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Post by Nyte on Nov 7, 2019 20:28:56 GMT -5
Though Fana had never been to the capital before she had heard of the King's straight forward approach to conversation. In part, she knew that was what made him such an effective ruler, but it also had it's draw backs on occasion. Though even with his gruff treatment and pointed question Fana never lost her smile and as she heard the door open she turned to see the three approaching and nodded a greeting to each of them in turn.
As Ward laid eyes on the King and Queen for the first time he was a little taken back by what he saw. He expected Amaryll's parents to seem older. Greying hair, wrinkled faces, and generally more frail. These elves, though more mature looking, were strong and seemingly as fit as a human in their twenties. It was amazing to think that these people aged in such a graceful way. Perhaps he would age the same way now that he had an elven body as well. He could only hope.
When greeted by the King, Ward nodded with a smile and muttered a "Your Highness." Out of respect though he was a little unsure of the proper etiquette that they might expect from him. Though luckily it seemed the monarchs weren't set to start asking him all sorts of questions he couldn't answer and instead focused on the meal that was brought out just after they had been seated. After the King and Queen had helped themselves of the spread Ward quickly loaded up his own plate, taking a little of everything.
Fana was selective in her choices of food. She chose only fruits, vegetables, nuts and breads and left all the meats behind. She was as deliberate in her motions as she had been with her practiced smile that she continued to maintain.
As the Queen spoke up and mentioned a foreign prince that would be visiting both Fana and Ward looked up from their plates with a questionable expression. They also looked at each other, and though for vastly different reasons, both felt a little worried about a Prince coming to try and earn Amaryll's favor at such a time. Though when the King pressed for an answer from Fana she directed her smile back towards him once more. "Of course, Your Majesty. To give a simple answer we decided to join due to a message from the goddess of the moon. We heard of Ward's arrival far before it had ever happened and knew that we would be joining. It simply took us a bit of time to gather our forces." After answering she lifted a grape from her plate and tossed it into her mouth signalling the end of her reply.
The King leaned back in his chair slightly, inhaling and puffing his chest a little bit, as he decided whether or not to be offended by the Druid's response to his question. He had expected her to fumble, pause or at least hold a little more humility in her reply rather than to bluntly respond as if he had asked how the weather was outside. Just as the King opened his mouth to say something in response Ward interjected. "I'm sure the Moon Goddess had her reasons for having the druids withhold their assistance. Though even though the druids did perhaps offer their aid a little later than desired they couldn't have chosen a better time."
Hearing Ward speak up the King turned his attention towards the newcomer and gave a knowing smile with a nod at Ward's words. "Indeed, and what of you Ward? Why did the goddess send you? Drop you into a battlefield none the less for my Daughter to pull from the dirt and carry you away like a helpless lamb?"
Great, the King had turned his scrutiny on him now. Ward hadn't really thought about it when he jumped to Fana's defense. "I can't answer for the actions of a Goddess." Was all that Ward could reply.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 7, 2019 21:14:49 GMT -5
The queen had talked the king into making an arrangement with the King of Newark. An agreement really. To ally with Newark to open up trade and to gift some of their relics, in exchange for the hand of their daughter in marriage to the prince. It was a profitable deal for both parties. Talamuk would receive soldiers from Newark and in return they would gain a well rounded princess, an open trade agreement as well as relics to fuel their future. Amaryll hadn’t been told about this information until her mother mentioned it just moments ago and it was evident on her face as she poked at her food that she wasn’t the least bit interested. The princess lifted her eyes only when Ward overstepped his boundaries, jumping right into the lane of fire. She glanced to the king. “Father, our guest has had quite the evening. Don’t you think?” She spoke with a well practiced smile upon her lips. She acted very differently in front of the king and queen, her posture, the way she used her words.
The king furrowed his brows as he leaned forward slightly. “Amaryll.” His voice was stern. “The moon goddess has sent him to aid us. Shouldn’t he have more knowledge to speak of?”
“Enough.” The queen spoke up her eyes looked to the king and she gave a warm smile. “We wouldn’t want to exhaust our guests with you ill temper now, would we dear?” She gazed across the table to her daughter once more. “How is your shoulder feeling today darling?” The queen questioned. She’d heard from the oracle of the terrible wound that the princess had suffered in battle.
Amaryll turned her eyes to her mother, “It is well healed thanks to our Oracle.” She spoke in response before she glanced to Leila, as if she was asking for help.
Leila bit her lower lip as her eyes locked with the princess. “Your highness!” She spoke up with a smile upon her lips. “Did you hear the good news of the humans retreating? Not a sign of them at all!” She quickly shoved a bite of food in her mouth as the king stared at her.
Amaryll chuckled as she held a napkin to her lips, hiding her wide smile behind the cloth. She lowered the napkin after a few moments and she continued to poke at her food and take a bite every now and then. The queen cleared her throat. “The King of Newark has agreed to aid us in the war, so long as the prince finds you to his liking, Amaryll. Isn’t that good news?” She took a drink of her juice.
“Ah yes, open trade as well, we will gain much from this agreement.” The king spoke up as he looked to his daughter as well.
Amaryll forced a smile once again, though she didn’t speak as the king and queen began to idly speak to one another of political ordeals. Her eyes looked to Leila a long moment before she wiped her face and set her napkin down. “May I be excused to aid Master Ward to the library?” She questioned as she looked to the king and queen.
“Of course dear. Just be sure that you come back by this afternoon, you wouldn’t want the Prince of Newark to be waiting long.”
Amaryll nodded and then she looked to the others. “Ready?” She spoke before she quickly stood and moved from the room.
Leila set her napkin down and cleared her throat. “Fana.” She spoke and nodded her head. “Come on.” She looked to Ward and nodded to him as well before she followed suit with the princess. She caught up with her in the hall outside of the dining area. “Awkward breakfast…..hm?” She bit her lip slightly as Amaryll shot her an exhausted look. “Too soon...” She muttered to herself.
Amaryll sighed heavily. “Certainly too soon.” She let out a chuckle before she looked to Ward. “I would advise you, as you may already know….try not to cross my father he can be a bit...” She thought for the right wording.
“Brash. Abrupt. Rude.” Leila listed off words.
Amaryll sighed softly. “Yes.” She led them through the city, many bowed their heads to their presence. They made their way to the front gate of the city and with ease Amaryll ordered that the knights open the gates for them. She led them down a single track pathway that was lined beautifully with bricks and lanterns. It led to a set of stairs that took them down and to a large stone door. Amaryll stepped forward and lifted an old dagger from a stone shelf. She sliced it across the palm of her hand as her eyes began to glow white she whispered in the ancient tongue of her people a spell. She pressed her hand against an inscription of runes and as her blood soaked into it the runes too began to glow. She set the dagger down and took a step back before the door began to move. Her hand glowed as her flesh mended back together and after a few seconds the deep cut she had made had disappeared entirely.
A dark hallway stood before them and as the princess walked forward torches began to light as they delved deeper into the crusts of Talamuk. Soon enough they came to a large chamber that was rounded, upon the walls were bookcases after bookcases filled to the brim. “This, is the grand Talamuk library. Our history rests here.” Amaryll spoke she looked to Ward. “One of the books may call to you, speak of the magic you wish to learn.” She tilted her head. “I’m curious to see which one.” She gave a smirk.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 7, 2019 22:50:53 GMT -5
Ward instantly felt the pressure from the King and looked to the three women whom he knew best for any sort of aid. Luckily Amaryll was the quickest to come to his defense. Though he knew he really wasn't out of the line of fire just yet. Then the Queen also jumped in to try and distract the King from continuing his assault on Ward or Fana. Leila also tried to help but the end result was everyone feeling the pressure and awkwardness that was left in the wake of failed attempts to smooth things over.
When Amaryll excused herself, wanting to go an assist Ward at the library, Ward was more than glad to leave the rest of his morning meal behind in favor of escaping the tension that had quickly built up. Fana seemed to take the opportunity to leave the table and everyone got up in unison. Once they left the dining hall Fana chuckled along with Amaryll at Leila's comments. "The King knows how to make his guests feel most welcome." She commented sarcastically.
*****
Once they had reached the library Ward winced as Amaryll cut her hand and whispered the enchantment to grant them access to the building. "That's some security." He mused as they walked through the large doors, following on Amaryll's heels as they made their way down the hall. Magic was an absolute marvel to Ward, though everyone else seemed less than impressed at the self lighting torches or quickly healing wounds. He was still having a hard time wrapping his mind around the fact that magic was such a common thing. Was it as common within the other citizens of Talamuk. The rabble that couldn't claim royal titles or own swaths of land. These were things he wanted to learn. "History? It was one of my best subjects in school." Though the knowledge he had from then was utterly useless now.
"You keep close guard for your library." Fana commented as she moved to sit upon the floor where a bit of blank wall was so that she could rest against it. "Things you hold most dear are often the things you lose first." It wasn't a threat but rather seemed like a prophetic warning. Something an elder would say to children gathered around their feet fighting over which toy to play with.
Ward had only cast a small glance to Fana as she spoke. She wasn't wrong but he wasn't going to encourage that dismal thought either. "Which one calls out to me hmm?" He muttered more to himself than to his companions as he walked around glancing over the various titles of the tomes that were written on the spines.
"Written words on magic carry a magical essence themselves. You should literally be able to feel the tomes if you get close enough to them and then decide from there which calls to you." Fana offered. The first piece of actual helpful advice she had offered Ward.
Continuing to walk around the circular room Ward read more and more titles that just seemed rather plain to him. Even if the topic sounded interesting he didn't feel a pull to go and pick up the book. That was until he cross a book with black and blue binding. Without even reading the words written in the silver script. As he held it out in front of him and flipped the pages open the words on the parchment began to glow a soft silvery light. "Lunar magic." He read from the top of one of the pages.
"Control over magic itself?" Fana asked from across the room, her hearing was impeccable. Lunar magic had the same effect on magic that the moon had on the tides. It could increase or diminish the abilities of those around the caster. Manipulation that forced control from other mages into his own hands and then he could redistribute the mana as he saw fit.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 7, 2019 23:13:51 GMT -5
Amaryll glanced to Fana when she made her comment. “Perhaps not. Since we have help from the druids as well as the moon goddess on our side.” She gave a soft smile, though the library was something she feared to lose. Even though the humans couldn’t understand the information, nor use it. The destruction of such a sacred site...she couldn’t even imagine it.
“Oh don’t forget about Newark.” Leila grinned and poked Amaryll’s side. “Can’t forget about your prince. Hm?” She chuckled softly.
Amaryll’s smile flattened and she let out a long breath. “It would have been nice for someone to consider me in this whole ordeal.” She shook her head. “We can only hope he doesn’t find me to his liking...”
Leila started laughing again. “If only we could cover up that face of yours.” She raised a brow and shook her head. “Just hide you away. What do you think Fana? Can we hide the princess?” The pixie chuckled softly. She was much more relaxed around Amaryll, it was easy to see the relationship between the two that had years to build.
Amaryll grumbled something to herself as she pulled a book from the shelves, it was a history of Talamuk, written years ago. “What do you make of the old magics, Fana?” The princess looked to the druid. “The dragons and the like. Do you think it’s possible today? My family has the bloodline of the mages that fought alongside the dragons.”
“It’s a long dead art. I haven’t seen a dragon ever….unless it is in a book.” Leila chimed in.
Amaryll glanced back down to the beautiful artwork upon the page and sighed. Though it was then that Ward found his book and Fana repeated what he spoke. “Lunar Magic...” She repeated like an echo within the library. The princess set her book down upon the table and moved to Ward’s side. “That is an incredibly difficult magic to understand, and to wield...the power behind it is...immense...” She bit her lip slightly as she reached forward and flipped the page, she stood right next to him as she looked to the glowing text. “The book reacts to you.” She smiled and looked to him. “Perhaps Lunar Magic isn’t as unobtainable for you as it is for other mages, hm?” The princess shifted slightly as her eyes read over the pages, her arm was pressed against his, which she didn’t realize in the moment. She was so focused upon the book that she didn’t quite realize how close she’d placed herself to Ward. Though after she’d read over the ancient text she came to her senses, she could feel the warmth of his arm against the cool of her skin. She glanced up to him and gave a sheepish smile before she took a step back. “Well.” She took in a breath. “Why don’t you try it? You can move power about. You can syphon my magical energy into Fana or Leila.”
Leila stood with a book in her hands, her wings relaxed against her back. “An entire book upon the rangers of Talamuk.” She spoke up, “Incredible, I didn’t even know this thing existed. It is so detailed too.” She mused as she tilted her head. She then looked to Ward. “He isn’t just going to learn it, Amaryll...well...he may...” She glanced to Fana curiously, she wondered if the druid had any input on the subject.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 7, 2019 23:34:01 GMT -5
Ward had quickly forgotten about the Prince but as Leila brought it up and Amaryll sighed he glanced up to the women and gave Amaryll an apologetic smile. Arranged marriages weren't something he knew how to combat. He was a bit surprised that this world held such archaic notions but then again he hadn't really seen anything 'modern' about them either.
Getting up from her seat against the wall Fana made her way over to stand next to Leila, standing a bit closer than necessary, and smiled at her mischievously. "Why do you keep asking my opinion. Does it matter that much to you, my little fairy?" The endearing name and teasing tone she held was meant to throw Leila off her base. She was obviously trying to get a rise out of the woman. "I do know a thing or two about dragons though." She said in a cryptic manner. "As for hiding the Princess, well, that depends on how far she wants to go to avoid the marriage." She chuckled and winked a bit at the both of them, like she was keeping a secret.
As Amaryll made her way over to stand next to Ward, reading the book, he glanced over to her but didn't ask her to move away. He wasn't bothered by the close proximity that she was probably accustomed to having with others. In fact he had always preferred to be near people rather than keeping them at bay. Though when she suggested he try the magic Fana quickly stepped in.
"No! Do not try such an act before you've learned the art." She snapped, her voice now serious. "Lunar Magic isn't one of the lost arts necessarily because it's hard to learn but because it's hard to master. It's easy to get lost to the flow and end up killing someone, or a lot of people. Try it on something else first." Her voice softened at the end of her statement and she glanced around till her eyes rested on one of the sconces holding a flame on the wall. "Try to draw the energy from the fairy fire that lit these torches into yourself first. If you can do that then you can try redirecting it else where."
Ward had jumped when Fana yelled but as he listened to her words he swallowed hard at the thought of accidentally hurting any of his new allies. "Right, well that sounds like a better idea." He offered with a crooked smirk and glanced down to the book once more as he tried to figure out exactly how to do anything. It wasn't like he had time to read the entire tome. Then again as he flipped through the pages a bit more he felt as if he had read this information before. Like awakening an old memory he didn't realize he had. After a few minutes he looked back up to the torch and spoke a command word, an ancient language that felt foreign to his tongue, that brought the power of the fire to him.
The flame instantly reacted to his command and leaped off the torch and hurled towards Ward. He managed to jump just as the fireball hit the stone floor at his feet. As he jumped and pranced a bit from the surprise Fana started to laugh uncontrollably. "Haha, you told the fire to come to you and it did! That's brilliant!" She continued to laugh. "Your finesse with the arcane tongue is astounding!" She was leaning over holding her stomach as she continued to laugh while Ward straightened his shirt and smoothed back his hair as he tried to gather his pride back.
"I've never done this before, ok!" He snapped back which only served to make Fana laugh harder.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 8, 2019 0:03:11 GMT -5
Leila raised a brow to the druid as she teased her. She crossed her arms as she looked to Fana and a smirk curved up her lips. “Perhaps I believe that you hold more wisdom than you’d like us to believe.” She shot back quickly, she didn’t move away from the druid though, she stood her ground well. She burrowed her brows slightly to the cryptic comments that the druid made. Everything seemed to be a game to this woman.
The princess sighed to the comments, “You know much more than you wish to let on.” She crossed her own arms before she’d turned her attention to Ward. Amaryll nearly jumped when the druid yelled. Her eyes looked to the woman, “Well...I’ve never taught magic before.” She huffed as she moved to watch Ward. “The Oracle and scholars taught me and it was from such a young age that I cannot remember much...”
“Most of us just learn it from a young age, it starts happening and our parents guide us along the right path.” Leila spoke up, “Not all of us had teachers.” She chuckled softly.
“Well lucky for Ward he has Fana.” Amaryll spoke and smiled then before she moved to stand near the two as they watched Ward to see what he would be capable of. It was a disaster to say the least. Well, not completely. As Fana laughed, so did Leila. Though the princess stepped forward and pulled a book from the shelf. “Why don’t we start here?” She spoke as she looked to him. “You’ve never used magic.” She searched his eyes, a moment before she opened up the book. “Simple concepts.” She flipped a few pages and stopped on one as she stood next to him once again. “You are an empty vessel as the Oracle spoke so this magic should come easily.” She gave a gentle smile as she turned her eyes to the page. It was a simple casting spell. “Every spell takes from something else. Even the art of healing.” She watched him a moment. “For example, if I were to heal too many or too much...it could severely effect me. I will become weak, my body has to recover. The same goes for any such magic that you use. It will drain you, at first it may be hard to use small bouts of magic. Then you will become stronger and your casts will be more powerful. The more you use it.”
The princess held her other hand out. “This spell uses the energy around you. Much like your lunar magic. But it is simple, most of the people of Talamuk can do something of the like.” She looked to her palm and spoke a few words and then within her hand a white rose appeared. She held it and twirled it about. “Now what you conjure may not be a rose.” She chuckled softly. “But that is simply what my magic creates.”
Leila had stopped laughing nearly halfway through the talk that the princess was having with Ward. She smirked as she watched Amaryll, she had always been a caring person and Leila truly admired that. “Perhaps he has two teachers?” She looked to Fana with a smile.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 8, 2019 0:27:01 GMT -5
Fana too ceased her laughter as Leila did, though she wiped tears from her eyes from how much she had enjoyed the sight of Ward jumping away from the fireball. "Perhaps I know more than I let on, or perhaps you're not asking the right questions." She replied back to the two who had caught onto her coy manner. When Amaryll suggested a much simpler spell Fana nodded her agreement to the idea and gave a sigh as she finished recomposing herself. She was enjoying her time with these three. They were a treat to be around.
Ward was far more hesitant to try any more magic at the moment, but with Amaryll's reassurance he decided to give it another shot. It couldn't be any worse than his stunt with the torch. Hindsight he was glad Fana had told him to try it on something else first. He might have really hurt Amaryll, Leila or Fana with such a spell with his limited knowledge. He put the what-if thoughts to the side as he refocused on the matter at hand and looked over the spell in which Amaryll had used to conjure a rose. It had been as beautiful and delicate as she was, with thorns to represent her skills and wit. It suited her well.
Holding his hand out before him he copied Amaryll's actions and from the center of his palm a soft silver dust-like substance started to gather. It sparkled and twinkled then began to gather so much that it overflowed from his hand and onto the floor at his feet. The spell had been easy, as she had said, and he wasn't the least bit tired from casting. He didn't know how to stop the flow of the sparking dust though.
"Is that..?" Fana's smile disappeared as she approached Ward and held her hand out to catch some of the substance as it fell then brought it up to get a close inspection. "This is star dust." A rare element that was only discovered once ever ten generations or so. When it was found it was usually brought to mages and craftsman to forge into holy relics, weapons or other items of worship to honor the gods. Each item always held a magical property that was just as powerful as an arch mage's grand spell. "The Moon Goddess truly has gifted you. She's even given you the ability to conjure the element which she holds most dear."
"How do I stop it?" Ward asked, as a little pile was starting to form at his feet, but as soon as he asked the flow ceased. His expressed desire for the spell to cease was enough to interrupt the flow of magic.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 8, 2019 17:46:46 GMT -5
Amaryll smiled as she watched the silvery substance appear from Ward’s palm. She reached forward and caught some in her hand as she listened to Fana. “This truly is an incredible feat.” She noted. “I’ve only seen moon dust once in my lifetime and it was turned into a grand broadsword, my father’s sword. The humans if they realized what made it so powerful.” She shook her head. She then looked to Ward as he seemed to grow uneasy as the dust poured from his hand. “Just will it to stop.” She spoke just as he’d made it stop. The princess smiled and nodded. “Well done.”
Leila stepped forward and scooped a bit of the moon dust from the ground into the palms of her hands a smile upon her lips. “Wow. The moon goddess really must have sent you. There is no other explanation.” She smirked as she glanced to the princess and then her eyes looked to the wild elf once again. She always seemed to come back to the druid. “If I’m not asking the right questions as you say….then what questions should I be asking of you, Fana?” She smirked, it was evident that she was enjoying the game that she was playing with the elf.
The princess chuckled, “If she told you, wouldn’t that take the fun out of things?” She raised a brow before she turned her attention back to Ward. “Now then.” She spoke as she lifted the book up again and flipped through a few more pages, she gazed up into his eyes a moment with a smile upon her lips. “Another?” She offered, she was enjoying the moment truthfully. A bit of downtime. This was the most she’d had that she could remember. It was relaxing in a way to not have the king breathing down the back of her neck at every turn that she made.
The princess walked away from him and to the large desk within the library. She lifted something from the desk and came back to his side. She handed the book forward to him. “Read over the spell, Ward.” She spoke and watched him a moment. “This is a simple healing spell. It won’t take too much to understand the words upon the page there.” She looked over the end of the book before she held up the small dagger. “A cut, a small wound. Something that an apothecary could truly take care of, but with the use of white magic and the art of healing the apothecary becomes something that is unneeded in this case.” She lifted her hand and made a slice on the back of it, her expression contorted slightly from the pain of the blade cutting into her skin. Her blood flowed from the incision as she lifted her eyes to him. “Now, what does the page read?” She spoke and nodded as she looked back to her hand. “To right what has been broken.” Her eyes began to glow white as she focused on the wound upon her hand. “A small wound can be healed by most mages. The larger the wound the more energy that it takes to mend.” The bleeding began to slow from the incision. “Most mages cannot heal larger than a mere cut without the help of the Apothecary or the Oracle. I am one of the few on the island that can actually heal with my own magic. I’ve brought those from the brink of death back to life.” She looked to the back of her hand, the wound was gone as if it had never happened. She then held the blade, hilt first toward him. “Would you like to try?” Amaryll smiled, she looked over his expression a moment. “Worst case, if you can’t do the spell I will heal your wound.” She encouraged him. “But, I believe you can, just as you brought the moon dust to your palm. Your understanding of the ancient language is there, we just have to unlock it for you. It’ll become more...natural the more you use it.” She nodded.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 8, 2019 18:05:17 GMT -5
Fana nodded towards the Princess when she answered Leila's question for her. She wasn't the type to offer up information freely. She would give answers if asked but she wasn't going to try and list off everything she knew to see what caught her companions' interest. Leila would just have to be clever when speaking with Fana. "You mentioned not having a formal trainer. How is it you learned your art then, Leila." Fana asked with a genuinely curious tone. Many spell weavers didn't have an actual master or instructor but it was always interesting to learn how they had managed to get by without the aid of others.
As Amaryll went to fetch the book, along with a dagger, and she spoke of attempting a simple healing spell he felt a bit nervous to try such a feat. The ease in which Amaryll cut her hand was also a bit unsettling, even if she showed signs of pain. No one should ever be able to harm themselves so readily as she just had, even with the magic of healing. "I'm not so sure about this." He said as he took the book from her and read over the spell. She made it look easy but nothing in this world seemed to be as easy at it seemed.
After reading over the page a couple of times, trying to get a feel for how the spell would work, he finally sighed and snapped the book closed then tossed it on a nearby surface before taking the dagger from Amaryll as well. "Well, here goes nothing I guess." Instead of cutting his hand he opted to cut the top of his forearm, making sure not to cut anything vital, and gave a hiss as he winced when the blade easily sliced through his skin. It took a moment but as he uttered the words of the spell his skin started to darken around the cut, like the image of tattoos along his face in an almost swirling pattern, and covered the mark. As the tattoos appeared the blood that had trickled out from the cut slowly began to seep back into the wound and then the skin knitted together. When the would was fully healed the tattoos faded away once more to leave his arm in pristine condition once more. It wasn't exactly like Amaryll's magica and was quite a bit slower, but he managed it. Though now he felt suddenly drained. As if he had just run up the stairs back to the surface and then back down again. "I think I need to sit down." He stated before stumbling backwards. Luckily Fana reached out to steady him before he fell but it was evident the spell had taken a toll on him.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 8, 2019 18:38:41 GMT -5
Leila smirked to Fana’s question. “Don’t we all have our own little story of how we came to be?” She leaned against the bookcase behind her, her eyes looked to the princess and Ward a moment before she returned her attention to the druid. “From a young age I’d make a mess of things. Set things on fire. It wasn’t ever on purpose. It was accidents.” She chuckled. “I didn’t even realize that was my power, causing such a panic in those around me. I burned a few storefronts down just from getting excited about something.” She shrugged. “My father was a knight with the royal guard...and when he passed I’m not sure if it was the queen that decided it, but...the royal family took me in, as if my father had asked for such treatment. I was assigned to the princess. And there I’ve been ever since. I listened to her teachings. I actually learned a lot from listening to the Oracle and the scholars that taught Amaryll.” She smirked as she looked to the two. It was interesting to her to see the interest that the princess had taken in Ward. She’d never quite seen that from Amaryll before. Not to this extent at least.
When Ward nearly fell Amaryll’s arms had reached forward to steady him as well. “That is enough magic practice for now then, hm?” She nodded and looked to Fana a moment. “How about we sit over here?” She led him over to the desk where she set down the two books and the dagger. She helped Ward sit in the chair and she took a step back. “That was excellent work. When you first begin it can be very tiring using your magic. Your body isn’t used to the expenditure of energy that it takes to cast a spell. I’m glad we didn’t jump ahead too quickly, thank you for that Fana.” She nodded to the druid.
There was a sound of footsteps coming down the hallway, clanking of armored boots. “Princess?” A voice asked from the opening. “Princess. The queen and king have requested you at once. The prince of Newark has arrived.”
Amaryll deflated slightly as she looked to the knight that was sent to fetch her. “You didn’t hide me quick enough, Leila.” She joked with a defeated smile upon her face. “You’ll close the library when you leave yes?” Her eyes stared straight to Leila. “Keep it safe.” She nodded. “Feel free to look around Fana, there are plenty of old texts here that my interest you, even with your wisdom.” She winked and pat the druid’s shoulder before she turned to Ward. “We can pick up on this later, you’ve done very well. If you have questions for me certainly we will have time to answer those questions later on.” She smiled before she turned and walked toward the knight that came to lead her back. “Alright general.” She nodded as she headed up the stairs toward the long hall that took them to the castle. The princess was silent during her journey, she didn’t look forward to meeting this prince and she most certainly didn’t look forward to being wed to him. She sighed at the thought of it. She wished the king and queen would have reached out to her, but she should have seen this coming. They had mentioned it before the humans had even attacked. An alliance with Newark meant so many things for Talamuk. So much that she knew the king and queen would easily trade her away just for such an alliance. She was nothing more than a transaction to the king since she was a not a male heir to the throne. She’d known that for a long while, as she grew older it became more evident that he’d wished to have a son rather than a daughter. It hadn’t shaken her much though, she’d always pushed as hard as she could. Hell she even rode into battle and fought better than most of the men within the ranks of Talamuk.
As they arrived in the castle Amaryll walked through the marble halls, her eyes glanced about until she found herself looking to her father. “Father.” She spoke with a soft smile as she approached the king.
“Late. Again.” The king spoke, his tone sharp. He looked to the princess a long moment. “The prince is in the gardens. He wished to look over the castle grounds.”
“Of course father, my apologies. I will head there now.” Amaryll began walking off in the direction of the gardens.
“Amaryll.” The king spoke, this caused the princess to stop and turn to look to him. “Do not displease me.” His eyes were stern.
“Yes of course father. I would never dream of such a thing.” Amaryll spoke before she turned and headed toward the beautiful castle gardens. She wound through the hedges and the like until she came to the gazebo in the center. Her heels clicked upon the wood as she approached the prince. “Good day prince.” She curtsied and bowed her head slightly before she lifted her eyes to get a good look at the man before her.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 10, 2019 14:56:30 GMT -5
The smile faded from Fana's lips as she heard the armored footsteps coming down the stairs. Ward, after being seated in the chair to catch his breath, also turned to look up just as the Captain entered the room to summon Amaryll away to tend to the foreign prince. It was rather sudden how the atmosphere in the room changed so quickly. Everyone had been getting along and having a rather good time while trying to teach Ward how to use magic. When Amaryll left the room Ward sighed and was the first to speak up. "Does she not have any choice in the matter? I mean she's obviously a pivotal member of the royal family, shouldn't she have at least some input?" He looked back towards the stairs that the knight and Amaryll had just gone up moments before. "Or maybe there's something we can do?" His mind was trying to think of a way to get her out of the arrangement. He was sent from a goddess, right? Maybe he could say that the goddess didn't approve or something and then the King and Queen would reconsider. Surely they wouldn't go against a god. "They're old traditions. If Amaryll were a man instead she would get to choose, but since she is the eldest daughter of the crown she gets a little less say." Fana chimed in and then shrugged. "I dont agree with it either but it's how these civilized people have always operated." She reached forward and pat Ward on the shoulder to offer some reassurance. "The Princess is a smart woman though. She'll manage to get the best outcome possible from the situation." Ward frowned but nodded his understanding at Fana's words then looked to Leila. "If she marries him and leaves to go and live with him after the war does that mean you'll be leaving as well?" Ward asked her. *****  When Prince Elas heard Amaryll's voice he turned his attention from the water fountain, watching the glittering fish swim within the shallow pool, and smiled as the Princess gave a curtsy with her greeting. "Good day, Princess Amaryll." He replied and turned to fully face her. One of his hand rested on the hilt of his sword that was strapped to his hip and though is armor was light it was finely made and could probably prevent a war hammer from smashing his rib cage. "You are just as lovely as I've heard." He stepped forward, took Amaryll's hand and leaned down to kiss the back of her fingers with a pleasant smile playing along his lips. "It is wonderful to finally meet you." |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 10, 2019 19:31:48 GMT -5
Leila was quiet as her eyes trailed to the princess as she left. Her smiled faded from her expression as she looked to the two that remained. She noticed the mood change in the room as well. It wasn’t subtle. It was quite drastic. That was something she liked about the princess, she brought levity to many situations, unlike the king. When Ward questioned the situation she couldn’t help but smile slightly. It was nice for someone to think of Amaryll’s disposition. The king and queen couldn’t be bothered to ask the princess for her input. But as Fana stated, it was tradition. Old customs that had yet to be changed. Much like many of the rituals that the Talamuk people followed. This was perhaps what made them so susceptible to the humans attacks. Leila pressed her lips together slightly and her eyes lowered to the question that Ward directed to her. “I’m afraid that would be up to the Prince of Newark if I were to go along with her.” She gave a very small smile as she stepped forward and flipped through the pages of the book that Amaryll had held in her hands. Her wings moved slightly behind her back, the pixie was rather upset by the thought of Amaryll leaving. She’d been at her side for most of her life that she could remember.
“As much as I would like to go along with Amaryll...” She shook her head and bit her lip slightly. “I do not think that would be the case. I’m certain he has his own servants and his own handmaidens that have been set aside to tend to the princess.” She took in a breath and let it out. “It’s bitter sweet.” She spoke after a long moment. “To see this happen, though, I always knew it would happen, a fool would think otherwise.” She scoffed at herself slightly. “Silly faerie.” She shook her head. “Living in a fairytale land where the princess isn’t scooped off of her feet and taken away by some prince from a far away land.” She slumped into the other chair at the desk next to Ward. “She’s my best friend you know?” She looked to him with a slight smile. “How does one handle such a loss?” She sighed and turned her attention back to the book. “With study?” She let out a chuckle and shook her head. “There isn’t a tonic on this island that will take away the pain of losing her to some prince.” She muttered softly. “She’s the family that I never truly had...”
**
Amaryll was taken aback by the prince. She hadn’t heard much of the prince from Newark, other than the alliance would greatly benefit Talamuk. That was all her father cared about. She was surprised to see that he wasn’t devilish and didn’t seem to be a pompous fool. When he kissed the back of her hand she couldn’t help but smile. Through all of the courting that she’d been through how had she not met him? She tilted her head as she looked up to him, the smile still played upon her lips. “Likewise. You are a pleasant surprise, Elas.” She searched over his finely crafted armor before she found his eyes once again. “I will admit I haven’t heard much of you. The festivals within the last year to court me, somehow I have evaded you the entire time.” The smile remained upon her face.
“My father specifically did not allow me to mingle in the courtship. He spoke directly to the king. Many of your other suitors, as I am certain you know were not quite, up to par.” He smiled to her, “Thus the demands and offers that my father has offered to yours are quite remarkable. Easy to agree upon.” He searched her eyes for a long moment. “And with you being just as lovely as the words spoken of you are. I cannot deny that the match is well made.”
Amaryll watched him as he spoke. He knew all of the inter-workings of what had been going on. It was rude to her that he hadn’t even cared to come to any of the courting ceremonies, the king of Newark knew he’d won the race before it had even begun. His ego seemed rather large from first glance. “Ah I see.” The princess spoke as her eyes moved to look to the beautiful fish within the pond.
Elas was just about to speak as the footsteps of a knight approached. “My lord. Your highness.” He bowed deeply. “The king and queen have requested your audience. To the ballroom.”
“The ballroom?” Amaryll spoke back quickly, her brows furrowed.
Elas chuckled as he looked to her with a raised brow. “Don’t seem so eager.” He spoke as he held his arm out. “May I?”
The princess took in a breath and let it out slowly as she laced her arm into his and allowed him to lead her into the castle. This was not at all what she’d had in mind. Then again, if it hadn’t been for Ward being gifted from the moon goddess, surly she would have died. Fana would not have come to her rescue on the battlefield and the humans would not have been driven to retreat. She gave a smile to him as they curved through the castle and finally came to the ballroom. As they entered the sound of music filled Amaryll’s ears. She looked to the king and queen whom danced upon the ballroom floor. The prince led her forward toward them as the music came to an end. “Amaryll darling.” The queen stepped forward and kissed her cheek. “Don’t you look lovely with Elas.” She smiled as she looked to the prince. “The king and I have looked over the demands of your father. Everything is fitting.” She spoke with a smile.
The king nodded, “It is a quite a remarkable list that your father has offered.” He spoke with a grin. “Everything I could have asked for, and more. Tell me, how long until his soldiers arrive?”
Amaryll looked to the prince, her smile had fallen from her expression. It seemed the decision was already made. Elas smiled to the king and queen. “When I’ve made my decision, of course.” He replied as he watched them closely. “Though that could take me a few days. I am pleased with her appearance but I want to be sure that she is all that you’ve promised her to be. You understand?”
“Of course.” The queen spoke with a smile. “Take your time, enjoy the ballroom. We’ve prepared a lunch for you as well. We will leave you two, to it.” The queen took the king’s arm and led him from the room, though the king had glared slightly to Elas’ response.
Amaryll took in a breath as music began to place once again. They spoke of her like an object. Like a fine wine. A piece of clothing. He had to make sure she was all that her parents had promised. She looked to him with a forced smile. “What exactly did they promise of me?” She questioned him.
**
Leila stood up and looked to the two. “Anyone else want lunch?” She asked, “You need to get your strength back up.” She pat Ward on the shoulder. “Come on, we’ll take a break from this place for a bit.” She began walking from the library. She wanted to see how the princess was fairing with the prince...
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Post by Nyte on Nov 10, 2019 20:33:37 GMT -5
Ward liked this Prince even less after hearing the sadness in Leila's voice. He had half a mind to try and convince the Prince to leave Amaryll behind and return home, or perhaps he could teach Amaryll how to be completely unattractive so the Prince wouldn't want her. Hell, at this point Ward would probably be willing to get into a fight over Amaryll if it meant she could stay within Talamuk and prevent Leila from being so sad.
Just as Ward was about to say something Fana spoke up first. "I don't like this. I think I'll speak with this Prince on behalf of the druids. If Amaryll doesn't remain within Talamuk the druids just may withdraw their aid." Ward looked to Fana with surprise. To pull support for the whole kingdom for Amaryll was a bit overkill in his opinion, but Fana seemed to be very serious about the matter.
"Let's get some lunch first. It's not good to think on an empty stomach. Then we'll see about helping Amaryll. Surely there's something we can do. Perhaps this Prince isn't unreasonable and we can make a request or two of him." Ward stood up from his chair, still a bit uneasy on his feet, and gave Leila a reassuring smile. This wasn't a fight he was going to just roll over and accept.
*****
"Nothing to specific, Your Highness." Elas told Amaryll with the same confident smile. "I simply want to make sure that we can enjoy each other's company outside of formal expectations." He motioned towards the table that had been prepared for them by the King and Queen for lunch. Once they were seated at the table he poured them both a glass of wine, making sure Amaryll got hers first, and then sat back with a sigh. "So tell me, Princess. What is it you like to do when duty doesn't call?" While he waited for Amaryll's answer Elas served himself some of the food. Of course there was far to much for the two of them to eat. That was normal for a royal spread though. They always served about four or fives times the amount required. That way those that were participating in the meal would not miss out on anything that they may want.
*****
Walking back to the palace Ward had to occasionally rely on either Fana or Leila to keep his balance. He was a bit irritated with just how much doing just a little had affected him. He was determined to gain more stamina. He would push himself to the limit every time he got the chance. Just like building up muscles during a workout and he was sure his three companions would help him whenever they could. When they finally made it back Ward could smell food somewhere nearby. As they passed a set of double doors he knew that whatever was creating the delicious smell was just on the other side. "I guess we need to go to the kitchens for lunch? Or something?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 10, 2019 21:17:13 GMT -5
Amaryll looked to the prince as he spoke. Her brow raised slightly, and then she smiled and let out a soft chuckle. No one ever asked her what she’d like to do. What she enjoyed. That was all a part of being princess, she didn’t get the choose. She had a very rigorous schedule. It was one thing to the next. That was how she came to be such a great fighter as well as knowing which word to use where. As she sat at the table with him she stared to the glass of wine he’d poured her. He poured her the glass first, rather than himself. She searched his eyes a moment before she took a drink of the wine. It took a moment before she set the glass down, “Quite honestly, Elas….” She looked to her plate as she grabbed items, she seemed to be thinking deeply. “To study the art of magic is something that I enjoy. Or even spending time in nature, in the silence of the forest. Listening to the creatures that inhabit our island.” She looked back to him. “But to be honest no one has ever asked me such a question.” She stared at him a long moment. “I have plenty to do, and unfortunately that leaves me with little to no time for leisurely things.” She popped a piece of food in her mouth and then took another drink of her wine before she looked back to him. “And what of you? What is it that you prefer to do?”
**
Leila perked up slightly as they entered the castle and approached the scent of food. She smirked as she looked to the double doors. She knew exactly what was behind them. “Oh I do believe there will be plenty of food behind these two doors.” She grinned to Ward. “Wouldn’t you like to meet the prince that is courting Amaryll?” She chuckled as she placed her hand over the silver handle. “I know I would.” She pushed the door open slightly and peered inside just as she heard Amaryll asking the prince what he would prefer to do. “Come on.” She had a mischievous smile upon her lips. She walked into the room with her head held high as she strode toward the princess.
Amaryll looked up from her food, the glass of wine still pressed to her lips. She slowly lowered it as she looked to the three. “Ah, my lord, these are a few companions of mine.” She spoke. “You wouldn’t mind them joining?” She then smiled to him as she placed her hand over his. “We’ve plenty of food to share, even plenty of wine.” She then looked to Leila and mouthed the words ‘thank you’ to her before she smiled again. “Come sit.” She pointed to the three other chairs. The princess took another drink of her wine before she looked back to the prince curiously. “I shall introduce you.” She spoke and looked to Leila. “This is Leila, my handmaiden, though she is my dearest friend. Her father served honorably in our guard and died in battle and thus she has been with me since then. Fana.” She nodded to the wild druid. “She is a newly acquired friend, she actually is to thank for the retreat of the humans, and my life, if not for her I would have been fatally wounded last night and your journey here would have been in vain.” She looked to the prince again. “And last but most certainly not least.” She grinned as she looked to Ward. “The Moon Goddess has gifted us with this man, Ward. He is going to aid us in the battle against the humans.” She gazed into Ward’s eyes a bit longer than what most would deem need be before she turned her attention back to Elas. “And before we were interrupted.” She smiled. “You were talking about the things you like to do in your leisurely time?”
Leila poured herself a glass of wine and she pulled food from the trays onto her plate as she looked to the prince. He seemed kind, well tempered. She was watching him like a hawk. Though she did catch the long gaze that Amaryll had upon Ward. Too long. A look of curiosity came over her as she watched the princess. She then looked back to the prince. “You have leisure time?” She asked with a smile. “Amaryll wouldn’t that be a treat? To have time outside of such a busy schedule?” She looked back to the princess curiously.
Amaryll’s eyes lifted to Leila and she forced a smile once more. “Certainly. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.” She replied before she took yet another drink of her wine, the glass was nearly gone now.
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Post by Nyte on Nov 10, 2019 21:42:54 GMT -5
Ward titled his head in confusion when Leila mentioned the food behind the double doors, but when she asked if he would like to meet the Prince he smiled and nodded in agreement. Fana was always up for a little trouble so she didn't offer any protest either. In fact she was rather pleased with Leila's willingness to crash the courtship between Amaryll and the Prince. So they followed Leila into the room and as they walked over to the table where the pair of royals sat each of them had a smile upon their lips and seemed rather unbothered by the fact they could be interrupting something.
As Leila sat next to Amaryll Fana placed herself next to her and Ward sat at the opposite end of the table from Amaryll so he could look towards her with ease. Elas, when he heard the three approaching, had turned his attention to the uninvited guests and continued to maintain his composure. "Of course I don't mind. One can tell so much about a person by the company they keep." He replied when Amaryll asked about them joining them for lunch.
When the question of what he did in his spare time was redirected back towards him, by both Amaryll and Leila, he sipped his wine once more before answering. "I make leisure time." He stated plainly. "My father rather dislikes when I go on hiatus from the palace. I will go on hunting trips or partake in local festivals. Anything to get my mind off the endless obligations and demands of my station for at least a sort while. The common folk get holidays, why shouldn't we?"
Ward had smiled at Amaryll when she had looked at him during her introductions. Then as Elas responded to the girl's question he had poured himself some wine and ate a bit of the sweet bread he had pulled onto his plate from the platters arranged on the table. The Prince's answer was a bit surprising to say the least. He had pictured the man to be abrasive and pompous, but he seemed just like any other individual he had met so far. "What sort of things do you hunt?" Ward asked after he had finished his answer.
"Yes, I am very curious to know as well." Fana chimed in, a bit more critical of what the Prince would answer to such a inquiry. Druids were known for causing trouble with hunters. The fauna of the forest were not supposed to be hunted for sport but for necessity only in their opinion.
"Various things." Elas answered without hesitation. "Elk, bears, and various vermin." His eyes shifted over to Fana who was staring at him with an almost glaring expression. "Everything I hunt is eaten and dealt with in a quick manner as to not cause additional suffering. I often perform hunts for villages around the palace before festivals to help provide the meat for rituals. Would this be acceptable for you, Lady Fana?"
Fana's expression did not soften as the prince spoke directly to her. "If you're words are true, perhaps." She replied. She spoke with Elas the same dangerous way she had spoken with the King. In an almost challenging manner.
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