Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Behind Stone Walls..

"T'is 'sir,' my lady, not 'master.'"

As the Hanged Man held her aloft, Elesa would be able to feel his hands shaking slightly, as if he was straining under her weight. But his brow was dry and his shoulders strong.

"... isn't this a strange place for an embrace, my lady? And do you t-truly wish to snuggle against a cold steel breastplate?"

Nonetheless he pulled her closer and adjusted his grip so she could lean against his unyielding armor. His hands still trembled. It was then that Lilim made her strange request and locked lips with Voletta. Not too many people had been watching the strange princess and the servant, but those that did gasped and immediately began whispering amongst each other. Such brazen displays of affection were considered highly unseemly. Clearly, whatever distant lands these girls were from was different, given Elesa's desire for hugs.

Crow bristled and stepped closer, leaning in towards Lilim, still holding Elesa for now. "I-I don't know where you are from, princess, to think that was acceptable," he hissed, trying to keep his voice low. "Look at how you have mortified her ... but this I forgive. But ..." He looked to Voletta walking away. The pep was gone from her gait and she drooped a little, as if exhausted. "... but you did some-something to her!"

Lilim looks to The Hanged Man as he addresses his concerns, gesturing him to take a knee and lean closer, "Yes, I did something to her. I used my magic to exhaust her more than she already was so I can now demand that she stay by my side and partake in some much needed and vital nourishment. So, if you'll be so kind as to stop blowing my cover, I'll be set to get Voletta out of here come the end of this nights festivities. You both charged off before I could explain my plan in detail, so now I have to work around Voletta's stamina and stubbornness, and currently more directly, your forboding and intimidating demeanor hovering over me and exposing my plans as I enact them." she whispers to Sir Crow as calmly as she could.

Finally she'd speak a bit louder while gesturing for The Hanged Man to rise again, "Good Sir Knight, I dare say I've heard among the whispers that the prince himself has asked for mine and my Duchesses presence. Could you please escort us to him?" she adds in noticably.

Elesa would cling to Crow's armor and give him as best a hug as she could give to him through the armor. She'd remember something as Lilim mentions the prince, "Oh, I'd also like to thank him for earlier today." the child adds in excitedly, shifting herself so Crow had her on his hip and could escort Lilim to the prince as he had escorted Voletta back to the party just minutes before.

After the initial sighting of Voletta Simon did his best to ensure that not one more glance was given in her direction, instead focusing on other matters such as the food in front of himself. Tucking into it with far more gusto than before. Yet it wasn't long until the kings table became awash with noise as Elessa, having just finished polishing off her food moments before Sariel turned to Simon and Max and grinned. "Told ya I still had it!"

Max leant over and returned "No one ever doubted that time would have healed your greed. It's good to see it still has the control."

The sides of her lips curled upwards in a warm grin, something unusual for the lords table. "I should punch you, your lucky this is during the princes feast."

For the first time since the queen had died a smile passed over the kings lips as he spoke the next words, adding his own comments to the ongoing conversation. "Isn't that what you use Sai for?"

"It's most disgraceful for a lady to behave this way"

The tone in which Sariel uttered the words made it clear he was doing a poor impression of a lady, a noble lady to be exact. One whom the prince might recognise as one of the more influential members at court.

Merthyr smiled when Voletta came over, indicating a friendlier relationship than just a passing acquaintance though he would dwell nor make a comment on the matter.

"Thank you for your attendance and services, Voletta, you certainly look wonderful tonight, just like my mother's portrays, I appreciate the gesture from your part to comply to my request of wearing this particular attire, I feel it brings a warm feeling to the feast. Alas, that will be all for now, you may continue with your duties" complimented Merthyr accepting Voletta's offered food and drink with a warm smile and letting her retire to continue serving and working, making no comment or reference whatsoever to any big announcements at all.

He ate the food slowly and normally, not at all worried or tense, smiling often at the gazes and glances he was getting from the damsels present, a nod of acknowledgement here or there, returning a toast too, here and there, once the girls and their chaperones were busy eating away and talking among themselves, much like the generals were talking among themselves Merthyr gave his father his full attention, glad to have the man there.

"Father, thank you for your company tonight, I feared you would not make it. It is always most appreciated to be given some of your time, I know well just how occupied you are keeping our kingdom safe and our lives well protected" complimented Merthyr in a polite tone

"needless to say your presence and that of your generals is most welcomed and reassuring" acknowledged Merthyr not looking at neither of the three generals for he, in fact, was quite weary of them, having had little contact or opportunity to know them first hand and so lacking the trust and friendship his father shared with them.

Merthyr trusted his father, obviously, despite his harsh if at times cruel ways, but Merthyr's devotion and loyalty towards his father and king was as unwavering akin to that of his 3 generals and the knights of the realm. He had nothing to fear from his father and looked up to him with some admiration and a lot of respect.

"Will you join me for training at the jousting grounds at some point this week? or will the preparations for war continue to burden your schedule?" asked Merthyr curious not having spoken much with the king for the last couple of days.

Voletta would blush heavily as the prince mentioned that she looked like the spitting image of his mother, before he shooed her away. She was partially upset that he didn't answer her comment about selecting a bride, but she would leave that be, for if he didn't want to talk about it then surely it wasn't any of he business. She would bow to him once more and nod, before walking off and making her rounds once more. She would feel her face flush in embarrassment as she heard the other ladies whisper and gossip about her, but she would shake the thought out of her mind as she inevitably passed the king.

Every time she passed the king, a wave of fear would wash over her, but she knew that he needed to be served. She took a deep shaky breath, trying her very best to gather her nerves before approaching the king and his party, bowing deeply and holding the platter and drinks up to him and his men, doing her best to appease him and hope that he wouldn't strike her for wearing his late wife's dress, or for even approaching them.

"Your majesty, would you or you party life some food? Or perhaps a drink from the tray??"

She says, remaining bowed to him. She would wait for them to either accept her offer or shoo her away, before bowing again and quickly walking away, letting out a huge sigh of relief. It was almost time for the prince to announce his bride. She would return to Lilim, Elesa, and The Hanged Man, rubbing her eyes tiredly as Lilim had drained her energy causing her to be more tired than she already was. She would look between Lilim and The Hanged Man, before smiling at the two of them, trying her best to stay awake.

"You guys getting along over her? Crow? Did you want anything?"

The Hanged Man tried to follow Lilim's logic, but was unable to--the only thing that was clear was the last part. That Lilim planned on kidnapping Voletta. His eyes widened slightly and he took half a step backwards, not responding to the woman's hushed words at all. He didn't say anything as Elesa cuddled against him.

At her louder request, he squinted at her then at the prince, who was conversing with his father. "Whispers ... I do not trust whispers," he said, though he was quite sure she was trying to manipulate him. "I-I will see if he desires your company." Inviting Lilim up to the head of the table would be a brazen move after all, reeking of favoritism. And if it wasn't the prince's true desire, Crow wouldn't risk it.

He bent down to place Elesa on the floor, leaving her with her sister. As he passed by Voletta with her serving tray, he stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder. He leaned in close and whispered in her ear. "Lilim said aught about ... about taking you tonight. Sh-she is going to get both of you killed. Be warned." He let her go, then continued up to the prince and king.

"My liege," Crow murmured to the prince. "Princess Lilim of Biblia said you requested her presence. Sh-shall I bring her to you?"

In the middle of the the back and forth friendly banter which, by this point was now dominating the conversations between the three generals and Simon, the King heard the voice of his son addressing him. Quickly excusing himself Simon turned to the left to give his full attention to his child, knowing that chances to talk didn't come around often and with the full intention of making the most of it.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it earlier and worried you with that. I was delayed catching up with our kingdoms three generals. They're my childhood friends who all grew up with me and we haven't had a chance to chat just the four of us in a while."

His first words were a sincere apology, he enjoyed spending what time he could with his son and knew that he never did enough of it. So to miss the start of such an important occasion he felt deserved a completely truthful explanation. It was during said explanation he had an idea to allow him to spend the tike after the part with both his son and his three closest friends.

"I'm really sorry that I've been unable to spend the time we'd both like to share with you, but if you'd be willing then I invite you to join me and my generals after this party for a bit of relaxation and drinks together. If you do, then there are some things I want to share with you." He left the last few words on an intentionally vague note, as a small attempt to make the offer more enticing to his son.

At the mention of jousting, Simon's face lit up, for he himself was an avid participant of the sport. In his younger days he'd spend many a day going up against his then to be generals, not winning much, but loving every second of it. As such the news that his son was taking to it was a delight to him.

"I will certainly join you for the joust training next week, I used to be an avid participant of the sport approached it'll be good to get a bit of training back into this old dog."

Before he could say anymore Crow approached Merthyr and began murmuring to him. A little annoyed by the interruption Simon leant over and spoke loudly before his son could answer. "Whoever or whatever wants the attention of my son it can wait, I'm finally having a chance to catch up with him and I'm not letting it get interrupted. If it is urgent you can tell one of my generals, otherwise you may leave now."

Lilim frowns a bit as Crow sits Elesa down, "Oh well do mention Little Elesa when you ask for the truth, Sir Knight." she says as Crow walks away from her. She'd do Voletta a favor though, noticing that the poor girl was almost on her last legs, Oh, Voletta... Honey, just look at you... You've been ran ragged already. Come, sit with me and Elesa. You will partake in our share of the banquet this evening, and I am not taking 'no' for an answer to my request from you... I insist. Seat yourself, my hostess, rest and recuperate." Lilim says as she pulls Voletta gently by the hands and coaxes her into a hug to get her seated.

Elesa as well would do her part to seat Voletta, pulling the chair out for her and scooting her into the table a bit, but not enough that Elesa couldn't crawl into Voletta's lap and cuddle into her, which would allow Elesa access to her own plate and beverage as well as a chance to play with Voletta and get her to stay awake a little longer so she could eat. One game Elesa would try with Voletta was one where they fed each other grapes.

Then came time for the meats, which Elesa had overlooked until then, but as Lilim calls for the tray of meats and gets brought over a rather impressive slab of Bison Steak, Elesa would have to gulp a bit as her mouth wattered from the sight. Elesa would ask Voletta to cut a few bites out for her, and she'd make another game out of it. Having Voletta bring a bite of the steak to her and eating it with a smile, the next bite though, Elesa would have Voletta eat. This would go on until each of them had eaten about 7 bites of the steak each, then Elesa would be ready for a drink. The fruit juice was a welcome treat, as was Voletta holding Elesa in her lap and tolerating these games with her.

Lilim would watch a little of these events, but then would excuse herself to step closer to The Hanged Man, just in time to hear the king say her company would have to wait. She'd grimace quietly and return to Elesa and Voletta, taking her seat again and sipping from her drink quietly.

Lilim had a lot to think about at present, so overhearing that her meeting with the prince would have to wait put everything on pause and gave Lilim time to think. She was happy though to have Voletta stay close by and for Elesa to have her convinced to stay with her food games put her a little bit at ease, but not by much. She'd still have to be warey of the guards and the king himself if he tried to remove Voletta from her presence again.

(Post cut down and edited.)

Merthyr smiled that his father did wish to talk to him without disruptions or distractions, feeling special even if for a moment

"You neededn't apologize for the delay, childhood friends are priceless treasure akin to family and must be cherished. As for your offer of sharing time with you... I definitely accept... it is the greatest of gifts, father, I would be most delighted to join you. I am... honoured... you would share such special moments with me too" nodded Merthyr immediately accepting the invitation right away without the least hesitation or second thought.

"I am indeed taking quite a liking to arms and joustings though I must confess that the guards and knights are lacking, either their skill is not up to standards and easily rivalled thus not good enough for me any more or... they are holding back on me on purpose on account that I am the crown prince, in which case they are hampering my training. Either way, I would very much like to joust with you and your generals, someone with greater expertise to better myself.

Between us, we have to be ready for the upcoming war....king Cenrid's daughter is here... princess Morgana just confirmed the war is going to take place very soon, her father is rallying the army already" muttered Merthyr his eyes drifting off to Morgana who sat at the high table occasionally glancing at the generals with some interest quite liking men of arms than the wealth flaunting whimpering lords that partook at the feast too.

"I cannot wait to hear what you wish to share with me... perhaps we could end the feast sooner so we have more time together? I eat many times a day, every day, yet talk very little with you, understandably so...if you are finished we could retire at once with your generals. In honesty I have had very little acquaintance with them, with their busy travels across the realm... I hear more of their deeds and feats than directly speak or even see them" mused Merthyr quite prepared to end the feast and send everyone away just to get an extra hour with his father, his face lit up with excitement and a warm broad smile very much eager to find out the cryptic words that his father had partly spoken of, the thought of war or engagement all out of his head and keen to find out what his father had been referring to

Voletta's eyes widened as she was grabbed by the hand and pulled into a hug, only to be coaxed to sit down. She would have flailed a bit, had Elesa not pushed a seat at the same time Voletta was sitting down, before pushing her into the table. She would stare between the two of them, and normally would have declined, but there were two things stopping her: The fact this was a formal request from Lilim, and the fact Elesa had crawled into her lap. She had to make the guests happy, and if this was what it took to make Lilim happy, then she would oblige, and follow suit.

She would cuddle into Elesa almost exhausted, but she would notice that Elesa was trying to get her to eat in order to keep her awake. But given how hungry Voletta was, she wasn't about to refuse. She saw Elesa holding a grape up to her, and Voletta would open her mouth as Elesa popped a grape inside. She would chew the grape, looking between the two of them and wondered if The Hanged Man was right, about the fact they were going to get her killed. Though when she saw Elesa open her mouth, she would stare at her confused before realizing what it was she wanted. She would pluck a grape off the plate and pop it into her mouth, watching her chew it up.

She watched as the round of meat went around the room, before they dropped a large Bison Steak on their table. Just the smell of it made Voletta's mouth water, but she wouldn't eat it without permission. When Elesa asked her to cut it, she would nod and reach around Elesa, grabbing the fork and steak knife, before cutting into the steak and watching as Elesa made another game out of it. She watched as Elesa coaxed her hand to grab a piece of steak on the fork and feed it to her, before Elesa fed her a piece. She would close her eyes and moan, never having had something that good before. She would savor the intense flavors and smile, before chewing it thoroughly and smiling at Elesa, before feeding her another bite. After they each had about 7 bites, Voletta would find that she wasn't as hungry as she was earlier. Though she was still rather exhausted from running around all day and having Lilim drain her stamina.

"U-Um, thank you for the meal..."

She says as she cuddles into Elesa a bit more, burying her head in the back of her shoulder as she tries staying awake.

The Hanged Man bowed when the king dismissed him, and backed away with a mumbled apology. The knight returned to Voletta, who had taken a seat with Elesa. His eyes flicked back up to Simon to see his reaction, but the man seemed absorbed in his conversation woth Merthyr. Crow scratched his scruffy chin. Lilim was a princess--she could instruct the help as she saw fit, to a certain point, until the king put a stop to it. Voletta was obliged to obey. Hopefully she would pretend like she wasn't enjoying it if Simon happened to look.

The ladies at court were growing tired of waiting for the big announcement, but none of them dared to ask when it might come. One of them, an older margrave whose daughter sat beside her, leaned forward to get Elessa's attention. "Dame Elessa," she said, keeping her voice low as not to disturb the king and prince. "Respectfully, do you know when the prince plans on declaring his bride?"

Crow resumed his post, standing next to the chair Voletta occupied. His stomach growled when the girls began to tuck into their food, but he remained stoic. Seeing Voletta slumping over Elesa, he gave her a little shake. "The king will t-tan your hide if you fall asleep," he said urgently in a low whisper.


((The margrave is using "dame" as the female equivalent of sir, in case that doesn't scan ))

Elesa would turn slowly and hug Voletta lovingly, giggling in response to Voletta thanking them for the meal and starting to struggle to stay awake, "Thank you for joining us for the meal, Miss Voletta." she says happily. Her expression would change though as she overhears The Hanged Man's words, "Mister Crow? Would you like the rest of our steak? I'm not going to be able to eat much more of it by myself and Miss Voletta is exhausted... I'd hate for something so tasty to go to waste." Elesa says with a worried frown.

Lilim would turn and speak quietly to The Hanged Man, "Nay, Sir Knight, the king will not be touching her ever again. She has been overworked, underappreciated, and abused in ways I dare not even say. If she is ready to rest, Elesa and I will be escorting her away from the party. And no knight but you shall lay gauntlet, glove, or finger upon her, lest they wish as well to sample the wrath of the Biblia royal family. That said, if I am to take my hostess to her chambers, you would be welcome to join us for the trip." she speaks quietly and in coded form.

Elesa barely understood the coding, but would smile and nod as she saw the look in Lilim's eyes, reasured that Voletta was in good hands at last. Elesa saw in Lilims eyes that they'd be leaving the castle with Voletta very soon, and the child would start to glow with greater happiness as Crow was given permission to come with them too.

Elesa would signal The Hanged Man closer now, "Mister Crow, if your going to come with Big Sis and me, then you should have a bite or two to eat as well. Please?" the child says as she presents what was left of her plate of fruit and what was left of the bison steak, the food staring right at him with Elesa's offer.

Lilim would giggle and smirk as Elesa insists again on The Hanged Man having a snack and bolstering his strength, "Quite right. Indulge with our blessing, Sir Knight. Your eyes give away that you are famished. Here, take my seat so that you may stay near Voletta and Elesa. I don't mind standing for a bit." Lilim says as she slowly brings herself to her feet and offers her seat to The Hanged Man. Things were going swimmingly, and Lilim was just about ready to see the biggest part of her plan come into effect.

Voletta was growing quite comfortable on Elesa's shoulder, and would start drifting off to sleep, before she felt herself being shook. She jolted upright, before looking at The Hanged Man with a defeated expression. She wasn't used to staying up this late, since the king always tried keeping her hidden and he would have her locked away in her cell at this hour. She would rub her eyes sleepily and yawn, knowing he was right as she snuggled into Elesa more closely. She would listen to Elesa's request to The Hanged Man as she offered the rest of their food to him, and she would push the plate his way, since it was a request from the guest, and therefore couldn't refuse easily.

She would listen to Lilim's speakings, and couldn't help but wonder if it was true. It was obvious they had a plan to get her out, but she didn't even know if she had the energy to make it out on her own. Not to mention the fact that once word got out that she was missing, she would be a wanted woman. Though she would do just about anything to live a day in the sun. Though at the mention of bringing her back to her chained decorated bed, she wondered if they really planned on chaining her back up, or if they had a plan but were using this story as a cover up. She had so many questions running through her mind, and couldn't help but wonder what the truth was.

"I don't know how much longer I can stay awake...though the prince should be making his announcement any minute now...after that the rest of the guests should head to their rooms and I should be free to fall asleep...."

She says, slowly leaning back into Elesa's shoulder as she buried her head in it. She would wrap her arms around her waist like she was a big teddy bear, and snuggle into Elesa further as she tried her best to stay awake. The night was drawing near its end, and it was time for the prince to make his announcement. This would declare who the new queen of their country would be. She watched as The Hanged Man either sat down or denied it, and would also wait for their reactions to his actions.

Simon would listen silently until the mention of a war was brought up, where for a moment the slightest hints of a smirk spread across his face. The expression as a whole looked and felt like a patient hunter whos prey has just stepped unknowingly into the trap.

"For the moment do not be worrying about such trivial things as war, our kingdom is more prepared than you think. Such talk however shall be saved for a later date, maybe tomorrow perhaps?"

"For the jousts though, you will have no better competition than my generals, for even I struggled to unseat or even come close to defeating them. Sariel and Elessa particularly are demons when it comes to it, both have a..."

He paused reaching around inside his head for the best words to describe the two when the mood took them. Finding the right one he smiled, "a certain competitive streak about them when it comes to this. I assure you they will be worthy opponents for you."

"As for leaving early, I have no problem with that, though the ladies might... The choice is yours, you can announce quickly then leave, or feign being taken ill. That always helped me as a prince get out of my duties."

All the while this was going on the generals still talked and exchanged banter, all with the exception of Max who after a few second into Simon's chat with his son, stood up and left the table, calling a guard with him as he moved. Both taking a route through the main doors and out into the corridors. While nothing seemed too amiss with the movements there seemed to be a hurried urgency with how me walked.