|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 19, 2020 11:21:51 GMT -5
Rhett chuckled when she mentioned secrets. “Yes, we all have secrets.” He took the glass of wine and drank it down quickly. The stress of all of the changes and everything coming to light, he really did need the drink. He ate his food as he listened to her speak of the future. When her hand fell over his wrist he lifted his eyes to her and a smile curved up his lips. “I try to treat each day as if it were my last.” He smirked slightly. “The final battle just before the end of the war I was wounded gravely. To tell you the truth I can’t remember much of it. I remember the feeling of the blade slicing into my gut. It slipped between the armor here.” He placed his fingers along the joint a moment and stared to it before he took another drink of the wine. “I remember the yells and screams as I lay upon the ground. The sound of the war around me became so muddled. Knights stepped over me. Elves leaped over me. I couldn’t move though, the pain was more than anything I had felt before.” He watched her a moment. “I don’t know what happened...but when I woke, the Captain had pulled me from the battle...” He shook his head, “There was a healer...I never saw her face, but my wound disappeared...” He had a soft smile upon his lips as he lifted his eyes to look to Sidara just as the door was knocked upon.
Rhett chuckled when she mentioned the joust. “Well, this week will be filled with fun. The Harvest Festival is a celebration, even during the war we found time to have at least a bit of fun.” He winked as he stood and finished off his wine before they headed out to the carriage.
**
The princess looked out the window as she sat in the carriage as the two entered she offered a warm smile. Azelyn blushed slightly when Sidara tucked her hair behind her ear and complimented her. Her smile only seemed to grow. “You’ve never been to a joust...hm...there must not be many activities such as this in your time.” She gave a chuckle. Though as she asked how she was handling things Azelyn gave a nod. “As well as I can, I suppose.” She glanced to Rhett. “I want to know more of the Lothlorian assassin. I want to know what the plan is, how they will attack.” She drew her brows together slightly. She was much more forward now than she was before. Without the presence of the king or queen the princess had a different attitude.
“Your father is working on that, princess.” Rhett spoke and gave a nod. It was slightly evident that he had alcohol on board, he had a bit of a goofy smile upon his lips.
The princess watched him a moment before she shook her head. “Did you give him wine?” She questioned as she raised a brow to look to Sidara. The carriage stopped moving then as they arrived at the arena. “My driver will take you around to the other side of the arena.” She gave a weak smile. “If you could join me I would be more than happy to have you at my side. But unfortunately...that is not the case.” She stood and stepped from the carriage with the help of the driver.
Rhett looked to Sidara a long moment. “You made her smile.” He spoke with the goofy grin upon his lips still. “I haven’t seen her smile like that in quite some time.” He smirked as the carriage started moving again. They would be taken around to the side of the arena that the commoners lined up on.
**
The princess climbed the stairs to her seat next to her mother and father. She looked out over the arena as the crowd cheered happily. Many drank ales and ate. The queen nodded to her daughter as the announcements began. Azelyn stared across the stadium though, her eyes searched for Rhett and Sidara.
“Your favor, Azelyn.” The queen spoke up.
Azelyn gave a smile, “Of course mother.” She spoke as she walked down and into the arena. She held a set of ribbons that were a mix of silver and blue, the kingdom’s colors. She walked to the center of the field to where the riders had lined up. There were eight total knights. “Today I wish all of you luck on the field.” She spoke, her voice carried over a now hushed crowd. She gave a smile as she stepped to a steed that was pure white. The armor upon the horse was a shined silver. The knight upon its back lowered his javelin to the princess. “I bestow my favor to Sir Fredrick, a noble knight. May this guide you to victory.” She spoke this as she slipped her ribbons over the end of the javelin. The knight lifted it and the ribbons fell down to the hilt where his hand sat. He nodded to her before he lowered the shield of his helmet. The princess turned then and made her way back to the king and queen. A rumble of words spread through the crowd. It was always interesting whom the princess chose to give her favor to. He was the most stunning of the knights. His armor was well polished as if he’d spent hours before the joust with a soft cloth.
**
Rhett leaned against the fence a grin upon his lips. “Ah, a nice choice. Sir Fredrick is very good at the joust. Perhaps the princess’ favor will allow him his win.” He clapped as the knights rode around in the ring. The thunder of the hooves seemed to bring life to the people of Osrey.
**
“People of Osrey!” The king stood and held his arms up. “Let us celebrate the beginning of the Harvest Moon with a joust!” He called out loudly, his voice carried easily over the arena. “There will be no bloodshed today. Today this is for entertainment!” The crowd cheered happily. “May all the knights have luck at their side!” He stepped back to his chair as the crowd roared in cheers.
Azelyn remained in her chair, her eyes looked to the stands on the other side of the arena as the horses began to sprint toward one another. Her eyes did not fall to the festivities, she still looked for the elf and the knight. When the first clash of javelins met shields it drew her attention away and she clapped as one of the knights was nearly knocked from his steed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 19, 2020 11:37:38 GMT -5
Sidara smirked when Rhett mentioned the smile of the Princess. “I am quite charming, you know” she adjusted herself to the center of the bench seat as the carriage moved onward. When they came out – Rhett navigated them through the crowd of people, they sifted along through the crowds until they found a comfortable spot on the lower deck, standing against the railing. They were so close that the dust from the hooves made her cough occasionally.
“A favor, hm? Does it mean anything in particular?” she questioned, eyes looking to Rhett – then past his figure and on to the Princess. Their gazes caught each other and she smiled. She lifted a single hand and waved to her, before looking back to Rhett. Whatever his response was – she didn’t even hear it. The world sort of grew silent as her eyes peered to the Princess, when she looked away – it was as if the world began again.
Sidara looked to the Knights and the joust began. She winced as one was hit harshly in the shoulder. “That looked like it hurt” she called out. She looked up to the sky – which had become grey with clouds. She pulled her brows together – nothing signified rain in the evening. A droplet fell from the sky and landed upon her shoulder… she could hear the discomfort of the crowd – they were upset with the rain, that would ruin the festivities. Sidara looked around – to the Princess, the King and Queen… She turned back to the sky and held a single hand upward.
An invisible barrier formed – circling the arena. Rain pelted the barrier and slid off, creating a rather beautiful display above. It reminded her of sitting in her car, looking through the moonroof during a storm, relaxing. People gasped – the jousters glanced up, their horses paused – as they were supposed to launch. In a wild burst – the people began to cheer and clap…. Sidara smiled weakly and then lowered her hand, the barrier would remain. The entire arena stood in a burst of sound, they shouted the warriors name’s – and the jousting continued.
Sidara looked to Rhett and then back to the Arena. “I’m sure I’ll get a good hand slap for that later” she spoke and sighed. “Keep your eyes about you… that rain was not supposed to come. It was summoned… someone wanted to push us all inside…. Go alert the King and Queen – but do not show suspicion...” she smiled and patted his arm. Her eyes glanced back to the Princess once more, and then back to the joust…
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 19, 2020 15:12:01 GMT -5
Rhett chuckled and rolled his eyes slightly when she stated that she was charming. Though he made no comment to the statement. When she asked what a favor he smiled, “Well, the other ladies that you see at the edges of the arena that step forward to offer a favor to their knight. That is usually a token of love, a good luck charm if you will. When the princess gives a favor it may be for the same reasons. Perhaps she fancies that particular knight. Though when Azelyn offers up a favor it is usually to a knight that has been selected by the king and queen to receive the favor...it is a political piece really. Perhaps the knight that receives her favor is the next noble that the king and queen wish to court the princess. Or perhaps they have already chosen the noble that will take her hand….then again, it is highly evident that Azelyn is not finished grieving the loss of Julian….” He stopped speaking when he realized that she wasn’t exactly paying attention to him. His eyes tracked along with hers to the princess and he smirked slightly, though he didn’t comment to her on it.
**
Azelyn looked up to the skies as the steel clouds seemed to roll in quickly, blotting out the warmth of the sun’s rays. She furrowed her brow slightly as a droplet of rain fell upon her cheek. Though a knight stepped forward to hold an umbrella over her. She watched as Sidara created a protective bubble around the arena, a grin split her lips. “What is this?” The king questioned as he looked up to the rain that ran down the invisible barrier. “How is this possible?” He questioned as he stared up into the skies. Though the cheers caused the king to cheer as well. He grinned as he looked to his wife. “Perhaps an elven mage isn’t so bad to have around?” He chuckled before he took a long drink from his ale.
Azelyn glanced to her father as the knight closed the umbrella and stepped back from her. She caught her mother’s eyes a moment before she looked back out to the arena. She watched as the men came at each other. Some of the hits were rather harsh and knocked the knight from his saddle, signifying a victory. Though her eyes seemed to float back to the elven mage. She furrowed her brows slightly when she realized that Rhett was no where to be found.
“My king.” Rhett spoke as he approached. The princess looked to him curiously. “Sidara has stated that this rain was not natural, that it was summoned by a mage, someone whom wanted to move us inside, perhaps where they want us.” He nodded slightly. “We should keep a high alert.”
This was not news that the king wished to hear. He drew in a breath just as two knights collided. “Very well, alert the guards. I want everyone aware. Understand?” He ordered before he returned his attention to the joust.
The princess grew bored after a few hours of the joust. Her eyes gazed up to the beauty of the barrier that had been created by Sidara. She’d glance in her direction every now and again, but her expression revealed how bored she truly was. Rhett was right, most of this was political in a way. The king walked to the center of the arena then as the joust drew to a close. The man that the princess had chosen was the victor. Sir Fredrick. The king spoke highly of him, the crowd cheered happily. “There will be a thirty minute break and we shall return for ground combat!” He announced to which the crowd roared. As the king had spoken Azelyn stepped from her chair onto the field where she met with the knight whom smiled brightly.
“Princess.” He bowed deeply. “I fought in your honor.” He gazed into her eyes. “It was your favor that brought me such a victory.”
Azelyn stepped forward and leaned up to place a simple kiss upon his lips. It was custom. Though it was evident that she did not enjoy it. “You fought courageously. You were the strongest knight upon the field, Sir Fredrick.” She smiled her well practiced smile then before she was ushered away by a few knights.
**
“Azelyn hates politics.” Rhett spoke with a smirk. “She’s always hated doing certain things to sway an audience. It isn’t her...not at all. But she does it because the king and queen ask her to do so.” He nodded slightly before he looked down to Sidara. “You’ll like this next bit. Hand to hand ground combat. It can get pretty intense. There will definitely be blood.” He chuckled lightly and then sighed. “Do you think it is the Lothlorian elves? Do you think they aim to attack?” He questioned curiously as he looked up to the rain that still fell from the skies.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 19, 2020 21:51:48 GMT -5
 Sidara watched – waiting for signs of an attack. There was nothing – maybe they retreated in response to her defense… she crossed her arms in thought as the final joust came to its conclusion. “Are there ever any unexpected guests in the arms combat?” she questioned. She looked to Rhett then, who’s eyes peered to her in confusion. “What would happen if someone else competed and won – and unknown person?” she questioned, determined eyes looking to the arena. “Come on” she called him and she slipped away, finding a pair of stairs that led to the servants row. She slipped around a corner and then turned it once more – in an instant she wore an entire suit of plate armor – it was a shining black, like that of a black dragon, shining perfectly in the light. “Hush now” she spoke to Rhett and then approached the Ring Master. Though as she did she peered to a taller Knight, he was much taller than any of the others. “Rhett” she called over in a whisper. “Do you recognize that Crest at all? You Knights must know each other decently?” she spoke as she looked to the Family crest – it didn’t appear recognizable at all. Her brows pulled together under the full face helmet that she wore. She stepped over and tapped on the man’s shoulder, her metal gauntlets tinking on his shoulder piece. He turned and peered to her – “Of what family are you?” she questioned, though her voice that came through was deeper, augmented by her magic. The man did not reply, he simply turned back around. “You wish to fight?” The Arena Master questioned the tall Knight, the Knight simply nodded. “Alright, you’ll go fourth, in the C string” he spoke and then flicked the man away. This questionable Knight did not speak a word… she pulled her brows together once more and she stepped upward. “I would like to fight, put me up against that brute” she spoke. The Arena Master looked to her, unknowing that she was a woman, and he lifted his chart up. “We’re full on fights…” he paused. “Sorry – you’ll have to book early next year” he shood her away then. Sidara groaned and turned to Rhett as they stepped away. “I don’t feel good about that guy…” she crossed her arms. “I’ll sit at the benches, you go back to the stands. Be ready for anything” she spoke and then slipped away easily. She made her way to the benches, where the medics and other fighters stood to watch, before it was their fight… She stood as the mysterious Black Knight, arms crossed against the wall, watching closely as the first match began… |
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 19, 2020 22:13:41 GMT -5
Azelyn watched as Rhett and Sidara left the stands, her eyes became curious. She looked to the bustling crowd as it moved about. She stepped down and walked to the crowd as was customary. Many knights approached her and kissed the back of her hand. She thanked them and smiled as she wished them well in their hand to hand combat. There was one night in particular, he was tall and wore dark armor. He held a crest that she did not recognize. She looked to the helmet as if she tried to peer into the shadows to see his eyes. He held a simple red rose forward to her. The princess gave a smile and reached forward to grasp onto the rose. As her fingers curled around the stem a thorn sliced into her fingertip and she winced slightly. She looked down as blood ran down her finger into the palm of her hand. As the princess lifted her eyes to meet the strange knight she found that he was gone. He’d disappeared into the crowds. One of the royal guards stepped forward and ushered her back to her seat within the stands. She held the rose in her hand still her eyes look to the cut upon her finger. Why would someone gift a rose that still had its thorns? She looked to the thorny stem curiously. Such a strange character the knight had been.
The princess lifted her eyes as her father called her name a few times. It was time for her to provide her favor. Once again her father had chosen Sir Fredrick to take the favor. He seemed to be a favorite. She did as she was told and she welcomed everyone. Her eyes gazed about the crowd in search of her lieutenant and Sidara, but they were no where to be found. She made her way back to the stands and soon enough the fights were underway. Azelyn set the rose down next to her seat, she glanced to it to see that the petals had already begun to turn black and wilt. “Odd...” She muttered softly. She then turned her attention back to the roaring of the crowds. She watched as fight after fight commenced. Her eyes looked to Rhett in the stands, but she could not find Sidara.
Eventually the strange knight walked upon the field. He was placed against Sir Fredrick. The princess cheered as the king and queen cheered. Though, there was an uneasy feeling that she got from the knight. She watched as the fight began. It was with quick succession that the knight knocked Sir Fredrick onto his back, his sword aimed at the man’s throat. Another contender rushed forward from the benches. It would be wave after wave that this knight would need to endure in order to win. Only the strongest survived to the end. Though the princess began to notice something, blood upon the field. The knight was striking the other contenders in weak spots of their armor. As the crowd roared from the excitement suddenly the knight reached to his hip and in a quick spin a dagger released from his hand. It flew across the stadium with incredible precision toward the king. The princess saw this and without a second thought she rose to her feet. “Father!” She cried as she shoved him from his chair. Though the pain of the dagger brought her world to a crashing halt. Azelyn winced as she felt the blade pierce into her side. She froze as she looked down, it was lodged within her ribcage. “F-father...” She choked just as the dagger ripped from her side in a twisting motion.
The tall knight held his hand up and the dagger returned to his hand. Rhett had leaped over the fence, his sword drawn. “Who the hell are you?!” He snapped as he brought his blade down upon the knight. His footwork was better than any of the other contenders. Rhett rolled and dodged, he gave the mysterious knight a run for his money. He fought until the knight slammed his elbow against his chest which knocked him onto his back. The air was pushed from his lungs. The crowd had scattered. Knights swarmed the king and queen. Azelyn was lifted into the Captain’s arms swiftly. Rhett scrambled to get to his feet only for the knight to kick him down. The knight chuckled as he tossed his dagger to kill three other knights that ran toward him. He held his hand up as it returned to his grip.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 19, 2020 22:36:28 GMT -5
Sidara grit her teeth as she watched the dagger fly – there was nothing she could do. She winced as the Princess jumped before the king, taking the blow. She grit her teeth – now she was pissed. Suddenly in each corner of the Arena – a duplicate of herself formed, six Black Knights took the field and rushed forward. Though when the unknown Knight in the middle tried to attack them – they shifted easily, their foot steps enchanted by magic. Each held a great sword above their head as they swarmed inward. Their blades clashed down upon the unknown knight, slashing into his armor with ease. Another lifted Rhett and pulled him up.
It was then that several more people joined the Arena – all disguised as guards… Lothlorian. The black knights turned and engaged in battle. Sidara had escaped her armor, though her magic fueled the duplicates. When one fell – it turned into a powdery sand. She had jumped above and rushed the stands. Several guards turned against her and she squeezed her hand – choking them with ease, breaking their neck as she drew closer to the King and Queen. Her black knights had been defeated, but the center were several dead Lothorian.
She jumped from a seat and flew high into the air, twisting as she shot several orbs of magic forward, flinging attackers away. She reached to the King’s waist and pulled his blade – catching a blade that came forward. She breathed heavily as she peered to this man – he was stronger than the others. “Maddox will fall today” he spoke roughly and then attacked once more. Sidara parried several times – until she was kicked back by the elf, who threw his helmet down to expose himself. She grit her teeth and dodged a stab – his sword getting stuck in one of the stadium chairs.
She kicked him backwards, her heel crushing his throat. She then jumped upwards with ease and brought her knee into his chest, slamming him downward – she sliced into his chest and killed him. Though – he suddenly vanished. She looked up to the sky to see a large Eagle flying past them, someone was ontop of it – a mage. She could sense the Mages power, they were quite strong. All of the hidden Lothlorians suddenly vanished, summoned by this mage. She gripped the blade of the King and then she turned to the Princess – which a knight held his hand firmly over her side.
“Let me see her” she quickly shuffled over, she handed the sword to a knight and knelt before the Princess. She placed her hand upon the wound and tried to heal it – but nothing happened. She pulled her brows in and then scooped her arms under the Princess. “Get the King and Queen back to the castle, immediately” she held the Princess close to her and suddenly lifted into the air. They flew quickly over the Arena, heading to the castle with speed.
She swiftly entered the castle by one of the balconies, as she rushed towards a door – it opened with her magic. “The infirmary” she called out to a guard. He swiftly ushered her through a set of stairs until they came into a room with several beds.
“She has been poisoned” Sidara quickly spoke as she came to one of the beds. “I need Anchor Root and Mellania flower, now” she called. They were known medicinal herbs, but they had to be boiled a certain kind of way. She rushed over and gripped a metal tin -as a nurse handed the ingredients – she dropped them into the tin and held her palm under the cup. A flame burst and the water began to boil, until the herbs became mushy. She reached in then and lifted the herbs out and set them down. It was then that she lifted a scalpel and cut her own wrist – her blood dripping into the herbs. She then held her hand over it and a glowing green magic flow from her palm. Once it was done – she stepped over to the Princess and pushed the mush into the wound, packing it tightly. She then held her hands over the chest of the Princess and channeled her magic into her. “Dress the wound while I cleanse the poison…” she spoke and held her head back. Her eyes were glowing brightly as she summoned upon her magic. The flowers would draw the poison to one location, and her magic would scrub the blood of it. Slowly above Sidara – a small orb of dark liquid formed, the Poison pulled from her body. Though it had multiplied like a virus, taking over blood cells and spreading its hell upon the Princess…. The process would take time.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 21, 2020 11:37:20 GMT -5
Azelyn gripped onto her side as the queen rushed forward to help her daughter. It seemed as though the world had stopped in this moment as Sidara took on the knight with her army of clones. The knight that held onto the princess was doing his best to stop the bleeding, blood leaked through the cracks between his fingers.
The king was busy ordering knights his eyes were wide. His eyes moved to Sidara as she easily slipped his sword from his hip and he watched almost helplessly as she took on the knight ruthlessly. The elf laid her life on the line for a kingdom that was not her own. He watched in disbelief as the mage vanished once he had been stabbed with a fatal blow.
Azelyn fought to stay conscious as blood leaked upon the wooden risers of the benches. Her grip over the top of the knight’s hand had loosened. Her skin had grown pale. The queen looked to Sidara as she knelt before her daughter. “Please...do something.” She begged, her own hands were covered in her daughter’s blood as she had tried to help stop the bleeding as well.
The princess took in quick shallow breaths as Sidara scooped her into her arms. “The...rose...” She choked out weakly, her vision was beginning to blur and fill with shadows. “He...gave me a rose...” She managed to choke out as she fell unconscious in Sidara’s arms.
It wasn’t long after they had arrived to the castle that the queen rushed into the room, the king was busy bolstering defenses and preparing for the worst. The queen moved to her daughter’s side and held her hand. She spoke a few words with the nurse and her brows furrowed. “Poisoned?” She breathed as she looked to Azelyn’s pale skin. She watched the actions of Sidara closely her gaze full of concern. The nurse gently removed the queen from her daughter’s side so that she could get in and begin dressing the wound. The queen watched with nervous eyes as the mage worked on her daughter. Her eyes looked to the floating ball of black liquid that formed over her daughter. How had so much poison gotten into her and where had she received such a poison? “I must speak with our apothecary.” She spoke and then she rushed from the room, tears in her eyes. The thought of the possibility of losing her daughter was nearly too much to handle.
**
The queen was only gone an hour or so before she returned with herbs and teas for when Azelyn woke. She sat at her daughter’s side silently as she waited. She brushed her hair from her eyes as she held in her tears. The sun had set over the kingdom, but the queen still remained at her daughter’s side. She turned away a servant that came to remind her of dinner. She refused to leave Azelyn. It wasn’t until the late hours of the night that the princess’ eyes fluttered open. The queen smiled as she brushed her hair from her eyes. “There...I thought I’d lost you, Azelyn.” She searched her eyes a moment. “You saved your father’s life...and...Sidara...” She paused a moment. “Sidara saved our kingdom. She saved you, as well as many citizens...”
Azelyn sat up slowly as her mother handed her a mug of herbal tea. She winced slightly to the pain in her side. “We are at war again.” She spoke her voice soft.
“Yes dear...” The queen spoke, a sadness hung behind her tone. “Come, let me get you to your room to rest.” She spoke as she helped her to her feet. “You were poisoned somehow.” The queen looked to her as she wrapped her arm around her waist to help support her daughter.
“The knight...the one that threw the dagger...he offered me a rose when I was giving my favors...it pricked my finger...I watched the pedals wilt...” Azelyn spoke as she walked down the hallway.
The queen furrowed her brows. It was a well thought out plan. The king would have been dead. Azelyn would have followed shortly after, in the silence of her sleep most likely. She wouldn’t have known about the poison if she hadn’t been injured. Soon enough the queen helped the princess change from her bloodied dress and into a night gown. She tucked her into her bed and gave a gentle smile. “We will figure this all out.” She kissed her forehead before she slipped from the room.
Azelyn lay, her eyes stared at the ceiling of her room. Her mind kept replaying the rose, the dagger...the knight as he stared up into the stands. She couldn’t rest, each time she closed her eyes she felt the pain in her side from the dagger...
**
In the earlier hours of the evening Rhett had walked into Sidara's room with a tray full of food. He sat down at the table and let out a long breath. He had just finished a long talk with the king. "You saved the kingdom." He let out a half laugh and shook his head slightly. "Maddox was very surprised and thankful...I'm certain he will call you to his study tomorrow after he gets everything organized..." He furrowed his brows. "I went to see the princess...the queen said she hadn't awakened...she was poisoned?" He questioned and then shook his head. "How could this happen? Right under our noses?" He seemed to blame himself. He was the lieutenant after all. He had been so focused on Sidara the past few days that he must have let other duties slip. At least that was what he told himself...
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 21, 2020 12:55:51 GMT -5
Sidara finally did all that she could. The orb of dark poison float over to a glass tube and filled it nearly to the brim. “Take that to the apothecary, have him analyze it…” she spoke to the nurse, who nodded as she corked the tube and ushered away. She stepped back and peered to the Queen, who stayed at her daughters side. She thought for a long moment and finally she sat down, exhausted. As if she had summoned it herself – a servant approached with a glass of tea.
Sidara said nothing as she sipped on her tea, eyes looking to the Princess and Queen… Eventually she stood and walked towards the door. She asked a Knight to escort her to her room, so that she could rest. As she came upon her room she sat upon her bed, the contents of her endless bag – sprawled over her bed. She had books upon books stacked up… she shuffled them around and opened another. Trying to find something on Time Travel. How did it work, and how did he send her here in the first place?
She knew Killian was powerful, but there was no way he could manipulate time on a whim, he had to have some sort of artifact. That was his true power – he collected and abused them. Maybe if she could destroy the artifacts in this time period… She sat upward then as the door opened.
“Rhett” she spoke softly and climbed from her book fort upon her bed. She stepped over to the small table and she sat down, taking in a deep breath as he spoke. “Yes, she was poisoned….” She shuffled a plate together and ripped a piece of breath apart to dip into the gravy over her mashed potatoes.
“Things are different than my history portraits it… I knew this would likely happen. My influence has changed the course of history. The poison meant for the King – was delivered to the Princess instead, and at a different time than indicated. If the textbooks had it right – then the Apothecary will determine the Poison as deriving from the Blue Stone Spider. They originate in Orlais, rare spiders who’s Poison is slow and deadly, they cause cells to attack each other and eventually full organ and muscle destruction. It is a gruesome and horrible death – which is what happened to Maddox in my time line…”
“This poses a greater threat than I thought, though… Lothlorian are vicious people who play by no rules. It is evident they have a Power Mage amongst them, I do not know who. Now that history is new, I cannot predict it. I can only assume that by my altering of it – means for a possibly worse response from the Elves… They are now aware that your Kingdom also has a powerful mage. They may take bigger risks and rely on dangerous resources… They are now unpredictable, even worse than they were in a previous history where they lost…” she sucked in a breath.
“I feel responsible” she spoke softly after eating for a bit. “I had intentions of finding a way to return home, but I would not be able to live with myself if I deserted your Kingdom… I made an effort to ensure that Maddox would live, history will be different… but if I go – then I cannot promise that this Kingdom will still not fall to Lothlorian. If I am to defy fate, then I must see it through.” She took another bite.
“Maddox went down in history as a powerful leader, he held his own for a long time in war. However, he was known for his defenses and not his offense. Lothlorian abused this once they recognized it. Maddox was completely over-run… if he wants to turn this around, then he needs to become Offensive. Lothlorian does not have resources – they steal and take, but their army is larger than Maddox’s. He won by sheer amount, but not by skill or strength. If we can convince Maddox to retaliate with equally vicious attacks, then he has a chance. Traditional warfare will need to be set aside, we have to play at their level… this much… I can gather from our time period… This is the turning point where war on the fields becomes a slaughter field, rather than a fight for honor…” she finished her plate.
“Here” she pushed forward a small tablet. “This will help you sleep tonight… I will see you in the morning, hmm?” she stood then and walked back to her bed to sit amongst the books.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 26, 2020 12:15:56 GMT -5
Rhett lowered his eyes slightly as she confirmed that the princess had indeed been poisoned. He drew his brows together slightly as he took a bite of his food. His hunger wasn’t truly there, not after the events of the day. He’d seen his kingdom so easily infiltrated by the enemy, the royal family threatened and the princess nearly killed. He watched Sidara as she spoke of her timeline and the differences that were not coming into this time. “Orlais…?” He questioned with a raised brow, he’d never heard of such a place. He seemed to ponder her words a long moment as he fell quiet. Which gave Sidara room to continue.
Rhett sat back in his chair as he watched her ramble on. Worse than before? He drew in a long breath. “If...what was your history cannot be predicted...then we are in a very dangerous situation...” He watched her as she spoke of returning to her time. Though he seemed to be relieved when she mentioned that she must stay to see this through. Their number were still small from the final battle years ago. Certainly they had the largest army...but they were not the size that they were on the day that the prince lost his life. The Lothlorian elves had killed so many that day in a huge explosion and yet, they seemed to vanish after that. The more that Rhett thought about this, the more he realized that it had to be a ploy to get those of Osrey to believe they were safe, that they had won the war.
Rhett looked to the tablet that she held out. “I’m not certain anything can help me sleep tonight, m’lady.” He replied as he lifted the tray. “I do hope you find something from those books.” He gave a slight nod before he stepped from the room.
**
Screams echoed and the sound of swords clattering filled the air. “Tariel!” A male’s voice yelled as he rushed forward. The cries of a young child filled the alley. The city was riddled with soldiers whom wore silver armor with blue accents. Elves rushed about, some used magic. Others bows or swords, depending on their choice of weapon for battle. “Tariel...” The man knelt before the young child whom was dressed with a white cloak, her eyes were a striking icy blue, her hair a nearly white blonde. The little girl had blood on her arms, her hands pressed against the chest of a woman that held like features, blood poured from a wound in her chest, her hands glowed slightly as tears ran down her cheeks. “Come. You can’t save her...she’s gone, Tariel.” The man scooped the young elf up in his arms.
This was the city of Faral. It was a city deep within the forest north of Osrey. Years ago when the battle began with the Lothlorian elves, Osrey launched attacks to try to snuff out the elves. They had stumbled upon this city in their search for the Lothlorian elves.
The elven man carried Tariel through the city as rain fell from the skies, as if the gods were crying for their city. Though the rain did not fall fast enough to choke out the flames of the fires that the Osrey soldiers had started. The man rounded a corner only to be met by three soldiers. “Kill them!” One ordered. The man took several steps back. “Run, Tariel.” He set her to the ground as he drew his sword. “Run!” He cried as he rushed forward. “For Faral!!!! We will not fall!”
The young elf watched as the soldiers struck down her father. Though he put up quite the fight as their swords came down upon him. He didn’t stop until a sword was thrust through his chest. The young elf trembled as she turned and fled down the streets. Water splashed with her footsteps, mud droplets covered her white cloak. She rounded a corner and was grabbed by the front of her dress by a knight. She struggled against him as he held her, her cries echoed through the city. Her eyes began to glow as the magic within her bubbled up.
“Wait!” A voice called as a knight rushed forward, he wore a blue cloak and the seal of an officer. “Stop.” He knelt before the elf and gazed into her eyes as he carefully took her hand, she tried to pull away but he kept calm. “You want to survive?” He asked as he lifted the face shield of his helmet. The little girl trembled as she looked to him. It was the young Captain, a smile curved up his lips.
“What are you doing, Sargent?” Another officer approached. “Kill it.” He snapped, to which the young elf tried to pull away again for fear of her life.
“No, Captain.” He shook his head. “Look at her. She’s lost everything...” He looked to the bodies around them before he lifted the young girl into his arms. “If we have an elf on our side...perhaps...” He glanced to her as she hugged herself to him, her face buried against his neck. “Perhaps we can win this fight.” He turned and walked away.
**
The princess woke from the dream, her chest rose and fell quickly. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She sat up and swung her feet over the edge of the bed as she held her head which pounded in pain. Her side still ached. “Captain...” She spoke softly, her expression confused. She’d never had a dream like that before. It was alarming to say the least...to see a war from the eyes of a young child. Her chest felt heavy as she began to wonder if she was in fact that child. She stood slowly and pulled on a silky robe over her night gown. The princess brushed through her hair and gazed into the mirror. She still appeared quite pale from her loss of blood. She hugged her arms to her body as she turned and slipped on a pair of slippers before she walked from her room.
“Princess.” A knight that stood guard at her door spoke. “Um...princess are you alright? Should you be up?” He questioned as he followed her.
“Yes...yes I’m fine.” She replied as she glanced to him. “Please, just leave me be.” She continued to walk. She found her way through the castle and to the guest wing. She paused before the two knights that stood guard outside of Sidara’s room.
“Princess.” They bowed deeply. “You...should not be here. The king has ordered an escort for you...at all times...” The knight spoke gingerly.
Azelyn shook her head. “Sidara is not going to harm me, she saved my life...remember?” She spoke as she slipped passed him and into the room with a light knock at the door. The princess walked inside, it was rare for her to leave her quarters without her handmaiden dressing her for the day. No corset. No make-up. No dress. Her hair hung in tassels around her face as she walked to the small table and sat down. A breakfast tray had already been delivered to Sidara and sat with the silver dome over it. She drew in a breath, she could still feel where the blade had punctured into her side. Though she had slept, she felt as though she had been awake for hours. “Do you know of the city of Faral?” She asked as she lifted a cup and sipped on the water. “Is it real?” She questioned softly. She seemed to think deeply for a moment. "Sidara...how are we going to stop the Lothlorian elves...they have made it quite evident that our defenses are weak..."
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 26, 2020 12:45:34 GMT -5
Sidara studied the entire night, until she fell asleep amongst her books. She didnt not stir in the morning until her door opened and food was delivered. “Thank you” she spoke through a soft – groggy voice. She climbed from her bed and fixed her hair, though seemingly it was moments later that the door opened again. The Princess…
Sidara looked to the woman and titled her head. “Morning” she spoke and stepped over to the table. She set two cups down and poured water into it “Right to the chase, huh?” she walked over to her side table and lifted a small bag. She reached into it – her entire arm deep in the bag, until she lifted a wooden box out of it. She walked over to the table and sat down to slowly open it.
Within it was several herbs and teas. She touched each cup with a single finger and the water boiled easily. She then packed two tea orbs and dropped them into each cup, they began to steep right away. “Faral?” she thought for a moment. “I don’t know too much about Faral. I do know – the only ruins that still stand in my time is the Faral ruins. What little the books say depict the Faral people as very homely and kind Elves, there is no record as to how they were killed, but that their entire city had been destroyed. Many believe it was Elf to Elf warfare, as the Faral had a strong belief to never harm the humans, there was no reason for war between the two. Though, no evidence of who or why ever was written in history...” she sprinkled a bit of extra tea leaves into Azelyn’s tea.
“Alpha root will help your pain, drink up” she lifted her tea and took a sip. “I’ll share my breakfast with you, they always give me way too much” she spoke and opened the lid to the breakfast. Eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, it was a larger breakfast than ever before… She lifted the plate to reveal a spare was provided, and she piled her plate, leaving enough for easily 2-3 more. “Do they think I’d eat all of this?” she chuckled and sat back.
“Lothlorian elves are ruthless and quite smart in their tactic. However, they believe they have this war in a hand basket, and they believe that the humans are far below them. Reality is they are wrong. It isn’t until 150 years later that Humans bounce back as the superior species.” she took a bite of eggs and thought for a moment.
“Lothlorian do not have a full grasp on magic, and right now it is the only thing fueling their true power. They have only a few mages that are capable of doing anything on their side. Meanwhile, we have the font – which they do not know about. They think the Earthwarden Goddess is still sealed away… Now we have Rhett, the first Paladin, you, myself… and the potential of even more” she smiled then. “We fall into their hands of believing their victory...” she leaned her head back.
“Fake the Princess’s death. Let the Kingdom go into shock… They will attack when they believe the Kingdom is weak...” she lifted an eyebrow. “But instead – we will be prepared” she stepped over to one of her text books and came back over.
“History says that they attacked from 3 different points...” she pushed it to a page. The only downside is the book was in her language. However, there was pictures. “From the mountain side – they distracted the army. Orsay believed the Lothlorian to be foolish, it is impossible to push the mountainside. That was mistake one. Yes, Lothlorian sent this army in to die, intentionally...” she turned the page. “The second attack came from the inside. A mage that had been hiding in the city wall’s summoned a portal, though only strong enough for roughly 50 men...” she leaned back then and turned the page. “The last was from the skies – the mage we witnessed the other day… flying on the back of giant eagles...”
“The mage that summoned the portal – we need to snuff them out. They’re hiding in the city now, waiting and watching… however we need them to still report the crisis of the Kingdom. This is the tricky one…. The mage from the skies...” she leaned back. “We have to fight fire with fire...” she thought for a moment. “It is a long stretch but we may be able to ask the Earthwarden Mother for assistance. There are Ancient Dragons that she commands...” she shut her eyes – remembering the Ancient that Killian had attempted to unstone and take control of…
“I cannot really approach the King with all these theories without an explanation of who I am, and where I come from… but I believe if make Lothlorian believe they are winning, and press ahead of their plans – we can emerge. However, we will need help and resources...” she took another bite and then paused, waiting to here what Azelyn had to say….
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 26, 2020 13:32:31 GMT -5
The princess looked to Sidara her brows scrunched together slightly and she let out a long breath. “Apologies. Thank you for saving my life...” She searched her eyes a moment before she looked to the tea that was offered to her. “I...do not want my kingdom to fall...nor do I want to lose my mother or...father...” She paused a long moment between the words as if she had to think of the proper word to place within the context. Azelyn thought of the strange dream as Sidara spoke of the city that seemed to have been lost within the pages of history from this woman’s time. She wondered if any action books had been written for the soldiers to follow. Or a command letter. The king was a well organized man.
She took a sip of her tea as Sidara offered to share her breakfast. “My father wishes to make sure that you are well fed.” She gave a soft smile, though it seemed to melt quickly as she winced from the small laugh that came over her lips. She reached forward and made herself a small plate before she picked at it as she listened to Sidara speak. When Sidara spoke of faking Azelyn’s death her brows rose slightly. That would be something that would cause panic in her own people. The beginning of the fall. She could only imagine the sadness that would sweep through the people of Osrey at the loss of their princess, the only heir to the throne.
Azelyn sat back in the chair, she held the fork and poked at the food slightly, she had only taken a few small bites. She lifted her icy hues to look to Sidara after a moment of silence. “My father will have a round table discussion with the officers today, my mother and I will accompany him. I will request your presence...” She drew her brows together then and shook her head as the dream filtered into her mind once more. It wouldn’t leave her alone. Perhaps it was merely a stretch of her imagination? She did not remember such things. She would remember it. Right?
There was a knock from the door and it pushed open. “Princess.” Val stood with a worried look in her eyes. “You should not be up. You should be resting.” She looked to Sidara as she walked over. “I have orders from the king that you are to remain in your quarters for rest.”
Azelyn looked to the woman whom seemed frazzled this morning. “Val.” She spoke and then shook her head. “I’m fine. Sidara made me some tea for my pain.” She lifted the glass and took a sip from it.
“You need to come along.” The captain stood at the doorway. “Now, Princess.” His voice was much more stern than normal.
Azelyn lowered her gaze slightly, once again she would be placed away and protected like a glass doll. “Of course.” She spoke as she stood. “Thank you, Sidara for the tea.” She set the empty glass down upon the table as she was led away. The captain glanced to Sidara as he stepped from the room to walk her back to her quarters. The princess was quiet as they walked. She stopped before her door and looked to the captain, she remembered his young face from the dream. “Captain.” She spoke. She watched as he looked for her and awaited her question. “Tell me of Faral.” She stared into his eyes.
The captain drew in a breath as he heard the words come over her lips. “Princess, it was a Lothlorian city, destroyed years ago. What interest do you have in it?” He asked with a raised brow.
“Were you there?” She asked, her eyes locked on his.
The captain seemed to think a moment before he gave a nod. “Yes. I was.”
The princess turned then, her hand lingered on the handle of her door. “I had a dream about it. Was my dream true?” She asked, her voice soft.
The captain drew his brows together, “A dream?” He questioned and shook his head. “I don’t know why you would have a dream about such a thing, princess.” He paused as he heard his name called from down the hall. “We will talk more later.” He gave a weak smile. “I have to go to the round table discussion...please princess, stay in your room.” He nodded to the two knights that now stood guard outside of her room.
**
Rhett knocked upon Sidara’s door and pushed it open. “I hope you’ve had breakfast.” He spoke as he walked into the room. “The king would like your presence in the round table discussion. War has fallen upon our kingdom once again and he wants...an elf to give him advice as to what the Lothlorian may do next.” He drew in a breath and then nodded. “Come on.” He gave a smile before he turned and led her from the room. They climbed the stairwell of the castle and to one of the highest floors before Rhett pushed into a room. Other knights sat around the table, all officers of the royal guard. The room grew silent as they walked in. The king and queen sat in their positions, the princess’ chair was left empty.
“Come. Sit.” The king motioned for her to take his daughter’s chair. His eyes looked to her a moment before he looked about his knights. “The Lothlorian have brought the war back to us, this time inside of our own city. Gravely wounding my daughter and even poisoning her. This is a strike that we cannot sit back and idly defend.” He looked to the men whom gave nods in response. “We must formulate a plan in order to strike back, I want to wipe their kind off of this planet for what they have done to our people...” He glanced to Sidara. “What plan of attack might the elves have? I know that you are not Lothlorian, but you must understand their tactics. At least to some extent.” He nodded.
The queen looked to Sidara a long moment. “We need you to share anything that you may know that will help us, Sidara. I know that we have already asked a lot of you and that we have treated you no better than a prisoner. I will change that. I will give you what you need in order to help us succeed. We are in debt to you and your people already, but we ask you for your help.” She spoke smoothly, though the sadness could be seen behind her eyes.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on May 31, 2020 10:01:36 GMT -5
Sidara lowered her head as the Princess was toted away from to her room. She sighed softly as she ate quietly, only to be disrupted by Rhett entering. “Just finishing breakfast” she spoke quietly and then stood. She nodded “I will quickly get ready” she spoke and stood infront of the mirror – adjusting her hair. She waved a hand and her leather attire fixed itself...she reached over and grasped her cloak and slung it over her shoulders. Her footsteps fell behind Rhett as she followed him to the roundtable.
As she entered – several men looked up to her. Others nodded their head, and some looked away. It was clear there was divide in the room about her presence, but it was requested regardless. She found her way to the empty seat next to the Queen and she sat down. She was quiet for a moment until she King asked upon her.
“The Lothlorian are ruthless, and full of fear...” she spoke and then looked about the table, until her eyes fell upon the King. “Their actions to disrupt the Kingdom was intentional, they will not attack unless the Kingdom is struggling. It tells us that they are aware that you have the upper-hand, it tells us they are aware they know they are weak...” she thought for a moment and continued. “The only way they would know the state of the Kingdom...is if they have someone undercover in the city, and I wouldnt doubt – in the castle either. They would not go through all this effort and not have spies of some kind to tell them the best moment to strike...” she took in a breath then.
“If the Kingdom bounces back flawlessly after this strike – they would only do another, and more ruthless attempt to cause chaos. However, if we were to hypothetically be damaged and suffering – then they would launch their army. This gives yourself some control over when the fight would begin, but if you wait too long – they may actually be successful in their attempts to murder someone of the Royal house” she looked to the Queen then, who nodded slightly. “So, I think there are a number of things you can do. You can… fake the Princess’s death and start the war right away. Or you can recover and prepare for the next possible inside-attempt, and hopefully capture the attacker…” she looked about.
A Knight spoke up “We need more time, more information. We need to scout their bases, if they are preparing for attack – then they must have their armies camped someone where… we need to understand how they will attack before we allow War to happen” he spoke.
“Yes, but if you spring it on faster than they expect – then there is a chance of their ill preperations. If you make a blissful opportunity for them – they will spring before they can plan.” she added. The Knight who spoke leaned back and then thought for a moment.
“This city has the best advantage of any over positioning. If you prepare for attack from any direction – you will be fine, I believe. If we study too long – we allow them more time to prepare” she looked to the King then. “The only other battle – is that they have Magic… from what I saw – they do not have many skilled mages, but its more than what you have. This will be their crutch, if anything. They wouldn’t require Magic if they believed their army was also that strong, so more signs that they are not confident in their military.” she glanced over to Rhett… remembering that now he had magic, and so did the Princess…
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on May 31, 2020 12:03:38 GMT -5
Several members of the roundtable shifted uncomfortably. Val leaned forward, “Even if we were to attack swiftly our numbers are diminished from the final battle 6 months ago...” He drew in a breath and glanced to the king and then to the queen.
“If we sit idly we have a greater chance of our kingdom falling.” The queen spoke this and her eyes moved about the round table. She sat back in her chair as she seemed to think deeply for a moment.
“My queen. There is something that you do not know.” Rhett spoke up then, the eyes of those that sat around the table turned upon him. “Beneath the castle in the catacombs...when we opened the rift we released a goddess.” He glanced to Sidara then his eyes turned back to the king and queen. “I was blessed by the goddess...as was your daughter...our people can use magic, we just need time to draw upon it. Right Sidara?” He glanced to the elf then he looked a bit nervous. Magic wasn’t something that his people knew. It was something that they feared, though they feared magic because they did not have control over it.
The king drew his brows together slightly, “You took Azelyn into the catacombs?” His ears had turned red from outrage. “She could have been hurt! Lieutenant, how dare you place your princess in such circumstances.” He slammed his fist down upon the table. Rhett flinched slightly when the king hit the table, he clenched his jaw. He hadn’t thought about the king growing angry. The princess shouldn’t have been with them...that was true, but she had given Rhett no choice. The princess wouldn’t stand down...she was adventurous and most of it was because the king sheltered her far too much. Just like she should have sat at the roundtable.
The queen placed her hand over her husband’s fist and offered a nod to him. “Our Lieutenant has done nothing but protect Azelyn.” She nodded to Rhett and then she turned her attention to Sidara. “You know of magic. You can guide us right? You can guide Azelyn?” She questioned curiously. “We have only had a mage travel through Osrey a few times in the centuries that we have held this position….magic is not something that our people are familiar with...” She drew in a breath as she seemed to think once again. “Captain.” Her emerald hues glanced to the man with the silvery beard. “Prepare a small scouting group. We will locate the camp, as Leon stated, they must be close if they are preparing to pounce. I want to know where they are. We will make a statement that Azelyn is severely ill. Hopefully the spy is listening to that, they will look for her to die and as Sidara has stated they will react when we are mourning.”
Rhett looked to Sidara carefully before his eyes looked back to the king whom stared to him with mistrust. Val gave a nod to the queen. “Yes of course my queen.” He glanced to a few of the others. Everyone seemed a bit uncomfortable. This was the point in history that Osrey would fall. If Sidara’s actions did not change the fall of the kingdom...would the future still hold the desolate waste of oblivion? Or had Sidara changed enough to make the future different in some way?
“We will give it a week before we announce that Azelyn fell to the poison and her injuries.” The Queen spoke and then she looked around the table. “You all are dismissed.” She stood as everyone else stood from the table. “Sidara.” The queen spoke her regal tone thick as she stepped toward the elf. “Come with me.” She spoke as she walked from the room. She led Sidara down a hallway through the castle. “You must understand that...this is a trying time...if it was not for you...” She paused as they stood before a glass double door that led out onto a balcony that overlooked the city. “Azelyn would be dead.” Her tone was grave as she looked to the elf, her brows furrowed together at just the thought of the loss of her daughter. She stepped forward onto the balcony. “We lost our son 6 months ago, so you must forgive my husband for being protective over Az.” The queen placed her hands upon the balcony as she overlooked the city below. “He fell in battle against the Lothlorian...just before they retreated.” Her voice filled with sadness and her eyes glazed over with unshed tears. The queen fell quiet for a long moment before she drew in a breath. “As much as I never thought that I would trust an elf, I have an overwhelming amount of trust in you, Sidara.” She glanced to her. “There is something about you that is very different from that of the elves that we have dealt with.” She drew in a long breath as she leaned against the railing a bit more, she seemed to be contemplating something as silence fell over the two.
The double doors pushed open then and a knight came forward swiftly. “My queen.” He bowed, though his eyes stared to Sidara. It was an uneasy stare. Many still did not trust her. “Many have gathered in the courtyard of the castle...our people are demanding an explanation...how the elves entered our city...they want to know about the wellbeing of the princess...” He spoke quickly.
The queen drew in a breath as she turned to the knight. “So it begins.” She spoke softly. She knew that the attack on Osrey would cause the people to become afraid...and the fact that Azelyn had been hurt would only add to the panic. “If there is anything that you need, please call upon me. Lieutenant Rhett can be of assistance to you...but for now I have other matters that I must attend.” The queen turned then and walked from the balcony swiftly followed by the knight whom had summoned her.
**
Azelyn paced in her room as her dream played over and over in her mind. Eventually she sat on the edge of her bed. She thought of the goddess...the feeling of the magic that coursed through her. Then her thoughts went to the assassin that they had captured. He had been so close to killing her and Sidara had saved her life. So much had happened in the past few days. Yet, she was once again locked away. Much like she had been most of her life. She stood then and stepped to her door. She pulled it open and looked to the two knights.
“Princess?” One of the knights questioned. “Wait.” He stepped forward to block her but the princess pushed passed him.
“I’ll be in the library.” She spoke as her heels clicked along the hallway swiftly.
The knights glanced to each other and then chased after her. “Princess. We were given strict orders. You should be resting.” The knight offered as he kept up with her pace.
Azelyn looked to him a moment, her expression determined. “I’m not going to idly sit in my room like a porcelain doll. I’ve always been locked away...what happens when we are attacked? If we are overtaken I will still be locked in my quarters just awaiting my death.” Her voice was sharp as she rounded a corner.
“Princess...please...” The knight quickened his pace and blocked her. “You need rest...” He stood in front of her. They were near the balcony that the queen had led Sidara onto.
Azelyn crossed her arms over her chest. “I need you to move.” She drew her brows together as her icy eyes stared to him. “I’ll return to my quarters once I have found a few books.” She took a step to the side, but the knight matched her.
“You need to lay down. You’re pale...”
As the knight spoke of her skin tone Azelyn felt the world spin slightly. Her rushed walking in her condition was more than she could handle. “I’m fine.” She spoke as she wavered slightly. “Just...let me go.” She took a step forward, though it was clear that she was a bit off balance.
“Princess.” The knight reached forward to steady her. “You need to rest.” He spoke again.
Azelyn pushed his arm from her shoulder and walked forward. “I just need fresh air.” She pushed onto the balcony and stepped forward quickly to grip onto the stone railing. She took in quick breaths. “Sidara.” She spoke a soft chuckle came over her lips. “You always seem to find yourself in the right place, hm?”
“Princess...” The knight stood at the door, a defeated expression. He looked to the elf a moment, “Please we must get you back to your quarters.” He then looked back to the princess.
“I’m fine.” Azelyn gripped onto the railing as she looked over the city. “How was the roundtable?” She asked then, her icy eyes looked to Sidara.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on May 31, 2020 12:26:11 GMT -5
Sidara leaned back into her seat as the Queen made the final calls. It was interesting to her – to see the Queen rule as much as she did. The history books did not tell much of the Queen. Though their story was more full of pain and death, it was short lived. She stood then as the table had been dismissed – only to be summed by the Queen. She followed the woman out the door and to the balcony that looked over the city. She could see people gathering below… her lips pressed together in a thin line as the Queen spoke to her.
“I am truly sorry about your son” she bowed her head, she could see the tears that the Queen had been fighting back. She knew the woman was trying hard to be strong, but everything was teetering the balance as she spoke. “Your daughter has the strongest will I have seen, determined and strong… if I may, my Queen… If you wish to save her life, and that of your Kingdom, you would be wise to allow her room to breath. She may protect you twice over than you would protect her...” she bowed her head then. It was moments later that their discussion had been interrupted…
Sidara bowed once more as the Queen was wisked away to her duties, she turned then and placed her hands upon the balcony. She shut her eyes briefly – remembering what this city looked like in her time. The balcony she stood on was completely destroyed, this half of the castle walls had been broken down into rubble…
Her thoughts quickly faded as someone stumbled upon her. She turned and then smiled “Princess, up and about?” she smiled and made room for her. “It surprises me to see the Queen’s leadership, I had not read much about her. Your parents make quite the duo...” she smiled and then looked out. “We are faking your illness, and then your death…. When the Kindom is weak – the Elves will attack. So… the time is coming quickly..” she turned her gaze to the Princess then. “I suspect there is a spy in the city, but I cannot say where. Unfortunately this means you will need to hide yourself… but...” she looked back out once more. “Rhett told your parents of the Goddess, and of your gain in magic. If we wish to win – we must have the upperhand. So” she turned back to the Princess once more. “How would you feel about being my apprentice? I must train both you and Rhett how to wield your gifts… in a very short amount of time” she smiled then. “But I believe you both are capable”
“We would want to train some where secret… Does the castle have any kind of secret rooms?” she pondered a moment. “We cannot let the Lothlorians know of your magic, and health...” she crossed her arms then and then she smirked. “We could venture back to the Catacombs, I suppose”
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on May 31, 2020 12:53:07 GMT -5
Azelyn gave a slight chuckle and shook her head. “Up and about but not to my father’s liking I’m sure.” She sighed softly as the dizziness began to fade away from her head and her vision began to clear. Her grip upon the balcony loosened slightly as she became more comfortable once again. She glanced to Sidara a long moment and then gave a nod. “Yes, my mother does more of the ruling than my father. It has always been that way. He is a wonderful fighter, he wields his sword better than a lot of the men in our army. But his tact for politics...” She gave another chuckle and shook her head. “My mother is much better at keeping things in line. Him too, if you haven’t noticed.” She then fell quiet as Sidara spoke of the plan, she drew in a breath and gave a slight nod.
As she heard the offer come over Sidara’s lips a grin split her lips, her eyes filled with curiosity. “That would be amazing.” She turned slightly and glanced to the knight whom stood within the castle walls on the other side of the double doors. “We do have a sort of...panic room, you could call it. It is well hidden. In fact if the castle were to be attacked, I’m certain that my father will send me there. He has been more protective over her since...” She stopped speaking for a moment and shook her head. She didn’t like to speak of her brother. “Come, I’ll show you.” She nodded with a slight smile.
Azelyn stepped toward the double doors and then knight looked to her. “Princess, are you headed back to your room?” He asked, his eyes glanced to Sidara and then back to the princess.
“You can relax, recruit.” Rhett’s voice came from down the hall. “The Captain has requested you both at the stables.” He walked forward to meet with the two. Rhett nodded to the two knights as they left. “I’m not sure what you said to the queen Sidara...but she seems to have a great deal of trust in you.” He gave a smile before he looked to the princess. “Are you feeling alright, Azelyn?” He asked as he searched her eyes.
“Yes, yes...Sidara is going to teach us both magic. Come on.” She grasped his arm and tugged before she released him and walked forward. She seemed quite excited. Adventure was something that she longed for, with being cooped up in the castle for so much of her life it was something of the unknown. She led them to the huge library of the castle where the princess walked to the back of the room. She stared at the bookcase for a long moment as if searching for something.
“Princess...” Rhett began to question her just as she reached forward and plucked at a particular book.
The sound of a mechanism clicked from behind the bookcase. Azelyn pushed against the case and groaned slightly. Rhett stepped forward. “Here.” He spoke as he pulled against the bookcase. “Wrong way.” He smirked to her.
Azelyn sighed slightly and then stepped into the dark passageway that led down a set of stairs. She made her way as if she’d traveled this route several times. When she got to the bottom of the staircase she pressed a button upon the wall that caused several lanterns to spark to life. Within the rounded room were bookcases, a few beds, stores of dried food. At the back of the room was another passageway, it led to the emergency escape that Rhett had mentioned earlier, it would drop down into the catacombs. The princess turned and looked to the two a smile upon her lips. “Is this secret enough?” She asked as she looked to Sidara.
Rhett raised a brow slightly as he looked to the elf. “Do we have enough time to learn magic? Should we not be working on bolstering defenses?” He questioned as his brows tucked together.
The princess crossed her arms slightly, “Do you think that you’re not capable of being taught?” She asked a playful smirk upon her lips. “You haven’t even tried yet.” She chuckled before she looked to Sidara. “Where do we begin?” She asked her eyes curious.
|
|
