Elesa would hear Voletta and Crow enter, ducking back into her hiding place quickly, but coming out again once she saw who it was. she'd smile to them both softly before again hearing the pantry door swing open, only too late to duck back into cover as the prince spotted both Elesa and to her shock and surprise, Lilim, whom had been hidden under one of the shelves and had baskets and barrels set between her and direct line of sight.
Elesa would blink though and look on curiously as the prince assumes his own story and much to her surprise, does not order them locked away, but taken to his own guest quarters?... Elesa was stricken speechless by the princes unforeseen, unexpected, an unconditional kindness, but before she could gather herself to thank him, she'd find herself scooped up as well and handed off to one of the princes personal escort as well. She could only curl up against the knight's armor and let herself be carried away, her gratitude going unsaid as she was never given the chance to say her favorite phrase to the prince.
She'd also be a little heartbroken that she was being taken away from Voletta, but at least she knew who to ask for if she wanted her company again. Elesa would certainly have a lot to tell Lilim when she woke up, as well as having to remember to thank the prince for his kindness if she and Lilim were allowed to attend the ball.
Lilim would of course be helpless while she was sound asleep, though she'd cuddle into the knight that carried her up until she was laid upon the bed. Lilim would moan softly and shift slowly to make herself quickly comfortable in the bed, the task being even easier since she was now in the care of the apothecary. Elesa would have to keep a closer eye on the workers that tended to Lilim and would try to get a little closer to the bed Lilim was resting in. She had a feeling she'd have to explain things soon enough before the apothecary workers caused Lilim harm while trying to help her. All the while the child would be nervously looking out the window time and again and wish that sunset would hurry up and arrive.
It was starting to look like only Elesa knew or cared that Lilim was not a human, as the apothecary workers were hearing none of Elesa's words as she told them not to force Lilim to drink and not to try to rouse her, and it appeared the only time they stopped paying attention to Lilim was when Elesa herself collapsed to the floor in tears and cried because she was not being heard. She'd eventually beg the apothecary workers to give Lilim until dark to improve as Elesa said, and then they'd leave the room at last. Elesa would close the door quietly and take a few steps back, drawing one of her seals, "Seal of Ice... Flash Freeze..." she whispers as she summons a huge layer of ice to seal the door shut.
If anyone wanted in, they could knock and wait for permission as Elesa had been taught to do, and now Elesa had some work of her own to do undoing all the damage the apothecary had done. Force feeding her water to drink and medicines that would do nothing but really make Lilim ill... She'd work delicately with her charms one by one to get Lilim back to the way she was supposed to be, and at last she'd sigh exhaustedly and crawl into the bed with Lilim, cuddling into her to wait for the sun to set at last so Lilim could wake up and be proven healthy and safe.
Elesa would blink though and look on curiously as the prince assumes his own story and much to her surprise, does not order them locked away, but taken to his own guest quarters?... Elesa was stricken speechless by the princes unforeseen, unexpected, an unconditional kindness, but before she could gather herself to thank him, she'd find herself scooped up as well and handed off to one of the princes personal escort as well. She could only curl up against the knight's armor and let herself be carried away, her gratitude going unsaid as she was never given the chance to say her favorite phrase to the prince.
She'd also be a little heartbroken that she was being taken away from Voletta, but at least she knew who to ask for if she wanted her company again. Elesa would certainly have a lot to tell Lilim when she woke up, as well as having to remember to thank the prince for his kindness if she and Lilim were allowed to attend the ball.
Lilim would of course be helpless while she was sound asleep, though she'd cuddle into the knight that carried her up until she was laid upon the bed. Lilim would moan softly and shift slowly to make herself quickly comfortable in the bed, the task being even easier since she was now in the care of the apothecary. Elesa would have to keep a closer eye on the workers that tended to Lilim and would try to get a little closer to the bed Lilim was resting in. She had a feeling she'd have to explain things soon enough before the apothecary workers caused Lilim harm while trying to help her. All the while the child would be nervously looking out the window time and again and wish that sunset would hurry up and arrive.
It was starting to look like only Elesa knew or cared that Lilim was not a human, as the apothecary workers were hearing none of Elesa's words as she told them not to force Lilim to drink and not to try to rouse her, and it appeared the only time they stopped paying attention to Lilim was when Elesa herself collapsed to the floor in tears and cried because she was not being heard. She'd eventually beg the apothecary workers to give Lilim until dark to improve as Elesa said, and then they'd leave the room at last. Elesa would close the door quietly and take a few steps back, drawing one of her seals, "Seal of Ice... Flash Freeze..." she whispers as she summons a huge layer of ice to seal the door shut.
If anyone wanted in, they could knock and wait for permission as Elesa had been taught to do, and now Elesa had some work of her own to do undoing all the damage the apothecary had done. Force feeding her water to drink and medicines that would do nothing but really make Lilim ill... She'd work delicately with her charms one by one to get Lilim back to the way she was supposed to be, and at last she'd sigh exhaustedly and crawl into the bed with Lilim, cuddling into her to wait for the sun to set at last so Lilim could wake up and be proven healthy and safe.
Voletta would turn to face The Hanged Man, a frown spreading across her face as he mentioned that Lilim shouldn't go to see the king. She would feel her heart break a little. If it worked, it could mean her freedom, and it had sounded like he didn't want to risk it. Though Voletta personally believed some risks were worth taking. Before she could say anything, though, she would hear the door open and turn around, only to see the prince. Her eyes would widen, and she would almost immediately drop into a deep bow, keeping her head lowered to the floor.
"Y-Your majesty! H-How can I help you??"
She says, before glancing upwards and noticing him pick up Lilim and handing her off to one of the other servants to take them to his room. She would be upset that she was separated from Elesa, but at least she knew where to find them, and knew they would be safe under the prince's watch as he had ordered his staff to take care of them. She would be lost in the thought, before hearing him request peaches. She would spring up and nod, before running to one of the shelves and looking up to see the peaches.
She would reach up to try and grab it, to no avail. She would get on her tip toes, but she still fell short in height. She would sigh heavily as she grabbed a barrel and began dragging it over towards the shelf. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop on their conversation, but they were right there and she wouldn't be able to help it. She listened as he mentioned he would confess his love to the first woman maid he set eyes on should his father force his hand. Though it wasn't any business, she couldn't help but wonder what such actions would mean for the house and the kingdom. Though lost in her train of thought, she would accidently slip as she reached for a peach, gripping the shelf tightly as she caught herself. She let out a long breath and collected herself before continuing to gather as many peaches as the prince wanted. When she had enough, she would hop down and land with a gentle thud, before approaching the prince and bowing to him once more, her hands outstretched and holding the peaches to him.
"Here you are, your majesty...This was all I could find..."
As this was going on, the sun would be going down and the guest would be starting to arrive. The time of the soiree was finally starting, and she would need to go get dressed, assuming the guards didn't lock her away for the night.
"Y-Your majesty! H-How can I help you??"
She says, before glancing upwards and noticing him pick up Lilim and handing her off to one of the other servants to take them to his room. She would be upset that she was separated from Elesa, but at least she knew where to find them, and knew they would be safe under the prince's watch as he had ordered his staff to take care of them. She would be lost in the thought, before hearing him request peaches. She would spring up and nod, before running to one of the shelves and looking up to see the peaches.
She would reach up to try and grab it, to no avail. She would get on her tip toes, but she still fell short in height. She would sigh heavily as she grabbed a barrel and began dragging it over towards the shelf. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop on their conversation, but they were right there and she wouldn't be able to help it. She listened as he mentioned he would confess his love to the first woman maid he set eyes on should his father force his hand. Though it wasn't any business, she couldn't help but wonder what such actions would mean for the house and the kingdom. Though lost in her train of thought, she would accidently slip as she reached for a peach, gripping the shelf tightly as she caught herself. She let out a long breath and collected herself before continuing to gather as many peaches as the prince wanted. When she had enough, she would hop down and land with a gentle thud, before approaching the prince and bowing to him once more, her hands outstretched and holding the peaches to him.
"Here you are, your majesty...This was all I could find..."
As this was going on, the sun would be going down and the guest would be starting to arrive. The time of the soiree was finally starting, and she would need to go get dressed, assuming the guards didn't lock her away for the night.
((Tusitala, may I suggest putting less dialogue and individual actions in your posts? 
There's no way for us to react to the ongoing Taff/Merthyr conversation, for example ... which I think is happening where Crow and Voletta can hear, right?))
The Hanged Man lifted his head when he heard the approach of armored figures, and he tried to shift so that his shield was in front of the two stowaway girls. But when he saw who it was, he bowed deeply in immediate deference, and did not rise until ordered. "Hail, my p-prince ..."
Nervously he played with the peach stone in his mouth. It was too late now--Merthyr had spotted Elesa. His eyes darted from the prince to his guards to the girls nervously. Yet when all was said and done, it could have gone a lot worse. The prince was looking for a way to defy his father, perhaps, to exert some control, no matter how small. Maybe helping these girls fulfilled that need.
After the knights took the girls away, and Voletta went to fetch the peaches, Crow trailed after her. Merthyr and his servant were discussing the ball. It was brazen talk, and Crow wasn't sure why the prince was allowing it to be overheard.
Voletta swayed on her barrel perch, and the Hanged Man reached up hastily to steady her. "W-watch yourself, mistress," he said softly.
There's no way for us to react to the ongoing Taff/Merthyr conversation, for example ... which I think is happening where Crow and Voletta can hear, right?))The Hanged Man lifted his head when he heard the approach of armored figures, and he tried to shift so that his shield was in front of the two stowaway girls. But when he saw who it was, he bowed deeply in immediate deference, and did not rise until ordered. "Hail, my p-prince ..."
Nervously he played with the peach stone in his mouth. It was too late now--Merthyr had spotted Elesa. His eyes darted from the prince to his guards to the girls nervously. Yet when all was said and done, it could have gone a lot worse. The prince was looking for a way to defy his father, perhaps, to exert some control, no matter how small. Maybe helping these girls fulfilled that need.
After the knights took the girls away, and Voletta went to fetch the peaches, Crow trailed after her. Merthyr and his servant were discussing the ball. It was brazen talk, and Crow wasn't sure why the prince was allowing it to be overheard.
Voletta swayed on her barrel perch, and the Hanged Man reached up hastily to steady her. "W-watch yourself, mistress," he said softly.
(And in comes the king)
Inside the of the kings inner chambers the king sat, or more rather perched on the edge of his seat as he so often did when in the company of the three who now sat beside him. These four has all known each other for the longest of times, growing up and playing together. It was between the four of them they had created and built the new military, growing it, purging those who stood against them. Building the foundations for the final plan.
The room itself was a brightly lit, but small chamber. Just the right size that the more whimsically minded would have called it homely, for them it was simply their sanctuary. A place for the four to rest and chat where no one else could find them. For them being seen as anything other than the unfeeling emotionless rocks on which they organized the army was problematic. So they his this away, behind a door to which only they held the key.
The four occupants were the king and his three generals: The wind general: Elesa, famed for her slippery movements and cunning strategies. The lightning general: Sariel, known for his love of charging head on into whatever dangers presented themselves. Finally there was Maximilian, the rock. The general of defence who was in charge of keeping the lands safe.
"Hey Max, when ya gonna marry someone?"
The question came from Sariel, who in his usual habit was teasing the youngest of the group.
"When I find the person who's right for me. At least I'm not like you two, I'm taking time in finding a partner."
"Oh don't be so jealous, Sai simply proposed to me first."
The king smirked, jumping in on Max's side. "Oh come now, we all know had Max been interested in you then Sai wouldn't have stood a chance."
The conversation with it's back and forths continued for a while. The four making their own miniature game of politics, characterized by ever shifting miriad of alliances and treachery. Yet it never became nasty, the four knew each other too well for that.
Finally it came to matters of a more serious nature. "Soon, our plan will come to fruition. Our nation shall stand on top of all others. Everything will have been made worth it."
Sariel nodded, "I am giving preparation orders out now to mobilize my forces for the first wave. All these excursions and lost troops will finally be repayed in blood."
Max spoke up, confirming his continuing part in the plan. "I will continue doing my duty destroying all those who stand in our way. No matter what happens we have to ensure this succeeds."
Elesa suddenly spoke up. "Isn't the party for you son to find a suitor happening soon?"
The king bolted upright. "Your right! I do hope he doesn't do anything stupid, he needs a wife and he needs children. This kingdom shall persevere and if he fails this... There will be other ways."
(Sorry this doesn't interact with anyone, just getting a post out to affirm who I'm playing and have something here.)
Inside the of the kings inner chambers the king sat, or more rather perched on the edge of his seat as he so often did when in the company of the three who now sat beside him. These four has all known each other for the longest of times, growing up and playing together. It was between the four of them they had created and built the new military, growing it, purging those who stood against them. Building the foundations for the final plan.
The room itself was a brightly lit, but small chamber. Just the right size that the more whimsically minded would have called it homely, for them it was simply their sanctuary. A place for the four to rest and chat where no one else could find them. For them being seen as anything other than the unfeeling emotionless rocks on which they organized the army was problematic. So they his this away, behind a door to which only they held the key.
The four occupants were the king and his three generals: The wind general: Elesa, famed for her slippery movements and cunning strategies. The lightning general: Sariel, known for his love of charging head on into whatever dangers presented themselves. Finally there was Maximilian, the rock. The general of defence who was in charge of keeping the lands safe.
"Hey Max, when ya gonna marry someone?"
The question came from Sariel, who in his usual habit was teasing the youngest of the group.
"When I find the person who's right for me. At least I'm not like you two, I'm taking time in finding a partner."
"Oh don't be so jealous, Sai simply proposed to me first."
The king smirked, jumping in on Max's side. "Oh come now, we all know had Max been interested in you then Sai wouldn't have stood a chance."
The conversation with it's back and forths continued for a while. The four making their own miniature game of politics, characterized by ever shifting miriad of alliances and treachery. Yet it never became nasty, the four knew each other too well for that.
Finally it came to matters of a more serious nature. "Soon, our plan will come to fruition. Our nation shall stand on top of all others. Everything will have been made worth it."
Sariel nodded, "I am giving preparation orders out now to mobilize my forces for the first wave. All these excursions and lost troops will finally be repayed in blood."
Max spoke up, confirming his continuing part in the plan. "I will continue doing my duty destroying all those who stand in our way. No matter what happens we have to ensure this succeeds."
Elesa suddenly spoke up. "Isn't the party for you son to find a suitor happening soon?"
The king bolted upright. "Your right! I do hope he doesn't do anything stupid, he needs a wife and he needs children. This kingdom shall persevere and if he fails this... There will be other ways."
(Sorry this doesn't interact with anyone, just getting a post out to affirm who I'm playing and have something here.)
"Thank you so much, madamme, I am sorry for the trouble caused." apologized Merthyr having noticed her slip and loose grip earlier in the task. He gladly accepted the fruit and handed it to Taff for him to carry least they crossed paths with his father when they made his way back to his quarters.
"If you need to see the other maid, she's in next door to my quarters, in the guest chambers, feel free to enter at your leisure" assured Merthyr with a warm smile saluting The Hanged Man
"Sorry for the interruption, Sir Crow" excused Merthyr nodding the head respectfully and waving for Taff to follow, taking a peach into his hands to eat it along the way
"I hope they made peach tart... last time they served it, it tasted divine, one good reason for attending tonight would be for the deserts" muttered Merthyr reaching his rooms and getting changed for the feast.
"If you need to see the other maid, she's in next door to my quarters, in the guest chambers, feel free to enter at your leisure" assured Merthyr with a warm smile saluting The Hanged Man
"Sorry for the interruption, Sir Crow" excused Merthyr nodding the head respectfully and waving for Taff to follow, taking a peach into his hands to eat it along the way
"I hope they made peach tart... last time they served it, it tasted divine, one good reason for attending tonight would be for the deserts" muttered Merthyr reaching his rooms and getting changed for the feast.
Voletta would throw an appreciative glance towards The Hanged Man before turning to face Merthyr, smiling as he gave them permission to visit Elesa and Lilim at their leisure. She would have to go to them quickly, for it would only be a matter of time before the other guards came and locked her in her room. The king usually never let her go to such events, always saying that her figure was to disgraceful for public eye. So she would run out of the room as the sun had practically set and the guests arrived, before sprinted towards her cell. She would open up the closet doors and skim through the dresses she had in there, before finally pulling one out and going to her bathroom, shutting the door.
This was usually the only time she ever got any real privacy, she would take her sweet time in getting ready. She would slip off her previous dress and let it pool at her feet, before stepping out of it and putting on something new. She would take the brush off of her sink and brush her hair, pulling it back before taking a step back and glancing at herself in the mirror, nodding in approval as she hesitantly steps out and goes out to The Hanged Man.
(^Her new outfit!)
She would do a quick twirl and smile, as she never got to dress up for events like this. The guards hadn't ordered her to her cell yet, so she would go and most likely work for the party until its conclusions, or until she was sent away, which was the more likely possibility. She gives The Hanged Man a cheeky grin as she swishes her dress playfully, giggling.
"How do I look??"
She says as she walks to the ballroom to get ready to serve the ladies there, as well as their families.
This was usually the only time she ever got any real privacy, she would take her sweet time in getting ready. She would slip off her previous dress and let it pool at her feet, before stepping out of it and putting on something new. She would take the brush off of her sink and brush her hair, pulling it back before taking a step back and glancing at herself in the mirror, nodding in approval as she hesitantly steps out and goes out to The Hanged Man.
(^Her new outfit!)
She would do a quick twirl and smile, as she never got to dress up for events like this. The guards hadn't ordered her to her cell yet, so she would go and most likely work for the party until its conclusions, or until she was sent away, which was the more likely possibility. She gives The Hanged Man a cheeky grin as she swishes her dress playfully, giggling.
"How do I look??"
She says as she walks to the ballroom to get ready to serve the ladies there, as well as their families.
As Merthyr took his leave, the Hanged Man bowed once more. "W-Worry not, lord--your presence is never an interruption." He waited for the prince to leave to straighten up and refocus his attention on Voletta. She was off again in a rush, and he hurried after her.
While she changed, so too did he, though all he did was don his formal cape, clipping it to his pauldrons and letting it flutter down behind him. He also gave his breastplate a cursory buffing, then stepped out to wait for Voletta. He was always rather scruffy looking, with a shadow of a beard and hair usually unkempt. It could do with a brushing, especially with so many highborn figures at the ball.
Voletta emerged from her dingy chamber. His lips twisted into an ugly smile at her twirling, and he looked her over for wardrobe malfunctions. "One moment ..." He adjusted the flare of her upper sleeve before she could flutter away, fingers cumbersome. "Lovely as always, mistress," he said softly. "Hopefully I am not t-too shabby in comparison."
Then it was off to the ballroom, which was furnished and scrubbed to gleaming, thanks to little Elesa's magic. People in beautiful garb were starting to arrive, a rainbow of silk and velvet. Tittering girls clung to their chaperones and buzzed excitedly about the night ahead, though in secret shot each other venomous glares--this was a zero sum game, for only one could win the hand of the prince.
While she changed, so too did he, though all he did was don his formal cape, clipping it to his pauldrons and letting it flutter down behind him. He also gave his breastplate a cursory buffing, then stepped out to wait for Voletta. He was always rather scruffy looking, with a shadow of a beard and hair usually unkempt. It could do with a brushing, especially with so many highborn figures at the ball.
Voletta emerged from her dingy chamber. His lips twisted into an ugly smile at her twirling, and he looked her over for wardrobe malfunctions. "One moment ..." He adjusted the flare of her upper sleeve before she could flutter away, fingers cumbersome. "Lovely as always, mistress," he said softly. "Hopefully I am not t-too shabby in comparison."
Then it was off to the ballroom, which was furnished and scrubbed to gleaming, thanks to little Elesa's magic. People in beautiful garb were starting to arrive, a rainbow of silk and velvet. Tittering girls clung to their chaperones and buzzed excitedly about the night ahead, though in secret shot each other venomous glares--this was a zero sum game, for only one could win the hand of the prince.
Nightfall at last!! Lilim finally stirs as the evening sun changes the sky to orange and slowly fades to black, once again escaping to the roof for several minutes to watch the sky and listen to her mother's concert. Elesa would set to work dismissing the Ice and cleaning up the water that had pooled up from the door being frozen shut. Thanks to her magic there would be almost no trace of any of it, but she'd have a lot to tell Lilim when she finally came down.
Elesa would explain about Voletta and Crow, and the prince and his knights. Sparing no detail in saying that they were all good people that deserved to be respected. Elesa spoke rather highly of Voletta as well. And when it came to Voletta's bodily scars, Lilim would freeze and listen to Elesa's every word as she described their locations and the daily events that had made the marks on her. Furious was an understatement as Lilim then began bolstering her might and getting ready to tear the castle apart. That was... Until Elesa started telling of the ball and the decorations and preparations that had been made for the events. Lilim would calm right down as Elesa bounced on her toes and begged to attend.
Lilim would kneel to Elesa and hug her warmly, "Oh... Alright. But if we're going to attend these events, we're going to need to really be able to turn some heads. C'mon. Lets get changed." Lilim says with a smile. Attacking the king would have to wait. Elesa wanted to attend the party and Lilim's first priority was seeing Elesa happy. And when Lilim promised outfits that would turn some heads, she dang sure was going to deliver.
Lilim and Elesa would be fully changed and ready to go in a matter of seconds thanks to Lilim's Trans magic, having to borrow some material from what the good prince left in the room with them, but for Elesa, the outfit was very well worth it, as the child would likely be turning more heads than Lilim would. But there was one eye in particular that she was hoping to catch, and that eye belonged to someone she really was hoping to meet.
Finally making it to the party, Lilim would walk into the ballroom holding Elesa's hand. She'd look around at everyone that was currently present and see if she could find who she was looking for. Or rather, she'd find a place to wait until she herself was noticed.
Elesa would be looking around in hopes of finding Voletta and Crow in the crowd, but so far she couldn't spot them. She'd continue searching though, and found the event to be a bit less fun than she was hoping. As long as she could spot Voletta again though, the whole thing would be worth it. The poor child would gulp though as she started to feel the stinging gazes of the crowd passing over her, almost as though everyone was marking her as a target to be picked on and tormented during the party, so she'd do her best to keep her search within the safety of Lilim's line of sight, hoping that if she could get back to Lilim quickly enough that nothing bad would happen.
True enough, Lilim would be feeling some daggers as well, but the stinging gazes of the other girls only made her smirk all the more triumphantly. Lilim caught on to Elesa's nervousness though and stepped up closer to her, "Everything alright, Elesa? C'mon. Lets have a look around together. Maybe we can find these friends you spoke so highly of." Lilim says with a smile as she takes Elesa's hand and starts walking around the room with her, just daring anyone to try and trip her up or lay a finger on Elesa or her dress. They'd only get hurt for messing with Lilim, but if Elesa got touched... The party would be one guest fewer than before.
Elesa would explain about Voletta and Crow, and the prince and his knights. Sparing no detail in saying that they were all good people that deserved to be respected. Elesa spoke rather highly of Voletta as well. And when it came to Voletta's bodily scars, Lilim would freeze and listen to Elesa's every word as she described their locations and the daily events that had made the marks on her. Furious was an understatement as Lilim then began bolstering her might and getting ready to tear the castle apart. That was... Until Elesa started telling of the ball and the decorations and preparations that had been made for the events. Lilim would calm right down as Elesa bounced on her toes and begged to attend.
Lilim would kneel to Elesa and hug her warmly, "Oh... Alright. But if we're going to attend these events, we're going to need to really be able to turn some heads. C'mon. Lets get changed." Lilim says with a smile. Attacking the king would have to wait. Elesa wanted to attend the party and Lilim's first priority was seeing Elesa happy. And when Lilim promised outfits that would turn some heads, she dang sure was going to deliver.
Lilim and Elesa would be fully changed and ready to go in a matter of seconds thanks to Lilim's Trans magic, having to borrow some material from what the good prince left in the room with them, but for Elesa, the outfit was very well worth it, as the child would likely be turning more heads than Lilim would. But there was one eye in particular that she was hoping to catch, and that eye belonged to someone she really was hoping to meet.
Finally making it to the party, Lilim would walk into the ballroom holding Elesa's hand. She'd look around at everyone that was currently present and see if she could find who she was looking for. Or rather, she'd find a place to wait until she herself was noticed.
Elesa would be looking around in hopes of finding Voletta and Crow in the crowd, but so far she couldn't spot them. She'd continue searching though, and found the event to be a bit less fun than she was hoping. As long as she could spot Voletta again though, the whole thing would be worth it. The poor child would gulp though as she started to feel the stinging gazes of the crowd passing over her, almost as though everyone was marking her as a target to be picked on and tormented during the party, so she'd do her best to keep her search within the safety of Lilim's line of sight, hoping that if she could get back to Lilim quickly enough that nothing bad would happen.True enough, Lilim would be feeling some daggers as well, but the stinging gazes of the other girls only made her smirk all the more triumphantly. Lilim caught on to Elesa's nervousness though and stepped up closer to her, "Everything alright, Elesa? C'mon. Lets have a look around together. Maybe we can find these friends you spoke so highly of." Lilim says with a smile as she takes Elesa's hand and starts walking around the room with her, just daring anyone to try and trip her up or lay a finger on Elesa or her dress. They'd only get hurt for messing with Lilim, but if Elesa got touched... The party would be one guest fewer than before.
Voletta would pause as The Hanged Man would help her adjust her dress, and giggled as she smiled up at him, taking his hand and practically dragging him to the ballroom. It was only a matter of time before the guards decided that her presence wasn't welcomed and took her back to her room, but she was going to enjoy every moment until then. She kept walking with him and stopped just short of the ballroom doors, before turning to The Hanged Man and helping him adjust his cape before giggling, looking up at him with amusement in her eyes, perhaps for the first time in a very long time.
"Of course you don't look shabby! You look wonderful! But duty calls, huh??"
She says before opening the ballroom doors and slipping in. She would glance around and almost instantly feel her voice caught in her throat. She would grip onto The Hanged Man's cape tightly, before taking a deep and shaky breath to calm herself. Her gaze went all around the ballroom, before she spotted Elesa. Her eyes lit up as she quickly walked her way over to Elesa and hugged her tightly.
"Elesa!! You look so wonderful!"
She says before looking around and noticing the stares of the other girls at the two of them. Voletta would simply roll her eyes and give Elesa a reassuring smile, pushing her hair out of her face before whispering to her.
"Don't worry about them..After you two were escorted away, the prince said he had no interest in marrying any of the girls here, so they are just making themselves look foolish."
She says before looking past Elesa and noticing Lilim awake and well. She would smile offer her hand to Lilim for a hand shake, the scars around her neck and wrist clearly visible. She would shake her hand eagerly, a look of relief on her face as she did, before she retracted her hand.
"You must be her sister, Lilim? I'm so relieved that your up and about! Your sister had me worried and convinced you were dying until she reassured me! But it's a pleasure to meet you formally! My name is Voletta, and the man with me is Crow!! Um, Can I get you anything to drink or eat?"
She says almost excitedly. Though one of the servants would rush up to Voletta, whispering something in her ear. Voletta would let out a sigh as she throws an apologetic glance at the two of them.
"It looks like I have to go start serving the others, but I'll see you both later if I'm not forced to my room!"
She says before rushing away, grabbing one of the silver platters full of meats and fruits and other foods, going to some of the other ladies of the room and humbly offering them food, as she made her laps.
"Of course you don't look shabby! You look wonderful! But duty calls, huh??"
She says before opening the ballroom doors and slipping in. She would glance around and almost instantly feel her voice caught in her throat. She would grip onto The Hanged Man's cape tightly, before taking a deep and shaky breath to calm herself. Her gaze went all around the ballroom, before she spotted Elesa. Her eyes lit up as she quickly walked her way over to Elesa and hugged her tightly.
"Elesa!! You look so wonderful!"
She says before looking around and noticing the stares of the other girls at the two of them. Voletta would simply roll her eyes and give Elesa a reassuring smile, pushing her hair out of her face before whispering to her.
"Don't worry about them..After you two were escorted away, the prince said he had no interest in marrying any of the girls here, so they are just making themselves look foolish."
She says before looking past Elesa and noticing Lilim awake and well. She would smile offer her hand to Lilim for a hand shake, the scars around her neck and wrist clearly visible. She would shake her hand eagerly, a look of relief on her face as she did, before she retracted her hand.
"You must be her sister, Lilim? I'm so relieved that your up and about! Your sister had me worried and convinced you were dying until she reassured me! But it's a pleasure to meet you formally! My name is Voletta, and the man with me is Crow!! Um, Can I get you anything to drink or eat?"
She says almost excitedly. Though one of the servants would rush up to Voletta, whispering something in her ear. Voletta would let out a sigh as she throws an apologetic glance at the two of them.
"It looks like I have to go start serving the others, but I'll see you both later if I'm not forced to my room!"
She says before rushing away, grabbing one of the silver platters full of meats and fruits and other foods, going to some of the other ladies of the room and humbly offering them food, as she made her laps.
Elesa would pause and gasp as she hears Voletta's voice, breaking free of Lilim's hand to run up and give her a warm hug, "Miss Voletta! Thank you! You look amazing too!" Elesa exclaims excitedly. All at once her fear melted away and the whole night seemed better now that she had the chance to see Voletta again.
Lilim would approach and took Voletta's hand as it was offered to her, "So, this is the Voletta I've heard so much about. I must say I can see why Little Elesa has taken such a shine to you. You are simply adorable. Oh... But it does seem Elesa is justified in her worries for you. Just look at your poor wrists... Oh and your neck... Oh honey..." she says before the servant interrupted them. Lilim would hold onto Voletta's hand a few more seconds, "Well, when you get a free moment, you simply must let me have a look at those scars of yours. But... If pretenses must be kept up, please send someone after a glass of raw bovine steak blood for me, if you would, please? It simply does wonders for my lips and skin you see." she says with a slight fib. Really the Steak Blood was more like red wine to her, and really hit her in just the right way to take the edge off and make her feel more calm.
Elesa would reluctantly let Voletta go, almost breaking out in tears again before Lilim took her hand, "We'll find her again later, I promise. But give her some time to see to her duties. After all, my little sister... This is going to be the last night she is enslaved. And we are going to see to that personally." Lilim says with a whisper to the last part so only the child could hear. Elesa would smile to Lilim and nod her head agreeingly. The pair would once again continue their own search, now for the good prince Elesa had described, as the both of them had words they wished to exchange with him.
Lilim would approach and took Voletta's hand as it was offered to her, "So, this is the Voletta I've heard so much about. I must say I can see why Little Elesa has taken such a shine to you. You are simply adorable. Oh... But it does seem Elesa is justified in her worries for you. Just look at your poor wrists... Oh and your neck... Oh honey..." she says before the servant interrupted them. Lilim would hold onto Voletta's hand a few more seconds, "Well, when you get a free moment, you simply must let me have a look at those scars of yours. But... If pretenses must be kept up, please send someone after a glass of raw bovine steak blood for me, if you would, please? It simply does wonders for my lips and skin you see." she says with a slight fib. Really the Steak Blood was more like red wine to her, and really hit her in just the right way to take the edge off and make her feel more calm.
Elesa would reluctantly let Voletta go, almost breaking out in tears again before Lilim took her hand, "We'll find her again later, I promise. But give her some time to see to her duties. After all, my little sister... This is going to be the last night she is enslaved. And we are going to see to that personally." Lilim says with a whisper to the last part so only the child could hear. Elesa would smile to Lilim and nod her head agreeingly. The pair would once again continue their own search, now for the good prince Elesa had described, as the both of them had words they wished to exchange with him.
Voletta would stop in her tracks, looking at Lilim as she held her arm, lingering for a bit before finally letting her go. She would nod at Lilim's request, before going and making several rounds around the room, offering food to all of them. Some of the ladies would point and laugh at her, and other's would treat her like she was less than she was. But she would still maintain her composure, setting the silver platter down as she went to go fulfill Lilim's request. She went out towards the pantry once again, going to grab a piece of stake, before blinking and staring at it confused.
She had no idea how to extract blood from it, but Lilim was a guest at the party, and all guests request must be fulfilled. She would try several things: poking it, stabbing it, but nothing worked. It wasn't until she wrung it like a wet wash cloth that it finally worked. She would hold it over a glass and watch it pour out, before wiping her hands on her dress, leaving small traces of the blood on her dress. She would pick up the glass and head back towards the ballroom, scanning the crowd for Lilim and Elesa, when she spotted them, she rushed over and offered Lilim the glass.
"One glass of raw bovine steak blood for Lady Lilim!"
She says, remembering Lilim's request to see her scars. She stares at Lilim confused for a moment, looking at her curiously.
"Ma'am?? Can I ask why you want to see my scars??"
She says before some of the guards in the room spots her. They rush over to Voletta and grab her by her upper arm, and Voletta just sighs as she gives them an apologetic look. She brushes the hair out of her own face before smiling at the two of them.
"Well, I guess I have to retire for the evening...I hope I get to see you again in the future!"
She says before the guards separate Voletta from Lilim and Elesa. They would walk her out of the ballroom and lead her throughout the castle, walking her back down to the lowest part of the castle. They would approach her cell and open it, pushing Voletta inside as she stumbled. She would sigh in a huff and go to her bathroom, changing into her nightgown before hanging her dress up. She would straighten out her nightgown before crawling onto the rock hard bed. Once she was on, one of the guards would walk up to her and chain both of her ankles, wrists, and neck to the bed, before walking out and shutting the cell door, locking it and taking their posts outside. Voletta would tear up and stare at the moonlight that barely made it's way through the tiny window. She sighs heavily, as she reaches for the blanket with her chained hands, to no avail. Struggling even more, she reaches for it with her feet and drags it to her, before grabbing it with her hands and throwing the blanket over herself. She would lie down, adjusting herself so the chain around her neck wouldn't bother her so bad, before she drifted off to sleep.
She had no idea how to extract blood from it, but Lilim was a guest at the party, and all guests request must be fulfilled. She would try several things: poking it, stabbing it, but nothing worked. It wasn't until she wrung it like a wet wash cloth that it finally worked. She would hold it over a glass and watch it pour out, before wiping her hands on her dress, leaving small traces of the blood on her dress. She would pick up the glass and head back towards the ballroom, scanning the crowd for Lilim and Elesa, when she spotted them, she rushed over and offered Lilim the glass.
"One glass of raw bovine steak blood for Lady Lilim!"
She says, remembering Lilim's request to see her scars. She stares at Lilim confused for a moment, looking at her curiously.
"Ma'am?? Can I ask why you want to see my scars??"
She says before some of the guards in the room spots her. They rush over to Voletta and grab her by her upper arm, and Voletta just sighs as she gives them an apologetic look. She brushes the hair out of her own face before smiling at the two of them.
"Well, I guess I have to retire for the evening...I hope I get to see you again in the future!"
She says before the guards separate Voletta from Lilim and Elesa. They would walk her out of the ballroom and lead her throughout the castle, walking her back down to the lowest part of the castle. They would approach her cell and open it, pushing Voletta inside as she stumbled. She would sigh in a huff and go to her bathroom, changing into her nightgown before hanging her dress up. She would straighten out her nightgown before crawling onto the rock hard bed. Once she was on, one of the guards would walk up to her and chain both of her ankles, wrists, and neck to the bed, before walking out and shutting the cell door, locking it and taking their posts outside. Voletta would tear up and stare at the moonlight that barely made it's way through the tiny window. She sighs heavily, as she reaches for the blanket with her chained hands, to no avail. Struggling even more, she reaches for it with her feet and drags it to her, before grabbing it with her hands and throwing the blanket over herself. She would lie down, adjusting herself so the chain around her neck wouldn't bother her so bad, before she drifted off to sleep.
Failing to find the prince, Lilim would sigh and frown, though hearing Voletta call out to her and hand her the glass was a welcomed pick-me-up for the failure to see the prince, "Ah, Thank you, Voletta. Very kind of you to-" she starts to say before the guards seize Voletta like she had done something wrong, "What is the meaning of this?!! Unhand her at once!!!" Lilim shouts in disgust and protest not at Voletta's actions, but at the actions of the guards. The music would halt and the room would fall silent as Voletta was forced to leave. The room would start to laugh at the events and Lilim would move to set her glass down at the serving table before she threw it at someone.
Elesa would tear up and start to panic, and Lilim's eyes would start to glow red. Elesa would chase after the guards and call out for Voletta, and Lilim would be right behind Elesa, the party picking back up and seeming to act as though none of the outburst ever occurred at all. Elesa knew where Voletta had been taken, and Lilim would follow her lead. Along the way, Lilim would stop Elesa and use her Trans magic to change them back into their normal attire so they could move and fight a lot easier. Stealth was half of the battle as Elesa snuck along and led the way to Voletta's room. Lilim of course would make quick work of knocking the guards out, and Elesa would start to hyperventilate as she started having PTSD memories again.
Lilim would quickly return to Elesa and hug her close, "Easy, Elesa. I'm right here. You're safe. We're not here to stay. Remember, we're here to get your new friend out. Can you be brave just a little longer? For Voletta?" Lilim whispers encouragingly. That brief comfort and pep talk had Elesa calming down and nodding with a determined gaze, the child's aura sparking around her as Lilim bolstered her confidence and chased the darkness of her past away once again.
Taking ahold of the bars, Lilim would calmly swing the door open like it was never even locked. Then she would hover into the cell and Elesa would step up close behind her, crawling onto the bed and starting to cry as she saw Voletta laying there sound asleep in the chains. Lilim would make quick work of them as well, taking ahold of the bed and applying a bit of her Siphon magic to force all 5 of the shackles to release at once, then Lilim would move to pick Voletta up like a baby and cradle her lovingly.
Elesa would gasp as she looked and saw something that really scared her, "Big Sis... Her neck is bleeding..." she whispers, trying not to let her voice echo in this dungeon. "Whoops... We cant have that... Send me some Plant energy. I'll give her a good check up and have her healed up good as new." Lilim whispers as she gently lays Voletta back on the bed. Elesa would move a bit more so that she could watch the door a little better, pulling her Plant charm and aiming it toward Lilim, "Seal of Plant... Heal..." Elesa whispers as she sends the soft green glowing energy to Lilim.
Lilim would focus the energy and make her first action to stop Voletta's bleeding from her shackle wounds. She'd notice that the shackles had freshly cut into her skin all over again, leaving bleeding rings all in her already scarred skin. Once Voletta was healed of all her bleeding points, Lilim would use the energy Elesa gave her to tend to Voletta's bone structure, correcting at least 4 ribs that had grown splintered and out of place, as well as tending to her arms and legs, her neck and back, and all over her body until the only thing left was the serial number that had been tattooed into her heel. Other than that, Voletta would be healed up and look like any normal girl.
Elesa would tear up and start to panic, and Lilim's eyes would start to glow red. Elesa would chase after the guards and call out for Voletta, and Lilim would be right behind Elesa, the party picking back up and seeming to act as though none of the outburst ever occurred at all. Elesa knew where Voletta had been taken, and Lilim would follow her lead. Along the way, Lilim would stop Elesa and use her Trans magic to change them back into their normal attire so they could move and fight a lot easier. Stealth was half of the battle as Elesa snuck along and led the way to Voletta's room. Lilim of course would make quick work of knocking the guards out, and Elesa would start to hyperventilate as she started having PTSD memories again.
Lilim would quickly return to Elesa and hug her close, "Easy, Elesa. I'm right here. You're safe. We're not here to stay. Remember, we're here to get your new friend out. Can you be brave just a little longer? For Voletta?" Lilim whispers encouragingly. That brief comfort and pep talk had Elesa calming down and nodding with a determined gaze, the child's aura sparking around her as Lilim bolstered her confidence and chased the darkness of her past away once again.
Taking ahold of the bars, Lilim would calmly swing the door open like it was never even locked. Then she would hover into the cell and Elesa would step up close behind her, crawling onto the bed and starting to cry as she saw Voletta laying there sound asleep in the chains. Lilim would make quick work of them as well, taking ahold of the bed and applying a bit of her Siphon magic to force all 5 of the shackles to release at once, then Lilim would move to pick Voletta up like a baby and cradle her lovingly.
Elesa would gasp as she looked and saw something that really scared her, "Big Sis... Her neck is bleeding..." she whispers, trying not to let her voice echo in this dungeon. "Whoops... We cant have that... Send me some Plant energy. I'll give her a good check up and have her healed up good as new." Lilim whispers as she gently lays Voletta back on the bed. Elesa would move a bit more so that she could watch the door a little better, pulling her Plant charm and aiming it toward Lilim, "Seal of Plant... Heal..." Elesa whispers as she sends the soft green glowing energy to Lilim.
Lilim would focus the energy and make her first action to stop Voletta's bleeding from her shackle wounds. She'd notice that the shackles had freshly cut into her skin all over again, leaving bleeding rings all in her already scarred skin. Once Voletta was healed of all her bleeding points, Lilim would use the energy Elesa gave her to tend to Voletta's bone structure, correcting at least 4 ribs that had grown splintered and out of place, as well as tending to her arms and legs, her neck and back, and all over her body until the only thing left was the serial number that had been tattooed into her heel. Other than that, Voletta would be healed up and look like any normal girl.
Oh dear God, the work.
Melina had come to the castle with the hopes of doing a job she'd done in the past, something she was good at, and with possible ulterior motives. But never in her entire life had she imagined doing this much work.
After her last run-in with Voletta, Melina had been found by a skittish-looking guard who called himself Hejl (pronounced "heel"). He informed her that the king needed her with the rest of the court's Committee on Foreign Affairs to help with the guests for the evening's ball.
Melina now knew that the Duchess of Jericho liked her meat perfectly medium rare, that the generals from Lyewood must be seated in the northwestern alcove of the hall, and that there is a strict no-cursing policy when in the presence of the Princess of Yu'nin.
Among thousands of other tidbits of information.
Between being briefed on the details of the honorary guests and being whisked away to help actually set up some of the proceedings, Melina hadn't had any time to herself in hours. She finally broke away to use the restroom, but had trouble doing so in her chosen gown for the evening.
The dress was silver, glittery, and elegant. Melina's waist-length hair was lightly curled and adorned with tiny, silver stones all throughout. Her heels were also silver, and her makeup was just nice enough to compliment the dress without distracting from it.
She greeted guests warmly, offering the Prince of Uasala his favorite drink and shaking the Governor of Mahlbrook's hand the correct way. The information was plentiful, but Melina was a professional.
In a split second, Melina spotted Voletta in the crowd, but someone moved in front of her.
"Voletta--!" Melina called out, her voice getting softer as Voletta disappeared. Quickly scanning the crowd, Melina spotted her getting escorted away from the festivities.
Okay, that's strange, she thought.
Just at that moment, she got dragged away by the Duchess of Jericho to help with a wardrobe malfunction. After five minutes of sewing in the bathroom, Melina emerged, frantic to figure out exactly what was going on here.
And that's when she had the good fortune to literally run into Prince Merthyr Tydfil, on his way to the party.
"Oh, my goodness, I'm so sorry!" Melina stammered, holding her head in her hands. "I'm such a klutz, please, forgive me!"
Melina had come to the castle with the hopes of doing a job she'd done in the past, something she was good at, and with possible ulterior motives. But never in her entire life had she imagined doing this much work.
After her last run-in with Voletta, Melina had been found by a skittish-looking guard who called himself Hejl (pronounced "heel"). He informed her that the king needed her with the rest of the court's Committee on Foreign Affairs to help with the guests for the evening's ball.
Melina now knew that the Duchess of Jericho liked her meat perfectly medium rare, that the generals from Lyewood must be seated in the northwestern alcove of the hall, and that there is a strict no-cursing policy when in the presence of the Princess of Yu'nin.
Among thousands of other tidbits of information.
Between being briefed on the details of the honorary guests and being whisked away to help actually set up some of the proceedings, Melina hadn't had any time to herself in hours. She finally broke away to use the restroom, but had trouble doing so in her chosen gown for the evening.
The dress was silver, glittery, and elegant. Melina's waist-length hair was lightly curled and adorned with tiny, silver stones all throughout. Her heels were also silver, and her makeup was just nice enough to compliment the dress without distracting from it.
She greeted guests warmly, offering the Prince of Uasala his favorite drink and shaking the Governor of Mahlbrook's hand the correct way. The information was plentiful, but Melina was a professional.
In a split second, Melina spotted Voletta in the crowd, but someone moved in front of her.
"Voletta--!" Melina called out, her voice getting softer as Voletta disappeared. Quickly scanning the crowd, Melina spotted her getting escorted away from the festivities.
Okay, that's strange, she thought.
Just at that moment, she got dragged away by the Duchess of Jericho to help with a wardrobe malfunction. After five minutes of sewing in the bathroom, Melina emerged, frantic to figure out exactly what was going on here.
And that's when she had the good fortune to literally run into Prince Merthyr Tydfil, on his way to the party.
"Oh, my goodness, I'm so sorry!" Melina stammered, holding her head in her hands. "I'm such a klutz, please, forgive me!"
Merthyr smiled at Melina with a reassuring voice "Do not worry unduly, I am sure all is well..." appeased the prince feeling pity for the overly anxious young woman. "One deep breath and we can proceed into the hall together" invited Merthyr leading Melina and Taff into the appointed dinning hall.
Prince Merthyr made his presence at the feast, in a timely fashion, followed by his manservant Taff, just as was expected off him.
Taff on this occasion was wearing the official royal manservant outfit and could not possibly feel all the more ridiculous about it.
He came to his friend, just another maid, to show the feathery hat, the feature that bothered him the most.
"I look like a proper scarecrow like this... a court jester!" huffed Taff in a low voice
It was clear to him that the king was far too showy and pompous to expect even lowly manservants to stand out in such manner but looked all the more surprised to see the prince actually mingling rather well with the ladies, despite his earlier protests.
Merthyr came over to the main head table to salute the knights and lords and especially his tutor lord knight Tron Pentre. Afterwards he turned to meet and greet the ladies and all seemed to be going perfectly well.
He came to lady Selene, from the House Toud, bowing over hand and salute her with the utmost respect, giving her time and attention out of deference for Dean Toud, one of his favoured servants around the castle, and the mighty force of arms that her household represented
"My lady, welcome to our city, I trust your journey was a pleasant one and that you and your family are all keeping well?" asked Merthyr polite
"Sire, all is well in the House of Toud" reassured Selene "I trust my brother is of useful and dutiful service to crown and kingdom?" asked Selene scouting the room unable to recognize her brother among those present
"Most certainly, the young lord Dean Toud is an extremely talented one" assured Merthyr "Please, enjoy the feast... anything is amiss be sure to let us know" greeted Merthyr politely.
"Your highness, I am most honored that you acknowledged our household indeed, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" assured Selene as he held her warms hands gently
Merthyr nor Taff could deny this damsel was very beautiful and delicate, in manners and looks and it was a house powerful enough and wealthy enough to command respect. He had to tread carefully with this lady to not give her the least false hope.
Once they had exchanged a few words of courtesy and honest friendship the prince turned to greet other noble damsels present, many of them from higher and lower ranks, some more beautiful than others.
"Lady Vivien, princess of Yu'nin, I trust you are doing well? We are so sorry for your father's passing, it is a terrible loss to the lands and the kingdoms" greeted Merthyr further getting the young woman's attention
"Your highness, my mother will certainly appreciate your condolences... it is a priviledge to be invited" nodded princess Vivien
Merthyr accompanied her to get a drink and seat her down "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, if anything is amiss let the servants know and it will be remedied" smiled Merthyr bowing briefly
"I shall drink to your health and this kingdom's prosperity" smiled Vivien raising her goblet
Once Merthyr was satisfied that she was well settled and happy, he turned his attention to the rest of those present, it was then that his attentions and eyes got caught with an unusual presence, it was the lady Morgana, their sworn enemy's daughter. King Cenrid's daughter.
"Isn't that king Cenrid's daughter?" asked Sir Lancelot, getting the same weary looks from Sir Gawain and Sir Percival
"If she is here... keep watch on any servants of hers, they could have daggers concealed" muttered Gawain alarmed.
Her attendance indeed came as a surprise to all those present and Merthyr could not help but wonder why his father would have invited her there, surely, he could not expect Merthyr to be married purely for political reasons.
Such marriage would give them the largest kingdom in the land of Broposan where their Kingdom of Celinao was but another kingdom among others whilst Mercia stood as the richest, largest and most powerful by far, unlucky for them, their sworn enemy too. Perhaps a marriage between the two heirs would defuse the impending war but Merthyr could not help but cringe at the thought of being considered only a political pawn in a large game of chess. Still he played the part well and came to greet the lady.
"Princess Morgana, welcome to our kingdom... I trust your visit and stay is indeed the most pleasant it can be" saluted Merthyr
"Why thank you... prince Merthyr..." accepted Morgana nodding her head gracefully "My father would have loved to attend personally, unfortunately, our kingdom's relations are too strained as we speak so he will abstain for the time being as he is ralling the men at arms and readying for war, do excuse his absence, I am sure you understand that such military feats require the greatest of attentions and efforts from his part." commented Morgana lowering her gaze briefly at the bad news. It was her task to make it formally known and officially acknowledged that the war was indeed going to happen sooner rather than later unless an amiccable solution could be found, marriage being one of the many cards on the table.
"Yes, of course, princess..." accepted Merthyr bringing her to the head table and sitting princess Morgana right next to the king
"Prince Merthyr, let us hope our friendship is not soured by politics, tonight" smiled Morgana nodding her head gracefully as the prince bowed before her.
Despite her polite manners well aligned to established protocol and friendly words, her lavish clothes, jewels, commanding tone and prideful mannerisms clearly proved the power and force behind her birth rank and royal household name.
Merthyr smiled politely at her comment "Certainly, your highness" nodded Merthyr, leaving the royal princess seated by his father's side and came to greet other ladies as well.
Once he had make sure the damsels were all greeted and seated he looked around the room unable to find Voletta, a sigh of relief at seeing Sir Crow by the door on his way out.
"Ahhhh Sir Crow... just the knight I need. Where is the maid from the pantry?" asked Merthyr "I command that you go find her and bring her here, to share our company with her presence; it is befitting she enjoys of the outcome of her hard work after all... be sure she is wearing appropriate attire,... if she doesn't have any she may borrow my mother's dresses, I keep a selection of those in my rooms for sentimental reasons" explained Merthyr looking at Crow meaningfully.
Once the knight understood the orders to find the girl, dress her well and bring her over, he would go to greet Lilim and little Elesa too of course, they had to be there, prince Merthyr had personally invited them after all. Though he failed to see them outright
Prince Merthyr made his presence at the feast, in a timely fashion, followed by his manservant Taff, just as was expected off him.
Taff on this occasion was wearing the official royal manservant outfit and could not possibly feel all the more ridiculous about it.
He came to his friend, just another maid, to show the feathery hat, the feature that bothered him the most.
"I look like a proper scarecrow like this... a court jester!" huffed Taff in a low voice
It was clear to him that the king was far too showy and pompous to expect even lowly manservants to stand out in such manner but looked all the more surprised to see the prince actually mingling rather well with the ladies, despite his earlier protests.
Merthyr came over to the main head table to salute the knights and lords and especially his tutor lord knight Tron Pentre. Afterwards he turned to meet and greet the ladies and all seemed to be going perfectly well.
He came to lady Selene, from the House Toud, bowing over hand and salute her with the utmost respect, giving her time and attention out of deference for Dean Toud, one of his favoured servants around the castle, and the mighty force of arms that her household represented
"My lady, welcome to our city, I trust your journey was a pleasant one and that you and your family are all keeping well?" asked Merthyr polite
"Sire, all is well in the House of Toud" reassured Selene "I trust my brother is of useful and dutiful service to crown and kingdom?" asked Selene scouting the room unable to recognize her brother among those present
"Most certainly, the young lord Dean Toud is an extremely talented one" assured Merthyr "Please, enjoy the feast... anything is amiss be sure to let us know" greeted Merthyr politely.
"Your highness, I am most honored that you acknowledged our household indeed, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" assured Selene as he held her warms hands gently
Merthyr nor Taff could deny this damsel was very beautiful and delicate, in manners and looks and it was a house powerful enough and wealthy enough to command respect. He had to tread carefully with this lady to not give her the least false hope.
Once they had exchanged a few words of courtesy and honest friendship the prince turned to greet other noble damsels present, many of them from higher and lower ranks, some more beautiful than others.
"Lady Vivien, princess of Yu'nin, I trust you are doing well? We are so sorry for your father's passing, it is a terrible loss to the lands and the kingdoms" greeted Merthyr further getting the young woman's attention
"Your highness, my mother will certainly appreciate your condolences... it is a priviledge to be invited" nodded princess Vivien
Merthyr accompanied her to get a drink and seat her down "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, if anything is amiss let the servants know and it will be remedied" smiled Merthyr bowing briefly
"I shall drink to your health and this kingdom's prosperity" smiled Vivien raising her goblet
Once Merthyr was satisfied that she was well settled and happy, he turned his attention to the rest of those present, it was then that his attentions and eyes got caught with an unusual presence, it was the lady Morgana, their sworn enemy's daughter. King Cenrid's daughter.
"Isn't that king Cenrid's daughter?" asked Sir Lancelot, getting the same weary looks from Sir Gawain and Sir Percival
"If she is here... keep watch on any servants of hers, they could have daggers concealed" muttered Gawain alarmed.
Her attendance indeed came as a surprise to all those present and Merthyr could not help but wonder why his father would have invited her there, surely, he could not expect Merthyr to be married purely for political reasons.
Such marriage would give them the largest kingdom in the land of Broposan where their Kingdom of Celinao was but another kingdom among others whilst Mercia stood as the richest, largest and most powerful by far, unlucky for them, their sworn enemy too. Perhaps a marriage between the two heirs would defuse the impending war but Merthyr could not help but cringe at the thought of being considered only a political pawn in a large game of chess. Still he played the part well and came to greet the lady.
"Princess Morgana, welcome to our kingdom... I trust your visit and stay is indeed the most pleasant it can be" saluted Merthyr
"Why thank you... prince Merthyr..." accepted Morgana nodding her head gracefully "My father would have loved to attend personally, unfortunately, our kingdom's relations are too strained as we speak so he will abstain for the time being as he is ralling the men at arms and readying for war, do excuse his absence, I am sure you understand that such military feats require the greatest of attentions and efforts from his part." commented Morgana lowering her gaze briefly at the bad news. It was her task to make it formally known and officially acknowledged that the war was indeed going to happen sooner rather than later unless an amiccable solution could be found, marriage being one of the many cards on the table.
"Yes, of course, princess..." accepted Merthyr bringing her to the head table and sitting princess Morgana right next to the king
"Prince Merthyr, let us hope our friendship is not soured by politics, tonight" smiled Morgana nodding her head gracefully as the prince bowed before her.
Despite her polite manners well aligned to established protocol and friendly words, her lavish clothes, jewels, commanding tone and prideful mannerisms clearly proved the power and force behind her birth rank and royal household name.
Merthyr smiled politely at her comment "Certainly, your highness" nodded Merthyr, leaving the royal princess seated by his father's side and came to greet other ladies as well.
Once he had make sure the damsels were all greeted and seated he looked around the room unable to find Voletta, a sigh of relief at seeing Sir Crow by the door on his way out.
"Ahhhh Sir Crow... just the knight I need. Where is the maid from the pantry?" asked Merthyr "I command that you go find her and bring her here, to share our company with her presence; it is befitting she enjoys of the outcome of her hard work after all... be sure she is wearing appropriate attire,... if she doesn't have any she may borrow my mother's dresses, I keep a selection of those in my rooms for sentimental reasons" explained Merthyr looking at Crow meaningfully.
Once the knight understood the orders to find the girl, dress her well and bring her over, he would go to greet Lilim and little Elesa too of course, they had to be there, prince Merthyr had personally invited them after all. Though he failed to see them outright
The ballroom was a whirl of activity that seemed to overwhelm Voletta, who clung to his cape, which was embroidered with elaborate vine motifs in the colors of the King's house. He reached out to awkwardly pat her shoulder with his armored hand.
Soon they were joined by Lilim and Elesa, who had each from somewhere procured a dress. He bowed curtly. "A pleasure to m-meet you, Mistress Lil-Li-Li--" He cleared his throat. "Li-Lilim. Ah, apologies."
His green eyes wandered around for any other servants who might be carrying refreshment--he certainly wouldn't burden Voletta with asking, bit he hadn't touched his flask all day, and he needed to take the edge off. Lilim's request made his eyebrows shoot up (one lower than the other, due to the small scar across it) but he said nothing. Hopefully no one else had heard, and anyone who saw would merely think the blood to be wine.
The guard that came for Voletta did so when Crow's head was turned. He bristled and stormed after them, wading through the crowd. Even worse, Lilim followed, clearly irate. Crow feared she would take drastic action. "N-now see here!--"
Suddenly a woman was in front of him, a pink bodice straining around her cetacean bulk. Unable to stop in time, he bumped into her, eliciting a furious tirade. "Crow, you blaggard! You backwoods hooligan! Stu-stu-stuttering stranger!" It wouldn't do to just walk away, for this was the Marquess of Mauribalde, a woman of some import. He also didn't want to attract even more attention, for he knew she would pursue him if he fled. So he muttered apologies and bowed over and over until she was placated. As he finally left her, she spat, "No wonder you haven't found a wife! Nasty pillow biter!"
But Voletta was nowhere in sight, surely dragged down to her dungeon cell. As Crow headed for the back corridor, he was intercepted by the prince. Immediately he stopped, snapped his heels, and bowed deeply, his blond hair flopping forward around his shoulders. "Aye, my liege--thy will be done, my liege."
The Hanged Man shot off after the girls, hoping to catch up with them before ... oh no. He spotted the slumped forms of the guards and ran to them, making sure they still breathed before stepping into Voletta's cell. The girl was asleep, cradled by Lilim. "Goddess," he sighed. The strange woman had created quite a sticky situation. "You and your sister are magical," he finally declared, eyeing Voletta's now-unmarred wrists. "Can you keep th-those men from remembering this?"
He stepped closer. "Voletta? You must awaken, you are needed at the ball ..." His hand shook her gently to rouse her. "You must get d-dressed again."
Soon they were joined by Lilim and Elesa, who had each from somewhere procured a dress. He bowed curtly. "A pleasure to m-meet you, Mistress Lil-Li-Li--" He cleared his throat. "Li-Lilim. Ah, apologies."
His green eyes wandered around for any other servants who might be carrying refreshment--he certainly wouldn't burden Voletta with asking, bit he hadn't touched his flask all day, and he needed to take the edge off. Lilim's request made his eyebrows shoot up (one lower than the other, due to the small scar across it) but he said nothing. Hopefully no one else had heard, and anyone who saw would merely think the blood to be wine.
The guard that came for Voletta did so when Crow's head was turned. He bristled and stormed after them, wading through the crowd. Even worse, Lilim followed, clearly irate. Crow feared she would take drastic action. "N-now see here!--"
Suddenly a woman was in front of him, a pink bodice straining around her cetacean bulk. Unable to stop in time, he bumped into her, eliciting a furious tirade. "Crow, you blaggard! You backwoods hooligan! Stu-stu-stuttering stranger!" It wouldn't do to just walk away, for this was the Marquess of Mauribalde, a woman of some import. He also didn't want to attract even more attention, for he knew she would pursue him if he fled. So he muttered apologies and bowed over and over until she was placated. As he finally left her, she spat, "No wonder you haven't found a wife! Nasty pillow biter!"
But Voletta was nowhere in sight, surely dragged down to her dungeon cell. As Crow headed for the back corridor, he was intercepted by the prince. Immediately he stopped, snapped his heels, and bowed deeply, his blond hair flopping forward around his shoulders. "Aye, my liege--thy will be done, my liege."
The Hanged Man shot off after the girls, hoping to catch up with them before ... oh no. He spotted the slumped forms of the guards and ran to them, making sure they still breathed before stepping into Voletta's cell. The girl was asleep, cradled by Lilim. "Goddess," he sighed. The strange woman had created quite a sticky situation. "You and your sister are magical," he finally declared, eyeing Voletta's now-unmarred wrists. "Can you keep th-those men from remembering this?"
He stepped closer. "Voletta? You must awaken, you are needed at the ball ..." His hand shook her gently to rouse her. "You must get d-dressed again."
Lilim reached and grasped Crow's hand as he tried to shake Voletta awake, "Wanted by whom, Sir Knight?... Because if it is anyone other than the prince that the ball was originally commissioned for, I'm afraid Voletta will have to be pardoned from that call." Lilim whispers with a burning red glare to her eyes as she looks to him, clenching hard on his hand. "Wait Big Sis... Don't hurt him... He's Miss Voletta's personal escort. The one I told you helped us when we first arrived." Elesa intervenes, realizing she was still sending her healing magic to Lilim.
Lilim's gaze would calm with a blink and Crow would see her eyes change from a glowing red, to a soft green, "Oh?... You're Sir Crow?... My apologies. But my curiosity remains, whom among the partygoers asked for Voletta's presence?" she says before realizing she still had ahold of his hand, "Oops... I'm sorry..." she says as she releases his hand, only to reveal that Lilim had left a mark in the shape of her hand on his, but instead of it being the scared flesh he was used to, he'd see that Lilim had left a patch of completely healed flesh, free of scars or wounds that had previously been present on his hand. Lilim looked to the patch of healed flesh she had left and wondered just how Crow would react to having been more thoroughly healed in that instant.
Lilim's gaze would calm with a blink and Crow would see her eyes change from a glowing red, to a soft green, "Oh?... You're Sir Crow?... My apologies. But my curiosity remains, whom among the partygoers asked for Voletta's presence?" she says before realizing she still had ahold of his hand, "Oops... I'm sorry..." she says as she releases his hand, only to reveal that Lilim had left a mark in the shape of her hand on his, but instead of it being the scared flesh he was used to, he'd see that Lilim had left a patch of completely healed flesh, free of scars or wounds that had previously been present on his hand. Lilim looked to the patch of healed flesh she had left and wondered just how Crow would react to having been more thoroughly healed in that instant.
The Hanged Man remained cool in the face of Lilim's anger, his stature statuesque and shoulders square. His hand was thoroughly clad in a darksteel gauntlet attached to a thick leather glove, so her skin couldn't come into contact with his. Nonetheless, it responded to her clenching grasp by spasming slightly.
"Prince Merthyr w-wants her in attendance, Mistress," the knight said, gently pulling his hand away. His face was stony. He was used to people walking all over him, but he still didn't have to like it, especially when it was just some stranger.
((I am 100% against Crow's primary scars being healed, btw. They are an important part of his character. If Lilim does ever actually touch him, and you need an IC reason for why she can't heal him, you can PM me))
"Prince Merthyr w-wants her in attendance, Mistress," the knight said, gently pulling his hand away. His face was stony. He was used to people walking all over him, but he still didn't have to like it, especially when it was just some stranger.
((I am 100% against Crow's primary scars being healed, btw. They are an important part of his character. If Lilim does ever actually touch him, and you need an IC reason for why she can't heal him, you can PM me
))
Once most of the guests were seated, Merthyr motioned for the servants to bring food and drinks whilst he was waiting for his father's presence.
He was also keen to see Voletta be returned to the feast as well as little Elesa, who would undoubtedly enjoy the music and the food.
He was also keen to see Voletta be returned to the feast as well as little Elesa, who would undoubtedly enjoy the music and the food.
Voletta would slowly stir, reaching for her pillow and putting it over her head at the noises going on around her. She was heavy sleeper, and she was a grumpy riser at that. Out of instinct she would groan and sit up, rubbing her sleepy eyes as she did so, the sleep written all over her voice as her vision worked to make out the shapes in the room around her, all the while still hugging the pillow.
"I'm up I'm up...I'm-"
She says but stops in her tracks as she finally sees what was going on. She looked between Elesa, Lilim, and The Hanged Man, watching as the three of them were presumably exchanging words. When she looked past them, she noticed the group of guards lying on the floor unconscious, and her eyes widened as she stared at the three of them, her brow furrowed as she tried piecing together what happened while she slept, though her train of thought would go back to where it was but take a different direction.
"Up..??? Wh..What happened??"
She says rubbing her neck nervously, only to notice something different. She didn't feel her scars! She looks down at her hands and ankles, noticing that all of her scars were gone, and it was then that she noticed that she had never felt better! She felt like her body was as good as new, causing her to leap out of bed and run to the bathroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror and running her hands along her neck. She couldn't help but smile greatly before running back out and tackling Elesa in the warmest of hugs.
"You did this, didn't you?? Thank you! Thank you!!"
She says, remembering Elesa's promise to help her escape. She looked at The Hanged Man, barely remembering what he had said about the ball, and she frowns as she looks to Elesa, pushing her hair back once again before letting out a sigh.
"Unfortunately, I can't leave yet...I'll be noticed if I don't go...but now that my scars are gone, maybe I can slip out with you afterwards..."
She says before turning to The Hanged Man.
"As far as dresses go, I only have 3. My night gown, which isn't suitable for the ball. The other two are covered in dirt and blood, so I have nothing to wear..."
"I'm up I'm up...I'm-"
She says but stops in her tracks as she finally sees what was going on. She looked between Elesa, Lilim, and The Hanged Man, watching as the three of them were presumably exchanging words. When she looked past them, she noticed the group of guards lying on the floor unconscious, and her eyes widened as she stared at the three of them, her brow furrowed as she tried piecing together what happened while she slept, though her train of thought would go back to where it was but take a different direction.
"Up..??? Wh..What happened??"
She says rubbing her neck nervously, only to notice something different. She didn't feel her scars! She looks down at her hands and ankles, noticing that all of her scars were gone, and it was then that she noticed that she had never felt better! She felt like her body was as good as new, causing her to leap out of bed and run to the bathroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror and running her hands along her neck. She couldn't help but smile greatly before running back out and tackling Elesa in the warmest of hugs.
"You did this, didn't you?? Thank you! Thank you!!"
She says, remembering Elesa's promise to help her escape. She looked at The Hanged Man, barely remembering what he had said about the ball, and she frowns as she looks to Elesa, pushing her hair back once again before letting out a sigh.
"Unfortunately, I can't leave yet...I'll be noticed if I don't go...but now that my scars are gone, maybe I can slip out with you afterwards..."
She says before turning to The Hanged Man.
"As far as dresses go, I only have 3. My night gown, which isn't suitable for the ball. The other two are covered in dirt and blood, so I have nothing to wear..."
Melina returned to the hall with the prince, carrying on appropriate small talk as she went. After another check-up on the guests, Melina noticed the Hanged Man making his way through the same door Voletta had been dragged through.
Everyone in the ballroom was either dancing, eating, or talking about the prince. He'd taken center spotlight in no time flat, and girls all over the room were swooning over him.
"Ohh, isn't he handsome?" one lady crooned.
"Ugh, you think so? Does he not look a little... Strange, to you?" another said, her nose wrinkling slightly.
Melina shook her head in amusement, and slipped through the crowd and out the door.
Once in the hallway, Melina double and triple-checked that no one was going to run into her. When she was positive she was alone, she morphed into a housefly. They were too small to see, but the eyes of the fly matched Melina's natural color of forest green.
She flew down the corridor, searching, searching... Until she noticed the Hanged Man going through another door that was flanked by two unconscious guards.
Melina landed on his shoulder, unbeknownst to him. When he reached his destination, she noticed a woman and young girl next to a chained-up Voletta, and her heart broke a fraction.
I knew there was something about that girl, but... she thought.
She watched the mysterious woman use some sort of magic, and relaxed slightly, knowing she wasn't the only one with some sort of ability.
Maybe they won't care if I turn back into my human self...
The image of the unconscious guards popped into Melina's head, as well as the notice of the young girl's words.
"Wait, Big Sis... Don't hurt him..."
If the woman decided to attack a suddenly-appearing Melina, things would not end well, especially since she needed these people to trust her.
Everyone in the ballroom was either dancing, eating, or talking about the prince. He'd taken center spotlight in no time flat, and girls all over the room were swooning over him.
"Ohh, isn't he handsome?" one lady crooned.
"Ugh, you think so? Does he not look a little... Strange, to you?" another said, her nose wrinkling slightly.
Melina shook her head in amusement, and slipped through the crowd and out the door.
Once in the hallway, Melina double and triple-checked that no one was going to run into her. When she was positive she was alone, she morphed into a housefly. They were too small to see, but the eyes of the fly matched Melina's natural color of forest green.
She flew down the corridor, searching, searching... Until she noticed the Hanged Man going through another door that was flanked by two unconscious guards.
Melina landed on his shoulder, unbeknownst to him. When he reached his destination, she noticed a woman and young girl next to a chained-up Voletta, and her heart broke a fraction.
I knew there was something about that girl, but... she thought.
She watched the mysterious woman use some sort of magic, and relaxed slightly, knowing she wasn't the only one with some sort of ability.
Maybe they won't care if I turn back into my human self...
The image of the unconscious guards popped into Melina's head, as well as the notice of the young girl's words.
"Wait, Big Sis... Don't hurt him..."
If the woman decided to attack a suddenly-appearing Melina, things would not end well, especially since she needed these people to trust her.
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