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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 30, 2019 19:36:52 GMT -5
Leila could see the doubt in his eyes as she watched him. The funny thing about the faerie species, they could sense and feel things that the humans could not. She tilted her head slightly and to his comment about the princess a chuckle came over her lips. “Master Ward, certainly the princess will not hold that against you.” She smirked slightly, “Do not hold yourself down, doubt will only slow your progress.” She stepped forward and placed her hand upon his chest. “Your power comes from within.” She gazed up into his eyes, “From your heart and….” She gazed up to him a moment with her rosy cheeks, the smile stayed upon her lips, she pressed her thumb to his forehead in an almost playful manner. “Here. You must not doubt yourself, Master Ward.” She stepped back from him and turned to a flower, her wings moved slightly, glowing once again. Her eyes lifted then as she heard the clatter of horse hooves. Her brows drew together in worry. “No...” She rushed forward from the gardens, her movement was swift, her wings fell slack against her back. As she came around one of the hedges a horse reared, the black horse with white socks...a large clydesdale horse...it had beautiful plates of armor upon it with the seal of Talamuk upon the plates.
The faerie grabbed the reins and her wings fluttered quickly behind her back as she fought against the horse. Her hand pressed against his forehead. “Shhhh.” She gazed into the horses eyes as he breathed heavily. Leila bit her lip as she looked to the empty saddle. This was the princess’ horse. No doubt about it. There was no blood. No signs of a struggle. Where was Amaryll? Leila stood before the huge horse her hand upon his snout as she looked up into his eyes, she breathed heavily as her eyes welled with tears as she thought of the possibilities that could have become of the princess. A stable hand ran up within a few moments he had hooves for feet and ram horns that curled around the side of his head. “Fredrick.” Leila looked to him. “Where is she?” She asked quickly.
“I didn’t see her...he came busting through at full canter...” The fae spoke as he took the reins carefully.
“What word do we have from the battlefront?” She questioned quickly. “We must find Amaryll.” Her voice was struck with fear. She glanced back to Ward. “You must help us...” She begged. “We can’t lose the princess, not to them...” She rushed quickly through the castle as horns sounded from the gates. She didn’t even look back to see if Ward had followed her. In this moment, the faerie only had one thing on mind, finding the princess.
**
Amaryll watched the beautiful cat before her as she listened to the voice within her head. Her lips flattened slightly, a sadness showed in her eyes. Indeed the druids had waited quite a long time to toss their aid into the battle. Many lives, young and old had been lost. Senseless loss it seemed. Though Amaryll would never blame the druids. It wasn’t fully their fault, her father hadn’t asked for the druids aid in a very….well mannered way. He’d demanded it. Amaryll knew that wasn’t going to be the best approach. “What matters is that you’ve come to Talamuk’s aid now.” She spoke as she stared to the large cat. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Fana. I’m certain that you already know that I am Amaryll, Princess of the capitol of Talamuk.” She then glanced to the Owl as Fana introduced it. Ren. A smile curved up her lips. “I’ve so many questions for you. But now is not the time, hm?” She gave a weak smile. She’d lost a good amount of blood from the deep gash, though it wasn’t nearly as evident because the rain had washed most of the blood away.
She then glanced to her arm, to the blood that trickled down over her bicep as Fana mentioned the wound. “It would seem so, hm?” She looked back to her new ally and stepped forward. She hesitated slightly once again before she climbed onto the back of the huge cat. “Thank you, Fana.” She spoke in a soft voice. She could only imagine what would have happened had Fana not shown up when she did. The humans had placed a rather hefty attack, they were planning on advancing to the capitol’s walls this evening, Amaryll knew it. She could feel it. Their aggression was like nothing she’d seen before. The amount of power behind the bombs, the reinforcements. The people of Talamuk would not have stood a chance alone….
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Post by Nyte on Oct 30, 2019 20:10:52 GMT -5
As Leila approached Ward and placed a hand upon his chest he felt himself tense slightly. Something told him to be on guard with this fairy having her hands on him. Though he kept his gaze on hers and even returned the little smile she gave him though he could tell a lot of her relaxed attitude was due to the strong wine they had drank with dinner.
As the sound of hooves upon cobble stone approached he too turned around to see the horse without a rider thunder up the path. Being that he had ridden upon the very same mount earlier that day he was also able to recognize it and felt a worry settle into his chest for the woman who had saved his very life. "Perhaps she had to find another mount? This one got spooked or something?" It wouldn't be unheard of for a horse to take off without waiting for its rider, especially with the black powder bombs that were going off in the battle field.
He quickly followed after Leila as she asked him to help find the princess and actually found it rather easy to keep up with the woman. His body was more lithe than normal and he could even vault over objects with ease he would have normally found rather challenging. Though he didn't stop to admire the feats, he simply continued onward.
*****
Once Amaryll had gotten on her back once more she stood back up to her full height and began to trot down the slope and towards the capital city once more. Her gate was much more smooth than a horses and even with her quickened pace Amaryll would find it to be an easier ride, saddle or not. "We have also sent scouts out and got a better idea of the human capabilities as far as their numbers and supply routes." Fana offered while they made their way back. "I don't think disrupting them would be a terribly difficult task and would greatly reduce the human's momentum."
As Fana drew near to the capital's gates there was a loud commotion as scouts spotted the princess on the back of a wild beast. Before the guards could make it out the doors though Ward was the first to burst forth from the gates. He ran out and across the open field, seemingly without fear, until he got only a few feet away from Fana and Amaryll. "Princess! We found your horse and thought.." He was a bit out of breath but realized he probably looked like a fool rushing out the way he did unarmed.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 30, 2019 20:52:56 GMT -5
Leila burst through the gates at a full sprint behind Ward. “Wait!” She cried as her wings fluttered and she took to the air. She flew into the sky with ease and just as Ward skidded to a stop before the large black cat she landed next to him. “Druid...” She bowed deeply, breathless. “Princess...he’s right...we...thought you...” She stopped in the middle of her sentence and stepped forward as she looked to the paleness of the princess’ skin. She could smell the blood off of the princess and her brows drew together as her eyes searched for the crimson color upon the princess’ attire.
“I’m alright.” Amaryll spoke as she slipped from the druid’s back. “This is Fana.” She spoke as she glanced to the large cat. “She stopped the humans from overtaking us at the line tonight. She saved my life.” She gave a soft smile, “The Druids are going to aid us in the war.” She took a step forward. “I must see the apothecary.”
Leila moved the princess’ cloak from her shoulder and her eyes widened slightly. Bone was visible through the separated flesh as it bled freely. “Your highness…” She breathed.
“Princess.” The general from the battlefield rushed forward his armor clanking as he ran to the group. “You’re alive. The bombs...I thought you...” He drew his brows together and stepped forward as Amaryll stutter stepped. His hands steadied her, “Easy there.” He glanced to the large cat a moment. “Thank you.” He spoke before he turned. “Come on. To the apothecary.” He led her forward.
Leila gazed to the large black cat once again. “Fana.” She mused. Her emerald eyes showed her curiosity. “Come with us.” She gave a warm smile before she followed the general toward the castle.
“I’m alright, general.” Amaryll pulled from his grip. “I can walk myself.” She walked forward to the sound of a cheerful crowd all pleased to see their princess return alive from the battlefield. She marched through the city and rounded corners quickly, her muddy blood soaked cape trailed behind her, a far cry from the beautiful silvery white color it had been before. Amaryll pushed into a small shop the smell of incense filled the air. “Oracle.” She spoke as she sank into a chair. “I need your healing remedy please...” Her voice was soft as she relaxed into the round bowl like chair.
Leila walked in she looked about the small round home that held herbs and liquids within vials upon the shelves. Books were stacked as far as the eye could see. Skins of animals and other such items, even bones. She took in a breath and looked to Ward. “Perhaps now is a good time to speak to our Oracle, hm?” She gave him a gentle smile before she gazed back ahead to the princess.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 1, 2019 18:57:15 GMT -5
After Amaryll had slipped from Fana's back the druid resumed the form of an elf once more. She brushed back her raven hair away from her eyes, which still looked unkempt and wild, and looked toward those that had rushed from the city that had come to greet them. Being that druids were normally lone creatures, or preferred smaller groups, it was a bit unsettling to have so many rush towards her but she managed to contain her urge to run. One of the elves that had come out also caught her attention. It was the first person to reach them and she immediately noticed the different scent that came from him. Like that of which she had never encountered before but was also subtle enough that most would probably simply overlook it. While the others fretted over the Princess Fana kept her gaze locked on to Ward and as the group moved to head back into the city she walked next to him, still never taking her eyes off of him.
"Can.. can I help you?" Ward finally asked after he had grown more than a little uncomfortable with the wild woman staring him down as if he were a deer in a meadow.
"You are not a normal elf, are you?" She asked him without hesitation. "I can smell it. You're different."
"You're very observant, but I couldn't tell you what it is that's bothering you about me." Ward replied and turned his gaze away from Fana. She would undoubtedly want answers that everyone else did and he simply didn't have them.
"Tread carefully elf." Fana warned. "For if you seek the wrong path you could bring us all to ruin."
It was a foreboding statement but as the group reached the Oracle's home and the smell of incense invaded their senses Ward's attention was drawn away from the cryptic druid. When he heard Leila's words to speak to the Oracle while they were in her presence was a suggestion he knew he should take, but the Oracle in question had yet to reveal herself.
From a darkened doorway a figure emerged and much to Ward's surprise a man entered the space. He had fully been expecting an elderly woman, hunched over and with long slender fingers and a pointed nose. Perhaps he had watched to many movies with witches. This man was tall, slender and elegant looking. The way he carried himself was with a sense of pride and presence that Ward had never met the likes of before. Even the Princess in all her glory and beauty didn't command the room the way this man did. His long hair was white, much like Ward's, and his skin was pale like the moon. His eyes were an intense silver color that almost looked like liquid mercury and as he smiled at the group Ward felt his body relax as if he knew he were safe in this house. "Welcome everyone." He said in a soft yet masculine voice. "I didn't expect so many guests though I suppose it cannot be helped." His eyes fell to the Princess. "Gone and gotten yourself injured have you?" He reached up to a cabinet next to the doorway he had just emerged from and picked up a small leather pack and handed it to Leila. "Apply the poultice, wrap the wound and have her drink the potion inside." He instructed and then sat in a chair across from the Princess. "While your being patched up I feel we have much more to talk about." His silvery eyes shifted to Ward. "Much, much more."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 1, 2019 19:32:24 GMT -5
Leila had been watching Fana, the wild elf with curious eyes. She’d noticed how much of a liking the druid had taken to him, how curious the elf seemed to be. That was the trouble of it, he was different. It was easy to see the differences that only went skin deep….beyond that she could only ponder. The faerie looked to the Oracle and bowed her head as he entered the room to his command for her to apply the healing salve she nodded. “Of course oracle.”
Amaryll looked to the pouch that the Oracle had handed to Leila, this wouldn’t be the first time the faerie had patched her up. She followed the gaze of the wise Oracle and gave a nod. “Yes, we do have much to discuss, Oracle.” She spoke in a soft tone. She flinched slightly as Leila touched the wound.
“Hold still, Amaryll.” Leila gripped her shoulder slightly as she pulled away the material of her clothing to reveal her shoulder. The wound was deep, to the bone, her skin was sliced neatly by the blade. Leila wrinkled her nose slightly before she began applying the salve.
The princess shut her eyes tightly and a small whimper escaped over her lips. She took in quick deep breaths as she tried to remain focused. “Ward.” She spoke with pain in her voice. “The Moon Goddess has gifted us with him. I saw it with my very eyes, he was cast down from the skies and plummeted toward the battlefield. I pulled him from the crater that his body made in the soil and yet he did not hold a single broken bone or scratch.” She took a bit to speak these words, her eyes stayed closed, her teeth ground together as she gripped onto the arms of the chair with her hands tightly, her knuckles turned white.
“Sorry, your highness...” Leila offered, her brows quivered slightly as she focused. She was wrapping the wound now, very carefully.
Amaryll sucked in a deep breath and then let out a cry as Leila tied off the bandaging. She then opened her eyes finally to look to the Oracle. “I brought him back to the capitol for safety...he could barely lift a finger, he was as weak as can be.” She watched the white haired elf a moment, “I gave him an elixir that seems to have done the trick.” She grit her teeth slightly and looked to Leila as the potion was then offered to her. The princess looked to it and bit her lower lip. It would taste terrible. She knew it already. It wasn’t the first time she’d taken such a potion from the Oracle. She sucked in a breath and took the potion like a shot before she set the glass vial down on the table next to her. Her face contorted and she coughed as her body tried to fight back against the vile taste of the potion. The princess then glanced to Fana, “Then I returned to battle and I was saved by the druid. She not only saved my life, but the life of hundreds of our soldiers...” She looked back to the Oracle as the room spun around her slightly. She hated taking the potions, she always felt so strange afterward. She let out a slight chuckle to the warm fuzzy feeling within her gut.
Leila glanced to Ward and gave him a nod, as if he was to approach the Oracle and ask him questions. This would be the most opportune time after all. She then looked to Fana curiously. “What caused the druids to finally take an interest in this war?” She finally asked softly her eyes trained in on the wild elf. “Or was it the presence of Ward that peaked your interest?”
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Post by Nyte on Nov 1, 2019 19:47:37 GMT -5
The Oracle leaned back in his chair. Despite the stress and tension in the others throughout the room he seemed completely relaxed and in control of everything around him. Ward wasn't sure what to make of the man. He was both comforting and off putting at the same time. When Amaryll recounted their meeting in the battle field Ward looked to the Princess with slight confusion. His memory of falling to the ground was a bit fuzzy and then it was even fuzzier before that. "Well, given what our guest of honor here was put through I'm not surprised that he was more than a little weak when he landed." The Oracle looked towards Ward once more with interest in his eyes. "You're a blank slate and I'm very intrigued to see what you'll bring to this war. What will you do with all of your potential, hmm?"
"I'm sorry. I don't know what you mean." Ward replied with a clearly confused expression.
"The moon goddess, for all her other worldly might, often likes to try and divert the plans of the other gods. She's done it several times throughout our history. This time, it seems, she saw fit to give us an empty vessel. An elf with no magic what so ever. At least not yet." The Oracle seemed to be enjoying his cryptic words a little to much as he mused over the idea while smirking in his chair.
Before Ward could speak up again though Fana was the one to start next. "The Moon goddess didn't give Ward a type of magic to rule over. He could probably learn any or all types with little to no effort." She stated and looked back to Leila who had spoken to her last. "This is why the druids decided to step in. To ensure that this.. asset does not fall into a path that would lead to Talamuk's destruction. I can smell another world on him. It penetrates everything around him." She frowned and looked back to the fairy. "Can you not smell it?"
"Wait, what do you mean I can learn any type of magic?" Ward asked, still very much confused.
"You are like an empty glass that can be filled with anything those around you see fit to pour into you. You might even be able to learn Amaryll's healing magic. If she's willing to teach you that is. Learn a fairy's fire, or how to roam the forest as an animal with the druids. Your paths are endless." The Oracle was still grinning. "He could even learn dead magics from scrolls in our library perhaps. Lost arts that could be brought back to life and truly turn the tides of this war in our favor."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 1, 2019 20:10:14 GMT -5
Leila furrowed her brows as the wild elf, her wings fluttered slightly and glowed before going slack behind her back. “Of course I can smell it, I’m not an idiot.” She huffed as she crossed her arms and turned her attention back to the Oracle. The pixies wings fluttered again, she’d never gotten along with any druid that she’d come into contact with. For whatever reason they were all strange creatures in her option.
Amaryll lifted her hand, her eyes tired. “Fighting will not fix things, Leila.” She shot her a look that caused Leila’s expression to soften almost instantly. The princess stood and bowed her head to the Oracle before she glanced to Ward. “Well, at least we have the help from the druids, be it because of the moon goddess or not.” She turned and looked to the Oracle then. “Any magic from the libraries hm?” She mused slightly her eyes alight with energy once more at the mentioning of the old books that sat protected within the crust of the island of Talamuk. She glanced to Ward a moment before she looked back to the Oracle. “I will take him to the libraries tomorrow.” She then smiled to Ward, “We shall see what old magics peak your interests hm?” She was perking up a bit now that she’d had the potion. She could feel her wound mending beneath the bandaging. Though it would take a good night of rest for her body to truly mend.
Leila watched the princess carefully, her eyes flicked to the druid a moment, the emerald color had fire behind it as she watched the wild elf. “I’m sure something will be of his interest.” She spoke before she looked back to the princess.
Amaryll drew her brows together as she watched the faerie, she shook her head slightly and looked away. “I must get some rest I’m afraid.” She spoke as she bowed her head to the Oracle. “Thank you once again for your guidance and wisdom, Oracle.” She turned and looked to the wild elf. “Fana, I’ll show you to one of the guest rooms.” She gave a gentle smile. “Please forgive Leila for her sharp tongue.” She glanced to Leila whom stood with her arms crossed over her chest still. “Ward, tomorrow, we will explore the libraries.” She gave a gentle smile. “Good night.” She slipped from the home of the Oracle.
“Come on, she’s right we should get rest.” Leila motioned for Ward to follow as she walked out of the home as well. She drew her brows together as she looked to the back of the princess whom was a few paces in front of them.
Amaryll led the group to the castle and through the hallways this way and that before she stopped before a room. “This should more than suit you, Fana. Thank you again.” She searched her eyes a long moment. “I will be sure that you are invited to breakfast, you are welcome to come along to the libraries if you would like as well. I have the same interest for the future of Talamuk as do you.” She nodded before she pushed the door open to a beautiful suite style room that overlooked the city of Talamuk. “Good night.” She turned and began walking off down the hallway.
Leila gazed after the princess and sighed softly, her wings fluttered slightly behind her back and she shook her head. “This would be your room Master Ward.” She nodded and pushed a door open, it was the room next to Fana’s. “Good night.” She walked off in the opposite direction of the princess down the hall.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 1, 2019 20:47:42 GMT -5
At Leila's sharp words Fana turned to look at the fairy and tilted her head slightly as if she were amused by her sharp tongue rather than offended by it. Though the fairy quickly submitted to Amaryll which served as a slight disappointment to Fana. She kept her comments to herself though and simply continued to watch the interaction.
Ward, on the other hand, was a bit frustrated at his confusion. It was like everyone was on the same page but him. Leila had explained magic to him briefly before over dinner but it didn't mean that it necessarily made sense to him. Not entirely. Though when Amaryll suggested that everyone get rest and continue the fight in the morning he found he was a bit relieved. At least he could have a night to think and reassess the situation in the morning.
"Thank you for the visit, Amaryll. I always enjoy our talks." The Oracle replied to her and rose from his chair as she did and gave a shallow bow to the Princess as she left his home with the rest of the group following after her.
*****
Once Ward was alone in his guest room he glanced towards the wall that he shared with the wild druid and then shook his head. So much had happened in such little time and there was so much to process. First, he made his way to the other doors in the room and found that one of them lead to a storage room and the other lead to a bathroom. So he stepped inside and closed the door behind him before looking himself over in the mirror once more. His appearance was still foreign to him even though he felt much more comfortable in this body than he had at first. "Guess I better just get used to it." He told himself and sighed as he ran his hand through his hair to push it out of his face. "At least I'm easy on the eyes, I guess." He said and chuckled at himself.
After cleaning up a bit and tying his hair back Ward made his way back out to the main bedroom and climbed into the large bed in the center of the room. He was surprised by just how comfortable it was and as he lay on his back and stared up at the ceiling he began to think back to the meeting they had with the Oracle and what he had said about him being an empty vessel. He drifted off to sleep thinking of what sort of lost magic the Princess wanted to show him in the library and dreamed of spells and battlefields.
*****
Alone in her room Fana felt a little claustrophobic and decided to open up the balcony doors as wide as they would go. Pulling off the blankets from the bed she drug them to the center of the door way leading outside and then laid down within the layers. Beneath the open sky was the only way to sleep, in her opinion. Though she knew that her brothers and sisters were still at the battlefield defending the city from the humans while the Talamuk armies gathered themselves to mount another proper defense. Of course the humans were probably licking their wounds and would be for a while after the assault the druids had launched on them. That night she slept well imagining the shocked and frightened faces of the humans as they were hunted like common prey animals.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 1, 2019 21:23:51 GMT -5
Amaryll walked down the hallway and then climbed a flight of stairs to the next floor before she made her way down another hall that led her to her quarters. She walked into the room and let out a heavy sigh as she gazed to herself in the mirror from across the room. She was an absolute mess. Mud and blood lined her armor. Her cloak had hardly a speck of silver left showing. She unclasped the cloak first and moved about the room to stand on her balcony. She overlooked the castle gardens and her head tilted slightly when she saw a glint of light from doors being thrown open. She watched and a soft chuckle came over her lips as Fana pulled all of her bedding out onto the balcony. She was intrigued by the druid to say the least. She heard her doors open and she glanced back into her room to see one of her servants walking in, a sweet old fae named Millie. She stepped into her room and gave a soft smile. “Look at you, your highness what happened?” Millie asked as she moved about.
Amaryll recounted the evenings events as Millie’s hooves clicked about the tiled floors, her rams horns were curled about the sides of her head. She was quick and nimble as she led the princess into the bathroom where a bath was drawn and she was prepared for bed. Before long Millie helped the princess get dressed in a night gown and she tucked her away before she drew the curtains of her room. “Sleep well, your highness. It is good to have you home.” She spoke before she exited the room.
Amaryll stared at the ceiling for a long time before she finally drifted off to sleep with dreams of the war, of Ward falling from the skies and of the mysterious druid saving her life.
**
Leila marched from the castle grounds and took flight through the city. Her home wasn’t far at all, a small little cottage that suited her well. She paced within her home, fuming with a bit of rage before she finally settled in for the evening. Each druid she’d ever met she tried to befriend and yet they were so quick to judge. She scoffed as she rolled about in her bed. She could only hope that this druid would be more helpful than the handful of others she’d encountered in her lifetime.
**
As the morning rays of sun sprouted over the capitol many of the residents began to rise. The skies were a beautiful clear blue, birds chirped within the trees. It was a crisp beautiful morning. Millie pulled the curtains to allow the light into the princess’ room and she smiled brightly. “Good morning princess.” She spoke as she moved to the closet. “I cleaned all of your battle gear. You ought to be a bit more careful, the amount of blood on your clothing was dreadful dear.” She spoke as she pulled out a beautiful black dress with black flowers upon it and ruffles along the skirt. “Come now.”
Amaryll rolled to her side and yawned, “It’s still so early.” She complained as she moved from the bed and sleepily moved to the pedestal that Millie dressed her upon. She stood with her eyes closed, her body wanting to fall back asleep.
Millie moved about slipping the gown from Amaryll’s body and dressing her in the beautiful dress. “Your father has requested that all of your new companions have breakfast with he and your mother, dear.” She spoke as she moved around to Amaryll’s back. “So you must be dressed for the occasion, hm? Deep breath….” She cinched down the corset then.
Amaryll groaned, “You know, Millie, spending weeks on the battlefield has made me forget how uncomfortable these are.” She chuckled and smiled to the woman before she moved before the mirror and closed her eyes once again. “Is father pleased that I saved the elf?” She questioned softly.
“Hm...I haven’t heard much, just rumors that he fell from the skies, dear and that you were the one to save him from a human killing him.” Millie brushing through Amaryll’s hair carefully. “I’d say you’re doing well, your highness.”
Amaryll smiled softly and then remained silent for the rest of the time. Recounting the events from the day before. Soon enough she was walking down the hallway, her heels clicked upon the marble flooring as she walked toward the guest quarters.
“Amaryll.” Leila spoke as she approached. The faerie was much more calm now, she was dressed in her long jacket and dark clothing beneath. “Did you sleep well?” She questioned and then glanced to the rooms. “Were you going to wake them? You’re the princess, that isn’t remotely your job.”
“I slept well once I got to sleep.” Amaryll chuckled softly and then looked to the door. “It may not be, but I feel a bit more responsible for them than a normal guest. Am I not?” She questioned and raised a brow. “Why don’t you wake Fana? I’ll wake Ward.”
Leila froze slightly, “Amaryll if I may...” She breathed, “Faerie like myself and druids don’t seem to get along well.”
“Then change that.” Amaryll winked as she knocked on the door to Ward’s room and pushed the door open. She walked into the room and pulled the curtains open allowing the light to cascade into the room. “Good morning.” She spoke as she looked to him. “We’ve a breakfast with my mother and father, the king and queen, this morning. Then shall we go to the libraries?” She questioned and then paused a moment, her expression flattened. “This...must be a lot to take in...” She took in a breath and glanced out the balcony, “I...am here to help, whatever you need...I can help teach you what you need to know, to understand all of this.” The princess looked back to him and smiled, “So long as you want to learn that is.”
**
Leila stood in the hallway her heart pounded within her chest. She hadn’t gotten off on the right foot with the druid. She raised her hand and froze. She took a few steps back and paced a bit. “Oh to hell with it.” Leila knocked on the door and pushed it open. “It’s Leila.” She spoke as she stepped in. “We’ve breakfast with the king and queen this morning….” She looked to the stripped bed curiously. “Fana?” She questioned.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 1, 2019 21:48:13 GMT -5
As the curtains of the room were pulled back and the sunlight flooded into the room Ward flinched, groaned and turned on his side to shield his eyes from the bright light. The Princess was awfully cheery given the state she had been in the prior evening and if his internal clock was to be trusted he would have guessed it to still be rather early. "Good morning, Princess." Ward's muffled voice came from a pillow that he had shoved his face into when she opened the curtains. At some point in the night he had lost his shirt and was wearing only his black pants while his long white hair was rather unkempt.
Rolling from his side he blinked a few times as his eyes adjusted to the brightness and he looked towards Amaryll with her elegant black dress on. She was stunning, just as she had been the day before, and he could only give a sigh as he looked back up at the ceiling. "Breakfast with the King and Queen sounds like an occasion I should be better dressed for." He commented and then sat up out of the bed and placed his feet upon the cool ground. Once he was up he walked past Amaryll and towards the bathroom once more. He felt much better this morning than he had last night. More sure of himself and well rested. "The libraries sound like a good place to start. I'm more than willing to learn whatever you think is best." Once he saw himself in the mirror he noticed his lack of a shirt and went back to the room, found his shirt tangled in his sheets, and then pulled it back on over his head. "Perhaps see about getting me some other clothes so I don't have to wear the same thing constantly?"
*****
As the door opened to Fana's room the druid leaned forward to peek around the corner of the balcony door to see who it was that had entered. She was sitting on the railing of the balcony, eating an apple that had been left in a bowl within her room, and seemed to be perfectly awake. Fana was used to getting up with the sunrise though so she had been awake for a while before Leila had bothered to come and wake her. "Good morning to you as well." Fana told her and slid down from her perched seat on the railing to walk back inside the bedroom. She left the blankets and sheets upon the floor where she had slept, and rather well at that. "I figured the King and Queen might want council with me once we declared we would aid you lot in the war." She was still as wild and untamed looking as she had been the night before, but kept a small smile upon her lips as she looked over the fairy woman. "Will you be joining us as well? It seemed to me that the Princess keeps you close at hand."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 1, 2019 22:17:49 GMT -5
The princess looked to Ward, her brows raised slightly. His figure was like it had been chiseled out of stone. The moon goddess had her own little tricks it seemed. She was staring, though her smile had only broadened as he stood up. “Of course, I could get one of our servants to fit you into any clothing that you’d like for the meal.” She spoke as her eyes followed him toward the bathroom. She then looked away as he came back to the room, her eyes looked once again over the city. “The libraries will be a good start. I can gain a foundation with you. I can only hope that Fana’s assistance on the battlefield has gathered us enough time for me to train you...enough so that you understand how to use magic...I believe the druid is right, once you get a taste of it your body will soak it up like water on a hot day.” She gazed to him once again a smile upon her lips. Her shoulders were exposed in the dress that she wore, the horrible gash that had been on her shoulder was completely gone, healed without a trace from the Oracles potion and healing salve.
She stepped forward, her eyes gazed to the tattoo upon his face. Their meeting had been so short before, she was acting quickly within the heat of the moment she hadn’t gotten much of a chance to speak to him, let alone look at him. The princess smiled once again when she realized she was staring at him. “Apologies.” She spoke as she turned slightly, “Shall I get you a servant?” She questioned as she began to walk toward the door.
**
Leila jumped slightly when the voice came from the balcony. She walked toward it and gazed to Fana a long moment. “Hm yes I am certain that the king and queen will have their questions. As well as their gratitude, they are very well aware that you saved Amaryll’s life last night. The Soldiers from the battlefield are speaking of the magic that you performed, the wonderful save. Very heroic. I would have loved to see it.” She smiled back as she took in Fana’s smile. Perhaps this druid wasn’t as bad as she thought? Maybe they had just gotten off on the wrong foot? Leila had nearly missed the next question as she was so deep in thought in her own mind.
“Oh, yes of course.” She replied. “I am with Amaryll most of the time, honestly. She is a dear friend to me, and her father has assigned me to keep her safe. I am just not allowed to follow her into war.” She shrugged, “They still have yet to give me a reason as to why I can’t do it.” She let out a soft laugh. “At least she is home now, you’ve bought us some time. Thank you for that, Fana.” She searched her eyes and then looked to the pile of blankets. “Did you...sleep on the balcony?” She questioned curiously as she put two and two together. “Instead of the perfectly good bed?” She raised a brow slightly and then chuckled softly. “I’ve only known a few druids, you’re all very unique.” She smiled and laughed lightly. "Do you think that Ward is dangerous? Being an empty vessel as the Oracle calls him....he could turn on us....couldn't he?" She questioned, her voice more serious now, worried. "He wouldn't be able to be stopped it he turned on us...would he? That's really why you're here..."
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Post by Nyte on Nov 5, 2019 22:33:34 GMT -5
Ward could feel the Princess's eyes on him as he moved about the room but he wasn't shy so he simply ignored it for now. Though when she stepped up to him to observe the markings along his face he felt a little more self conscious. When she moved away again and offered a servant to help him find and fit clothes he had lifted his hand to run along the smooth black marks etched into his skin. He didn't know what to make of the marks and hadn't had much time to think about it really. "I, um, I suppose? I'll be honest I've never had a.. servant help me with anything. Those aren't a thing where I come from." He was actually a little uncomfortable with the idea of these people having servants and couldn't help but think back to the American Civil war or medieval times when such things were common place, or at least that's what he had always understood.
It was then that Ward finally noticed the lack of a grievous wound on Amaryll's shoulder and without thinking he reached out to gently brush his fingers along the smooth skin that had once been torn so badly that her bone shown through. "The healing in his place is amazing." He said with a tone of awe before catching himself and quickly retracting his hand once more. "Sorry, I guess I shouldn't touch the princess huh?"
*****
Fana watched with casual interest as Leila made her way out towards the balcony and responded to her postulation of the King and Queen's motives. Then as Leila began to fire off a few questions in quick succession Fana simply chuckled and slipped down from her seat on the railing of the balcony. "You're 'perfectly good bed' is too soft and completely enclosed with walls rather than under the open sky. As for your observation on druids we are all just as different as you are, or all fairies the same and I've just missed something?" She smirked then sighed as she gave a shrug when the question of the strange goddess given elf was brought up. "To have a some skepticism keeps you alert and is rather healthy in my opinion. However, don't condemn him yet else he we could lose a powerful ally before we've even had the chance to earn his loyalty. Sure, he could turn on us, but he could also help us. Let us reserve judgement for now, hmm?"
Walking from the balcony Fana passed by Leila as she entered the room once more. Though as she walked by she lifted a finger just enough that her hand would brush against the woman's wings as she did. They were soft to the touch, like that of a down feather of a mother bird, and Fana only continued to smirk to herself as she seemed completely oblivious to what she had just done. "Let's not keep our royal hosts waiting then, shall we?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 6, 2019 22:24:16 GMT -5
Amaryll watched him a moment, her brow raised slightly. “You’ve never had a servant…?” She thought for a moment as she paused, her fingertips were upon the door handle and slowly slipped off as the princess turned toward him once again. Servants were something she’d been raised with. Though, those who served the royal family were more than happy to be where they were. They were given rooms within the castle grounds, food, water, pay. It really wasn’t that bad of a life. That was the moment the Ward’s fingertips grazed her shoulder. She froze in place slightly as a chill ran down her spin from his gentle touch. He complimented their healing techniques as if it was something he’d never seen. Then before she could speak he was already apologizing...
The princess stood for a moment, her eyes looked over Ward as she drew in a breath, as if she was thinking about how to respond to him. “How about clothing? No servant.” She finally spoke. “If you are uncomfortable with a servant, I don’t have to provide you with one...um...perhaps the tailor? He could help….” She fiddled with her hands slightly as her eyes looked over Ward once again. “Just give me a moment.” She turned and slipped from the room then. She made her way down the hallway and into a room with a short man that had a tape measure thrown over his shoulder and thick glasses. “Harlow.” The princess spoke with a soft smile.
“Your highness.” He bowed deeply. “You look lovely.” He complimented as he stepped forward. “How may I be of assistance?”
“I have an elf that needs your assistance.” She gave a gentle smile. “He was gifted from the Moon Goddess...so he doesn’t have anything to wear for breakfast with the king and queen.”
“Oh, this is a special occasion.” Harlow spoke with a chuckle. “Show me to him then.” He grabbed a case that was on wheels. “I’ll have him something whipped up in no time.”
Amaryll smiled, “Thank you, Harlow.” She led him back down the hallways and into the guest room. “Ward.” She spoke as she entered. She motioned toward the short man, “This is Harlow, he is our tailor here. The finest tailor in all of Talamuk.” She looked to Ward a moment. “He will have something for you to wear, anything you like.”
Harlow chuckled as he stepped forward. “Thank you, your highness.” He bowed his head again as he walked up to Ward. “Let’s see here.” He began measuring him out quickly. “Yes.” He spoke as he moved about. He turned to his case and lifted it onto the bed and opened it up. He moved about spreading clothing about on the bed. “What would you like to wear, Master Ward?” He asked as he looked to him.
Amaryll had moved to the balcony by this point. She was looking out over the city. It had been a long time since she could enjoy the silence of the city without the distant sound of bombs.
**
Leila looked to Fana curiously as she spoke of the bed being encased inside. She then gazed up to the beautiful sunrise, the colors within the sky at this time of the morning. She could imagine that sleeping outside would have its advantages. She let out a chuckle to Fana’s comment about all pixies being the same. “Ah, you’ve got me there.” She noted as a smile curved up her lips. This druid was enchanting. She was quick with her words in such a way that intrigued the faerie. She furrowed her brows slightly as Fana spoke of Ward. She was right, to condemn him before he has even proven himself wouldn’t be fair. Though from speaking with him he knew nothing of this world so if he needed convincing on which side to choose...certainly making accusations at such an early stage in their alliance wouldn’t be the best of ideas that she’d ever had.
The faerie took in a breath as she felt the soft touch of the druid as she was passed by. Her wings glowed more brightly in the place that Fana had touched for a moment before the glow dissipated. She turned with her wings slack against her back now as she looked to the druid. “Of course, I’m certain that the queen and king are anticipating us to arrive any moment.” She gave a smile then. “I’ll show you to the dining hall.” Leila spoke as she walked forward. She heard the door to the guest room next door click closed and she raised a brow slightly before she started off down the hall. “I will have to give you a grand tour later, Fana. Assuming you’ve never been in the capitol.” She glanced to her curiously. “The castle is an incredible place, a lot of history lies here.” She spoke as she walked down a set of stairs and rounded a few more corners. “The king.” She spoke as she paused and stopped walking. “He can be a bit brash sometimes.” She gave a weak smile. “Don’t take it to heart if he is. Hm?” She then nodded. “The queen is a sweetheart.” She added before she pushed the doors open.
Leila walked into the room with Fana in tow her eyes looked to the table it was set for 6. The king and queen already sat at the table and were conversing to themselves as Fana and Leila walked in. “My king. My queen.” Leila bowed her head. “This is Fana, the druid that saved your daughter.”
The king looked to the druid a moment, “Thank you for saving many of our soldiers as well.” He spoke before his eyes moved back to Leila. “Where is Amaryll?” He questioned.
Leila straightened slightly as she looked to the two empty spaces that were set for Ward and Amaryll. “She was gathering the elf that the Moon Goddess gifted our land...” She took in a breath. “I will go get her, your highness.” She bowed and then slipped from the room quickly.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 6, 2019 23:19:24 GMT -5
Ward breathed a sigh of relief as Amaryll stated he didn't have to accept a servant to help him get dressed. Though when she mentioned a tailor he was much more pleased with that idea and nodded to her as she told him to wait while she fetched the tailor. While she was gone Ward brushed and tied back his hair with a bit of leather cord he found and contemplated cutting it off completely. Before he could make that decision though he heard the door open once more and turned to see Amaryll enter with a shorter man carrying a case behind him. The man looked like a tailor so he walked to the middle of the room to meet them with a smile.
As Harlow measured Ward he lifted his arms and turned accordingly. When he finished Ward was rather uncertain how to answer his question. He knew how he liked to dress back home, but he would look more than a little out of place here with hiking gear. "Um, something functional and comfortable but still presentable I guess." He answered with a shrug.
Harlow turned to peer at him over his glasses for a moment at the vague description, glanced towards the balcony where Amaryll had gone out. "Alright, well I think I can work with that." The man replied and picked up a shirt he had made earlier to begin his process. By the time Harlow was finished Ward was dressed in a light blue tunic with simple tan trousers. Luckily the shoes Ward had been given by the goddess would suffice for now until he could visit the cobbler. It was a plain attire but still made Ward look presentable. "Well I have your measurements. I will make you some more wardrobes for other occasions. Just give me a few days."
Ward adjusted the sleeves a bit on the tunic and thanked Harlow for his work and time. "Well, I guess I'm as ready as ever to meet the King and Queen." Ward told Amaryll as he went to stand at the balcony doors. "Sorry to keep you waiting on me this whole time."
*****
Fana followed Leila to the dinning hall where the King and Queen waited for the rest of them to join them for the morning meal. The halls, though they had tall ceilings, were narrow and made Fana a bit uncomfortable. Though when they reached the hall she was pleasantly surprised to see them open back up with vaulted ceilings and enough floor space to accommodate a couple hundred guests at least. When the King and Queen greeted Fana she smiled and bowed her head respectfully then seated herself at a place at the opposite end of the table while they asked Leila where Amaryll and Ward were.
Being left alone with the monarchs wasn't something Fana had really expected though and as Leila left the room Fana turned back towards the King and Queen and smiled once more. She was still rather wild looking and more than a little unkempt. "I trust your morning has fared you well, Your Grace?" She asked, directed towards the King who was apparently the more brash of the two. Though as Fana spoke there was clear surprise on both monarch's faces to hear elegant words come from the druid instead of gruff words.
"Yes, but what about you? One of our honored guests. I trust your room was to your liking?" The King asked in return.
"The room was as expected." Fana replied with a persistent smile. It was a statement that was hard to decipher if she had been pleased or not with the room and it seemed she intended it to be that way.
"Ah, I am glad." The King responded with and looked to his wife for backup in the interaction with the wild woman.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 7, 2019 19:04:16 GMT -5
Amaryll leaned against the balcony slightly. Through the process of Harlow fitting Ward into his new clothing she would take glances into the room though her attention focused on the city. People moved about more than usual, the news of their success would have gotten around to every fae and elf and the like within the city walls. It brought a slight smile to the princess’ face, though she knew that the humans would not be held for long. They would regroup and she feared their attack would be all the more aggressive. Their want for the islands relics and the raw minerals was incredibly greedy. The king would have easily opened up more trade with the humans, if they had asked.
When Ward finally spoke to the princess she turned and gave a soft smile her eyes glanced to Harlow as he bowed and exited the room quickly to get to work on this full set of wardrobe that he now owed the elf. She looked to the clothing that Ward chose and gave a nod of approval. “It was no trouble at all, no need to apologize.” She glanced to the city. “I enjoyed the silence. The sounds of gunfire and explosions in the distance has been a constant thing lately. Even sleeping last night was easier. Perhaps it is knowing that the moon goddess has lended you to us.” She searched his eyes a moment. “Or it could be the silence.” She chuckled, she stared to his tattoo again, seemingly mesmerized by it. Her lips parted as if she was to speak just as the door pushed open. Her eyes moved and she took a step back from him, “Leila.” She spoke with raised brows.
“Your highness.” Leila walked in and looked to Ward and then back to the princess. “The king and queen are awaiting your arrival.” She spoke quickly.
“Well, Ward couldn’t possibly show up to breakfast with his attire that he came in.” Amaryll chuckled softly, “Come then, we are being beckoned.” She looked to Ward a moment before she stepped to the door of the room where Leila stood.
**
The queen glanced to the king as he spoke to the druid. She cleared her throat slightly, the persistent smile that came from the druid seemed to be making her uncomfortable. Or it could have easily been Fana’s appearance. “Well. I have arranged for an array of food items to be prepared for breakfast. I do hope that they are to your liking. As I understand it the druids live a different life than that of the rest of those of Talamuk.” She looked to Fana a moment.
The king leaned forward slightly. “Tell me Druid.” He spoke his expression going serious. “Why wait so long to aid us in the war and then suddenly take interest?” His gaze was almost scrutinizing. “When we have nearly lost.” He added to the end.
Though before Fana would have been able to answer the doors opened and the trio walked into the room. Amaryll walked forward to the table and took her seat across from her mother, she gave a smile and a nod. “Mother.” She spoke and then she looked to the king. “Father.”
The king looked to her and let out a long breath. “It seems you have grown fond of having your own schedule being outside of the castle walls.” He spoke before his eyes looked to Ward. “Ah. Welcome.” He smiled then, “Now then.” He glanced to the servants as they moved about and poured juice into the crystal glasses upon the container. Other servants came in with silver platters that were placed in the center of the table. The lids were removed to show a spread of foods from meats to eggs, to cheeses, to fruits and yogurt. It was a buffet fit for nearly anyone. “Shall we?” He spoke as he reached forward and loaded food upon his plate.
Amaryll frowned slightly to her father’s remark. Her eyes looked to her mother whom gave her a gentle smile. The king had always been hard on her. She’d grown up under his scrutinizing glares. She would never be good enough in his eyes. She loaded her plate and let out a breath before she took a drink of her juice.
“The prince from the north continent Newark should be coming today.” The queen spoke up, her eyes lit up and she smiled. Changing the subject was always something that she’d been good at. “He should be a lovely fit for you Amaryll.”
The princess looked up, her lips pressed into a flat line for a moment before she forced a smile upon her lips. “Oh?” She asked. “I will be delighted to meet him then...but...I did have plans to go to the library with Ward….” She glanced to Ward. “To aid him in understanding our war, our people.” She looked back to the queen and king.
“Leila could take him, hm?” The queen took a sip of her juice. “Right Leila?” She glanced to the pixie.
“Oh...um...yes my queen, of course.” She had wide eyes as she looked to Amaryll.
The king cleared his throat. “Druid.” He looked to Fana.
“Her name is Fana.” Amaryll spoke up.
The king looked to his daughter with a flat expression before he smiled. “Fana.” He looked back to her. “Do you mind answering my question?” He stared to her awaiting her response. Amaryll glanced to Fana curiously as she wondered what her father had asked of the druid.
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