok if she had it. Part of her conditioned mannerisms from her slave life was never doing anything or taking anything without some form of permission, and right now it seemed that this castle maid and safeguarding knight were the authority figures Elesa felt she needed permission from before she did anything and risked doing something she wasn't supposed to do. Closer inspection would reveal Elesa had her hands on a peach, and she was waiting for permission to eat it in case she wasn't supposed to have it.
She'd not be able to fight off cracking a real smile for the first time since they arrived at the castle and giggling cutely. Sure enough Elesa had a smile and laugh that could brighten up an entire room, and she was indeed a lot cuter when she sported it instead of a nervous frown, which had been the best of her expressions up until that point.
Elesa would look to Voletta as she speaks of the work, "Oh... I guess tending to me and Big Sis set you back a little huh?... Well... If there's anything I can do to help, even if it's just in secret, please tell me. Anything that needs done." she offers selflessly. Little did they know what exactly Elesa herself was capable of, but they would certainly be in for a surprise if they took Elesa up on her offer and had the chance to find out.
"That's true Crow...He may not even notice. But just because he doesn't notice doesn't mean that some of the other servants wont...but with that being said, we get new people all the time here, so it's not like many people would question it if they did see her..."
She says, listening to Elesa talking about how she was free. She smiles at her, noticing the fruit in her hand and raising an eyebrow at her curiously. It didn't look like she wanted to eat, or rather she was waiting on something. Maybe permission? She would slowly reach her hand out to touch Elesa's hand that held the peach, and pushed it slowly towards her to signal to her that she was ok to help herself to whatever she wanted. There was an abundance of food, and not many people would notice one or two peaches. Though Voletta wasn't particularly fond of peaches. Apples were her favorite, and she took another greedy bite out of her own before leaning against the wall, staring up at the skylight lost in thought.
"I wish I was free...I've been in servitude to his majesty since the day I was born...He keeps me heavily guarded, and has guards watching me every minute of the day...He even chains me to my bed at night to prevent me from leaving, and I've never understood why...but I do know that for some reason I'm different...He always lashes out at me and uses me when he wants to test out new fighting techniques, or when he needs to unleash some of his aggression..."
She says, trailing off as tears formed in her eyes. She quickly shook her head and wiped her eyes, before looking at a giggling Elesa. Her smile was indeed adorable, and much cuter when she smiled. She couldn't help but smile when Elesa did, before sighing and standing up, dusting off her dress and looking between Elesa and Lilim.
"There's to much to do...but we have plenty of servants in the castle, it would be appalling if they couldn't do it themselves...but if you want to help, then I won't stop you! In fact, I would really appreciate it! The dining room needs to be set, the ballroom needs cleaning and set up, the guests room need to be tended to, the banquet and festivities need preparing, and I think that's it. You can stay here, or you can help out! But if you're going to help, be careful ok? And if you need anything, ask for Voletta. That's me. And that man is Crow, and my best friend. The two of us have to be off though. We can't exactly stay hidden for long. Though we'll try and meet you back in here tonight!"
She says walking over to The Hanged Man and taking his hand, yanking him to his feet. She knew he was gonna follow her, so it really wasn't a question of would he. She turns to Elesa and smiles one more time before walking out and towards the dining room, working to gather all the silverware and plates and working to set the table and clean up the room.
She says, listening to Elesa talking about how she was free. She smiles at her, noticing the fruit in her hand and raising an eyebrow at her curiously. It didn't look like she wanted to eat, or rather she was waiting on something. Maybe permission? She would slowly reach her hand out to touch Elesa's hand that held the peach, and pushed it slowly towards her to signal to her that she was ok to help herself to whatever she wanted. There was an abundance of food, and not many people would notice one or two peaches. Though Voletta wasn't particularly fond of peaches. Apples were her favorite, and she took another greedy bite out of her own before leaning against the wall, staring up at the skylight lost in thought.
"I wish I was free...I've been in servitude to his majesty since the day I was born...He keeps me heavily guarded, and has guards watching me every minute of the day...He even chains me to my bed at night to prevent me from leaving, and I've never understood why...but I do know that for some reason I'm different...He always lashes out at me and uses me when he wants to test out new fighting techniques, or when he needs to unleash some of his aggression..."
She says, trailing off as tears formed in her eyes. She quickly shook her head and wiped her eyes, before looking at a giggling Elesa. Her smile was indeed adorable, and much cuter when she smiled. She couldn't help but smile when Elesa did, before sighing and standing up, dusting off her dress and looking between Elesa and Lilim.
"There's to much to do...but we have plenty of servants in the castle, it would be appalling if they couldn't do it themselves...but if you want to help, then I won't stop you! In fact, I would really appreciate it! The dining room needs to be set, the ballroom needs cleaning and set up, the guests room need to be tended to, the banquet and festivities need preparing, and I think that's it. You can stay here, or you can help out! But if you're going to help, be careful ok? And if you need anything, ask for Voletta. That's me. And that man is Crow, and my best friend. The two of us have to be off though. We can't exactly stay hidden for long. Though we'll try and meet you back in here tonight!"
She says walking over to The Hanged Man and taking his hand, yanking him to his feet. She knew he was gonna follow her, so it really wasn't a question of would he. She turns to Elesa and smiles one more time before walking out and towards the dining room, working to gather all the silverware and plates and working to set the table and clean up the room.
Elesa would frown worriedly again and draw her arms close to her chest as Voletta speaks of how the king treats her. Every bit of her living situation was all too familiar to Elesa, and she once again shook like a leaf as she remembered being treated exactly the same way. Now it was official, Elesa had to help Voletta. And she'd certainly be talking to Lilim about doing so when she woke up.
For the time being, Elesa would reach out as Voletta started to leave and grabbed her hand, "Miss Voletta... If... If you really do want to leave... Then let Big Sis have a word with your king when she wakes up. She'll be awake come sunset. And Big Sis can be really persuasive. It's how she convinced my last master to set me free and let me go with her. You could come with us if you want." she says with a soft smile, letting Voletta's hand slip free of hers and stepping back to Lilim to sit and finally snack on the peach she was holding.
She tried to give Voletta a ray of hope for her dark predicament, and later she'd try to turn that single ray into a blinding stream of light to chase the darkness away, just as Lilim had done for her. Elesa would go about scooting Lilim around a bit after the two were left alone in the pantry, trying to slip her into a place of better cover so that if anyone else came in for supplies or something that they wouldn't stumble across Lilim and cause a scene. Elesa herself would hide away and try to get a little rest as well, but as her body rested, she'd set her mind to work. Elesa would pull one of the charms from her belt, "Seal of the Mind... Outstretched Telekinesis..." she whispers as she hugs the seal close to her chest and lets herself fall asleep.
Voletta and Crow would be the only two to notice if Elesa could help it, but wherever those two went, if they were the only ones in the room and there was even a single chore to be done, Elesa would set her mind to work. The brushes, mops, buckets, and other cleaning supplies would start to move on their own and set to work around Voletta, seeing the area cleaned and tended to in a fraction of the time it would have normally taken her to see to the task. Elesa would keep at this for the next 6 hours or so, and by late afternoon when Elesa was finally waking up, Voletta would notice that Elesa would have shaved entire days out of the work that needed done. They wouldn't know it was Elesa's doing that caused such a secret miracle for them though, until Elesa explained everything to them when they met again.
When Elesa awoke, she'd scoot slowly and quietly out of her hiding place and see to Lilim again, making sure she was still hidden away where she wasn't easy to spot, and moving to get another little snack of fruit, this time a bundle of plump green grapes. Elesa would stay vigilant to her surroundings though, so that she could quickly duck back into cover if someone entered so that she wouldn't be found easily.
For the time being, Elesa would reach out as Voletta started to leave and grabbed her hand, "Miss Voletta... If... If you really do want to leave... Then let Big Sis have a word with your king when she wakes up. She'll be awake come sunset. And Big Sis can be really persuasive. It's how she convinced my last master to set me free and let me go with her. You could come with us if you want." she says with a soft smile, letting Voletta's hand slip free of hers and stepping back to Lilim to sit and finally snack on the peach she was holding.
She tried to give Voletta a ray of hope for her dark predicament, and later she'd try to turn that single ray into a blinding stream of light to chase the darkness away, just as Lilim had done for her. Elesa would go about scooting Lilim around a bit after the two were left alone in the pantry, trying to slip her into a place of better cover so that if anyone else came in for supplies or something that they wouldn't stumble across Lilim and cause a scene. Elesa herself would hide away and try to get a little rest as well, but as her body rested, she'd set her mind to work. Elesa would pull one of the charms from her belt, "Seal of the Mind... Outstretched Telekinesis..." she whispers as she hugs the seal close to her chest and lets herself fall asleep.
Voletta and Crow would be the only two to notice if Elesa could help it, but wherever those two went, if they were the only ones in the room and there was even a single chore to be done, Elesa would set her mind to work. The brushes, mops, buckets, and other cleaning supplies would start to move on their own and set to work around Voletta, seeing the area cleaned and tended to in a fraction of the time it would have normally taken her to see to the task. Elesa would keep at this for the next 6 hours or so, and by late afternoon when Elesa was finally waking up, Voletta would notice that Elesa would have shaved entire days out of the work that needed done. They wouldn't know it was Elesa's doing that caused such a secret miracle for them though, until Elesa explained everything to them when they met again.
When Elesa awoke, she'd scoot slowly and quietly out of her hiding place and see to Lilim again, making sure she was still hidden away where she wasn't easy to spot, and moving to get another little snack of fruit, this time a bundle of plump green grapes. Elesa would stay vigilant to her surroundings though, so that she could quickly duck back into cover if someone entered so that she wouldn't be found easily.
(would have posted sooner but i got a phone call!)
Voletta would stop in her tracks as she felt a grip on her arm. She stared at Elesa in shock as she mentioned that her sister would talk to the king and convince him to release her. She stares at Elesa silently for a moment as she not only offered to free her, but as she offered for Voletta to come with them. She just blinks as Elesa lets go of her hand, and for a moment she didn't know what to say. Her mind was drawing a blank, and eventually she just gave Elesa a sad smile and nodded, before turning back towards the door and walking out to get her tasks done. There was a small ray of light in her dark world, but it would remain a small ray. The king was brutal and harsh, and he wouldn't be persuaded easily. The fact he kept such a strict guard on her at all times was proof of that.
As Voletta moved to the dining room and saw that they were alone, she would begin grabbing plates and bringing them over to the table, only to watch in awe as the plates moved from her hands and floated over to the table. She stared wide eyed at the events unfolding around her, before glancing at The Hanged Man, trying to confirm whether or not he was seeing the same thing she was. She continued staring as cleaning equipment moved on it's own, and cleaned the dining room and set it up in half the time it would have taken Voletta. She just blinks and stares at it, before hesitantly leaving without saying a word, doing one last double take towards the dining room. She then goes to the ballroom, only to stand there with her mouth agape as again the cleaning furniture and the decorations moved themselves, putting them in the right place, and cleaning up tidily before looking towards The Hanged Man again.
"W-What...What is going on..."
She says as she does another double take before going to the kitchen. The cooks had left to go eat, leaving them the only two in there. She would just stare wide eyed as the food cooked itself and set itself to the side, ready for tonight. She scratched her head, and continued on to the guests bedroom, only to find them cleaning themselves. She just stares at it, unable to really get used to it before turning to look at The Hanged Man. At that point, all of Voletta's tasks were done and it was almost sunset. The guests would be arriving any minute. She would return to the pantry, seeing Elesa waking up. She walks up to her and takes a seat. Though she didn't look exhausted, but rather extremely confused.
"Hey...How'd you sleep?"
She says, scratching her head and trying to process everything that had just happened. Eventually she gave up and whirled to look at The Hanged Man, her eyes curious and surprised even still.
"Ok, you saw all that to right?! Or am I just losing my mind?!"
Voletta would stop in her tracks as she felt a grip on her arm. She stared at Elesa in shock as she mentioned that her sister would talk to the king and convince him to release her. She stares at Elesa silently for a moment as she not only offered to free her, but as she offered for Voletta to come with them. She just blinks as Elesa lets go of her hand, and for a moment she didn't know what to say. Her mind was drawing a blank, and eventually she just gave Elesa a sad smile and nodded, before turning back towards the door and walking out to get her tasks done. There was a small ray of light in her dark world, but it would remain a small ray. The king was brutal and harsh, and he wouldn't be persuaded easily. The fact he kept such a strict guard on her at all times was proof of that.
As Voletta moved to the dining room and saw that they were alone, she would begin grabbing plates and bringing them over to the table, only to watch in awe as the plates moved from her hands and floated over to the table. She stared wide eyed at the events unfolding around her, before glancing at The Hanged Man, trying to confirm whether or not he was seeing the same thing she was. She continued staring as cleaning equipment moved on it's own, and cleaned the dining room and set it up in half the time it would have taken Voletta. She just blinks and stares at it, before hesitantly leaving without saying a word, doing one last double take towards the dining room. She then goes to the ballroom, only to stand there with her mouth agape as again the cleaning furniture and the decorations moved themselves, putting them in the right place, and cleaning up tidily before looking towards The Hanged Man again.
"W-What...What is going on..."
She says as she does another double take before going to the kitchen. The cooks had left to go eat, leaving them the only two in there. She would just stare wide eyed as the food cooked itself and set itself to the side, ready for tonight. She scratched her head, and continued on to the guests bedroom, only to find them cleaning themselves. She just stares at it, unable to really get used to it before turning to look at The Hanged Man. At that point, all of Voletta's tasks were done and it was almost sunset. The guests would be arriving any minute. She would return to the pantry, seeing Elesa waking up. She walks up to her and takes a seat. Though she didn't look exhausted, but rather extremely confused.
"Hey...How'd you sleep?"
She says, scratching her head and trying to process everything that had just happened. Eventually she gave up and whirled to look at The Hanged Man, her eyes curious and surprised even still.
"Ok, you saw all that to right?! Or am I just losing my mind?!"
The Hanged Man pulled off his gauntlet to eat the peach, not wanting to get the sticky juice in the hinges and leather--his hand, as ugly as it was, would be much easier to clean off. He took another bite with relish. Voletta knew he had quite a sweet tooth.
He no longer usually felt self conscious about his marred skin, with all its furrows and ridges of stretched scar tissue. The damage was remarkable but clearly had been aided by some kind of magical healing, or else he would have no use of his arms at all. The peach trembled in his hand as he finished it off, remaining standing as he watched the rest of the pantry. As Voletta beckoned, he wiped his hand on his gambeson and donned his gauntlet once more. "You may take her to m-my room," he told the little girl, gesturing back towards the dungeon from whence they came. "My door is blue." He then hurried after Voletta as she went about her chores.
The magical intervention, of course, changed their normal routine. The dishes floated themselves out towards the table, right in front of his face. "Er ..." He reached up to grab a fork and felt it tugging in his grasp, until he finally released it and let it shoot forward to join its fellow cutlery. "If ... If I were to wager a guess, t'would be your new little friend ..." His expression was dour. "Goddess, she's supposed to be hiding ..."
All afternoon the knight did his best to deter other servants from entering, telling them that he was punishing Voletta for some transgression, and it was her task to prepare the banquet alone. Hopefully it would work to keep prying eyes at bay, for no doubt everyone wondered if the girl was up to the insurmountable task.
When all was said and done, and as they headed back towards Lilim and Elesa, the Hanged Man broke the silence. "That girl's sister should not speak to the king." He was still chewing on the peach stone, running his tongue along its ridges. "It will not end w-well for you. But ... the choice is yours, mistress."
((At this point I think we should let Dean and Melina catch up, if they want to
))
He no longer usually felt self conscious about his marred skin, with all its furrows and ridges of stretched scar tissue. The damage was remarkable but clearly had been aided by some kind of magical healing, or else he would have no use of his arms at all. The peach trembled in his hand as he finished it off, remaining standing as he watched the rest of the pantry. As Voletta beckoned, he wiped his hand on his gambeson and donned his gauntlet once more. "You may take her to m-my room," he told the little girl, gesturing back towards the dungeon from whence they came. "My door is blue." He then hurried after Voletta as she went about her chores.
The magical intervention, of course, changed their normal routine. The dishes floated themselves out towards the table, right in front of his face. "Er ..." He reached up to grab a fork and felt it tugging in his grasp, until he finally released it and let it shoot forward to join its fellow cutlery. "If ... If I were to wager a guess, t'would be your new little friend ..." His expression was dour. "Goddess, she's supposed to be hiding ..."
All afternoon the knight did his best to deter other servants from entering, telling them that he was punishing Voletta for some transgression, and it was her task to prepare the banquet alone. Hopefully it would work to keep prying eyes at bay, for no doubt everyone wondered if the girl was up to the insurmountable task.
When all was said and done, and as they headed back towards Lilim and Elesa, the Hanged Man broke the silence. "That girl's sister should not speak to the king." He was still chewing on the peach stone, running his tongue along its ridges. "It will not end w-well for you. But ... the choice is yours, mistress."
((At this point I think we should let Dean and Melina catch up, if they want to
))
Prince Merthyr was pacing around his rooms somewhat frustrated.
He was at all times accompanied by his manservant Taff, his confidante, and after so many years together, the two had grown to become best friends if not brothers.
Prince Merthyr too was watched by knights at all times and it gave him the impression of being a prisoner at his own home, Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain were but shadows that followed him whenever he dared cross the front door of his quarters, at times, they would stand guard and watch even within his own rooms if his father was in a particularly worried or foul mood.
Worse than them was his tutor, the lord knight Pentre, who no doubt kept the king heavily informed of the prince's every word and gesture. Luckily, given the private feast, lord Pentre was occupied getting ready which gave Merthyr space and marging to breathe.
"Honestly... why can't my father understand that not all of us were born to breed? I have no intention whatsoever to marry anyone at all... not now, not ever... There are far more important matters in this realm to deal with than marriage or children, like warfare against our neighbouring kingdom and their cruel king Cenrid." pointed out Merthyr
"The king commands and we obey sire..." reminded Taff loudly and patiently, used to the prince's rants and talking aloud in case the knights had been listening into the rant, so as to dispell any thoughts of rebellion or treason
"Yes... of course... I am sure father knows best..." sighed Merthyr mortified.
Merthyr gave up complaining and walked down the hallways to make his way to the pantry to grab peaches, his favoured fruit, now that the fruit basket had ran out of them.
He was walking in a brisk, fast pace, so the knights had trouble trying to catch up to him. He also knew it was a matter of hours at most when the castle would be cluttered with damsels of all sorts ready to tear into him like piranhas into a piece of flesh.
Upon reaching the pantry he saw Voletta there and nodded briefly with a small smile of polite acknowledgement
"Do we have any peaches left, madamme? If so, may I have some, please?" asked Merthyr curteous with servants as much as he was with lords. Such deference infuriated the king very much so, because he expected Merthyr to show his superior authority at all times but the stubborn prince was having none of such rudeness.
He looked up and saw The Hanged Man and nodded respectfully too "greetings to you too sir Crow" acknowledged Merthyr, patting Elesa's head gently his eyes trailing at Lilim who laid on the ground
"Goodness, if a servant is indisposed the pantry is hardly a place for her... I shall take her to my rooms, they're warmer, the apothecary can take care of her better there" mused Merthyr lowering down and scopping Lilim in arms, assuming this one to be just another servant who may have felt unwell
He smiled at Gawain and Lancelot as soon as the two knights noticed his absence and caught up to him, handing Lilim over to Lancelot.
"The maid passed out, take her and her little sister over to my rooms... to the adjacent sleeping quarters, she can use my guest bedroom until she recovers" instructed Merthyr giving Lilim to Lancelot and so cutting down the watchful guards down to one to deal with.
"Ahh looking after your sister uh? What a brave helpful girl you are" smiled and complimented Merthyr scooping Elesa and giving her over to Gawain carefully
"Go on, sir knight, the sooner you take this child to my room, the sooner you can return to your duties... don't worry about me, Sir Crow is here already and armed to the teeth as usual" noted Merthyr cooly getting rid of both of his bodyguards and counting his blessings for the girl and the passed out maid to be there.
Once he was sure the two knights were out of sight and hearing carrying Lilim and Elesa to his chambers he looked back at Voletta
"May I have twice as many peaches? I think I have guests that might like some too" smiled Merthyr making no fuss about the unexpected help and intervention
Taff on the other hand took the opportunity of no lurking guards to question Merthyr's intentions
"Your grace, what will you do at the feast?" asked Taff raising an eye brow and keeping his tone serious
"If he dares force my hand into selecting a bride?" quizzed Merthyr not wanting to even consider such an option though he feared it was indeed looming closer to him than he would like
"Indeed, your highness, what would you do if his majesty were to command you to choose a betrothed from among all those damsels present? To refuse outright to the given orders is high treason" noted Taff a tad worried.
"I know Taff, I know better than to dare refuse orders but I am not choosing a bride either, now or ever. If he tries to force my hand, I'll get back at him, of course, I will have to defeat him with brains rather than brawn" muttered Merthyr
"Oh yes? how exactly, my liege?" questioned Taff in an inquisitive eye brow
"I will profess my love to the first castle maid that happens to be in the room." informed Merthyr with resolve
"Our laws do not allow for royalty to marry into commoners" reminded Taff as a matter of fact
"Exactly, this is why I will promise myself and my undying devotion to the first maidservant that happens to be in my line of sight" nodded Elton set on making his father all the more upset if he dared tried to force his hand into choosing a bride from among strangers.
"Goodness grief, you better ready for a harsh reprimand then" cautioned Taff
"I know... I am aware... but anything he can throw at me will be far better than marriage" smiled Merthyr "I rather torture from a whip's lashes for a month than the arms of one of those harpies for an hour. These women can bore me to death in all but two fake sentences full of lies and deceit" informed Merthyr already braced for the worse, patiently awaiting the peaches
"I disapprove of father's cruel ways and when I am king, if I even live to see the day, I'll strive to do exactly the opposite in all things" informed Merthyr with conviction "Starting with the ill treatment of servants and staff, they are the heart of the castle, our lives are enjoyable because of their efforts and such should be acknowledged" muttered Merthyr looking at Taff with a sigh
"Watch it now, you can end up in the dungeons for treason... your highness..." warned Taff watching Merthyr nod briefly going quiet and forcing a polite smile as the two knights returned to his side
"It is done... your highness" assured Sir Lancelot standing out in the corridor nearby the pantry's door. Merthyr and Taff going quiet and waiting for the peaches, if any.
He was at all times accompanied by his manservant Taff, his confidante, and after so many years together, the two had grown to become best friends if not brothers.
Prince Merthyr too was watched by knights at all times and it gave him the impression of being a prisoner at his own home, Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain were but shadows that followed him whenever he dared cross the front door of his quarters, at times, they would stand guard and watch even within his own rooms if his father was in a particularly worried or foul mood.
Worse than them was his tutor, the lord knight Pentre, who no doubt kept the king heavily informed of the prince's every word and gesture. Luckily, given the private feast, lord Pentre was occupied getting ready which gave Merthyr space and marging to breathe.
"Honestly... why can't my father understand that not all of us were born to breed? I have no intention whatsoever to marry anyone at all... not now, not ever... There are far more important matters in this realm to deal with than marriage or children, like warfare against our neighbouring kingdom and their cruel king Cenrid." pointed out Merthyr
"The king commands and we obey sire..." reminded Taff loudly and patiently, used to the prince's rants and talking aloud in case the knights had been listening into the rant, so as to dispell any thoughts of rebellion or treason
"Yes... of course... I am sure father knows best..." sighed Merthyr mortified.
Merthyr gave up complaining and walked down the hallways to make his way to the pantry to grab peaches, his favoured fruit, now that the fruit basket had ran out of them.
He was walking in a brisk, fast pace, so the knights had trouble trying to catch up to him. He also knew it was a matter of hours at most when the castle would be cluttered with damsels of all sorts ready to tear into him like piranhas into a piece of flesh.
Upon reaching the pantry he saw Voletta there and nodded briefly with a small smile of polite acknowledgement
"Do we have any peaches left, madamme? If so, may I have some, please?" asked Merthyr curteous with servants as much as he was with lords. Such deference infuriated the king very much so, because he expected Merthyr to show his superior authority at all times but the stubborn prince was having none of such rudeness.
He looked up and saw The Hanged Man and nodded respectfully too "greetings to you too sir Crow" acknowledged Merthyr, patting Elesa's head gently his eyes trailing at Lilim who laid on the ground
"Goodness, if a servant is indisposed the pantry is hardly a place for her... I shall take her to my rooms, they're warmer, the apothecary can take care of her better there" mused Merthyr lowering down and scopping Lilim in arms, assuming this one to be just another servant who may have felt unwell
He smiled at Gawain and Lancelot as soon as the two knights noticed his absence and caught up to him, handing Lilim over to Lancelot.
"The maid passed out, take her and her little sister over to my rooms... to the adjacent sleeping quarters, she can use my guest bedroom until she recovers" instructed Merthyr giving Lilim to Lancelot and so cutting down the watchful guards down to one to deal with.
"Ahh looking after your sister uh? What a brave helpful girl you are" smiled and complimented Merthyr scooping Elesa and giving her over to Gawain carefully
"Go on, sir knight, the sooner you take this child to my room, the sooner you can return to your duties... don't worry about me, Sir Crow is here already and armed to the teeth as usual" noted Merthyr cooly getting rid of both of his bodyguards and counting his blessings for the girl and the passed out maid to be there.
Once he was sure the two knights were out of sight and hearing carrying Lilim and Elesa to his chambers he looked back at Voletta
"May I have twice as many peaches? I think I have guests that might like some too" smiled Merthyr making no fuss about the unexpected help and intervention
Taff on the other hand took the opportunity of no lurking guards to question Merthyr's intentions
"Your grace, what will you do at the feast?" asked Taff raising an eye brow and keeping his tone serious
"If he dares force my hand into selecting a bride?" quizzed Merthyr not wanting to even consider such an option though he feared it was indeed looming closer to him than he would like
"Indeed, your highness, what would you do if his majesty were to command you to choose a betrothed from among all those damsels present? To refuse outright to the given orders is high treason" noted Taff a tad worried.
"I know Taff, I know better than to dare refuse orders but I am not choosing a bride either, now or ever. If he tries to force my hand, I'll get back at him, of course, I will have to defeat him with brains rather than brawn" muttered Merthyr
"Oh yes? how exactly, my liege?" questioned Taff in an inquisitive eye brow
"I will profess my love to the first castle maid that happens to be in the room." informed Merthyr with resolve
"Our laws do not allow for royalty to marry into commoners" reminded Taff as a matter of fact
"Exactly, this is why I will promise myself and my undying devotion to the first maidservant that happens to be in my line of sight" nodded Elton set on making his father all the more upset if he dared tried to force his hand into choosing a bride from among strangers.
"Goodness grief, you better ready for a harsh reprimand then" cautioned Taff
"I know... I am aware... but anything he can throw at me will be far better than marriage" smiled Merthyr "I rather torture from a whip's lashes for a month than the arms of one of those harpies for an hour. These women can bore me to death in all but two fake sentences full of lies and deceit" informed Merthyr already braced for the worse, patiently awaiting the peaches
"I disapprove of father's cruel ways and when I am king, if I even live to see the day, I'll strive to do exactly the opposite in all things" informed Merthyr with conviction "Starting with the ill treatment of servants and staff, they are the heart of the castle, our lives are enjoyable because of their efforts and such should be acknowledged" muttered Merthyr looking at Taff with a sigh
"Watch it now, you can end up in the dungeons for treason... your highness..." warned Taff watching Merthyr nod briefly going quiet and forcing a polite smile as the two knights returned to his side
"It is done... your highness" assured Sir Lancelot standing out in the corridor nearby the pantry's door. Merthyr and Taff going quiet and waiting for the peaches, if any.
Sir Henry Morgan, the leader of the The Stone Hearts, was serving drinks at the tavern he owned called "The Stone Hearts" from whence the name of the rebellious group took its name.
He was a man of principles and of noble lineage, but his objections to the ill treatment of princess Voletta and his refusal to consent to any such ill treatment had put him at odds with the king, so much so that he had been cast out of the royal army, stripped of his noble title and his lands and dominions had been confiscated in punishment and retaliation for such defiance.
After ten years of wandering in vanishment he had been permitted to return to the kingdom of Celinao, but by then he had lost his modest house and his wife to illness at the king's dungeons where his son was born. Morgan knew the king retained his son as surety for his silence, and though Morgan knew not the boy for he had never seen him as of yet, he held his peace about the princess
Behind curtains and in the shadows he was raising a group of well trained assassins of all walks of lives who had suffered at the cruelty of the king and this group called The Stone Hearts was now seeking to exact revenge and bring down the king, putting an end to his tyrany and cruel reign.
For now he had sent several men and women to work at the palace and gather what information could be of use to their cause, biding their time whilst they hatched a good enough plan. Of course, such was fraught with danger, for the king had spies among them, he knew this for sure, but he just didn't know who.
Morgan looked at Aynor and Calico and sighed heavy hearted. "It seems Jamie will be hanged for treason, at dawn... someone must have reported him as working for our cause" sighed Morgan heavy hearted, each man or woman lost was a terrible one for this closely knit group.
He continued to serve drinks, going quiet when guards like Prodius dropped by for a drink after their watch rounds or in between them
The king suspected Morgan had something to do with this group called The Stone Hearts but he could not prove a thing so for now he sent out well paid thugs to spy on the rebels and bring him names, locations and plans, to foil them and to have those involved executed or thrown at the dungeons
He was a man of principles and of noble lineage, but his objections to the ill treatment of princess Voletta and his refusal to consent to any such ill treatment had put him at odds with the king, so much so that he had been cast out of the royal army, stripped of his noble title and his lands and dominions had been confiscated in punishment and retaliation for such defiance.
After ten years of wandering in vanishment he had been permitted to return to the kingdom of Celinao, but by then he had lost his modest house and his wife to illness at the king's dungeons where his son was born. Morgan knew the king retained his son as surety for his silence, and though Morgan knew not the boy for he had never seen him as of yet, he held his peace about the princess
Behind curtains and in the shadows he was raising a group of well trained assassins of all walks of lives who had suffered at the cruelty of the king and this group called The Stone Hearts was now seeking to exact revenge and bring down the king, putting an end to his tyrany and cruel reign.
For now he had sent several men and women to work at the palace and gather what information could be of use to their cause, biding their time whilst they hatched a good enough plan. Of course, such was fraught with danger, for the king had spies among them, he knew this for sure, but he just didn't know who.
Morgan looked at Aynor and Calico and sighed heavy hearted. "It seems Jamie will be hanged for treason, at dawn... someone must have reported him as working for our cause" sighed Morgan heavy hearted, each man or woman lost was a terrible one for this closely knit group.
He continued to serve drinks, going quiet when guards like Prodius dropped by for a drink after their watch rounds or in between them
The king suspected Morgan had something to do with this group called The Stone Hearts but he could not prove a thing so for now he sent out well paid thugs to spy on the rebels and bring him names, locations and plans, to foil them and to have those involved executed or thrown at the dungeons
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