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Post by Raven on Oct 5, 2019 17:57:46 GMT -5
"What is it your looking to use it for?" A slick voice spoke. A handsome man, blonde hair and delicate clothing - he was dressed of that of a Huntsman. His crystal blue eyes looked to the man who sat across from them. The sun was high, the birds singing. They sat outside, at a table, two drinks next to them - a beautiful maiden serving them food.
"Well, that is the joy of the market, hm?" The man across replied. He too was handsome, that of extreme health. He lifted his glass of wine and took a sip. "Tell me of her, what do you know?" he questioned.
The other man pushed forward the small leather satchel, he opened it slightly to eyeball the necklace. It was a beautiful red ruby, cut perfectly to refract the most light - a true beauty. Easily worth a hundred thousand gold pieces. "She was once a Knight of Alexandria, 500 years ago, or so. Though, then women were not for fighting, you see. She snuck in. She had challenged the Prince himself to a duel - to Marry the Princess and take the Throne, as is customary." he smirked. "She won"
"Ah, yes. I briefly remember this tale, though it was just that. Roxanne of Harborough, though her Knight name was..." he paused and thought for a second.
"Rinehart" The other replied and smirked. "And when it was found that the Rinehart was a woman - they locked her away swiftly. Though she was not killed... no... King Alexander the 12th had his mage trap her. He was furious of the embarrassment, and that was the last the world heard of Roxanne of Harborough. This beautiful gem was stashed away, until about 200 years ago - when Alexandria fell, briefly, and much of the treasures were stolen." he leaned back then and smirked.
"So then, what becomes of the host" The other man spoke.
"Well surely you know, if you are sitting here..." he smirked. A hand over the pouch... he took a sip of his wine - and then the woman brought two small crystal plates, which a few round baked items sat upon it. A kind of biscuit. He began to smother it with jam and butter, before he began to speak. "Insanity, at the least. Roxanne invades the mind, and it isn't made for two... She begs for a release, but her curse forbids it... It sends the host into oblivion, nearly every one kills themselves... but" he glanced up as the Maiden had looked from a distance. "All a tale to tell about the fire" he chuckled.
"Right then..." The man across the table eyed the satchel and nodded. He pulled a silver key from his pocket and set it down. "As agreed..." he nodded. The other man lifted his hand from the satchel and nodded. The man lifted the satchel, and then stepped away...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 5, 2019 18:49:01 GMT -5
The rise and fall of kingdoms meant the changing of hands. The change in nobility. 200 years ago humans waged war against the elves and in the end the elven mages over came the humans. It was the changing of hands that allowed the kingdom of Alexandria to flourish. The new king and queen brought humans and elves into the city hand and hand. It became a melting pot, where as before elves, dwarves...anything other than humans were pushed away with violent aggression. Of course, not all agreed with new traditions. Not all wanted this melting pot to survive and thus an underground rebellion had grown against the king and queen.
In the recent year the king and queen of Alexandria had extended their daughter Ariawyn four courting. It was time for their daughter to find a prince that was worthy of her hand. During the past year several balls and grand championships were held to see who was worthy. In the last month it had dwindled down to two. Ariawyn stood in a beautiful icy blue dress, her blonde hair was tucked into beautiful braids with other strands left to fall down passed her shoulder blades. Her ears pierced through her hair the tips swooped upward, she was very notably a high elf. Her eyes were a striking silver color that caught the eyes of most strangers. She stood upon the stage with the king and queen before. The king was speaking to the public though his words seemed to melt into the crowd as she gazed over the princes before her. Many looked hopeful to win her hand.
“Haldir Cairan.” The king spoke many of the other princes turned to the prince that stood near the center of the room. He was about as perfect of a prince as her father could have chosen. Over the past year she’d gotten to know Haldir, as well as the others, but she hadn’t grown attached to any. She knew she didn’t have a choice in the matter even if she grew attached. That was the way of her life as a princess. She was to do as the king commanded. Her eyes caught Haldir as she watched a smile split his lips. The room errupted into cheers as the week long celebrations were announced and gifts were given to the newly announced couple. Ariawyn accepted her gifts with a smile as she stood upon the stage with her husband to be.
“Congratulations, princess.” A man stepped forward with a satchel. “Only the finest of jewelry for our queen to be.”
“Thank you.” Ariawyn bowed her head as she took the satchel and opened it. “This is beautiful.” She pulled out the lovely ruby necklace.
“It will light your eyes on fire, princess.” The man spoke as he slipped away into the crowd.
“Allow me.” Haldir smiled as he carefully clipped the ruby around Ariawyn’s neck. “Lovely.” He spoke and cupped her cheek. “You will make an excellent queen, Ari.” He leaned forward and kissed her upon the lips then. The crowd in the room cheered for the new couple. Everything was going smoothly, as if written straight from a fairytale novel.
Ari smiled as she looked up to him, “I am thankful that my father chose you and not someone else, Haldir.” She laced her arm into his as he led her from the huge ballroom and through the castle. They wove through the hallways and to the door that led to her quarters before he took her hands into his and he faced her.
Haldir smiled warmly. “I could not imagine another prince winning your hand.” He kissed the back of her hand. “Sleep well princess.” He opened the door for her.
Ari smiled to him, “Good night Haldir.” She kissed his cheek, “Tomorrow we begin celebrations.” She spoke as she slipped into her bedroom. Once inside Ariawyn let out a breath and she leaned against the door. Her head was spinning, and it was not spinning from alcohol...no it was something else. She held her hand to her head and closed her eyes as she let out a breath. “What...is going on….?” She questioned softly as she moved to sit on the edge of her bed. Her head felt as though it was in a fog.
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Post by Raven on Oct 5, 2019 19:20:03 GMT -5
A red light shone from the necklace about her neck - filling the room like a hazy fire from the distance. Then it disappeared. "Well, for one, you just got cursed, girl" a voice appeared. Then from nothing - a figure slowly faded in. She was a middle height woman, with long curling locks. She wore a pair of leather pants, boots, and a white loose tunic, an attire for a man. "Or so they call it" she stepped over and smiled. Her image was a light red color, a sort of flowing essence trickled across her skin - magic, surely. Though if one were to reach to her - it would phase right through, much like a ghost.
"Haldir is quite the cutie, hm?" she smirked and sat down on the edge the bed, crossing her legs. "The Amulet of Insanity, or Gem of Corruption, or Twisting Ruby, whatever the name is these days. That is what you have been gifted of. In other words - ah, me" she smirked. "I am Roxanne of blahblahblah, Harborough was destroyed like ages ago. You can call me Rox. And I... live in that" she pointed to the amulet. "And thusly, bound to you... Now - here is the fun part" she stood then and lifted her hands. "Only you can see me." she chuckled. "Think of it... like a ghost, only you can see. Except, I much rather be dead. Oh, yeah. That would have been nice... like some odd... 700 years ago" she lifted her hand a bucket flew over. "And now... you're going to need this" the bunket dumped all the water out onto the floor and hovered just under her head - for a wave of nausea was to come. Rox could feel it, she could feel everything this woman could, and surely vice versa.
"So, hmm... a Princess hm? Not the first not the first... Haldir, quite the gentleman, a lucky woman you. A speckle of doubt, I see that. Who knows who this man is behind the doors. People would do anything for power..." she chuckled then. "but he sure beats your first kiss" she chuckled. "Ah, sorry sorry. I'll leave your feeble mind a lone. Promise" she held a hand up. She disappeared suddenly then as there was a knock on the door.
"Ari, dear. Are you okay?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 5, 2019 19:47:19 GMT -5
Ari blinked several times as she looked to the figure before her. The words from the woman washed over her swiftly. Cursed. How was she cursed? The kingdom loved the princess. The king and queen were sure of that. She was at every event. She did everything possible to make both the nobles and serfs love her. Perhaps it was someone from the outside? Who was the man that gave her the amulet? She couldn’t remember his face. Would Haldir? The nausea washed over her just as the woman, Rox, said it would. She gasped as she tried to fight against the waves of nausea. Her hands gripped onto the bucket as tears welled in her eyes. The woman’s words were quick. She knew Ari’s past...and worst of all Ari could feel Rox’s presence. She could feel something at least.
“Ari?” Another knock at the door as the door pressed open. The queen stepped into the room, Elenor. “Oh….you poor thing.” She moved forward and held her daughter’s hair back. She waited and rubbed her back as the nausea began to fade. Ari shuddered as her mother took the bucket and brought back a cool wash cloth. “Come dear.” She stood her daughter up and helped her slip from the gown. She dressed her in a night gown and tucked her into the bed. “Filled with worry?” She asked as she brushed her hair from her eyes and let out a soft sigh. “I know you don’t agree with your father...or with any of this...” Elenor drew her brows together.
Ari shuddered, she felt as though ice had encased her body. “Mother I understand my place.” She spoke as she closed her eyes. “I don’t question father.”
The queen sighed softly. She’d seen too many times as Ari grew into the woman she was today how things turned out when she’d questioned her father. Things were not as easy as the public might think. Ari was pushed to her limits. The king tested her and trained her day in and day out she always had a full schedule. As did the queen. That was the way of their people, to obey the king and his wishes. “Haldir is a wonderful prince, dear.” Elenor leaned down and kissed her daughter on the forehead. “Sleep well.” She spoke softly before she slipped from the room.
Ari shivered as she fought back another wave of nausea. “Cursed...” She whispered to herself. She still couldn’t figure out who would do such a thing to her. What were they to gain? “Why were you locked away in the amulet?” She questioned to the silent room. “What crime did you commit for such a fate? Or was it merely a curse as well?”
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Post by Raven on Oct 5, 2019 20:05:25 GMT -5
Rox appeared as her mother consulted her daughter, she leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. It was a sweet moment, a warm little fuzzy feeling filled her chest. Rox smirked slightly and watched as the Queen stepped away, though as she left - the door opened into her hue of a body, and then closed. Rox stepped over and fetched a fresh bucket from the bathroom that was attached to her room. "Just... incase" she chuckled.
"Cursed, perhaps. More like vengeance" she chuckled and sat down in a chair that faced the bed. "A bunch of willy-nilly, really. I kicked a Prince's ass, for hand of his Princess, and unveiled myself to be a long-locked beaming woman. Such an embarrassment that someone with breasts would out-duel the pathetic Prince, who already had issues maintaining his reputation. I was punished to that damn Amulet as my 'just' reward, for embarrassing the Royal blahblahblah" she waved her hands around. "That duel though, was pretty sad. It was custom back then for the Prince to offer a duel to the greatest Knight. I went through about 3 months of duels to win that spot" she chuckled then. "Fun fact..." she crossed her legs. "Every time one of these challenges rose - they would poison the banquet the night before, specifically the challengers meal. A crippling, it really just causes extreme exhaustion, the muscles get tense" she laughed then. "I didn't go to the banquet, out of fear of revealing myself. Though, I didn't expect the punishment I did get. But embarrassing the Prince was... definitely my goal" she shrugged then.
"Alas, you are the 84th person to come across the Amulet. For about 200 years it was dead silence, but seems it has been passing around a lot lately. Rumor has it that it's running about 825 thousand gold. So whoever wants to harm you - really wants to harm you. But, you are a Princess. Plenty of people have plenty of reason to hate the Royal family. And what a slick way to hurt you..." she stood.
"There are 3 different paths people generally take when I am bonded with them. One, they try to find a way to get me out. Which, as far as I know it - there is none. Second, they just live with me until they die. Third, They go a little crazy, mostly depending on how stupid they are, and off themselves. I mean, really just depends on the personality." she twirled. "You would be... the fourth Royal person I've been bonded with. Most are accidents, others are intentional, generally of nobility, just due to the sheer cost. The Black market really loves to toss me about" she stepped over though.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 5, 2019 20:22:31 GMT -5
Ari had closed her eyes when her mother spoke to her because of the looming presence of Rox. When her mother left the room she watched as the ghost moved about and brought her another empty bucket. Thoughtful. She closed her eyes again as Rox spoke of the reason she was bound to the amulet. “Punishment for winning at a man’s game.” She spoke at the end. “That doesn’t sound too far off of the world today and yet you said you’ve been trapped how long?” She paused a moment. “700 years...all for winning a duel.” Ari sat up slowly, she pulled her blankets around her as she bit back the nausea and closed her eyes once again.
“As far as I know the general public do not despise me...I’ve done everything that I possibly can to keep enemies from growing amongst the people of Alexandria.” She spoke as she opened her eyes to look to Rox once again, a sigh escaped over her lips as she fell silent again. She listened to Rox speak of the different ways that the cursed would handle having her attached to them. None sounded pleasant. “There is always a way to break a curse.” Ari spoke her eyes looked to Rox again finally. “Magic is not something that can extend for an infinite amount of time.” Ari’s expression was serious, she was contemplating it seemed. “Perhaps the 84 other people that you’ve been bonded to were not an elf?” She smirked then, “And not an elf of a high mage lineage.” She paused to fight back nausea again, her expression contorted as she moved and lay back on the bed, she shivered. “I may be able to help.” She spoke after several minutes. “I will have to study how they bound you to the amulet.” She choked out and fell silent after a long time.
Ari held her hand to her head as she took in even breaths. The room fell silent for a long while. “How...long does this last?” She questioned finally. “This is unbearable.” She rolled to the side of the bed and gripped the bucket once again. Ari lay on her side as she shivered. She felt as though she had the flu, or something worse. She couldn’t ever remember feeling this ill. “This illness must subside….right?” She rolled onto her back and pressed the cool rag to her forehead. “Please tell me it does...” She nearly begged of Rox in that moment.
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Post by Raven on Oct 8, 2019 16:39:56 GMT -5
"Blood Magic... Soul Magic... it is some powerful stuff. I've seen people kill themselves trying. I think..." she grasped the blanket and brought it upward, tucking Ari in slightly. "I wouldn't want to see another life thrown away, trying. Though... I cannot blame someone getting irritated with my constant presence... this is the life of it." she stood the and vanished. "It should be over by the time you wake..."
"I'll help you out..." there was a soft humming then. She sang softly, a gentle lullaby, that would put her to sleep easily. Over the years, being trapped in the ruby, she had picked up some skills she didn't have before. Magic. The world that the Ruby existed - was nothing like anything she had seen. Within it, the darkness she called it, was like the world she knew it. But it twisted and turned, like the world was made of taffy. Trees were upside down, buildings twisting. It changed constantly. At first it was confusing, and uncomfortable. Now it was home.
Though, while she was bonded with someone - she didn't return to the ruby. Her new host was their mind and soul. She was always there, constantly watching. She couldn't give that person their space if she wanted to...
When morning came - she was happy to experience something different. Sleep was always boring. At least in her world she could explore, eat weird food, and talk to odd spirits and sprites. Odd how those two names are so close...
"Wake up dear" there was a knock, then the door slowly opened. Her mother once again. "Are you feeling okay? We have much to do today..."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 8, 2019 17:45:54 GMT -5
Ari sucked in a breath as Rox spoke of blood magic. It was forbidden. For many of the reasons that Rox was speaking of. It could twist the mind of those that performed it, so much that the mage would become corrupted and their body would destroy itself from the inside out. It was a terrible way to go. There were many other ways that the body would react to blood magic though. Some grew stronger, their mind more clear...though this was so far and in-between that it was rumored to be myth rather than truth. “I...might be able to help...I know someone that might be able to help.” Ari yawned as she was tucked in, the soothing lullaby was sending her right to sleep. Her night was filled with darkness. Not a dream crossed her mind. Ari had many of those nights it was as if the lights were just turned off and before she knew it the daylight would rise. Or….someone would wake her, which in this case it was her mother.
Ari was snuggled into the blankets as the door pushed open. Her eyes cracked open to watch her mother make her way across the room to her. There truly was much to do. A whole week of celebration. Ari pushed herself up slowly. “I...think I feel well enough, mother.”
The queen reached forward and touched the back of her hand against her daughter’s forehead. “Darling you’re like a furnace.” She spoke with a concerned expression.
“I’m alright.” Ari replied as she slowly stood. Though she sat back down on the bed almost immediately from the room spinning. “I just need a minute to wake up is all.” She gave a weak smile to her mother.
Elenor took in a breath before she walked over to the closet. “Today there are a list of activities that are part of the ceremony of celebration. Each day leading up to your wedding will be filled with celebration, of life, of love, of the past and future.” She spoke as she thumbed through dresses to pick something for Ari. “It truly is a beautiful ceremony.” She grasped a beautiful flowing blue dress that had ruffles and ribbons strewn about. “Come on dear.” Elenor spoke with a gentle smile.
Ari stood and made her way over to her mother where she was slipped into the dress. She took in a breath as her mother stood behind her tying down the laces of the corset tightly. “What events do we have today?” She asked as her mother moved to her hair and began brushing through it and placing beautiful braiding into her wavy locks.
Elenor focused on the braiding for a moment before she gave a gentle smile. “First we will announce the wedding to the entire city of Alexandria, many have already gathered in anticipation. Then this afternoon there will be a joust in honor of your union to be with Haldir.” She moved to Ari’s make up and smiled sweetly. “Do you remember when you were a little girl? The first time you asked me to do your make up.” She chuckled softly as she looked into her daughter’s silver eyes. “You had smudged lipstick all over your face. I turned around to see you. Defeated as ever. You had blush on your cheeks.” She finished the makeup and sat back with a soft smile. “You’ll always be my little girl, Ariawyn.”
Ari gave a laugh when her mother mentioned the moment. “Of course I remember mother.” She smiled brightly, it was as though nothing was bothering her now. Though she could still feel Rox’s presence. It was unnerving like a blanket was draped over her body. She felt heavy. “I had a ball that evening. I wanted to impress the royals with how grown up I was.” She smirked. “I only ended up making a fool out of myself. I didn’t know what I was doing when I tried to put any of that stuff on.” She glanced into the mirror. She was a far cry from the silly child with make up smeared across her face. She was stunning to say it simply. Ari looked over the artfully done makeup and then to her hair. “Thank you mother.”
Elenor leaned in and kissed the side of her head. “You’ve never made a fool of yourself.” She spoke with a smile.
“I wouldn’t allow that.” The gruff voice of the king followed.
“Sylvar.” The queen spoke as she drew her brows together.
“If it wasn’t for me our daughter wouldn’t have the top pick of a prince begging to marry her.” Sylvar stepped into the room. He walked around his daughter and grasped her chin slightly. “Smile dear, a frown never looks good on a princess. Now does it?” He gazed into her eyes a long moment as he waited for the forced smile to curve up her lips. “Good.” He chuckled. “Now the announcement.” He nodded. “Your carriage will follow the carriage that your mother and I will be in. At the precise time when I announce that you are to wed to Haldir you will step from the carriage with him. Easy enough, hm?” He cupped her cheek in a loving way, yet the only emotion that Ari felt toward him was cold and empty. “Come, Elenor.” He turned and took the queen with him.
Ari sat down before her mirror as tears brimmed in her eyes. She could only hope that the sweet prince would not turn into the tyrant that her father was as a king. She took in a quick breath and shuddered. “Sorry that you have to tag along through this.” She spoke in a whisper.
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