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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 14:21:52 GMT -5
Rhett stood idly as he waited for her to finish scrubbing the floor. “It shines more than I have seen it do in quite some time.” He complimented as they began back toward her room. He then looked to her a moment and gave a nod. “My guidance is to only keep you from the trouble that you do not seem to deserve. Elf or not.” He kept his voice almost hushed as if he would get in trouble for helping her in such a way. When she asked him about the cloak he hesitated a moment. He looked to her and then he drew in a breath. He gave a nod after a moment before he looked to her again. “I felt free if any worries.” He replied. “Such a strange feeling when all I have felt is dread my entire life. War tends to do that.” He commented as he opened her door and then he followed her into the room.
Rhett pauses as she questioned him. His brows tugged together slightly. “I am much more apt to listen before I act. Many of the knights would have had you against the wall for coming so close to the princess...” He watched her carefully. “Your accent tells me that you are not Lothlorean...either that or you are very good at lying.” He gave a slight smile then.
The smile then seemed to melt from his expression. He watched Sidara, his eyes never strayed away from her. As she spoke of the princess, as she spoke the word of suffering he took a slight step back from her. Rhett drew in a breath and shook his head, “Do not speak of the princess as if you know her.” He spoke as he gazed into her eyes. “We all have suffering from the war...” his voice had a bit more edge to it. Though, there was a knight that was passing nearby. Was it an act? Perhaps.
His jaw was slightly tight as he turned to look to the knight that continued down the hallway. He looked to the bucket of water and watched in amazement as she easily cleared it if any debris. Rhett lifted his eyes to look to her then. “I will return with your meal.” He spoke as another knight came over to stand guard at the door. Rhett stared to the water as he walked off. Magic was an interesting thing. Incredible. He hadn’t had much experience with it at all.
Rhett walked down the hallway and made his way to the kitchen where he paused as he peered into the dining hall. The king and queen still sat at the table with the empty seat across from them, a barely touched plate if food. He hummed slightly as he continued on into the kitchen to gather a meal for the elf. Roast with vegetables. He gathered a pitcher of water as well and carried the items back to Sidara’s room. He paused just outside the door. “I will send for you when you are needed. I will stay with her until she has finished her meal. No need to stand watch.” He spoke in an authoritative tone.
The knight then gave a knock to the door before he entered the room. “Plenty to eat for you.” He spoke as he set the tray of food down upon the table. He crossed his arms and looked to Sidara. “How do you see pain?” He asked. “No one else seems to take notice. Yet you...as an outsider to our people...you have noticed...” he took a seat at the table. “Do you have other secrets?” He questions curiously then.
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Post by Raven on Apr 16, 2020 14:55:07 GMT -5
Sidara leaned back when Rhett came towards her with a different tone. Her hues glanced past him to the passing Knight, and she nodded. “Very well.” She stepped back and allowed him to leave to get her dinner. She stepped into the room and fixed her hair in the mirror. Her thoughts were quiet – she had taught her brain to remain as calm as she needed it to. She shut her eyes and the door rang with a knock, and then opened. She turned and looked to Rhett, who entered the room.
She smirked slightly and made her way over to the table and sat down. “Looks nice” she said as she peered to the meal. She lifted a fork and poked at a piece of meat and ate it. “Actually, quite good” she chewed and then glanced to him. She grasped a cup and filled it with water. “You know, normally I’d say its disrespectful for me to eat infront of you, but I doubt you want to get caught dining with me” she winked. She poured a second glass of water and then pushed it forward. “Wine?” she questioned.
The cup was full of a red liquid, the same as hers. She lifted his glass and took a sip, and set it back down. Then she lifted her own cup and took a long sip. “It doesn’t take any magic to see pain” she spoke and took another bite, she was a modest eater – staying tidy and clean. “So many people are wrapped up in what things should be – and refuse to look at what is reality. Bastion elf or not – we all feel the same, we all have a heart, no?” she questioned and sipped on her wine. “I wont be bothered if you don’t drink, just means more for me” she smirked.
She ate slowly, knowing when she finished – he would have to go. There was something about him that she liked. He was different, even for her time. Having dinner with someone who actually cared in general – was something new for her. It was refreshing. Dining with Killian was an emotional coaster in general, and she had act on par with him. Meanwhile this world – she could breath, be herself, have her own thought… “I have secrets, of course” she sipped once more. “So do you” she leaned back. “It’s not if you should trust me because I have them, but if I should trust you enough to tell you… It’s a two way street, you know” she looked to the meal. “It is evident I have magic, I am sure you will report it to the King. I hoped you might. I saw the interest in his eyes… I want to show myself as useful. As long as I am useless, I am just another dead elf in waiting” she smirked. “Survival, honestly” she finished her meal.
“Be careful how much interest you show in me. I do not want you harmed for your kindness” she spoke and finished her wine. “Shall I see you in the morning?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 16:25:07 GMT -5
Rhett sat across from the elf. He watched as she took a bite of the food. “Our chef does his job quite well.” He commented and gave a nod. He the shook his head, “I will have food in the barracks for me. No need to worry about that...uh...” He stared to the cup of wine in his hand in disbelief. He hadn’t been around much magic. This was shocking to him. He set the cup down on the table and lifted his eyes back to Sidara. His posture seemed to become more tense, more uncomfortable. Then she continued on in her conversation as if everything was perfectly normal.
The knight seemed to relax slightly as he listened to her speak of pain. If it didn’t take magic to see. Then why was the princess left to drown? He gave a slight chuckle when she mentioned the wine once again. “Ah yes. A knight on duty is not allowed the leisure of such a beverage...” He commented. He then fell quiet as she continued to speak once again. A bit of a smirk turned up his lips. “I will tell the king of your magic...” he tilted his head slightly as he watched her. “You could have broken out of your bonds if you wanted to. The entire royal family could lay slain by your hand. We practically delivered them to you on a platter.” His expression softened and showed a bit of worry. “Magic is something that we in Osrey do not know much of. Those that have held magic have passed through and continued onward.”
Rhett stood and lifted the tray. He cleared his throat slightly. “My interest is a curiosity, m’lady.” He searched her eyes once again. “I will see you in the morning.” He paused a moment. “For more scrubbing off the floors I am sure.” He let out a soft chuckle, “I’ll leave the....uhm....wine to you then.” He looked to the glass pitcher that was still fairly full and then without another word he turned and left. He assigned two guards and with that he found his way back to the kitchen. To his surprise the king and queen remained in the dining hall.
Rhett walked forward and bowed deeply. “My king, if I may speak.” He knelt down to one knee upon the floor.
King Maddox turned his attention to his Lieutenant. “Yes of course, please stand Lieutenant.” The king raises his hand a bit. “What do you have to report?”
Rhett stood and drew in a breath. “My king. My queen. The elf, Sidara...she has shown much interest in gaining your trust. She also...has magic...and magical items...I...”
The king watched him carefully. “Are we safe, lieutenant?” The king asked.
“I do not believe that she means harm. She could have easily killed plenty of our soldiers...even you my king...she seems to have a secret...a plan...” he shook his head. He didn’t speak of the interaction she had with the princess. That would not go over well at all. He knew that for certain.
The king drew in a breath. His expression flattened and he stroked his beard in thought. “Secure her with two guards at night. You will be assigned to her. If she has shown you her magic perhaps she has a trust in you.” He smiled slightly. “As for Azelyn. Keep her away from the elf. By no means should they come in contact.” His voice was a bit cross.
A pit formed in Rhett’s stomach to these words. He had a feeling that keeping Azelyn away from the elf would prove difficult. “Of course my king.” He bowed deeply. “Princess Azelyn will be kept safe at all costs. As always.”
“I mean it.” The king’s brows furrowed.
“William.” The queen spoke and placed her hand over his. “Have faith in our lieutenant. He will not allow any ill will to befall our daughter. Will you Rhett?” She have a warm smile.
“No my queen. I protect your family with my life.” Rhett replied as he bowed his head once again.
The queen smiled. “Thank you, Lieutenant.” She lifted her glass of wine and finished it. “Good evening to you.” She stood and awaited the king to lead her out.
Rhett let his breath out of his chest. He slowly turned and walked from the room and found his way back to his barracks.
**
Azelyn has been changed into her evening attire. She stood and looked to herself in the mirror, the cloak draped over her shoulders. She gave a soft smile as she observed herself. She felt different with the cloak. She couldn’t explain it. The elf’s words kept playing in her mind over and over again. Enchanted? It filled her sorrow. The princess moved and lay in her bed. She pulled the cloak over her and soon enough she drifted off to sleep.
**
The next morning the princess was awakened by her handmaiden Val. The woman poured a hot bath for her and helped to dress her for the day. Today the princess was dressed in a silver dress with a lovely Blue corset. Val curled her hair into tassels and soon enough she slipped a pair of blue elbow length gloves onto the princess. “Off to breakfast for you?” She asked with a soft smile.
Azelyn lifted the folded cloak. “Yes of course.” She have a smile. One that she had practiced for many years. She walked from the room to be greeted by two knights. The princess paused and looked to them with a bothered expression. “Why are you posted at my door?” She questioned.
“Princess.” They both bowed and one spoke. “We have been instructed by the captain to protect you. With the elf in the castle you have a high possibility of danger.”
Azelyn drew in a breath. “I am merely going to the dining hall for breakfast. That is hardly dangerous.” She gave a soft smile. “I won’t break.” She spoke before she turned and stepped off from the two dumbfounded guards. She walked through the halls and made her way to the guest chambers when she approached the door the two guards stood outside of.
“Princess.” Both men bowed to her.
Azelyn stepped forward to knock on the door only for a knight to block her. “You are not allowed to be within the room with the elf.” He spoke as he watched her.
Azelyn looked to the cloak in her hands. “I must return this.” She spoke and then knocked on the door. “I made a promise that I would.” She then without another word pushed the door open. Azelyn stepped into the room and shut the door behind her. A tray had already been placed upon the table for Sidara’s breakfast by a servant. “Good day.” She spoke as she walked across the room and set the cloak down. The princess was much more composed today as opposed to their run in the evening before. “I have returned your cloak. It is a very nice material. Is it from your city? Is it an eleven specialty?” She asked curiously.
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Post by Raven on Apr 16, 2020 17:33:56 GMT -5
Sidara looked to Rhett and smirked, she reached up to the pitcher of water. As her hand placed upon the finely crafted glass – the water slowly turned red. She poured herself another glass. “Have a good night then, sir Knight” she smiled and raised her glass, watching as he left. She sipped on her glass. After a moment she reached into her bosom – where she pulled out a small coin purse. She opened it – though it seemed to open wider and wider, enough to stick an arm into.
The coin purse grew larger as she shuffled through it, until she pulled an item out. A book. It was written in Bastian, her language. She took her pitcher of wine. As she stood – her empty glass lifted into the air and followed her to her bed. The cup landed on the bed side table and she poured another glass. She then crawled onto the bed and opened her book. The candle next to her lit aflame and she sunk down closer to it – to read.
The next morning came – the book collapsed on her chest, the pitcher of wine was mostly gone. She woke up and yawned… she slipped the book into the side table drawer and stood. There was peace and quiet… she’d look out the window, if she had it. Though, she had been in worse situations before. She leaned over after a moment of thought and touched the pitcher – the red color shifted to clear, no trace of the wine left.
Sidara then heard a knocking. “Breakfast” a voice called, the door opened. Sidara lifted her gaze to see two knights standing, another holding a plate. “Thank you” she smiled. For a moment she wanted it to be Rhett, but she paid no mind. Surely Rhett told the King and he had other duties to tend to… She accepted the plate and they closed the door once more. Though a bite in – the door swung open. Sidara jumped slightly and then her eyes looked to the woman, surprised.
“Good morning” she spoke and cleared her throat. “Thank you… for the cloak back” She smiled and shifted in her seat to look to the woman. “Elven nethersilk. Just a fancy word for silk…” she stood and reached over to the cloak. She held the material in her hands and then she chuckled. “A woman made this for me…” her voice dropped softly. “When my parents died – I was young. A teenager about. The woman was taking care of me for a little bit, her name was Larali. I was so grieve struck that she crafted this cape – to protect me eternally, so she said.” She smirked and then pulled it over her shoulders. “A wonderful tailor, she was… told me to wrap it around my arms and it would make me feel better… and it always did” she smiled then. “I am glad it did the same for you” she bowed her head.
“I do appreciate you returning this, but I would hate for you to get in trouble…” she tilted her head back. “But soon your father will trust me, and I’ll tell you everything you want to know, hm?” she smiled then “Though, I have a fee – I hear Orsay has a hundred year old port wine that is legendary” she smirked. “I’d answer your questions over a glass” she smiled then, her eyes looking over the Princess for a long moment.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 18:01:49 GMT -5
The princess watched the elf much as she had the night before. The didn’t budge from her position, though she held the cloak forward as she listened to Sidara speak. “How awful...” the princess spoke softly. “I could not imagine my life without my parents to guide me.” She drew her brows together slightly. A hint of sadness filtered inter her expression. Her loss of her older brother was horrible and to compound that her best friend. She took in a sharp breath as she pushed the pain to the back of her mind. Sidara’s words reached her once more then and the blank stare left her expression.
“Trouble?” She questioned and shook her head. She the. Gave a soft smile, “Ah you have heard of our wine?” She asked and nodded. “Certainly we could...” she paused as there was a bit of commotion from the hallway.
The door pushed open. “Princess.” Rhett spoke his eyes stared to her, a nervous look about her. He rushed forward and looked her over. “Come. Now.” He ordered.
Azelyn jumped as the door came open quickly. She took a step back from Rhett as he approached her. “Yes, Lieutenant.” She spoke and followed him quickly from the room, she glanced back to Sidara just before the door closed.
“You can’t converse with her. She is dangerous.” Rhett spoke his eyes trained on her.
“She doesn’t...seem dangerous...she isn’t anything like the others...” she looked back to the closed door.
“Azelyn.” Rhett grasped her attention by stepping before her gaze. “Your father ordered me to not allow you to have any contact with her. That is an order.” His voice was firm. “You will be escorted. Two guards at all times. No exception. It is by order of the king.”
Azelyn took in a breath, it shook slightly. She clenched her jaw slightly and then gave a nod as she forced a smile. “Of course. I will do as my father wishes.” She spoke as she turned. “Thank you Lieutenant.” She walked off with two guards in tow.
Rhett let out a long breath and closed his eyes. He pinched the bridge of his nose slightly before he turned and stepped into the room. “Well. If you want the king to trust you. I may need your help.” He sat down heavily across from her as a sigh came over his lips. “This morning you will be scrubbing the library...” he grit his teeth slightly. “You absolutely can not speak to the princess. Understand? That is an order direct from King Maddox. If she is placed in the line of danger...you will not survive long here. Understand?” He watched her carefully.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 19:29:45 GMT -5
Sidara’s brows rose as Rhett entered the room once more, the Princess whisked away. “That Princess is going to get me killed” she smirked then. “She barged into the room, was I to just ignore her presence?” she crossed her arms then and peered to him – she sort of got a kick out of his frustration. Though moments later she sighed and nodded. “Fine fine, I wont talk to her, I’ll do my best” she leaned back in her seat briefly and then stood. “Alright, to the library it is” she stood at the door and waited for him.
“Has she always been that way, you think? Curious and rebellious?” Sidara questioned as they walked out the door. She was silent as they passed the guards, and then she glanced to him after for an answer. “I couldn’t blame her, honestly. I doubt she can look out her window without a guard looking back at her.” she shuddered. “I’ll leave the topic though” she followed Rhett up a flight of stairs.
Soon enough they came upon the library. The doors opened to a massive room with a tall ceiling. She stood there for a moment taking it in. Though she blinked her eyes and suddenly she saw it empty – cracked walls. The book cases were gone…destroyed. The castle of Orsay was a partial ruins in her time, the entire Kingdom had been rebuilt deeper in the Valley, filling the scope of the mountain…
She shut her eyes and opened them once more – the beautiful library returned. Full of vibrant colors and life… She gripped the bucket in her hand and set it down. “I’ll need to roll this rug..” she spoke and adjuster a few comfortable plush chairs – she then knelt down and rolled it up steadily. She left it be after which and began scrubbing on the right side of the room...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 19:50:50 GMT -5
Rhett drew in a breath when Sidara spoke that the princess had barged into the room. He pinched the bridge of his nose again, his ears were red from the stress of the situation. Though when she sighed and agreed to avoid the princess he gave a sigh of his own. “You’re doing yourself more good than you realize.” He stood and walked out of the room. He had set the bucket outside the door and he handed it to her as they walked along. Rhett looked to her with a flat expression as she asked about the princess’ curiosity. He ran his fingertips through his short hair. “As long as I’ve known her. Yes. She only actually listens to a few of us. Those with rank that is.” He let out a soft chuckle. “I’ve had a hell of a time with her. It’s hard to keep someone safe when they don’t seem to want it.” He shrugged slightly before he pulled a book from the shelf. “It’s better left at that.” He remarked as he looked to her. “You don’t want to find yourself too close to her. The king would not find that very amusing. He’s quite protective of his daughter.” He smirked slightly as he found himself a chair. He sat down and let out a long sigh. “If my soldiers and I had not found you...would you have told the king of your premonition? After...you made the delivery of the artifact of course.” He asked then as he looked to her.
**
Nearly an hour passed and the doors to the library pushed open. A man dressed in fine attire walked in. He raised a brow slightly as he looked to Sidara. He had a stack of books in his hands. “Cleaning day? I see.” He looked to Rhett. He then walked passed the two in the direction that Sidara was scrubbing.
Rhett frowned slightly and just before his lips parted to speak the doors opened once again. Azelyn walked into the room. She hesitated and paused at the doorway when her eyes fell upon the elf. She walked forward then, careful of the bucket and wet floors. Her eyes stared to Sidara as she passed. Then she looked to Rhett a moment before she walked over to the table that that professor sat at. “Ah how nice of you to join me, Princess.” The man spoke. He had the books arranged before him. “Have you been studying as I have asked?”
Azelyn had her eyes turned toward Sidara still. Though as a book cover slapped against the table from her professor she looked to him and gave a forced smile. “Yes, yes of course. I’m always studying. Just as father wishes.”
Her professor gave a smile. “Perfect.” He spoke and then he began her lesson plan. The princess interacted with him, she followed along quite well. It was evident that she had done her reading just as he had asked her to do. She was a star pupil. Though her eyes did stray to look to the elf a few more times as she continued her learning. After nearly an hour of work the professor stood and released her for lunch, they would continue on this afternoon.
Azelyn stood from her seat after the man had gone. She walked over to Rhett, “Are you going to feed her?” She asked curiously. “Just because she is an elf doesn’t mean she should starve.” She looked to Sidara. “Are you hungry?” She asked, “Lunch should be served soon.”
Rhett shook his head at Sidara as the princess looked to her. “Princess, she is working.” He spoke, his voice strong, his jaw tight.
Azelyn looked to him, her arms crossed over her chest as she frowned slightly. “I understand, Lieutenant.” She spoke before she slipped from the room.
Rhett let out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose yet again. “Are you nearly done? I will get you lunch...” He spoke as he looked to the floors. “Perhaps you could use your magic to finish?” He asked and then opened his eyes to look to her.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 20:06:43 GMT -5
Sidara glanced up to the Princess and her boring teaching – as his words lulled on. She gave a deep sigh as she scrubbed, she didnt even want to listen to this. Half of it was wrong anyways. She made her way across the room, scrubbing over half of it by the time she was interrupted. Sidara sat up as the clicking of the Princess’s heels came forward, ending the dread of the scholar.
“Uh-” Sidara glanced to Rhett, who stared her down. Sidara turned her gaze away and continued to scrub – as if the Princess was not there. As Azelyn walked away, shoo’d by Rhett – she stood and sighed. “What magic?” She questioned. She waited for his reaction and then she grinned. Her eyes looked around – the coast was clear…
She turned then and water began to float out of the bucket, it moved in the air in a long string of droplets that morphed together. The water moved against the remaining tile and scrubbed along it – lifting the dirt from the floor. It then float back to the bucket and splashed back into the contents. She then looked to the rug which unraveled itself onto the floor. The seats lifted slightly – enough for the rug to slide under it.
“Alright” she walked over to the bucket and lifted it up. “Lunch it is” she followed behind him. “Don’t leave an elf starving, huh? Or the Princess might gobble you up” she chuckled and then looked to him. “Cmon, smile” she nudged him. Though as they turned the corner – knights passed. Her smile quickly faded and she walked quietly, but when the coast was clear she turned her gaze back to him. “Whats for lunch?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 20:26:15 GMT -5
Rhett stood and raised a brow. “What do you mean….what magic?” He raised his brows. Though as she grinned he shook his head and watched as she used her skill to clean the rest of the floor. Rhett’s jaw loosened slightly as he watched. It was incredible. She had just a hold on everything it seemed. As easy as the flick of a wrist, and not even that much trouble. When she approached him he nodded, “Very good. It’s nice and clean, the king will like that.” He turned and walked toward the exit to the library. When she cracked the joke and nudged him he couldn’t help but crack a smile of his own. Though his smile melted away rather quickly as other knights passed them in the hallway. “Ah I believe we are having roast elf today.” He spoke as he looked to her, his expression flat. Though after a moment he grinned and let out a chuckle. “You should have seen your face.” He remarked as they rounded another hallway. “The king.” He spoke in a hushed tone, he seemed to straighten his posture to try to carry himself better than he already did. As the king approached he bowed deeply. “On you knee.” He whispered to her as he lowered to his own knee. “My king.” He spoke and kept his head lowered.
King Maddox walked right up to the two. His eyes moved about a moment. “You may stand.” He spoke. His eyes were glued to Sidara. “Cleaning I see.” He looked to the bucket. “I saw the halls this morning, I could nearly see my face in the marble.” He spoke and then nodded. “Are you off to lunch?” he asked as he looked out the window to the sun to gauge the time.
“Yes my king. Then we will be back to the floors.” Rhett spoke quickly.
The king watched him a moment and then a smile split his lips. “Such cleaning must cause quite the appetite. Hm?” He looked to Sidara then. “Come along, I wish for you to sit with us for lunch. You too Lieutenant.” The king waved them on and walked ahead toward the royal dining hall. It was rare that anyone were to dine with the royal family.
Rhett stiffened slightly. Why was the king doing this? Was he testing her? He looked to Sidara and nodded before he turned and followed the king. “Ah thank you your grace. How lovely of an offer.” He spoke as they followed along.
The king led them into the dining hall, the princess and the queen were already at the table conversing lightly. The king took his seat and he motioned for Rhett to take a seat and then he nodded to Sidara. The only remaining seat was next to the princess. Azelyn had stopped her conversation, her icy hues moved to the elf for a moment before she turned and lifted her glass of red wine. It was the port wine that Sidara had mentioned before. She took a long drink, and set the crystal glass upon the table. The king eyed the elf a bit of a smile upon his lips. “So, Sidara. I hear that you are well versed in magic. Tell me. How is it that you did not speak of that sooner? Why was it my knight that had to inform me?” He took a long drink of his own wine. He nodded to a servant whom poured her and Rhett a glass of wine. “Tell me why you’re really here.” He was completely focused on her. Azelyn remained silent, she took another drink of her wine as she seemed to hold her breath slightly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 20:45:57 GMT -5
Sidara paused as Rhett spoke of the roast elf, he was dead serious. She studied him for a moment and then he broke his gaze – she chuckled. “I wasn’t sure if you were serious, I was going to say roasted pepper and olive oil goes well with it...” she smirked and then followed. They were stopped suddenly. She looked to the King as he approached and she followed Rhett’s guidance – bowing to one knee as he approached.
Lunch? Sidara did not say anything – her brows furrowed slightly. This was unexpected, she had not planned for this interaction. She stood then and followed behind the King. Rhett and Sidara exchanged glances and then she smiled weakly, as if to say – it’s alright.
As they entered the dining room she took her seat next to the Princess. She remained quiet until the King addressed her. “Cut to the chase, hm?” Sidara smiled and then leaned back. “I am here because you captured me, and I don’t really feel inclined to kill you...” she looked to the King with serious eyes. “If you captured me, and I announced – look at me and all my magic – I’d be locked away in your cellars. However, I figured if I subtly showed it – I would get the vibe of how you, and your people felt about it. How was I to know you wouldn’t kill me on sight? Do I mean any harm?” she sucked in a breath and slowly let it go.
“I am sure you have more questions” with her breath she let go of the anger that had been boiling.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 16, 2020 21:04:51 GMT -5
The king narrowed his brows as the elf responded, her remarks were sarcastic. This was not the way that he was normally addressed. When she’d finally given her last two cents his lips parted to peak but the queen placed her hand over his and squeezed slightly. “You will have to forgive my husband.” She spoke, she looked to him with her light hazel eyes. “This is a trying time for our kingdom. You’ve brought news of an assassination. Rhett informed us as to how the attack might take place. We have bolstered out defenses thanks to you.” She gave another gentle squeeze. “You have shown generosity in not using your magic for ill will.” The queen was well spoken and focused. She was not driven by fear and anger like her husband. “William and I would like to show our respect. That is why we have invited you to dine with us. Do not take that lightly, even our humble knights do not dine with us. Isn’t that right Rhett?” She looked to the lieutenant and he gave a nod. “You were right to suspect that we may not be well versed in magic. We’ve only had a few pass through Osrey with magic before...with those we have received help. Our sickly previous king was healed by a traveling healer that could use the magic of this earth.” The queen watched her a moment. “Could you do us a favor? This will go toward your freedom of course.”
The queen took a sip of her drink as the servants began to load the table with food. “Our livestock has fallen rather ill. At first we worried that it was a curse from the sun goddess. We were in a heavy draught, our crops were beginning to die off as well. If we continue like this we may not make it through the winter that is coming. Our stores are low from the war and from the illness that had spread to even some of my citizens...” She brought her brows together slightly. “I would offer you a bit more freedom if you would oblige me by looking into this. You may take the Lieutenant with you, so long as it is within the walls of the city. If you need to gather something from outside the walls you must ask my permission, or speak with my husband.” The queen took another drink of her wine. “I believe that your magic may be the only thing that can help save Osrey in such notice. If an assassin is coming, then war must be on the horizon. The Lothlorian pulling back as they did, it was a ploy to get us to lower our guard. A false sense of hope, we imagined that to be so...” The queen paused then as she looked to the spread of food upon the table.
The king watched Sidara a long moment before he took a bite of his meal. The princess lifted her fork and she ate in a peckish style, it didn’t seem that she was very hungry at all. She glanced to Sidara a few times, though she would only return to lift her glass of wine to her lips afterward. Rhett watched Sidara closely. He nearly glared at her as she had responded in such a way to the king. It was not a wise move for an elf that claimed she wanted to stay alive. Though to his surprise the queen over took the king and spoke of the livestock. It had been a trouble since just before the war abruptly ended. Their crops were suffering too. Many had fallen ill from the sick animals.
Azelyn pushed her plate forward slightly. The queen looked to her daughter with worried eyes. “Might I return to my studies? It’s a rather interesting lesson today.” She questioned. Though just as she finished her question the princess stood and walked from the room, the clicks of her heels echoed in the dining hall.
The king stared off after his daughter with a sense of pain in his expression, the queen gave a squeeze to his forearm once again. The man looked back to the elf as he awaited her response to the queen’s questions.
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Post by Raven on Apr 18, 2020 11:02:34 GMT -5
Sidara leaned back in her seat – her expression began to relax as she looked to the Queen. This was the second time she had really stepped up – it seemed maybe the textbooks got it wrong. The King was not the wise and benevolent – it appeared it was truly the Queen. A part of that fact, now displayed before her, irritated her that history spelled otherwise. Though, even in her time – women were still inferior to men, despite often the opposite.
She let out a deep breath “I apologize” she spoke softly. “I have had a hard time arranging myself, since my predicaments. I’ve come to find that my memory is a little scattered, keeping composure is difficult… Do go on” she nodded to the Queen to continue her ask. “I appreciate your offer to dine, I am honored…” she bowed her head slightly as the queen mentioned that this alone was a rare situation. She wondered then why the Queen had called upon her… as the Queen continued – it came to light.
“You are likely right. The Lothlorian are ruthless, and often play games with their victims. Their war tactics are not noble or virtuous, they are dirty and cruel…” she leaned forward. “I do not know how their advances in magic may have become – but I would not doubt they could have tainted something in your land…” she leaned back then and sucked in a breath. “Yes, I’ll take a look into this…” she looked to the platter of food – she waited until everyone loaded their plate before she did. She picked out a few pieces of meat, a little bit of salad, it was a small plate in general. After a bit of eating – the Princess abruptly left, it was a surprising stunt, it left Sidara sitting back in her seat, thinking.
Finally she cleared her throat and looked to the King and Queen. “I have a theory” she spoke. “The Bastion people discovered the font of Lifesource under ground, emerging from a cavern spring, which appeared to go deep into the crusts of the earth. My people have traced several caverns, locating other fonts. They are locked, in a way, until a ritual is performed upon the font to unlock it. The waters then become enchanted with this magic, we saw Livestock and Plant life bustling with life just days after…” though she knew this already existed. Osray was intentionally built over the Mountain Side- where the largest font live. Though it was unlocked until Lothlorian had been demolished and Bastion took Osrey.
“Is there a cave system around? Maybe some mines?” she questioned. “I knew when I had stepped foot – I felt something, I think… if I can meditate on it, I may be able to locate if there is a font. If luck has it – your Kingdom would be saved. Otherwise, I could magically tend to your crops and livestock, but honestly – it would take a large toll from me, and would not be sustainable…” she picked at her food. “But if it came to it, I would do everything I could…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 18, 2020 11:55:59 GMT -5
The queen glanced after Azelyn a moment before she returned her attention back to Sidara. “I’ve heard of what you speak of. Fonts of magic. When I was a little girl, I lived in Lindon. It is now a lost kingdom. Through the war the Lothlorian elves destroyed my city...I was told that they spoke of these magical fonts beneath Lindon.” She took a drink of her wine.
“Our knights returned with those that were saved from Lindon.” The king spoke up. “They saw things that were unexplainable. Magics that in our time we had never dreamed of seeing. Fire lit to homes by the snap of an elves fingers.” The king searched her eyes a long moment. “If you were to open this font...is there a possibility that the Lothlorian could use this against us? My people do not wield magic.” This was the most calm the king had been with her. His eyes showed a bit of curiosity.
“Our kingdom will suffer without it. You heard her.” The queen spoke as she looked to her husband. Her chestnut eyes searched his. “If there is a way that we can better ourselves, and prepare for their next move. We will be ready for it. As we stand right now, our food has been contaminated. We will not have enough stores for the winter, which is only a few weeks away.” She brought her attention back to Sidara a moment, her eyes looked over the elf. She then looked to Rhett whom sat quietly this entire time. “Lieutenant, I would like you to escort Sidara to the caverns.”
“Yes my queen.” Rhett spoke as he gave a nod.
The queen looked back to Sidara as she finished her last bite of her meal. “The caverns are outside of the city, behind the castle. The only way to get to them is through a passage within the castle. It was an escape system that long ago when the Osrey castle was first built it was built with these caverns in mind.” She drew in a breath.
“We are entrusting you with quite a bit of information.” The king watched her carefully. “I hope that you are right about this, Evelyn.” He glanced to his wife then.
The queen gave a nod and then offered a soft smile. “I am.” She turned her eyes to Rhett. “I hope for a report this evening, Lieutenant.” She then stood. Her eyes looked to Sidara a moment before she turned and her arm wrapped into the king’s. With that the two monarchs walked from the room.
Rhett drew in a breath as he looked to Sidara, he then gave a slight chuckle. “The queen likes you at least.” He stood. “We will need a lantern. Unless you have some sort of magical trick to see in dark caves.” He spoke as he began walking from the room. “Is there anything else that you believe we will need?” He asked as they walked down the hallway. “The entrance to the caverns is from the castle gardens. I’ve...never been down there, so I’m not certain what we may find. Or how confusing the cavern system might be.” He admitted the last part with a bit of worry in his voice. He walked into a room and grasped two lanterns. “Well?” He asked with a soft smile upon his lips.
**
Azelyn had made her way through the castle and into the gardens. She stood at the edge of a small pond. Her icy blue eyes looked over the lily pads and the frogs that hopped about. She lifted her eyes to watch a cardinal fly over head. A soft smile curved up her lips as she stepped into the gazebo and placed her hands upon the railing. The sun was warm against her skin.
“Are you alright princess?” A knight approached, he wore his helmet over his head. Most did not wear their helmets when within the walls of the castle.
Azelyn looked to the knight curiously. “Yes, just a breath of fresh air.” She replied, her brows tugged together slightly as the knight took a step toward her.
“Ah yes. The air is nice in the gardens isn’t it?” The knight spoke as he stood just a few feet from her now.
Azelyn lifted her eyes to look for another knight, it seemed that the rounds for the gardens had left her with just one. She’d shoed off the guards that were supposed to follow her everywhere. She hated being treated as if she was in danger constantly. Though this knight gave her a strange pit in her stomach. “Remove your helmet.” She spoke, “It is not custom to wear helmets within the castle walls.” She’d turned so that her hips were against the railing of the gazebo now.
“I can’t do that princess.” The knight chuckled as he watched her. “Are you afraid? Because I have a helmet on?”
Azelyn shifted slightly, but when she took a step, the knight matched her. “Guards! H-...” She tried to call out but the knight cupped his hand over her mouth.
“I planned on killing the king, but wouldn’t the cherry on top be to kill the princess?” The knight questioned with a chuckle. He had her pressed against the side of the gazebo, his weight with the armor against her was far too much for the princess to fend off for herself. “It’ll be easy to destroy Osrey without a king or an heir. We thought we’d taken care of that by killing off your brother.” The knight snickered, his hand still clasped tightly over her mouth.
Azelyn had tears in her eyes. She waited for him to shift his weight and in that moment she quickly shoved against him. This caused the knight to stumble to the side. The princess took off then, her heels clicked quickly against the cobblestone of the gardens. She glanced over her shoulder as the knight rushed after her. She was running toward the building that housed the secret entrance to the caverns. Azelyn rushed inside only to be tackled against the wall by the knight. She let out a scream before he covered her mouth once again. This time however she felt the cool steel of a blade against her neck and the warm trickle of blood as the sharp blade broke her skin slightly. “Now then.” The knight chuckled from beneath his helmet. “The Lothlorian army will soon flood Osrey. Without a princess. Without a king.” He snickered. “The people of Osrey will fall.”
Azelyn had tears streaming down her cheeks, she dared not move. He had her exactly where he wanted her. She felt him increase the pressure on the blade and she closed her eyes. There was nothing she could do. Her hands gripped onto his arm, but, she knew she couldn’t over power him. That was not what she had been raised to do. Azelyn was trained for smarts, she was studious...her brother had been the fighter. Her brother had trained to fight the war and protect Osrey. She...wasn’t a fighter…
“Nothing?” The knight questioned with a snicker. He removed his hand from her mouth and gripped her wrists. His strength was impeccable. Azelyn tried to fight against him, but in the end he caused her to release his arm that held the blade. He held her wrists over her head pressed against the wall. “You’ve no fight in you at all.” The knight hissed. Azelyn whimpered slightly as tears rolled down her cheeks. She tried to knee him then though she only received a laugh from the knight. “Your brother fought hard for his life. What would he think of you?” He sneered. “Can’t even fight off one elf?” The knight chuckled as he pressed the blade a bit more firmly against her neck. “Any last words, princess?” He questioned.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 18, 2020 12:19:32 GMT -5
Sidara looked to Rhett as they walked out of the room, she smiled and nodded. “Indeed she does, huh? Yes, let’s get a lantern, I will need all the magic I can muster – if I am to unlock the font...And… my blade, if you can trust me...” she looked to Rhett for a long moment. “The font has natural protections, there is a big chance we will have to fight the guardians of the font, often beasts of odd nature” she looked to him. She watched as Rhett thought for a moment and then he nodded.
He lead her into a chamber – an armory. Her weapons were here. She strapped her sheath back onto her hip and lifted her rapier. “A blade of Elven Steel, thin – yet sharp enough to slice bone easily” she whipped it and then slid it into the sheath upon her hip. “Okay… lets head down there” she spoke. Rhett grasped two lanterns and handed her one. “I’ll return my blade after we are done, of course” she spoke.
As they came out of the castle and into the courtyard, headed to the gardens by pathway, she pulled her cloak to be on her side, allowing her right arm exposed – for swords play. It felt good to be back in her entire uniform now, comfortable at the least. As they walked on the cobbled pathway – there was a body laying on the ground, stripped of his armor. “A knight?” she questioned and rushed forward.
The man was fighting for breath – a wound in his gut, he bled out slowly. “Cruel” she whispered. She kneeled over him and placed a hand over his chest – a bit of magic flowing from her hand to heal him.
“The Princess” the man fought for words, his breathing however was becoming even. Sidara looked up to the gazebo.
“You’ll be fine” she whispered and then quickly stood, her booted feet rushed forward. Rhett suddenly glanced up and followed after her, his blade in hand. She turned – her elven ears picking up on the sounds heavy and panicked breathing, she could feel the tension as she got closer. It lead her to a small building. It was then that she laid eyes upon the mysterious knight – and the Princess was pinned.
Sidara grit her teeth and her hand jut forward. Suddenly the Knight was lifted into the air, as if a large invisible hand gripped him and held him high, his steel grieves dangling in the air. She squeezed her hand and he began to choke, his chest compressed inward. With her other hand she jerked it to the left and his helmet flew off, revealing an elf, with long ears – Lothlorian.
She slammed him down on the ground and stepped over to him, his arms were bound behind him. “Lothlorian, hm?” she spoke in her thick accent. She stood over him and then smiled “How does it feel hm? To be completely over powered?” she knelt and flicked his nose with her finger. “Can’t move, can you? No matter how hard you try?” she chuckled and slapped his cheek. Rhett came over seconds later and cuffed him.
Several Knights came rushing forward then, called by the injured that had been healed. The lifted the assassin, who remained quiet in their engagement. The lothlorian just stared to Sidara, studying her closely. She waved to him as they towed him away, leaving Sidara, the Princess and Rhett in the small cottage like building.
“Are you okay, Princess?” Sidara questioned. She pulled her cloak back off and offered it to her.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 18, 2020 12:48:16 GMT -5
Rhett had given her a concerned look when she asked for her sword. “Hm...” He’d thought a moment before he gave a nod. “I’d rather you be able to fight if these creatures come out. Two swords are better than one.” He chuckled slightly. Rhett walked outside to the courtyard after everything was said and done. His eyes looked to the elf, her look suited her well. He seemed distracted by that until he realized that she had run toward a body on the ground. He rushed forward as well. “Shit. This is one of our new knights.” He spoke as he looked to the man. He then stood to his feet and rushed after Sindara.
**
Azelyn shuddered as she waited for the knight to kill her. There was nothing she could do. “You think...that killing my father will end Osrey?” She whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Our spirit will live on.” She spoke just as the doors flung open. Azelyn tensed as the knight was lifted away from her. She fell forward slightly and rubbed her wrists as she watched in awe. She watched as Sidara overpowered the elf. When Sidara questioned her, the voice seemed almost distance. She lifted her icy eyes to her.
“You’re bleeding.” Rhett spoke as he rushed forward.
Azelyn looked to him, she seemed to be in a bit of a daze. Though her eyes remained on Sidara whom offered her her cloak. She reached forward to the soft material and took it into her hands. “He...”
“It’s alright, princess.” Rhett took the cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. He carefully clasped it and looked her over. He looked to Sidara a moment before he pulled a cloth from his pouch and he wiped away the blood from her wound on her neck. Any longer and they would have been cleaning up a pool of blood and a dead princess.
As the cloak settled over her shoulders Azelyn seemed to calm, her breathing slowed, the tremble in her muscles lessened. “That elf...killed my brother….he said he was sent to kill my father...he was going to kill me so that there was no heir...they plan to overtake Osrey.” She lifted her eyes to look to Sidara. She fell quiet for a long moment as she brushed a few tears away. “You...you were right….” Her voice had a bit of a shake to it.
“Come on princess.” Rhett gazed into her eyes. “Come on, lets get you inside. Hm?”
Azelyn still looked to Sidara. She then shook her head as she brushed another tear away. “No.” She looked to Rhett. “I want to stay with you and Sidara.” She brought her icy gaze to meet his.
Rhett hesitated, “Uh...” He pressed his lips together in a flat line. “Azelyn...” He searched her eyes.
“I’m staying with you, Lieutenant.” She had a bit more strength behind her voice then. “I can trust you.” She spoke then before her eyes looked back to Sidara. “And...you...you saved me...” She stepped forward to Sidara. She paused just before her and gazed into her eyes. “You did not have to save me. Yet you did. My father has shown you nothing but disrespect. He has treated you as if you are an enemy. Yet. You saved my life.” She closed her eyes a moment as if she was thinking. Her mind was a jumble. “If you were our enemy, you would not have done that.” She spoke then before she looked to Rhett.
“Princess. I would advise against it. The king and queen need to be informed of this threat. You need to be in a safe place.” Rhett spoke a bit hesitantly.
Azelyn drew her brows together. “Why?” She questioned then. “I’ve always sat in the background. I have always been nothing more than the princess. My brother died in the war...” There was a long pause then. “Julian...died...” Her voice broke then. “And I sat in the castle, surrounded by knights every hour of the day as if….as if it was possible for someone to look at me and break me...” She clenched her jaw slightly. “I want to know why the Lothlorian elves want to take Osrey so badly.” She looked to Sidara then. “I know that you are not Lothlorian...but why...why would they want to destroy our kingdom? Osrey did not start this war...”
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